A Q&A with Santa, and Fleet Manager Mrs Claus, of North Pole Inc
Seven weeks have passed since the initial emergency declaration by the FMCSA on March 13, which granted emergency relief from Parts 390 through 399 of the FMCSRs (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations) to carriers and drivers providing direct assistance to relief efforts related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This was the first of many emergency declarations and regulatory exemptions or waivers by agencies that regulate key components of the logistics and supply chain. Since then, we have seen many updates and innovative resources to help and have highlighted them here. Share this with your networks and stay tuned next week as we continue to provide crucial and helpful updates to you and your business.
OSHA Issues Safety Tips Related to COVID-19
https://www.constructionequipment.com/osha-releases-covid-19-safety-tips?oly_enc_id=6000C8480578C6Z
The US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued an alert providing tips employers can enact to help support and protect their workers from exposure to the coronavirus. Read a synopsis of the tips or click here for the full report from OSHA.
FMCSA Requests Comments on Limitations for Drivers with Drug or Alcohol Violations
With its clearinghouse launched and live – to varying success – the FMCSA hopes to make it easier for states to ban issuing, renewing or upgrading commercial driver’s licenses or permits to drug and alcohol violators. Some issues with the clearinghouse have created loopholes in the system and the FMCSA is seeking comment on alternate proposals that intend to make this process easier to understand and uphold. Read to learn more details on what prompted this request and how to provide your own comments.
Detention and Demurrage Rule Formalized by US Federal Maritime Commission
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) said they would formalize rulemaking aimed to help understand whether imposed demurrage and detention fees really incentivize the retrieval and return of cargo. Under these final interpretive rules, freight processes are expected to increase in fluidity and fairness. The rules are expected to be published in two weeks, so this is a developing situation. Learn more here.
FMCSA, FEMA Distributing Protective Masks for Truck Drivers
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/masks
The FMCA will assist in the distribution of one million facemasks to America’s commercial truck drivers. The masks provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be passed out across Arkansas, California, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, New York and Texas between now and May 15. Get the details of the specific locations they will be distributed here.
Several Organizations Urge Congress to Suspend FET on Heavy Trucks and Trailers
https://www.fleetowner.com/covid-19-coverage/article/21130132/ntea-calls-on-congress-to-suspend-fet
In another developing situation, the NTEA (Association for the Work Truck Industry), has joined the National Auto Dealers Association, American Trucking Association (ATA), and more than 100 other state and local organizations to urge Congress to suspend the 12% federal excise tax (FET) on larger vehicles like heavy trucks and trailers through 2021 as a response the coronavirus pandemic. Read the reasons the group laid out for requesting relief and stay tuned to Teletrac Navman’s social channels for updates.