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 Secretary
of Transportation, Norman Mineta, has indicated that the Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Administration will likely issue an Hours-of-Service proposal within the
next few weeks.
FMCSA Administrator Joseph Clapp would like to issue the
proposed rulemaking before his announced retirement. It is anticipated that Mr
Clapp will retire by the end of 2002, so this announcement by Mineta coincides
with what we know about Mr Clapp's plans.
After years of silence on the this very controversial
rulemaking, it comes as somewhat of a surprise that FMCSA plans on issuing it
this quickly. It will be very interesting to see what the rulemaking provides
for.
A few things we may look forward to:
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The announcement indicates an "issuing of a proposed
rulemaking". This would indicate that they will be issuing a new
proposal for comment, rather than moving forward with the controversial
final rule that the Clinton Administration tried to implement.
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The Canadian government has recently revised its
Hours-of-Service regulations. With NAFTA a significant consideration, it
will be interesting to see if the proposed rulemaking will dovetail with the
Canadian regulations.
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No matter what, the rulemaking is bound to spark
controversy. If it allows more flexibility for drivers and carriers there
will be outrage by the "safety advocate" lobby. If it reduces
current hours or flexibility, you can count on a huge cry from the trucking
industry.
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Keep abreast of these developments. This is a huge issue
and will have significant impact on commercial vehicle safety, positive or
negative. Let your feelings be know by submitting comments to the FMCSA.
Mr Clapp has shown during his tenure as FMCSA Administrator,
that he is capable of taking on controversial issues with forethought, grace and
common-sense. It looks like he may be ending his tenure on the same
note.
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