80_FR_33441 80 FR 33329 - Commercial Driver's License Standards: Application for Exemption; C.R. England, Inc.

80 FR 33329 - Commercial Driver's License Standards: Application for Exemption; C.R. England, Inc.

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 112 (June 11, 2015)

Page Range33329-33331
FR Document2015-14276

FMCSA announces its decision to grant C.R. England, Inc. (C.R. England) an exemption from the provisions in 49 CFR 383.25(a)(1) that require a commercial learner's permit (CLP) holder to be accompanied by a commercial driver's license (CDL) holder with the proper CDL class and endorsements, seated in the front seat of the vehicle while the CLP holder performs behind-the-wheel training on public roads or highways. Under the terms and conditions of this exemption, a CLP holder who has documentation of passing the CDL skills test may drive a commercial motor vehicle for C.R. England without being accompanied by a CDL holder in the front seat. The exemption enables CLP holders to drive as part of a team and have the same regulatory flexibility that 49 CFR 383 provides for C.R. England's team drivers with CDLs. C.R. England believes that the exemption will allow these drivers to operate in a way that benefits the driver, the carrier, and the economy as a whole without any detriment to safety.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 112 (Thursday, June 11, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 112 (Thursday, June 11, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 33329-33331]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-14276]



[[Page 33329]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2014-0406]


Commercial Driver's License Standards: Application for Exemption; 
C.R. England, Inc.

AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of final disposition; grant of application for 
exemption.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to grant C.R. England, Inc. (C.R. 
England) an exemption from the provisions in 49 CFR 383.25(a)(1) that 
require a commercial learner's permit (CLP) holder to be accompanied by 
a commercial driver's license (CDL) holder with the proper CDL class 
and endorsements, seated in the front seat of the vehicle while the CLP 
holder performs behind-the-wheel training on public roads or highways. 
Under the terms and conditions of this exemption, a CLP holder who has 
documentation of passing the CDL skills test may drive a commercial 
motor vehicle for C.R. England without being accompanied by a CDL 
holder in the front seat. The exemption enables CLP holders to drive as 
part of a team and have the same regulatory flexibility that 49 CFR 383 
provides for C.R. England's team drivers with CDLs. C.R. England 
believes that the exemption will allow these drivers to operate in a 
way that benefits the driver, the carrier, and the economy as a whole 
without any detriment to safety.

DATES: The exemption is effective from 12:01 a.m., June 11, 2015 
through 11:59 p.m., June 12, 2017.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mrs. Pearlie Robinson, FMCSA Driver 
and Carrier Operations Division; Office of Carrier, Driver and Vehicle 
Safety Standards; Telephone: 202-366-4325. Email: MCPSD@dot.gov.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or 
comments submitted to the notice requesting public comments on the 
exemption application, go to www.regulations.gov at any time or visit 
Room W12-140 on the ground level of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey 
Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., ET, Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays. The on-line Federal document 
management system is available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. 
The docket number is listed at the beginning of this notice.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    FMCSA has authority under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315 to grant 
exemptions from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. FMCSA 
must publish a notice of each exemption request in the Federal Register 
(49 CFR 381.315(a)). The Agency must provide the public an opportunity 
to inspect the information relevant to the application, including any 
safety analyses that have been conducted. The Agency must also provide 
an opportunity for public comment on the request.
    The Agency reviews the safety analyses and the public comments, and 
determines whether granting the exemption would likely achieve a level 
of safety equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be 
achieved by the current regulation (49 CFR 381.305). The decision of 
the Agency must be published in the Federal Register (49 CFR 
381.315(b)) with the reason for the grant or denial, and, if granted, 
the specific person or class of persons receiving the exemption, and 
the regulatory provision or provisions from which exemption is granted. 
The notice must also specify the effective period of the exemption (up 
to 2 years), and explain the terms and conditions of the exemption. The 
exemption may be renewed (49 CFR 381.300(b)).

Request for Exemption

    C.R. England is a carrier that transports temperature-sensitive 
freight. It provides CDL training for its drivers in partnership with 
Premier Truck Driving Schools in five locations (Burns Harbor, IN; 
Dallas, TX; Fontana, CA; Richmond, IN; and Salt Lake City, UT). C.R. 
England seeks an exemption from 49 CFR 383.25(a)(1) that would allow 
CLP holders who have successfully passed a CDL skills test and are thus 
eligible to receive a CDL, to drive a truck without a CDL holder being 
present in the front seat. This would allow a CLP holder to participate 
in a revenue-producing trip back to his or her State of domicile to 
obtain the CDL document, as the CDL can only be issued by the State of 
domicile in accordance with Part 383.
    C.R. England advised that FMCSA is aware of the trucking industry's 
need for qualified and well-trained drivers to meet increasing shipping 
demands. C.R. England believes that 49 CFR 383.25(a)(1) limits its 
ability to efficiently recruit, train, and employ new entrants to the 
industry. Prior to the implementation of section 385.25(a)(1), States 
routinely issued temporary CDLs to drivers who passed the CDL skills 
test. The temporary CDL allowed C.R. England time to route the new 
driver to his or her State of domicile to obtain the permanent CDL and 
place the new driver into an on-the-job training position with a 
driver-trainer. The driver-trainer supervised and observed the new 
driver, but was not required to be on-duty and in the front seat at all 
times. Thus, the new driver became productive immediately, allowing 
more freight movement for C.R. England and compensation for the new 
driver.
    C.R. England contends that compliance with the CDL rule prevents it 
from implementing more efficient operations. The rule places C.R. 
England in the untenable position of either sending the CLP holder home 
without having hired him or her (because the person does not yet have a 
CDL) with no assurance that the driver will remain with C. R. England 
after obtaining the CDL; or, hiring the CLP holder and sending him or 
her home in an unproductive non-driving capacity. Granting the 
exemption would allow the CLP holder to drive as part of a team on that 
trip, resulting in reduced costs and increased productivity.
    C.R. England asserts that the exemption would be consistent with 
the Agency's comments in the preamble to the final rule adopting Sec.  
383.25 that ``FMCSA does not believe that it is safe to permit 
inexperienced drivers who have not passed the CDL skills test to drive 
unaccompanied.'' (76 FR 26854, 26861 May 9, 2011). The exemption sought 
would apply only to those C.R. England drivers who have passed the CDL 
skills test and hold a CLP. C.R. England believes that the exemption 
would result in a level of safety that is equivalent to or greater than 
the level of safety provided under the rule. The only difference 
between a CLP holder who has passed the CDL skills test and a CDL 
holder is that the latter has received the actual CDL from a State 
Driver Licensing Agency.

Public Comments

    On November 28, 2014, FMCSA published notice of this application 
and requested public comment (79 FR 70916). The Agency received 274 
comments representing various transportation interests in response to 
the proposed exemption. Eleven comments received in support of the 
exemption were from AAA School of Trucking; American Trucking 
Associations (ATA); C.R. England; Katlaw Truck Driving Schools; U.S. 
Truck Driver Training School, Inc.; Utah Trucking Association; an 
anonymous truck driver training school; and four individuals. Among the 
257

[[Page 33330]]

respondents opposing the exemption were Advocates for Highway and Auto 
Safety (Advocates); American Association of Motor Vehicle 
Administrators (AAMVA); Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA); 
Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA); Apex CDL 
Institute; and individual drivers and driver trainees. The Commercial 
Vehicle Training Association (CVTA) and the California Trucking 
Association (CTA) were among 6 respondents who did not indicate 
opposition or support for the exemption. CVTA commented that before 
considering C.R. England's exemption, the FMCSA must first clarify its 
regulations regarding issuance of a CDL. The CTA submitted a petition 
for an exemption to allow States the option to waive the domicile 
requirements in 49 CFR 383.25(a)(2), 383.71(a)(2)(vi), and 384.212.
    AAA School of Trucking commented that ``As a licensing center, we 
see graduates all the time waiting for the plastic license to be 
issued, when they are ready to drive. The extensiveness of the 
training, which in our case is thorough regardless of licensing 
concerns, still is irrelevant to the issue at hand.''
    The ATA commented that ``Because such drivers have already 
successfully passed both knowledge and skills tests, they could be 
presumed to have demonstrated safety performance equally as safe as a 
driver holding a CDL. Only formalities in the drivers' state of 
domicile prevent the driver from already holding such a credential. 
Therefore, ATA encourages FMCSA to grant the proposed exemption.''
    C.R. England commented that ``The exemption is not seeking a 
reprieve from any testing or training standards, but instead is seeking 
to allow qualified drivers to begin providing for their families rather 
than having to cut through unnecessary bureaucratic red tape. 
Additionally, if the FMCSA believes that this exemption is more easily 
and consistently enforced if the exemption applies to all similarly 
situated drivers, C.R. England would support broadening the exemption 
request.''
    Katlaw Truck Driving Schools commented that ``All they are asking 
is that an out of state candidate who passes the skills test is allowed 
to go to work immediately as a licensed driver in the same way that an 
in state candidate can.''
    Utah Trucking Association commented that ``The exemption is merely 
seeking to eliminate red tape and inefficiency.''
    An anonymous respondent commented by stating ``I do not see a 
reason why this exemption would not only be granted to C.R. England, 
but to any other individual or carrier that is similarly situated.''
    Mr. Matthew Crawford commented that ``I support the exemption 
providing the company has a strong documentation in safety and 
compliance department.''
    Advocates, AAMVA, APEX CDL Institute, CVSA, and OOIDA opposed the 
exemption. The remaining 252 comments in opposition were from truck 
drivers, truck driver-trainers, and individuals. These respondents do 
not believe that it is safe for a CLP holder to operate a CMV without 
the supervision of a CDL driver-trainer in the front seat of the truck.
    Advocates commented that ``When a CDL holder is not in the front 
seat of the truck observing the actions of the CLP holder, the driver 
cannot provide the supervision as required by the federal regulation. 
When not present in the front seat of the vehicle, the CDL holder is 
not focused on the task of driving and cannot give the CLP holder 
critical insight and advice specific to situations encountered by the 
CLP holder during the trip. This type of unique guidance is invaluable 
in teaching and training novice drivers, forming good driving habits 
and can help prevent a crash.''
    APEX CDL Institute commented that ``It has nothing to do with CRE's 
shortage of drivers . . . it has everything to do with their running a 
driver program consisting of indentured servants and their desire to 
maintain control over them.''
    AAMVA recommended that ``FMCSA not grant this exemption under the 
determination that such an exemption would not achieve a level of 
safety equivalent to the level that would be achieved by current 
FMCSRs.'' ``AAMVA feels that any additional documentation requirements 
would contribute to substantial cost being borne by the states, 
additional administrative burden in issuing documentation to satisfy 
the return trip to the State of domicile, and open the commercial 
transportation network up to additional instances of document fraud.''
    CVSA summarized its opposition to the exemption by stating that 
``granting yet another regulatory exception only serves to confound law 
enforcement and industry's understanding of the rules. Every exception 
and change to regulations requires additional training for inspectors, 
resulting in the potential for a higher level of confusion surrounding 
the applicability of the regulations.''
    OOIDA stated that ``OOIDA, as a general policy, does not believe 
FMCSA should exempt large motor carriers from the agency's CDL 
training-related regulations.'' OOIDA further stated that ``Given the 
open nature of FMCSA's driver training rulemaking, it is certainly 
conceivable that the issues raised by CRE in its exemption request 
could be considered under that process, along with the broad scope of 
issues covered under the process by which a new driver obtains a CDL.''
    Mr. Roy Moore wrote that ``I think this proposal would be a grave 
mistake. As a 27+ year driver I'd say putting someone with No practical 
experience on the road without a trainer is a terrible mistake.''
    Mr. Brian Riker, a former CDL examiner argued that ``It is not 
advisable to allow a CDL permit holder to operate a vehicle without 
direct, front seat supervision. This is a basic design function 
incorporated since the inception of the CDL program. When you reduce 
this to the most basic level, CR England wishes to have their 
``trainer'' on their break in the sleeper berth, sleeping, so they may 
be ready to drive when the student has run their hours out. How can 
that be construed as training if the instructor is sleeping or 
otherwise occupied and not directly observing and correcting the 
students behavior?'' All comments are available for review in the 
docket for this notice.

