Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao made the official announcement at the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) last Friday in Louisville that The Department of Transportation plans to propose a rule that would create added flexibility to the federal hours of service regulations for truckers.
Since the rule is still in review, Chao could not reveal specifics about the rule or when it will be published. “I can’t say much while the rule is under consideration,” she said. “But let me note: The Department understands the strong interest in increasing flexibility and is giving it serious consideration.”
A notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on HOS (Hours-of-Service) change has been filed with the White House’s Office of Management and Budget for approval. Once published in the Federal Register, the FMCSA will accept public comments on the proposal and decide to pursue a final rule.
“At last year’s Mid-America Trucking Show, you told the Department what you wanted. You wanted flexibility in hours of service regulations. And we listened,” said Chao.
