Update on Relevant U.S. Regulations

PHMSA Requests Comments on HM Security Plans
On Sept. 28, 2017, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) published a notice and request for comments on an information collection request (ICR) related to Hazardous Materials Security Plans. Comments are due by Oct. 30, 2017.

PHMSA Seeks Comments on Emergency Response Information
Also on Sept. 28, 2017, PHMSA published a notice and request for comments on another ICR related to shipping papers and required emergency response information. Comments are due by Nov. 27, 2017.

FMCSA Proposes to Reduce UCR Fees
On Sept. 21, 2017, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published a notice of proposed rulemaking seeking comment on the agency’s plan to reduce Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) fees. Comments are due Oct. 2, 2017.

PHMSA Announces Public Meeting on Transport of Dangerous Goods
On Sept. 20, 2017, PHMSA announced a public meeting, scheduled for Nov. 14, 2017. The meeting is intended to help the agency prepare for the 52nd session of the United Nations Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, held in Geneva, Switzerland, Nov. 27 – Dec. 6, 2017.

Update on Exemptions

NTTC Requests 30-Minute Rest Break Exemption 
On Sept. 26, 2017, FMCSA published a notice and request for comment on an exemption request from the National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC). NTTC is seeking an exemption from the 30-minute rest break requirement for drivers transporting petroleum-based fuels. Comments are due by Oct. 26, 2017.

YRC Requests ELD Exemption
On Sept. 19, 2017, published a notice and request for comment on an exemption request from YRC Worldwide for an exemption from various provisions of the electronic logging device (ELD) requirement. Comments are due by Oct. 19, 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 portal and clicking on the “Exemptions Tracker” tab at the top of the page.

Other Items of Interest

White House Names FMCSA Administrator
On Sept. 26, 2017, the White House announced that the president intends to nominate Raymond P. Martinez of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to serve as the next FMCSA administrator. Prior to his nomination, Martinez served as chairman and chief administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. The nomination requires Senate confirmation.