Gross Combination Weight Rating; Definition, 15245-15250 [2014-05502]

Agencies

• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
• DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 53 (Wednesday, March 19, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 15245-15250]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-05502]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

49 CFR Parts 383 and 390

[Docket No. FMCSA-2012-0156]
RIN 2126-AB70; Formerly RIN 2126-AB53


Gross Combination Weight Rating; Definition

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: FMCSA amends the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations 
(FMCSRs) by revising the definition of ``gross combination weight 
rating'' (or GCWR) to clarify the applicability of the Agency's safety 
regulations for single-unit trucks (vehicles other than truck tractors) 
when they are towing trailers, and the GCWR information is not included 
on the vehicle manufacturer's certification label.

DATES: The final rule is effective April 18, 2014.

ADDRESSES: For access to the docket to read background documents, 
including those referenced in this document, or to read comments 
received, go to https://www.regulations.gov at any time and insert 
``FMCSA-2012-0156'' in the ``Keyword'' box, and then click ``Search.'' 
The docket is also available by going to the ground floor, Room W12-
140, DOT Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 
9 a.m. and 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Gary Siekmann, Office of 
Enforcement, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001, by telephone at (202) 
493-0442 or via email at Garry.Siekmann@dot.gov. Office hours are from 
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. 
If you have questions on viewing material in the docket, contact Docket 
Operations (202) 366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Executive Summary

Purpose and Summary of the Major Provisions

    This rule clarifies the applicability and improves the 
enforceability of the safety regulations by redefining GCWR. This 
revised definition provides a uniform means for motor carriers, 
drivers, and enforcement officials to determine whether a driver 
operating a combination vehicle is subject to the commercial driver's 
license (CDL) requirements (49 CFR Part 383) or the general safety 
requirements (49 CFR Part 390). This rule also responds to a petition 
filed by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) on February 14, 
2008, seeking changes in the definition of ``gross combination weight 
rating.''

Benefits and Costs

    This action only clarifies the definition of GCWR to eliminate 
confusion surrounding the language of the previous definition and long-
standing enforcement practices. The rule provides clear criteria for 
determining the applicability of the FMCSRs when the GCWR is the 
deciding factor. Costs, if any, will be borne by motor carriers and 
drivers who had previously concluded, based on the wording of the GCWR 
definition, that their operations were not subject to certain safety 
regulations, but now will comply with the applicable rules.

[[Page 15246]]

