Decision Expected Any Day for SC&RA’s Request for 30-Minute Break Exemption Extension

(June 10, 2020) - SC&RA has requested the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration extend the 30-minute break exemption extension as part of the Hours of Service rules for oversize and/or overweight vehicles. The exemption is scheduled to expire June 18, 2020. There were 20 total responses, all positive, including SC&RA members, drivers, and another Association. Many of the responses cited:

• The unique nature of our industry with permit curfews which results in a severely limited driving time hours;
• The importance of reaching a state line before a permit expires and/or losing a state police escort;
• Lack of adequate parking space for oversize loads due to a pending 30-minute break requirement often results in unsafe parking on highway shoulders and exit ramps; and
• There have been no known reported incidents/accidents attributed to this exemption.

“We are pleased with how our members responded to this request for extension,” said SC&RA Vice President of Transportation Steven Todd. “This issue is critical for crane, rigging and specialized transportation companies and we will work to make sure we do all we can to keep this important extension valid.” For more information, contact Todd.