83 FR 16210 - Electronic Documents and Signatures
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 73 (April 16, 2018)
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 73 (April 16, 2018)
| Page Range | 16210-16228 | |
| FR Document | 2018-07749 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 73 (Monday, April 16, 2018)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 16210-16228] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-07749] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration 49 CFR Parts 370, 371, 373, 375, 376, 378, 379, 380, 382, 387, 390, 391, 395, 396, and 398 [Docket No. FMCSA-2012-0376] RIN 2126-AB47 Electronic Documents and Signatures AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: FMCSA amends its regulations to allow the use of electronic records and signatures to satisfy FMCSA's regulatory requirements. These amendments permit the use of electronic methods to generate, certify, sign, maintain, or exchange records so long as the documents accurately reflect the required information and can be used for their intended purpose. This rule applies only to those documents that FMCSA's regulations obligate entities or individuals to retain; it does not apply to forms or other documents that must be submitted directly to FMCSA unless there are already procedures in place in the regulations for electronic submission to FMCSA. This rule partially implements the Government Paperwork Elimination Act (GPEA) and the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (E-SIGN). DATES: This final rule is effective June 15, 2018. Petitions for Reconsideration of this final rule must be submitted to the Administrator of FMCSA in accordance with 49 CFR 389.35 no later than May 16, 2018. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. David Miller, Office of Policy, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590-0001, david.miller@dot.gov. If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, contact Docket Services, telephone (202) 366-9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This final rule is organized as follows: I. Rulemaking Documents A. Availability of Rulemaking Documents B. Privacy Act II. Executive Summary A. Purpose and Summary of the Major Provisions B. Benefits and Costs III. Abbreviations and Acronyms IV. Legal Basis for the Rulemaking [[Page 16211]] V. Background VI. Proposal of April 28, 2014 VII. Comments and Responses A. Overview B. Electronic signature C. Household Goods (HHG) D. Lease and Interchange of Vehicles (Part 376) E. Drug and Alcohol Testing F. Driver's Records of Duty Status G. Miscellaneous Comments VIII. This Final Rule IX. Section-by-Section Analysis A. Part 370 B. Part 373 C. Part 375 D. Part 376 E. Part 378 F. Part 379 G. Part 380 H. Part 382 I. Part 387 J. Part 390 K. Part 391 L. Part 395 M. Part 398 X. International Impacts XI. Regulatory Analyses A. Executive Order (E.O.) 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review), E.O. 13563 (Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review), and DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures B. E.O. 13771 (Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs) C. Regulatory Flexibility Act D. Assistance for Small Entities E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 F. Paperwork Reduction Act (Collection of Information) G. E.O. 13132 (Federalism) H. E.O. 12988 (Civil Justice Reform) I. E.O. 13045 (Protection of Children) J. E.O. 12630 (Taking of Private Property) K. Privacy L. E.O. 12372 (Intergovernmental Review) M. E.O. 13211 (Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use) N. E.O. 13175 (Indian Tribal Governments) O. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (Technical Standards) P. Environment (NEPA, CAA, E.O. 12898 Environmental Justice) I. Rulemaking Documents A. Availability of Rulemaking Documents For access to docket FMCSA-2012-0376 to read background documents and comments received, go to http://www.regulations.gov at any time, or to Docket Services at U.S. Department of Transportation, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. B. Privacy Act In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) solicits comments from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information the commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at www.dot.gov/privacy. II. Executive Summary A. Summary and Purpose of the Major Provisions This rule establishes parity between paper and electronic documents and signatures, and expands businesses' and individuals' ability to use electronic methods to comply with FMCSA's requirements. This rule applies only to documents that FMCSA requires entities to retain. It also updates references to outdated recordkeeping and reporting methods throughout chapter III of subtitle B of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR parts 300-399) to make them technologically neutral. This rulemaking implements portions of the Government Paperwork Elimination Act (GPEA) and the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (E-SIGN). B. Benefits and Costs This rule does not impose new requirements, and it is expected to provide regulatory relief to the industry. It codifies previously issued regulatory guidance that provides flexibility to the industry in the use of electronic documents and electronic signatures, and removes outdated and obsolete references in the regulatory text. Examples of documents affected by this rule include vehicle maintenance records, driver qualification files, bills of lading, and business records. Regulated entities are provided additional flexibility and may choose to conduct business using either electronic versions or traditional paper-based versions of these types of documents. Because the choice of using electronic methods is optional and not mandatory, and regulated entities may continue to use traditional paper-based methods if they desire to do so, the Agency expects regulated entities will choose those methods that best suit their individual needs. For those regulated entities that do choose to use electronic documents and methods under this rule, potential cost savings may include reduced expenditures on labor time, office and storage space, materials, and office equipment. Because the previously issued regulatory guidance that is now being codified in this final rule has been in place for several years, since January 4, 2011, it is believed that many regulated entities for whom the use of electronic documents and methods best suits their needs may have already made this transition from traditional paper-based methods. Therefore, many of the potential cost savings possible from this rule may have largely already occurred. It is estimated that though there may still be some additional incremental cost savings that could result from the regulatory flexibility being codified by this final rule (e.g., for any remaining regulated entities that may desire at some time to use electronic documents and methods but have not yet made this transition), overall these additional cost savings will be minimal. III. Abbreviations and Acronyms ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Full name Abbreviation or acronym ------------------------------------------------------------------------ American Moving and Storage Association... AMSA. Automatic On-Board Recording Device....... AOBRD. Atlas Van Lines........................... Atlas. American Trucking Associations............ ATA. Clean Air Act............................. CAA. Code of Federal Regulations............... CFR. Commercial Motor Vehicle.................. CMV. U.S. Department of Transportation......... DOT. Electronic Logging Device................. ELD. Executive Order........................... EO. Electronic Signatures in Global and E-SIGN. National Commerce Act. Fixing America's Surface Transportation FAST. Act. Federal Register.......................... FR. [[Page 16212]] Federal Motor Carrier Safety FMCSA. Administration. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.. FMCSRs. Government Paperwork Elimination Act...... GPEA. Household Goods........................... HHG. Hours of Service.......................... HOS. Motor Carrier Safety Act of 1984.......... 1984 Act. National Motor Freight Traffic Association NMFTA. National Environmental Policy Act......... NEPA. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking............. NPRM. Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and ODAPC. Compliance. Owner-Operator Independent Drivers OOIDA. Association, Inc. Office of Management and Budget........... OMB. Paperwork Reduction Act................... PRA. Portable Document Format.................. PDF. Privacy Impact Assessment................. PIA. Record of Duty Status..................... RODS. United States Code........................ U.S.C. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ IV. Legal Basis for the Rulemaking The Motor Carrier Safety Act of 1984 (Pub. L. 98-554, Title II, 98 Stat. 2832, October 30, 1984), as amended, (the 1984 Act) provides broad authority to regulate drivers, motor carriers, and vehicle equipment. Section 211 of the 1984 Act grants the Secretary broad power, in carrying out motor carrier safety statutes and regulations, to ``prescribe recordkeeping and reporting requirements'' and to ``perform other acts the Secretary considers appropriate'' (49 U.S.C. 31133(a)(8) and (10)). The FMCSA Administrator has been delegated authority under 49 CFR 1.87(f) to carry out the functions vested in the Secretary of Transportation by 49 U.S.C. chapter 311, subchapters I and III, relating to commercial motor vehicle (CMV) programs and safety regulation. Two Federal statutes govern the Agency's implementation of electronic document and signature requirements. The GPEA (Pub. L. 105.277, Title XVII (Secs. 1701-1710), 112 Stat. 2681-749, 44 U.S.C. 3504 note) was enacted on October 21, 1998, to improve customer service and governmental efficiency through the use of information technology. E-SIGN (Pub. L. 106-229, 114 Stat. 464, 15 U.S.C. 7001-7031) was signed into law on June 30, 2000. E-SIGN was designed to promote the use of electronic contract formation, signatures, and recordkeeping in private commerce by establishing legal equivalence between traditional paper- based methods and electronic methods. The GPEA defines an electronic signature as a method of signing an electronic communication that: (a) Identifies and authenticates a particular person as the source of the electronic communication; and (b) indicates such person's approval of the information contained in the electronic communication (section 1710(1)). It also requires Federal agencies to provide individuals and entities the options of: (a) Submitting information to or transacting with the agency electronically; and (b) using electronic records retention when practicable. The GPEA states that electronic records and their related electronic signatures shall not be denied legal effect, validity, or enforceability merely because they are in electronic form (section 1707). It also encourages agencies to use electronic signature alternatives (section 1704). This final rule is concerned only with implementing the use of electronic document creation and retention with regard to documents and records required to be maintained, and does not cover electronic submission to FMCSA, as is discussed more broadly in the response to comments below. For any transaction in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce, E-SIGN supersedes all pre-existing requirements that paper records be kept so long as: (a) Such records are generated in commercial, consumer, and business transactions between private parties; and (b) those parties consent to using electronic methods. Specifically, the statute establishes the legal equivalence for contracts, signatures, and other legally-required documents, whether in traditional paper or electronic form (15 U.S.C. 7001(a)(1)). V. Background In recent years, FMCSA received a number of requests from motor carriers and other interested parties asking permission to use electronic methods to comply with various Agency regulations that require motor carriers and individuals to generate, sign, or store documents. Previously, FMCSA made determinations on whether certain categories of documents could be generated, signed, or stored electronically on a case-by-case basis. However, FMCSA recognized that modern technologies and evolving business practices rendered the distinction between paper and electronic documents and signatures obsolete in most cases. FMCSA determined that many businesses and individuals could achieve greater efficiencies using electronic methods, but that others might prefer paper-based recordkeeping. As a result, FMCSA decided to give regulated entities the flexibility to choose which methods to use. On January 4, 2011, FMCSA issued regulatory guidance to 49 CFR 390.31 on the use of electronic signatures and documents to satisfy FMCSA's regulatory requirements. (76 FR 411). That guidance provided that, for the purposes of complying with any provision in chapter III of subtitle B of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR parts 300-399) that requires a document to be created, signed, certified, or retained by any person or entity, that person or entity may, but is not required to, use electronic methods. The guidance further stated that in order for electronic methods to satisfy FMCSA's regulatory requirements, the documents or signatures had to accurately reflect the information in the record and remain accessible in a form that can be viewed or reproduced according to agency rules. On April 28, 2014, FMCSA issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that proposed incorporating the 2011 guidance into regulations. (79 FR 23306). Subsequent to the issuance of the NPRM, FMCSA removed guidance question 27 and revised question 28 for 49 CFR 395.8, addressing the use of logging software programs for drivers' records of duty status (RODS) in order to ensure consistency with FMCSA's [[Page 16213]] January 2011 guidance (79 FR 39342, July 10, 2014). In addition, Presidential Executive Order (E.O.) 13563, ``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review'' (issued January 18, 2011, and published January 21 at 76 FR 3821), prompted DOT to publish a notice in the Federal Register on February 16, 2011 (76 FR 8940). This notice requested readers to comment on a plan for reviewing existing rules, as well as to identify existing rules that may be outmoded, ineffective, insufficient, or excessively burdensome. DOT placed all retrospective regulatory review comments, including a transcript of a March 14, 2011, public meeting, in docket DOT-OST-2011-0025. One of the comments submitted to that docket was relevant to this rule, and has been included in the comment summary below.\1\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ While the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act was enacted after publication of the NPRM, FMCSA notes that publication of this Final Rule also complies with the mandate found in section 5203 of the FAST Act, requiring FMCSA to incorporate guidance into regulations if the guidance is still valid after a period of 5 years. See, Pubic Law 114-94, 129 Stat. 1312, 1535. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- VI. The 2014 Proposed Rule On April 28, 2014, FMCSA published an NPRM titled ``Electronic Signatures and Documents'' in the Federal Register (79 FR 23306). FMCSA received 17 comments on the NPRM. No public meetings were requested and none was held. The NPRM proposed to codify FMCSA's guidance issued under Sec. 390.31 and eliminate references to outdated recordkeeping and reporting methods throughout the Agency's regulations. The proposed rule was intended to establish parity between paper and electronic documents and signatures, and expand businesses' and individuals' ability to use electronic methods to comply with FMCSA's requirements. It applied only to documents that FMCSA requires individuals or entities to retain. It also updated references to outdated recordkeeping and reporting methods throughout 49 CFR parts 300-399 to make them technologically neutral. VII. Comments and Responses A. Overview Seventeen submissions were posted to the docket. One submission was a duplicate \2\ and three were outside the scope of this rulemaking, leaving 13 relevant submissions. Commenters included four trade associations: American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA), American Trucking Associations (ATA), National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), and Owner, Operator, Independent Driver Association (OOIDA). Three businesses, Atlas Van Lines (Atlas), KeepTruckin (sic), and First Advantage, also provided comments, as did six individuals. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \2\ Submission number 013 is a duplicate of number 005. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Comments Supporting the Rulemaking Eight commenters, including the four trade associations, three individuals and a business expressed their support for the proposed rule. First Advantage agreed with the rule and recommended that 49 CFR part 382 be included in its adoption. Trade associations AMSA and NMFTA both strongly supported the rulemaking. OOIDA and ATA supported the rulemaking, although each had concerns (which are addressed further below). Finally, an individual stated ``with technology these days, this makes perfect sense.'' B. Electronic Signature Comment. An individual commenter expressed concern about the lack of description in the preamble concerning the new regulatory language in Sec. 390.32(c)(2) and (d). Paragraph Sec. 390.32(c)(2) in the NPRM provided a definition of the term electronic signature, using terms from the GPEA, to set the performance standard for allowing use of electronic signatures. The subparagraph also provided flexibility that such an electronic signature may be made using any available technology that otherwise satisfies FMCSA's requirements. Paragraph Sec. 390.32(d) in the NPRM provided that any person or entity may use documents signed, certified, generated, maintained, or exchanged using electronic methods if the documents accurately reflect the information otherwise required to be contained in them. Paragraph (d) also provided that records, documents, or signatures generated, maintained, or exchanged using electronic methods would not satisfy FMCSA requirements if they are not legible or capable of being retained, used for the purpose for which they were created, or accurately reproduced for reference by any party entitled to access them. This individual commenter noted that ``identification and authentication'' have specific meanings defining levels of security. This same commenter wrote that the NPRM seemed to assume that electronic signatures are legible, rather than being nothing more than a PIN or user ID and password. Another individual commenter wrote that ``allowing electronic signatures needs to be defined.'' OOIDA was concerned about the security of electronic documents. It requested that FMCSA provide clarification through a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking and allow for public comment. An anonymous commenter noted FMCSA's requirements implied that it would require a level 2 or 3 authentication of a signature, and wrote, ``FMCSA should explain exactly what it will require in terms of authentication and identity proofing (a necessary step in ensuring authentication).'' This commenter did not see why FMCSA should require that level of authentication. Further, the individual pointed out there would be a cost to impose level 2 or 3 authentication requirements that FMCSA has not considered. FMCSA Response. Based on the confusion generated by the NPRM's placement of the definition in Sec. 390.32(c)(2), FMCSA has decided to move the definition of ``electronic signature'' to the general definition section for all Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) in Sec. Sec. 390.5 and 390.5T. The definition in Sec. Sec. 390.5 and 390.5T will continue to provide that an electronic signature is ``a method of signing an electronic communication that identifies and authenticates a particular person as the source of the electronic communication and indicates such person's approval of the information contained in the electronic communication.'' FMCSA recognizes that the terms ``identifies'' and ``authenticates'' carry distinct meanings in the world of information technology, particularly when dealing with information security. However, these are the terms used in the GPEA to set the performance standard for allowing use of electronic signatures. Changing them here could have unintended consequences. FMCSA does not use the terms to mean that a specific level of information or authentication security must be used. Those companies and individuals who would like to use electronic signatures are free to decide, for themselves, what level of information security they are most comfortable maintaining. For FMCSA purposes, we require only that the electronic signatures have some level of security to meet the performance standard set forth in the statute and regulations. To make it clear that the Sec. Sec. 390.5 and 390.5T definition of ``electronic signature'' follows the GPEA performance standard, this rule will add at the end of the Sec. Sec. 390.5 and [[Page 16214]] 390.5T definitions a cross reference to the GPEA for the benefit of the public's understanding as to where the definition originated. Comment. ATA wrote that motor carriers create and store records used to demonstrate compliance using electronic on-board recorders. ATA commented that FMCSA must explicitly allow drivers to sign and store documents transmitted through the electronic on-board recorder by clicking an ``I agree'' button. ATA said the NPRM was ambiguous on this issue and explained that there is a distinction between the characterizations of an electronic signature in Sec. 390.32 of the NPRM and in the 2011 guidance, which stated that signatures must ``accurately reflect the information in the record and remain accessible in a form that can be accurately viewed and/or reproduced according to agency rules.'' FMCSA response. We do not believe that the regulation needs to be revised to explicitly state that clicking an ``I agree'' button on an electronic on-board recorder is an electronic signature. Sections 390.5T and 390.32, when read together, would already allow for such an interpretation so long as the on-board recorder satisfies FMCSA's requirements. This means the on-board recorder must accurately reflect the information and/or data it is designed to record, must retain the information and/or data for the proscribed time period, and must be able to accurately reproduce the information and/or data within the required timeframes (49 CFR 390.32(d)). Additionally, it must be able to show that the user approved the information contained in the on- board recorder (49 CFR 390.5T). C. Household Goods (HHG) Information Provided to a Prospective Shipper (Sec. 375.213) Comment. Both AMSA and Atlas strongly supported the ability to provide the Ready to Move brochure and Rights and Responsibilities booklet to consumers electronically, rather