Hours of Service of Drivers: National Asphalt Pavement Association, Inc.; Application for Exemption, 42415-42417 [2017-18985]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 172 / Thursday, September 7, 2017 / Notices p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. If you have questions regarding viewing or submitting material to the docket, contact Docket Services, telephone (202) 366–9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption for two years if it finds ‘‘such exemption would likely achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to or greater than the level that would be achieved absent such exemption.’’ The statute also allows the Agency to renew exemptions at the end of the two-year period. The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding hearing found in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11) states that a person is physically qualified to drive a CMV if that person: First perceives a forced whispered voice in the better ear at not less than 5 feet with or without the use of a hearing aid or, if tested by use of an audiometric device, does not have an average hearing loss in the better ear greater than 40 decibels at 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz with or without a hearing aid when the audiometric device is calibrated to American National Standard (formerly ASA Standard) Z24.5—1951. mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11) was adopted in 1970, with a revision in 1971 to allow drivers to be qualified under this standard while wearing a hearing aid, 35 FR 6458, 6463 (April 22, 1970) and 36 FR 12857 (July 3, 1971). The four individuals listed in this notice have requested renewal of their exemptions from the hearing standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11), in accordance with FMCSA procedures. Accordingly, FMCSA has evaluated these applications for renewal on their merits and decided to extend each exemption for a renewable two-year period. II. Request for Comments Interested parties or organizations possessing information that would otherwise show that any, or all, of these drivers are not currently achieving the statutory level of safety should immediately notify FMCSA. The Agency will evaluate any adverse evidence submitted and, if safety is being compromised or if continuation of the exemption would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA will take immediate steps to revoke the exemption of a driver. III. Basis for Renewing Exemptions Under 49 U.S.C. 31315(b)(1), an exemption may be granted for no longer than two years from its approval date VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:42 Sep 06, 2017 Jkt 241001 and may be renewed upon application. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each of the twelve applicants has satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement (80 FR 57032; 80 FR 60747). In addition, for Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders, the Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS) and the Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS) are searched for crash and violation data. For non-CDL holders, the Agency reviews the driving records from the State Driver’s Licensing Agency (SDLA). These factors provide an adequate basis for predicting each driver’s ability to continue to safely operate a CMV in interstate commerce. The four drivers in this notice remain in good standing with the Agency and have not exhibited any medical issues that would compromise their ability to safely operate a CMV during the previous two-year exemption period. FMCSA has concluded that renewing the exemptions for each of these applicants is likely to achieve a level of safety equal to that existing without the exemption. Therefore, FMCSA has decided to renew each exemption for a two-year period. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each driver has received a renewed exemption. As of August 13, 2017, the following four drivers have satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11), from driving CMVs in interstate commerce (80 FR 40125): Harold R. Deavers (WV) Emil Iontchev (IL) Jerald M. McCrary (NC) William K. Jones (MN) The drivers were included in FMCSA–2014–0385. The exemptions were effective on August 13, 2017, and will expire on August 13, 2019. IV. Conditions and Requirements The exemptions are extended subject to the following conditions: (1) Each driver must report any crashes or accidents as defined in 49 CFR 390.5; and (2) report all citations and convictions for disqualifying offenses under 49 CFR part 383 and 49 CFR 391 to FMCSA. In addition, the driver must also have a copy of the exemption when driving, for presentation to a duly authorized Federal, State, or local enforcement official. The driver is prohibited from operating a motorcoach or bus with passengers in interstate commerce. The exemption does not exempt the individual from meeting the applicable CDL testing requirements. PO 00000 Frm 00147 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 42415 Each exemption will be valid for two years unless rescinded earlier by FMCSA. The exemption will be rescinded if: (1) The person fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the exemption; (2) the exemption has resulted in a lower level of safety than was maintained before it was granted; or (3) continuation of the exemption would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315. V. Conclusion Based upon its evaluation of the four exemption applications, FMCSA renews the exemptions of the aforementioned drivers from the hearing requirement in 49 CFR 391.41 (b)(11). In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each exemption will be valid for two years unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. Issued on: August 30, 2017. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2017–18984 Filed 9–6–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2017–0197] Hours of Service of Drivers: National Asphalt Pavement Association, Inc.; Application for Exemption Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of application for exemption; request for comments. AGENCY: FMCSA announces that it has received an application from the National Asphalt Pavement Association, (Inc.) (NAPA) requesting exemptions from two requirements of the hours-ofservice (HOS) regulations for drivers of certain commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) operated by NAPA members, the 30-minute rest break provision and the requirement that short-haul drivers utilizing the record of duty status (RODS) exception return to their workreporting location within 12 hours of coming on duty. The first exemption would enable drivers engaged in the transportation of asphalt and related materials to use 30 minutes or more of on-duty ‘‘waiting time’’ to satisfy the requirement for the 30-minute rest break, provided they do not perform any other work during the break. The second exemption would allow these drivers to use the short-haul exception but return to their work-reporting location within 14 hours instead of the usual 12 hours. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\07SEN1.SGM 07SEN1 mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES 42416 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 172 / Thursday, September 7, 2017 / Notices FMCSA requests public comment on NAPA’s application for exemptions. DATES: Comments must be received on or before October 10, 2017. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by Federal Docket Management System Number FMCSA– 2017–0197 by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov. See the Public Participation and Request for Comments section below for further information. • 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. E.T., 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 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: For information concerning this notice, please contact Mr. Tom Yager, Chief, FMCSA Driver and Carrier Operations Division; 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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:42 Sep 06, 2017 Jkt 241001 Submitting Comments If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this notice (FMCSA–2017–0197), 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–2017–0197’’ 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 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 certain Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). 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 safety analyses and public comments submitted, 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 reasons for denying or granting the application and, if granted, the name of the person or class of persons receiving the PO 00000 Frm 00148 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 exemption, and the regulatory provision from which the exemption is granted. The notice must also specify the effective period (up to 5 years) and explain the terms and conditions of the exemption. The exemption may be renewed (49 CFR 381.300(b)). III. Request for Exemption NAPA seeks exemptions for all drivers of member companies transporting asphalt and related materials and equipment from the HOS 30-minute rest break provision in 49 CFR 395.3(a)(3)(ii) and the restriction of the RODS exception for short-haul operations to drivers who return to their normal work-reporting location within 12 hours [49 CFR 395.1(e)(1)(ii)(A)]. The first exemption from the HOS rest break provision, if granted, would enable drivers engaged in the transportation of asphalt and related materials to use 30 minutes or more of on-duty ‘‘waiting time’’ to satisfy the requirement for the 30-minute rest break, provided they do not perform any other work during the break. According to NAPA, asphalt is a highly perishable product. It is loaded into the delivery truck at 280–300 degrees Fahrenheit and begins to cool immediately. If the asphalt is not delivered and placed on the paving site within two hours, the product hardens and is no longer vicous enough to be useable. Drivers of asphalt delivery vehicles typically drive approximately one-third of their workday; the rest of their day is spent waiting to load or unload their vehicles and in other non-driving duties such as paperwork and cleaning their trucks after each load. The second exemption, if granted, would allow these same drivers to use the short-haul RODS exception but with a 14-hour duty period instead of 12 hours. NAPA advises that while some short-haul drivers will be able to take advantange of the exception from the 30-minute break, other drivers are often required to be on duty more than 12 hours in a day and therefore are not eligible to use the short-haul exception. NAPA mentioned that drivers of ready-mixed concrete delivery vehicles were granted an exemption from the minimum 30-minute rest break provision.1 NAPA states that ‘‘the same 1 More precisely, section 5521 of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, exempts a ‘‘driver of a ready mixed concrete delivery vehicle’’ from all of the normal hours-ofservice regulations, including the 30-minute break rule, who operates within a 100 air-mile radius of his/her normal work reporting location and meets certain other requirements [Pub. L. 114–94, 129 Stat. 1312, 1559, Dec. 4, 2015, codified at 49 U.S.C. 31502(f)]. In addition, FMCSA granted drivers of ready mixed concrete trucks an exemption from the E:\FR\FM\07SEN1.SGM 07SEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 172 / Thursday, September 7, 2017 / Notices reasoning supporting the exemptions from the 30-minute break time rule and allowing a 14-hour daily on duty-period for drivers of ready-mixed concrete vehicles applies to drivers engaged in the transportation of asphalt and related materials and equipment. Both are perishable products that are not useable if they are not dropped and spread within a brief delivery window. Because of this short delivery window, the routes from the production facility to the delivery site for both products are limited to less than 40 miles, and the time spent actually driving a CMV is typically only a few hours per day. Thus in both cases, the drivers do not face the same fatigue factors as drivers of longhaul trucks, and therefore do not pose the same risk of a fatigue-related accident as long-haul drivers.’’ NAPA requests that the operation of certain vehicles and equipment (Water Truck, Tack (tar) Distributor, Equipment Hauler and Pick-Sweeper (Street Sweeper)) be included in the definition of ‘‘transportation of asphalt and related materials and equipment’’ for purposes of these exemptions. NAPA states in its application that drivers would remain subject to the HOS regulations and would receive sufficient rest due to the nature of their operations that limit driving to an average of six to seven hours per day or less during the paving season. NAPA believes that granting these exemptions would achieve the same level of safety provided by the two HOS rules. The requested exemptions are for 5 years with renewals. A copy of NAPA’s application for exemptions is available for review in the docket for this notice. Issued on: August 30, 2017. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2017–18985 Filed 9–6–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration [Docket Number FRA–2017–0076] mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES Petition for Waiver of Compliance Under Part 211 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), this document provides the public notice that on July 24, 2017 the New York Susquehanna & Western Technical & Historical Society (THSX) petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) 30-minute break requirement [80 FR 17819, April 2, 2015], which section 5206(b)(1)(A) of the FAST Act made into permanent law [129 Stat. 1312, 1537]. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:42 Sep 06, 2017 Jkt 241001 for a waiver of compliance from certain provisions of the Federal railroad safety regulations contained at Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 230—Steam Locomotive Inspection and Maintenance Standards. FRA assigned the petition docket number FRA–2017– 0076. THSX maintains and operates No. 142, a 2–8–2 ‘‘Mikado’’ type steam locomotive built in 1989 by the Tangshan Locomotive Works in China for the New York, Susquehanna & Western Railroad. THSX requests relief from performing the 1472 service day inspection (SDI), for No. 142, regarding inspection of the boiler every 15 calendar years or 1472 service days. This is required under CFR 49 Section 230.17—One thousand four hundred seventy-two (1472) service day inspection. THSX is requesting an additional 58 calendar days before performing a 1472 SDI. The previous SDI was performed on September 2, 2002. Granting relief will allow No. 142 an SDI period of 15 calendar years and 58 calendar days while not exceeding 1472 service days. No. 142 is operated by THSX on Belvedere & Delaware Railroad for weekly tourist service. THSX’s justification for requesting relief is that No. 142 has only operated for a total 640 service days within the 15-calendar year period. The extension will allow No. 142 to operate through their busiest tourist season. THSX anticipates approximately 18 additional service days during the requested time extension. A copy of the petition, as well as any written communications concerning the petition, is available for review online at www.regulations.gov and in person at the Department of Transportation’s Docket Operations Facility, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE., W12–140, Washington, DC 20590. The Docket Operations Facility is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. Interested parties are invited to participate in these proceedings by submitting written views, data, or comments. FRA does not anticipate scheduling a public hearing in connection with these proceedings since the facts do not appear to warrant a hearing. If any interested parties desire an opportunity for oral comment, they should notify FRA, in writing, before the end of the comment period and specify the basis for their request. All communications concerning these proceedings should identify the appropriate docket number and may be submitted by any of the following methods: PO 00000 Frm 00149 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 42417 • Web site: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: Docket Operations Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., W12–140, Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. Communications received by October 23, 2017 will be considered by FRA before final action is taken. Comments received after that date will be considered if practicable. Anyone can search the electronic form of any written communications and comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the document, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). Under 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the public to better inform its processes. 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 https:// www.transportation.gov/privacy. See also https://www.regulations.gov/ privacyNotice for the privacy notice of regulations.gov. Robert C. Lauby, Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety, Chief Safety Officer. [FR Doc. 2017–18898 Filed 9–6–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–06–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Maritime Administration [Docket No. MARAD–2017–0160] Requested Administrative Waiver of the Coastwise Trade Laws: Vessel BONITA; Invitation for Public Comments Maritime Administration. Notice. AGENCY: ACTION: The Secretary of Transportation, as represented by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), is authorized to grant waivers of the U.S.build requirement of the coastwise laws under certain circumstances. A request for such a waiver has been received by MARAD. The vessel, and a brief description of the proposed service, is listed below. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\07SEN1.SGM 07SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 172 (Thursday, September 7, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42415-42417]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-18985]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2017-0197]