II. Legal Basis for the Rulemaking

    This final rule is based on the authority of the Motor Carrier Act 
of 1935 (1935 Act) and the Motor Carrier Safety Act of 1984 (MCSA or 
1984 Act), both of which provide broad discretion to the Secretary of 
Transportation (Secretary) in implementing their provisions. In 
addition, this rule is based on the broad authority of the Commercial 
Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 (CMVSA) [49 U.S.C. Chapter 313].
    The 1935 Act provides that the Secretary may prescribe requirements 
for (1) qualifications and maximum hours of service of employees of, 
and safety of operation and equipment of, a motor carrier [49 U.S.C. 
31502(b)(1)], and (2) qualifications and maximum hours of service of 
employees of, and standards of equipment of, a motor private carrier, 
when needed to promote safety of operation [49 U.S.C. 31502(b)(2)]. The 
amendments made by this rule are based on the Secretary's authority to 
regulate the safety and standards of equipment of for-hire and private 
carriers.
    The 1984 Act gives the Secretary concurrent authority to regulate 
drivers, motor carriers, and vehicle equipment [49 U.S.C. 31136(a)]. 
Section 31136(a) requires the Secretary to publish regulations on 
commercial motor vehicle (CMV) safety. Specifically, the Act sets forth 
minimum safety standards to ensure that (1) CMVs are maintained, 
equipped, loaded, and operated safely [49 U.S.C. 31136(a)(1)]; (2) the 
responsibilities imposed on operators of CMVs do not impair their 
ability to operate the vehicles safely [49 U.S.C. 31136(a)(2)]; (3) the 
physical condition of CMV operators is adequate to enable them to 
operate the vehicles safely [49 U.S.C. 31136(a)(3)]; and (4) the 
operation of CMVs does not have a deleterious effect on the physical 
condition of the operators [49 U.S.C. 31136(a)(4)]. Section 32911 of 
the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) [Pub. L. 
112-141, 126 Stat. 405, 818, July 6, 2012] enacted a fifth requirement, 
i.e., that the regulations ensure that ``(5) an operator of a 
commercial motor vehicle is not coerced by a motor carrier, shipper, 
receiver, or transportation intermediary to operate a commercial motor 
vehicle in violation of a regulation promulgated under this section, or 
chapter 51 [Transportation of Hazardous Material] or chapter 313 
[Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators] of this title'' [49 U.S.C. 
31136(a)(5)].
    This action clarifies the applicability and improves the 
enforceability of GCWR within the safety regulations. This gives motor 
carriers and the drivers they employ a practical means of determining 
whether any combination vehicle is subject to the Federal safety 
regulations concerning licensing, equipment, and inspection, repair and 
maintenance, consistent with 49 U.S.C. 31136(a)(1). This action will 
also result in consistent application of the rules by Federal and State 
enforcement personnel. This rule does not address the responsibilities 
or physical condition of drivers covered by 49 U.S.C. 31136(a)(2) and 
(3), respectively, and deals with 49 U.S.C. 31136(a)(4) only to the 
extent that a vehicle operated in accordance with the safety 
regulations is less likely to have a deleterious effect on the physical 
condition of a driver. FMCSA has considered the costs and benefits of 
the rule, as required by 49 U.S.C. 31136(c)(2)(A) and 31502(d).
    With regard to 49 U.S.C. 31136(a)(5), this rule does not change the 
long-standing prohibitions and penalties against operating a CMV, as 
defined either in 49 CFR 383.5 or 49 CFR 390.5, without complying with 
applicable requirements. Among other things, motor carriers are 
currently prohibited from using unqualified CMV drivers; and 
unqualified drivers are currently prohibited from operating CMVs. This 
rule has only a limited effect on the risk of driver coercion by motor 
carriers, shippers, receivers, or transportation intermediaries. This 
action enables drivers and the entities that are in a position to 
coerce drivers into violating the FMCSRs to determine with a greater 
degree of certainty whether particular vehicle configurations meet 
either of the CMV definitions under 49 CFR Parts 383 or 390. This will 
help eliminate differences of opinion between drivers and other 
entities regarding the applicability of the rules and previously 
published guidance. As a result, entities in a position to coerce 
drivers to operate in violation of the CDL requirements (49 CFR Part 
383) or certain safety regulations (49 CFR Parts 390-399) will either 
ensure each of their decisions is consistent with the rules or be 
unable to avoid the fact that any decision inconsistent with the rules 
represents an act of coercion. The Agency expects the rule to reduce 
the risk of driver coercion.
    The CMVSA required the Secretary of Transportation, after 
consultation with the States, to prescribe regulations on minimum 
uniform standards for the issuance of CDLs by the States and the 
information to be contained on each license (49 U.S.C. 31305, 31308). 
This action provides a uniform means for motor carriers, drivers, and 
enforcement officials to determine whether a driver operating a 
combination vehicle is subject to the CDL requirements.

