by
Nancy Ryerson, Staff Writer | December 26, 2012
However, the agency did alter the 34-hour restart provision, which allows drivers to reset their weekly 70-hour limit after two days of rest. It now must include two periods between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. — a time block studies have shown to be key to the body’s circadian rhythm and sleep quality.
Companies say such changes have a safety benefit but can be financially challenging to adjust to.
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“It means you need to hire more drivers, which increases your costs,” says Law.
Repercussions for violations have also become more severe. According to the DOT website, those who drive or allow a driver to work three or more hours beyond the driving time limit may be subject to maximum penalties.
Certain regulations also may vary from state to state, which can sometimes create logistical challenges.
“Here in Texas, you can ship larger equipment without escorts, but in Oklahoma you’ll have to put an escort on that same load,” notes Silvers.
Riggers, too, have noticed an increased focus on safety regulations and certification requirements.
MEI Rigging and Crating plans a move.
Image Courtesy of MEI Rigging and Crating
“Even if you’ve been driving a forklift for 15 years, now you have to have a card that says that,” says Williams. She says that while certifications can be challenging to maintain, having them can sometimes give a business an edge if other companies’ crews do not go through the same levels of training.
Globetrotting transport
One recent change in international regulations could turn out to be a plus for the air transport sector. In June of this year, the European Commission and the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agreed to recognize each other’s air cargo security systems, noting that the two practices were similarly vigorous.
That easing of restrictions could easily be overturned in the event of tions a recent report by research company Business Monitor International.
Either way, transport companies have certainly grown accustomed to the challenges, changes and costs of transporting products via air or sea.
“It changes all the time, but we’ve been doing that for 50 years and we have our own broker service that will assist in the documentation to make sure that there’s a smooth transition into the country that it’s going to,” says Law.
