Groups representing shippers say new rules on work hours for truck drivers will reduce efficiency across their supply chains, complicating delivery schedules, raising costs and even undermining safety on highways.
"The final trucking hours-of-service rule will have a negative impact on manufacturers' supply chains, distribution operations and productivity," Jay Timmons, president and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers.
The NAM was among several groups that sharply criticized the hours-of-service rules the Department of Transportation issued Dec. 22. Due to take effect in 18 months, the new version of the trucker work regulation would maintain the 11-hour daily limit on driving but would place far tighter restrictions on the so-called restart provision that resets the driving clock after set periods of rest.
The new rule would cut weekly work time from 82 hours to 70 and require rest periods between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.