III. Background

    The term CMV is defined differently in 49 CFR 383.5 and 390.5, as 
required by the underlying statutes (the CMVSA and the MCSA, 
respectively). Both regulatory definitions, however, like their 
statutory equivalents, depend (in part) on the GVWR or GVW, whichever 
is greater, to determine whether a single-unit vehicle is a CMV for 
purposes of the relevant safety regulations. Although neither the MCSA 
nor the CMVSA referred explicitly to combination vehicles, Congress 
clearly did not intend to exempt this huge population of vehicles from 
the safety regulations applicable to CMVs. FMCSA, therefore adapted the 
statutory language used for single-unit vehicles to combination 
vehicles, substituting GCWR or GCW, whichever is greater, for GVWR or 
GVW.\1\ Because GVW and GCW are used in the regulatory definitions of 
CMV in parts 383 and 390, enforcement officials and motor carriers may 
determine the applicability of the safety regulations simply by 
weighing the vehicles. In many situations, however, scales are not 
readily available. That deficiency increases the importance of 
correctly determining the GCWR by alternate means to decide whether a 
combination is a CMV. Drivers, carriers and enforcement officials 
should not have to search manufacturers' product literature for the 
GCWR or FMCSA's Web site or commercial publications for regulatory 
guidance. Instead, they should be able to rely on codified regulations 
that are accessible and easy to understand and implement.
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    \1\  Gross combination weight rating (GCWR) is defined in 49 CFR 
383.5 and 390.5.
    Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is defined in 49 CFR 383.5 
and 390.5.
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    On February 14, 2008, the CVSA petitioned FMCSA, among other 
things, to change the definition of GCWR which it said was ``proving 
problematic for inspectors and industry when determining what is 
considered to be a CMV and when a CDL is required.'' The Agency granted 
the petition on August 18, 2011, and agreed to initiate a rulemaking. 
On August 27, 2012, FMCSA published a direct final rule (DFR) pursuant 
to 49 CFR 389.39 to amend the definition of GCWR (77 FR 51706). The 
FMCSA received several adverse comments, resulting in the withdrawal of 
the DFR (77 FR 65497, Oct. 29, 2012) and the subsequent re-publication 
of the proposed GCWR

[[Page 15247]]

definition as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) (78 FR 26575, May 
7, 2013, under Regulatory Identification Number 2126-AB53). The adverse 
comments to the DFR were addressed in the NPRM.

IV. Discussion of Comments

    FMCSA received 12 comments in response to the NPRM. The commenters 
included the CVSA, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY 
DMV), the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA), SAE 
International (SAE) [formerly the Society of Automotive Engineers], 
NTEA (formerly National Truck Equipment Association), the Truck Trailer 
Manufacturers Association (TTMA), and a few individuals. Five 
commenters favored the proposed rule, six opposed it (for different 
reasons), and one comment did not directly address the proposed change.

Comments Supporting NPRM

    A statement in support of the proposed rule was provided by 
``R.S.'' in an on-line comment: ``It's about time. New definition is 
finally correct and makes it easy for people to understand.'' Dave 
Schofield expressed the same view.
    The NY DMV said that ``[t]he proposed rule clarifies the 
applicability of the safety regulations and provides a uniform means 
for motor carriers, drivers, and Federal and State enforcement 
officials to determine whether a driver operating a combination vehicle 
that does not display a GCWR, is subject to the CDL requirements. New 
York State extends our support to this new proposed definition.''
    CVSA said that it ``strongly supports FMCSA's proposal to change 
the definition of `Gross Combination Weight Rating' in Parts 383 and 
390 to read'' as indicated in the NPRM.
    EMA commented that ``we support FMCSA's proposed new GCWR 
definition. . . . [M]ost trucks and tractors do not include a GCWR on 
the FMVSS certification label, and when they do it could be misleading. 
Accordingly, we agree with FMCSA that the GCWR specified on the 
certification label of a truck or truck tractor should only serve as an 
optional element of the GCWR definition. The better method for 
determining the GCWR of a combination vehicle is to add the GVWRs or 
GVWs of the power unit and the towed unit(s).''
    FMCSA Response: The Agency agrees with their comments.

