Wren Concerned About Hours Changes

TAMPA, Fla. -- The chairman of American Trucking Associations is concerned that the Department of Transportation may do more harm than good in revising hours-of-service regulations.

John E. Wren, chief executive officer of Lakeville Motor Express in Roseville, Minn., in Tampa for the National Truck Driving Championships, said Aug. 18 that it is important that the regulations be grounded in up-to-date scientific understanding of human fatigue and sleep.

"If they have taken 60 years to change the current rules, how many years might it take to get a change in a new rule if that rule is scientifically wrong?" Wren said.

Current regulations require a driver to stop after 10 hours for an eight-hour rest.

Wren said the rule makes a distinction between being on-duty and driving. The driver may only drive 10 hours at a stretch, but may do other work for an additional five.

"With modern, comfortable trucks, why wouldn't it be better for a driver to drive a few more hours, then really rest?" he asked.

He said ATA has developed some recommendations, but would not air them until reviewed by a panel of sleep consultants.

For the full story, see the August 23 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.