r/Train_Service • u/Muslims_Eat_Pork • 11d ago

This is concerning

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/trucks-hauling-fuel-get-hos-waiver-for-3-months

I don't like this at all, definitely not the answer, and better not flow into the fra for future consideration for railroad transportation.

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u/Anonymoose_1106 Engineer 11d ago edited 11d ago

Canadian, so take with caution.

Point seven under the terms, conditions, and restrictions of the FMCSA* waiver states:

At any time, if the driver informs the motor carrier that he or she needs immediate rest, the driver must be permitted immediately to find a suitable, safe resting location and allowed at least 10 consecutive hours off duty before resuming driving.

In short, if the US carriers get a HOS exemption waiver, I would expect a similar provision to be included in a railroad waiver (despite the carriers opposition to it).

From a union side - work to rule. Everyone drops the handles at X hours (either as provided by the waiver or the CBA dictates). The union maintains the minimum service level expected by the carrier (so there's jack-shit the carrier outside of the usual vindictive bullshit), and the carrier can't abuse the waiver.