Rule change eases process for drivers upgrading from Class B to Class A CDL
The new rulemaking adds an optional theory instruction upgrade curriculum for those upgrading from a Class B to a Class A that removes eight instructional units involving “non-driving activities.” FMCSA says these units are nearly identical to instruct…
Fireworks haulers get ELD waiver for Independence Day period
In its decision to grant the exemption, FMCSA says the 11-day exemption would not negatively impact safety. The agency also says it conducted “a comprehensive investigation of the safety performance history” of the 53 companies the exemption would cove…
Three companies added to fireworks haulers’ annual Independence Day exemption
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration added Artisan Pyrotechnics, Montana Display Fireworks and ZY Pyrotechnics doing business as Skyshooter Displays to the exemption, allowing fireworks haulers to drive beyond their 14-hour on-duty clock aft…
Alabama chiropractor suspended by FMCSA for falsifying DOT physicals
Dr. Kenneth Edwards and his employee, Joann Bush, both of Phenix City, Alabama, were suspended in December. Edwards was recently sentenced to 37 months in prison and a $10,000 fine for his role in the scheme.
Concrete pavers get 30-minute break, short-haul exemption relief
FMCSA says drivers transporting ready-mixed concrete and related materials and equipment in vehicles other than those with rotating mixer drums to use 30 minutes or more of on-duty “waiting time” to satisfy the 30-minute break requirement, as long as t…
Snow, bitter cold prompt expansion of HOS suspensions in Midwest, Northeast
Truck drivers hauling heating fuels, including propane, natural gas, and heating oil, and other fuel products, including gasoline, into the affected states providing necessary relief will be exempt from hours of service regulations through Feb. 2, or u…
FMCSA suspends hours regs for certain drivers in 12 states ahead of winter storm
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a Regional Emergency Declaration that includes Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.
FMCSA grants exemption to allow cameras as rearview mirror alternative
FMCSA says use of the Stoneridge system eliminates blind spots on both sides of the truck, expands the field of view by an estimated 25 percent, and a trailer panning feature automatically tracks the end of the trailer to keep it in view when the truck…
2018 in review: A month-by-month look at the year’s top stories
The implementation of the ELD mandate again loomed large as one of the most read topics on Overdrive in 2018. Adjustments to personal conveyance rules, the beginning stages of potential hours of service reform and more also ranked as some of the most-r…
FMCSA to allow states to issue one-year commercial learner’s permits
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will soon allow states to issue commercial learner’s permits for up to one year instead of the current six-month limit with the option to renew the permit for another six months.