Hours of Service of Drivers: Electronic Logging Devices; Application for Exemption; Old Dominion and Other Motor Carriers Experiencing Problems Integrating PeopleNet ELD System Updates Into Their Fleet Management Systems, 4548-4550 [2018-01939]

Download as PDF 4548 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 21 / Wednesday, January 31, 2018 / Notices Issued on: January 24, 2018. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2018–01934 Filed 1–30–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA 2015–0118] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of final disposition. AGENCY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for three individuals from the requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) that interstate commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers have ‘‘no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition which is likely to cause loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control a CMV.’’ The exemptions enable these individuals who have had one or more seizures and are taking anti-seizure medication to continue to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. DATES: The exemptions were applicable on October 22, 2017. The exemptions expire on October 22, 2019. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Christine A. Hydock, Chief, Medical Programs Division, (202) 366–4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA, Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W64–224, Washington, DC 20590–0001. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 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: sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: I. Electronic Access You may see all the comments online through the Federal Document Management System (FDMS) at: https:// www.regulations.gov. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments, go to https:// www.regulations.gov and/or 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., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:36 Jan 30, 2018 Jkt 244001 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 https://www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL–14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at https://www.dot.gov/ privacy. II. Background On November 27, 2017, FMCSA published a notice announcing its decision to renew exemptions for three individuals from the epilepsy and seizure disorders prohibition in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8) to operate a CMV in interstate commerce and requested comments from the public (82 FR 56106). The public comment period ended on December 27, 2017 and zero comments were received. As stated in the previous notice, FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of these applicants and determined that renewing these exemptions would achieve a level of safety equivalent to or greater than the level that would be achieved by complying with the current regulation 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8). The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding epilepsy found in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8) states that a person is physically qualified to drive a CMV if that person has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition which is likely to cause the loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control a CMV. In addition to the regulations, FMCSA has published advisory criteria to assist Medical Examiners in determining whether drivers with certain medical conditions are qualified to operate a CMV in interstate commerce. [49 CFR part 391, APPENDIX A TO PART 391— MEDICAL ADVISORY CRITERIA, section H. Epilepsy: § 391.41(b)(8), paragraphs 3, 4, and 5.] III. Discussion of Comments FMCSA received zero comments in this preceding. IV. Conclusion Based upon its evaluation of the three renewal exemption applications, FMCSA announces its’ decision to exempt the following drivers from the epilepsy and seizure disorders prohibition in 49 CFR 391.41 (b)(8): Joshua Abel, (MD); Jeremy H. Fryburg, (PA); and Anthony E. Martens, (SD). The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA–2015–0118. Their exemptions are applicable as of October PO 00000 Frm 00086 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 22, 2017, and will expire on October 22, 2019. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315, each exemption will be valid for two years from the effective date unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. The exemption will be revoked if the following occurs: (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 prior to being granted; or (3) continuation of the exemption would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136 and 31315. Issued on: January 25, 2018. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2018–01935 Filed 1–30–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2018–0002] Hours of Service of Drivers: Electronic Logging Devices; Application for Exemption; Old Dominion and Other Motor Carriers Experiencing Problems Integrating PeopleNet ELD System Updates Into Their Fleet Management Systems Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of application for exemption; request for comments. AGENCY: FMCSA announces that Old Dominion Freight Line Inc. (Old Dominion) has requested an exemption from the electronic logging device (ELD) requirements. Old Dominion request this exemption to allow the company to install ELD devices running on automatic on-board recording device (AOBRD) software in commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) added to the company’s fleet for up to one year from the December 18, 2017, ELD mandate compliance date. If granted, this modified ELD phase-in period will allow Old Dominion’s AORBD/ELD provider, PeopleNet, to complete the development of the software necessary to integrate ELD data with the company’s fleet management and safety systems to fully meet the ELD mandate. FMCSA considers the request to be on behalf of all motor carriers in similar situations concerning the integration of PeopleNet’s ELD software into fleet management systems. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\31JAN1.SGM 31JAN1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 21 / Wednesday, January 31, 2018 / Notices Comments must be received on or before March 2, 2018. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) Number FMCSA–2018–0002 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., 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, contact Mr. Tom 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: sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES DATES: I. Public Participation and Request for Comments FMCSA encourages you to participate by submitting comments and related materials. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:36 Jan 30, 2018 Jkt 244001 Submitting Comments If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this notice (FMCSA–2018–0002), 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 comments online, go to www.regulations.gov and put the docket number, ‘‘FMCSA–2018–0002’’ 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, 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 parts of the 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, PO 00000 Frm 00087 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 4549 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. Background Old Dominion, USDOT 90849, reports that it is an interstate motor carrier based in North Carolina with 228 Service Centers located throughout the country. Its operations cover the entire continental United States. The company is one of the largest less-than-truckload carriers in the country, operating a fleet of more than 8,500 power units and employing more than 10,100 CMV drivers. Old Dominion began equipping its vehicles with PeopleNet AOBRDs in 2010, and by 2011 the entire fleet was equipped with devices which meet the requirements of 49 CFR 395.15. Data from the AOBRDs feed directly into the company’s fleet management and safety systems, enabling its dispatchers to know precisely where each of its drivers is at any given time and how many hours he/she has available under the Federal hours-of-service rules. This functionality is not required by the AOBRD rules under 49 CFR 395.15 or the ELD requirements under Subpart B of 49 CFR art 395. Currently, the PeopleNet AOBRD software allows carriers to configure certain specifications. If the settings were not adjustable, the PeopleNet AOBRD would be similar to, but not identical to the FMCSA’s ELD technical specifications. Old Dominion has configured its settings in the PeopleNet AOBRDs it uses. However, certain AOBRD software changes must be made by PeopleNet, including: • Disabling the ‘‘skip feature;’’ • Limiting the auto-duty status change threshold to 5 miles; and • Limiting geo-fencing of yard time to 0.5 miles. When these changes are fully implemented, the PeopleNet system used by Old Dominion would meet the ELD requirements according to Old Dominion. IV. Request for Exemption Old Dominion is requesting a oneyear exemption to permit the company to install and use ELD hours-of-service recording devices (i.e., hardware) running PeopleNet’s AOBRD software that meets the requirements of 49 CFR 395.15, rather than ELD software that meets the requirements of subpart B to E:\FR\FM\31JAN1.SGM 31JAN1 4550 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 21 / Wednesday, January 31, 2018 / Notices part 395, for any truck added to its fleet on or after December 18, 2017, until the company’s full transition to ELDs can be accomplished. Old Dominion explained that the exemption would provide the company time to work with its AOBRD/ ELD provider, PeopleNet, to complete the development of the software necessary to integrate ELD data with Old Dominion’s fleet management and safety systems. The integration of the hours-of-service data with the fleet management and safety systems would enable the company to achieve a high level of safety oversight of its drivers. FMCSA considers the request to be on behalf of all motor carriers in similar situations concerning the integration of PeopleNet’s ELD software into fleet management systems. Old Dominion explained that all of the PeopleNet AOBRD and ELD hardware currently installed in Old Dominion’s vehicles, and the systems that will be installed in the near future, would satisfy the ELD mandate after the company implements the transition to PeopleNet’s December 15, 2017, release. However, the new PeopleNet release does not include the necessary means to integrate into Old Dominion’s fleet management and safety software. A copy of Old Dominion’s application for exemption is available for review in the docket for this notice. Issued on: January 23, 2018. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2018–01939 Filed 1–30–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket Nos. FMCSA–2010–0203; FMCSA– 2011–0389; FMCSA–2012–0050; FMCSA– 2012–0294; FMCSA–2012–0094; FMCSA– 2014–0382; FMCSA–2015–0116; FMCSA– 2015–0117] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of final disposition. AGENCY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 10 individuals from the requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) that interstate commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers have ‘‘no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition which is likely sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:36 Jan 30, 2018 Jkt 244001 to cause loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control a CMV.’’ The exemptions enable these individuals who have had one or more seizures and are taking anti-seizure medication to continue to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. DATES: The exemptions were applicable on August 13, 2017. The exemptions expire on August 13, 2019. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Christine A. Hydock, Chief, Medical Programs Division, (202) 366–4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA, Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W64–224, Washington, DC 20590–0001. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 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: greater than the level that would be achieved by complying with the current regulation 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8). The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding epilepsy found in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8) states that a person is physically qualified to drive a CMV if that person has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition which is likely to cause the loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control a CMV. In addition to the regulations, FMCSA has published advisory criteria to assist Medical Examiners in determining whether drivers with certain medical conditions are qualified to operate a CMV in interstate commerce. [49 CFR part 391, APPENDIX A TO PART 391— MEDICAL ADVISORY CRITERIA, section H. Epilepsy: § 391.41(b)(8), paragraphs 3, 4, and 5.] I. Electronic Access FMCSA received zero comments in this preceding. You may see all the comments online through the Federal Document Management System (FDMS) at: https:// www.regulations.gov. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments, go to https:// www.regulations.gov and/or 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., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. 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 https://www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL–14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at https://www.dot.gov/ privacy. II. Background On November 27, 2017, FMCSA published a notice announcing its decision to renew exemptions for 10 individuals from the epilepsy and seizure disorders prohibition in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8) to operate a CMV in interstate commerce and requested comments from the public (82 FR 56110). The public comment period ended on December 27, 2017 and zero comments were received. As stated in the previous notice, FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of these applicants and determined that renewing these exemptions would achieve a level of safety equivalent to or PO 00000 Frm 00088 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 III. Discussion of Comments IV. Conclusion Based upon its evaluation of the 10 renewal exemption applications, FMCSA announces its decision to exempt the following drivers from the epilepsy and seizure disorders prohibition in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8): Eric J. Barnwell (MI) John W. Boerth (WI) Don C. Darbyshire (IA) Todd A. Davis (WI) Daniel Dellaserra (CA) Charles T. Gray (OK) Eric A. Hilmer (WI) David Kietzman (WI) Dennis Klamm (MN) Brian J. Wiggins (ID) The drivers were included in docket numbers FMCSA–2010–0203; FMCSA– 2011–0389; FMCSA–2012–0050; FMCSA–2012–0294; FMCSA–2012– 0094; FMCSA–2014–0382; FMCSA– 2015–0116; FMCSA–2015–0117. Their exemptions are applicable as of August 13, 2017, and will expire on August 13, 2019. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315, each exemption will be valid for two years from the effective date unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. The exemption will be revoked if the following occurs: (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 prior to being granted; or (3) continuation of the exemption would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136 and 31315. E:\FR\FM\31JAN1.SGM 31JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 21 (Wednesday, January 31, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4548-4550]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-01939]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2018-0002]


