Commercial Driver's License Standards: Application for Exemption; Daimler Trucks North America (Daimler), 1782-1783 [2017-00010]

Download as PDF 1782 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 4 / Friday, January 6, 2017 / Notices sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES current regulation (49 CFR 381.305). The decision of the Agency must be published in the Federal Register (49 CFR 381.315(b)) with the reasons for denying or granting the application and, if granted, the name of the person or class of persons receiving the exemption, and the regulatory provision from which the exemption is granted. The notice must also specify the effective period and explain the terms and conditions of the exemption. The exemption may be renewed (49 CFR 381.300(b)). III. Request for Exemption Dillon states that it operates a fleet of 103 vehicles with 50 team drivers. Dillon is a privately-owned and operated company that delivers products to 48 states from a diversified customer base, and is known for their high level of service as an on-time carrier. They recruit only experienced, professional drivers. Dillon operates on a routine weekly cycle; each workweek contains a regular subset of daily cycles dispatching and returning long, medium and short range trips. According to Dillon, the majority of the fleet drivers are home weekly with 34–48 hours off. The fact that some divers stay out longer is their choice to do so; Dillon does not require their drivers to stay on the road for more than 5 days. Dillon’s tractors are equipped with double-bunk sleepers in the event both drivers need or want to rest at the same time. Drivers are allowed to make their own decisions about when and where to take short rest breaks based on their personal needs and preferences in conformance with regulatory requirements. Dillon asserts that it takes safety, health and wellness seriously, and only hires well-qualified drivers who go through a comprehensive orientation/new-hire training program. Dillon’s trucks are all equipped with electronic logging devices for monitoring hours-of-service (HOS) compliance. Dillon requests an exemption from the current regulations for its operations to eliminate the requirement that SB time include a period of at least 8 but less than 10 consecutive hours in the SB and a separate period of at least 2 but less than 10 consecutive hours either in the SB or off duty, or any combination thereof (49 CFR 395.1(g)(1)(ii)(A)(1) and (2)). Dillon proposes that its team drivers be allowed to split SB time into two periods totaling at least 10 hours, provided neither of the two periods is less than 3 hours in length. The drivers would be able to choose between either a 3/7, 4/6, or 5/5 ‘‘split’’ hour break to complete the required 10 hour break. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:06 Jan 05, 2017 Jkt 241001 The exemption would be limited to drivers in team operations. The request by Dillon is for a 2-year exemption period. Dillon states that it is common knowledge that sleeping in a moving vehicle is more difficult than for a single driver who is able to stop the truck during their sleeper time. According to Dillon, having the flexibility to switch with a partner allows each driver to take advantage of shorter driver periods when they feel fatigued even though they have available driving time. This will result in a more flexible work pattern improving personal and vehicular safety. The exemption request would not apply to trips driven by a single driver. Dillon identified some countermeasures it would take to maintain safe operations if the exemption is granted. The safeguards would include, but not be limited to: • Drive time would be reduced from 11 hours to 10 hours. Team drivers would be limited to 10 hours of driving prior to completing their required 10 hours total SB. Solo drivers will continue to operate under current HOS regulations. • Dillon trucks are equipped with Qualcomm communications and electronic logging. Their drivers will continue to utilize Qualcomm electronic communications and tracking to maintain HOS compliance. • All of Dillon’s tractors are equipped with speed limiters. Dillon believes that by allowing its team drivers to exercise flexibility in their SB requirements, they will experience better quality rest as a result of this exemption. To support its request for the exemption, Dillon cited the results of a recent study conducted by Gregory Belenky, MD at the Sleep and Performance Research Center, which concluded that when consolidated nighttime sleep is not possible, split sleeper berth time is preferable to consolidated daytime sleep (www.fmcsa.dot.gov/facts-research/ briefs/12-003-Split-Sleep). A copy of Dillon’s application for exemption is available for review in the docket for this notice. Issued on: December 29, 2016. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2017–00011 Filed 1–5–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P PO 00000 Frm 00098 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2012–0032] Commercial Driver’s License Standards: Application for Exemption; Daimler Trucks North America (Daimler) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of application for exemption; request for comments. AGENCY: FMCSA announces that Daimler Trucks North America (Daimler) has requested an exemption for one commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver, Kai Zeuner, from the Federal requirement to hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) issued by one of the States. This project engineer holds a valid German commercial license and wants to testdrive Daimler vehicles on U.S. roads to better understand product requirements for these systems in ‘‘real world’’ environments, and verify results. Daimler believes the requirements for a German commercial license ensure that holders of the license will likely achieve a level of safety equal to or greater than that of drivers who hold a U.S. Stateissued CDL. DATES: Comments must be received on or before February 6, 2017. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) Docket ID FMCSA– 2012–0032 using any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. • Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building, Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery or Courier: West Building, Ground Floor, Room W12– 140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. • Fax: 1–202–493–2251. Each submission must include the Agency name and the docket number for this notice. Note that DOT posts all comments received without change to www.regulations.gov, including any personal information included in a comment. Please see the Privacy Act heading below. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments, go to www.regulations.gov at SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\06JAN1.SGM 06JAN1 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 4 / Friday, January 6, 2017 / Notices any time or visit Room W12–140 on the ground level of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The on-line FDMS is available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. Privacy Act: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information the commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL–14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at www.dot.gov/privacy. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Thomas Yager, Chief, FMCSA Driver and Carrier Operations Division; Office of Carrier, Driver and Vehicle Safety Standards; Telephone: 614–942–6477. Email: MCPSD@dot.gov. If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, contact Docket Services, telephone (202) 366–9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Public Participation and Request for Comments FMCSA encourages you to participate by submitting comments and related materials. sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES Submitting Comments If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this notice (FMCSA–2012–0032), indicate the specific section of this document to which the comment applies, and provide a reason for suggestions or recommendations. You may submit your comments and material online or by fax, mail, or hand delivery, but please use only one of these means. FMCSA recommends that you include your name and a mailing address, an email address, or a phone number in the body of your document so the Agency can contact you if it has questions regarding your submission. To submit your comment online, go to www.regulations.gov and put the docket number, ‘‘FMCSA–2012–0032’’ in the ‘‘Keyword’’ box, and click ‘‘Search.’’ When the new screen appears, click on ‘‘Comment Now!’’ button and type your comment into the text box in the following screen. Choose whether you are submitting your comment as an individual or on behalf of a third party and then submit. If you submit your comments by mail or hand delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no larger than 81⁄2 by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic filing. If you submit comments by mail and would like to know that they reached the VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:06 Jan 05, 2017 Jkt 241001 facility, please enclose a stamped, selfaddressed postcard or envelope. FMCSA will consider all comments and material received during the comment period and may grant or not grant this application based on your comments. II. Legal Basis FMCSA has authority under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315 to grant exemptions from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. FMCSA must publish a notice of each exemption request in the Federal Register (49 CFR 381.315(a)). The Agency must provide the public an opportunity to inspect the information relevant to the application, including any safety analyses that have been conducted. The Agency must also provide an opportunity for public comment on the request. The Agency reviews the safety analyses and the public comments, and determines whether granting the exemption would likely achieve a level of safety equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be achieved by the current regulation (49 CFR 381.305). The decision of the Agency must be published in the Federal Register (49 CFR 381.315(b)) with the reason for the grant or denial, and, if granted, the specific person or class of persons receiving the exemption, and the regulatory provision or provisions from which exemption is granted. The notice must also specify the effective period of the exemption (up to 5 years), and explain the terms and conditions of the exemption. The exemption may be renewed (49 CFR 381.300(b)). Request for Exemption Daimler has applied for an exemption for one of its engineers from 49 CFR 383.23, which prescribes licensing requirements for drivers operating CMVs in interstate or intrastate commerce. This driver, Kai Zeuner, holds a valid German commercial license but is unable to obtain a CDL in any of the U.S. States due to residency requirements. A copy of the application is in Docket No. FMCSA–2012–0032. The exemption would allow Mr. Zeuner to operate CMVs in interstate or intrastate commerce to support Daimler field tests designed to meet future vehicle safety and environmental requirements and to develop improved safety and emission technologies. According to Daimler, Mr. Zeuner will typically drive for no more than 6 hours per day for 2 consecutive days, and 10 percent of the test driving will be on two-lane State highways, while 90 percent will be on interstate highways. The driving will consist of no more than 200 miles per day, for a total of 400 PO 00000 Frm 00099 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 1783 miles during a two-day period on a quarterly basis. He will in all cases be accompanied by a holder of a U.S. CDL who is familiar with the routes to be traveled. Daimler requests that the exemption cover the maximum allowable duration. Daimler has explained in prior exemption requests that the German knowledge and skills tests and training program ensure that Daimler’s drivers operating under the exemption will achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety obtained by complying with the U.S. requirement for a CDL. IV. Method To Ensure an Equivalent or Greater Level of Safety FMCSA has previously determined that the process for obtaining a German commercial license is comparable to, or as effective as, the requirements of part 383, and adequately assesses the driver’s ability to operate CMVs in the U.S. Since 2012, FMCSA has granted Daimler drivers similar exemptions [May 25, 2012 (77 FR 31422); July 22, 2014 (79 FR 42626); March 27, 2015 (80 FR 16511); October 5, 2015 (80 FR 60220); December 7, 2015 (80 FR 76059); December 21, 2015 (80 FR 79410)]. Issued on: December 29, 2016. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2017–00010 Filed 1–5–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Office of Foreign Assets Control Designation of 3 Individuals and 2 Entities Pursuant to Executive Order 13581, ‘‘Blocking Property of Transnational Criminal Organizations’’ Office of Foreign Assets Control, Treasury. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (‘‘OFAC’’) is publishing the names of 3 individuals and 2 entities whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to Executive Order 13581 of July 24, 2011, ‘‘Blocking Property of Transnational Criminal Organizations.’’ DATES: The designations by the Acting Director of OFAC, pursuant to Executive Order 13581, of the 3 individuals and 2 entities identified in this notice were effective on December 30, 2016. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Department of the Treasury’s Office of SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\06JAN1.SGM 06JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 4 (Friday, January 6, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 1782-1783]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-00010]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2012-0032]


