FMCSA Proposes Rulemaking to Address Truckers' Hours-of-Service Regulations; Invites Public Comments

"The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced today it will re-examine the 2003 Hours of Service (HOS) rule that regulates the amount of time commercial truck drivers can operate their vehicles.

The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) will be published by the Federal Register on Monday, January 24, 2005, and is currently on display at the office of the Federal Register.

"We are moving aggressively to make sure we have the best regulations in place to ensure truck driver health, save lives and keep the American economy moving safely on the nation's highways," FMCSA Administrator Annette M. Sandberg said. "Public feedback is critical to this effort. We need to hear from our stakeholders about their experiences regarding the 2003 HOS rule."

Over the next 45 days, FMCSA will seek input from truck drivers and operators, law enforcement officials, safety advocates and others on the HOS regulations. Responses to the questions posed in the NPRM are encouraged. The Agency also is collecting new data to provide a more complete picture of the 2003 rule's impact on carrier operations and drivers' health."