FMCSA to Host Public Listening Session on Hours of Service Reform

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will hold a public listening session on Oct. 10 in Washington, DC on potential changes to the hours of service rules.

On Aug. 23, FMCSA published an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking seeking public comment on four specific aspects of the HOS rules that the agency is considering changing:

• The short-haul HOS limit
• The HOS exception for adverse driving conditions
• The 30-minute rest break provision
• The Sleeper berth rule to allow drivers to split their required time in the sleeper berth

The listening session will take place at the headquarters of the Department of Transportation, located at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. The listening session will be broadcast on the web for those not able to participate in person. FMCSA said the listening session will allow interested parties to present comments, views, and relevant research on the proposed changes.

The agency has extended its public comment period until Oct. 10. All comments will be transcribed and placed in the rulemaking docket for FMCSA’s consideration.

The listening session will begin at 1 pm EDT and end at 3 pm or earlier, if all participants wishing to express their views have done so.