FMCSA Response and Decision

    The premise of respondents opposing the exemption is that CLP 
holders lack experience and are safer drivers when observed by a CDL 
driver-trainer who is on duty and in the front seat of the vehicle. The 
fact is that CLP holders who have passed the CDL skills test are 
qualified and eligible to obtain a CDL. If these CLP holders had 
obtained their training and CLPs in their State of domicile, they could 
immediately obtain their CDL at the State driver licensing agency and 
begin driving a CMV without any on-board supervision. There is no 
quantitative data or other information that having a CDL holder 
accompany a CLP holder who has passed the skills test improves safety. 
Because these drivers have passed the CDL skills test, the only thing 
necessary to obtain the CDL is to apply at the Department of Motor 
Vehicles in their State of domicile.
    FMCSA has evaluated C.R. England's application for exemption and 
the public comments. The Agency believes that C.R. England's overall 
safety performance as reflected in its

[[Page 33331]]

``satisfactory'' safety rating, will enable it to achieve a level of 
safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety 
achieved without the exemption (49 CFR 381.305(a)). The exemption is 
restricted to C.R. England's CLP holders who have documentation that 
they have passed the CDL skills test. The exemption will enable these 
drivers to operate a CMV as a team driver without requiring the 
accompanying CDL holder be on duty and in the front seat while the 
vehicle is moving.

Terms and Conditions of the Exemption

Period of the Exemption

    This exemption from the requirements of 49 CFR 383.25(a)(1) is 
effective during the period of June 11, 2015 through June 12, 2017. The 
exemption will expire on June 12, 2017, 11:59 p.m. local time, unless 
renewed.

Extent of the Exemption

    The exemption is contingent upon C.R. England maintaining USDOT 
registration, minimum levels of public liability insurance, and not 
being subject to any ``imminent hazard'' or other out-of-service (OOS) 
order issued by FMCSA. Each driver covered by the exemption must 
maintain a valid driver's license and CLP with the required 
endorsements, not be subject to any OOS order or suspension of driving 
privileges, and meet all physical qualifications required by 49 CFR 
part 391.

Preemption

    During the period this exemption is in effect, no State may enforce 
any law or regulation that conflicts with or is inconsistent with the 
exemption with respect to a person or entity operating under the 
exemption (49 U.S.C. 31315(d)).