Commercial Driver's License Standards: Application for Exemption; 
Daimler Trucks North America (Daimler)

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

ACTION: Notice of application for exemption; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces that Daimler Trucks North America (Daimler) 
has requested an exemption for one commercial motor vehicle (CMV) 
driver, Kai Zeuner, from the Federal requirement to hold a commercial 
driver's license (CDL) issued by one of the States. This project 
engineer holds a valid German commercial license and wants to test-
drive Daimler vehicles on U.S. roads to better understand product 
requirements for these systems in ``real world'' environments, and 
verify results. Daimler believes the requirements for a German 
commercial license ensure that holders of the license will likely 
achieve a level of safety equal to or greater than that of drivers who 
hold a U.S. State-issued CDL.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before February 6, 2017.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket 
Management System (FDMS) Docket ID FMCSA-2012-0032 using any of the 
following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov. Follow 
the online instructions for submitting comments.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building, Ground 
Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery or Courier: West Building, Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
    Each submission must include the Agency name and the docket number 
for this notice. Note that DOT posts all comments received without 
change to www.regulations.gov, including any personal information 
included in a comment. Please see the Privacy Act heading below.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or 
comments, go to www.regulations.gov at

[[Page 1783]]

any time or visit Room W12-140 on the ground level of the West 
Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. 
and 5 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The on-
line FDMS is available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year.
    Privacy Act: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits 
comments from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT 
posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information 
the commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the 
system of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at 
www.dot.gov/privacy.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Thomas Yager, Chief, FMCSA Driver 
and Carrier Operations Division; Office of Carrier, Driver and Vehicle 
Safety Standards; Telephone: 614-942-6477. Email: MCPSD@dot.gov. If you 
have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, contact 
Docket Services, telephone (202) 366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Public Participation and Request for Comments

    FMCSA encourages you to participate by submitting comments and 
related materials.

