Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/85423
ATA asks to review hours rule The American Trucking Associations Feb. 14 petitioned the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to review the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's recently published final rule changing hours-of-service regulations. "The rules that have been in place since 2004 have contributed to unprecedented improvement in highway safety," ATA President and CEO Bill Graves said. "The law is clear about what steps FMCSA must undertake to change the rules and we cannot allow this rulemaking, which was fueled by changed assumptions and analyses that do not meet the required legal standards, to remain unchallenged." Last month, a Washington, D.C., appellate court dismissed a lawsuit that had sought changes in the existing HOS rule. The court issued the dismissal order in response to a request from the defendant Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the plaintiffs — the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, Teamsters union, Public Citizen and the Truck Safety Coalition. The court's Feb. 8 order stated the current rule, issued Dec. 22, "supersedes the rule at issue in this case." The revised rule requires two early morning four-hour rest periods with the 34-hour restart, and does not change the 11-hour driving limit during one shift. Drivers and companies must comply with the final rule by July 1, 2013. Drivers also cannot drive after working eight hours without first taking a break of at least 30 minutes. Drivers can take the 30-minute break whenever they need rest during the eight-hour window. — Staff reports mobildelvac.com MARCH 2012 OVERDRIVE 15 © 2012 Exxon Mobil Corporation. All trademarks used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Exxon Mobil Corporation or one of its subsidiaries unless indicated otherwise. SPONSORED INFORMATION Veteran Owner-Operator Relies on Mobil Delvac to Get the Job Done "Use high quality brands, like Mobil Delvac, not just in your engine, but throughout your entire truck," says Henry Albert, 30-year veteran owner-operator. Born and raised in Bryn Mawr, Pa., and now a resident of Statesville, N.C., Henry Albert has been trucking for almost 30 years. Since being named Overdrive magazine's Trucker of the Year in 2007, Albert has been one of four drivers who tell their stories from the road as part of Freightliner's Slice of Life program. Recently, we caught up with Albert while he was taking a break from the road. Q: What kind of truck do you drive and what routes do you run? Albert: I drive a 2011 Freightliner Cascadia, powered by a Detroit Diesel DD15 with about 175,000 miles on it. I run a semi-dedicated route from Charlotte, N.C., to Laredo, Texas. Q: How did you get interested in trucking? Albert: When I was young I wanted to be a railroad engineer. Eventually, I decided that trucking was more my speed. Q: What does it take to be successful in this industry? Albert: Watch your bottom line and always show up well dressed and with clean equipment. You need to represent your customer when you show up. Having my wife Karen at home to help run the business has also been a key to my success. Q: What maintenance advice would you share with younger drivers? Albert: Use high quality brands, like Mobil Delvac, not just in your engine, but throughout your entire truck. Keeping up on maintenance is so important. My previous truck still runs and it has close to a million miles running Mobil Delvac. Remember you're only as good as the horse that's under you. Q: What do you do to keep busy when you're not on the road? Albert: I enjoy riding ATVs and dirt biking. I try to spend as much time with my wife and son Austin, as possible. My son just got his driver's license. It's a diff erent experience to be on the passenger side when he's behind the wheel. I taught him a lot about safe driving and, I am happy to say, it seems like he's listened well. I also volunteer with Trucker Buddy International by visiting elementary schools to educate kids about trucking. Circle 171 on Reader Service Card or visit overdrive.hotims.com