FMCSA Accident Notification

    C.R. England must notify FMCSA within 5 business days of any 
accidents (as defined by 49 CFR 390.5) involving the operation of any 
of its CMVs while utilizing this exemption. The notification must be by 
email to MCPSD@DOT.GOV, and include the following information:
    a. Date of the accident,
    b. City or town, and State, in which the accident occurred, or 
which is closest to the scene of the accident,
    c. Driver's name and driver's license number,
    d. Vehicle number and State license number,
    e. Number of individuals suffering physical injury,
    f. Number of fatalities,
    g. The police-reported cause of the accident,
    h. Whether the driver was cited for violation of any traffic laws, 
or motor carrier safety regulations, and
    i. The total driving time and the total on-duty time of the CMV 
driver at the time of the accident.

Termination

    The FMCSA does not believe the CLP-holders covered by the exemption 
will experience any deterioration of their safety record. However, 
should this occur, FMCSA will take all steps necessary to protect the 
public interest, including revocation of the exemption. The FMCSA will 
immediately revoke the exemption for failure to comply with its terms 
and conditions.

    Issued on: June 3, 2015.
T.F. Scott Darling, III,
Chief Counsel.
[FR Doc. 2015-14276 Filed 6-10-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P



                                                                                Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 112 / Thursday, June 11, 2015 / Notices                                            33329

                                                  DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                            Background                                             allowed C.R. England time to route the
                                                                                                             FMCSA has authority under 49 U.S.C.                 new driver to his or her State of
                                                  Federal Motor Carrier Safety                                                                                   domicile to obtain the permanent CDL
                                                                                                          31136(e) and 31315 to grant exemptions
                                                  Administration                                                                                                 and place the new driver into an on-the-
                                                                                                          from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
                                                                                                          Regulations. FMCSA must publish a                      job training position with a driver-
                                                  [Docket No. FMCSA–2014–0406]                            notice of each exemption request in the                trainer. The driver-trainer supervised
                                                                                                          Federal Register (49 CFR 381.315(a)).                  and observed the new driver, but was
                                                  Commercial Driver’s License                             The Agency must provide the public an                  not required to be on-duty and in the
                                                  Standards: Application for Exemption;                                                                          front seat at all times. Thus, the new
                                                                                                          opportunity to inspect the information
                                                  C.R. England, Inc.                                                                                             driver became productive immediately,
                                                                                                          relevant to the application, including
                                                                                                                                                                 allowing more freight movement for
                                                  AGENCY:  Federal Motor Carrier Safety                   any safety analyses that have been
                                                                                                                                                                 C.R. England and compensation for the
                                                  Administration (FMCSA), DOT.                            conducted. The Agency must also
                                                                                                                                                                 new driver.
                                                  ACTION: Notice of final disposition; grant
                                                                                                          provide an opportunity for public                         C.R. England contends that
                                                  of application for exemption.                           comment on the request.                                compliance with the CDL rule prevents
                                                                                                             The Agency reviews the safety                       it from implementing more efficient
                                                  SUMMARY:    FMCSA announces its                         analyses and the public comments, and                  operations. The rule places C.R. England
                                                  decision to grant C.R. England, Inc. (C.R.              determines whether granting the                        in the untenable position of either
                                                  England) an exemption from the                          exemption would likely achieve a level                 sending the CLP holder home without
                                                  provisions in 49 CFR 383.25(a)(1) that                  of safety equivalent to, or greater than,              having hired him or her (because the
                                                  require a commercial learner’s permit                   the level that would be achieved by the                person does not yet have a CDL) with
                                                  (CLP) holder to be accompanied by a                     current regulation (49 CFR 381.305).                   no assurance that the driver will remain
                                                  commercial driver’s license (CDL)                       The decision of the Agency must be                     with C. R. England after obtaining the
                                                  holder with the proper CDL class and                    published in the Federal Register (49                  CDL; or, hiring the CLP holder and
                                                  endorsements, seated in the front seat of               CFR 381.315(b)) with the reason for the                sending him or her home in an
                                                  the vehicle while the CLP holder                        grant or denial, and, if granted, the                  unproductive non-driving capacity.
                                                  performs behind-the-wheel training on                   specific person or class of persons                    Granting the exemption would allow the
                                                  public roads or highways. Under the                     receiving the exemption, and the                       CLP holder to drive as part of a team on
