'Safe trucking moves out economy; you're going to hear me say that a lot.' -T. F. Scott Darling III, head of the FMCSA. (Photo by Sean Kilcarr/Fleet Owner)
'Safe trucking moves out economy; you're going to hear me say that a lot.' -T. F. Scott Darling III, head of the FMCSA. (Photo by Sean Kilcarr/Fleet Owner)
'Safe trucking moves out economy; you're going to hear me say that a lot.' -T. F. Scott Darling III, head of the FMCSA. (Photo by Sean Kilcarr/Fleet Owner)
'Safe trucking moves out economy; you're going to hear me say that a lot.' -T. F. Scott Darling III, head of the FMCSA. (Photo by Sean Kilcarr/Fleet Owner)
'Safe trucking moves out economy; you're going to hear me say that a lot.' -T. F. Scott Darling III, head of the FMCSA. (Photo by Sean Kilcarr/Fleet Owner)

FMCSA: Two driver-related rulemakings now at OMB

Oct. 4, 2016
Scott Darling expects entry-level driver training and drug and alcohol test result database regulations to be issued by year’s end.

LAS VEGAS. Long-awaited final rules regarding entry level driver training standards and the establishment of a drug & alcohol test results “clearinghouse” should be issued by the end of 2016, according to a presentation given by T. F. Scott Darling, administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), here at the American Trucking Associations (ATA) annual convention.

He said both of those rules “are currently at OMB [the Office of Management and Budget] under review and should be published by year’s end” as OMB review “is the last step” before they become active regulations.

Darling stressed that those and other regulations – particularly the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate, which he called a “landmark rule” that FMCSA is currently “working to implement” – is part of his agency’s overall goal of working towards zero highway deaths as well as creating a “safer” trucking industry.

“Safe trucking moves our economy,” Darling emphasized. “Whether you are a [motor] carrier, [truck] OEM, ELD provider, broker, or shipper, you have a direct role to play in highway safety. We need all of you to be partners as we work towards zero deaths on our highways.”

Darling in silhouette while an FMCSA video plays behind him.

He went on to point out that 2015 crash fatality numbers “disturbing to say the least” with the rise in commercial truck and bus crash fatalities particularly worrisome.

“These are not numbers; each represents a human life,” Darling stressed. “We want to do better. That’s why we must band together [as] collaboration is the only to move towards zero deaths.”

A few other issues he touched on in his remarks include:

About the Author

Sean Kilcarr | Editor in Chief

Sean reports and comments on trends affecting the many different strata of the trucking industry -- light and medium duty fleets up through over-the-road truckload, less-than-truckload, and private fleet operations Also be sure to visit Sean's blog Trucks at Work where he offers analysis on a variety of different topics inside the trucking industry.

Sponsored Recommendations

Tackling the Tech Shortage: Lessons in Recruiting Talent and Reducing Turnover

Discover innovative strategies for recruiting and retaining tech talent in the trucking industry at our April 16th webinar, where experts will share insights on competitive pay...

Stop Sweating Temperature Excursions

Advanced chemical indicators give you the peace of mind that comes from reliable insights into your supply chains. Compromised shipments can be identified the moment they arrive...

Stop Sweating Temperature Excursions

Advanced chemical indicators give you the peace of mind that comes from reliable insights into your supply chains. Compromised shipments can be identified the moment they arrive...

How Electric Vehicles Help You Prolong the Life of Your Fleet

Before adopting electric vehicles for commercial/government fleets, prioritize cost inquiries. Maintenance is essential; understand the upkeep of EV fleets. Here’s what you need...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!