Update on Relevant Canadian Regulations
Alberta Announces New Training Requirements and Licensing
On March 27, the government of Alberta announced new training and licensing for Class 1 drivers which will replace mandatory entry-level training. This includes a new Alberta-restricted Class 1 driver’s license for Class 1 drivers who have completed core training and have passed the Class 1 knowledge and road test. These drivers will be issued a license with the wording “ELT 1 Class 1 AB Only,” which means they can only operate Class 1 vehicles in the province. The changes are effective April 1.
Update on Relevant U.S. Regulations
UCR Plan Requests Nominations for Board
On April 11, the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) Plan Board of Directors requested nominations of qualified individuals for possible appointment by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to one of the board’s motor carrier industry positions. Nominations are due by May 12.
PHMSA Publishes Updates on Special Permits
On April 7, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) published updates on special permit applications:
- List of Applications for Special Permits – Comments are due by May 7.
- List of Applications for Modification of Special Permits – Comments are due by April 22.
- Notice of Actions on Special Permit Applications – Comments are due by May 7.
U.S. DOT Requests Information on Regulations for Modification or Repeal
On April 3, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requested information on existing regulations, guidance, paperwork requirements and other regulatory obligations that can be modified or repealed in order to comply with various deregulatory executive orders. Comments are due by May 5.
NHTSA Denies Petition for a Defect Investigation
On April 1, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) denied a petition for a defect investigation filed by the Institute for Safer Trucking which requested the agency commence an investigation of all van-type semi-trailers due to collisions with passenger vehicles and vulnerable road users resulting in significant injuries or death due to a lack of effective side underride guards.
Update on Exemptions
FMCSA Renews MFT Sleeper Berth Exemption
On April 9, FMCSA announced its final decision to renew the exemption granted to McKee Foods Transportation LLC (MFT) from the hours-of-service regulations pertaining to the use of a sleeper berth. The exemption renewal allows MFT team drivers to take the equivalent of 10 consecutive hours off duty by splitting sleeper berth time into two periods totaling 10 hours, provided neither of the two periods is less than two hours. The exemption is effective from April 20, 2025, through April 20, 2030.
CVSA Active Exemption Tracker
CVSA maintains a list of active exemptions issued by FMCSA. The exemption tracker can be found at www.cvsa.org under the “Inspections” tab at the top of the page.