Regulatory Updates – July 21, 2017

Update on Relevant U.S. Regulations

PHMSA Publishes Updates on Special Permits
On July 11, 2017, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) published updates on special permit applications:

Update on Exemptions

FMCSA Denies Transco’s 30-Minute Rest Break Request
On July 18, 2017, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a notice denying an exemption request from Transco Inc. The company requested an exemption from the 30-minute rest break requirement of the hours-of-service regulations.

FMCSA Denies Transco’s 30-Minute Rest Break Request
On July 10, 2017, FMCSA published two notices seeking comment on exemption requests related to the electronic logging device (ELD) requirement:

  • MBI Energy Services is seeking a five-year exemption from the requirement to use an ELD for all its vehicles with a single-passenger cab. These vehicles are used in activities where travel is incidental to normal work activities and which require special oversize/overweight permits to travel on public roads. According to MBI, these vehicles would require special rough terrain-capable devices and the cabs have limited space for such devices. Comments are due by Aug. 9, 2017.
  • The Pipe Line Contractors Association is seeking a five-year exemption from the ELD requirement for all pipeline contractor drivers. These drivers typically use the short-haul exemption and will usually be exempt from the ELD requirement anyway. However, they may, at times, exceed the conditions of the short-haul exemption, which would subject them to the ELD rule. Comments are due by Aug. 9, 2017.

CVSA Active Exemption Tracker
CVSA maintains a list of active exemptions issued by FMCSA. Members can access the document by logging into their CVSA member account and clicking on the “Exemptions Tracker” tab at the top of the page.

Other Items of Interest

FMCSA Unveils New ELD Provider Website
On July 12, 2017, FMCSA announced the launch of a new website designed specifically for ELD providers. The site contains information for providers about the ELD requirements and the list of self-certified devices, as well as resources to help vendors verify that their product can successfully complete a data transfer.

FMCSA Launches ELD Implementation Tour
On July 10, 2017, FMCSA announced a new outreach and education campaign geared toward helping commercial motor vehicle drivers prepare for the coming ELD implementation deadline. FMCSA subject matter experts will lead driver-focused presentations and panel discussions on ELD implementation. The tour is scheduled to make the following stops:

  • Aug. 24-26 – Great American Trucking Show (Dallas, Texas)
  • Sept. 25-27 – North American Commercial Vehicle Show (Atlanta, Georgia)
  • Oct.14-15 – California Trucking Show (Ontario, California)
  • Oct. 21-24 – American Trucking Associations Management Conference and Exhibition (Orlando, Florida)
  • Nov. 6-8 – Women in Trucking Accelerate! Conference and Expo (Kansas City, Missouri)