Comments Opposing NPRM

    Michael J. Schmidt, Sr., objected to ``any change'' in the current 
regulations. ``The bottom line is that enforcement must have scales. 
The current regulation is sufficient as it reads.''
    NTEA ``supports the FMCSA's goal . . . and offers further 
clarification. . . . By creating a definition that starts out by 
referencing a GCWR figure on the certification label, we believe many 
enforcement officials will assume that the certification labels require 
such a figure. Even today, it is not uncommon for an enforcement 
official to assume the GCWR is required. When they see a label without 
a GCWR figure they will, incorrectly, cite the driver/owner for a false 
or incorrect label. . . . The definition as proposed, while well 
intentioned, is likely to exacerbate this situation.'' NTEA therefore 
recommended that GCWR be defined simply as the GVWR of the towing unit 
added to the GVWR of the trailer(s).
    ``SAE and the SAE Tow Vehicle Trailer Rating Committee (SAE TVTRC) 
do not believe [the proposed definition] is an appropriate methodology 
for determining GCWR. . . . GCWR covers performance requirements for 
systems including (but not limited to) power unit engine, transmission, 
drive axle, powertrain cooling, steering, suspension, brake and 
structural systems, and as such, can only properly be determined by the 
power unit manufacturer. Summing the GVW or GVWR values of power unit 
and towed unit(s) may result in an actual Gross Combination Weight 
condition but it will not necessarily produce a Gross Combination 
Weight RATING, as the resultant may not even be close to the value 
tested and validated by the power unit manufacturer. . . . Law 
enforcement difficulties in determining GCWR for means of enforcement 
should not lead to a change in definition of GCWR, but rather a change 
in how the value is communicated and displayed.''
    John F. Nowak raised several objections to the proposed GCWR 
definition. Although the first element of the definition is the ``value 
specified by the manufacturer of the power unit if displayed on the 
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) certification label 
required by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,'' he 
pointed out that few manufacturers actually list the GCWR on the 
certification label. Mr. Nowak also noted that the second element of 
the definition allows other ``means [to] be used to determine GCWR 
information even if the [manufacturer's GCWR] information is posted on 
the certification label.'' He believes that a ``revision to the 
definition of GCWR by FMCSA must also include a revision to the NHTSA 
certification label to require the display of GCWR on said label.'' In 
his view, ``[d]isplay of the GCWR on the certification label would 
solve the problem . . .''
    Mr. Nowak's second major contention is that the proposed definition 
could promote unsafe practices. Combining the GVWR of the towing 
vehicle and GVWR of the trailer could produce a GCWR higher than that 
specified by the manufacturer of the towing vehicle (though rarely 
listed on the NHTSA certification label). As a result, the definition 
might reduce safety because ``the driver and or carrier may assume that 
the [Agency's GCWR] number . . . is an accurate and safe rating for the 
towing vehicle. . . . It is imperative that the FMCSA drop the sum of 
the GVWRs definition and work with NHTSA to post the GCWR rating on the 
certification to promote safe operation of combination vehicles.''
    TTMA and John Gregg argued that the GCWR of a vehicle should be the 
sum of its gross axle weight ratings (GAWR). TTMA, like Mr. Nowak, was 
``concerned that the proposed rule . . . might allow for situations 
where combination vehicles are dangerously overloaded. . . . [W]e 
suggest that the rule for GCWR . . . be amended to show that in no case 
shall the GCWR exceed the sum of the [GAWRs] of the power unit and the 
towed unit(s).'' Mr. Gregg pointed out that ``[t]he GCW is not the sum 
of the GVWs when the connections between the vehicles transfer vertical 
loads, such as 5th wheel hitches. With load bearing couplers a portion 
of the GVW of one vehicle is included in the GVW of the other. The GCW 
is actually the sum of the Gross Axle Weights (GAW) of the vehicles in 
the combination.''
    FMCSA Response: The recommendation to require manufacturers to list 
the GCWR on the certification label is beyond the scope of this 
rulemaking. The Agency notes that a manufacturer's GCWR label would not 
resolve certain situations, e.g., when the driver of a combination 
vehicle with a GCWR below the relevant jurisdictional threshold (10,001 
or 26,001 pounds) appears to have loaded the vehicle and trailer beyond 
those values. This question could be decided only by the use of scales. 
The manufacturer's GCWR alone could not, and should not, exempt the 
driver of an overloaded vehicle from the applicable regulatory 
requirements.
    While the FMCSA agrees that the display of the GCWR information on 
the