than by hyperlink to FMCSA's website. AMSA and Atlas noted, however, that the word ``paper'' still remains in Sec. 375.213(a), (b)(1), and (e)(2). AMSA indicated that it believed this is an ``oversight'' on the Agency's part. Furthermore, AMSA pointed out: ``Eliminating the paper requirement for the required Ready to Move brochure and Rights and Responsibilities booklet will allow carriers to provide all of that information together electronically.'' Both commenters noted that the only currently available electronic method for delivering the required Ready to Move brochure and Rights and Responsibilities booklet ``is basically unusable by carriers because: (a) It requires that the carrier obtain a receipt that the individual shipper has actually received both booklets when the carrier is not actually providing them the documents, so does not know when the shipper has actually received them in order to be able to obtain an honest and truthful receipt; (b) the regulation does not allow the carrier to have the shipper access the documents on its website, but requires that the shipper go to the FMCSA website to obtain them, eliminating any means for the carrier to electronically track that the shipper has actually received the documents; and (c) the regulation requires that the carrier obtain and keep the required receipt for 3 years (versus the one year period required for most other documents).'' FMCSA Response. The Agency agrees with the commenters and amends the language in Sec. 375.213(e)(2), by removing the words ``electronic or paper.'' FMCSA also eliminates the requirement in Sec. 375.213 for the Ready to Move brochure and Rights and Responsibilities booklet to be provided only in paper copy or retrieved at a URL. Finally, FMCSA removes the need to receive a physical receipt of waiver from the shipper as well. The proposed rule did not address the length of time a carrier needs to keep the receipt in Sec. 375.213(e)(3) because FMCSA resolved the issue in 2012. AMSA's and Atlas' June 27, 2014, comments discussed reducing the length of time required to maintain the receipt from a three-year period to a one-year period. This was almost two years after FMCSA harmonized the retention period for the required receipt to one year based on AMSA's January 11, 2011, petition. The Agency published a direct final rule (DFR) on July 16, 2012 (77 FR 41699), establishing the retention period as one year. HHG Filing of Claims Comment. Atlas stated that the rewording of Sec. 370.3 left the process for filing complaints unclear. Specifically, Atlas objected to the removal of the phrase ``or electronic'' and FMCSA's failure to delete the parenthetical statement that followed. FMCSA Response. In response to Atlas' comment, the Agency removes the parenthetical ``(when agreed to by the carrier and shipper or receiver involved)'' from Sec. 370.3(b), because the form of communication used is determined by agreement of the parties involved. This will clarify that the claimants need to file a claim, either in writing or electronically, rather than orally stating a claim. For the same reason, the Agency also removes the identical parenthetical phrase in Sec. 378.3(a) for the filing and processing of overcharge, duplicate payment, or overcollection payments for motor carrier and household goods freight forwarder transportation of property. D. Lease and Interchange of Vehicles (Part 376) Comment. OOIDA was concerned that the protections established by a lease ``will be compromised if a motor carrier exercises its rights under the proposed rule to use electronic documents, but the owner- operator does not have the means to maintain personal possession at all times and refer to it when necessary during the course of the lease.'' OOIDA requested several clarifications regarding the proposed regulatory text in part 376 related to the responsibility of the motor carrier to make documents available to the owner-operator. OOIDA also asked how the owner-operator was to store the document on the CMV. OOIDA wrote that anything other than a paper copy may be less than effective in achieving the purposes of the leasing regulations. OOIDA also asked FMCSA to clarify in the final rule that the new requirements for electronic signatures are not intended to permit easy amendment of a lease or its addendums. FMCSA Response. As stated in the introduction, the E-SIGN statute requires consent from the consumer to share documents in electronic format. This consent should be part of the contract reached by the parties, in normal business arrangements, which must be signed by all parties indicating their consent to the requirements. We have added this requirement (that consent be documented) into 49 CFR 390.32(d), to ensure it is clear to all who wish to take advantage of the electronic documents and signatures options. If the owner-operator does not have the ability to receive and maintain the lease in electronic format, the owner-operator should obtain the lease in a format he or she can use, i.e., a printed copy. In response to OOIDA's request for clarification that the requirements for electronic signatures are not intended to permit easy amendment of a lease or its addendums, without ratification by both parties, FMCSA reiterates that the purpose of this rule is to give regulated entities the choice to conduct business using either electronic or traditional paper-based methods. This rule does not change any substantive legal requirements or business practices. We have added language into 49 CFR 379.5 [[Page 16215]] to include a requirement for the protection of records from unauthorized access and modification, to make this clear. E. Drug and Alcohol Testing Comment. First Advantage encouraged the Agency to use electronic records and signatures under part 382, ``Controlled Substances and Alcohol Use and Testing,'' as this would provide regulatory relief to the industry. ATA requested that the Agency work with the DOT Office of the Secretary to create identical allowances for electronic signatures and transmissions related to drug and alcohol testing requesting requirements found in 49 CFR part 40. FMCSA Response. While FMCSA did not include specific changes to part 382 in its NPRM of April 28, 2014, the addition of a new Sec. 390.32 in this final rule applies to those records that are created under part 382. Thus, industry parties may now use electronic records to comply with the records retention requirements found in 49 CFR 382.401, so long as their electronic records captured the information required by Sec. 382.401. On December 5, 2016, FMCSA published a final rule titled ``Commercial Driver's License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse,'' (81 FR 87686). That final rule, which falls under part 382, contemplates the use of electronic signatures for certain transactions related to the reporting and receipt of drug and alcohol testing information, including an employer's ability to obtain driver consent. In reviewing the CFR for any additional terms to align with the changes proposed in the NPRM, the Agency has included a revision to Sec. 382.601(d). FMCSA removes the phrase ``the original of'' in this section to reflect the practical reality that there is no real distinction between originals and copies of electronic documents. Moreover, this change conforms to the changes at Sec. 390.31 which permit parties to maintain accurate copies in lieu of originals. The DOT Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance (ODAPC) has not approved the use of electronic signatures or documents to satisfy the requirements of the DOT-wide drug and alcohol testing regulations, which are found at 49 CFR part 40. The Agency has no authority over regulations under 49 CFR part 40. Any questions about part 40 regulations should be directed to ODAPC. You may find ODAPC contact information at https://www.transportation.gov/odapc. F. Driver's Records of Duty Status Comment. Commenters asked that the regulatory guidance for Sec. 395.8, regarding the use of electronic devices to keep a driver's RODS, be addressed. Commenters, including ATA and KeepTruckin (sic), a mobile technology-related firm, wanted the new rule to specifically address how RODS and other HOS documents could be provided to an enforcement officer at roadside. ATA interpreted the need for an ``accurate copy'' as requiring that drivers retain paper copies to satisfy law enforcement requests. Two individual commenters and KeepTruckin asked if RODS would have to be printed or if they could be displayed on a tablet or smart phone. A commenter asked if RODS and supporting documents could be sent electronically. A commenter asked if a driver had to submit the original log book or if it could be faxed to the motor carrier and printed out when needed. ATA stated that FMCSA should allow the use of electronic documents at roadside, and eliminate question 28 of the DOT Interpretations for Sec. 395.8 that requires the ability to print paper RODS. It did not believe that there is a ``compelling government interest'' in requiring paper copies at roadside inspection. ATA said that, currently, the risk of fraud is no greater than for paper documents. Tablet and smart phone technology can present the documents required at roadside in an easily reviewable format and transmit them electronically. FMCSA Response. As noted in Section V, Background, above, interpretative guidance issued under 49 CFR 395.8 that was in effect during the NPRM comment period was subsequently revised, consistent with FMCSA's July 2014 guidance on electronic signatures and documents (79 FR 39342, July 10, 2014). This revision rendered multiple comments obsolete. The July 2014 guidance addressed logging software programs that do not qualify as automatic on-board recording devices (AOBRDs) or electronic logging devices (ELDs). The Agency is in the process of reviewing all regulatory guidance previously issued by FMCSA. Any changes to existing guidance for Sec. 395.8, Sec. 395.15, or other sections addressed in this rulemaking will be considered during that review. In the meantime, the existing guidance remains in effect. This rule modifies 49 CFR 395.15 governing use of AOBRDs. Provisions pertaining to ELDs were addressed in a separate rulemaking (80 FR 78292, December 16, 2015). The ELD final rule also addressed the handling of supporting documents during inspections beginning December 18, 2017. The ATA comment erroneously presumes that the reference to an electronic document constituting an ``accurate copy'' would mean that drivers would need to have paper documents available for inspections. While there will be circumstances where paper RODS may be required, the need for production of paper records will diminish over time with the adoption of this rule and implementation of FMCSA's ELD final rule. FMCSA has long acknowledged drivers' ability to satisfy their obligation to submit paper RODS to their motor carrier employer by scanning the original documents and submitting them electronically (75 FR 32860, June 10, 2010). Submission of supporting documents can be handled in the same manner. G. Miscellaneous Comments Comment. NFMTA and ATA recommended that the rule be expanded to include documents that FMCSA receives as well. An individual commenter stated that ``FMCSA regulations still require paper signatures on many daily reports; creating a paperwork burden to technology adoption.'' This commenter requested that FMCSA adopt technology and remove current barriers. OOIDA was concerned that the Agency would consider electronic documents as more accurate than other methods in regards to the recording of HOS. OOIDA wrote that a document is only as accurate as the information recorded by its author. ATA expressed their confusion of what constitutes an electronic signature. FMCSA Response. FMCSA understands the position of those who seek to broaden the scope of this rule to allow electronic signatures on forms submitted to FMCSA. In fact, FMCSA has in certain situations made it possible for industry to use electronic signatures and submit information in limited electronic format. As an example, Certified Medical Examiners may use electronic signatures, if they choose to do so, to sign medical forms, certificates, and a new driver medication report. If FMCSA requests these forms, they are uploaded in portable document format (PDF) to the Medical Examiner's account associated with the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners for FMCSA to access. Unfortunately, adapting all FMCSA systems to allow for use of electronic signatures and submissions [[Page 16216]] would significantly delay the implementation of this rule for use by third parties, as it would require FMCSA to develop and implement technology systems to allow for direct submission to FMCSA from regulated parties. Such development is often a multi-year process, as has been seen in the ongoing implementation for the online Unified Registration System. FMCSA sees no reason the opportunity for private parties to use electronic signatures and records retention should be dependent on FMCSA's ability to receive submissions electronically. Doing so would delay potential benefits to be gained by third parties. Thus, FMCSA is moving forward with this final rule, and will continue to look for opportunities to expand electronic submission options in the future. FMCSA's intent is to provide the industry with an electronic signature option for all instances where regulations currently require the more traditional pen and ink signatures on documents to be created and maintained by third parties (i.e., not submitted to FMCSA). We welcome any input as to specific instances where we may have inadvertently omitted the electronic signature option. This input can be submitted using the information listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this final rule. In response to OOIDA's concern, FMCSA notes that this rule merely establishes parity between paper and electronic documents and gives the industry more flexibility. The Agency does not intend to give preference to electronic or paper records. With regard to ATA's confusion over what constitutes an electronic signature, FMCSA is purposely providing a performance standard, as opposed to defining a specific technology to be used. There are numerous ways to electronically sign a document. We leave to the parties involved in the transaction to determine the method most appropriate for their purposes.\3\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \3\ For general information on electronic signatures, the agency recommends Nunno, Richard M., ``Electronic Signatures'', Library of Congress' Congressional Research Service, CRS Rep. RS20344, Jan. 19, 2001, pgs. 1-2 at https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metacrs1448/m1/1/high_res_d/RS20344_2001Jan19.pdf, accessed March 9, 2018. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- VIII. This Final Rule This final rule adopts the NPRM substantially as proposed, thereby incorporating previously issued guidance into the CFR. This rule establishes parity between paper and electronic documents and signatures, and expands businesses' and individuals' ability to use electronic methods to comply with certain of the Agency's requirements. This rule only applies to documents between private parties that FMCSA requires individuals or entities to retain. It also updates references to outdated recordkeeping and reporting methods throughout chapter III of subtitle B of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR parts 300-399) to make them technologically neutral. This rulemaking implements portions of the GPEA and E-SIGN. It removes the words ``original'' and ``written and electronic'' in many cases where they still appeared in the regulatory text, in order to provide parity between electronic and paper records. In response to comments by AMSA and Atlas, FMCSA has also updated Sec. 375.213 to allow electronic copies of the Ready to Move brochure and Rights and Responsibilities document, provided they receive agreement from the customer. Finally, the parenthetical has been removed in Sec. Sec. 370.3(b) and 378.3(a) to ensure all claims are filed in writing, either by paper or electronically. This final rule does not adopt the changes proposed in part 389, FMCSA's rulemaking procedures. Those changes are included in the August 7, 2017, document ``Rulemaking Procedures Update'' covering broader changes to part 389 (82 FR 36719). The timing of the part 389 NPRM and this final rule were such that addressing all part 389 changes in one rulemaking was less confusing than attempting to finalize a few changes in this final rule while proposing others in the August 7, 2017, part 389 NPRM. In addition, this rule reflects changes made in the CFR between April 2014 when the NPRM was published and April 16, 2018. For further discussion of the changes, please see the Section-by-Section Analysis in Part IX of this preamble. IX. Section-by-Section Analysis The Agency makes changes throughout its regulations to conform to the new definition of ``written or in writing'' at Sec. Sec. 390.5 and 390.5T, which eliminates the distinction between paper and electronic methods of communication. The term ``written'' no longer means ``on paper.'' As a result the words ``electronic'' and ``paper'' are removed throughout as long as they are no longer needed for an alternative reason. This change can be found in parts 370, 371, 373, 375, 376, 378, 379, 382, 387, 391, 395, 396, and 398, and are not discussed any further in this section as they remain unchanged from what was proposed in the NPRM.\4\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \4\ Because the changes made in parts 371 and 396 are limited to the removal of the words ``electronic'' and ``paper,'' they are not discussed any further in the section-by-section analysis. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- A. Part 370 49 CFR 370.3, 370.5, 370.9 FMCSA is removing the parenthetical ``(when agreed to by the carrier and shipper or receiver involved)'' from 370.3(b) in response to comments. All other changes to part 370 remain as proposed in the NPRM. 49 CFR 370.7 In reviewing the CFR, FMCSA discovered an additional instance in Sec. 370.7 where existing regulatory text could be updated to align with the changes proposed in the NPRM. The Agency is removing ``original'' as referenced in the ``original bill of lading,'' ``original invoice,'' and ``a photographic copy of the original invoice, or an exact copy thereof or any extract made therefrom . . .'' These are either identical or similar to those that were included in the NPRM, similar to the discussion in Sec. 390.32 below. FMCSA also removes the word ``photographic'' to make this section technologically neutral. Motor carriers, freight forwarders, consignees, and consignors may still maintain a copy of the invoice or an extract made therefrom, but they are free to choose the method of making that copy. We believe that notice and comment on these changes is unnecessary as the additional revisions are similar, if not identical, to changes that were included in the NPRM and garnered no adverse comments. B. Part 373 49 CFR 373.103 As proposed in the NPRM, in Sec. 373.103, FMCSA removes references to ``original'' documents to reflect the practical reality that there is no real distinction between originals and copies of electronic documents. Moreover, these changes conform to the changes at Sec. 390.31 that permit parties to maintain accurate copies in lieu of originals. C. Part 375 49 CFR 375.505 The changes to Sec. 375.505 make clear that when a household goods motor carrier transports a shipment on a collect-on-delivery basis, notification of the charges can be made using any method of communication, including, but not limited to fax, email, overnight [[Page 16217]] courier, certified mail, or return receipt requested. D. Part 376 49 CFR 376.11 As proposed in the NPRM, FMCSA amends Sec. 376.11(b)(1) to remove the outdated language specifying that receipts for leased equipment may be transmitted by mail, telegraph, or similar means of communication. Accordingly, the amended section no longer includes references to the method of transmitting receipts, thereby giving the parties the freedom to choose their own delivery method. 49 CFR 376.12 In paragraph (g), as proposed in the NPRM, FMCSA eliminates outdated references to computer generated documents to eliminate the distinction between electronic and manually generated documents. In today's business and legal environment, there is no need to afford special treatment to computer generated documentation; eliminating this special treatment establishes technological neutrality in this section. These changes do not mean, however, that parties are prohibited from using computers to generate the documents required in this section. To the contrary, all parties are free to conduct their business using the technology they choose, as long as it otherwise meets the Agency's requirements. Also, as proposed in the NPRM, in paragraph (1), FMCSA eliminates reference to the original of each lease for the same reasons explained in the discussion of Sec. 373.103 above. E. Part 378 49 CFR 378.4 In addition to removing ``original'' in Sec. 378.4(c) for the reasons discussed in Sec. Sec. 370.7 and 373.103 above, FMCSA has introduced a technical amendment in Sec. 378.4(e) to correct a misspelling of the word ``orginal'' to be ``original''. The use of this ``original'' continues to be proper in this context of informing the carrier that it must accept copies, but doing so means no one else can come forward with the originals and make a duplicate claim. Otherwise, this section remains as proposed. F. Part 379 49 CFR 379.5 As previously drafted, section 379.5 required motor carriers to protect records required under FMCSA's regulations from damage or loss. The outdated language in paragraph (a) referred to physical damage that generally can pertain only to paper records. FMCSA updates this paragraph by changing it to require motor carriers to protect records against destruction, deterioration, unauthorized access and modification, and data corruption. This change reflects the importance of maintaining the integrity of records regardless of the method used to maintain them, and responds to those commenters who requested that FMCSA ensure electronic records are protected from unauthorized amendment. We have updated paragraph (b) to ensure FMCSA is notified in any case where the integrity of the record is at issue. 