Members of the trucking industry have been watching and waiting as the ATA (American Trucking Associations) 
continue their effort against the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s) HOS (Hours of Service) proposal.
The most recent attack occurred last week when the ATA constructed a letter to President Obama that accused the proposal of being the same thing Obama was trying to eliminate in his January 18th executive order.
Now, the ATA plans on assembling a hearing before the Feb. 28th comment deadline, which has already received over 500 remarks thus far. The hearing would include “a coalition of 36 shippers and other transportation groups,” according to truckinginfo.com. The group still awaits a response.
According to the site, the rules might be adjusted to “level the playing field between unionized and non-unionized carriers” and if the proposal remains the same, the ATA will likely file a suit.
The ATA (as noted by http://www.truckinginfo.com/news/news-detail.asp?news_id=72773) lists the following concerns:
-That the proposal is not going to improve safety but rather hurt productivity, capacity, and the economy.
-That the “FMCSA put together the proposal for political rather than safety reasons.”
-Will increase the need to hire more drivers.
-Will lead to tighter pickup and delivery windows.
-Certain aspects, such as “the calculation of the restart provision” will be hard to enforce and comply with.
July 26th marks the deadline for the FMCSA to establish a new rule.
Keep up-to-date about news in the trucking industry by visiting www.roadscholar.com.
Tags: American trucking Associations, ATA, executive order, federal motor carrier safety administration, FMCSA, HOS, hours of service, President Obama, proposal, road scholar transport, shipper, trucking industry