                                                  terms and conditions of this exemption,                 regulatory provision or provisions from                that trip, resulting in reduced costs and
                                                  a CLP holder who has documentation of                   which exemption is granted. The notice                 increased productivity.
                                                  passing the CDL skills test may drive a                 must also specify the effective period of                 C.R. England asserts that the
                                                  commercial motor vehicle for C.R.                       the exemption (up to 2 years), and                     exemption would be consistent with the
                                                  England without being accompanied by                    explain the terms and conditions of the                Agency’s comments in the preamble to
                                                  a CDL holder in the front seat. The                     exemption. The exemption may be                        the final rule adopting § 383.25 that
                                                  exemption enables CLP holders to drive                  renewed (49 CFR 381.300(b)).                           ‘‘FMCSA does not believe that it is safe
                                                  as part of a team and have the same                     Request for Exemption                                  to permit inexperienced drivers who
                                                  regulatory flexibility that 49 CFR 383                                                                         have not passed the CDL skills test to
                                                  provides for C.R. England’s team drivers                   C.R. England is a carrier that                      drive unaccompanied.’’ (76 FR 26854,
                                                  with CDLs. C.R. England believes that                   transports temperature-sensitive freight.              26861 May 9, 2011). The exemption
                                                  the exemption will allow these drivers                  It provides CDL training for its drivers               sought would apply only to those C.R.
                                                  to operate in a way that benefits the                   in partnership with Premier Truck                      England drivers who have passed the
                                                  driver, the carrier, and the economy as                 Driving Schools in five locations (Burns               CDL skills test and hold a CLP. C.R.
                                                  a whole without any detriment to safety.                Harbor, IN; Dallas, TX; Fontana, CA;                   England believes that the exemption
                                                                                                          Richmond, IN; and Salt Lake City, UT).                 would result in a level of safety that is
                                                  DATES: The exemption is effective from
                                                                                                          C.R. England seeks an exemption from                   equivalent to or greater than the level of
                                                  12:01 a.m., June 11, 2015 through 11:59
                                                                                                          49 CFR 383.25(a)(1) that would allow                   safety provided under the rule. The only
                                                  p.m., June 12, 2017.
                                                                                                          CLP holders who have successfully                      difference between a CLP holder who
                                                  FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mrs.                   passed a CDL skills test and are thus                  has passed the CDL skills test and a CDL
                                                  Pearlie Robinson, FMCSA Driver and                      eligible to receive a CDL, to drive a                  holder is that the latter has received the
                                                  Carrier Operations Division; Office of                  truck without a CDL holder being                       actual CDL from a State Driver
                                                  Carrier, Driver and Vehicle Safety                      present in the front seat. This would                  Licensing Agency.
                                                  Standards; Telephone: 202–366–4325.                     allow a CLP holder to participate in a
                                                  Email: MCPSD@dot.gov.                                   revenue-producing trip back to his or                  Public Comments
                                                     Docket: For access to the docket to                  her State of domicile to obtain the CDL                   On November 28, 2014, FMCSA
                                                  read background documents or                            document, as the CDL can only be                       published notice of this application and
                                                  comments submitted to the notice                        issued by the State of domicile in                     requested public comment (79 FR
                                                  requesting public comments on the                       accordance with Part 383.                              70916). The Agency received 274
                                                  exemption application, go to                               C.R. England advised that FMCSA is                  comments representing various
                                                  www.regulations.gov at any time or visit                aware of the trucking industry’s need for              transportation interests in response to
                                                  Room W12–140 on the ground level of                     qualified and well-trained drivers to                  the proposed exemption. Eleven
                                                  the West Building, 1200 New Jersey                      meet increasing shipping demands. C.R.                 comments received in support of the
                                                  Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                                                                          England believes that 49 CFR                           exemption were from AAA School of
                                                  a.m. and 5 p.m., ET, Monday through                     383.25(a)(1) limits its ability to                     Trucking; American Trucking
                                                  Friday, except Federal holidays. The on-                efficiently recruit, train, and employ                 Associations (ATA); C.R. England;
                                                  line Federal document management                        new entrants to the industry. Prior to                 Katlaw Truck Driving Schools; U.S.
                                                  system is available 24 hours each day,                  the implementation of section                          Truck Driver Training School, Inc.; Utah
                                                  365 days each year. The docket number                   385.25(a)(1), States routinely issued                  Trucking Association; an anonymous
                                                  is listed at the beginning of this notice.              temporary CDLs to drivers who passed                   truck driver training school; and four
                                                  SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                              the CDL skills test. The temporary CDL                 individuals. Among the 257


