Hours of service bad for your health

June 7, 2019

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LLN (6/7/19) – A doctor who has significant experience with truckers says the Hours of Service is harming their health. Also, the latest statistics from FMCSA show fatigue is not such a big deal, among other things. Meanwhile, if a broker doesn’t pay, you have to get your money by other means. Jon Osburn has a new truck at a new place, but hearing about long-standing issues. And the FMCSA is finally taking a serious look at detention time.

0:00-9:57 – Newscast

9:57-24:42 – Hours of service and health

24:42-39:40 – Crash statistics; Spirit update; broker bonds

39:40-49:24 – Detention time; hours of service

Segment 1

Newscast

  • The hours of service changes expected today have been delayed. Read more here: FMCSA’s hours-of-service proposal misses June 7 target date.
  • Truckers have until Monday to comment on a request by the American Bus Association to add bus drivers to those exempt from California’s meal and rest break rules.
  • Monday, FMCSA will officially publish an information request seeking specific information about detention time, including the impact of delays at the docks on highway safety. In addition, the agency is seeking sources of reliable date on detention, technology that could track it, and what amount of time is reasonable for loading or unloading, among other issues. Truckers will have 90 days to comment.
  • FMCSA is requesting information on driver qualification files. While the amount of time spent per file is unchanged, the increased number of drivers nationwide has pushed up the time spent on the paperwork by about 2 million hours annually. FMCSA is asking if the information is needed for the agency to perform its functions and if it could be improved. You can comment online at Regulations.gov, docket number FMCSA-2019-0102.
  • OOIDA has recognized Hamed J. Diab of Port Orange, Fla., for 41 years of safe, accident-free driving. Learn more about the OOIDA Safe Driving Award Program.

Segment 2

A doctor who has significant experience with truckers says the hours of service is harming their health. Mark Reddig talks with Dr. John McElligott, medical director of the St. Christopher Fund.

  • You can find out more about the St. Christopher Fund at TruckersFund.org.
  • See what other medical solutions Dr. John offers at DocJMd.com.
  • If you have questions about medical certification you can call OOIDA’s Compliance office at 816-229-5791.

Segment 3

The latest statistics from FMCSA show fatigue is not such a big deal, among other things. Andrew King of the OOIDA Foundation will offer a run down.

If a broker doesn’t pay, you have to get your money by other means. Adam Kleinschmidt of the Association’s Business Services Department has some advice.

  • Be sure to check out OOIDA Compliance Connection online.
  • You can find out more about what OOIDA’s Business Assistance department does here.
  • And you can contact them at 816-229-5791.

Jon Osburn has a new truck at a new place, but hearing about long-standing issues. Mark Reddig talks with the man who drives the Spirit of the American Trucker.

  • Starting Saturday, Jon Osburn and OOIDA’s tour truck, the Spirit of the American Trucker, will be at the TA in Missoula, Mont. That’s located at Exit 96 on Interstate 90. Stop in, say hi to Jon and Sassi, and join OOIDA for a $10 discount. See the full Spirit Schedule.
  • Read the latest Spirit report: It is Montana mountain time for The Spirit.

Segment 4

The FMCSA is finally taking a serious look at detention time. Mark Reddig covers that, and get an update on the hours of service, from Jay Grimes of OOIDA’s Washington, D.C., office.