Hours of Service; Limited Exemption for the Distribution of Anhydrous Ammonia in Agricultural Operations, 61626-61631 [2010-25207]

Agencies

• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
• DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 193 (Wednesday, October 6, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61626-61631]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-25207]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

49 CFR Part 395

[Docket No. FMCSA-2010-0230]


Hours of Service; Limited Exemption for the Distribution of 
Anhydrous Ammonia in Agricultural Operations

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

ACTION: Notice of final disposition; granting of exemption.

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SUMMARY: FMCSA grants a 2-year, limited exemption from the Federal 
hours-of-service (HOS) regulations for the transportation of anhydrous 
ammonia from any distribution point to a local farm retailer or to the 
ultimate consumer, and from a local farm retailer to the ultimate 
consumer, as long as the transportation takes place within a 100 air-
mile radius of the retail or wholesale distribution point. This 
exemption extends the agricultural operations exemption established by 
section 345 of the National Highway System Designation Act of 1995, as 
amended by sections 4115 and 4130 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, 
Efficient Transportation Equity: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), to 
certain drivers and motor carriers engaged in the distribution of 
anhydrous ammonia during the planting and harvesting seasons, as 
defined by the States in which the carriers and drivers operate. The 
Agency believes that the exemption will achieve a level of safety that 
is equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be achieved 
absent such exemption, based on the terms and conditions imposed. The 
exemption preempts inconsistent State and local requirements applicable 
to interstate commerce.

DATES: The exemption is effective October 6, 2010. The exemption will 
remain in effect until October 9, 2012 unless revoked earlier by FMCSA.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas L. Yager, Chief, Driver and 
Carrier Operations Division, Office of Bus and Truck Standards and 
Operations, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 1200 New 
Jersey Ave., SE., Washington, DC 20590.
    E-mail: MCPSD@dot.gov. Phone (202) 366-4325.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Legal Basis

    Section 4007(a) of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st 
Century (TEA-

[[Page 61627]]

21) (Pub. L. 105-178, 112 Stat. 107, 401, June 9, 1998) provided the 
Secretary of Transportation (the Secretary) the authority to grant 
exemptions from any of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations 
(FMCSRs) issued under chapter 313 or section 31136 of title 49 of the 
United States Code, to a person(s) seeking regulatory relief (49 U.S.C. 
31136, 31315(b)). Prior to granting an exemption, the Secretary must 
request public comment and make a determination that the exemption is 
likely to achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater 
than, the level of safety that would be obtained in the absence of the 
exemption. Exemptions may be granted for a period of up to 2 years and 
may be renewed.
    The FMCSA Administrator has been delegated authority under 49 CFR 
1.73(e)(1) and (g) to carry out the functions vested in the Secretary 
by 49 U.S.C. chapter 313 and subchapters I and III of chapter 311, 
relating, respectively, to the commercial driver's license program and 
to commercial motor vehicle (CMV) programs and safety regulation.

Background

    On July 14, 2010, FMCSA published a notice in the Federal Register 
proposing a 2-year limited exemption from the Federal hours-of-service 
(HOS) regulations for the transportation of anhydrous ammonia from any 
distribution point to a local farm retailer or to the ultimate 
consumer, and from a local farm retailer to the ultimate consumer, as 
long as the transportation takes place within a 100 air-mile radius of 
the retail or wholesale distribution point (75 FR 40765). The Agency 
explained its rationale for proposing the exemption, set forth the 
proposed terms and conditions to be imposed on motor carriers and 
drivers operating under the exemption, and requested public comments on 
the proposal.

Discussion of Public Comments

    The FMCSA received 28 comments to the public docket, with 2 of the 
comments submitted on behalf of multiple organizations. The comments 
included a letter signed by 23 members of the United States House of 
Representatives who expressed support for the exemption. Only 3 of the 
commenters (including 1 anonymous individual) opposed the exemption. A 
list of the commenters is provided below:
    1. Agricultural and Food Transporters Conference of the American 
Trucking Associations (with the following organizations listed in 
its submission to the docket):

