Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Standards: Granting of Exemption; Volvo Trucks North America, 35515-35516 [2010-15077]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 119 / Tuesday, June 22, 2010 / Notices 245–0305. Assistance for the hearing impaired is available through the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339. Comments on environmental and historic preservation matters must be filed within 15 days after the EA becomes available to the public. Environmental, historic preservation, public use, or trail use/rail banking conditions will be imposed, where appropriate, in a subsequent decision. Pursuant to the provisions of 49 CFR 1152.29(e)(2), UP shall file a notice of consummation with the Board to signify that it has exercised the authority granted and fully abandoned the line. If consummation has not been effected by UP’s filing of a notice of consummation by June 22, 2011, and there are no legal or regulatory barriers to consummation, the authority to abandon will automatically expire. Board decisions and notices are available on our Web site at: https:// www.stb.dot.gov. Decided: June 17, 2010. By the Board, Rachel D. Campbell, Director, Office of Proceedings. Jeffrey Herzig, Clearance Clerk. [FR Doc. 2010–15075 Filed 6–21–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4915–01–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2006–25756] Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Standards: Granting of Exemption; Volvo Trucks North America srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with NOTICES AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of final disposition; granting of application for exemption. SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to grant Volvo Trucks North America, Inc.’s (Volvo) application for exemption to enable one of its drivers to test-drive commercial motor vehicles (CMV) in the United States without a commercial driver’s license (CDL) issued by one of the States. Volvo asserts that the exemption is necessary to support a field test to meet future air quality standards and to test-drive Volvo prototype CMVs. Volvo’s driver holds a valid CDL issued in Sweden but lacks the U.S. residency necessary to obtain a CDL issued by one of the States. FMCSA believes the knowledge and skills testing and training program that drivers must undergo to obtain a VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:17 Jun 21, 2010 Jkt 220001 Swedish CDL ensure that Volvo’s driver will achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety achieved without the exemption. DATES: This exemption is effective June 22, 2010 and expires June 22, 2012. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Robert Schultz, Driver and Carrier Operations Division, Office of Bus and Truck Standards and Operations, MC– PSD, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. Telephone: 202–366–4325. E-mail: MCPSD@dot.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Under 49 U.S.C. 31315 and 31136(e), FMCSA may grant an exemption from the CDL requirements in 49 CFR 383.23 for a 2-year period if it finds ‘‘* * * such exemption would likely achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be achieved absent such exemption* * *’’ (49 CFR 381.305 (a)). FMCSA has evaluated Volvo’s application on its merits and decided to grant exemption to Volvo’s field test engineer, Edvard Lundgren, for a 2-year period. Volvo’s Application for Exemption Volvo applied for exemption from the 49 CFR 383.23 requirement that the operator of a CMV obtain a CDL issued by one of the States. Section 383.3 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) requires States to abide by the standards of 49 CFR part 383 when issuing CDLs. Part 383 requires applicants for CDLs to be residents of the State to which they make application. The Volvo driver for whom this exemption is sought is a citizen and resident of Sweden; therefore, he cannot apply for a CDL in any State of the United States. A copy of the Volvo request for exemption from section 383.23 is in the docket identified at the beginning of this notice. This exemption enables Edvard Lundgren to test-drive, on U.S. highways, Volvo CMVs that are assembled, sold or primarily used in the U.S. Volvo currently employs this driver in Sweden, and wants him to be able to test-drive these Volvo prototype CMVs in ‘‘real world’’ environments at and near its test site in Phoenix, Arizona. Edvard Lundgren was required to satisfy strict CDL testing standards in Sweden to obtain a CDL. He is a highly trained, experienced CMV operator whose Swedish driving record reflects no violations of law. Volvo believes that PO 00000 Frm 00079 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 35515 Lundgren’s driving under this exemption will maintain a level of safety equivalent to the level of safety that would be obtained absent the exemption. Method To Ensure an Equivalent or Greater Level of Safety Drivers applying for a Swedish-issued CDL must undergo a training program and pass knowledge and skills tests. Volvo believes these prerequisites ensure that exemption for this driver will provide a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety obtained by complying with the U.S. CDL requirements. FMCSA has previously determined that the process for obtaining a Swedish-issued CDL adequately assesses the driver’s ability to operate CMVs in the U.S. safely. Therefore, the process for obtaining a Swedish-issued CDL is considered to be comparable to, or as effective as, the requirements of 49 CFR part 383. Comments The Agency received no response to its request for public comments published in the Federal Register on February 23, 2010 (75 FR 8181). Terms and Conditions of the Exemption Based upon its evaluation of the Volvo application, FMCSA grants an exemption from the CDL requirement of 49 CFR 383.23 to allow Volvo’s driver, Edvard Lundgren, to test-drive CMVs within the United States, subject to the following terms and conditions: (1) That this driver is subject to the drug and alcohol regulations of 49 CFR part 382, including testing, (2) that this driver is subject to the same driver disqualification rules under 49 CFR parts 383 and 391 that apply to other CMV drivers in the U.S., (3) that this driver keeps a copy of the exemption on the vehicle at all times, (4) that Volvo notifies FMCSA in writing of any accident, as defined in 49 CFR 390.5, involving this driver, and (5) that Volvo notifies FMCSA in writing if this driver is convicted of a disqualifying offense identified in sections 383.51 or 391.15 of the FMCSRs. