There has been quite a bit of discussion in the trade press stemming from some recent hours of service discussions taking place within the U.S. Senate’s Appropriations Committee to address concerns related to the hours of service restart provision.
While these discussions are taking place and the legislative process continues, it is important for carriers to note that so far nothing has changed concerning the use of the restart provisions provided in the U.S. hours service regulations.
The restart will remain unchanged (34 hours to restart the 60 hours in 7 day cycle or the 70 hours in 8 day cycle) until further notice. The restrictions on use of the restart (two periods of 1 am to 5 am and the use of the restart once per week) that went into effect in July 2013 remain suspended.
Members of the U.S. Congress are seeking a solution that would retain the restart permanently, absent the restrictions. This process could take several months. In the meantime, the restart remains in place, unchanged. If FMCSA or the U.S. Congress makes any changes, they will be communicated officially to the industry from FMCSA.
CTA continues to work with American Trucking Associations to monitor the issue and will report any developments to carriers in the coming months.