[[Page 15248]]

certification label would be helpful, the Agency does not have the 
authority to adopt that requirement. That long-term approach would 
leave the enforcement community and the industry without a practical 
solution for the short term. The NPRM focused on a more immediate 
approach with minimal economic impact to the industry.
    FMCSA does not share SAE's apparent belief that vehicle operators 
would load their combinations to a GCWR allowed by this rule that might 
exceed the GCWR established by the manufacturer of the towing vehicle. 
The Truck & Engine Manufacturers Association also expressed no concern 
over that possibility.
    A GCWR established by adding two (or more) GVWRs should not be 
construed as the Agency's promotion of excessive and unsafe weights for 
that combination. State and Federal laws set strict limits on the axle 
weight and gross weight of combination vehicles, irrespective of their 
GCWR. This rule does not affect those limits; it simply ensures that 
drivers and carriers who combine towing vehicles and trailers of 
sufficient GVWR--in various ways that FMCSA cannot control--are not 
excused from compliance with the appropriate safety regulations. As for 
NTEA's concern that the first element of the definition--listing of the 
manufacturer's GCWR on the NHTSA certification label--would lead 
enforcement officers to assume that such a listing is required, we 
believe that the normal training procedures of the Agency and its State 
partners would reduce any such misunderstanding to insignificance. NTEA 
supported the second element of the definition, which defines GCWR as 
(among other things) the combined GVWRs of the towing unit and trailer.
    Mr. Nowak pointed out that the second method of determining GCWR 
could be used ``even if the [GCWR] information is posted on the 
certification label.'' The Agency agrees that even if the 
manufacturer's GCWR were displayed on the NHTSA label, the proposed 
definition would use the sum of the GVWRs as the GCWR if that sum 
exceeded the value specified by the manufacturer.
    FMCSA declines to give further consideration to the proposal to 
treat GCWR as the sum of the GAWRs. While a comment that constitutes a 
``logical outgrowth'' of an NPRM may be considered ``within the scope'' 
of a rulemaking under the requirements of the Administrative Procedure 
Act, adoption of a far-reaching alternative regulatory scheme, like 
that proposed by TTMA and Mr. Gregg, without prior discussion would 
test the limits of those doctrines.

Removal of Regulatory Guidance

    The NPRM proposed to remove FMCSA's regulatory guidance on certain 
issues because the revised GCWR definition would make it unnecessary. 
The Agency is withdrawing questions 3 and 4 to 49 CFR 383.5 (62 FR 
16369, 16395, April 4, 1997) and questions 3, 4, and 11 to 49 CFR 390.5 
(62 FR 16369, 16406-16407, April 4, 1997). The text of the guidance to 
those questions was included in the NPRM at 78 FR 26578-26579.

V. Discussion of Regulatory Changes in Sections 383.5 and 390.5

    Both the previous and revised definitions of GCWR include two 
alternative methods of determining GCWR, but the revised definition is 
simpler to understand and apply.
    The first method of establishing GCWR is changed from ``the value 
specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a combination 
(articulated) motor vehicle'' to ``[a] value specified by the 
manufacturer of the power unit, if such value is displayed on the 
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) certification label 
required by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.'' The 
revised definition is simpler and easier to understand.
    The alternative method of establishing GCWR applies irrespective of 
the manufacturer's GCWR. The previous definition said that ``[i]n the 
absence of a value specified by the manufacturer, GCWR will be 
determined by adding the GVWR of the power unit and the total weight of 
the towed unit and any load thereon.'' As explained above, this meant 
that scales were typically needed to determine GCWR. The revised 
definition is ``[t]he sum of the gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWRs) 
or the gross vehicle weights (GVWs) of the power unit and the towed 
units, or any combination thereof, that produces the highest value.'' 
This method retains the option of weighing combination vehicles, but 
also adopts an enforcement practice that was widely, though informally, 
used over the years, namely adding the GVWR of the truck and trailer. 
While this method may occasionally produce a GCWR higher than that 
specified by the manufacturer, it reflects what motor carriers and 
drivers are actually doing. Many vehicle operators load up to (and 
sometimes beyond) the maximum their towing units and (especially) 
trailers can handle, which they generally assume to be the combined 
GVWRs. When these combined GVWRs exceed the weight thresholds for the 
safety regulations (10,001 pounds) or the CDL regulations (26,001 
pounds), the operators will be held accountable. The new definition 
also allows enforcement officers to combine actual weights with GVWRs 
and to treat the heaviest combined value as the GCWR.
    Finally, the revised definition provides that GCWR will be the 
value produced by either the first or second method, whichever gives 
the higher value. An ``exception'' has been added to the definition. 
Some heavy-duty pickup trucks and lighter-duty straight trucks have 
GCWRs set by the manufacturer that are well above the 10,001-pound 
threshold for application of the general safety regulations; others 
have manufacturer-established GCWRs that are above the 26,001-pound 
threshold required for a CDL. Yet many of these vehicles are often 
operated without trailers, or with very small trailers. In the absence 
of evidence that these vehicles are being used in ``combination,'' that 
is, to tow trailers, FMCSA believes it would be unfair (and for reasons 
of safety unnecessary) to use the manufacturer's GCWR to decide whether 
the driver and carrier must comply with the safety or CDL regulations. 
The final GCWR definition therefore includes an exception: ``The GCWR 
of the power unit will not be used to define a commercial motor vehicle 
when the power unit is not towing another vehicle.''

