Regulatory Update – Feb. 21, 2020

February 21, 2020

Update on Relevant U.S. Regulations

PHMSA Denies Petition to Reconsider California Meal and Rest Break Preemption
On Feb. 21, 2020, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PMHSA) published the denial of a petition from The California Labor Commissioner to reconsider the preemption of the California meal and rest break requirements for commercial motor vehicle drivers transporting hazardous materials.

FMCSA Publishes Final Rule Reducing UCR Plan Fees
On Feb. 13, 2020, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published a final rule reducing the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) Plan fees starting in registration year 2020. The reduction decreases annual registration fees collected from motor carriers, private motor carriers of property, brokers, freight forwarders and leasing companies. The final rule is effective Feb. 13, 2020. Petitions for reconsideration are due by March 16.

PHMSA Publishes Updates on Special Permits
On Feb. 11, 2020, PHMSA published updates on special permit applications:

Update on Exemptions

CVSA Active Exemption Tracker
CVSA maintains a list of active exemptions issued by FMCSA. Members can access the information by logging into their CVSA member portal and clicking on the “Exemptions” tab at the top of the page.

CVSA Letters, Petitions and Comments to Rulemakings

CVSA Sends FMCSA Letter on the Transportation of Hemp
On Feb. 21, 2020, CVSA sent FMCSA a letter encouraging the agency to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as it develops the final rule on hemp. In particular, CVSA asked FMCSA to work with USDA on the final rule to make sure it includes requirements that ensure law enforcement will be able to determine the safety and validity of loads of hemp being transported.