    Agricultural Retailers Association; American Sugarbeet Growers 
Association; National Agricultural Aviation Association; National 
Association of Wheat Growers; National Barley Growers Association; 
National Corn Growers Association; National Cotton Council; National 
Council of Farmer Cooperatives; National Farmers Union; National 
Sunflower Association; North American Equipment Dealers Association; 
The Fertilizer Institute; USA Rice Federal; U.S. Canola Association.
    2. Agricultural Retailers Association.
    3. Agriculture Education Group.
    4. Agrium.
    5. Cabery Fertilizer Company.
    6. Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA).
    7. Cooperative Network.
    8. Denis Brandon.
    9. Donovan Farmers Co-Op Elevator, Inc.
    10. E. Albert Allen.
    11. Far West Agribusiness Association.
    12. Growmark.
    13. Huellinghoff Brothers, Inc.
    14. Illinois Department of Agriculture.
    15. Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association.
    16. Kohlbrecher Truck Service, Inc.
    17. Kova Fertilizer (with the following organizations listed in 
its submission to the docket): Agricultural Education Group; 
Agricultural Food and Transporters Conference; Agricultural 
Retailers Association; The Fertilizer Institute; National Council of 
Farmer Cooperatives.
    18. Missouri Agribusiness Association.
    19. North American Equipment Dealers Association.
    20. Northern Partners Cooperative.
    21. Oregon Wheat Growers League.
    22. Patrick W. Herbert.
    23. Perry Feed and Fertilizer.
    24. Raymond J. Schroeder.
    25. Transport America.
    26. United Farmers Cooperative.

    A list of the Members of Congress who signed a joint docket 
submission is provided below, in alphabetical order:

    Rep. Leonard Boswell; Rep. Howard Coble; Rep. Jerry Costello; 
Rep. Jo Ann Emerson; Rep. Sam Graves; Rep. Deborah Halvorson; Rep. 
Phil Hare; Rep. Lyn Jenkins; Rep. Tim Johnson; Rep. Steve King; Rep. 
Tom Latham; Rep. Dave Loebsack; Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer; Rep. 
Cynthia Lummis; Rep. Donald Manzullo; Rep. Betsy Markey; Rep. Jerry 
Moran; Rep. Collin Peterson; Rep. Aaron Schock; Rep. John Shimkus; 
Rep. Ike Skelton; Rep. Adrian Smith; Rep. Lee Terry.

Comments in Support of the Exemption

    Generally, the comments in favor of the exemption either 
categorically supported the exemption, requested that it be expanded to 
include liquid and dry fertilizers, or asked that it include all 
agricultural products. For example, the North American Equipment 
Dealers Association stated:

    We believe Congress, when it authorized the HOS agricultural 
exemptions in 1995, intended to address the special needs of the 
nation's agricultural industry and rural communities. The HOS 
agricultural exemption is critical for the timely delivery and 
transportation of agricultural inputs during peak planting and 
harvesting seasons defined by each state.
    Farmers and ranchers expect their equipment dealers to provide 
parts, repairs and service of planting and harvesting equipment and, 
as such, should also be included in a HOS agricultural exemption.

    The Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association also expressed an 
interest in expanding the scope of the proposal. The association 
stated:

    While the exemption for the movement of anhydrous ammonia is 
very critical due to the extra scrutiny placed on ammonia 
transporters and the permit requirements for this product, the HOS 
exemption is also critically essential for the timely movement of 
non-hazardous fertilizers.
    If FMCSA is willing to grant an HOS exemption for the delivery 
of ammonia, which is DOT regulated as an extremely hazardous 
substance and an inhalation hazard, then it makes even more sense to 
apply the exemption to the shipments of bulk non-hazardous 
fertilizers which are equally important to the growth of Illinois 
crops.

    Cooperative Network indicated that the exemption is a more 
appropriate means of addressing the agricultural industry's needs than 
the use of FMCSA's emergency relief provision under 49 CFR 390.23(a). 
It offered the following comment:

    For the past three years, Cooperative Network has requested and 
received a declaration of emergency in each instance following the 
provisions of Sec.  390.23(a) to increase anhydrous ammonia supply 
during periods of extremely high demand. The repeated acts of the 
governors of Minnesota and Wisconsin in issuing emergency 
declarations, and thereby lifting the hours-of-service requirements 
for farm supply shipments, demonstrates the supply challenges 
farmers and their suppliers endure during the planting and 
harvesting seasons.

