Ready-mixed concrete transporters request break exemption

Washington – An association representing ready-mixed concrete truck drivers has requested an exemption from the 30-minute rest-break requirement included in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s hours-of-service regulations.

The rest-break requirement, which went into effect July 1, requires drivers to take 30 consecutive minutes of off-duty rest during the first eight hours of a shift. According to an FMCSA notice published Aug. 20, the Silver Spring, MD-based National Ready Mixed Concrete Association is claiming that ready-mixed concrete truck drivers should not be required to take an additional 30-minute break when they already take “numerous” shorter breaks lasting 10, 15 or 20 minutes during their workdays.

The notice states the exemption would affect approximately 68,000 ready-mixed concrete truck drivers who do not already fall under a short-haul driver rest-break exemption that went into effect Aug. 2.

Comments on the exemption request are due Sept. 19.