Department of Transportation March 6, 2019 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

FMCSA amends the entry-level driver training (ELDT) regulations published on December 8, 2016, titled ``Minimum Training Requirements for Entry-Level Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators'' (ELDT final rule), by adopting a new Class A CDL theory instruction upgrade curriculum to reduce the training time and costs incurred by Class B commercial driver's license (CDL) holders upgrading to a Class A CDL. This final rule does not change the regulatory text proposed in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). The Agency believes that this modest change in the Class A theory training requirements for Class B CDL holders upgrading to a Class A CDL maintains the same level of safety established by the ELDT final rule, and the regulatory burden reduction will result in annualized cost savings of $18 million.

PHMSA issues this interim final rule (IFR) to revise the Hazardous Materials Regulations for lithium cells and batteries transported by aircraft. This IFR prohibits the transport of lithium ion cells and batteries as cargo on passenger aircraft; requires lithium ion cells and batteries to be shipped at not more than a 30 percent state of charge aboard cargo-only aircraft when not packed with or contained in equipment; and limits the use of alternative provisions for small lithium cell or battery shipments to one package per consignment. This IFR does not restrict passengers or crew members from bringing personal items or electronic devices containing lithium cells or batteries aboard aircraft, or restrict cargo-only aircraft from transporting lithium ion cells or batteries at a state of charge exceeding 30 percent when packed with or contained in equipment or devices.