Submitting Comments

    If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this 
notice (FMCSA-2012-0032), indicate the specific section of this 
document to which the comment applies, and provide a reason for 
suggestions or recommendations. You may submit your comments and 
material online or by fax, mail, or hand delivery, but please use only 
one of these means. FMCSA recommends that you include your name and a 
mailing address, an email address, or a phone number in the body of 
your document so the Agency can contact you if it has questions 
regarding your submission.
    To submit your comment online, go to www.regulations.gov and put 
the docket number, ``FMCSA-2012-0032'' in the ``Keyword'' box, and 
click ``Search.'' When the new screen appears, click on ``Comment 
Now!'' button and type your comment into the text box in the following 
screen. Choose whether you are submitting your comment as an individual 
or on behalf of a third party and then submit. If you submit your 
comments by mail or hand delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no 
larger than 8\1/2\ by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic 
filing. If you submit comments by mail and would like to know that they 
reached the facility, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard 
or envelope. FMCSA will consider all comments and material received 
during the comment period and may grant or not grant this application 
based on your comments.

II. Legal Basis

    FMCSA has authority under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315 to grant 
exemptions from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. FMCSA 
must publish a notice of each exemption request in the Federal Register 
(49 CFR 381.315(a)). The Agency must provide the public an opportunity 
to inspect the information relevant to the application, including any 
safety analyses that have been conducted. The Agency must also provide 
an opportunity for public comment on the request.
    The Agency reviews the safety analyses and the public comments, and 
determines whether granting the exemption would likely achieve a level 
of safety equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be 
achieved by the current regulation (49 CFR 381.305). The decision of 
the Agency must be published in the Federal Register (49 CFR 
381.315(b)) with the reason for the grant or denial, and, if granted, 
the specific person or class of persons receiving the exemption, and 
the regulatory provision or provisions from which exemption is granted. 
The notice must also specify the effective period of the exemption (up 
to 5 years), and explain the terms and conditions of the exemption. The 
exemption may be renewed (49 CFR 381.300(b)).

Request for Exemption

    Daimler has applied for an exemption for one of its engineers from 
49 CFR 383.23, which prescribes licensing requirements for drivers 
operating CMVs in interstate or intrastate commerce. This driver, Kai 
Zeuner, holds a valid German commercial license but is unable to obtain 
a CDL in any of the U.S. States due to residency requirements. A copy 
of the application is in Docket No. FMCSA-2012-0032.
    The exemption would allow Mr. Zeuner to operate CMVs in interstate 
or intrastate commerce to support Daimler field tests designed to meet 
future vehicle safety and environmental requirements and to develop 
improved safety and emission technologies. According to Daimler, Mr. 
Zeuner will typically drive for no more than 6 hours per day for 2 
consecutive days, and 10 percent of the test driving will be on two-
lane State highways, while 90 percent will be on interstate highways. 
The driving will consist of no more than 200 miles per day, for a total 
of 400 miles during a two-day period on a quarterly basis. He will in 
all cases be accompanied by a holder of a U.S. CDL who is familiar with 
the routes to be traveled. Daimler requests that the exemption cover 
the maximum allowable duration.
    Daimler has explained in prior exemption requests that the German 
knowledge and skills tests and training program ensure that Daimler's 
drivers operating under the exemption will achieve a level of safety 
that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety obtained by 
complying with the U.S. requirement for a CDL.

IV. Method To Ensure an Equivalent or Greater Level of Safety

    FMCSA has previously determined that the process for obtaining a 
German commercial license is comparable to, or as effective as, the 
requirements of part 383, and adequately assesses the driver's ability 
to operate CMVs in the U.S. Since 2012, FMCSA has granted Daimler 
drivers similar exemptions [May 25, 2012 (77 FR 31422); July 22, 2014 
(79 FR 42626); March 27, 2015 (80 FR 16511); October 5, 2015 (80 FR 
60220); December 7, 2015 (80 FR 76059); December 21, 2015 (80 FR 
79410)].

    Issued on: December 29, 2016.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2017-00010 Filed 1-5-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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