Page 13 - Arkanas Trucking Report Volume 22 Issue 5

The legislation was introduced in idly by and wait for the next tragic
the Senate by Minority Leader Chuck incident.”
Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand of New
York, as well as Cory Booker and Robert BILLIONAIRE BUFFETT SETS HIS
Menendez of New Jersey. U.S. Reps. Bill SIGHTS ON TRUCK STOPS
Pascrell Jr. and Albio Sires introduced a Warren Buffett bought an almost
companion bill in the House. 40% stake in Pilot Flying J in October
FMCSA worked on the rule in 2016 and plans to become the majority owner
and held listening sessions and meet- by 2023.
ings to establish criteria and processes Pilot Flying J, the largest truck stop
for instituting sleep apnea screening in the U.S., has more than 750 locations
requirements, but the Department of in 44 U.S. states and Canada selling
Transportation withdrew the rulemak- gas, diesel fuel and convenience goods,
ing in July saying the current process is and offering trucks more than 70,000
sufficient. parking spaces and 5,000 diesel lanes.
The proposal’s sponsors cited recent Buffett completed the transaction
also served as the New York State rail incidents that have been blamed on through his conglomerate Berkshire
Commisioner of Motor Vehicles and apnea. Hathaway, through which he is also
Assistant General Counsel to the “The recent findings released by an investor in other transportation
Long Island Power Authority. The [the National Transportation Safety businesses including Delta, American,
American Trucking Associations, Board] on the Hoboken and [Long Southwest, United Continental, GM
the Owner-Operator Independent Island Railroad] crashes underscore and auto insurer Geico.
Drivers Association and the Truckload just how shortsighted and reckless the The controlling Haslam family
Carriers Association have congratulated Trump administration’s recent decision retained a 50.1-percent stake, and will
Martinez on the nomination and said was to reverse the rule requiring sleep own the remaining 20 percent once
they intend to work with him in the apnea testing and treatment,” said Buffett takes over in 2023.
future. Booker. “We simply cannot stand 
Praise also came from the president
of the Trucking Association of New
York, Kendra Hems, as well, “As the The coverage you need. The guidance you trust.
SM
NYSDMV Commissioner, Ray Martinez
proved to be a fair regulator, working
to continually improve the safety of the
trucking industry without implement-
ing unnecessary or burdensome regula-
tions. He always made the safety of the
motoring public his top priority, and I
am confident that he will continue that
focus as the FMCSA Administrator.”

DEMOCRATS REAWAKEN YOUR RESOURCE FOR ALL FORMS OF TRANSPORTATION AND RISK MANAGEMENT

SLEEP APNEA TESTING
RULES FOR TRUCKERS
Democratic lawmakers from New LITTLE ROCK
York and New Jersey have introduced 1500 Riverfront Drive
legislation that would mandate the Little Rock, AR 72202
screening and treatment of obstruc- (501) 661-4800
tive sleep apnea for commercial truck (800) 542-0226
drivers and rail workers, following
the Federal Motor Carrier Safety www.regionsinsurance.com FAYETTEVILLE
Administration’s announcement this ©2017 Regions. Regions Insurance is an affiliate of Regions Bank. Products 1465 E. Joyce Blvd. Suite 205
summer that it would not implement and services are offered by Regions Insurance Inc. and underwritten by Fayetteville, AR 72703
screening rules and treatment regula- unaffiliated insurance companies. Regions Insurance does not provide legal (479) 684-5250
or investment advice.
tions for sleep apnea.
ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT | Issue 5 2017 13