WASHINGTON — In testimony yesterday before the House Government Reform and Oversight Committee, Glen Keysaw, executive director of transportation and logistics for Associated Food Stores, opposed a proposed change in the U.S. Department of Transportation Hours-of-Service (HOS) rule.
The proposed change would reduce the number of hours drivers can drive from 11 to 10 hours.
“Our industry is very concerned about the proposed [HOS] rulemaking on a couple of fronts, but clearly the most troubling aspect is a reduction in the number of hours a driver can be on the road in spite of continued annual reductions in accidents and increases in miles traveled at the current 11-hour limit,” Keysaw said on behalf of his company and the Food Marketing Institute. He argued that the consumer will ultimately pay the price for reducing the number of hours drivers can be on the road, as "virtually every product found on grocery store shelves is delivered by commercial motor vehicles."
Keysaw testified that the proposed changes would also impact a driver’s quality of life, due to more days they would be required to spend overnight on the road rather than at home. He also expressed concern about potential safety issues as companies would need to hire more drivers at a time when experienced drivers are already tough to find.
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