ATA seeks hours-of-service exemption for hazmat drivers

Washington – The American Trucking Associations has applied for an hours-of-service exemption for truck drivers who transport hazardous materials.

In its application, ATA states that truck drivers who haul certain types of hazardous materials are required by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration to remain with the cargo while their vehicle is stopped. That counts as an on-duty activity, which means drivers cannot count the time toward a 30-minute rest break required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

“This forces drivers to choose between FMCSA’s off-duty rest break requirement and compliance with PHMSA’s security plans, many of (which) include an on-duty ‘attendance’ requirement,” the petition summary states.

ATA requests that truck drivers be allowed to count up to 30 minutes of “attendance” time toward a rest break, provided they are performing no other on-duty activity.

Public feedback is requested, but comments must be received on or before June 1. To submit a comment, visit www.regulations.gov and enter “FMCSA-2015-0012” into the search bar.