78 FR 88 pgs. 26690-26693 - Hours of Service (HOS) of Drivers; Application for Renewal and Expansion of American Pyrotechnics Association (APA) Exemption From the 14-Hour Rule During Independence Day Celebrations
Type: NOTICEVolume: 78Number: 88Pages: 26690 - 26693
Docket number: [Docket No. FMCSA-2007-28043]
FR document: [FR Doc. 2013-10737 Filed 5-6-13; 8:45 am]
Agency: Transportation Department
Sub Agency: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Official PDF Version: PDF Version
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
[Docket No. FMCSA-2007-28043]
Hours of Service (HOS) of Drivers; Application for Renewal and Expansion of American Pyrotechnics Association (APA) Exemption From the 14-Hour Rule During Independence Day Celebrations
AGENCY:
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT.
ACTION:
Notice of application for renewal and expansion of exemption; request for comments.
SUMMARY:
The American Pyrotechnics Association (APA) has requested a renewal of its exemption for 48 APA member-companies from FMCSA's regulation that drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) may not drive after the 14th hour after coming on duty, and the expansion of its exemption to 10 additional carriers. The APA was previously granted an exemption for 48 of the 58 APA member-companies during the Independence Day periods in 2011 and 2012. Like the other 48 member-companies that operated under the 2011-2012 exemption, the 10 additional member-companies would be subject to all of the terms and conditions of the exemption for the 2013-2014 periods. The exemption would apply solely to the operation of CMVs by these 58 APA-member companies in conjunction with staging fireworks shows celebrating Independence Day during the periods June 28-July 8, 2013, and June 28-July 8, 2014, inclusive. During these two periods, approximately 3,200 CMVs and drivers employed by these APA member-companies would be allowed to exclude off-duty and sleeper-berth time of any length from the calculation of the 14-hour driving window. These drivers would not be allowed to drive after accumulating a total of 14 hours of on-duty time, following 10 consecutive hours off duty, and would continue to be subject to the 11-hour driving time limit, and the 60- and 70-hour on-duty limits. The APA maintains that the terms and conditions of the limited exemption would ensure a level of safety equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety achieved without the exemption.
DATES:
If granted, this exemption would be effective during the periods of June 28, 2013, through July 8, 2013, inclusive, and June 28, 2014, through July 8, 2014, inclusive. The exemption would expire on July 8, 2014 at 11:59 p.m. Comments must be received on or before June 6, 2013.
ADDRESSES:
You may submit comments identified by Federal Docket Management System Number FMCSA-2007-28043 by any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to www.regulations.gov. In the ENTER KEYWORD OR ID box enter FMCSA-2007-28043 and click on the tab labeled SEARCH. On the ensuing page, click on any tab labeled SUBMIT A COMMENT on the extreme right of the page and a page should open that is titled "Submit a Comment." You may identify yourself under section 1, ENTER INFORMATION, or you may skip section 1 and remain anonymous. You enter your comments in section 2, TYPE COMMENT & UPLOAD FILE. When you are ready to submit your comments, click on the tab labeled SUBMIT. Your comment is then submitted to the docket; and you will receive a tracking number.
• Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
• Mail: Docket Management Facility: U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building, Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
• Hand Delivery: West Building, Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Instructions: All submissions must include the Agency name and docket number. For detailed instructions on submitting comments and additional information on the exemption process, see the Public Participation heading below. Note that all comments received will be posted without change to www.regulations.gov , including any personal information provided. Please see the Privacy Act heading below.
Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to www.regulations.gov at any time, and in the ENTER KEYWORD OR ID box enter FMCSA-2007-28043 and click on the tab labeled SEARCH.
Privacy Act: Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review the U.S. Department of Transportation's online privacy policy at www.dot.gov/privacy or the complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on January 17, 2008 (73 FR 3316).
Public Participation: The www.regulations.gov Web site is generally available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. You can obtain electronic submission and retrieval help and guidelines under the "help" section of the www.regulations.gov Web site. If you want us to notify you that we received your comments, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope or postcard or print the acknowledgement page that appears after submitting comments online.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ms. Pearlie Robinson, FMCSA Driver and Carrier Operations Division, Office of Bus and Truck Standards and Operations, Telephone: 202-366-4325. Email: MCPSD@dot.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
APA Application for Exemption
The hours-of-service (HOS) rule in 49 CFR 395.3(a)(2) prohibits a property-carrying CMV driver from driving a CMV after the 14th hour after coming on duty following 10 consecutive hours off duty. Under 49 U.S.C. 31315 and 31136(e), FMCSA may grant an exemption from the HOS requirements in 49 CFR 395.3(a)(2) for a 2-year period if it finds such exemption would likely achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be achieved absent such exemption. The procedures for requesting an exemption (including renewals) are prescribed in 49 CFR part 381.