VI. Regulatory Analyses

E.O. 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review and DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures as Supplemented by E.O. 13563)

    FMCSA has determined that this rule is not a significant regulatory 
action within the meaning of Executive Order (E.O.) 12866, as 
supplemented by E.O. 13563 (76 FR 3821, January 21, 2011), or within 
the meaning of DOT regulatory policies and procedures (DOT Order 2100.5 
dated May 22, 1980; 44 FR 11034, February 2, 1979). While this rule may 
affect some carriers and drivers not currently subject to some or all 
of the FMCSRs, the Agency is unable to quantify this effect. This 
rulemaking only clarifies the definition of GCWR to eliminate confusion 
surrounding the language of the existing definition and acknowledges 
long-standing enforcement practices. The rule will provide clear 
criteria for determining the applicability of the FMCSRs when the GCWR 
is the deciding factor. The cost, if any, will be borne by motor 
carriers and drivers who had previously

[[Page 15249]]

concluded, based on the wording of the definition of GCWR, that their 
operations were not subject to certain safety regulations, but who now 
will comply with the applicable rules. The Agency believes this 
population to be negligible, and that the costs of the rule would not 
begin to approach the $100 million annual threshold for economic 
significance. The Agency does not expect the final rule to generate 
substantial congressional or public interest. No member of congress 
commented on the NPRM and the public response was limited. This rule 
therefore has not been formally reviewed by the Office of Management 
and Budget (OMB).

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) 
requires Federal agencies to consider the effects of the regulatory 
action on small business and other small entities and to minimize any 
significant economic impact. The term ``small entities'' comprises 
small businesses and not-for-profit organizations that are 
independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their fields 
and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 50,000. 
Accordingly, DOT policy requires an analysis of the impact of all 
regulations on small entities and mandates that agencies strive to 
lessen any adverse effects on these businesses.
    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, as amended by the Small 
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (Title II, Pub. L. 
104-121, 110 Stat. 857, March 29, 1996), this final rule is not 
expected to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number 
of small entities because it would only clarify existing rules by 
providing clear objective criteria for determining the applicability of 
the FMCSRs when the GCWR is not included on the FMVSS certification 
label required by NHTSA. Consequently, I certify that the final rule 
would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities.

Assistance for Small Entities

    Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 
Fairness Act of 1996, FMCSA wants to assist small entities in 
understanding the effects of this final rule. While the Agency believes 
that the rule will adversely affect few, if any, small businesses, 
organizations, or governmental jurisdictions, any questions concerning 
its provisions or options for compliance should be directed to, the 
FMCSA personnel listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section 
of the final rule.
    Small businesses may send comments on the actions of Federal 
employees who enforce or otherwise determine compliance with Federal 
regulations to the Small Business Administration's Small Business and 
Agriculture Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman and the Regional Small 
Business Regulatory Fairness Boards. The Ombudsman evaluates these 
actions annually and rates each agency's responsiveness to small 
business. If you wish to comment on actions by employees of FMCSA, call 
1-888-REG-FAIR (1-888-734-3247). DOT has a policy ensuring the rights 
of small entities to regulatory enforcement fairness and an explicit 
policy against retaliation for exercising these rights.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

    This final rule does not impose an unfunded Federal mandate, as 
defined by the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1532 et 
seq.), resulting in the expenditure by State, local, and tribal 
governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $151 
million (which is the 2012 inflation-adjusted value of the 1995 
threshold of $100 million) or more in any 1 year.