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315 and 31136(e), the exemption will be valid for 2 years unless earlier revoked by the FMCSA. The exemption will be revoked if: (1) The Volvo driver fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the exemption, (2) the exemption results in a lower level of safety than was maintained before it was granted or (3) the exemption becomes inconsistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31315 and 31136. E:\FR\FM\22JNN1.SGM 22JNN1 35516 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 119 / Tuesday, June 22, 2010 / Notices Issued on: June 11, 2010. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy and Program Development. request and determine whether to grant or deny a special permit. DATES: Submit any comments regarding this special permit request by July 22, 2010. [FR Doc. 2010–15077 Filed 6–21–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration [Docket No. PHMSA–2010–0147] Pipeline Safety: Request for Special Permit AGENCY: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Federal pipeline safety laws, PHMSA is publishing this notice of special permit request we have received from a hazardous liquid pipeline operator, Anchor Point Energy, LLC. Anchor Point Energy, LLC is seeking relief from compliance with certain plastic pipe design requirements in the Federal pipeline safety regulations in connection with the Class 1 location portion of a 7.4 mile natural gas pipeline to be constructed in Alaska. This notice seeks public comments on this request, including comments on any safety or environmental impacts. At the conclusion of the 30-day comment period, PHMSA will evaluate the Note: Comments are posted without changes or edits to https:// www.Regulations.gov, including any personal Regulation(s) affected Docket Number Requester PHMSA–2010–0063 .... srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with NOTICES Comments should reference the docket number for the specific special permit request and may be submitted in the following ways: • E–Gov Web Site: https:// www.Regulations.gov. This site allows the public to enter comments on any Federal Register notice issued by any agency. • Fax: 1–202–493–2251. • Mail: Docket Management System: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: DOT Docket Management System: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Instructions: You should identify the docket number for the special permit request you are commenting on at the beginning of your comments. To receive confirmation that PHMSA has received your comments, please include a selfaddressed stamped postcard. Internet users may submit comments at https:// www.Regulations.gov. ADDRESSES: Anchor Point Energy, LLC. VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:10 Jun 21, 2010 Jkt 220001 49 CFR 192.121 PO 00000 Frm 00080 information provided. There is a privacy statement published on https:// www.Regulations.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: General: Kay McIver by telephone at (202) 366–0113; or, e-mail at kay.mciver@dot.gov. Technical: Vincent Holohan by telephone at (713) 366–1933; or, e-mail at vincent.holohan@dot.gov. PHMSA has received a request for special permit from a pipeline operator who seeks relief from compliance with certain pipeline safety regulations. This request includes a technical analysis provided by the respective operator. Each request is filed in Regulations.gov and has been assigned a separate docket number. We invite interested persons to participate by reviewing this special permit request and supporting documents at https:// www.Regulations.gov, and by submitting written comments, data or other views. Please include any comments on potential environmental impacts that may result if this special permit is granted. Before acting on this special permit request, PHMSA will evaluate all comments received on or before the comments closing date. Comments will be evaluated after this date if it is possible to do so without incurring additional expense or delay. PHMSA will consider each relevant comment we receive in making our decision to grant or deny a request. PHMSA has received the following special permit request: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Nature of special permit Anchor Point Energy, LLC, (APE) pipeline seeks relief from certain Federal regulations contained in 49 CFR 192.121, to construct and operate a dual natural gas pipeline (7.4 miles long) located in the Kenai Peninsula Borough, near Anchor Point, Alaska. The pipeline is intended to transport natural gas from the North Fork Unit and deliver it to a sales pipeline operated by Enstar Natural Gas Company. The construction is planned to begin in mid 2010. Approximately 6.4 miles of the proposed pipeline is in a Class 1 area. Approximately 0.1 mile at the west end of the current Class 1 area has been considered as possible for conversion to Class 2 during the life of the project. APE is requesting that a special permit be issued to allow the use of Fiberspar LinePipe in the Class 1 area of the project, excluding the 0.1 mile possible future Class 2 area. The pipeline starts at the North Fork Unit Pad operated by Armstrong Cook Inlet, LLC, and the end point will be at an Enstar Natural Gas Company pipeline to be located at the unincorporated community of Anchor Point. Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\22JNN1.SGM 22JNN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 119 (Tuesday, June 22, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 35515-35516]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-15077]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2006-25756]


Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Standards: Granting of 
Exemption; Volvo Trucks North America

AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of final disposition; granting of application for 
exemption.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to grant Volvo Trucks North 
America, Inc.'s (Volvo) application for exemption to enable one of its 
drivers to test-drive commercial motor vehicles (CMV) in the United 
States without a commercial driver's license (CDL) issued by one of the 
States. Volvo asserts that the exemption is necessary to support a 
field test to meet future air quality standards and to test-drive Volvo 
prototype CMVs. Volvo's driver holds a valid CDL issued in Sweden but 
lacks the U.S. residency necessary to obtain a CDL issued by one of the 
States. FMCSA believes the knowledge and skills testing and training 
program that drivers must undergo to obtain a Swedish CDL ensure that 
Volvo's driver will achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to, or 
greater than, the level of safety achieved without the exemption.

DATES: This exemption is effective June 22, 2010 and expires June 22, 
2012.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Robert Schultz, Driver and Carrier 
Operations Division, Office of Bus and Truck Standards and Operations, 
MC-PSD, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey 
Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. Telephone: 202-366-4325. E-mail: 
MCPSD@dot.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    Under 49 U.S.C. 31315 and 31136(e), FMCSA may grant an exemption 
from the CDL requirements in 49 CFR 383.23 for a 2-year period if it 
finds ``* * * such exemption would likely achieve a level of safety 
that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be 
achieved absent such exemption* * *'' (49 CFR 381.305 (a)). FMCSA has 
evaluated Volvo's application on its merits and decided to grant 
exemption to Volvo's field test engineer, Edvard Lundgren, for a 2-year 
period.

Volvo's Application for Exemption

    Volvo applied for exemption from the 49 CFR 383.23 requirement that 
the operator of a CMV obtain a CDL issued by one of the States. Section 
383.3 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) requires 
States to abide by the standards of 49 CFR part 383 when issuing CDLs. 
Part 383 requires applicants for CDLs to be residents of the State to 
which they make application. The Volvo driver for whom this exemption 
is sought is a citizen and resident of Sweden; therefore, he cannot 
apply for a CDL in any State of the United States. A copy of the Volvo 
request for exemption from section 383.23 is in the docket identified 
at the beginning of this notice.
    This exemption enables Edvard Lundgren to test-drive, on U.S. 
highways, Volvo CMVs that are assembled, sold or primarily used in the 
U.S. Volvo currently employs this driver in Sweden, and wants him to be 
able to test-drive these Volvo prototype CMVs in ``real world'' 
environments at and near its test site in Phoenix, Arizona. Edvard 
Lundgren was required to satisfy strict CDL testing standards in Sweden 
to obtain a CDL. He is a highly trained, experienced CMV operator whose 
Swedish driving record reflects no violations of law. Volvo believes 
that Lundgren's driving under this exemption will maintain a level of 
safety equivalent to the level of safety that would be obtained absent 
the exemption.

Method To Ensure an Equivalent or Greater Level of Safety

    Drivers applying for a Swedish-issued CDL must undergo a training 
program and pass knowledge and skills tests. Volvo believes these 
prerequisites ensure that exemption for this driver will provide a 
level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level of 
safety obtained by complying with the U.S. CDL requirements. FMCSA has 
previously determined that the process for obtaining a Swedish-issued 
CDL adequately assesses the driver's ability to operate CMVs in the 
U.S. safely. Therefore, the process for obtaining a Swedish-issued CDL 
is considered to be comparable to, or as effective as, the requirements 
of 49 CFR part 383.

Comments

    The Agency received no response to its request for public comments 
published in the Federal Register on February 23, 2010 (75 FR 8181).

Terms and Conditions of the Exemption

    Based upon its evaluation of the Volvo application, FMCSA grants an 
exemption from the CDL requirement of 49 CFR 383.23 to allow Volvo's 
driver, Edvard Lundgren, to test-drive CMVs within the United States, 
subject to the following terms and conditions: (1) That this driver is 
subject to the drug and alcohol regulations of 49 CFR part 382, 
including testing, (2) that this driver is subject to the same driver 
disqualification rules under 49 CFR parts 383 and 391 that apply to 
other CMV drivers in the U.S., (3) that this driver keeps a copy of the 
exemption on the vehicle at all times, (4) that Volvo notifies FMCSA in 
writing of any accident, as defined in 49 CFR 390.5, involving this 
driver, and (5) that Volvo notifies FMCSA in writing if this driver is 
convicted of a disqualifying offense identified in sections 383.51 or 
391.15 of the FMCSRs.
    In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315 and 31136(e), the exemption will 
be valid for 2 years unless earlier revoked by the FMCSA. The exemption 
will be revoked if: (1) The Volvo driver fails to comply with the terms 
and conditions of the exemption, (2) the exemption results in a lower 
level of safety than was maintained before it was granted or (3) the 
exemption becomes inconsistent with the goals and objectives of 49 
U.S.C. 31315 and 31136.


[[Page 35516]]


    Issued on: June 11, 2010.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy and Program Development.
[FR Doc. 2010-15077 Filed 6-21-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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