News From ASET
- September 26, 2000

Hours of Service Funding May Be Blocked

Congress is currently in conference to determine whether federal funding for the DOT's proposed hours-of-service regulations will move forward. House and Senate Appropriations Committee Members met this week to discuss a Senate provision, Section 335, which would bar any funding to finalize the HOS proposal.

As of today, a compromise seems likely that would allow changes to the current HOS proposal within the next year but would not cease all funding. If this is to occur, ASET and other interested groups must work closely with the DOT to develop a different approach that addresses overall truck safety and productivity. The current proposal would have forced thousands of additional trucks onto the highway during peak rush-hour traffic. ASET has written comments to the DOT in response to their ill-advised proposal, which you may view by clicking here .

ASET and some of our members within the steel industry recently met with several of the congressional offices deciding the HOS outcome. Our meetings were with Members and staff of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation. These Members of Congress are on the conference committee to decide whether Section 335 is included in the overall appropriations bill. Our meetings were both productive and educational and our position on HOS was made clear.

Once the appropriations process is completed, sometime within the next two weeks, ASET will work with our membership to develop our own position on an alternative HOS proposal which we will work to implement in next year's 107th Congress. Any suggestions, compromises, or ideas for such a proposal are welcomed by ASET and should be directed to Jake Jacoby by either calling (703) 549-9467 or e-mailing at jjacoby@aset-safety.org.

Weight Legislation Needed More Than Ever

Along with hours-of-service, ASET continues to push forward our 97,000-pound weight legislation. Next Congress will be our greatest opportunity yet to achieve our goal of empowering each individual state the ability to allow six-axle tractor trailers on their Interstates at this increased weight. Adopting such a measure would mean fewer trucks on the highways, reducing exposure to crashes with passenger vehicles as well as lower fuel consumption, less road wear, and an improved environment. With diesel fuel prices at an all-time high and congestion getting worse each year, there must be productivity relief for motor carriers and shippers. ASET will be working aggressively to push this legislation to the forefront of transportation policy discussion early in 2001.

Following the November elections, ASET will set up various congressional meetings to advocate our weight legislation and urge Members of Congress to cosponsor our legislation in January. ASET members are encouraged to contact their local Member of Congress to educate them on the necessity of our weight bill and its benefits to motor carriers, shippers, and consumers alike