E.O. 13132 (Federalism)

    A rule has Federalism implications if it has a substantial direct 
effect on State or local governments and would either preempt State law 
or impose a substantial direct cost of compliance on the States. FMCSA 
has analyzed this final rule under E.O. 13132 and determined that it 
does not have Federalism implications.

E.O. 12988 (Civil Justice Reform)

    This final rule meets applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 
3(b)(2) of E.O. 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to minimize litigation, 
eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden.

E.O. 13045 (Protection of Children)

    FMCSA analyzed this action under E.O. 13045, Protection of Children 
from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks. The Agency determined 
that this final rule does not create an environmental risk to health or 
safety that may disproportionately affect children.

E.O. 12630 (Taking of Private Property)

    FMCSA reviewed this final rule in accordance with E.O. 12630, 
Governmental Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected 
Property Rights, and has determined it does not effect a taking of 
private property or otherwise have taking implications.

Privacy Impact Assessment

    Section 522 of title I of division H of the Consolidated 
Appropriations Act, 2005, enacted December 8, 2004 (Pub. L. 108-447, 
118 Stat. 2809, 3268, 5 U.S.C. 552a note), requires the Agency to 
conduct a privacy impact assessment (PIA) of a regulation that will 
affect the privacy of individuals. This rule does not require the 
collection of any personally identifiable information.
    The Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a) applies only to Federal agencies 
and any non-Federal agency that receives records contained in a system 
of records from a Federal agency for use in a matching program. FMCSA 
has determined this final rule will not result in a new or revised 
Privacy Act System of Records for FMCSA.

E.O. 12372 (Intergovernmental Review)

    The regulations implementing E.O. 12372 regarding intergovernmental 
consultation on Federal programs and activities do not apply to this 
action.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et 
seq.), Federal agencies must obtain approval from OMB for each 
collection of information they conduct, sponsor, or require through 
regulations. There is no new information collection requirement 
associated with this final rule.

National Environmental Policy Act and Clean Air Act

    FMCSA analyzed this final rule in accordance with the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and 
determined under our environmental procedures Order 5610.1 (69 FR 9680, 
March 1, 2004) that this action does not have any effect on the quality 
of the environment. Therefore, this final rule is categorically 
excluded (CE) from further analysis and documentation in an 
environmental assessment or environmental impact statement under FMCSA 
Order 5610.1, paragraph 6(b) of Appendix 2. The CE under paragraph 6(b) 
addresses rulemakings that make editorial or other minor amendments to 
existing FMCSA regulations. A Categorical Exclusion Determination is 
available for inspection or copying in the Regulations.gov Web site 
listed under ADDRESSES.
    FMCSA also analyzed this final rule under the Clean Air Act, as 
amended (CAA), section 176(c) (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.), and 
implementing regulations promulgated by the Environmental

[[Page 15250]]

Protection Agency. Approval of this action is exempt from the CAA's 
general conformity requirement since it does not affect direct or 
indirect emissions of criteria pollutants.

E.O. 13211 (Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use)

    FMCSA has analyzed this final rule under E.O. 13211, Actions 
Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, 
Distribution, or Use. FMCSA has determined that it is not a 
``significant energy action'' under that order because it is not a 
``significant regulatory action'' under E.O. 12866 and is not likely to 
have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use 
of energy. The Administrator of the Office of Information and 
Regulatory Affairs has not designated it as a significant energy 
action. Therefore, it does not require a Statement of Energy Effects 
under E.O. 13211.