49 CFR 379.7 As previously drafted, section 379.7 contained outdated record preservation language that does not take into account the use of computers and modern technology. As proposed in the NPRM, FMCSA replaces this language with language that permits companies to preserve records using any technology that accurately reflects all of the information in the record and remains accessible for later use in accordance with the Agency's record keeping requirements. These changes conform to the requirements for electronic methods in new Sec. 390.32. G. Part 380 49 CFR 380.715 Also in reviewing the CFR, FMCSA discovered an additional instance where recently added regulatory text could be updated to align with the changes proposed in the NPRM. The Agency has included a revision to Sec. 380.715(a). FMCSA replaces the phrase ``assessments (in written or electronic format)'' in this section with the phrase ``written assessments'' to conform to the new definition of ``written or in writing'' at Sec. Sec. 390.5 and 390.5T, which eliminates the distinction between paper and electronic methods of communication. We believe that notice and comment on this change is unnecessary as the additional revision in Sec. 380.715 is similar, if not identical, to changes that were included in the NPRM. 49 CFR 380.725 Entry-level driver training providers are required by Sec. 380.725(b)(2) to maintain a copy of the driver-trainee's commercial learner's permit(s) or commercial driver's license, and Sec. 380.725(b)(3) requires these training providers maintain copies of commercial driver's licenses and applicable endorsements held by behind-the-wheel and theory instructors. As mentioned throughout this preamble about copies of records, entry-level driver training providers are free to choose the method of maintaining copies as long as it meets the requirements in Sec. 390.31 which permit parties to maintain accurate copies in lieu of originals. H. Part 382 49 CFR 382.601 Also while reviewing the CFR, the Agency discovered an additional instance where existing regulatory text could be updated to align with the changes proposed in the NPRM. In this final rule, FMCSA made an additional revision to Sec. 382.601(d). FMCSA removes the phrase ``the original of'' in this section for the reasons explained in the discussion of Sec. 373.103, above. I. Part 387 49 CFR 387.7 As previously drafted, paragraph (b)(1) of Sec. 387.7 required insurers and motor carriers to give 35 days' notice prior to cancelling the financial responsibility policies required in Sec. 387.9. This section formerly established mail as the only method of communicating cancellations. As proposed in the NPRM, FMCSA amends this section by replacing the word ``mailed'' with the more technologically neutral term ``transmitted,'' and ``Proof of mailing'' with ``Proof of transmission.'' This establishes parity between mailing and other methods of transmission as proof of cancellation. 49 CFR 387.15 FMCSA amends Sec. 387.15 by removing the outdated 1982 illustration I and the outdated 1983 illustration II. These illustrations represent FMCSA's predecessor Federal Highway Administration's Forms MCS-90 and MCS-82. FMCSA will update the forms by making non-substantive changes to these OMB-approved forms by replacing the terms ``mailed'' with ``transmitted,'' and ``Proof of mailing'' with ``Proof of transmission'' for the reasons explained in the discussion of Sec. 387.7, above. FMCSA adds a reference to the section that the public may access the current OMB-approved versions of Forms MCS-90 and MCS-82 at FMCSA's website https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/mission/forms. Thus, the public will have access to the most current OMB-approved forms via FMCSA's website rather than outdated forms in Sec. 387.15. This change is in addition to what was proposed in the NPRM. Because the illustrations were not representations of the current OMB-approved forms, we believe that [[Page 16218]] this change is not subject to notice and comment. It is a ministerial action that removes confusion from the regulations. As such, notice and comment are unnecessary. 49 CFR 387.31 As proposed, FMCSA amends Sec. 387.31(b)(1) by replacing the term ``mailed'' with ``transmitted,'' and ``Proof of mailing'' with ``Proof of transmission'' for the reasons explained in the discussion of Sec. 387.7, above. 49 CFR 387.39 FMCSA amends Sec. 387.39 by removing the outdated 2003 illustrations I and II. These illustrations represent FMCSA's Forms MCS-90B and MCS-82B. FMCSA will update the forms for the same reasons explained in the discussion of Sec. Sec. 387.7 and 387.15, above. FMCSA also adds a reference to the section that the public may access the current OMB-approved versions of Forms MCS-90B and MCS-82B at FMCSA's website https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/mission/forms. This change is in addition to what was proposed in the NPRM. Because the illustrations were not representations of the current OMB-approved forms, we believe that this change is not subject to notice and comment. It is a ministerial action that removes confusion from the regulations. As such, notice and comment are unnecessary. J. Part 390 49 CFR 390.5 and 390.5T FMCSA moves the definition for ``electronic signature'' from proposed Sec. 390.32(c)(2) to Sec. Sec. 390.5 and 390.5T, and adds a Sec. 390.5T cross reference for the term to Sec. 390.32(c)(1). As discussed in the response to comments about electronic signatures earlier in this preamble, an electronic signature continues to mean a method of signing an electronic communication that: (1) Identifies and authenticates a particular person as the source of the electronic communication; and (2) indicates such person's approval of the information contained in the electronic communication. Based on a few commenters' confusion with the definition, FMCSA adds a clarifying phrase that the definition is in accordance with the Government Paperwork Elimination Act (Pub. L. 105-277, Title XVII, Secs. 1701-1710, 112 Stat. 2681-749, 44 U.S.C. 3504 note). This will ensure that regulated entities know FMCSA is using GPEA's performance standard for allowing use of electronic signatures. This change also is made to the currently suspended Sec. 390.5, to ensure that when FMCSA rescinds the suspension, the changes made by this final rule will remain intact. As proposed, FMCSA introduces the definition of ``written or in writing'' in Sec. Sec. 390.5 and 390.5T. The new definition is technologically neutral and includes anything typed, handwritten, or printed on a tangible medium, such as paper, as well as anything typed or generated electronically, as long as it otherwise meets the new standards in Sec. 390.32. This definition establishes technological neutrality throughout the FMCSRs and eliminates any distinction between paper and electronic documentation as being ``written or in writing.'' 49 CFR 390.7 As proposed in the NPRM, FMCSA removes the outdated explanation of the term ``writing'' from the rules of construction in Sec. 390.7(b)(2). As explained above, FMCSA has implemented a new definition of ``written or in writing'' in Sec. Sec. 390.5 and 390.5T. 49 CFR 390.31 Revised Sec. 390.31 permits persons or entities subject to document retention requirements to keep copies in lieu of originals. As proposed in the NPRM, FMCSA removes the reference to microfilm as the only acceptable method for storing such copies. It also removes the prohibition on using computer technology to maintain documents with signatures. This change provides the flexibility to choose the type of recordkeeping and storage that best suits an entity's capacities and business needs. To comply with the requirements of this section, copies must be legible; anyone entitled to inspect them must be able to view and read the content required to be in the record. The requirement that the Agency be able to inspect records applies regardless of whether the copy is in paper or electronic form. 49 CFR 390.32 As proposed in the NPRM, new Sec. 390.32 permits any person or entity to use electronic methods to comply with any provision in chapter III of subtitle B of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR parts 300-399) that requires a document to be signed, certified, generated, maintained, or exchanged. It applies to all forms of written documentation, including forms, records, notations, and other documents. This rule establishes parity between paper and electronic documents and signatures, greatly expanding interested parties' ability to use electronic methods to comply with FMCSA's requirements. Paragraph (a) specifies that the rule applies only to documents that FMCSA requires entities or individuals to retain, regardless of whether the Agency subsequently requires them to be produced or displayed at the request of an FMCSA official or other parties entitled to access. It does not apply to documents that individuals or entities are required to file directly with the Agency. For more information about electronic filing methods for documents filed directly with FMCSA, interested parties can consult specific program information on FMCSA's website (www.fmcsa.dot.gov). Paragraph (b) permits, but does not require, any entity to satisfy FMCSA requirements by using electronic methods to generate, maintain, or exchange documents. The substance of the document would otherwise have to comply with applicable Federal laws and Agency rules. Paragraph (c) permits, but does not require, any entity required to sign or certify a document to do so using electronic signatures. The rule specifies that a person may use any available technology so long as the signature otherwise complies with FMCSA's requirements. In response to comments, this paragraph has been further revised to include that any electronically signed documents must incorporate or otherwise include evidence that both parties have consented to the use of electronic signatures, as required by the E-SIGN Act (15 U.S.C. 7001(c)). Paragraph (d) establishes the minimum requirements for electronic documents and signatures. Any electronic document or signature would be considered the legal equivalent of a paper document or signature if it is the functional equivalent with respect to integrity, accuracy, and accessibility. In other words, the electronic documents or signatures need to accurately and reliably reflect the information in the record. They must remain accessible in a form that could be accurately viewed or reproduced according to Agency rules. Electronic documents are not to be considered the legal equivalent of traditional paper documents if they are not capable of being retained and accurately reproduced for reference by any entity entitled to access by law, for the period of time required by the Agency's recordkeeping requirements. For example, if Agency rules require that a document be produced upon demand, such as a record of duty status requested by an enforcement officer, the entity must be able to provide the [[Page 16219]] Agency with an accurate copy of the electronic record upon demand. Similarly, if Agency rules require that a document be produced to the Agency within 48 hours, such as a motor carrier with multiple offices, the entity would have to provide the Agency with an accurate copy of the electronic record within 48 hours. The person inspecting the document must be able to view and read the content of that electronic record. As with any documents, paper or electronic, documents that are not legible--for any reason--do not satisfy the Agency's requirements. This rule does not apply to other agencies' rules, even if FMCSA requires compliance with those rules. For example, some of FMCSA's regulations cross-reference other agencies' rules, such as those related to drug and alcohol testing (49 CFR part 40) and hazardous materials (49 CFR parts 105-199). In addition, if a motor carrier is operating in a foreign country, it must follow any rules that apply in that country. K. Part 391 Former 49 CFR 391.55 required each motor carrier to maintain a ``photographic'' copy of a Longer Combination Vehicle driver- instructor's commercial driver's license. But current technology for reproducing documents is not limited to photographic methods; other methods for capturing digital images also exist. Accordingly, as proposed in the NPRM, FMCSA removes the word ``photographic'' to make this section technologically neutral. Motor carriers are still required to maintain a copy of the Longer Combination Vehicle driver- instructor's commercial driver's license, but they are free to choose the method of making that copy. L. Part 395 49 CFR 395.8 Former Sec. 395.8(f)(2) required that RODS be made in the driver's own handwriting. Recognizing that many drivers and motor carriers prefer to use electronic RODS, including electronic signatures, FMCSA proposed removal of the requirement that RODS be in the driver's own handwriting and adopts the rule as proposed. But drivers are still required to make their own entries; and those entries are required to be legible, regardless of the medium used to record them. This change permits drivers to choose whether to use electronic or handwritten entries and signatures. For example, a driver could make RODS entries in his or her own handwriting with a handwritten signature; electronically with an electronic signature; or typed and then subscribed with a handwritten signature, depending on the method used to record RODS. 49 CFR 395.15 Formerly Sec. 395.15 (b)(2) permitted use of automatic on-board recording devices (AOBRDs) in conjunction with handwritten or printed RODS. Recognizing that many drivers and motor carriers prefer to use electronic means of recording duty status, FMCSA removes reference to handwritten or printed RODS, as proposed in the NPRM. The changes permit drivers and motor carriers to use RODS maintained in other media in conjunction with AOBRDs, as long as they otherwise meet FMCSA's requirements. Former paragraph (b)(4) required a driver to have the previous 7 consecutive days of RODS available for inspection and specified that those RODS can be from an AOBRD, handwritten records, computer generated records, or any combination thereof. As proposed in the NPRM, FMCSA makes this section technologically neutral by removing reference to handwritten and computer generated records. Drivers are still permitted to use handwritten or computer generated records, but they are free to choose any medium for maintaining these records that otherwise meets FMCSA's requirements. As previously drafted, paragraph (b)(5) referenced ``hard copies'' of the RODS documents described in paragraph (b)(4). As proposed, FMCSA removes reference to ``hard copies'' for the same reasons explained in the discussion of paragraph (b)(4) above. In paragraph (e), FMCSA removes, as proposed, the requirement that RODS be made in a driver's own handwriting for the reasons explained in the discussion of Sec. 395.8(f)(2), above. In paragraph (f), FMCSA removes, as proposed, the requirement that RODS be made in a driver's own handwriting for the reasons explained in the discussion of Sec. 395.8(f)(2), above. In paragraph (h), FMCSA removes, as proposed, the option that RODS may be submitted to employers via mail for the same reasons explained in the discussion of Sec. 387.7, above. In the introduction to paragraph (i), FMCSA removes, as proposed, reference to handwritten RODS for the reasons explained in the discussion of Sec. 395.8(f)(2), above. In paragraphs (i)(4) and (7), FMCSA removes, as proposed, outdated language applicable to AOBRDs installed before October 31, 1988. FMCSA does not believe that AOBRDs installed before this date are still in use. As such, this language is no longer necessary. M. Part 398 As proposed in the NPRM and for the same reasons explained in the discussion of Sec. 391.55 above, FMCSA removes the requirement in 49 CFR 398.3 that certain documents must be ``photographically reproduced.'' X. International Impacts The FMCSRs, and any exceptions to the FMCSRs, apply only within the United States (and, in some cases, United States territories). Motor carriers and drivers are subject to the laws and regulations of the countries that they operate in, unless an international agreement states otherwise. Drivers and carriers should be aware of the regulatory differences amongst nations. XI. Regulatory Analyses A. E.O. 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review), E.O. 13563 (Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review), and DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures FMCSA determined that this final rule is not a significant regulatory action under section 3(f) of E.O. 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993), Regulatory Planning and Review, as supplemented by E.O. 13563 (76 FR 3821, January 21, 2011), Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review, and does not require an assessment of potential costs and benefits under section 6(a)(3) of that Order. Accordingly, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has not reviewed it under that Order. It is also not significant within the meaning of DOT regulatory policies and procedures (DOT Order 2100.5 dated May 22, 1980; 44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). This final rule does not impose new requirements, and it is expected to provide regulatory relief to the industry. It codifies previously issued regulatory guidance that provides flexibility to the industry in the use of electronic documents and electronic signatures, and removes outdated and obsolete references in the regulatory text. Examples of documents affected by this rule include vehicle maintenance records, driver qualification files, bills of lading, and business records. Regulated entities are provided additional flexibility and may choose to conduct business using either electronic versions or traditional paper-based versions of these types of documents. Because the choice of using electronic methods is optional and not mandatory, and regulated entities may continue to use traditional paper-based methods if [[Page 16220]] they desire to do so, the Agency expects regulated entities will choose those methods that best suit their individual needs. For those regulated entities that do choose to use electronic documents and methods under this rule, potential cost savings may include reduced expenditures on labor time, office and storage space, materials, and office equipment. For example, specific types of savings could include purchasing less paper and toner/ink, printing fewer documents, requiring fewer file cabinets or document boxes for storage of paper documents, using less space for storage of paper documents, expending less labor time in activities such as handling and filing of paperwork, expending less labor time in identifying and retrieving documents, and transmitting fewer paper documents by mail or courier services. Because the previously issued regulatory guidance that is now being codified in this final rule has been in place for several years, since January 4, 2011, it is believed that many regulated entities for whom the use of electronic documents and methods best suits their needs may have already made this transition from traditional paper-based methods. Therefore, many of the potential cost savings possible from this rule may have largely already occurred. It is estimated that though there may still be some additional incremental cost savings that could result from the regulatory flexibility being codified by this final rule (e.g., for any remaining regulated entities that may desire at some time to use electronic documents and methods but have not yet made this transition), overall these additional cost savings will be minimal. Furthermore, these potential remaining additional cost savings cannot be reliably quantified or monetized. Factors contributing to difficulties in quantifying the potential cost savings include the variety of records and documents potentially affected across multiple FMCSA regulations, a lack of information regarding the number of records or documents signed, certified, generated, exchanged, or maintained, and a lack of information regarding the extent to which electronic documents and signatures have already been voluntarily adopted under existing FMCSA guidance. Of the comments submitted to the April 28, 2014, NPRM, discussed earlier in Section VII, Comments and Responses, none provided data or information to suggest that this final rule would be a significant regulatory action. In light of the above considerations, the Agency does not believe that the rule would have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more, nor would it meet any of the other criteria presented in section 3(f) of E.O. 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, for a significant regulatory action. Therefore, as noted earlier, FMCSA has determined that this final rule is not a significant regulatory action. B. E.O. 13771 (Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs) E.O. 13771 (82 FR 9339, February 3, 2017), Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs, requires that for ``every one new [E.O. 13771 regulatory action] issued, at least two prior regulations be identified for elimination, and that the cost of planned regulations be prudently managed and controlled through a budgeting process.'' Implementation guidance for E.O. 13771 issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) (Memorandum M-17-21, April 5, 2017) defines two different types of E.O. 13771 actions: An E.O. 13771 regulatory action, and an E.O. 13771 deregulatory action. An E.O. 13771 regulatory action is defined as: (i) A significant action as defined in Section 3(f) of E.O. 12866 that has been finalized, and that imposes total costs greater than zero; or (ii) a significant guidance document (e.g., significant interpretive guidance) reviewed by OIRA under the procedures of E.O. 12866 that has been finalized and that imposes total costs greater than zero. The Agency action, in this case a rulemaking, must meet both the significance and the total cost criteria to be considered an E.O. 13771 regulatory action. This rulemaking is not a significant regulatory action as defined in Section 3(f) of E.O. 12866, and therefore does not meet the significance criterion for being an E.O. 13771 regulatory action. Consequently, this rulemaking is not an E.O. 13771 regulatory action. An E.O. 13771 deregulatory action is defined as ``an action that has been finalized and has total costs less than zero.'' As discussed earlier, this final rule does not impose new requirements, and it is expected to provide regulatory relief to the industry. Because the choice of using electronic methods is optional and not mandatory, and regulated entities may continue to use traditional paper-based methods if they desire to do so, the Agency expects regulated entities will choose those methods that best suit their individual needs. For those regulated entities that do choose to use electronic documents and methods under this rule, potential cost savings may include reduced expenditures on labor time, office and storage space, materials, and office equipment. Consequently, this rule has total costs less than zero, and therefore is a deregulatory action under E.O. 13771. However, as discussed earlier, it is believed that many regulated entities for whom the use of electronic documents and methods best suits their needs may have already made this transition from traditional paper-based methods under existing FMCSA guidance, and therefore many of the potential cost savings possible from this rule may have largely already occurred. It is estimated that though there may still be some additional incremental cost savings that could result from the regulatory flexibility being codified by this final rule (e.g., for any remaining regulated entities that may desire at some time to use electronic documents and methods but have not yet made this transition), overall these additional cost savings will be minimal. Furthermore, these potential remaining additional cost savings cannot be reliably quantified or monetized because of the large variety of records and documents potentially affected across multiple FMCSA regulations, a lack of information regarding the number of records or documents signed, certified, generated, exchanged, or maintained, and a lack of information regarding the extent to which electronic documents and signatures have already been voluntarily adopted under existing FMCSA guidance. Therefore, though it is expected that there will be some additional incremental cost savings that will result from this final rule, these cost savings are expected to be minimal and are not quantified. As a deregulatory action under E.O. 13771, this rule contributes to Agency compliance with section 2(a) of E.O. 13771 regarding issuing at least two E.O. 13771 deregulatory actions for each E.O. 13771 regulatory action. Because the cost savings resulting from this rule are not quantified, this rule does not however contribute towards Agency compliance with section 2(c) of E.O. 13771 regarding offsetting the costs of E.O. 13771 regulatory actions with cost savings from E.O. 13771 deregulatory actions. C. Regulatory Flexibility Act The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) requires Federal agencies to consider the effects of the regulatory action on small business and other small entities and to minimize any significant economic impact. The term ``small entities'' comprises small [[Page 16221]] businesses and not-for-profit organizations that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 50,000. Accordingly, DOT policy requires an analysis of the impact of all regulations on small entities, and mandates that agencies strive to lessen any adverse effects on these businesses. Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, as amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121, 110 Stat. 857), the rule is not expected to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. As discussed earlier, though it is expected that there will be some additional incremental cost savings that will result from this final rule, these cost savings are expected to be minimal, and to the extent that they occur they will be beneficial to the entities that realize these cost savings. Consequently, I certify the action will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. D. Assistance for Small Entities In accordance with section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, FMCSA wants to assist small entities in understanding this final rule so that they can better evaluate its effects on themselves and participate in the rulemaking initiative. If the rule will affect your small business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction and you have questions concerning its provisions or options for compliance, please consult the FMCSA point of contact listed in the For Further Information Contact section of this rule. Small businesses may send comments on the actions of Federal employees who enforce or otherwise determine compliance with Federal regulations to the Small Business Administration's Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman and the Regional Small Business Regulatory Fairness Boards. The Ombudsman evaluates these actions annually and rates each agency's responsiveness to small business. If you wish to comment on actions by employees of FMCSA, call 1-888-REG-FAIR (1-888-734-3247). DOT has a policy regarding the rights of small entities to regulatory enforcement fairness and an explicit policy against retaliation for exercising these rights. E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538) requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary regulatory actions. In particular, the Act addresses actions that may result in the expenditure by a State, local, or tribal government, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $156 million (which is the value equivalent of $100,000,000 in 1995, adjusted for inflation to 2015 levels) or more in any one year. Though this final rule will not result in such an expenditure, the Agency does discuss the potential effects of this rule elsewhere in this preamble. F. Paperwork Reduction Act (Collection of Information) This final rule calls for no new collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520). This rule codifies FMCSA regulatory guidance within the CFR, allowing those documents that FMCSA's regulations obligate entities or individuals to retain, many of which are generated as part of customary and usual business or private practices, to be maintained electronically or in paper form. This rule does not apply to forms or other documents that must be submitted directly to FMCSA; the regulations which state that those documents either must or may be submitted to FMCSA in electronic format (such as those covered by 49 CFR part 382, subpart G) are not impacted by this final rule, and any paperwork burdens associated with those rules were already analyzed by FMCSA in prior rulemakings. For this final rule, FMCSA reviewed all current, active, OMB- approved information collection request (ICR) supporting statements. These statements are available for public inspection via www.reginfo.gov. Table 1 shows the 27 active ICRs covering the rules in 49 CFR parts 300 to 399 that are being impacted by this final rule allowing electronic methods or signatures. Each of these listed collections currently allows for electronic creation, retention, or signature of records covered by the collection. We also show the current expiration date for each collection. Table 1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OMB Current OMB Control No. Title expiration date ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2126-0001.................................... Hours of Service (HOS) of Drivers Regulations. 6/30/2019 2126-0003.................................... Inspection, Repair and Maintenance............ 7/31/2018 2126-0004.................................... Driver Qualification Files.................... 1/31/2020 2126-0006.................................... Medical Qualification Requirements............ 8/31/2018 2126-0008.................................... Financial Responsibility for Motor Carriers of 1/31/2020 Passengers and Motor Carriers of Property. 2126-0009.................................... Accident Recordkeeping Requirements........... 9/30/2020 2126-0011.................................... Commercial Driver Licensing and Test Standards 10/31/2018 2126-0013.................................... Motor Carrier Identification Report........... 4/30/2019 2126-0014.................................... Transportation of Hazardous Materials, Highway 4/30/2020 Routing. 2126-0015.................................... Designation of Agents, Motor Carriers, Brokers 1/31/2020 and Freight Forwarders. 2126-0016.................................... Licensing Applications for Motor Carrier 1/31/2020 Operating Authority. 2126-0017.................................... Financial Responsibility, Trucking and Freight 5/31/2020 Forwarding. 2126-0018.................................... Request for Revocation of Authority Granted... 9/30/2020 2126-0019.................................... Application for Certificate of Registration 10/31/2018 for Foreign Motor Carriers and Foreign Motor Private Carriers. 2126-0025.................................... Transportation of Household Goods; Consumer 8/31/2019 Protection. 2126-0026.................................... Training Certification for Drivers of Longer 5/31/2020 Combination Vehicles. 2126-0028.................................... Training Certification for Entry-Level 4/30/2020 Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators. 2126-0030.................................... Hazardous Materials Safety Permits............ 8/31/2020 2126-0051.................................... FMCSA Registration/Update(s).................. 1/31/2020 2126-0054.................................... Commercial Motor Vehicle Marking Requirements. 8/31/2018 2126-0056.................................... Lease and Interchange of Vehicles............. 8/31/2018 2126-0057.................................... Commercial Driver's License Drug and Alcohol 1/31/2020 Clearinghouse. [[Page 16222]] 2126-0060.................................... Motor Carrier Records Change Form............. 7/31/2018 2126-0062.................................... Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Registration.. 12/31/2018 2126-0063.................................... State Commercial Driver's License Program Plan 12/31/2018 2126-0064.................................... 391.41 CMV Driver Medication Form............. 1/31/2020 2126-0065.................................... Commercial Driver's License Skills Testing 2/28/2019 Delays. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Each of the above-listed collections has a section in its supporting statement discussing the extent to which automated information collection, creation, or storage is expected to occur. For example, FMCSA's ``Lease and Interchange of Vehicles'' ICR, 2126-0056, states ``Leases may be created and maintained electronically. FMCSA estimates that 50% of the leases are electronic.'' Therefore, there are no new collections of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 for OMB to approve, nor are there any revisions of currently approved collections required by this final rule. G. E.O. 13132 (Federalism) A rule has implications for federalism under Section 1(a) of E.O. 13132, if it has ``substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.'' FMCSA has determined that this rule would not have substantial direct costs on or for States, nor would it limit the policymaking discretion of States. Nothing in this document preempts any State law or regulation. Therefore, this rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a federalism summary impact statement. H. E.O. 12988 (Civil Justice Reform) This final rule meets applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of E.O. 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to minimize litigation, eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden. I. E.O. 13045 (Protection of Children) E.O. 13045, Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997), requires agencies issuing ``economically significant'' rules, if the regulation also concerns an environmental health or safety risk that an agency has reason to believe may disproportionately affect children, to include an evaluation of the regulation's environmental health and safety effects on children. The Agency determined this final rule is not economically significant. Therefore, no analysis of the impacts on children is required. In any event, the Agency does not anticipate that this regulatory action could in any respect present an environmental or safety risk that could disproportionately affect children. J. E.O. 12630 (Taking of Private Property) FMCSA reviewed this final rule in accordance with E.O. 12630, Governmental Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property Rights, and has determined it will not effect a taking of private property or otherwise have taking implications. K. Privacy Section 522 of title I of division H of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005, enacted December 8, 2004 (Pub. L. 108-447, 118 Stat. 2809, 3268, 5 U.S.C. 552a note), requires the Agency to conduct a privacy impact assessment (PIA) of a regulation that will affect the privacy of individuals. This final rule does not require the collection of personally identifiable information (PII). The Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a) applies only to Federal agencies and any non-Federal agency that receives records contained in a system of records from a Federal agency for use in a matching program. FMCSA has determined that this rule would not result in a new or revised Privacy Act System of Records for FMCSA. The E-Government Act of 2002, Public Law 107-347, sec. 208, 116 Stat. 2899, 2921 (December 17, 2002), requires Federal agencies to conduct a PIA for new or substantially changed technology that collects, maintains, or disseminates information in an identifiable form. No new or substantially changed technology would collect, maintain, or disseminate information as a result of this rule. Accordingly, FMCSA has not conducted a privacy impact assessment. L. E.O. 12372 (Intergovernmental Review) The regulations implementing E.O. 12372, regarding intergovernmental consultation on Federal programs and activities do not apply to this program. M. E.O. 13211 (Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use) FMCSA has analyzed this final rule under E.O. 13211, Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use. The Agency has determined that it is not a ``significant energy action'' under that order because it is not a ``significant regulatory action'' likely to have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy. Therefore, it does not require a Statement of Energy Effects under E.O. 13211. N. E.O. 13175 (Indian Tribal Governments) This rule does not have tribal implications under E.O. 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, because it does not have a substantial direct effect on one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes. O. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (Technical Standards) The National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note) directs agencies to use voluntary consensus standards in their regulatory activities unless the agency provides Congress, through OMB, with an explanation of why using these standards would be inconsistent with applicable law or otherwise impractical. Voluntary consensus standards (e.g., specifications of materials, performance, design, or operation; test methods; sampling procedures; and related management systems practices) are standards that are developed or adopted by voluntary consensus standards bodies. This rule does not use technical standards. Therefore, we did not consider the use of voluntary consensus standards. [[Page 16223]] P. Environment (NEPA, CAA, E.O. 12898 Environmental Justice) FMCSA analyzed this rule for the purpose of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and determined this action is categorically excluded from further analysis and documentation in an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement under FMCSA Order 5610.1 (69 FR 9680, March 1, 2004), Appendix 2, paragraph (6)(q) and paragraph (6)(y). The Categorical Exclusion (CE) in paragraph (6)(q) covers regulations implementing record preservation procedures for motor carriers, brokers, and household goods freight forwarders, including record types retained and retention periods. The CE in paragraph (6)(y) covers motor carrier identification and registration reports, and requirements about motor carriers', drivers', brokers', and freight forwarders' copies of records. The content in this rule is covered by these CEs and the final action does not have any effect on the quality of the environment. The CE determination is available for inspection or copying in the Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. FMCSA also analyzed this rule under the Clean Air Act, as amended (CAA), section 176(c) (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.), and implementing regulations promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency. Approval of this action is exempt from the CAA's general conformity requirement since it does not affect direct or indirect emissions of criteria pollutants. Under E.O. 12898, each Federal agency must identify and address, as appropriate, ``disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of its programs, policies, and activities on minority populations and low-income populations'' in the United States, its possessions, and territories. FMCSA evaluated the environmental justice effects of this proposed rule in accordance with the E.O., and has determined that no environmental justice issue is associated with this final rule, nor is there any collective environmental impact that would result from its promulgation. List of Subjects 49 CFR Part 370 Freight forwarders, Investigations, and Motor carriers. 49 CFR Part 371 Brokers, Motor carriers, and Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. 49 CFR Part 373 Buses, Freight, Freight forwarders, Motor carriers, and Moving of household goods. 49 CFR Part 375 Advertising, Consumer protection, Freight, Highways and roads, Insurance, Motor carriers, Moving of household goods, and Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. 49 CFR Part 376 Motor carriers, and Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. 49 CFR Part 378 Freight forwarders, Investigations, Motor carriers, and Moving of household goods. 49 CFR Part 379 Freight forwarders, Maritime carriers, Motor carriers, Moving of household goods, and Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. 49 CFR Part 380 Administrative practice and procedure, Highway safety, Motor carriers, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. 49 CFR Part 382 Administrative practice and procedure, Alcohol abuse, Drug abuse, Drug testing, Highway safety, Motor carriers, Penalties, Safety, and Transportation. 49 CFR Part 387 Buses, Freight, Freight forwarders, Hazardous materials transportation, Highway safety, Insurance, Intergovernmental relations, Motor carriers, Motor vehicle safety, Moving of household goods, Penalties, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, and Surety bonds. 49 CFR Part 390 Highway safety, Intermodal transportation, Motor carriers, Motor vehicle safety, and Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. 49 CFR Part 391 Alcohol abuse, Drug abuse, Drug testing, Highway safety, Motor carriers, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Safety, and Transportation. 49 CFR Part 395 Highway safety, Motor carriers, and Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. 49 CFR Part 396 Highway safety, Motor carriers, Motor vehicle safety, and Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. 49 CFR Part 398 Highway safety, Migrant labor, Motor carriers, Motor vehicle safety, and Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. For the reasons stated in the preamble, FMCSA amends 49 CFR, chapter III, as follows: PART 370--PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES FOR THE INVESTIGATION AND VOLUNTARY DISPOSITION OF LOSS AND DAMAGE CLAIMS AND PROCESSING SALVAGE 0 1. The authority citation for part 370 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 13301, 14706; and 49 CFR 1.87. Sec. 370.3 [Amended] 0 2. Amend Sec. 370.3 as follows: 0 a. Remove the words ``or electronic'' and the parenthetical ``(when agreed to by the carrier and shipper or receiver involved)'' from paragraph (b) introductory text, and 0 b. Remove the phrase ``where claims are electronically handled,'' from paragraph (b)(3). Sec. 370.5 [Amended] 0 3. Amend Sec. 370.5 in paragraph (a) as follows: 0 a. Remove the phrase ``or by electronic transmission'', and 0 b. Remove both additional instances of the words ``or electronically''. 0 4. Amend Sec. 370.7 by revising paragraph (b) to read as follows: Sec. 370.7 Investigation of claims. * * * * * (b) Supporting documents. When a necessary part of an investigation, each claim shall be supported by the bill of lading, evidence of the freight charges, if any, and either the invoice, a copy of the invoice, or an exact copy thereof or any extract made therefrom, certified by the claimant to be true and correct with respect to the property and value involved in the claim; or certification of prices or values, with trade or other discounts, allowance, or deductions, of any nature whatsoever and the terms thereof, or depreciation reflected thereon; Provided, however, That where property involved in a claim has not been invoiced to the consignee shown on the bill of lading or where an invoice does not show price or value, or where the property involved has been sold, or where the property has been transferred [[Page 16224]] at bookkeeping values only, the carrier shall, before voluntarily paying a claim, require the claimant to establish the destination value in the quantity, shipped, transported, or involved; Provided, further, That when supporting documents are determined to be a necessary part of an investigation, the supporting documents are retained by the carriers for possible FMCSA inspection. * * * * * Sec. 370.9 [Amended] 0 5. Amend Sec. 370.9 in paragraph (a) as follows: 0 a. Remove the phrase ``or electronically transmitted''; and 0 b. Remove both additional instances of the words ``or electronically''. PART 371--BROKERS OF PROPERTY 0 6. The authority citation for part 371 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 13301, 13501, 14122; subtitle B, title IV, Pub. L. 109-59; and 49 CFR 1.87. Sec. 371.109 [Amended] 0 7. Amend Sec. 371.109 as follows: 0 a. Remove the last sentence in paragraph (a); and 0 b. Remove the last sentence in paragraph (b). Sec. 371.111 [Amended] 0 8. Amend Sec. 371.111 in paragraph (c) as follows: 0 a. Remove the comma after the word ``dated''; and 0 b. Remove the words ``electronic or paper''. PART 373--RECEIPTS AND BILLS 0 9. The authority citation for part 373 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 13301, 13531, 14706; and 49 CFR 1.87. 0 10. Amend Sec. 373.103 by: 0 a. Redesignating paragraph (a) introductory text as (a)(1) and paragraphs (a)(1) through (11) as paragraphs (a)(1)(i) through (xi); 0 b. Designating the undesignated paragraph following newly redesignated paragraph (a)(1)(xi) as paragraph (a)(2); 0 c. Redesignating paragraph (b) introductory text as paragraph (b)(1) and paragraphs (b)(1) through (11) as (b)(1)(i) through (xi); 0 d. Designating the undesignated paragraph following newly redesignated paragraph (b)(1)(xi) as paragraph (b)(2); and 0 e. Revising newly designated paragraphs (a)(2) and (b)(2). The revisions read as follows: Sec. 373.103 For-hire, non-exempt expense bills. (a) * * * (2) The shipper or receiver owing the charges shall be given the freight or expense bill and the carrier shall keep a copy as prescribed at 49 CFR part 379. * * * * * (b) * * * (2) The carrier shall keep a copy of all expense bills issued for the period prescribed at 49 CFR part 379. If any expense bill is spoiled, voided, or unused for any reason, a written record of its disposition shall be retained for a like period. PART 375--TRANSPORTATION OF HOUSEHOLD GOODS IN INTERSTATE COMMERCE; CONSUMER PROTECTION REGULATIONS 0 11. The authority citation for part 375 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 13102, 13301, 13501, 13704, 13707, 13902, 14104, 14706, 14708; subtitle B, title IV, Pub. L. 109-59; and 49 CFR 1.87. 0 12. Amend Sec. 375.209 by revising paragraph (b)(3) to read as follows: Sec. 375.209 How must I handle complaints and inquires? * * * * * (b) * * * (3) A system for recording in writing all inquiries and complaints received from an individual shipper by any means of communication. * * * * * 0 13. Amend Sec. 375.213 by revising paragraphs (a), (b)(1), (e) introductory text, and (e)(2) to read as follows: Sec. 375.213 What information must I provide to a prospective individual shipper? (a) When you provide the written estimate to a prospective individual shipper, you must also provide the individual shipper with the DOT publication titled ``Ready to Move?