Hours of service proposal may increase transportation costs by 20 percent for some retailers

The National Retail Federation (NRF) recently announced that the proposal that limits the number of hours truck drivers are allowed to operate each day may increase costs for business and consumers.

Officials said that the these proposals may also undermine the intended safety measures by putting more trucks on the road during high traffic hours.

"As a result of the current 11-hour daily driving limit, U.S. retailers have been able to achieve significant efficiencies within their supply chains and distribution networks," said David French, NRF senior vice president for government relations.

Officials noted that any change to the daily limit may upset balance and efficiencies that have been achieved. The proposals may increase transportation costs from 3 percent to 20 percent depending on a specific retailer's supply chain network.

Supporters of the proposal said that the new plans would result in fewer fatigued drivers on the road, which could reduce accidents and promote trucking safety.

Companies can enroll their operators into online truck driving regulation training to help them meet new CSA 2010 compliance standards, which include the proposed hours-of-service.

By Anna Byrne

Hours of service proposal may increase transportation costs by 20 percent for some retailers

Monday, March 7th, 2011