Commercial Driver's License Standards: Application for Exemption Renewal; CRST The Transportation Solution (Formerly Known as CRST Expedited, Inc.), 42055-42056 [2024-10540]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 94 / Tuesday, May 14, 2024 / Notices allowed to participate in the SDAP Program. Motor carriers who are already participating in the SDAP Program will no longer be required to use inward facing cameras, or to maintain their approved Registered Apprenticeship program. Motor carriers may, voluntarily, decide to install or use inward facing cameras, or become an approved Registered Apprenticeship. They may choose to include safety alerts from inward facing cameras as part of their monthly data submissions. However, they will not be required to do so, even if they choose to use inward facing cameras. Motor Carrier Applications Available FMCSA is accepting applications from motor carriers for the pilot program. Links for the application, which has been revised to conform with the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, are available on the Agency’s website at www.fmcsa.dot.gov. FMCSA will, proactively, reach out to motor carriers who previously submitted applications but were missing Registered Apprenticeship numbers to determine whether the motor carriers are still interested in participating in the SDAP Program. All other motor carrier requirements remain unchanged from the notice published on January 14, 2022 (87 FR 2477). I. Public Participation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of final exemption renewal; renewal of exemption. Viewing Comments and Documents To view comments, go to www.regulations.gov, insert the docket number ‘‘FMCSA–2015–0480’’ in the keyword box, and click ‘‘Search.’’ Next, sort the results by ‘‘Posted (NewerOlder),’’ choose the first notice listed, and click ‘‘Browse Comments.’’ To view documents mentioned in this notice as being available in the docket, go to www.regulations.gov, insert the docket number ‘‘FMCSA–2015–0480’’ in the keyword box, click ‘‘Search,’’ and choose the document to review. If you do not have access to the internet, you may view the docket online by visiting Dockets Operations on the ground floor of the DOT West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. To be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202) 366–9317 or (202) 366–9826 before visiting Dockets Operations. FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemption currently held by CRST The Transportation Solution (CRST) (formerly known as CRST Expedited, Inc.) from the requirement that a II. Legal Basis FMCSA has authority under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b)(2), and 49 CFR 381.300(b), to renew an exemption from the FMCSA regulations specified in 49 CFR 381.300(c) for up to 5 years, if it Sue Lawless, Acting Deputy Administrator. [FR Doc. 2024–10538 Filed 5–13–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2015–0480] Commercial Driver’s License Standards: Application for Exemption Renewal; CRST The Transportation Solution (Formerly Known as CRST Expedited, Inc.) AGENCY: khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES commercial driver’s license (CDL) holder with the proper CDL class and endorsements be seated in the front seat of the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) at all times while the commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holder is engaged in behind-the-wheel training on public roads or highways. FMCSA announced its decision to provisionally renew CRST’s exemption on August 7, 2023, pending a review of any comments received in response to that notice. Two comments opposing the exemption were submitted to the docket and are discussed below. The Agency believes that CRST and its drivers covered by the exemption will maintain a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety that would be achieved by complying with the regulatory requirement. DATES: This renewed exemption was effective September 24, 2023, and expires on September 24, 2028. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mrs. Pearlie Robinson, Driver and Carrier Operations Division; Office of Carrier, Driver and Vehicle Safety Standards, FMCSA; 202–366–4225; pearlie.robinson@dot.gov. If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, contact Dockets Operations, (202) 366–9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:01 May 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 PO 00000 Frm 00131 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 42055 finds that ‘‘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.’’ (49 U.S.C. 31315(b)(1)). On August 7, 2023, FMCSA evaluated CRST’s application and provisionally renewed the exemption from 49 CFR 383.25(a)(1) for a five-year period, from September 24, 2023, through September 24, 2028 (88 FR 52241). III. Background Current Regulatory Requirements FMCSA’s CDL regulations in 49 CFR 383.25 establish minimum requirements for a CLP to be considered a valid CDL during behind-the-wheel training of a CLP holder on public roads or highways. Section 383.25(a)(1) requires a CDL holder with the proper CDL class and endorsements necessary to operate the CMV to accompany a CLP holder and be physically present in the front seat of the CMV next to the CLP holder at all times or, in a commercial passenger vehicle, directly behind or in the front row behind the driver and must have the CLP holder under observation and direct supervision. IV. Application for Renewal of Exemption CRST requested a second renewal of an exemption from the CDL requirements in 49 CFR 383.25(a)(1). Under the exemption, a CLP holder who has passed the skills test but not yet received the CDL document may drive a CMV accompanied by a CDL holder who is not necessarily in the passenger seat, provided the CLP driver possesses documentation of passing the skills test from the State that administered the test. V. Public Comments On August 7, 2023, FMCSA published its decision to provisionally grant a fiveyear renewal of CRST’s original exemption, through September 24, 2028, and asked for public comment (88 FR 52241). Two comments were submitted to the docket, both opposed to the exemption renewal. An anonymous individual said, ‘‘Do not allow rookie drivers on the road. This is killing and injuring many people. Inside Edition did a report on the increase of trucking deaths from drivers without much experience. CRST wants to make money without any accountability on the experience level of their drivers. When will our government put people over profits?’’ A joint comment was filed by the Truck Safety Coalition, Citizens for Reliable and Safe Highways, and E:\FR\FM\14MYN1.SGM 14MYN1 42056 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 94 / Tuesday, May 14, 2024 / Notices Parents Against Tired Truckers. In the joint comment, the organizations contended that CRST has never demonstrated that the exemption met the equivalent level of safety requirements under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b)(2) and therefore the exemption should never have been granted. The commenters also asserted that the exemption undermines the safety benefits provided by the direct supervision of a CDL holder and, moreover, that CRST’s publicly available safety and inspection data ‘‘does not inspire confidence.’’ khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES VI. Response to Public Comments and Agency Decision The main premise of commenters opposing the exemption is that CLP holders lack experience and are safer drivers when directly observed by a CDL holder who is on duty and in the front seat of the vehicle. FMCSA notes, however, that CLP holders who have passed the CDL skills test have demonstrated their abilities to safely operate the CMV. The exemption therefore applies only to CRST drivers who have completed required entrylevel driver training requirements, set forth in 49 CFR part 380, subpart F, and passed the CDL skills test. If these CLP holders had passed the skills test in their State of domicile, they could immediately obtain their CDL or temporary CDL and begin driving CMVs without any on-board supervision. Drivers who have passed the CDL skills test outside their State of domicile must obtain the physical CDL credential from their State of domicile. The exemption permits these individuals who are employed by CRST to work productively as team CMV drivers during the period between passing the skills test and receiving their CDL, without requiring the accompanying CDL holders to be on duty and in the front seat. In response to the comment regarding CRST’s safety record, the Agency believes that CRST’s overall safety performance, as reflected in its ‘‘satisfactory’’ safety rating, will enable it to maintain a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety achieved without the exemption (49 CFR 381.305(a)). The specific basis for the Agency’s conclusions on the safety equivalence of operations conducted under this exemption are set forth in FMCSA’s VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:01 May 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 August 7, 2023, provisional renewal Notice, referenced above. Sue Lawless, Acting Deputy Administrator. [FR Doc. 2024–10540 Filed 5–13–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service Proposed Collection; Requesting Comments on Form 3115 Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: The Internal Revenue Service, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The IRS is soliciting comments concerning Form 3115, Application for Change in Accounting Method. DATES: Written comments should be received on or before July 15, 2024 to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Andres Garcia, Internal Revenue Service, Room 6526, 1111 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20224, or by email to pra.comments@irs.gov. Include OMB Control Number 1545– 2070 in the subject line of the message. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of this collection should be directed to Sara Covington, (202) 317– 5744, at Internal Revenue Service, Room 6526, 1111 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20224, or through the internet at sara.l.covington@irs.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The IRS is currently seeking comments concerning the following information collection tools, reporting, and record-keeping requirements: Title: Form 3115, Application for Change in Accounting Method. OMB Number: 1545–2070. Form Number: Form 3115. Abstract: Internal Revenue Code (IRC) section 446(e) provides that a taxpaying entity that changes its method of accounting for computing taxable income must first secure the consent of the Secretary. The taxpayer uses Form 3115 to obtain this consent. Current Actions: There are no changes being made to the form at this time. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00132 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection. Affected Public: Estates, trusts, and not-for-profit institutions. Estimated Number of Responses: 183. Estimated Time per Respondent: 99.99 hours. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 18,298. The following paragraph applies to all of the collections of information covered by this notice: An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a valid OMB control number. Books or records relating to a collection of information must be retained as long as their contents may become material in the administration of any internal revenue law. Generally, tax returns and tax return information are confidential, as required by 26 U.S.C. 6103. Request for Comments: Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and (e) estimates of capital or start-up costs and costs of operation, maintenance, and purchase of services to provide information. Approved: May 8, 2024. Sara L. Covington, IRS Tax Analyst. [FR Doc. 2024–10486 Filed 5–13–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4830–01–P DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS [OMB Control No. 2900–0798] Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review: Veteran/ Beneficiary Claim for Reimbursement of Travel Expenses Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: E:\FR\FM\14MYN1.SGM 14MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 94 (Tuesday, May 14, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42055-42056]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-10540]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2015-0480]


