Exemption Sought by Subcontractors Jeopardizes Road Safety

APWU officers are renewing warnings about the dangers posed by sleep-deprived truck drivers and asking union members and the public to oppose a request by private subcontractors for an exemption from a federal safety rule. Comments must be submitted to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) by Sept. 21.

If granted, the exemption would permit private, commercial drivers hauling mail for the U.S. Postal Service to operate trucks after more than 14 hours on duty following a break of less than 10-hours.

“An exemption would pose a serious danger to motorists and pedestrians,” said Michael O. Foster, director of the Motor Vehicle Service Craft. “It also would make it easier and cheaper for postal management to outsource U.S. Postal Service work,” he said.

“We can do something about this,” Foster added. “I urge everyone who cares about safety on the road to submit a comment opposing the exemption.” Click here to make a comment.

The National Star Route Mail Contractors Association (NSRMCA), the trade group seeking the exemption, represents approximately 17,000 small companies that transport mail for the Postal Service in trucks of various sizes.

“Many of the Star Route companies are so small that their drivers are exempt from drug and alcohol tests that Postal Service drivers are required to take,” Foster said. “This only magnifies the danger.

“Save a life. Oppose the exemption,” he said.

Click here to see comments and here to post your own comments.