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                                                  33330                         Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 112 / Thursday, June 11, 2015 / Notices

                                                  respondents opposing the exemption                         An anonymous respondent                             surrounding the applicability of the
                                                  were Advocates for Highway and Auto                     commented by stating ‘‘I do not see a                  regulations.’’
                                                  Safety (Advocates); American                            reason why this exemption would not                       OOIDA stated that ‘‘OOIDA, as a
                                                  Association of Motor Vehicle                            only be granted to C.R. England, but to                general policy, does not believe FMCSA
                                                  Administrators (AAMVA); Commercial                      any other individual or carrier that is                should exempt large motor carriers from
                                                  Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA); Owner-                  similarly situated.’’                                  the agency’s CDL training-related
                                                  Operator Independent Drivers                               Mr. Matthew Crawford commented                      regulations.’’ OOIDA further stated that
                                                  Association (OOIDA); Apex CDL                           that ‘‘I support the exemption providing               ‘‘Given the open nature of FMCSA’s
                                                  Institute; and individual drivers and                   the company has a strong                               driver training rulemaking, it is
                                                  driver trainees. The Commercial Vehicle                 documentation in safety and                            certainly conceivable that the issues
                                                  Training Association (CVTA) and the                     compliance department.’’                               raised by CRE in its exemption request
                                                  California Trucking Association (CTA)                      Advocates, AAMVA, APEX CDL                          could be considered under that process,
                                                  were among 6 respondents who did not                    Institute, CVSA, and OOIDA opposed                     along with the broad scope of issues
                                                  indicate opposition or support for the                  the exemption. The remaining 252                       covered under the process by which a
                                                  exemption. CVTA commented that                          comments in opposition were from                       new driver obtains a CDL.’’
                                                  before considering C.R. England’s                       truck drivers, truck driver-trainers, and                 Mr. Roy Moore wrote that ‘‘I think
                                                  exemption, the FMCSA must first clarify                 individuals. These respondents do not                  this proposal would be a grave mistake.
                                                  its regulations regarding issuance of a                 believe that it is safe for a CLP holder               As a 27+ year driver I’d say putting
                                                  CDL. The CTA submitted a petition for                   to operate a CMV without the                           someone with No practical experience
                                                  an exemption to allow States the option                 supervision of a CDL driver-trainer in                 on the road without a trainer is a terrible
                                                  to waive the domicile requirements in                   the front seat of the truck.                           mistake.’’
                                                  49 CFR 383.25(a)(2), 383.71(a)(2)(vi),                                                                            Mr. Brian Riker, a former CDL
                                                                                                             Advocates commented that ‘‘When a
                                                  and 384.212.                                                                                                   examiner argued that ‘‘It is not advisable
                                                                                                          CDL holder is not in the front seat of the             to allow a CDL permit holder to operate
                                                     AAA School of Trucking commented                     truck observing the actions of the CLP                 a vehicle without direct, front seat
                                                  that ‘‘As a licensing center, we see                    holder, the driver cannot provide the                  supervision. This is a basic design
                                                  graduates all the time waiting for the                  supervision as required by the federal                 function incorporated since the
                                                  plastic license to be issued, when they                 regulation. When not present in the                    inception of the CDL program. When
                                                  are ready to drive. The extensiveness of                front seat of the vehicle, the CDL holder              you reduce this to the most basic level,
                                                  the training, which in our case is                      is not focused on the task of driving and              CR England wishes to have their
                                                  thorough regardless of licensing                        cannot give the CLP holder critical                    ‘‘trainer’’ on their break in the sleeper
                                                  concerns, still is irrelevant to the issue              insight and advice specific to situations              berth, sleeping, so they may be ready to
                                                  at hand.’’                                              encountered by the CLP holder during                   drive when the student has run their
                                                     The ATA commented that ‘‘Because                     the trip. This type of unique guidance                 hours out. How can that be construed as
                                                  such drivers have already successfully                  is invaluable in teaching and training                 training if the instructor is sleeping or
                                                  passed both knowledge and skills tests,                 novice drivers, forming good driving                   otherwise occupied and not directly
                                                  they could be presumed to have                          habits and can help prevent a crash.’’                 observing and correcting the students
                                                  demonstrated safety performance                            APEX CDL Institute commented that                   behavior?’’ All comments are available
                                                  equally as safe as a driver holding a                   ‘‘It has nothing to do with CRE’s                      for review in the docket for this notice.
                                                  CDL. Only formalities in the drivers’                   shortage of drivers . . . it has everything
                                                  state of domicile prevent the driver from               to do with their running a driver                      FMCSA Response and Decision
                                                  already holding such a credential.                      program consisting of indentured                          The premise of respondents opposing
                                                  Therefore, ATA encourages FMCSA to                      servants and their desire to maintain                  the exemption is that CLP holders lack
                                                  grant the proposed exemption.’’                         control over them.’’                                   experience and are safer drivers when
                                                     C.R. England commented that ‘‘The                       AAMVA recommended that ‘‘FMCSA                      observed by a CDL driver-trainer who is
                                                  exemption is not seeking a reprieve                     not grant this exemption under the                     on duty and in the front seat of the
                                                  from any testing or training standards,                 determination that such an exemption                   vehicle. The fact is that CLP holders
                                                  but instead is seeking to allow qualified               would not achieve a level of safety                    who have passed the CDL skills test are
                                                  drivers to begin providing for their                    equivalent to the level that would be                  qualified and eligible to obtain a CDL.
                                                  families rather than having to cut                      achieved by current FMCSRs.’’                          If these CLP holders had obtained their
                                                  through unnecessary bureaucratic red                    ‘‘AAMVA feels that any additional                      training and CLPs in their State of
                                                  tape. Additionally, if the FMCSA                        documentation requirements would                       domicile, they could immediately
                                                  believes that this exemption is more                    contribute to substantial cost being                   obtain their CDL at the State driver
                                                  easily and consistently enforced if the                 borne by the states, additional                        licensing agency and begin driving a
                                                  exemption applies to all similarly                      administrative burden in issuing                       CMV without any on-board supervision.
                                                  situated drivers, C.R. England would                    documentation to satisfy the return trip               There is no quantitative data or other
                                                  support broadening the exemption                        to the State of domicile, and open the                 information that having a CDL holder
                                                  request.’’                                              commercial transportation network up                   accompany a CLP holder who has
                                                     Katlaw Truck Driving Schools                         to additional instances of document                    passed the skills test improves safety.
                                                  commented that ‘‘All they are asking is                 fraud.’’                                               Because these drivers have passed the
                                                  that an out of state candidate who                         CVSA summarized its opposition to                   CDL skills test, the only thing necessary
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                                                  passes the skills test is allowed to go to              the exemption by stating that ‘‘granting               to obtain the CDL is to apply at the
                                                  work immediately as a licensed driver                   yet another regulatory exception only                  Department of Motor Vehicles in their
                                                  in the same way that an in state                        serves to confound law enforcement and                 State of domicile.
                                                  candidate can.’’                                        industry’s understanding of the rules.                    FMCSA has evaluated C.R. England’s
                                                     Utah Trucking Association                            Every exception and change to                          application for exemption and the
                                                  commented that ‘‘The exemption is                       regulations requires additional training               public comments. The Agency believes
                                                  merely seeking to eliminate red tape and                for inspectors, resulting in the potential             that C.R. England’s overall safety
                                                  inefficiency.’’                                         for a higher level of confusion                        performance as reflected in its