    The CVSA supports the exemption but suggests that, in evaluating 
the proposal, FMCSA look for data in addition to that which the Agency 
discussed in the July notice. The CVSA also requested that the Agency 
consider more stringent terms and conditions for the exemption.

    CVSA believes the terms and conditions should be strengthened so 
that a more robust safety determination can be made during and after 
this 2-year exemption period. CRs [compliance reviews] should be 
conducted on all carriers seeking to take advantage of the exemption 
so a current Safety Rating can be assigned; carriers must maintain a 
``Satisfactory'' safety rating. FMCSA should require that the 
carrier have a credential to be carried on the vehicle.


[[Page 61628]]


    The CVSA also suggested that FMCSA monitor carriers' safety 
performance during the exemption.

FMCSA Response

    First, FMCSA acknowledges the concerns of commenters that believe 
the scope of the exemption should be expanded to include either dry and 
liquid fertilizers, or all agricultural products. The Agency, however, 
continues to believe that would be inappropriate at this time.
    The FMCSA is committed to being responsive to the needs of the 
agricultural community in delivering products for American consumers, 
but the Agency must also fulfill its safety mission. The safety mission 
requires that the Agency exercise sparingly its authority to grant 
exemptions. No matter what the substance being shipped, the Agency must 
be extremely sensitive to the number of drivers and trucks that it 
allows to operate outside of the HOS regulations, for any period of 
time.
    By granting of the proposed exemption, FMCSA extends to certain 
drivers and motor carriers engaged in the distribution of anhydrous 
ammonia the agricultural operations exemption established by section 
345(a) of the National Highway System Designation Act of 1995 (NHS Act) 
(Pub. L. 104-59, November 28, 1995, 109 Stat. 568, 613, 49 U.S.C. 31136 
note, as amended by section 4130, redesignated by section 4115(a)(2) of 
the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A 
Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) (Pub. L. 109-59, August 10, 2005, 119 
Stat. 1144, 1726) and implemented by 49 CFR 395.1(k)).
    The July 14 notice proposing this exemption indicated that FMCSA 
had been contacted by Members of Congress on behalf of their 
constituents concerning the Agency's interpretation of the agricultural 
exemption provided by section 345(a)(1) of the NHS Act. Motor carriers 
engaged in the transportation of farm supplies--particularly anhydrous 
ammonia--argued that FMCSA's reading of the agricultural exemption 
denied certain distribution activities the regulatory relief intended 
by Congress. At the time the Agency was contacted, the emphasis was on 
the transportation of anhydrous ammonia rather than all fertilizers or 
all agricultural commodities. Therefore, the Agency focused its 
attention on anhydrous ammonia.
    Second, with regard to the interpretation of the NHS Act exemption, 
the Agency acknowledges that the legislative history adds an 
explanation of the sponsors' intent that was not incorporated into the 
statutory language itself. The Agency has consistently held that the 
agricultural operations exemption applies to the transportation of farm 
supplies from the local farm retailer to the ultimate consumer within a 
100 air-mile radius. The FMCSA's interpretation, however, has not 
extended the HOS exemption to deliveries from wholesalers to either 
local farm retailers or farms. (See Question 33, 49 CFR 395.1 on the 
Agency's Web site: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov.) Question 33 reads as 
follows:

    Question 33: How is ``point of origin'' defined for the purpose 
of Sec.  395.1(k)?
    Guidance: The term ``point of origin'' is not used in the NHS 
Designation Act; the statutory term is ``source of the 
[agricultural] commodities.'' The exemption created by the Act 
applies to two types of transportation. The first type is 
transportation from the source of the agricultural commodity--where 
the product is grown or raised--to a location within a 100 air-mile 
radius of the source. The second type is transportation from a 
retail distribution point of the farm supply to a location (farm or 
other location where the farm supply product would be used) within a 
100 air-mile radius of the retail distribution point.
    The legislative history of the agricultural exemption indicates 
it was intended to only apply to retail store deliveries. Thus, it 
is clear Congress intended to limit this exemption to retail 
distributors of farm supplies.
    Second-stage movements, such as grain hauled from an elevator 
(or sugar beets from a cold storage facility) to a processing plant, 
are more likely to fall outside the exempt radius. Similarly, the 
exemption does not apply to a wholesaler's transportation of an 
agricultural chemical to a local cooperative because this is not a 
retail delivery to an ultimate consumer, even if it is within the 
100 air-mile radius.