The APA, a trade association representing the domestic fireworks industry, was previously granted an exemption for 48 of the 58 APA-member companies during the Independence Day periods in 2011 and 2012. The APA held similar 2-year exemptions during Independence Day periods from 2005 through 2010. The 2011-2012 exemption expired on July 9, 2012. Like the other 48 member companies that operated under the 2011-2012 exemption, the 10 specified additional member-companies would be subject to all of the terms and conditions of the exemption.
The initial APA exemption application for relief from the 14-hour rule was submitted in 2004; a copy of the application is in the docket. That application fully describes the nature of the pyrotechnic operations of the CMV drivers employed by APA member-companies during a typical Independence Day period.
As stated in APA's 2004 request, the CMV drivers employed by APA member-companies are trained pyro technicians who hold commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) with hazardous materials (HM) endorsements. They transport fireworks and related equipment by CMVs on a very demanding schedule during a brief Independence Day period, often to remote locations. After they arrive, the drivers are responsible for set-up and staging of the fireworks shows.
The APA states that it is seeking an HOS exemption for the 2013 and 2014 Independence Day periods because compliance with the current 14-hour rule in 49 CFR 395.3(a)(2) by its members would impose a substantial economic hardship on numerous cities, towns and municipalities, as well as its member-companies. To meet the demand for fireworks under the current HOS rules, APA member-companies state that they would be required to hire a second driver for most trips. The APA advises that the result would be a substantial increase in the cost of the fireworks shows-beyond the means of many of its members' customers-and that many Americans would be denied this important component of the celebration of Independence Day. The 58 APA-member companies within the scope of this exemption request are listed in an appendix to this notice. A copy of the request for the exemption is included in the docket referenced at the beginning of this notice.
Method To Ensure an Equivalent or Greater Level of Safety
The APA believes that renewal of the exemption will not adversely affect the safety of the fireworks transportation provided by these motor carriers. According to APA, its member-companies have operated under this exemption for eight previous Independence Day periods without a reported motor carrier safety incident. Moreover, it asserts, without the extra duty-period time provided by the exemption, safety would decline because APA drivers would be unable to return to their home base after each show. They would be forced to park the CMVs carrying HM 1.1G, 1.3G and 1.4G products in areas less secure than the motor carrier's home base. As a condition of holding the exemption, each motor carrier would be required to notify FMCSA within 5 business days of any accident (as defined in 49 CFR 390.5) involving the operation of any its CMVs while under this exemption. To date, FMCSA has received no accident notifications, nor is the Agency aware of any accidents reportable under terms of the prior APA exemptions.
In its exemption request, APA asserts that the operational demands of this unique industry minimize the risks of CMV crashes. In the last few days before the Independence Day holiday, these drivers transport fireworks over relatively short routes from distribution points to the site of the fireworks display, and normally do so in the early morning when traffic is light. At the site, they spend considerable time installing, wiring, and safety-checking the fireworks displays, followed by several hours off duty in the late afternoon and early evening prior to the event. During this time, the drivers are able to rest and nap, thereby reducing or eliminating the fatigue accumulated during the day. Before beginning another duty day, these drivers must take 10 consecutive hours off duty, the same as other CMV drivers.
Terms and Conditions of the Exemption
Period of the Exemption
The requested exemption from the requirements of 49 CFR 395.3(a)(2) is proposed to be effective June 28 through July 8, 2013, inclusive, and from June 28 through July 8, 2014, inclusive. The exemption would expire on July 8, 2014, at 11:59 p.m. local time.
Extent of the Exemption
This exemption would be restricted to drivers employed by the 58 motor carriers listed in the appendix to this notice. The drivers would be given a limited exemption from the requirements of 49 CFR 395.3(a)(2). This regulation prohibits a driver from driving a CMV after the 14th hour after coming on duty and does not permit off-duty periods to extend the 14-hour limit. Drivers covered by this exemption would be able to exclude off-duty and sleeper-berth time of any length from the calculation of the 14-hour limit. This exemption would be contingent on each driver driving no more than 11 hours in the 14-hour period after coming on duty. The exemption would be further contingent on each driver having a full 10 consecutive hours off duty following 14 hours on duty prior to beginning a new driving period. The carriers and drivers must comply with all other requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 CFR parts 350-399) and Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR parts 105-180).
Preemption
During the periods the exemption would be in effect, no State may enforce any law or regulation that conflicts with or is inconsistent with this exemption with respect to a person or entity operating under the exemption (49 U.S.C. 31315(d)).
FMCSA Notification
Exempt motor carriers would be required to notify FMCSA within 5 business days of any accidents (as defined by 49 CFR 390.5) involving the operation of any of its CMVs while under this exemption. The notification must include the following information:
a. Date of the accident,
b. City or town, and State, in which the accident occurred, or which is closest to the scene of the accident,
c. Driver's name and driver's license number,
d. Vehicle number and State license number,
e. Number of individuals suffering physical injury,
f. Number of fatalities,
g. The police-reported cause of the accident,
h. Whether the driver was cited for violation of any traffic laws, or motor carrier safety regulations, and
i. The total driving time and the total on-duty time of the CMV driver at the time of the accident.
Termination
The FMCSA does not believe the motor carriers and drivers covered by this exemption, if granted, will experience any deterioration of their safety record. However, should this occur, FMCSA will take all steps necessary to protect the public interest, including revocation of the exemption. The FMCSA will immediately revoke the exemption for failure to comply with its terms and conditions. Exempt motor carriers and drivers would be subject to FMCSA monitoring while operating under this exemption.
Request for Comments
In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315(b)(4) and 31136(e), FMCSA requests public comments on the APA's requested exemption from the requirements of 49 CFR 395.3(a)(2). The FMCSA will review all comments received and determine whether approval of the exemption is consistent with the requirements of 49 U.S.C. 31315.
Interested parties or organizations possessing information that would show that any or all of these APA member-companies are not achieving the requisite statutory level of safety should immediately notify FMCSA. The Agency will evaluate any information submitted and, if safety is being compromised or if the continuation of the exemption is inconsistent with 49 U.S.C. 31315(b)(4) and 31136(e), FMCSA will immediately take steps to revoke the exemption of the company or companies and drivers in question.
Issued on: April 30, 2013.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
| Motor carrier | Street address | City, state & zip code | DOT No. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Alonzo Fireworks Display, Inc | 846 Stillwater Bridge Rd | Schaghticoke, NY 12154 | 420639 |
| 2. American Fireworks Company | 7041 Darrow Road | Hudson, OH 44236 | 103972 |
| 3. AM Pyrotechnics, LLC | 2429 East 535th Rd | Buffalo, MO 65622 | 1034961 |
| 4. Arthur Rozzi Pyrotechnics | 6607 Red Hawk Ct | Maineville, OH 45039 | 2008107 |
| 5. Atlas Enterprises Inc | 6601 Nine Mile Azle Rd | Fort Worth, TX 76135 | 0116910 |
| 6. B.J. Alan Company | 555 Martin Luther King, Jr Blvd | Youngstown, OH 44502-1102 | 262140 |
| 7. Cartwright Fireworks, Inc | 1608 Keely Road | Franklin, PA 16323 | 882283 |
| 8. Central States Fireworks, Inc | 18034 Kincaid Street | Athens, IL 62613 | 1022659 |
| 9. Colonial Fireworks Company | 5225 Telegraph Road | Toledo, OH 43612 | 177274 |
| 10. East Coast Pyrotechnics, Inc | 4652 Catawba River Rd | Catawba, SC 29704 | 545033 |
| 11. Entertainment Fireworks, Inc | 13313 Reeder Road SW | Tenino, WA 98589 | 680942 |
| 12. Falcon Fireworks | 3411 Courthouse Road | Guyton, GA 31312 | 1037954 |
| 13. Fireworks & Stage FX America | 12650 Hwy 67S. Suite B | Lakeside, CA 92040 | 908304 |
| 14. Fireworks by Grucci, Inc | 1 Grucci Lane | Brookhaven, NY 11719 | 324490 |
| 15. Fireworks Extravaganza | 174 Route 17 North | Rochelle Park, NJ 07662 | 2064141 |
| 16. Fireworks West Internationale | 910 North 3200 West | Logan, UT 84321 | 245423 |
| 17. Garden State Fireworks, Inc | 383 Carlton Road | Millington, NJ 07946 | 435878 |