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                                                                                Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 112 / Thursday, June 11, 2015 / Notices                                                33331

                                                  ‘‘satisfactory’’ safety rating, will enable               g. The police-reported cause of the                  Chapter 301 on the basis that this
                                                  it to achieve a level of safety that is                 accident,                                              noncompliance is inconsequential to
                                                  equivalent to, or greater than, the level                 h. Whether the driver was cited for                  motor vehicle safety.
                                                  of safety achieved without the                          violation of any traffic laws, or motor                   Notice of receipt of the CTA’s petition
                                                  exemption (49 CFR 381.305(a)). The                      carrier safety regulations, and                        was published, with a 30-day public
                                                  exemption is restricted to C.R. England’s                 i. The total driving time and the total              comment period, on April 16, 2015 in
                                                  CLP holders who have documentation                      on-duty time of the CMV driver at the                  the Federal Register (80 FR 20570). No
                                                  that they have passed the CDL skills                    time of the accident.                                  comments were received. To view the
                                                  test. The exemption will enable these                                                                          petition and all supporting documents
                                                                                                          Termination
                                                  drivers to operate a CMV as a team                                                                             log onto the Federal Docket
                                                  driver without requiring the                              The FMCSA does not believe the CLP-                  Management System (FDMS) Web site
                                                  accompanying CDL holder be on duty                      holders covered by the exemption will                  at: http://www.regulations.gov/. Then
                                                  and in the front seat while the vehicle                 experience any deterioration of their                  follow the online search instructions to
                                                  is moving.                                              safety record. However, should this                    locate docket number ‘‘NHTSA–2015–
                                                                                                          occur, FMCSA will take all steps                       0015.’’
                                                  Terms and Conditions of the Exemption                   necessary to protect the public interest,                 II. Tires Involved: Affected are
                                                  Period of the Exemption                                 including revocation of the exemption.                 approximately 116,500 Continental
                                                                                                          The FMCSA will immediately revoke                      ExtremeContact DWS size 225/45R17
                                                     This exemption from the
                                                                                                          the exemption for failure to comply                    91W, Continental ExtremeContact DW
                                                  requirements of 49 CFR 383.25(a)(1) is
                                                                                                          with its terms and conditions.                         size 225/45R17 91W and General G-Max
                                                  effective during the period of June 11,
                                                  2015 through June 12, 2017. The                           Issued on: June 3, 2015.                             AS–03 size 225/45R17 91W passenger
                                                  exemption will expire on June 12, 2017,                 T.F. Scott Darling, III,                               car tires.
                                                                                                                                                                    III. Noncompliance: CTA explains
                                                  11:59 p.m. local time, unless renewed.                  Chief Counsel.
                                                                                                                                                                 that the noncompliance is that due to
                                                                                                          [FR Doc. 2015–14276 Filed 6–10–15; 8:45 am]
                                                  Extent of the Exemption                                                                                        mold labeling errors, the sidewall
                                                                                                          BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P
                                                     The exemption is contingent upon                                                                            markings on the subject tires do not
                                                  C.R. England maintaining USDOT                                                                                 correctly describe the actual number of
                                                  registration, minimum levels of public                                                                         plies in the tread area of the tires as
                                                                                                          DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                  liability insurance, and not being                                                                             required by paragraph S5.5(f) of FMVSS
                                                  subject to any ‘‘imminent hazard’’ or                   National Highway Traffic Safety                        No. 139. Specifically, the Continental
                                                  other out-of-service (OOS) order issued                 Administration                                         ExtremeContact DWS size 225/45R17
                                                  by FMCSA. Each driver covered by the                                                                           91W tires were manufactured with
                                                                                                          [Docket No. NHTSA–2015–0015; Notice 2]                 ‘‘Tread 4 Plies: 1 Polyester + 2 Steel +
                                                  exemption must maintain a valid
                                                  driver’s license and CLP with the                                                                              1 Polyamide.’’ The correct labeling and
                                                                                                          Continental Tire the Americas, LLC,                    stamping should have been ‘‘Tread 5