Commercial Driver's License Standards: Application for Exemption 
Renewal; CRST The Transportation Solution (Formerly Known as CRST 
Expedited, Inc.)

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

ACTION: Notice of final exemption renewal; renewal of exemption.

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

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemption currently 
held by CRST The Transportation Solution (CRST) (formerly known as CRST 
Expedited, Inc.) from the requirement that a commercial driver's 
license (CDL) holder with the proper CDL class and endorsements be 
seated in the front seat of the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) at all 
times while the commercial learner's permit (CLP) holder is engaged in 
behind-the-wheel training on public roads or highways. FMCSA announced 
its decision to provisionally renew CRST's exemption on August 7, 2023, 
pending a review of any comments received in response to that notice. 
Two comments opposing the exemption were submitted to the docket and 
are discussed below. The Agency believes that CRST and its drivers 
covered by the exemption will maintain a level of safety that is 
equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety that would be 
achieved by complying with the regulatory requirement.

DATES: This renewed exemption was effective September 24, 2023, and 
expires on September 24, 2028.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mrs. Pearlie Robinson, Driver and 
Carrier Operations Division; Office of Carrier, Driver and Vehicle 
Safety Standards, FMCSA; 202-366-4225; [email protected]. If you 
have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, contact 
Dockets Operations, (202) 366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Public Participation

Viewing Comments and Documents

    To view comments, go to www.regulations.gov, insert the docket 
number ``FMCSA-2015-0480'' in the keyword box, and click ``Search.'' 
Next, sort the results by ``Posted (Newer-Older),'' choose the first 
notice listed, and click ``Browse Comments.''
    To view documents mentioned in this notice as being available in 
the docket, go to www.regulations.gov, insert the docket number 
``FMCSA-2015-0480'' in the keyword box, click ``Search,'' and choose 
the document to review.
    If you do not have access to the internet, you may view the docket 
online by visiting Dockets Operations on the ground floor of the DOT 
West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, between 
9 a.m. and 5 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. 
To be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202) 366-9317 or 
(202) 366-9826 before visiting Dockets Operations.

II. Legal Basis

    FMCSA has authority under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b)(2), and 
49 CFR 381.300(b), to renew an exemption from the FMCSA regulations 
specified in 49 CFR 381.300(c) for up to 5 years, if it finds that 
``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.'' (49 U.S.C. 31315(b)(1)). On August 7, 2023, FMCSA 
evaluated CRST's application and provisionally renewed the exemption 
from 49 CFR 383.25(a)(1) for a five-year period, from September 24, 
2023, through September 24, 2028 (88 FR 52241).

