FMCSA advisory panel seeks comments on various issues

Updated May 30, 2017

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced Thursday, May 25 that an advisory board representing fleets, owner-operators, drivers and other segments of the industry will meet in June 12 and 13 on a variety of issues, and as the first step toward rulemaking recommendations regarding autonomous trucks. The Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee will also discuss regulatory relief as called for in an executive order issued by President Donald Trump.

Two trucks driving down a mountainous roadThe meetings at U.S. DOT headquarters in Washington, D.C. are open to the public. Those planning to attend must email FMCSA at [email protected] by June 7 to reserve their spot in the meeting. Oral comments will be heard throughout the meeting at the discretion of the committee’s chairman, said the FMCSA.

Members of the MCSAC include representatives from the American Trucking Associations, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, the Teamsters, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, safety groups like Parents Against Tired Truckers and others.

FMCSA says it’s asking MCSAC for recommendations, related to autonomous vehicles, on CDLs, driver qualifications, ELDs, hours of service and inspection and maintenance and how the agency should navigate those issues. FMCSA says it also wants MCSAC recommendations “regarding prospective requirements for manufacturers or other entities requesting a pilot program and/or a temporary exemption to operate a [highly automated commercial vehicle] without a person in the driver’s seat on a public roadway.”

The agency is also asking for recommendations for its “mission, vision, strategic goals and outlook” for fiscal years 2018-2022.

Written comments can be made at the regulations.gov rulemaking portal by searching Docket No. FMCSA-2006-26367.