                                                  required endorsements, not be subject to                Grant of Petition for Decision of
                                                  any OOS order or suspension of driving                                                                         Plies: 1 Polyester + 2 Steel + 2
                                                                                                          Inconsequential Noncompliance                          Polyamide.’’ The Continental
                                                  privileges, and meet all physical
                                                  qualifications required by 49 CFR part                  AGENCY: National Highway Traffic                       ExtremeContact DW size 225/45R17
                                                  391.                                                    Safety Administration (NHTSA),                         91W tires were manufactured with
                                                                                                          Department of Transportation (DOT).                    ‘‘Tread 4 Plies: 1 Polyester + 2 Steel +
                                                  Preemption                                                                                                     1 Polyamide.’’ The correct labeling and
                                                                                                          ACTION: Grant of petition.
                                                     During the period this exemption is in                                                                      stamping should have been ‘‘Tread 5
                                                  effect, no State may enforce any law or                 SUMMARY:   Continental Tire the                        Plies: 1 Polyester + 2 Steel + 2
                                                  regulation that conflicts with or is                    Americas, LLC, (CTA), has determined                   Polyamide.’’ The General G-Max AS–03
                                                  inconsistent with the exemption with                    that certain Continental replacement                   size 225/45R17 91W tires were
                                                  respect to a person or entity operating                 passenger car tires do not fully comply                manufactured with ‘‘Plies: Tread: 1
                                                  under the exemption (49 U.S.C.                          with paragraph S5.5(f) of Federal Motor                Polyester + 2 Steel + 1 Polyamide.’’ The
                                                  31315(d)).                                              Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No.                    correct labeling and stamping should
                                                                                                          139, New Pneumatic Radial Tires for                    have been ‘‘Plies: Tread: 1 Polyester +
                                                  FMCSA Accident Notification                             Light Vehicles. CTA has filed an                       2 Steel + 2 Polyamide.’’
                                                    C.R. England must notify FMCSA                        appropriate report dated January 7,                       IV. Rule Text: Paragraph S5.5 of
                                                  within 5 business days of any accidents                 2015, pursuant to 49 CFR part 573,                     FMVSS No. 139 requires in pertinent
                                                  (as defined by 49 CFR 390.5) involving                  Defect and Noncompliance                               part:
                                                  the operation of any of its CMVs while                  Responsibility and Reports.                              S5.5 Tire Markings. Except as specified in
                                                  utilizing this exemption. The                           ADDRESSES: For further information on                  paragraphs (a) through (i) of S5.5, each tire
                                                  notification must be by email to                        this decision contact Abraham Diaz,                    must be marked on each sidewall with the
                                                  MCPSD@DOT.GOV, and include the                          Office of Vehicles Safety Compliance,                  information specified in S5.5(a) through (d)
                                                  following information:                                  the National Highway Traffic Safety                    and on one sidewall with the information
                                                    a. Date of the accident,                                                                                     specified in S5.5(e) through (i) according to
                                                                                                          Administration (NHTSA), telephone                      the phase-in schedule specified in S7 of this
                                                    b. City or town, and State, in which                  (202) 366–5310, facsimile (202) 366–
                                                  the accident occurred, or which is                                                                             standard . . .
                                                                                                          5930.
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                                                                                                                                                                   (f) The actual number of plies in the
                                                  closest to the scene of the accident,
                                                                                                          SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                             sidewall, and the actual number of plies in
                                                    c. Driver’s name and driver’s license                                                                        the tread area, if different;
                                                  number,                                                   I. CTA’s Petition: Pursuant to 49
                                                    d. Vehicle number and State license                   U.S.C. 30118(d) and 30120(h) (see                        V. Summary of CTA’s Analyses: CTA
                                                  number,                                                 implementing rule at 49 CFR part 556),                 stated its belief that the subject
                                                    e. Number of individuals suffering                    CTA submitted a petition for an                        noncompliance is inconsequential to
                                                  physical injury,                                        exemption from the notification and                    motor vehicle safety for the following
                                                    f. Number of fatalities,                              remedy requirements of 49 U.S.C.                       reasons:


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Document Created: 2015-12-15 15:07:28
Document Modified: 2015-12-15 15:07:28
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice of final disposition; grant of application for exemption.
DatesThe exemption is effective from 12:01 a.m., June 11, 2015 through 11:59 p.m., June 12, 2017.
ContactMrs. Pearlie Robinson, FMCSA Driver and Carrier Operations Division; Office of Carrier, Driver and Vehicle Safety Standards; Telephone: 202-366-4325. Email: [email protected]
FR Citation80 FR 33329 

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