Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for Passenger Carriers Airport Ground Transportation Association Spring Conference 2013 Asheville, NC
Where Do You Fit In? Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs): applicable to all employers, employees, and commercial motor vehicles, which transport property or passengers in interstate commerce 2
Key Definitions Interstate Commerce means trade, traffic, or transportation in the US 1. Between a place in a State and a place outside of such State; 2. Between two places in a State through another State or a place outside of the United States; or 3. Between two places in a State as part of trade, traffic, or transportation originating or terminating outside the State or the United States 3
Key Definitions Trade 1. the act or process of buying, selling, or exchanging commodities, at either wholesale or retail 2. a purchase or sale; business deal or transaction. 3. an exchange of items, usually without payment of money. 4
Interstate Examples 5
Interstate Examples 6
Interstate Examples The intention existing at the time of the movement starts fixes the character of the movement/traffic 7
Interstate Examples 8
Interstate Examples 9
Interstate Examples 10
A Different Approach Regardless of the classification of the movement (inter vs. intrastate), the Federal rules for interstate movements will likely apply What becomes more important than the classification of the movement are the related definitions and exemptions that exist in the FMCSRs 11
State Motor Carrier Safety Regulations Applicable to intrastate movements Each State has their own set of rules Many times closely mirror FMCSRs Changes often pertain to age and medical requirements, though also may include vehicle classification 12
More Key Definitions in FMCSRs Commercial Motor Vehicle- any self-propelled or towed motor vehicle used to transport passengers or property when the vehicle 1. Has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater; or 2. Is designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation; or 3. Is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, and is not used to transport passengers for compensation 13
More Key Definitions in FMCSRs Vehicle classification - Designed to transport Number of original or current seating positions, including driver Does not include standee positions Re-configuration does not necessarily change classification 14
More Key Definitions in FMCSRs Types of carrier: For-hire vs. Private For-hire carrier engaged in the transportation of goods or passengers for compensation: 1. Carrier provides transportation of passengers for a commercial purpose; 2. Carrier is compensated, either directly or indirectly, for the transportation service provided; and 3. The transportation service is generally available to the public at large. Specific examples cited: Hotel bus service 15
More Key Definitions in FMCSRs Private carrier - provides transportation of property or passengers, by commercial motor vehicle, and is not a for-hire motor carrier PMCP-Business engaged in the transportation of passengers which is provided in the furtherance of a commercial enterprise and is not available to the public at large PMCP Non-business all other PMCPs Specific PMCP examples cited: Companies that use buses to transport their own employees 16
Pause, Blink & Breathe! You Should Now Be Able To Figure Out How You Are Classified As A Carrier 1. For-Hire or Private 2. If Private, type of PMCP 17
MORE Key Definitions Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV): 1. Has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more; or 2. Is designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation; or 3. Is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, and is not used to transport passengers for compensation Interpretation: (1) BUS (2) For-hire vehicle > 8 passengers (3) PMCP >15 passengers 18
Common Misconception CMV = Commercial Driver License CMV CDL GVWR > 10,000 lbs. OR 9-15 pax (incl. driver) GVWR > 26,000 lbs OR 16+ Passengers (incl. driver) 19
Key Regulatory Areas Part 382: Drug & Alcohol [tied to CDL] Part 390: FMCSRs, General Part 391: Driver Qualification Part 392: Driving of CMVs Part 393: Parts & Accessories Part 395: Hours of Service Part 396: Vehicle Maintenance 20
Key Exemptions in FMCSRs Regarding Applicability 390.3(f)(2) - Transportation performed by the Federal government, a State, or any political subdivision of a State. [blanket exemption] 390.3(f)(6) - The operation of commercial motor vehicles designed or used to transport between 9 and 15 passengers (including the driver), not for direct compensation. [a few specific regulations still apply] 21
Does It Really Matter? Consequences Regulatory Fines, Authority Issues Litigation Liability Exposure Punitive Damages 22
Other Considerations Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Carrier Vetting/Selection 23
Contact Info Daecher Consulting Group provides professional and expert services in a variety of areas within the transportation, safety and insurance industries. Our areas of focus and expertise are commercial vehicle and passenger transportation operations. Matthew Daecher matt@safetyteam.com (717) 975-9190 Please visit our website at www.safetyteam.com to learn more about us and find detailed contact information. 24