--Tips for a Successful Interstate Move'' (Department of Transportation publication FMCSA-ESA- 03-005, or its successor publication). You must provide the individual shipper with a copy or provide a hyperlink on your internet website to the FMCSA website containing that publication. (b) * * * (1) The contents of appendix A of this part, titled ``Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move'' (Department of Transportation publication FMCSA-ESA-03-006, or its successor publication). You must provide the individual shipper with a copy or provide a hyperlink on your internet website to the FMCSA website containing the information in FMCSA's publication ``Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move.'' * * * * * (e) If an individual shipper elects to waive receipt of the Federal consumer protection information by one of the methods described in paragraphs (a) and (b)(1) of this section, and elects to access the same information via the hyperlink on the internet: * * * * * (2) You must obtain a signed, dated receipt showing the individual shipper has received both booklets that includes, if applicable, verification of the shipper's agreement to access the Federal consumer protection information on the internet. * * * * * 0 14. Amend Sec. 375.505 by revising paragraph (b)(5) to read as follows: Sec. 375.505 Must I write up a bill of lading? * * * * * (b) * * * (5) When you transport on a collect-on-delivery basis, the name, address, and if furnished, the telephone number, fax number, or email address of a person to notify about the charges. The notification may be made by any method of communication, including, but not limited to, fax transmission; email; overnight courier; or certified mail, return receipt requested. * * * * * PART 376--LEASE AND INTERCHANGE OF VEHICLES 0 15. The authority citation for part 376 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 13301, 14102; and 49 CFR 1.87. Sec. 376.11 [Amended] 0 16. Amend Sec. 376.11 as follows: 0 a. Remove the last sentence in paragraph (b)(1); 0 b. Remove the word ``papers'' and add in its place ``documents'' in the third and fourth sentences of paragraph (d)(1); and 0 c. Remove the words ``or papers'' from the fifth sentence of paragraph (d)(1). 0 17. Amend Sec. 376.12 by revising paragraphs (f), (g), and (l) to read as follows: Sec. 376.12 Lease requirements. * * * * * (f) Payment period. The lease shall specify that payment to the lessor shall be made within 15 days after submission of the necessary delivery documents concerning a trip in the service of the authorized carrier. The documentation required before the [[Page 16225]] lessor can receive payment is limited to log books required by the Department of Transportation and those documents necessary for the authorized carrier to secure payment from the shipper. In addition, the lease may provide that, upon termination of the lease agreement, as a condition precedent to payment, the lessor shall remove all identification devices of the authorized carrier and, except in the case of identification painted directly on equipment, return them to the carrier. If the identification device has been lost or stolen, a letter certifying its removal will satisfy this requirement. Until this requirement is complied with, the carrier may withhold final payment. The authorized carrier may require the submission of additional documents by the lessor but not as a prerequisite to payment. Payment to the lessor shall not be made contingent upon submission of a bill of lading to which no exceptions have been taken. The authorized carrier shall not set time limits for the submission by the lessor of required delivery documents. (g) Copies of freight bill or other form of freight documentation. When a lessor's revenue is based on a percentage of the gross revenue for a shipment, the lease must specify that the authorized carrier will give the lessor, before or at the time of settlement, a copy of the rated freight bill, or, in the case of contract carriers, any other form of documentation actually used for a shipment containing the same information that would appear on a rated freight bill. Regardless of the method of compensation, the lease must permit lessor to examine copies of the carrier's tariff or, in the case of contract carriers, other documents from which rates and charges are computed, provided that where rates and charges are computed from a contract of a contract carrier, only those portions of the contract containing the same information that would appear on a rated freight bill need be disclosed. The authorized carrier may delete the names of shippers and consignees shown on the freight bill or other form of documentation. * * * * * (l) Copies of the lease. The parties must sign the lease. The authorized carrier shall keep a copy and shall place another copy of the lease on the equipment during the period of the lease unless a statement as provided for in Sec. 376.11(c)(2) is carried on the equipment instead. The owner of the equipment shall keep a copy of the lease. * * * * * PART 378--PROCEDURES GOVERNING THE PROCESSING, INVESTIGATION, AND DISPOSITION OF OVERCHARGE, DUPLICATE PAYMENT OR OVERCOLLECTION CLAIMS 0 18. The authority citation for part 378 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 13321, 14101, 14704, 14705; and 49 CFR 1.87. Sec. 378.3 [Amended] 0 19. Amend Sec. 378.3 in paragraph (a) by removing the words ``or electronically communicated (when agreed to by the carrier and shipper or receiver involved)'' from the first sentence. 0 20. Amend Sec. 378.4 as follows: 0 a. Revise paragraph (b) introductory text; 0 b. Revise paragraph (c); and 0 c. In paragraph (e) remove the term ``orginal'' and add in its place ``original''. The revisions read as follows: Sec. 378.4 Documentation of claims. * * * * * (b) Claims for overcharge shall be accompanied by the freight bill. Additional information may include, but is not limited to, the following: * * * * * (c) Claims for duplicate payment and overcollection shall be accompanied by the freight bill(s) for which charges were paid and by freight bill payment information. * * * * * Sec. 378.5 [Amended] 0 21. Amend Sec. 378.5 in paragraph (c) by removing the words ``or electronically transmitted''. Sec. 378.6 [Amended] 0 22. Amend Sec. 378.6 by removing the words ``or electronic''. 0 23. Revise Sec. 378.7 to read as follows: Sec. 378.7 Acknowledgment of claims. Upon receipt of a written claim, the carrier shall acknowledge its receipt in writing to the claimant within 30 days after the date of receipt except when the carrier shall have paid or declined in writing within that period. The carrier shall include the date of receipt in its written claim, which shall be placed in the file for that claim. 0 24. Revise Sec. 378.8 to read as follows: Sec. 378.8 Disposition of claims. The processing carrier shall pay, decline to pay, or settle each written claim within 60 days after its receipt by that carrier, except where the claimant and the carrier agree in writing to a specific extension based upon extenuating circumstances. If the carrier declines to pay a claim or makes settlement in an amount different from that sought, the carrier shall notify the claimant in writing of the reason(s) for its action, citing tariff authority or other pertinent information developed as a result of its investigation. PART 379--PRESERVATION OF RECORDS 0 25. The authority citation for part 379 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 13301, 14122, 14123; and 49 CFR 1.87. 0 26. Revise Sec. 379.5 to read as follows: Sec. 379.5 Protection and storage of records. (a) The entity shall protect records subject to this part from destruction, deterioration, unauthorized access, modification and/or data corruption. (b) The entity shall notify the Secretary if prescribed records are substantially destroyed, damaged, accessed and modified without authorization, or otherwise corrupted. 0 27. Revise Sec. 379.7 to read as follows: Sec. 379.7 Preservation of records. (a) All records may be preserved by any technology that accurately reflects all of the information in the record and remains accessible in a form that can be accurately reproduced later for reference. (b) Common information, such as instructions, need not be preserved for each record as long as it is common to all such forms and an identified specimen of the form is maintained for reference. Appendix A to Part 379 [Amended] 0 28. Amend appendix A to part 379 in sections A.3.(d), B.3., F.1.(b), I.3.(c), I.5.(b), and I.5.(c) by removing the word ``papers'' and adding in its place the word ``documents''. PART 380--SPECIAL TRAINING REQUIREMENTS 0 29. The authority citation for part 380 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 31133, 31136, 31305, 31307, 31308, and 31502; sec. 4007(a) and (b) of Pub. L. 102-240 (105 Stat. 2151- 2152); sec. 32304 of Pub. L. 112-141; and 49 CFR 1.87. 0 30. Amend Sec. 380.715 by revising paragraph (a) to read as follows: Sec. 380.715 Assessments. (a) Training providers must use written assessments to determine driver-trainees' proficiency in the knowledge objectives in the theory portion of each unit of instruction in appendices A [[Page 16226]] through E of part 380, as applicable. The driver-trainee must receive an overall minimum score of 80 percent on the theory assessment. * * * * * PART 382--CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES AND ALCOHOL USE AND TESTING 0 31. The authority citation for part 382 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 31133, 31136, 31301 et seq., 31502; sec. 32934 of Pub. L. 112-141, 126 Stat. 405, 830; and 49 CFR 1.87. Sec. 382.601 [Amended] 0 32. Amend Sec. 382.601 by removing the phrase ``the original of'' from the second sentence of paragraph (d). PART 387--MINIMUM LEVELS OF FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR MOTOR CARRIERS 0 33. The authority citation for part 387 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 13101, 13301, 13906, 13908, 14701, 31138, 31139; and 49 CFR 1.87. 0 34. Amend Sec. 387.7 by revising paragraph (b)(1) to read as follows: Sec. 387.7 Financial responsibility required. * * * * * (b)(1) Policies of insurance, surety bonds, and endorsements required under this section shall remain in effect continuously until terminated. Cancellation may be effected by the insurer or the insured motor carrier giving 35 days' notice in writing to the other. The 35 days' notice shall commence to run from the date the notice is transmitted. Proof of transmission shall be sufficient proof of notice. * * * * * 0 35. Revise Sec. 387.15 to read as follows: Sec. 387.15 Forms. Endorsements for policies of insurance (Form MCS-90) and surety bonds (Form MCS-82) must be in the form prescribed by the FMCSA and approved by the OMB. Endorsements to policies of insurance and surety bonds shall specify that coverage thereunder will remain in effect continuously until terminated, as required in Sec. 387.7 of this subpart. The continuous coverage requirement does not apply to Mexican motor carriers insured under Sec. 387.7(b)(3) of this subpart. The endorsement and surety bond shall be issued in the exact name of the motor carrier. The Forms MCS-82 and MCS-90 are available from the FMCSA website at http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/mission/forms. 0 36. Amend Sec. 387.31 by revising paragraph (b)(1) to read as follows: Sec. 387.31 Financial responsibility required. * * * * * (b) * * * (1) Cancellation may be effected by the insurer or the insured motor carrier giving 35 days' notice in writing to the other. The 35 days' notice shall commence to run from the date the notice is transmitted. Proof of transmission shall be sufficient proof of notice. * * * * * 0 37. Revise Sec. 387.39 to read as follows: Sec. 387.39 Forms. Endorsements for policies of insurance (Form MCS-90B) and surety bonds (Form MCS-82B) must be in the form prescribed by the FMCSA and approved by the OMB. Endorsements to policies of insurance and surety bonds shall specify that coverage thereunder will remain in effect continuously until terminated, as required in Sec. 387.31 of this subpart. The continuous coverage requirement does not apply to Mexican motor carriers insured under Sec. 387.31(b)(3) of this subpart. The endorsement and surety bond shall be issued in the exact name of the motor carrier. The Forms MCS-82B and MCS-90B are available from the FMCSA website at http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/mission/forms. Sec. 387.313T [Amended] 0 38. Amend Sec. 387.313T in paragraph (b) by removing the words ``in triplicate''. Sec. 387.413T [Amended] 0 39. Amend Sec. 387.413T in paragraph (b) by removing the words ``in triplicate''. PART 390--FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY REGULATIONS; GENERAL 0 40. The authority citation for part 390 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 504, 508, 31132, 31133, 31134, 31136, 31137, 31144, 31151, 31502; sec. 114, Pub. L. 103-311, 108 Stat. 1673, 1677-1678; sec. 212, 217, Pub. L. 106-159, 113 Stat. 1748, 1766, 1767; sec. 229, Pub. L. 106-159 (as transferred by sec. 4115 and amended by secs. 4130-4132, Pub. L. 109-59, 119 Stat. 1144, 1726, 1743-1744); sec. 4136, Pub. L. 109-59, 119 Stat. 1144, 1745; sections 32101(d) and 32934, Pub. L. 112-141, 126 Stat. 405, 778, 830; sec. 2, Pub. L. 113-125, 128 Stat. 1388; and 49 CFR 1.87. 0 41. Amend Sec. 390.5 as follows: 0 a. Lift the suspension of the section; 0 b. Add definitions of ``electronic signature'' and ``written or in writing'' in alphabetical order; and 0 c. Suspend Sec. 390.5 indefinitely. The additions read as follows: Sec. 390.5 Definitions. * * * * * Electronic signature means a method of signing an electronic communication that identifies and authenticates a particular person as the source of the electronic communication and indicates such person's approval of the information contained in the electronic communication, in accordance with the Government Paperwork Elimination Act (Pub. L. 105-277, Title XVII, Secs. 1701-1710,, 44 U.S.C. 3504 note, 112 Stat. 2681-749). * * * * * Written or in writing means printed, handwritten, or typewritten either on paper or other tangible medium, or by any method of electronic documentation that meets the requirements of 49 CFR 390.32. 0 42. Amend Sec. 390.5T by adding definitions of ``electronic signature'' and ``written or in writing'' in alphabetical order to read as follows: Sec. 390.5T Definitions * * * * * Electronic signature means a method of signing an electronic communication that identifies and authenticates a particular person as the source of the electronic communication and indicates such person's approval of the information contained in the electronic communication, in accordance with the Government Paperwork Elimination Act (Pub. L. 105-277, Title XVII, Secs. 1701-1710,, 44 U.S.C. 3504 note, 112 Stat. 2681-749). * * * * * Written or in writing means printed, handwritten, or typewritten either on paper or other tangible medium, or by any method of electronic documentation that meets the requirements of 49 CFR 390.32. Sec. 390.7 [Amended] 0 43. Amend Sec. 390.7 by removing paragraph (b)(2) and redesignating paragraphs (b)(3) through (7) as (b)(2) through (6), respectively. 0 44. Revise Sec. 390.31 to read as follows: Sec. 390.31 Copies of records and documents. All records and documents required to be maintained under this subchapter must be maintained for the periods specified. Except as otherwise provided, copies that are legible and accurately reflect the information required to be contained in the record or document may be maintained in lieu of originals. 0 45. Add Sec. 390.32 to read as follows: [[Page 16227]] Sec. 390.32 Electronic documents and signatures. (a) Applicability. This section applies to documents that entities or individuals are required to retain, regardless of whether FMCSA subsequently requires them to be produced or displayed to FMCSA staff or other parties entitled to access. This section does not apply to documents that must be submitted directly to FMCSA. (b) Electronic records or documents. Any person or entity required to generate, maintain, or exchange documents to satisfy requirements in chapter III of subtitle B of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR 300-399) may use electronic methods to satisfy those requirements. (c) Electronic signatures. (1) Any person or entity required to sign or certify a document to satisfy the requirements of chapter III of subtitle B of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR parts 300-399) may use an electronic signature, as defined in Sec. 390.5T of this part. (2) An electronic signature may be made using any available technology that otherwise satisfies FMCSA's requirements. (d) Requirements. Any person or entity may use documents signed, certified, generated, maintained, or exchanged using electronic methods if the documents accurately reflect the information otherwise required to be contained in them. Records, documents or signatures generated, maintained, or exchanged using electronic methods do not satisfy the requirements of this section if they are not capable of being retained, are not used for the purpose for which they were created, or cannot be accurately reproduced within required timeframes for reference by any party entitled to access. Records or documents generated electronically do not satisfy the requirements of this section if they do not include proof of consent to use electronically generated records or documents, as required by 15 U.S.C. 7001(c). PART 391--QUALIFICATIONS OF DRIVERS AND LONGER COMBINATION VEHICLE (LCV) DRIVER INSTRUCTORS 0 46. The authority citation for part 391 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 504, 508, 31133, 31136, 31149, 31502; sec. 4007(b) Pub. L. 102-240, 105 Stat. 1914, 2152; sec. 114 Pub. L. 103- 311, 108 Stat. 1673, 1677; sec. 215 Pub. L. 106-159, 113 Stat. 1748, 1767; sec. 32934 Pub. L. 112-141, 126 Stat. 405, 830; sec 5524 Pub. L. 114-94, 129 Stat. 1312, 1560; and 49 CFR 1.87. Sec. 391.55 [Amended] 0 47. Amend Sec. 391.55 in paragraph (b)(2) by removing the word ``photographic''. PART 395--HOURS OF SERVICE OF DRIVERS 0 48. The authority citation for part 395 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 504, 31133, 31136, 31137, 31502; sec. 113, Pub.L. 103-311, 108 Stat. 1673, 1676; sec. 229, Pub.L. 106-159 (as added and transferred by sec. 4115 and amended by secs. 4130-4132, Pub.L. 109-59, 119 Stat. 1144, 1726, 1743, 1744); sec. 4133, Pub.L. 109-59, 119 Stat. 1144, 1744; sec. 108, Pub.L. 110-432, 122 Stat. 4860-4866; sec. 32934, Pub.L. 112-141, 126 Stat. 405, 830; sec. 5206(b) of Pub. L. 114-94, 129 Stat. 1312, 1537; and 49 CFR 1.87. 0 49. Amend Sec. 395.8 by revising paragraph (f)(2) to read as follows: Sec. 395.8 Driver's record of duty status. * * * * * (f) * * * (2) Entries made by driver only. All entries relating to a driver's duty status must be legible and made by the driver. * * * * * 0 50. Amend Sec. 395.15 by revising paragraphs (b)(2), (4), and (5), (e), (f), (h)(1), (i) introductory text, and (i)(4) and (7) to read as follows: Sec. 395.15 Automatic on-board recording devices. * * * * * (b) * * * (2) The device shall provide a means whereby authorized Federal, State, or local officials can immediately check the status of a driver's hours of service. This information may be used in conjunction with records of duty status maintained in other media, for the previous 7 days. * * * * * (4) The driver shall have in his/her possession records of duty status for the previous 7 consecutive days available for inspection while on duty. These records shall consist of information stored in and retrievable from the automatic on-board recording device, other written records, or any combination thereof. (5) All copies of other written records of duty status referenced in paragraph (b)(4) must be signed by the driver. The driver's signature certifies that the information contained thereon is true and correct. * * * * * (e) Entries made by driver only. If a driver is required to make written entries relating to the driver's duty status, such entries must be made by the driver and be legible. (f) Reconstruction of records of duty status. Drivers are required to note any failure of automatic on-board recording devices, and to reconstruct the driver's record of duty status for the current day and the past 7 days, less any days for which the drivers have records, and to continue to prepare a written record of all subsequent duty status until the device is again operational. * * * * * (h) * * * (1) The driver shall submit to the employing motor carrier, each record of the driver's duty status within 13 days following the completion of each record; * * * * * (i) Performance of recorders. Motor carriers that use automatic on- board recording devices for recording their drivers' records of duty status shall ensure that: * * * * * (4) The automatic on-board recording device warns the driver visually and/or audibly that the device has ceased to function; * * * * * (7) The on-board recording device/system identifies sensor failures and edited data; * * * * * PART 396--INSPECTION, REPAIR, AND MAINTENANCE 0 51. The authority citation for part 396 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 504, 31133, 31136, 31151, 31502; sec. 32934, Pub. L. 112-141, 126 Stat. 405, 830; sec. 5524 Pub. L. 114- 94, 129 Stat. 1312, 1560; and 49 CFR 1.87. Sec. 396.11 [Amended] 0 52. Amend Sec. 396.11 by removing the word ``original'' from paragraphs (a)(3)(ii), (a)(4), and (b)(4). Sec. 396.12 [Amended] 0 53. Amend Sec. 396.12 by removing the word ``original'' from paragraph (d). PART 398--TRANSPORTATION OF MIGRANT WORKERS 0 54. The authority citation for part 398 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 13301, 13902, 31132, 31133, 31136, 31502, 31504; sec. 204, Pub.L. 104-88, 109 Stat. 803, 941 (49 U.S.C. 701 note); sec. 212, Pub.L. 106-159, 113 Stat. 1748, 1766; and 49 CFR 1.87. Sec. 398.3 [Amended] 0 55. Amend Sec. 398.3 in paragraph (b)(8) by removing the words ``photographically reproduced'' wherever they appear. [[Page 16228]] Issued under the authority of delegation in 49 CFR 1.87: April 6, 2018. Raymond P. Martinez, Administrator. [FR Doc. 2018-07749 Filed 4-13-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
![16210 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 73 / Monday, April 16, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
Commercial Advertising (May 2018) ■ 43. Section 852.214–74 is revised to DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
The Contractor shall not make reference in read as follows:
its commercial advertising to Department of Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Veterans Affairs contracts in a manner that 852.214–74 Marking of bid samples. Administration
states or implies the Department of Veterans As prescribed in 814.201–6(b), insert
Affairs approves or endorses the Contractor’s 49 CFR Parts 370, 371, 373, 375, 376,
products or services or considers the
the following provision:
378, 379, 380, 382, 387, 390, 391, 395,
Contractor’s products or services superior to Marking of Bid Samples (May 2018) 396, and 398
other products or services.
