New bill proposed for watching trucking hours

Unfortunately, stressed-out truckers sometimes resort to altering their log sheets so they can haul freight for longer periods of time than legally allowed. However, a new bill proposed by The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is hoping to cut down on this practice by having a requirement for technology in a truck that will monitor a driver's hours electronically, reports Transportation and Logistics.

If this bill is passed, trucks would have to be equipped with small devices that track the hours driven by truckers, or companies could face fines of up to $11,000.

Officials who are opposed to the bill say they worry the financial burden will be too big on smaller trucking companies. They also are doubtful of the actual effect on trucking safety.
Joe Rajkovacz, member of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, is against the bill and sees it as an unnecessary addition for fleet management owners.

"The number of fatalities that include hours of service abuse is about as close to nonexistent as you can get," he told the news source.

According to the organization's website, the DOT has been regulating the well-being of truck drivers on the road since 1967. They strive toward ensuring the safety of everyone who uses motor vehicles, from big rigs to scooters.

New bill proposed for watching trucking hours

Friday, July 1st, 2011