    There is substantial controversy about the weight to be assigned to 
legislative history in the interpretation of statutes. Because the 
exemption being granted today responds to the most immediate needs of 
the agricultural community, FMCSA will not revisit its previous 
guidance at this time.
    Third, in response to Cooperative Network's reference to States' 
emergency declarations, FMCSA cautions all interstate motor carriers 
subject to the FMCSRs to adhere to safety regulations unless the 
declaration by a State or local official is for an ``emergency'' as 
defined under 49 CFR 390.5. The FMCSA does not question the authority 
of State and local officials to make declarations about matters within 
their jurisdiction.
    Motor carriers subject to the FMCSRs, however, have a 
responsibility for determining whether the ``emergency'' referenced by 
the State or local official is one that ``* * * interrupts the delivery 
of essential services (such as, electricity, medical care, sewer, 
water, telecommunications, and telecommunication transmissions) or 
essential supplies (such as, food and fuel) or otherwise immediately 
threatens human life or public welfare, * * *'' \1\ Also, any motor 
carrier that intends to operate under the emergency relief provision 
must ensure that it is engaged in providing ``direct assistance,'' as 
defined in 49 CFR 390.5, in responding to the emergency. Therefore, 
motor carriers that have exceeded the applicable HOS requirements for 
the purpose of applying fertilizer during the planting and harvesting 
seasons should cease such practices as they clearly do not fall within 
scope of FMCSA's emergency relief provision.
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    \1\ See definition of the term ``emergency'' in 49 CFR 390.5.
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    Finally, FMCSA acknowledges the CVSA's concerns. As explained in 
the July notice, however, the Agency has considered the data available, 
including its experience from the 90-day limited waiver granted earlier 
this year. On March 22, 2010, FMCSA published a notice in the Federal 
Register announcing a limited 90-day waiver from the Federal HOS 
regulations for the transportation of anhydrous ammonia from any 
distribution point to a local farm retailer or to the ultimate 
consumer, and from a local farm retailer to the ultimate consumer, as 
long as the transportation takes place within a 100 air-mile radius of 
the retail or wholesale distribution point (54 FR 13441). As explained 
in the Agency's July notice, there were no crashes or incidents 
reported as a result of the waiver. FMCSA also sought information from 
the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration's (PHMSA) 
Hazardous Materials Incident Reporting Systems and from FMCSA field 
offices concerning the safety performance of anhydrous ammonia 
transporters and received no negative reports. In addition, none of the 
commenters responding to the July notice provided information 
suggesting safety performance problems associated with the motor 
carriers and drivers engaged in the transportation of anhydrous 
ammonia.
    Based on a review of the available information, the Agency believes 
it is appropriate to grant the exemption.
    With respect to CVSA's recommendation that FMCSA impose more 
stringent terms and conditions for motor carriers and drivers that 
would operate under the exemption, the

[[Page 61629]]

Agency does not believe such action is warranted at this time. There is 
no basis for requiring that each carrier undergo a compliance review 
prior to being allowed to operate under the exemption. If the carrier's 
safety performance were suspect, it is likely that it would be 
considered a ``high-risk'' carrier under the current Agency safety 
monitoring system, which takes into account roadside inspection data 
and crash data. The Agency would have prioritized the carrier for a 
compliance review or investigation, and would take appropriate 
enforcement action to address the safety performance problems. If the 
problems were such that the carrier receives a rating of 
``conditional'' or ``unsatisfactory,'' the carrier would be precluded 
from operating under the exemption.

Comments in Opposition to the Exemption

    Transport America, one of three commenters opposed to the 
exemption, believes that all motor carriers should operate under the 
same regulations. Transport America stated:

    It [the exemption] has nothing to do with safety but caters to a 
large farming special interest group. The just in time justification 
is no more relevant than retailers would have for Christmas, 
building products companies would have for construction season, snow 
blower manufacturers would have for the start of winter and the list 
goes on and on.

    Patrick W. Herbert also expressed opposition to the exemption. Mr. 
Herbert believes that exceeding the HOS rules increases the risk of 
fatigue. He bases his views on his experience as a truck driver who has 
operated within a 100 air-mile radius for 30 years.

