FMCSA Repealing Several Trucking Regulations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is fully engaged in reducing the number and complexity of trucking-related regulations as directed by an executive order issued by President Trump. Ed Gilroy, American Trucking Associations’ Chief Advocacy and Public Affairs Officer, writes that FMCSA has taken steps toward 19 different rulemakings that will reduce compliance burdens on truckers without affecting safety.

ICSA’s review concurs that some actions will repeal or amend longstanding regulations that cannot be shown to improve safety while making it easier for truckers to comply with safety regulations. Two changes to paperwork rules already in place include:

• Drivers no longer need to keep hard copies of ELD manuals in cabs;

• Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs) can be filed electronically;

A portion of higher-priority proposed regulatory changes are summarized below. ICSA will provide updates on these actions as they move through the rulemaking process.

FMCSA is requesting comments on these proposals:

• Allowing drivers to proceed without stopping at railroad grade crossings when signals are inactive. Comments due July 29.
• Removing the requirement for trucks to be equipped with at least one spare fuse for each type and size of fuse needed for the parts and accessories of the vehicle. Comments due July 29.
• Requesting approval to renew an Information Collection Request (ICR) entitled ‘‘Lease and Interchange of Vehicles.’’ Data collected through this ICR will help FMCSA document the burden associated with the for-hire truck leasing regulations (as well as passenger carrier regulations). These regulations require certain for-hire motor carriers to have a written, formal lease, with specific provisions, when they lease equipment from another motor carrier. Comments due July 28.
• Motor carriers and intermodal equipment providers would no longer be required to sign and return a completed roadside inspection form to all applicable state agencies but only return them to states that require them and/or request them. FMCSA is collecting comments (due by July 29) on this proposal.
• Requesting comments on proposed removal of requirements of CDL holders to self-report motor vehicle violations to their state of domicile. Comments due July 29.