49
JULY 2013
ACT
conundrum
(already a challenge for many SC&RA
members.) An example would be:
lining up law enforcement escorts will
likely prove more difficult as available
time frame of permit load drivers and
available drive time shrinks.
Additional costs and safety concerns
are obviously at the top of the list for all
SC&RA members in response to the new
HOS rules. Congestion, team driving,
close-quarter maneuvers, potential driver-
risk behavior and state permit compliance
will no doubt take its toll on everyone
involved in the commercial vehicle
industry.
Is there a silver lining? That remains
to be seen. We will have a much better
comprehension of the outcomes that these
new provisions generate in the coming
months and years – as adjustments are
made and alternative solutions, as well as
costs, become easier to measure against
the general context of the new reality
we now face. What becomes extremely
important to the success of SC&RA’s many
members, and in effect, the continued
growth of the industry, is that we treat this
development with the same preparation
and basic hard work that has made us
all who we are today – and, in turn,
has allowed this industry to become
something we’re all proud to be a part
of. This is a new challenge, indeed, but
we must remain vigilant and prepared to
make the adjustments that will allow us
all to continue operating on a productive
level.
Training component
For many SC&RA members,
incorporating both driver training and
internal planning procedures into daily
operations sooner than later will be
a critical first step. SC&RA has been
suggesting for months that companies
start training their employees early.
Some tips to consider are: face-to-face,
personalized training; integrating HOS
training into current training regimens;
using real-world examples by comparing
and contrasting log books between
current drivers and trainees; always
updating route-planning protocol –
regardless of the method, make sure route
plans are up-to-date with new HOS rules.
SC&RA member Geary Buchanan,
president of Buchanan Hauling & Rigging,
NEWS
their website, the industry “finds itself
in a hope-for-the-best-and-prepare-for-
the-worst position.” Regardless of the
reactions and/or adjustments the industry
will be forced to confront as a result of
the changes, SC&RA members should be
prepared to embrace new training and
associative costs. SC&RA members would
also be wise avoid the consequences of
non-compliance by recognizing the facets
of the new rules that will affect them the
most, and adapting accordingly.
Among these facets are some areas of
focus that will no doubt require steady
attention.
■
Team Driver issue – possibly having
to use multiple drivers on permit
load trips in order to meet and stay in
compliance with various states’ HOS
(particularly night time travel) rules.
■
Save Haven (parking) congestion issue
– new HOS rules will likely cause even
more congestion in usual permit load
safe haven parking areas, including
shipping lots, truck stops, rest areas,
etc.
■
SC&RA members will need to train
drivers more consistently on close-
quarter maneuvers to prevent the
possibility of more accidents.
■
A greater shortage of available parking
areas, and more detailed, advance
planning by operations departments
will likely be needed to address this
issue.
■
Potential increase in driver-risk
behaviors, such as speeding and
cutting corners, in an attempt to meet
deadlines while complying with stricter
HOS rules.
■
Increased difficulty meeting the various
permit rules unique to different states
Inc., Fort Wayne, Indiana, has taken some
proactive measures to ensure his drivers
are ready for the changes. “We’ve had
our eye on the developments for a while
now,” he explains. “We were worried that
our drivers wouldn’t understand exactly
how the changes would affect them, so we
had our safety director, Sherry Collins,
meet with each of them in small groups
to ensure they were up to speed on the
new regulations. We really feel like the
heavy haulers are going to be a targeted
group, so we’re doing everything we can to
prepare our drivers.”
Through conversations with officials
at major law enforcement organizations
nationwide, SC&RA has learned that
motor carriers should expect enforcement
of the new regulations from day one of
the scheduled implementation date (July
1st). Whereas some jurisdictions have
indicated that some leniency will be
considered, it is essential that operators
understand that it has been widely
stated that they’ve had plenty of time to
become familiar with the new provisions.
Assuming companies will be given a grace
period is simply a risk that’s just not worth
taking.
According to their website, the ATA
contacted some of the industry’s leading
trucking companies about how they
are preparing for the new rules. The
document, titled Preparing for Hours
of Service (HOS) Changes, encourages
companies to educate not just their
drivers, but also the shippers and
brokers they do business with. It also
contains links to additional resources. It
is free and available to the public online
through ATA’s website
.
com). Further questions regarding this
document can be directed towards Sean
Garney, at
.
The FMCSA emphasizes that violation
of the new HOS rules will have negative
consequences on a carrier’s Compliance,
Safety and Accountability (CSA) scores.
As a result, SC&RA has urged its members
to conduct thorough training of all
drivers and related personnel. Pertinent
SC&RA-recommended HOS information
and training material can also be found
in the “Interstate Truck Driver’s Guide
to Hours of Service” within the “Rules
and Regulations” section on the FMCSA
website
).
■
