Some hazmat haulers granted exemption from 30-minute break

The American Trucking Associations was granted an exemption request it made in May that would grant haulers of hazardous materials an exemption from the 30-minute break required by federal hours-of-service regulations.

The exemption will apply to motor carriers that transport certain hazmat loads that require security plans, which normally require a driver to “attend” the cargo while the truck is stopped. This is considered an on-duty activity.

Exempt drivers may now count their on-duty attendance of the hazmat cargo toward the required 30-minute break as long as they perform no other on-duty activities during this time.

The exemption will be effective for two years through Aug. 21, 2017.