Feds want to stop those who force truck, bus drivers to break safety rules

Washington – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is proposing a rule that would prohibit carriers, shippers, receivers and other entities from forcing truck and bus drivers to violate federal regulations so shipments or passengers can be delivered faster.

According to the proposal, the most common types of coercion drivers face include being forced to violate hours-of-service daily time limits or operate improperly maintained vehicles to fulfill deadlines or other demands.

Entities that force drivers to break regulations could be fined a maximum of $11,000 per offense, and FMCSA may lower a carrier’s safety fitness rating for severe offenses.

A 2012 surface transportation funding bill, known as MAP-21, mandated the proposal in part to expand FMCSA’s authority beyond truck and bus carriers to other entities that can manipulate drivers into working unsafely.

FMCSA is seeking comment on the proposal, including specific examples of coercion drivers have faced, until Aug. 11.