E.O. 13175 (Indian Tribal Governments)

    This final rule does not have tribal implications under E.O. 13175, 
Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, because 
it does not have a substantial direct effect on one or more Indian 
tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government and Indian 
tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between 
the Federal Government and Indian tribes.

Technical Standards

    The National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA) (15 
U.S.C. 272 note) directs agencies to use voluntary consensus standards 
in their regulatory activities unless the agency provides Congress, 
through OMB, with an explanation of why using these standards would be 
inconsistent with applicable law or otherwise impractical. Voluntary 
consensus standards (e.g., specifications of materials, performance, 
design, or operation; test methods; sampling procedures; and related 
management systems practices) are standards that are developed or 
adopted by voluntary consensus standards bodies.
    This final rule does not use technical standards. Therefore, FMCSA 
did not consider the use of voluntary consensus standards.

List of Subjects

49 CFR Part 383

    Administrative practice and procedure, Alcohol abuse, Drug abuse, 
Highway safety, Incorporation by reference, Motor carriers.

49 CFR Part 390

    Highway safety, Intermodal transportation, Motor carriers, Motor 
vehicle safety, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    For the reasons stated above, FMCSA amends title 49, Code of 
Federal Regulations, chapter III, subchapter B, parts 383 and 390, as 
follows:

PART 383--COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE STANDARDS; REQUIREMENTS AND 
PENALTIES

0
1. The authority citation for part 383 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 521, 31136, 31301 et seq., and 31502; 
secs. 214 and 215 of Pub. L. 106-159, 113 Stat. 1748, 1766, 1767; 
sec. 1012(b) of Pub. L. 107-56, 115 Stat. 272, 297, sec. 4140, Pub. 
L. 109-59, 119 Stat. 1144, 1746; and 49 CFR 1.87.


0
2. Amend Sec.  383.5 by revising the definition of ``Gross combination 
weight rating'' to read as follows:


Sec.  383.5  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Gross combination weight rating (GCWR) is the greater of:
    (1) A value specified by the manufacturer of the power unit, if 
such value is displayed on the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 
(FMVSS) certification label required by the National Highway Traffic 
Safety Administration, or
    (2) The sum of the gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWRs) or the 
gross vehicle weights (GVWs) of the power unit and the towed unit(s), 
or any combination thereof, that produces the highest value. Exception: 
The GCWR of the power unit will not be used to define a commercial 
motor vehicle when the power unit is not towing another vehicle.
* * * * *

PART 390--FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY REGULATIONS; GENERAL

0
3. The authority citation for part 390 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 504, 508, 31132, 31133, 31136, 31144, 
31151, and 31502; sec. 114, Pub. L. 103-311, 108 Stat. 1673, 1677-
1678; secs. 212, 217, and 229, Pub. L. 106-159, 113 Stat. 1748, 
1766, 1767; sec. 229, Pub. L. 106-159 (as transferred by sec. 4114 
and amended by secs. 4130-4132, Pub. L. 109-59, 119 Stat. 1144, 
1726, 1743-1744); sec. 4136, Pub. L. 109-59, 119 Stat. 1144, 1745; 
sections 32101(d) and 34934, Pub. L. 112-141, 126 Stat. 405, 778, 
830; and 49 CFR 1.87.


0
4. Amend Sec.  390.5 by revising the definition of ``Gross combination 
weight rating'' to read as follows:


Sec.  390.5  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Gross combination weight rating (GCWR) is the greater of:
    (1) A value specified by the manufacturer of the power unit, if 
such value is displayed on the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 
(FMVSS) certification label required by the National Highway Traffic 
Safety Administration, or
    (2) The sum of the gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWRs) or the 
gross vehicle weights (GVWs) of the power unit and the towed unit(s), 
or any combination thereof, that produces the highest value. Exception: 
The GCWR of the power unit will not be used to define a commercial 
motor vehicle when the power unit is not towing another vehicle.
* * * * *

    Issued under the authority of delegation in 49 CFR 1.87 on: 
March 6, 2014.
Anne S. Ferro,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2014-05502 Filed 3-18-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P