Any bid sample(s) furnished must be in the [Docket No. FMCSA–2012–0376]
(End of clause) quantities specified in the solicitation. Cases
or packages must be plainly marked ‘Bid RIN 2126–AB47
852.203–71 [Removed and reserved] Sample(s)’’ with the complete lettering/
■ 38. Section 852.203–71 is removed numbering and description of the related bid Electronic Documents and Signatures
and reserved. item(s), the number of the Invitation for Bids, AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety
and the name of the bidder submitting the Administration (FMCSA), DOT.
852.214–70 [Removed and reserved]. bid sample(s).
ACTION: Final rule.
■ 39. Section 852.214–70 is removed
and reserved. (End of provision) SUMMARY: FMCSA amends its
■ 40. Section 852.214–71 is revised to ■ 44. Section 852.222–70 is revised to regulations to allow the use of electronic
read as follows: read as follows: records and signatures to satisfy
FMCSA’s regulatory requirements.
852.214–71 Restrictions on alternate 852.222–70 Contract work-hours and These amendments permit the use of
item(s). safety standards—nursing home care for electronic methods to generate, certify,
As prescribed in 814.201–6(a)(1), veterans. sign, maintain, or exchange records so
insert the following provision: long as the documents accurately reflect
As prescribed in 822.305, insert the
Restrictions on Alternate Item(s) (May 2018) following clause: the required information and can be
Bids on [ ]* will be considered only if used for their intended purpose. This
Contract Work Hours and Safety rule applies only to those documents
acceptable bids on [ ]** are not received or Standards—Nursing Home Care for Veterans
do not satisfy the total requirement. (May 2018)
that FMCSA’s regulations obligate
*Contracting Officer will insert an alternate entities or individuals to retain; it does
item that is considered acceptable. (a) No Contractor and subcontractor under not apply to forms or other documents
**Contracting Officer will insert the this contract shall prohibit the payment of that must be submitted directly to
required item and item number. overtime wages to their employees for work FMCSA unless there are already
in excess of 40 hours in any workweek, procedures in place in the regulations
(End of provision) which would otherwise be a violation of for electronic submission to FMCSA.
■ 41. Section 852.214–72 is revised to Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards This rule partially implements the
read as follows: (the statute) (40 U.S.C. 3701, et seq.), Government Paperwork Elimination Act
provided—
852.214–72 Alternate item(s). (GPEA) and the Electronic Signatures in
(1) The Contractor or subcontractor is
As prescribed in 814.201–6(a)(2), Global and National Commerce Act (E–
primarily engaged in the care of nursing
insert the following provision: SIGN).
home patients residing on the contractor’s or
subcontractor’s premises; DATES: This final rule is effective June
Alternate Item(s) (May 2018)
(2) There is an agreement or understanding 15, 2018.
Bids on [ ]* will be given equal Petitions for Reconsideration of this
consideration along with bids on [ ]** and between the Contractor or subcontractor and
any such bids received may be accepted if to their employees, before performance of work, final rule must be submitted to the
the advantage of the Government. Tie bids that a work period of 14 consecutive days is Administrator of FMCSA in accordance
will be decided in favor of [ ].** acceptable in lieu of a work period of 7 with 49 CFR 389.35 no later than May
*Contracting Officer will insert an alternate consecutive days for the purpose of overtime 16, 2018.
item that is considered acceptable. compensation; FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr.
**Contracting Officer will insert the (3) Employees receive overtime David Miller, Office of Policy, Federal
required item and item number. compensation at a rate no less than 11⁄2 times Motor Carrier Safety Administration,
the employees’ regular hourly rate of pay for 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
(End of provision)
work in excess of 80 hours in any 14 day Washington, DC 20590–0001,
■ 42. Section 852.214–73 is revised to period; and
read as follows: david.miller@dot.gov.
(4) Pay is otherwise computed in If you have questions on viewing or
852.214–73 Alternate packaging and accordance with the requirements of the Fair submitting material to the docket,
packing. Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended. contact Docket Services, telephone (202)
(b) Subcontracts. The Contractor shall 366–9826.
As prescribed in 814.201–6(a)(3),
insert the text of this clause, including this
insert the following provision: paragraph (b), in subcontracts at any tier. The SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This final
Alternate Packaging and Packing (May 2018) Contractor shall be responsible for rule is organized as follows:
The bidders offer must clearly indicate the compliance by any subcontractor or lower- I. Rulemaking Documents
quantity, package size, unit, or other different tier subcontractor with the provisions set A. Availability of Rulemaking Documents
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES
feature upon which the quote is made. forth in paragraphs (a) through (b) of this B. Privacy Act
Evaluation of the alternate or multiple clause. II. Executive Summary
alternates will be made on a common A. Purpose and Summary of the Major
denominator such as per ounce, per pound, (End of clause) Provisions
etc., basis. B. Benefits and Costs
[FR Doc. 2018–07833 Filed 4–13–18; 8:45 am] III. Abbreviations and Acronyms
(End of provision) BILLING CODE 8320–01–P IV. Legal Basis for the Rulemaking
VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:07 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\16APR1.SGM 16APR1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/83_FR_16283/page/1.svg)
![16220 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 73 / Monday, April 16, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
they desire to do so, the Agency expects rule would have an annual effect on the and methods under this rule, potential
regulated entities will choose those economy of $100 million or more, nor cost savings may include reduced
methods that best suit their individual would it meet any of the other criteria expenditures on labor time, office and
needs. For those regulated entities that presented in section 3(f) of E.O. 12866, storage space, materials, and office
do choose to use electronic documents Regulatory Planning and Review, for a equipment. Consequently, this rule has
and methods under this rule, potential significant regulatory action. Therefore, total costs less than zero, and therefore
cost savings may include reduced as noted earlier, FMCSA has determined is a deregulatory action under E.O.
expenditures on labor time, office and that this final rule is not a significant 13771. However, as discussed earlier, it
storage space, materials, and office regulatory action. is believed that many regulated entities
equipment. For example, specific types for whom the use of electronic
B. E.O. 13771 (Reducing Regulation and
of savings could include purchasing less documents and methods best suits their
Controlling Regulatory Costs)
paper and toner/ink, printing fewer needs may have already made this
documents, requiring fewer file cabinets E.O. 13771 (82 FR 9339, February 3, transition from traditional paper-based
or document boxes for storage of paper 2017), Reducing Regulation and methods under existing FMCSA
documents, using less space for storage Controlling Regulatory Costs, requires guidance, and therefore many of the
of paper documents, expending less that for ‘‘every one new [E.O. 13771 potential cost savings possible from this
labor time in activities such as handling regulatory action] issued, at least two rule may have largely already occurred.
and filing of paperwork, expending less prior regulations be identified for It is estimated that though there may
labor time in identifying and retrieving elimination, and that the cost of still be some additional incremental cost
documents, and transmitting fewer planned regulations be prudently savings that could result from the
paper documents by mail or courier managed and controlled through a regulatory flexibility being codified by
services. budgeting process.’’ Implementation this final rule (e.g., for any remaining
Because the previously issued guidance for E.O. 13771 issued by the regulated entities that may desire at
regulatory guidance that is now being Office of Management and Budget some time to use electronic documents
codified in this final rule has been in (OMB) (Memorandum M–17–21, April and methods but have not yet made this
place for several years, since January 4, 5, 2017) defines two different types of transition), overall these additional cost
2011, it is believed that many regulated E.O. 13771 actions: An E.O. 13771 savings will be minimal. Furthermore,
entities for whom the use of electronic regulatory action, and an E.O. 13771 these potential remaining additional
documents and methods best suits their deregulatory action. cost savings cannot be reliably
needs may have already made this An E.O. 13771 regulatory action is quantified or monetized because of the
transition from traditional paper-based defined as: large variety of records and documents
methods. Therefore, many of the (i) A significant action as defined in potentially affected across multiple
potential cost savings possible from this Section 3(f) of E.O. 12866 that has been FMCSA regulations, a lack of
rule may have largely already occurred. finalized, and that imposes total costs information regarding the number of
It is estimated that though there may greater than zero; or records or documents signed, certified,
still be some additional incremental cost (ii) a significant guidance document generated, exchanged, or maintained,
savings that could result from the (e.g., significant interpretive guidance) and a lack of information regarding the
regulatory flexibility being codified by reviewed by OIRA under the procedures extent to which electronic documents
this final rule (e.g., for any remaining of E.O. 12866 that has been finalized and signatures have already been
regulated entities that may desire at and that imposes total costs greater than voluntarily adopted under existing
some time to use electronic documents zero. FMCSA guidance. Therefore, though it
and methods but have not yet made this The Agency action, in this case a is expected that there will be some
transition), overall these additional cost rulemaking, must meet both the additional incremental cost savings that
savings will be minimal. Furthermore, significance and the total cost criteria to will result from this final rule, these
these potential remaining additional be considered an E.O. 13771 regulatory cost savings are expected to be minimal
cost savings cannot be reliably action. This rulemaking is not a and are not quantified.
quantified or monetized. Factors significant regulatory action as defined As a deregulatory action under E.O.
contributing to difficulties in in Section 3(f) of E.O. 12866, and 13771, this rule contributes to Agency
quantifying the potential cost savings therefore does not meet the significance compliance with section 2(a) of E.O.
include the variety of records and criterion for being an E.O. 13771 13771 regarding issuing at least two E.O.
documents potentially affected across regulatory action. Consequently, this 13771 deregulatory actions for each E.O.
multiple FMCSA regulations, a lack of rulemaking is not an E.O. 13771 13771 regulatory action. Because the
information regarding the number of regulatory action. cost savings resulting from this rule are
records or documents signed, certified, An E.O. 13771 deregulatory action is not quantified, this rule does not
generated, exchanged, or maintained, defined as ‘‘an action that has been however contribute towards Agency
and a lack of information regarding the finalized and has total costs less than compliance with section 2(c) of E.O.
extent to which electronic documents zero.’’ As discussed earlier, this final 13771 regarding offsetting the costs of
and signatures have already been rule does not impose new requirements, E.O. 13771 regulatory actions with cost
voluntarily adopted under existing and it is expected to provide regulatory savings from E.O. 13771 deregulatory
FMCSA guidance. relief to the industry. Because the actions.
Of the comments submitted to the choice of using electronic methods is
April 28, 2014, NPRM, discussed earlier optional and not mandatory, and C. Regulatory Flexibility Act
regulated entities may continue to use The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES
in Section VII, Comments and
Responses, none provided data or traditional paper-based methods if they (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) requires Federal
information to suggest that this final desire to do so, the Agency expects agencies to consider the effects of the
rule would be a significant regulatory regulated entities will choose those regulatory action on small business and
action. methods that best suit their individual other small entities and to minimize any
In light of the above considerations, needs. For those regulated entities that significant economic impact. The term
the Agency does not believe that the do choose to use electronic documents ‘‘small entities’’ comprises small
VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:07 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\16APR1.SGM 16APR1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/83_FR_16283/page/11.svg)
![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 73 / Monday, April 16, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 16223
P. Environment (NEPA, CAA, E.O. 49 CFR Part 373 49 CFR Part 396
12898 Environmental Justice) Highway safety, Motor carriers, Motor
Buses, Freight, Freight forwarders,
FMCSA analyzed this rule for the Motor carriers, and Moving of vehicle safety, and Reporting and
purpose of the National Environmental household goods. recordkeeping requirements.
Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et 49 CFR Part 398
seq.) and determined this action is 49 CFR Part 375
categorically excluded from further Highway safety, Migrant labor, Motor
Advertising, Consumer protection,
analysis and documentation in an carriers, Motor vehicle safety, and
Freight, Highways and roads, Insurance,
environmental assessment or Reporting and recordkeeping
Motor carriers, Moving of household
environmental impact statement under requirements.
goods, and Reporting and recordkeeping
FMCSA Order 5610.1 (69 FR 9680, requirements. For the reasons stated in the
March 1, 2004), Appendix 2, paragraph preamble, FMCSA amends 49 CFR,
(6)(q) and paragraph (6)(y). The 49 CFR Part 376 chapter III, as follows:
Categorical Exclusion (CE) in paragraph Motor carriers, and Reporting and
(6)(q) covers regulations implementing PART 370—PRINCIPLES AND
recordkeeping requirements. PRACTICES FOR THE INVESTIGATION
record preservation procedures for
motor carriers, brokers, and household 49 CFR Part 378 AND VOLUNTARY DISPOSITION OF
goods freight forwarders, including LOSS AND DAMAGE CLAIMS AND
Freight forwarders, Investigations, PROCESSING SALVAGE
record types retained and retention Motor carriers, and Moving of
periods. The CE in paragraph (6)(y) household goods. ■ 1. The authority citation for part 370
covers motor carrier identification and continues to read as follows:
registration reports, and requirements 49 CFR Part 379
about motor carriers’, drivers’, brokers’, Authority: 49 U.S.C. 13301, 14706; and 49
Freight forwarders, Maritime carriers, CFR 1.87.
and freight forwarders’ copies of Motor carriers, Moving of household
records. The content in this rule is goods, and Reporting and recordkeeping § 370.3 [Amended]
covered by these CEs and the final requirements. ■ 2. Amend § 370.3 as follows:
action does not have any effect on the ■ a. Remove the words ‘‘or electronic’’
quality of the environment. The CE 49 CFR Part 380
and the parenthetical ‘‘(when agreed to
determination is available for inspection Administrative practice and by the carrier and shipper or receiver
or copying in the Federal eRulemaking procedure, Highway safety, Motor involved)’’ from paragraph (b)
Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. carriers, Reporting and recordkeeping introductory text, and
FMCSA also analyzed this rule under requirements. ■ b. Remove the phrase ‘‘where claims
the Clean Air Act, as amended (CAA), are electronically handled,’’ from
section 176(c) (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.), 49 CFR Part 382
paragraph (b)(3).
and implementing regulations Administrative practice and
promulgated by the Environmental § 370.5 [Amended]
procedure, Alcohol abuse, Drug abuse,
Protection Agency. Approval of this Drug testing, Highway safety, Motor ■ 3. Amend § 370.5 in paragraph (a) as
action is exempt from the CAA’s general carriers, Penalties, Safety, and follows:
conformity requirement since it does ■ a. Remove the phrase ‘‘or by
Transportation.
not affect direct or indirect emissions of electronic transmission’’, and
criteria pollutants. 49 CFR Part 387 ■ b. Remove both additional instances
Under E.O. 12898, each Federal of the words ‘‘or electronically’’.