Hours of Service of Drivers: Electronic Logging Devices; 
Application for Exemption; Old Dominion and Other Motor Carriers 
Experiencing Problems Integrating PeopleNet ELD System Updates Into 
Their Fleet Management Systems

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

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

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

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces that Old Dominion Freight Line Inc. (Old 
Dominion) has requested an exemption from the electronic logging device 
(ELD) requirements. Old Dominion request this exemption to allow the 
company to install ELD devices running on automatic on-board recording 
device (AOBRD) software in commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) added to 
the company's fleet for up to one year from the December 18, 2017, ELD 
mandate compliance date. If granted, this modified ELD phase-in period 
will allow Old Dominion's AORBD/ELD provider, PeopleNet, to complete 
the development of the software necessary to integrate ELD data with 
the company's fleet management and safety systems to fully meet the ELD 
mandate. FMCSA considers the request to be on behalf of all motor 
carriers in similar situations concerning the integration of 
PeopleNet's ELD software into fleet management systems.

[[Page 4549]]


DATES: Comments must be received on or before March 2, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by Federal Docket 
Management System (FDMS) Number FMCSA-2018-0002 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., 
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, contact Mr. Tom Yager, Chief, FMCSA Driver and Carrier 
Operations Division; Office of Carrier, Driver and Vehicle Safety 
Standards; Telephone: 614-942-6477. Email: [email protected]. 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-2018-0002), 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 comments online, go to www.regulations.gov and put 
the docket number, ``FMCSA-2018-0002'' 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 parts of the 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 and explain 
the terms and conditions of the exemption. The exemption may be renewed 
(49 CFR 381.300(b)).

III. Background

    Old Dominion, USDOT 90849, reports that it is an interstate motor 
carrier based in North Carolina with 228 Service Centers located 
throughout the country. Its operations cover the entire continental 
United States. The company is one of the largest less-than-truckload 
carriers in the country, operating a fleet of more than 8,500 power 
units and employing more than 10,100 CMV drivers.
    Old Dominion began equipping its vehicles with PeopleNet AOBRDs in 
2010, and by 2011 the entire fleet was equipped with devices which meet 
the requirements of 49 CFR 395.15. Data from the AOBRDs feed directly 
into the company's fleet management and safety systems, enabling its 
dispatchers to know precisely where each of its drivers is at any given 
time and how many hours he/she has available under the Federal hours-
of-service rules. This functionality is not required by the AOBRD rules 
under 49 CFR 395.15 or the ELD requirements under Subpart B of 49 CFR 
art 395.
    Currently, the PeopleNet AOBRD software allows carriers to 
configure certain specifications. If the settings were not adjustable, 
the PeopleNet AOBRD would be similar to, but not identical to the 
FMCSA's ELD technical specifications. Old Dominion has configured its 
settings in the PeopleNet AOBRDs it uses. However, certain AOBRD 
software changes must be made by PeopleNet, including:
     Disabling the ``skip feature;''
     Limiting the auto-duty status change threshold to 5 miles; 
and
     Limiting geo-fencing of yard time to 0.5 miles.
    When these changes are fully implemented, the PeopleNet system used 
by Old Dominion would meet the ELD requirements according to Old 
Dominion.

IV. Request for Exemption

    Old Dominion is requesting a one-year exemption to permit the 
company to install and use ELD hours-of-service recording devices 
(i.e., hardware) running PeopleNet's AOBRD software that meets the 
requirements of 49 CFR 395.15, rather than ELD software that meets the 
requirements of subpart B to

[[Page 4550]]

part 395, for any truck added to its fleet on or after December 18, 
2017, until the company's full transition to ELDs can be accomplished. 
Old Dominion explained that the exemption would provide the company 
time to work with its AOBRD/ELD provider, PeopleNet, to complete the 
development of the software necessary to integrate ELD data with Old 
Dominion's fleet management and safety systems. The integration of the 
hours-of-service data with the fleet management and safety systems 
would enable the company to achieve a high level of safety oversight of 
its drivers.
    FMCSA considers the request to be on behalf of all motor carriers 
in similar situations concerning the integration of PeopleNet's ELD 
software into fleet management systems.
    Old Dominion explained that all of the PeopleNet AOBRD and ELD 
hardware currently installed in Old Dominion's vehicles, and the 
systems that will be installed in the near future, would satisfy the 
ELD mandate after the company implements the transition to PeopleNet's 
December 15, 2017, release. However, the new PeopleNet release does not 
include the necessary means to integrate into Old Dominion's fleet 
management and safety software.
    A copy of Old Dominion's application for exemption is available for 
review in the docket for this notice.

    Issued on: January 23, 2018.
 Larry W. Minor,
 Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2018-01939 Filed 1-30-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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