The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) recently issued its support for the Responsible and Effective Standards for Truckers (REST) Act, which would modernize the U.S. Department of Transportation’s hours-of-service regulations for the trucking industry.
Under the bill, introduced by U.S. Rep. Brian Babin (R-TX), drivers would be permitted to take one rest break per shift, for up to three consecutive hours, that would not be counted toward a driver’s 14-hour, on-duty allowance.
Before the start of their next work shift, drivers still would be required to log 10 consecutive hours off duty, and the bill would not extend the total, allowable drive time limits.
REST Act eliminates the current 30-minute rest-break requirement.
OOIDA had petitioned the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to improve hours-of-service regulations that it views as forcing truckers to comply with regulations that jeopardize drivers’ safety and the safety of the traveling public.
“Truck drivers’ schedules are at the mercy of shippers, receivers, weather, congestion, and other obstacles, to operate safely,” Todd Spencer, acting OOIDA president and CEO, said. “We are in a situation where we have never had more regulations and greater enforcement and compliance with those regulations. Yet, crash numbers are going in the wrong direction, it’s time for a new approach.”