August 2019 Newsletter

Proposed Changes to Hours-of-Service Rules Released

On August 14, 2019, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced the proposed rule changes for hours-of-service (HOS).

The proposed changes include:

• Splitting the required 10-hour rest period into two separate breaks
• Extending the driver’s maximum on-duty period by two hours when there is severe weather
• Allowing a 30 minute to three hour off-duty break

The FMCSA believes that these rule changes will provide greater flexibility for drivers without compromising road safety and will save motor carriers $275 million.

Unannounced Inspections Place 1,600 Trucks Out-Of-Service

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) held a surprise inspection blitz focusing on brakes on May 15, 2019.

Of the 10,358 inspections across the U.S. and Canada, 1,667 trucks were sidelined. Violations involving brake hoses/tubing were specifically targeted.

The CVSA will be holding a scheduled inspection blitz next month during Brake Safety week (Sept. 15-21).