Schneider Warns Hours Rule Will Cut Carriers’ Productivity

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ASHINGTON — Hours-of-service rule changes set to take effect in January will cut carrier productivity, put pressure on driver pay, worsen a growing driver shortage and lead to slower growth for fleets, a key trucking executive said here Oct. 24.

This could lead some carriers, including his own, to drop some of their inefficient shippers, said Scott Arves, president of transportation for Schneider National.

“One of the unintended consequences [of the new rules] is that the shippers will have more trouble moving their freight,” he said. Carriers such as Schneider may have to drop shippers who cannot process their freight efficiently, he said.

Starting Jan. 4, 2004, new federal hours-of-service rules will allow drivers to drive up to 11 hours followed by a 10-hour break, in contrast to current rules that limit driving to 10 hours followed by an 8-hour break.

For the full story, see the Nov. 3 edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.