FMCSA grants logbook exemption to short-haul carrier

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A Pennsylvania-based trucking company’s drivers have been granted an exemption from keeping a daily record of duty status, as long as they stay within a 100 air-mile radius.

Farruggio’s Express requested the exemption in February, citing detention time as the reason behind it. Instead of keeping daily logs, drivers will use an electronic logging system called Geotab to track their hours-of-service data, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Farruggio’s said in its exemption request that it services railroad ramps and maritime piers with regional programs including truckload and LTL service, as well as piggyback and container service. All of the company’s 95 to 100 drivers will operate under the exemption.

The company added in its request that its drivers occasionally exceed the 12-hour driving limit, but return to the terminal within the 14-hour window.

FMCSA said Farruggio’s use of the Geotab system “raises the company’s efforts to more than basic compliance,” and by using the system, the company’s management “is notified of safety-critical events as they occur so that they can take immediate corrective action.”

The agency clarifies that the exemption doesn’t extend the driving window beyond 14 hours. The exemption is effective for five years following its publication on Aug. 10.