Public Utilities Commission PUCO grants hours-of-service relief to agricultural carriers

PUCO grants hours-of-service relief to agricultural carriers

COLUMBUS, OHIO (Nov. 29, 2011) – The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) today granted temporary regulatory relief from the hours-of-service requirements for drivers operating commercial motor vehicles that transport agricultural products within Ohio.

The regulatory relief is effective immediately and will expire at 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2012. The PUCO granted the temporary waiver to allow farmers and agribusinesses with additional time to complete their annual operations following an uncharacteristically wet planting season and a delayed harvest.

Carriers subject to this regulatory relief are not exempt from any other motor carrier safety regulations, including commercial driver’s licensing, controlled substance and alcohol and testing, and financial responsibility requirements. Carriers should continue to maintain records of duty status and take all measures to ensure that drivers have the ability to safely operate their commercial vehicles.

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The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) is the sole agency charged with regulating public utility service. The role of the PUCO is to assure all residential, business, and industrial consumers have access to adequate, safe, and reliable utility services at fair prices while facilitating an environment that provides competitive choices. Consumers with utility-related questions or concerns can call the PUCO hotline at (800) 686-PUCO (7826) and speak with a representative.

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