ARA SUPPORTS USDOT HOURS OF SERVICE PROPOSAL FOR IMPROVED DRIVER SAFETY AND FLEXIBILITY

WASHINGTON (Aug. 14, 2019) – The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) supports the proposed reform to hours of service (HOS) published today by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which will improve safety and flexibility for commercial drivers.

"These reforms, including the short haul exemption expansion for CDL drivers to 150 air miles and the expansion of duty hours from 12 to 14 hours, will provide necessary flexibility for ARA members to meet the needs of their customers without adversely impacting transportation safety," ARA Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Counsel Richard Gupton said.

FMCSA's proposed rule offers five key revisions to existing HOS rules such as requiring a minimum of a 30-minute break for each eight hours of consecutive driving and allowing drivers to use the "on duty, not driving" status rather than the "off duty" status during breaks. It is estimated that this proposal will save American consumers and the U.S. economy an estimated $274 million and improve safety for all drivers on the Nation's roadways, according to a FMCSA news release.

The FMCSA is encouraging everyone to review and comment on this proposal within the 45-day public comment period.

Learn more and submit comments here.

About Agricultural Retailers Association

The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) is a nonprofit trade association representing the interests of retailers across the United States on legislative and regulatory issues on Capitol Hill. As the political voice of agricultural retailers, ARA not only represents its membership but also educates members on the political process and important issues affecting the industry. For more information on current legislative and regulatory issues impacting agricultural retailers, visit www.aradc.org.