Lawsuits challenge FMCSA meal and rest break pre-emption

LLN (2/14/19) – Lawsuits are challenging FMCSA’s decision to pre-empt California’s meal and rest break requirements. Also, what the top 10 bottlenecks nationwide are. An online class prepares food haulers for new rules. States discuss vehicles hanging out in the left-lane. CVSA has issued guidance about rear impact guards. And OOIDA discusses trucking issues with congressional offices.

0:00-9:41 – Newscast

9:41-24:25 – Meal and rest breaks; Top 10 bottlenecks; food hauler class

24:25-39:22 – Left-lane restrictions

39:22-49:08 – CVSA rear impact guard guidance; congressional meetings

Segment 2

Several different lawsuits are underway challenging the FMCSA’s decision to pre-empt California’s meal and rest break requirements. Terry Scruton covers that – plus the top 10 bottlenecks nationwide and a class for food haulers – with Jay Grimes of OOIDA’s Washington, D.C., office.

• Read up on the meal and rest break issue:
  • FMCSA grants ATA petition to pre-empt California’s meal and rest break rules.
  • OOIDA files comments on ATA’s California meal and rest break petition.
  • FMCSA faces another challenge for its decision to pre-empt California break laws.
  • Teamsters challenge FMCSA’s decision to pre-empt California break laws.
  • Democrats urge DOT to reject ATA’s petition against California meal, rest breaks.
• Check out Land Line Magazine’s coverage of the bottleneck story:
  • New Jersey intersection ranks as worst truck bottleneck in the nation.
  • ATRI releases 2018 list of worst bottlenecks.
• For more on the class for food haulers:
  • OOIDA offers FDA-compliant training for food carriers and drivers.
  • Sign up for the class at OOIDAOnlineEducation.com.
• View OOIDA’s complete guide to Regulatory Issues.
• If you have questions you would like answered you can call our Listener Comment Line at 800-324-6856.

Segment 3

Officials in several states are taking aim at trucks and other vehicles hanging out in the left-lane of interstates and other highways. Mary McKenna gets the details from our state legislative experts, Mike Matousek and Keith Goble. Also, Mary will join me with information about upcoming truck shows on the Land Line Now Industry Calendar.

• To read about legislation in a particular state, visit the OOIDA Legislative page.
• Check out Land Line Magazine’s recent coverage of the left-lane issue:
  • Connecticut bill tightens rule on left lane use.
  • South Carolina bill intended to deter hanging out in left lane.

Segment 4

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, or CVSA, has issued some guidance to law enforcement nationwide about rear impact guards. Mark Reddig covers that – plus some recent meetings with Congressional offices – with OOIDA Director of Safety And Security Operations Doug Morris.

• It’s never too late to share your views with lawmakers. You can do that at FightingForTruckers.com.
• To call members of Congress, dial 202-224-3121.
• Read OOIDA’s Guide to Contacting Lawmakers.
• Learn more about the underride guard issue from Land Line Magazine:
  • IIHS: All top trailer manufacturers have sufficient underride protection.
  • Appellate court rules trailer manufacturer not liable for side underride crash.
  • OOIDA pens letter to Senate opposing underride guard bill.
  • Bipartisan bills in House, Senate will require underride guards on trucks and trailers.