| 18. Gateway Fireworks Displays | P.O. Box 39327 | St Louis, MO 63139 | 1325301 |
| 19. Great Lakes Fireworks | 24805 Marine | Eastpointe, MI 48021 | 1011216 |
| 20. Hamburg Fireworks Display Inc | 2240 Horns Mill Road SE | Lancaster, OH | 395079 |
| 21. Hi-Tech FX, LLC | 18060 170th Ave | Yarmouth, IA 52660 | 1549055 |
| 22. Hollywood Pyrotechnics, Inc | 1567 Antler Point | Eagan, MN 55122 | 1061068 |
| 23. J&M Displays, Inc | 18064 170th Ave | Yarmouth, IA 52660 | 377461 |
| 24. Kellner's Fireworks Inc | 478 Old Rte 8 | Harrisville, PA | 481553 |
| 25. Lantis Productions dba Lantis Fireworks and Lasers | 799 N. 18150 W. | Fairfield, UT 84013 | 195428 |
| 26. Legion Fireworks Co., Inc | 10 Legion Lane | Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 | 554391 |
| 27. Mad Bomber/Planet Productions | PO Box 294, 3999 Hupp Road R31 | Kingsbury, IN 46345 | 777176 |
| 28. Precocious Pyrotechnics, Inc | 4420-278th Ave NW | Belgrade, MN 56312 | 435931 |
| 29. Pyro Engineering Inc., dba/Bay Fireworks | 400 Broadhollow Rd. Ste #3 | Farmindale, NY 11735 | 530262 |
| 30. Pyro Shows Inc | 701 W. Central Ave | LaFollette, TN 37766 | 456818 |
| 31. Pyro Spectacluars, Inc | 3196 N Locust Ave | Rialto, CA 92376 | 029329 |
| 32. Pyro Spectaculars North, Inc | 5301 Lang Avenue | McClellan, CA 95652 | 1671438 |
| 33. Pyrotechnic Display, Inc | 8450 W. St. Francis Rd | Frankfort, IL 60423 | 1929883 |
| 34. Pyrotecnico (S. Vitale Pyrotechnic Industries, Inc.) | 302 Wilson Rd | New Castle, PA 16105 | 526749 |
| 35. Pyrotecnico, LLC | 60 West Ct | Mandeville, LA 70471 | 548303 |
| 36. Pyrotecnico FX | 6965 Speedway Blvd. Suite 115 | Las Vegas, NV 89115 | 1610728 |
| 37. Rainbow Fireworks, Inc | 76 Plum Ave | Inman, KS 67546 | 1139643 |
| 38. RES Specialty Pyrotechnics | 21595 286th St | Belle Plaine, MN 56011 | 523981 |
| 39. Rozzi's Famous Fireworks, Inc | 11605 North Lebanon Rd | Loveland, OH 45140 | 0483686 |
| 40. Skyworks, Ltd | 13513 W. Carrier Rd | Carrier, OK 73727 | 1421047 |
| 41. Spielbauer Fireworks Co, Inc | 220 Roselawn Blvd | Green Bay, WI 54301 | 046479 |
| 42. Stonebraker-Rocky Mountain Fireworks Co | 5650 Lowell Blvd, Unit E | Denver, CO 80221 | 0029845 |
| 43. Vermont Fireworks Co., Inc./Northstar Fireworks Co., Inc | 2235 Vermont Route 14 South | East Montpelier, VT 05651 | 310632 |
| 44. Western Display Fireworks, Ltd | 10946 S. New Era Rd | Canby, OR 97013 | 498941 |
| 45. Western Enterprises, Inc | PO Box 160 | Carrier, OK 73727 | 203517 |
| 46. Western Fireworks, Inc | 14592 Ottaway Road NE | Aurora, OR 97002 | 838585 |
| 47. Wolverine Fireworks Display, Inc | 205 W Seidlers | Kawkawlin, MI | 376857 |
| 48. Zambelli Fireworks MFG, Co., Inc | PO Box 1463 | New Castle, PA 16103 | 033167 |
| Motor carrier | Street address | City, state & zip code | DOT No. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. American Fireworks Display, LLC | P.O. Box 980 | Oxford, NY 13830 | 2115608 |
| 2. Atlas Pyrovision Productions, Inc | 136 Old Sharon Rd | Jaffrey, NH 03452 | 789777 |
| 3. Hawaii Explosives & Pyrotechnics, Inc | 17-7850 N. Kulani Road | Mountain View, HI 96771 | 1375918 |
| 4. Homeland Fireworks, Inc | P.O. Box 7 | Jamieson, OR 97909 | 1377525 |
| 5. Island Fireworks Co., Inc | N1597 County Rd VV | Hager City, WI 54014 | 414583 |
| 6. Lantis Fireworks, Inc | 130 Sodrac Dr., Box 229 | N. Sioux City, SD 57049 | 534052 |
| 7. Martin & Ware Inc. dba Pyro City Maine & Central Maine Pyrotechnics | P.P. Box 322 | Hallowell, ME 04347 | 734974 |
| 8. Melrose Pyrotechnics, Inc | 1 Kingsbury Industrial Park | Kingsbury, IN 46345 | 434586 |
| 9. Starfire Corporation | 682 Cole Road | Carrolltown, PA 15722 | 554645 |
| 10. Young Explosives Corp | P.O. Box 18653 | Rochester, NY 14618 | 450304 |
[FR Doc. 2013-10737 Filed 5-6-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P