Forum Opens Debate Door On Hours Issue

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LAS VEGAS — A “town meeting” on hours-of-service regulations that featured a top federal regulator had nothing to do with new truck equipment but it was one of the highlights of the International Trucking Show.

Julie Cirillo, program manager at the Office of Motor Carrier and Highway Safety, shared the podium June 9 with a panel to discuss the reform coming to driver hours. Joining Cirillo were Steve Izer of Parents Against Tired Truckers; Mannie Padillo of the California Highway Patrol; Todd Spencer, executive vice president of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association; and Margaret Peterson, a member of America’s Road Team and a driver for Roadway Express.

The main point of contention proved to be a statement by Cirillo that onboard recorders to maintain driver logs could be a positive step toward managing hours of service.

pencer took issue, saying recorders could not be financially justified. He also said “they don’t reduce fatigue.”

Many of the questions raised by the audience revolved around the difficulty of making a single rule fit all situations. Cirillo said developing a policy that provides some leeway for operators might be possible.

She said a notice of proposed rulemaking on hours of service could appear in the Federal Register before the end of summer.

Also, American Trucking Associations and Mobil Oil announced the National Truck Driving Championship and National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. The championships will be held Aug. 18 to 21 in Tampa, Fla., and the appreciation week is scheduled for Aug. 21 to 28.