FMCSA Response

    FMCSA acknowledges the concerns of the commenters. The Agency 
continues to believe the exemption is appropriate because local 
retailers and farms have limited storage capacity and therefore must 
constantly replenish certain supplies during the planting and 
harvesting seasons. They are part of the ``just in time'' distribution 
system that extends from a wholesaler to the ultimate consumer of the 
supplies. Because of storage constraints and the demand for the 
transportation of anhydrous ammonia to support agricultural operations, 
and the likelihood that such conditions will continue for some time, 
FMCSA believes the 2-year, limited exemption is necessary to provide 
regulatory relief for the transportation of anhydrous ammonia during 
the planting and harvesting seasons, as defined by the States in which 
the anhydrous ammonia transporters operate. The Agency emphasizes that 
the exemption provides limited regulatory relief to facilitate planting 
activities that will ultimately result in the production of 
agricultural commodities at prices to which consumers have become 
accustomed, with no foreseeable degradation of safety. The Agency will 
continue to monitor the safety performance of motor carriers and 
drivers engaged in the transportation of anhydrous ammonia. It will 
take appropriate action at any time it appears that a motor carrier or 
driver should be prohibited from operating under the exemption or that 
the entire exemption should be reconsidered because of poor safety 
performance.

Safety Determination for Granting the Exemption

    FMCSA is committed to ensuring high standards of motor carrier 
safety. As explained in the July notice, the Agency has considered the 
available data concerning the safety performance of agricultural 
operations in general and the safety performance of anhydrous ammonia 
transporters during the 90-day, limited waiver referenced above. FMCSA 
compared safety performance data for agricultural carriers currently 
operating under the statutory HOS exemption provided by the NHS Act, as 
amended, with the data for non-agricultural carriers that are not 
exempt from HOS regulations to determine whether the exemption would be 
likely to achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater 
than, the level of safety that would be obtained in the absence of the 
exemption. The data were collected as part of a study, ``Agricultural 
Commodity and Utility Carriers Hours of Service Exemption Analysis,'' 
May 2010, FMCSA-RRA-10-448. A copy of the report has been placed in the 
public docket identified at the beginning of this notice.
    The study was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 compares the safety 
performance of agricultural and non-agricultural carriers for the 
period 2005 through 2008, and also examines two additional industries, 
livestock and utility carriers, whose operations were not exempt from 
HOS regulations prior to the passage of SAFETEA-LU.\2\ The Phase 1 
analysis used carrier registration, inspection and crash data from 
FMCSA's Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS). The study 
used cargo classification information on the FMCSA Motor Carrier 
Identification Report (Form MCS-150) in MCMIS to identify the carrier's 
industry group (agricultural, livestock, or utility carrier), and used 
MCS-150 information to identify carriers operating within and beyond a 
100-air-mile radius. The operating radius information was used to 
create two agricultural carrier subgroups: (1) Agricultural carriers 
with 100 percent of drivers operating within a 100-air-mile radius; and 
(2) agricultural carriers with 100 percent of drivers operating beyond 
a 100-air-mile radius. The analysis used the first subgroup as 
representative of agricultural carriers exempt from the HOS 
requirements, and the second subgroup as representative of agricultural 
carriers not exempt from the HOS requirements.
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    \2\ Section 4130(a).
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    For the Phase 2 analysis, inspection data of agricultural commodity 
and utility carriers (which are also exempt from HOS regulations) were 
collected during an FMCSA special study of a sample of States. These 
data included only those inspections occurring during the States' 
planting and harvesting seasons and indicated both the commodity being 
transported and whether the driver was operating within or beyond the 
100-air-mile radius exempt from HOS regulations. The Phase 2 analysis 
assessed the safety performance of the HOS exempt agricultural 
commodity and utility service carriers identified in the survey in 
comparison with non-HOS-exempt carriers based on their out-of-service 
(OOS) violation rates and crash rates.
    The Agency did not place as much emphasis on the OOS rates because 
there were no HOS violation data to consider, given that the 
agricultural carriers for which data were available were operating 
under a statutory exemption from the HOS rule. Differences between the 
OOS rates for other issues such as driver qualifications and vehicle 
defects and deficiencies, while important in considering overall safety 
management controls of the carriers, were not necessarily related to 
the potential safety impact of the exemption.
    The Phase 1 analysis indicates that nationally, agricultural 
carriers operating within a 100-air-mile radius had lower crash rates 
per 100 power units than those operating beyond this radius, except for 
in 2008, when there was no difference in the crash rates.
    To provide additional validation of the crash analysis, which uses 
power unit data reported on the Form MCS-150, a separate analysis was 
performed using data only for carriers domiciled in States 
participating in FMCSA's Performance and Registration Information 
Systems Management (PRISM) program that enforces MCS-

