Rep. Doug Collins urges DOT to loosen truckers’ regulations

GAINESVILLE, Ga. Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) sent a letter to the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Deputy Administrator Jim Mullen Tuesday (March 31) requesting the FMCSA loosen certain regulations and provide guidelines for truckers in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak.

“My office has heard from truckers all across Georgia that they are concerned about meeting the regulatory requirements mandated by the FMCSA and the personal contact their job often requires,” Collins wrote.

“Specifically, truckers are required by FMCSA regulations to renew their CDL license and get regular physicals. While these regulations are important for trucker and driver safety, this abnormal situation requires us to adapt to keep truckers safe and moving. In order to keep truckers on the road and keep necessary products in American households and grocery stores, I ask that the FMCSA consider loosening regulations that are difficult for truckers to comply with during the coronavirus outbreak.

As truckers are working overtime to maintain our country’s food supply chain in the midst of this outbreak, they face an even higher demand to ensure the items they are moving are handled safely and responsibly. In order to protect their health and safety, we must find ways to minimize their face-to-face contact with suppliers and receivers.

“In light of these concerns, I ask that the FMCSA consider providing a grace period for certain renewals and requirements that would mandate face-to-face contact or visits to doctors’ offices. Further, I ask the FMCSA to issue guidelines for truckers, suppliers, and receivers to help establish policies that will ensure truckers are able to follow the Administration’s guidelines and reduce the spread of coronavirus.”

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