Buses, Freight, Freight forwarders, ■ 4. Amend § 370.7 by revising
agency must identify and address, as Hazardous materials transportation,
appropriate, ‘‘disproportionately high paragraph (b) to read as follows:
Highway safety, Insurance,
and adverse human health or Intergovernmental relations, Motor § 370.7 Investigation of claims.
environmental effects of its programs, carriers, Motor vehicle safety, Moving of
policies, and activities on minority * * * * *
household goods, Penalties, Reporting (b) Supporting documents. When a
populations and low-income and recordkeeping requirements, and necessary part of an investigation, each
populations’’ in the United States, its Surety bonds. claim shall be supported by the bill of
possessions, and territories. FMCSA
49 CFR Part 390 lading, evidence of the freight charges,
evaluated the environmental justice
if any, and either the invoice, a copy of
effects of this proposed rule in Highway safety, Intermodal the invoice, or an exact copy thereof or
accordance with the E.O., and has transportation, Motor carriers, Motor any extract made therefrom, certified by
determined that no environmental vehicle safety, and Reporting and the claimant to be true and correct with
justice issue is associated with this final recordkeeping requirements. respect to the property and value
rule, nor is there any collective
49 CFR Part 391 involved in the claim; or certification of
environmental impact that would result
prices or values, with trade or other
from its promulgation. Alcohol abuse, Drug abuse, Drug discounts, allowance, or deductions, of
List of Subjects testing, Highway safety, Motor carriers, any nature whatsoever and the terms
Reporting and recordkeeping thereof, or depreciation reflected
49 CFR Part 370 requirements, Safety, and thereon; Provided, however, That where
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES
Freight forwarders, Investigations, Transportation. property involved in a claim has not
and Motor carriers. 49 CFR Part 395 been invoiced to the consignee shown
on the bill of lading or where an invoice
49 CFR Part 371
Highway safety, Motor carriers, and does not show price or value, or where
Brokers, Motor carriers, and Reporting Reporting and recordkeeping the property involved has been sold, or
and recordkeeping requirements. requirements. where the property has been transferred
VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:07 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\16APR1.SGM 16APR1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/83_FR_16283/page/14.svg)
![16224 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 73 / Monday, April 16, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
at bookkeeping values only, the carrier § 373.103 For-hire, non-exempt expense containing the information in FMCSA’s
shall, before voluntarily paying a claim, bills. publication ‘‘Your Rights and
require the claimant to establish the (a) * * * Responsibilities When You Move.’’
destination value in the quantity, (2) The shipper or receiver owing the * * * * *
shipped, transported, or involved; charges shall be given the freight or (e) If an individual shipper elects to
Provided, further, That when supporting expense bill and the carrier shall keep waive receipt of the Federal consumer
documents are determined to be a a copy as prescribed at 49 CFR part 379. protection information by one of the
necessary part of an investigation, the * * * * * methods described in paragraphs (a) and
supporting documents are retained by (b) * * * (b)(1) of this section, and elects to access
the carriers for possible FMCSA (2) The carrier shall keep a copy of all the same information via the hyperlink
inspection. expense bills issued for the period on the internet:
* * * * * prescribed at 49 CFR part 379. If any * * * * *
expense bill is spoiled, voided, or (2) You must obtain a signed, dated
§ 370.9 [Amended] unused for any reason, a written record receipt showing the individual shipper
■ 5. Amend § 370.9 in paragraph (a) as of its disposition shall be retained for a has received both booklets that
follows: like period. includes, if applicable, verification of
■ a. Remove the phrase ‘‘or the shipper’s agreement to access the
electronically transmitted’’; and PART 375—TRANSPORTATION OF Federal consumer protection
■ b. Remove both additional instances HOUSEHOLD GOODS IN INTERSTATE information on the internet.
of the words ‘‘or electronically’’. COMMERCE; CONSUMER
* * * * *
PROTECTION REGULATIONS
■ 14. Amend § 375.505 by revising
PART 371—BROKERS OF PROPERTY
■ 11. The authority citation for part 375 paragraph (b)(5) to read as follows:
■ 6. The authority citation for part 371 continues to read as follows:
§ 375.505 Must I write up a bill of lading?
continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 13102, 13301, 13501, * * * * *
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 13301, 13501, 14122; 13704, 13707, 13902, 14104, 14706, 14708;
(b) * * *
subtitle B, title IV, Pub. L. 109–59; and 49 subtitle B, title IV, Pub. L. 109–59; and 49
CFR 1.87. CFR 1.87.
(5) When you transport on a collect-
■ 12. Amend § 375.209 by revising on-delivery basis, the name, address,
§ 371.109 [Amended]
paragraph (b)(3) to read as follows: and if furnished, the telephone number,
■ 7. Amend § 371.109 as follows: fax number, or email address of a person
■ a. Remove the last sentence in § 375.209 How must I handle complaints to notify about the charges. The
paragraph (a); and and inquires? notification may be made by any
■ b. Remove the last sentence in * * * * * method of communication, including,
paragraph (b). (b) * * * but not limited to, fax transmission;
(3) A system for recording in writing email; overnight courier; or certified
§ 371.111 [Amended] all inquiries and complaints received mail, return receipt requested.
■ 8. Amend § 371.111 in paragraph (c) from an individual shipper by any * * * * *
as follows: means of communication.
■ a. Remove the comma after the word * * * * * PART 376—LEASE AND
‘‘dated’’; and ■ 13. Amend § 375.213 by revising
INTERCHANGE OF VEHICLES
■ b. Remove the words ‘‘electronic or paragraphs (a), (b)(1), (e) introductory ■ 15. The authority citation for part 376
paper’’. text, and (e)(2) to read as follows: continues to read as follows:
PART 373—RECEIPTS AND BILLS § 375.213 What information must I provide Authority: 49 U.S.C. 13301, 14102; and 49
to a prospective individual shipper? CFR 1.87.
■ 9. The authority citation for part 373
(a) When you provide the written § 376.11 [Amended]
continues to read as follows:
estimate to a prospective individual
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 13301, 13531, 14706; ■ 16. Amend § 376.11 as follows:
shipper, you must also provide the ■ a. Remove the last sentence in
and 49 CFR 1.87. individual shipper with the DOT paragraph (b)(1);
■ 10. Amend § 373.103 by: publication titled ‘‘Ready to Move?— ■ b. Remove the word ‘‘papers’’ and add
■ a. Redesignating paragraph (a) Tips for a Successful Interstate Move’’ in its place ‘‘documents’’ in the third
introductory text as (a)(1) and (Department of Transportation and fourth sentences of paragraph (d)(1);
paragraphs (a)(1) through (11) as publication FMCSA–ESA–03–005, or its and
paragraphs (a)(1)(i) through (xi); successor publication). You must ■ c. Remove the words ‘‘or papers’’ from
■ b. Designating the undesignated provide the individual shipper with a the fifth sentence of paragraph (d)(1).
paragraph following newly redesignated copy or provide a hyperlink on your ■ 17. Amend § 376.12 by revising
paragraph (a)(1)(xi) as paragraph (a)(2); internet website to the FMCSA website paragraphs (f), (g), and (l) to read as
■ c. Redesignating paragraph (b) containing that publication. follows:
introductory text as paragraph (b)(1) and (b) * * *
paragraphs (b)(1) through (11) as (b)(1)(i) (1) The contents of appendix A of this § 376.12 Lease requirements.
through (xi); part, titled ‘‘Your Rights and * * * * *
■ d. Designating the undesignated Responsibilities When You Move’’ (f) Payment period. The lease shall
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES
paragraph following newly redesignated (Department of Transportation specify that payment to the lessor shall
paragraph (b)(1)(xi) as paragraph (b)(2); publication FMCSA–ESA–03–006, or its be made within 15 days after
and successor publication). You must submission of the necessary delivery
■ e. Revising newly designated provide the individual shipper with a documents concerning a trip in the
paragraphs (a)(2) and (b)(2). copy or provide a hyperlink on your service of the authorized carrier. The
The revisions read as follows: internet website to the FMCSA website documentation required before the
VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:07 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\16APR1.SGM 16APR1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/83_FR_16283/page/15.svg)
![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 73 / Monday, April 16, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 16225
lessor can receive payment is limited to PART 378—PROCEDURES extenuating circumstances. If the carrier
log books required by the Department of GOVERNING THE PROCESSING, declines to pay a claim or makes
Transportation and those documents INVESTIGATION, AND DISPOSITION settlement in an amount different from
necessary for the authorized carrier to OF OVERCHARGE, DUPLICATE that sought, the carrier shall notify the
secure payment from the shipper. In PAYMENT OR OVERCOLLECTION claimant in writing of the reason(s) for
addition, the lease may provide that, CLAIMS its action, citing tariff authority or other
upon termination of the lease pertinent information developed as a
agreement, as a condition precedent to ■ 18. The authority citation for part 378 result of its investigation.
payment, the lessor shall remove all continues to read as follows:
identification devices of the authorized Authority: 49 U.S.C. 13321, 14101, 14704, PART 379—PRESERVATION OF
carrier and, except in the case of 14705; and 49 CFR 1.87. RECORDS
identification painted directly on § 378.3 [Amended] ■ 25. The authority citation for part 379
equipment, return them to the carrier. If continues to read as follows:
the identification device has been lost or ■ 19. Amend § 378.3 in paragraph (a) by
stolen, a letter certifying its removal will removing the words ‘‘or electronically Authority: 49 U.S.C. 13301, 14122, 14123;
satisfy this requirement. Until this communicated (when agreed to by the and 49 CFR 1.87.
requirement is complied with, the carrier and shipper or receiver ■ 26. Revise § 379.5 to read as follows:
carrier may withhold final payment. involved)’’ from the first sentence.
■ 20. Amend § 378.4 as follows: § 379.5 Protection and storage of records.
The authorized carrier may require the (a) The entity shall protect records
■ a. Revise paragraph (b) introductory
submission of additional documents by subject to this part from destruction,
text;
the lessor but not as a prerequisite to ■ b. Revise paragraph (c); and deterioration, unauthorized access,
payment. Payment to the lessor shall not ■ c. In paragraph (e) remove the term modification and/or data corruption.
be made contingent upon submission of ‘‘orginal’’ and add in its place (b) The entity shall notify the
a bill of lading to which no exceptions ‘‘original’’. Secretary if prescribed records are
have been taken. The authorized carrier The revisions read as follows: substantially destroyed, damaged,
shall not set time limits for the accessed and modified without
submission by the lessor of required § 378.4 Documentation of claims.
authorization, or otherwise corrupted.
delivery documents. * * * * * ■ 27. Revise § 379.7 to read as follows:
(g) Copies of freight bill or other form (b) Claims for overcharge shall be
of freight documentation. When a accompanied by the freight bill. § 379.7 Preservation of records.
lessor’s revenue is based on a Additional information may include, (a) All records may be preserved by
percentage of the gross revenue for a but is not limited to, the following: any technology that accurately reflects
shipment, the lease must specify that * * * * * all of the information in the record and
the authorized carrier will give the (c) Claims for duplicate payment and remains accessible in a form that can be
lessor, before or at the time of overcollection shall be accompanied by accurately reproduced later for
settlement, a copy of the rated freight the freight bill(s) for which charges were reference.
bill, or, in the case of contract carriers, paid and by freight bill payment (b) Common information, such as
any other form of documentation information. instructions, need not be preserved for
actually used for a shipment containing * * * * * each record as long as it is common to
the same information that would appear all such forms and an identified
on a rated freight bill. Regardless of the § 378.5 [Amended] specimen of the form is maintained for
method of compensation, the lease must ■ 21. Amend § 378.5 in paragraph (c) by reference.
permit lessor to examine copies of the removing the words ‘‘or electronically
carrier’s tariff or, in the case of contract Appendix A to Part 379 [Amended]
transmitted’’.
carriers, other documents from which ■ 28. Amend appendix A to part 379 in
rates and charges are computed, § 378.6 [Amended] sections A.3.(d), B.3., F.1.(b), I.3.(c),
provided that where rates and charges ■ 22. Amend § 378.6 by removing the I.5.(b), and I.5.(c) by removing the word
are computed from a contract of a words ‘‘or electronic’’. ‘‘papers’’ and adding in its place the
contract carrier, only those portions of ■ 23. Revise § 378.7 to read as follows: word ‘‘documents’’.
the contract containing the same
§ 378.7 Acknowledgment of claims. PART 380—SPECIAL TRAINING
information that would appear on a
rated freight bill need be disclosed. The Upon receipt of a written claim, the REQUIREMENTS
authorized carrier may delete the names carrier shall acknowledge its receipt in
writing to the claimant within 30 days ■ 29. The authority citation for part 380
of shippers and consignees shown on continues to read as follows:
the freight bill or other form of after the date of receipt except when the
documentation. carrier shall have paid or declined in Authority: 49 U.S.C. 31133, 31136, 31305,
writing within that period. The carrier 31307, 31308, and 31502; sec. 4007(a) and (b)
* * * * * shall include the date of receipt in its of Pub. L. 102–240 (105 Stat. 2151–2152);
(l) Copies of the lease. The parties sec. 32304 of Pub. L. 112–141; and 49 CFR
written claim, which shall be placed in
must sign the lease. The authorized 1.87.
the file for that claim.
carrier shall keep a copy and shall place ■ 24. Revise § 378.8 to read as follows: ■ 30. Amend § 380.715 by revising
another copy of the lease on the paragraph (a) to read as follows:
equipment during the period of the § 378.8 Disposition of claims.
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES
lease unless a statement as provided for The processing carrier shall pay, § 380.715 Assessments.
in § 376.11(c)(2) is carried on the decline to pay, or settle each written (a) Training providers must use
equipment instead. The owner of the claim within 60 days after its receipt by written assessments to determine driver-
equipment shall keep a copy of the that carrier, except where the claimant trainees’ proficiency in the knowledge
lease. and the carrier agree in writing to a objectives in the theory portion of each
* * * * * specific extension based upon unit of instruction in appendices A
VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:07 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\16APR1.SGM 16APR1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/83_FR_16283/page/16.svg)
![16226 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 73 / Monday, April 16, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
through E of part 380, as applicable. The ■ 36. Amend § 387.31 by revising ■ c. Suspend § 390.5 indefinitely.
driver-trainee must receive an overall paragraph (b)(1) to read as follows: The additions read as follows:
minimum score of 80 percent on the
§ 387.31 Financial responsibility required. § 390.5 Definitions.
theory assessment.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
(b) * * * Electronic signature means a method
PART 382—CONTROLLED (1) Cancellation may be effected by of signing an electronic communication
SUBSTANCES AND ALCOHOL USE the insurer or the insured motor carrier that identifies and authenticates a
AND TESTING giving 35 days’ notice in writing to the particular person as the source of the
other. The 35 days’ notice shall electronic communication and indicates
■ 31. The authority citation for part 382 commence to run from the date the such person’s approval of the
continues to read as follows: notice is transmitted. Proof of information contained in the electronic
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 31133, 31136, 31301 transmission shall be sufficient proof of communication, in accordance with the
et seq., 31502; sec. 32934 of Pub. L. 112–141, notice. Government Paperwork Elimination Act
126 Stat. 405, 830; and 49 CFR 1.87. * * * * * (Pub. L. 105–277, Title XVII, Secs.
■ 37. Revise § 387.39 to read as follows: 1701–1710,, 44 U.S.C. 3504 note, 112
§ 382.601 [Amended]
Stat. 2681–749).
■ 32. Amend § 382.601 by removing the § 387.39 Forms.
phrase ‘‘the original of’’ from the second * * * * *
Endorsements for policies of
sentence of paragraph (d). Written or in writing means printed,
insurance (Form MCS–90B) and surety
handwritten, or typewritten either on
bonds (Form MCS–82B) must be in the
PART 387—MINIMUM LEVELS OF paper or other tangible medium, or by
form prescribed by the FMCSA and
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR any method of electronic documentation
approved by the OMB. Endorsements to
MOTOR CARRIERS that meets the requirements of 49 CFR
policies of insurance and surety bonds
390.32.
