Concrete pumpers get five-year extension of 30-minute break relief

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A reprieve from the 30-minute hours of service break granted to the American Concrete Pumping Association in 2017 is being extended for five years, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced this week.

The exemption allows all concrete pump operators, concrete pumping companies and drivers who operate concrete pumps in interstate commerce to count on-duty time while attending equipment but performing no other work-related functions toward their 30-minute break.

FMCSA says that while most concrete pumping trucks and drivers operate only intrastate, an unknown number operate in metropolitan areas and cross state lines routinely.

ACPA, in its original request, said the 30-minute break increases dangerous conditions on job sites because it requires the concrete pumps to shut down for the break, which could allow air to enter the pipes and cause the pipes to whip around and hit a pump operator.

The renewal extends the exemption through March 17, 2024.

In addition to the 30-minute break reprieve, FMCSA in 2018 also granted ACPA a break from the 12-hour provision of the short-haul logbook exemption, allowing concrete pumpers to work for 14-hour days rather than 12 hours.