Hours of Service of Drivers: National Asphalt Pavement 
Association, Inc.; Application for Exemption

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

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

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

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces that it has received an application from the 
National Asphalt Pavement Association, (Inc.) (NAPA) requesting 
exemptions from two requirements of the hours-of-service (HOS) 
regulations for drivers of certain commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) 
operated by NAPA members, the 30-minute rest break provision and the 
requirement that short-haul drivers utilizing the record of duty status 
(RODS) exception return to their work-reporting location within 12 
hours of coming on duty. The first exemption would enable drivers 
engaged in the transportation of asphalt and related materials to use 
30 minutes or more of on-duty ``waiting time'' to satisfy the 
requirement for the 30-minute rest break, provided they do not perform 
any other work during the break. The second exemption would allow these 
drivers to use the short-haul exception but return to their work-
reporting location within 14 hours instead of the usual 12 hours.

[[Page 42416]]

FMCSA requests public comment on NAPA's application for exemptions.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before October 10, 2017.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by Federal Docket 
Management System Number FMCSA-2017-0197 by any of the following 
methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov. See the 
Public Participation and Request for Comments section below for further 
information.
     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. 
E.T., 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 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: For information concerning this 
notice, please contact Mr. Tom Yager, Chief, FMCSA Driver and Carrier 
Operations Division; 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-2017-0197), 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-2017-0197'' 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 certain Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations 
(FMCSRs). 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 safety analyses and public comments submitted, 
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 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 (up to 5 
years) and explain the terms and conditions of the exemption. The 
exemption may be renewed (49 CFR 381.300(b)).

III. Request for Exemption

    NAPA seeks exemptions for all drivers of member companies 
transporting asphalt and related materials and equipment from the HOS 
30-minute rest break provision in 49 CFR 395.3(a)(3)(ii) and the 
restriction of the RODS exception for short-haul operations to drivers 
who return to their normal work-reporting location within 12 hours [49 
CFR 395.1(e)(1)(ii)(A)].
    The first exemption from the HOS rest break provision, if granted, 
would enable drivers engaged in the transportation of asphalt and 
related materials to use 30 minutes or more of on-duty ``waiting time'' 
to satisfy the requirement for the 30-minute rest break, provided they 
do not perform any other work during the break. According to NAPA, 
asphalt is a highly perishable product. It is loaded into the delivery 
truck at 280-300 degrees Fahrenheit and begins to cool immediately. If 
the asphalt is not delivered and placed on the paving site within two 
hours, the product hardens and is no longer vicous enough to be 
useable. Drivers of asphalt delivery vehicles typically drive 
approximately one-third of their workday; the rest of their day is 
spent waiting to load or unload their vehicles and in other non-driving 
duties such as paperwork and cleaning their trucks after each load.
    The second exemption, if granted, would allow these same drivers to 
use the short-haul RODS exception but with a 14-hour duty period 
instead of 12 hours. NAPA advises that while some short-haul drivers 
will be able to take advantange of the exception from the 30-minute 
break, other drivers are often required to be on duty more than 12 
hours in a day and therefore are not eligible to use the short-haul 
exception.
    NAPA mentioned that drivers of ready-mixed concrete delivery 
vehicles were granted an exemption from the minimum 30-minute rest 
break provision.\1\ NAPA states that ``the same

[[Page 42417]]

reasoning supporting the exemptions from the 30-minute break time rule 
and allowing a 14-hour daily on duty-period for drivers of ready-mixed 
concrete vehicles applies to drivers engaged in the transportation of 
asphalt and related materials and equipment. Both are perishable 
products that are not useable if they are not dropped and spread within 
a brief delivery window. Because of this short delivery window, the 
routes from the production facility to the delivery site for both 
products are limited to less than 40 miles, and the time spent actually 
driving a CMV is typically only a few hours per day. Thus in both 
cases, the drivers do not face the same fatigue factors as drivers of 
long-haul trucks, and therefore do not pose the same risk of a fatigue-
related accident as long-haul drivers.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ More precisely, section 5521 of the Fixing America's Surface 
Transportation (FAST) Act, exempts a ``driver of a ready mixed 
concrete delivery vehicle'' from all of the normal hours-of-service 
regulations, including the 30-minute break rule, who operates within 
a 100 air-mile radius of his/her normal work reporting location and 
meets certain other requirements [Pub. L. 114-94, 129 Stat. 1312, 
1559, Dec. 4, 2015, codified at 49 U.S.C. 31502(f)]. In addition, 
FMCSA granted drivers of ready mixed concrete trucks an exemption 
from the 30-minute break requirement [80 FR 17819, April 2, 2015], 
which section 5206(b)(1)(A) of the FAST Act made into permanent law 
[129 Stat. 1312, 1537].
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    NAPA requests that the operation of certain vehicles and equipment 
(Water Truck, Tack (tar) Distributor, Equipment Hauler and Pick-Sweeper 
(Street Sweeper)) be included in the definition of ``transportation of 
asphalt and related materials and equipment'' for purposes of these 
exemptions.
    NAPA states in its application that drivers would remain subject to 
the HOS regulations and would receive sufficient rest due to the nature 
of their operations that limit driving to an average of six to seven 
hours per day or less during the paving season. NAPA believes that 
granting these exemptions would achieve the same level of safety 
provided by the two HOS rules. The requested exemptions are for 5 years 
with renewals. A copy of NAPA's application for exemptions is available 
for review in the docket for this notice.

    Issued on: August 30, 2017.
 Larry W. Minor,
 Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2017-18985 Filed 9-6-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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