Time to comment on mandated paperwork is running out.

Only days remain to respond to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s call for comments on Docket Number
FMCSA-1998-3706 -- better known as the Hours of Service Supporting Documents Proposal.
The proposal and call for comments was published in the Nov. 3 Federal Register. Comments are due by Jan. 3, 2005, only six business days away.
The FMCSA says it wants to clarify motor carrier obligations under the current HOS regulations. The FCSA wants a paper trail or a reliable electronic trail the agency can use to verify compliance in an audit.
The American Trucking Assns., for one, is concerned about the rule that might result. According to a notice on the ATA web site:
ATA’s primary concern is that the proposed rule does not achieve its fundamental purpose of reasonably specifying the number and type of supporting documents that are to be maintained and used by a motor carrier. If unchanged, this could produce confusion and be open to a full range of future interpretations by enforcement officials. It is also very likely to result in unnecessary record-keeping burdens and costs for carriers.
The ATA web site also offers sample letters that could help members get their comments in on time. Go to www.truckline.com, point to “Issues” on the blue bar, select “Government Issues” from the pull-down menu. You’ll find the HOS Supporting Documents link under “Current Affairs” on the left side of the page.