[[Page 61630]]

150 updating.\3\ PRISM links State motor vehicle registration systems 
with carrier safety data in order to identify unsafe commercial motor 
carriers. The PRISM State carriers are required to update their MCS-150 
annually. By contrast, non-PRISM State carriers are required by FMCSA 
to update their MCS-150 biennially. As a result, the PRISM State data 
are considered more current and reliable than non-PRISM State data 
where there are no direct consequences for not updating the data. Data 
from PRISM States that enforce MCS-150 updating show that agricultural 
carriers operating within a 100-air-mile radius had more varied 
results, with crash rates higher than carriers operating beyond a 100-
air-mile radius in 2008, lower in 2006 and 2007, and nearly the same in 
2005.
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    \3\ Current PRISM States that enforce the MCS-150 updating 
requirement are Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, 
Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New 
Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, South 
Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and West Virginia.
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    The Phase 2 analysis indicates that in the four States 
participating in the survey (Idaho, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan), 
agricultural carriers that were subject to the HOS requirements had 
higher crash rates per 100 power units than agricultural carriers 
exempt from the HOS requirements.
    In addition to the study, the Agency considered information from 
the PHMSA Hazardous Materials Incident Reporting Systems and from FMCSA 
field offices concerning the safety performance of anhydrous ammonia 
transporters during the limited 90-day waiver mentioned above.
    With regard to information from FMCSA's field offices, the Agency 
did not receive any information about accidents, as defined in 49 CFR 
390.5, involving motor carriers transporting anhydrous ammonia using 
drivers operating under the limited 90-day waiver. The Agency 
acknowledges that there is a gap between the date that a crash occurs 
and the date the States would typically submit crash reports. However, 
because FMCSA sought information through its field offices rather than 
relying solely on routine crash reporting by State enforcement 
agencies, it is unlikely that there have been any crashes resulting in 
fatalities or injuries, involving a driver operating under the limited 
90-day waiver, referenced above.
    In the absence of any data or information to the contrary, the 
Agency continues to believe the real-world experience of anhydrous 
ammonia transporters during the 90-day limited waiver suggests that the 
level of safety under an exemption would be equivalent to, or greater 
than, the level that would be achieved absent such exemption.

FMCSA Decision

    In light of the information presented in the July 14, 2010, notice 
and after considering all the comments submitted in response to the 
notice, FMCSA grants a 2-year, limited exemption from the Federal HOS 
regulations for interstate motor carriers engaged in the distribution 
of anhydrous ammonia during the planting and harvesting seasons as 
defined by the States. As indicated in the July 14, 2010, notice, the 
Agency's review of the available crash data comparing exempt and non-
exempt motor carriers, and a review of crash data from anhydrous 
ammonia transporters operating during the limited 90-day waiver provide 
a reasonable basis to believe that the limited exemption is likely to 
achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the 
level that would be achieved absent such exemption, based on the terms 
and conditions that rare being imposed.

Terms and Conditions of the Exemption

    The FMCSA provides a 2-year, limited exemption from the 
requirements of 49 CFR part 395 concerning the HOS requirements for 
drivers of property-carrying vehicles engaged in the distribution of 
anhydrous ammonia during the planting and harvesting seasons, as 
determined by the State(s) in which the transportation takes place. 
This limited exemption extends the agricultural operations exemption 
from the Federal HOS regulations to drivers used by motor carriers in 
the distribution system, provided that: (1) The driver is delivering 
anhydrous ammonia; (2) none of the transportation movements within the 
distribution chain exceeds a 100 air-mile radius--whether from the 
retail or wholesale distribution point; and (3) the motor carrier using 
the driver has a ``satisfactory'' safety rating or is ``unrated;'' 
drivers for motor carriers with ``conditional'' or ``unsatisfactory'' 
safety ratings are prohibited from taking advantage of the exemption.
    The exemption allows drivers for ``unrated'' motor carriers and 
those with a satisfactory safety rating to use the HOS exemption when 
the drivers are delivering anhydrous ammonia from any distribution 
point to a local farm retailer or to the ultimate consumer, and from a 
local farm retailer to the ultimate consumer, as long as the 
transportation takes place within a 100 air-mile radius of the retail 
or wholesale distribution point.

