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U.S. Department of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation

Study on Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Driver Commuting (FAST Act, Section 5515)

Goal:

To conduct a study on the effects of excessive commuting on safety and CMV driver fatigue.

Background:

Section 5515 of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act, 2015 (FAST Act) directs the Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to “conduct a study on the safety effects of motor carrier operator commutes exceeding 150 minutes.”

Summary:

The study team will analyze relevant information from the American Community Survey regarding commuting times to best determine: the prevalence of excessive driver commuting in the CMV industry, including the number and percentage of drivers who commute; distances traveled; time zones crossed; time spent commuting; and methods of transportation used. The study team will conduct a literature review on the safety impacts of long work hours and consult with the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health on the research they have conducted regarding driver work hours, commuting, and the impact of commuting on driver fatigue and safety. The study team will gather carrier data regarding the practices and policies carriers use to reduce commuting times and improve safety.

Outcomes:

A report to Congress containing study findings.
 
 

Milestones:

Completed:

September 2016: Project kick-off meeting
October 2016: Finalize project work plan
November 2016: Complete literature review
August 2018: Begin data collection
December 2018: Finalize data analysis
December 2018: Draft report
March 2019: Final report
May 2020: Report Publication   ☑ 

Funding:

FY16 Funding: $286,093

Current Status:

Report published to Congress. The full report is available here:
 

Contractor:

MaineWay Services