Fixing downed power lines and restoring telephone service could take longer if hours-of-service regulations proposed by the Department of Transportation are enacted, according to industry officials.

When planting season starts, the hours-of-service clock stops ticking for agricultural haulers in 32 states as they take advantage of a 1995 federal law.

Road construction could take as much as 20% longer to complete and cost as much as 15% more if proposed changes in hours-of-service regulations for truck drivers take effect, according to Associated General Contractors of America.

The largest state trucking association has become the second carrier group to support the use of electronic on-board recorders to monitor compliance with hours of service regulations — with some caveats.

Truckload carrier J.B. Hunt Transportation estimated its costs will increase $250 million annually if the federal hours-of-service proposal is implemented.

After hearing from 700 witnesses at eight public hearings, federal officials say they are skeptical about trucking’s assessment of the effect proposed changes in the hours-of-service regulation will have on the industry.

Since 1995, states have had the option to allow utility drivers to restart their workweek after 24 consecutive hours off. But DOT officials want to eliminate the restart regulation in its hours-of-service proposal, much to the chagrin of utility managers.

Just how much will the proposed changes in the hours-of-service regulations cost? It depends on who you ask. While the feds estimate the rule will cost $3.4 billion, industry groups say the cost could reach $130 billion.

Shippers weighed in on behalf of trucking July 6 at the start of the final public hearing on the controversial hours-of-service proposal and lambasted the Department of Transportation’s work.

Leaders of two of American Trucking Associations’ educational councils have hammered out details of a merger plan.