■ 33. The authority citation for part 387 shall specify that coverage thereunder
■ 42. Amend § 390.5T by adding
continues to read as follows: will remain in effect continuously until
definitions of ‘‘electronic signature’’ and
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 13101, 13301, 13906, terminated, as required in § 387.31 of
‘‘written or in writing’’ in alphabetical
13908, 14701, 31138, 31139; and 49 CFR this subpart. The continuous coverage
order to read as follows:
1.87. requirement does not apply to Mexican
■ 34. Amend § 387.7 by revising motor carriers insured under § 390.5T Definitions
paragraph (b)(1) to read as follows: § 387.31(b)(3) of this subpart. The * * * * *
endorsement and surety bond shall be Electronic signature means a method
§ 387.7 Financial responsibility required. issued in the exact name of the motor of signing an electronic communication
* * * * * carrier. The Forms MCS–82B and MCS– that identifies and authenticates a
(b)(1) Policies of insurance, surety 90B are available from the FMCSA particular person as the source of the
bonds, and endorsements required website at http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/ electronic communication and indicates
under this section shall remain in effect mission/forms. such person’s approval of the
continuously until terminated. information contained in the electronic
Cancellation may be effected by the § 387.313T [Amended]
communication, in accordance with the
insurer or the insured motor carrier ■ 38. Amend § 387.313T in paragraph
Government Paperwork Elimination Act
giving 35 days’ notice in writing to the (b) by removing the words ‘‘in
(Pub. L. 105–277, Title XVII, Secs.
other. The 35 days’ notice shall triplicate’’.
1701–1710,, 44 U.S.C. 3504 note, 112
commence to run from the date the § 387.413T [Amended] Stat. 2681–749).
notice is transmitted. Proof of
■ 39. Amend § 387.413T in paragraph * * * * *
transmission shall be sufficient proof of Written or in writing means printed,
(b) by removing the words ‘‘in
notice. handwritten, or typewritten either on
triplicate’’.
* * * * * paper or other tangible medium, or by
■ 35. Revise § 387.15 to read as follows: PART 390—FEDERAL MOTOR any method of electronic documentation
§ 387.15 Forms.
CARRIER SAFETY REGULATIONS; that meets the requirements of 49 CFR
GENERAL 390.32.
Endorsements for policies of
insurance (Form MCS–90) and surety ■ 40. The authority citation for part 390 § 390.7 [Amended]
bonds (Form MCS–82) must be in the continues to read as follows: ■ 43. Amend § 390.7 by removing
form prescribed by the FMCSA and Authority: 49 U.S.C. 504, 508, 31132, paragraph (b)(2) and redesignating
approved by the OMB. Endorsements to 31133, 31134, 31136, 31137, 31144, 31151, paragraphs (b)(3) through (7) as (b)(2)
policies of insurance and surety bonds 31502; sec. 114, Pub. L. 103–311, 108 Stat. through (6), respectively.
shall specify that coverage thereunder 1673, 1677–1678; sec. 212, 217, Pub. L. 106–
■ 44. Revise § 390.31 to read as follows:
will remain in effect continuously until 159, 113 Stat. 1748, 1766, 1767; sec. 229,
terminated, as required in § 387.7 of this Pub. L. 106–159 (as transferred by sec. 4115 § 390.31 Copies of records and
and amended by secs. 4130–4132, Pub. L. documents.
subpart. The continuous coverage
109–59, 119 Stat. 1144, 1726, 1743–1744);
requirement does not apply to Mexican sec. 4136, Pub. L. 109–59, 119 Stat. 1144, All records and documents required
motor carriers insured under 1745; sections 32101(d) and 32934, Pub. L. to be maintained under this subchapter
§ 387.7(b)(3) of this subpart. The
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES
112–141, 126 Stat. 405, 778, 830; sec. 2, Pub. must be maintained for the periods
endorsement and surety bond shall be L. 113–125, 128 Stat. 1388; and 49 CFR 1.87. specified. Except as otherwise provided,
issued in the exact name of the motor ■ 41. Amend § 390.5 as follows: copies that are legible and accurately
carrier. The Forms MCS–82 and MCS– ■ a. Lift the suspension of the section; reflect the information required to be
90 are available from the FMCSA ■ b. Add definitions of ‘‘electronic contained in the record or document
website at http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/ signature’’ and ‘‘written or in writing’’ may be maintained in lieu of originals.
mission/forms. in alphabetical order; and ■ 45. Add § 390.32 to read as follows:
VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:07 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\16APR1.SGM 16APR1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/83_FR_16283/page/17.svg)
![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 73 / Monday, April 16, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 16227
§ 390.32 Electronic documents and § 391.55 [Amended] (f) Reconstruction of records of duty
signatures. ■ 47. Amend § 391.55 in paragraph status. Drivers are required to note any
(a) Applicability. This section applies (b)(2) by removing the word failure of automatic on-board recording
to documents that entities or ‘‘photographic’’. devices, and to reconstruct the driver’s
individuals are required to retain, record of duty status for the current day
regardless of whether FMCSA PART 395—HOURS OF SERVICE OF and the past 7 days, less any days for
subsequently requires them to be DRIVERS which the drivers have records, and to
produced or displayed to FMCSA staff continue to prepare a written record of
■ 48. The authority citation for part 395
or other parties entitled to access. This all subsequent duty status until the
continues to read as follows:
section does not apply to documents device is again operational.
that must be submitted directly to Authority: 49 U.S.C. 504, 31133, 31136,
31137, 31502; sec. 113, Pub.L. 103–311, 108 * * * * *
FMCSA.
(b) Electronic records or documents. Stat. 1673, 1676; sec. 229, Pub.L. 106–159 (as (h) * * *
added and transferred by sec. 4115 and (1) The driver shall submit to the
Any person or entity required to amended by secs. 4130–4132, Pub.L. 109–59,
generate, maintain, or exchange employing motor carrier, each record of
119 Stat. 1144, 1726, 1743, 1744); sec. 4133, the driver’s duty status within 13 days
documents to satisfy requirements in Pub.L. 109–59, 119 Stat. 1144, 1744; sec. 108,
chapter III of subtitle B of title 49, Code Pub.L. 110–432, 122 Stat. 4860–4866; sec.
following the completion of each record;
of Federal Regulations (49 CFR 300– 32934, Pub.L. 112–141, 126 Stat. 405, 830; * * * * *
399) may use electronic methods to sec. 5206(b) of Pub. L. 114–94, 129 Stat. (i) Performance of recorders. Motor
satisfy those requirements. 1312, 1537; and 49 CFR 1.87. carriers that use automatic on-board
(c) Electronic signatures. (1) Any ■ 49. Amend § 395.8 by revising recording devices for recording their
person or entity required to sign or paragraph (f)(2) to read as follows: drivers’ records of duty status shall
certify a document to satisfy the ensure that:
requirements of chapter III of subtitle B § 395.8 Driver’s record of duty status.
* * * * *
of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations * * * * * (4) The automatic on-board recording
(49 CFR parts 300–399) may use an (f) * * *
(2) Entries made by driver only. All device warns the driver visually and/or
electronic signature, as defined in audibly that the device has ceased to
§ 390.5T of this part. entries relating to a driver’s duty status
must be legible and made by the driver. function;
(2) An electronic signature may be
made using any available technology * * * * * * * * * *
that otherwise satisfies FMCSA’s ■ 50. Amend § 395.15 by revising (7) The on-board recording device/
requirements. paragraphs (b)(2), (4), and (5), (e), (f), system identifies sensor failures and
(d) Requirements. Any person or (h)(1), (i) introductory text, and (i)(4) edited data;
entity may use documents signed, and (7) to read as follows: * * * * *
certified, generated, maintained, or
exchanged using electronic methods if § 395.15 Automatic on-board recording PART 396—INSPECTION, REPAIR,
devices. AND MAINTENANCE
the documents accurately reflect the
information otherwise required to be * * * * *
contained in them. Records, documents (b) * * * ■ 51. The authority citation for part 396
or signatures generated, maintained, or (2) The device shall provide a means continues to read as follows:
exchanged using electronic methods do whereby authorized Federal, State, or Authority: 49 U.S.C. 504, 31133, 31136,
not satisfy the requirements of this local officials can immediately check 31151, 31502; sec. 32934, Pub. L. 112–141,
section if they are not capable of being the status of a driver’s hours of service. 126 Stat. 405, 830; sec. 5524 Pub. L. 114–94,
retained, are not used for the purpose This information may be used in 129 Stat. 1312, 1560; and 49 CFR 1.87.
for which they were created, or cannot conjunction with records of duty status
maintained in other media, for the § 396.11 [Amended]
be accurately reproduced within
previous 7 days. ■ 52. Amend § 396.11 by removing the
required timeframes for reference by any
* * * * * word ‘‘original’’ from paragraphs
party entitled to access. Records or
(4) The driver shall have in his/her (a)(3)(ii), (a)(4), and (b)(4).
documents generated electronically do
not satisfy the requirements of this possession records of duty status for the § 396.12 [Amended]
section if they do not include proof of previous 7 consecutive days available
for inspection while on duty. These ■53. Amend § 396.12 by removing the
consent to use electronically generated word ‘‘original’’ from paragraph (d).
records or documents, as required by 15 records shall consist of information
U.S.C. 7001(c). stored in and retrievable from the
PART 398—TRANSPORTATION OF
automatic on-board recording device,
MIGRANT WORKERS
PART 391—QUALIFICATIONS OF other written records, or any
DRIVERS AND LONGER combination thereof. ■ 54. The authority citation for part 398
COMBINATION VEHICLE (LCV) (5) All copies of other written records continues to read as follows:
DRIVER INSTRUCTORS of duty status referenced in paragraph
(b)(4) must be signed by the driver. The Authority: 49 U.S.C. 13301, 13902, 31132,
■ 46. The authority citation for part 391 31133, 31136, 31502, 31504; sec. 204, Pub.L.
driver’s signature certifies that the 104–88, 109 Stat. 803, 941 (49 U.S.C. 701
continues to read as follows: information contained thereon is true note); sec. 212, Pub.L. 106–159, 113 Stat.
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 504, 508, 31133, and correct.
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES
1748, 1766; and 49 CFR 1.87.
31136, 31149, 31502; sec. 4007(b) Pub. L. * * * * *
102–240, 105 Stat. 1914, 2152; sec. 114 Pub. (e) Entries made by driver only. If a § 398.3 [Amended]
L. 103–311, 108 Stat. 1673, 1677; sec. 215
Pub. L. 106–159, 113 Stat. 1748, 1767; sec. driver is required to make written ■ 55. Amend § 398.3 in paragraph (b)(8)
32934 Pub. L. 112–141, 126 Stat. 405, 830; entries relating to the driver’s duty by removing the words
sec 5524 Pub. L. 114–94, 129 Stat. 1312, status, such entries must be made by the ‘‘photographically reproduced’’
1560; and 49 CFR 1.87. driver and be legible. wherever they appear.
VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:07 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\16APR1.SGM 16APR1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/83_FR_16283/page/18.svg)
![16228 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 73 / Monday, April 16, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
Issued under the authority of delegation in and Wildlife Service, Arlington Previous Federal Actions
49 CFR 1.87: April 6, 2018. Ecological Services Field Office, 2005 Please refer to the proposed delisting
Raymond P. Martinez, NE Green Oaks Blvd., Suite 140, rule for the black-capped vireo (81 FR
Administrator. Arlington, TX 76006; telephone 817– 90762, December 15, 2016) for a
[FR Doc. 2018–07749 Filed 4–13–18; 8:45 am] 277–1100; or facsimile 817–277–1129. detailed description of previous Federal
BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P Persons who use a telecommunications actions concerning this species.
device for the deaf (TDD) may call the
Federal Relay Service at 800–877–8339. Background
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Please refer to the proposed delisting
rule for the black-capped vireo (81 FR
Fish and Wildlife Service Executive Summary 90762, December 15, 2016) for a
Why we need to publish a rule. Under summary of species information.
50 CFR Part 17 the Endangered Species Act, a species Our December 15, 2016, proposed
may be removed (delisted) from the rule was based largely on the SSA
[Docket No. FWS–R2–ES–2016–0110; report, which characterized the species’
FXES11130900000 178 FF09E42000]
Federal List of Endangered and
Threatened Wildlife if it is determined overall viability in the future. Please see
RIN 1018–BB79 it has recovered and is no longer ADDRESSES, above, for information on
endangered or threatened. Delisting can how to obtain a copy of the SSA report.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife only be completed by issuing a rule.
and Plants; Removing the Black- Summary of Biological Status and
This rule removes the black-capped Threats
Capped Vireo From the Federal List of vireo (Vireo atricapilla, listed as Vireo
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife atricapillus) from the Federal List of Species Description and Needs
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. The black-capped vireo is a migratory
Interior. The basis for our action. Under the songbird that breeds and nests in south-
Endangered Species Act, we determine central Oklahoma, Texas, and the
ACTION: Final rule.
that a species is an endangered or northern states of Mexico (Coahuila,
SUMMARY: Under the authority of the threatened species based on any of five Nuevo León, Tamaulipas), and winters
Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), factors: (A) The present or threatened along Mexico’s western coastal states. In
as amended, we, the U.S. Fish and destruction, modification, or general, black-capped vireo breeding
Wildlife Service (Service), remove the curtailment of its habitat or range; (B) habitat is shrublands and open
black-capped vireo (Vireo atricapilla, overutilization for commercial, woodlands.
listed as Vireo atricapillus) from the recreational, scientific, or educational The resource needs of the black-
Federal List of Endangered and purposes; (C) disease or predation; (D) capped vireo are described in the SSA
Threatened Wildlife due to recovery. the inadequacy of existing regulatory report for individuals, populations, and
This determination is based on a mechanisms; or (E) other natural or for the species rangewide. Life-history
thorough review of the best available manmade factors affecting its continued needs are generally categorized as
scientific and commercial information, existence. We must consider the same breeding, feeding, and sheltering; for
which indicates that the threats to this factors in delisting a species. We may migratory species, this may also include
species have been reduced or managed delist a species if the best scientific and habitat for migration and wintering.
to the point that the species has commercial data indicate the species is Individual black-capped vireos need a
recovered and no longer meets the neither endangered nor threatened for suitable breeding habitat patch of at
definition of endangered or threatened one or more of the following reasons: (1) least 1.5 hectares (ha) (3.7 acres (ac)) of
under the Act. The species is extinct; (2) the species shrublands with between 35 and 55
DATES: This rule is effective May 16,
has recovered and is no longer percent shrub cover that consists largely
2018. threatened or endangered; or (3) the of deciduous shrubs, often oaks in mesic
original scientific data used at the time areas, and with a low proportion of
ADDRESSES: This final rule is available the species was classified were in error. junipers. Within breeding habitat
on the internet at http:// We have determined that the primary patches, shrub mottes (groups of shrubs)
www.regulations.gov under Docket No. threats to the black-capped vireo have with deciduous foliage from ground
FWS–R2–ES–2016–0110 and at https:// been reduced or managed to the point level to 3 meters (m) (0 to 9.8 feet (ft))
www.fws.gov/southwest/es/ that the species is recovered. in height are needed for nest
arlingtontexas/. Comments and Peer review and public comment. We concealment and foraging.
materials we received, as well as completed a Species Status Assessment Populations of black-capped vireos
supporting documentation we used in (SSA) to evaluate the species’ needs, are described based on the number of
preparing this rule, are available for current conditions, and future adult males the breeding habitat can
public inspection at http:// conditions to support our proposed rule. support. Those sites (defined as
www.regulations.gov. Comments, We sought comments from independent geographical areas with suitable
materials, and documentation that we specialists to ensure that our breeding habitat) capable of supporting
considered in this rulemaking will be determination is based on scientifically at least 30 adult males are considered
available by appointment, during sound data, assumptions, and analyses. ‘‘manageable populations.’’ Those sites
normal business hours, at: U.S. Fish and We invited these peer reviewers to with suitable breeding habitat capable of
Wildlife Service, Arlington Ecological comment on the SSA report. We supporting 100 or more adult males are
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES
Services Field Office, 2005 NE Green considered all comments and considered ‘‘likely resilient
Oaks Blvd., Arlington, TX 76006; information we received during the populations,’’ that have the ability to
telephone 817–277–1100; facsimile comment period on the proposed rule to withstand disturbances of varying
817–277–1129; ARLES@fws.gov. delist the black-capped vireo when magnitude and duration. Brown-headed
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: finalizing our SSA report and this final cowbird (Molothrus ater) brood
Debra Bills, Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish rule. parasitism rates below 40 percent (Tazik
VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:07 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\16APR1.SGM 16APR1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/83_FR_16283/page/19.svg)
Document Created: 2018-04-14 02:19:08
Document Modified: 2018-04-14 02:19:08
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Rules and Regulations | |
| Action | Final rule. | |
| Dates | This final rule is effective June 15, 2018. | |
| Contact | Mr. David Miller, Office of Policy, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590-0001, [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 83 FR 16210 | |
| RIN Number | 2126-AB47 | |
| CFR Citation | 49
CFR
370 49 CFR 371 49 CFR 373 49 CFR 375 49 CFR 376 49 CFR 378 49 CFR 379 49 CFR 380 49 CFR 382 49 CFR 387 49 CFR 390 49 CFR 391 49 CFR 395 49 CFR 396 49 CFR 398 | |
| CFR Associated | Freight Forwarders; Investigations; Motor Carriers; Brokers; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements; Buses; Freight; Moving of Household Goods; Advertising; Consumer Protection; Highways and Roads; Insurance; Maritime Carriers; Administrative Practice and Procedure; Highway Safety; Alcohol Abuse; Drug Abuse; Drug Testing; Penalties; Safety; Transportation; Hazardous Materials Transportation; Intergovernmental Relations; Motor Vehicle Safety; Surety Bonds; Intermodal Transportation and Migrant Labor |
2024 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR