The Fleet Business Authority
Issue link: http://heavydutytrucking.epubxp.com/i/236631
We've survey that was critical of the provision. A logbook analysis in the survey shows that the rule has had practically no impact on driver's schedules, she said. Less than one-third of 1% of the logbooks showed a difference in times before and after the rule took effect, she said. Rep. Hanna asked Ferro if she is open to rolling back the rule. "Absolutely not," Ferro said, adding that discussions about changes and improvements should continue. Long, who was testifying on behalf of ATA, said Congress should suspend the provision until FMCSA has completed a field study and the Government Accountability Office has reviewed the data. Hanna and others have introduced legislation in the House that would do just that. He is looking for support in the Senate, but close followers of the issue on the Hill say the bill has little chance of passage. Ferro and Curl were in agreement on one issue. Both think Congress should take on the issue of driver detention. "Because of the industry's pay-by-mile system, the vast majority of truckers are not compensated for any of the time spent not driving or for any non-driving activities," Curl said. The solution is more flexibility so drivers can manage their daily and weekly schedules, he said. In this he echoed Ferro, who told the panel that driver pay and loading dock delays significantly impact drivers' ability to be safe and productive. "In short, uncompensated delays force drivers to press legal and physical limits to capture a day's pay," she said. "The logistics industry gets this time free on the backs of the drivers. Uncompensated detention time needs your attention, because what makes the job better, often makes the job safer." Got Your Back.® " Safety and compliance are critical in today's competitive market. CAT Scales are easily accessible and guaranteed accurate. Our drivers rely on CAT Scales to help deliver on our promise of " Quality and Dependability… all across America! –C Don Hummer T a Fuel tax hike proposal draws industry support A bid to raise federal fuel taxes to pay for more investment in roads and bridges drew strong support from a wide range of interests, including American Trucking Associations. The bill, introduced by Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., would increase gasoline and diesel taxes by 15 cents over three years, starting in 2014. The trucking trade group "is very pleased" to support the bill, said ATA President and CEO Bill Graves in a statement. "Underinvestment in highways is an enormous burden on the trucking industry, raising the cost of moving freight and undermining the reliability of a logistics system that is www.truckinginfo.com JANUARY 2014 • HDT 11 Like us on Read more about The CAT Scale Guarantee at www.catscaleguarantee.com 1-877-CAT-SCALE (228-7225) Facebook. © 2014 CAT Scale Company Circle 150 on Reader Action Card