Agency proposes agricultural hours exemption

Updated Jul 21, 2010

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has proposed granting a two-year, limited exemption from hours-of-service regulations for drivers transporting anhydrous ammonia in agricultural operations.

The exemption would apply when hauling from distribution point to farm retailer or to the ultimate consumer, or from a farm retailer to the ultimate consumer if the transportation is within 100 miles of the retail or wholesale distribution point.

This exemption would extend the agricultural operations exemption amended in the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity: A Legacy for Users. That exemption was made for certain drivers and carriers distributing anhydrous ammonia during planting and harvesting seasons.

The agency believes the proposal would achieve safety at least at the level that would occur without the exemption. This exemption would preempt inconsistent state and local requirements applicable to interstate commerce.

Comments must be received by Aug. 13 and identified by Federal Docket Management System No. FMCSA-2010-0230 and may be made:

• Electronically at www.regulations.gov.
• By fax at (202) 493-2251.
• Or by mail to the Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of
Transportation, Room W-12-140, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE, Washington, D.C., 20590-0001.