FMCSA grants fuel tank drivers 5-year rest-break exemption

From Transport Topics.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has granted a five-year exemption from the 30-minute rest-break requirement for trucks hauling petroleum products and will allow fuel trucks to operate 12 hours a day without triggering the requirement under certain conditions.

FMCSA said that the exemption from the rest-break was granted because fuel-truck drivers “receive several short breaks each day when they unload” at service stations.

“This is a great development for our fuel haulers and a shining example of association partnership for trucking advocates,” National Tank Truck Carriers President Daniel Furth said in a statement. “We are thrilled that the agency agrees that this relief will lower costs for carriers and prices for consumers without compromising safety on our nation’s roadways.” Federal regulations require a 30-minute rest break for drivers once they reach eight consecutive hours.

Read the full story from Transport Topics online.