Fireworks Association Requests HOS Exemption Renewal
The American Pyrotechnics Association has applied for an HOS exemption renewal.
According to the FMCSA’s Federal Register, the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA) has filed for a renewal “for 50 APA member-companies of its exemption from FMCSA’s regulation prohibiting drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) from driving after the 14th hour after coming on duty, and the expansion of its exemption to 5 additional carriers.”
The exemption would apply to 55 APA-member carries who haul fireworks during the Independence Day season.
The exemption would be effective during the holiday season, from June 28 to July 8, 2015 and June 29-July 8, 2016.
During those periods, APA-member carrier drivers would be be allowed to exclude off-duty and sleeper-berth time from the 14-hour driving period.
“These drivers would not be allowed to drive after accumulating a total of 14 hours of on-duty time, following 10 consecutive hours off duty, and would continue to be subject to the 11- hour driving time limit, and the 60- and 70-hour on-duty limits,” the renewal request states.
The FMCSA is seeking public comment on the exemption.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by Federal Docket Management System Number FMCSA– 2007–28043 by any of the following methods:
- Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to www.regulations.gov. In the ENTER KEYWORD OR ID box enter FMCSA– 2007–28043 and click on the tab labeled SEARCH. On the ensuing page, click on any tab labeled SUBMIT A COMMENT on the extreme right of the page and a page should open that is titled ‘‘Submit a Comment.’’ You may identify yourself under section 1, ENTER INFORMATION, or you may skip section 1 and remain anonymous. You enter your comments in section 2, TYPE COMMENT & UPLOAD FILE. When you are ready to submit your comments, click on the tab labeled SUBMIT. Your comment is then submitted to the docket; and you will receive a tracking number.
- Fax: 1–202–493–2251.
- 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: West Building, Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Instructions: All submissions must include the Agency name and docket number. For detailed instructions on submitting comments and additional information on the exemption process, see the Public Participation heading below. Note that all comments received will be posted without change to www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided.