Action
Notice of application for exemption; request for comments.
Summary
FMCSA announces that it has received an application from the National Star Route Mail Contractors Association (NSRMCA) on behalf of its member motor carriers that transport mail under contract for the United States Postal Service (USPS). NSRMCA requests that its contract carriers be exempt from the "14-hour rule" of the Agency's hours-of- service regulations found in section 395.3(a)(2). NSRMCA specifically requests that a U.S. mail-carrying driver may elect to drive a U.S. mail-carrying commercial motor vehicle (CMV) no more than 10 hours following 8 consecutive hours off duty; and not drive after having been on duty 15 hours following 8 consecutive hours off duty. NSRMCA believes the exemption would positively impact safety, while reducing operating costs for USPS and contractors that provide Highway Contract Route services to the USPS. FMCSA requests public comment on the NSRMCA application for exemption.