Safety Rating

    Motor carriers that have received compliance reviews and want their 
drivers to be exempt from the HOS regulations are required to have a 
``satisfactory'' rating. The compliance review is an on-site 
examination of a motor carrier's operations, including records on 
drivers' HOS, maintenance and inspection, driver qualification, 
commercial driver's license requirements, financial responsibility, 
accidents, hazardous materials, and other safety and transportation 
records to determine whether a motor carrier meets the safety fitness 
standard. The assignment of a ``satisfactory'' rating means the motor 
carrier has in place adequate safety management controls to comply with 
the Federal safety regulations, and that the safety management controls 
are appropriate for the size and type of operation of the motor 
carrier.
    FMCSA will allow drivers for ``unrated'' carriers to take advantage 
of the exemption. Unrated motor carriers are those that have not 
received a compliance review. FMCSA is allowing drivers for unrated 
motor carriers to participate because it is unfair to exclude them 
simply because these carriers were not selected by the Agency for a 
compliance review. The absence of a compliance review is in no way an 
indication that the carrier has done anything wrong or has safety 
problems.
    The Agency will not allow drivers for motor carriers with 
conditional or unsatisfactory ratings to participate because both of 
those ratings indicate that the carrier has safety management control 
problems. There is little reason to believe that carriers rated either 
``unsatisfactory'' or ``conditional'' could be relied upon to comply 
with the terms and conditions of the exemption.

Accident and Hazardous Materials Reporting Requirement

    Within 10 business days following an accident (as defined in 49 CFR 
390.5) or any unintentional discharge of anhydrous ammonia that 
requires the submission of the Department of Transportation Hazardous 
Materials Incident Report (DOT Form F 5800.1) (see 49 CFR 171.16) 
involving any of the CMVs operated by a motor carrier whose drivers are 
using the exemption, irrespective of whether the CMV involved in the 
accident or discharge was being operated by a driver using the 
exemption, the motor carrier must submit the following information:

[[Page 61631]]

    (a) Date of the accident;
    (b) City or town in which the accident occurred, or city or town 
closest to the scene of the accident;
    (c) Driver's name and license number;
    (d) Vehicle number and State license number;
    (e) Number of injuries;
    (f) Number of fatalities;
    (g) Whether hazardous materials, other than fuel spilled from the 
fuel tanks of the motor vehicles involved in the accident, were 
released;
    (h) The police-reported cause of the accident;
    (i) Whether the driver was cited for violating any traffic laws, 
motor carrier safety regulations, or hazardous materials discharge; and
    (j) Whether the driver was operating under the exemption, and if 
so, an estimate of the total driving time, on-duty time for the day of 
the accident and each of the seven calendar days prior to the accident.

Duration of the Exemption

    The exemption is effective October 6, 2010 and will remain in 
effect until October 9, 2012 unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. The 
exemption may be renewed by the Agency; the Agency will provide notice 
and an opportunity for public comment prior to renewing the exemption. 
The exemption preempts inconsistent State or local requirements 
applicable to interstate commerce.

Safety Oversight of Carriers Operating Under the Exemption

    FMCSA expects that any drivers and their employing motor carrier 
operating under the terms and conditions of the exemption will maintain 
their safety record. Should any deterioration occur, however, FMCSA 
will, consistent with the statutory requirements of TEA-21, take all 
steps necessary to protect the public interest. Use of the exemption is 
voluntary, and FMCSA will immediately revoke the exemption for any 
interstate driver or motor carrier for failure to comply with the terms 
and conditions exemption.

    Issued on: September 30, 2010.
Anne S. Ferro,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2010-25207 Filed 10-5-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P