WASHINGTON — The trucking industry has praised the FMCSA’s initiative to eliminate regulatory hurdles, aimed at reducing compliance challenges for motor carriers, according to feedback submitted to the agency.
In May, FMCSA introduced 18 deregulatory measures, several of which could significantly aid carriers without compromising safety. Among these is a proposed rule to eliminate the requirement for a truck driver’s electronic logging device (ELD) operator’s manual to be stored in the vehicle.
FMCSA noted, “There is no readily apparent benefit to continuing to require that the users’ manual be in the [truck].” Most commenters supported this view. Rob Underwood, president of the Energy Marketers of America (EMA), stated, “Removing the manual-carry requirement reduces clutter in the vehicle cab, simplifies compliance audits, and allows fuel marketers to focus training efforts on ensuring their drivers are proficient in using ELDs – not in maintaining duplicative documentation.”
This initiative is seen as a practical regulatory reform that maintains essential safety objectives while alleviating paperwork burdens for small businesses. Jennifer Fletcher, transportation compliance director at Veolia North America, emphasized the importance of driver training with the ELD system, noting, “We believe this change will reduce regulatory burden without compromising safety and improve the efficiency of operations and inspections.”
The consensus among commenters was clear, with one stating that no one should face an FMCSA violation for not possessing an instruction manual for a device they are expected to be familiar with, especially when a digital manual is available. However, a minority suggested keeping the rule, arguing that various systems exist, making it reasonable to have the operating manual on hand.
FMCSA also proposed revising the requirement for motor carriers and intermodal equipment providers to sign and return completed roadside inspection forms to the state agency within 15 days. The problem lies in the fact that some states do not mandate the return of these forms, creating unnecessary burdens for carriers. The proposed solution is to eliminate the requirement altogether unless the specific state requests it. This change stemmed from a petition by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) in 2024.
“Medical treatment” accident reporting
Another proposed rule seeks to redefine “medical treatment” for accident reporting by motor carriers, aiming to clarify what constitutes an accident. FMCSA proposes adding a stipulation that medical treatment excludes items like x-rays or CT scans, indicating that individuals not receiving treatment for injuries connected to the accident have not undergone “medical treatment.” The American Trucking Associations acknowledged the change but urged the rulemaking to go further, expressing concerns about the difficulties of obtaining medical information regarding third parties involved in accidents and advocating for protection against violations stemming from such challenges.
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