III. Background

Current Regulatory Requirements

    FMCSA's CDL regulations in 49 CFR 383.25 establish minimum 
requirements for a CLP to be considered a valid CDL during behind-the-
wheel training of a CLP holder on public roads or highways. Section 
383.25(a)(1) requires a CDL holder with the proper CDL class and 
endorsements necessary to operate the CMV to accompany a CLP holder and 
be physically present in the front seat of the CMV next to the CLP 
holder at all times or, in a commercial passenger vehicle, directly 
behind or in the front row behind the driver and must have the CLP 
holder under observation and direct supervision.

IV. Application for Renewal of Exemption

    CRST requested a second renewal of an exemption from the CDL 
requirements in 49 CFR 383.25(a)(1). Under the exemption, a CLP holder 
who has passed the skills test but not yet received the CDL document 
may drive a CMV accompanied by a CDL holder who is not necessarily in 
the passenger seat, provided the CLP driver possesses documentation of 
passing the skills test from the State that administered the test.

V. Public Comments

    On August 7, 2023, FMCSA published its decision to provisionally 
grant a five-year renewal of CRST's original exemption, through 
September 24, 2028, and asked for public comment (88 FR 52241). Two 
comments were submitted to the docket, both opposed to the exemption 
renewal.
    An anonymous individual said, ``Do not allow rookie drivers on the 
road. This is killing and injuring many people. Inside Edition did a 
report on the increase of trucking deaths from drivers without much 
experience. CRST wants to make money without any accountability on the 
experience level of their drivers. When will our government put people 
over profits?''
    A joint comment was filed by the Truck Safety Coalition, Citizens 
for Reliable and Safe Highways, and

[[Page 42056]]

Parents Against Tired Truckers. In the joint comment, the organizations 
contended that CRST has never demonstrated that the exemption met the 
equivalent level of safety requirements under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 
31315(b)(2) and therefore the exemption should never have been granted. 
The commenters also asserted that the exemption undermines the safety 
benefits provided by the direct supervision of a CDL holder and, 
moreover, that CRST's publicly available safety and inspection data 
``does not inspire confidence.''

VI. Response to Public Comments and Agency Decision

    The main premise of commenters opposing the exemption is that CLP 
holders lack experience and are safer drivers when directly observed by 
a CDL holder who is on duty and in the front seat of the vehicle. FMCSA 
notes, however, that CLP holders who have passed the CDL skills test 
have demonstrated their abilities to safely operate the CMV. The 
exemption therefore applies only to CRST drivers who have completed 
required entry-level driver training requirements, set forth in 49 CFR 
part 380, subpart F, and passed the CDL skills test. If these CLP 
holders had passed the skills test in their State of domicile, they 
could immediately obtain their CDL or temporary CDL and begin driving 
CMVs without any on-board supervision. Drivers who have passed the CDL 
skills test outside their State of domicile must obtain the physical 
CDL credential from their State of domicile. The exemption permits 
these individuals who are employed by CRST to work productively as team 
CMV drivers during the period between passing the skills test and 
receiving their CDL, without requiring the accompanying CDL holders to 
be on duty and in the front seat.
    In response to the comment regarding CRST's safety record, the 
Agency believes that CRST's overall safety performance, as reflected in 
its ``satisfactory'' safety rating, will enable it to maintain a level 
of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety 
achieved without the exemption (49 CFR 381.305(a)). The specific basis 
for the Agency's conclusions on the safety equivalence of operations 
conducted under this exemption are set forth in FMCSA's August 7, 2023, 
provisional renewal Notice, referenced above.

Sue Lawless,
Acting Deputy Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2024-10540 Filed 5-13-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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