SACRAMENTO, CA… The California Trucking Association (CTA) released the following statement on the Federal Motor Carrier Administration (FMCSA) release of new and unnecessarily restrictive truck driving regulations known as “Hours of Service” (HOS).

“Scrooge himself would gladly take second chair to the lack of Christmas spirit displayed today by federal regulators that issued unnecessarily restrictive rules on our nation’s truckers,” said Michael Campbell, Executive Vice President and CEO for the California Trucking Association. “The only gift these rules present is the one laid at the doorstep anti-trucking groups.

“At a time when our roads are safer than ever before, it makes no sense to impose rules that will force more trucks onto the roads at peak drive times thus raising the risk of crashes and increasing congestion and emissions from all vehicles. California roads currently boast the lowest number of deaths in truck-involved crashes in the nation at less than one per million miles travelled.

One provision of the new HOS rules requires two “1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.” blocks as part of a 34-hour restart period. FMCSA’s new HOS rules ensure that more truckers will be hitting the road just as daily commuters head to work and school.

Additionally, the new HOS rules will make it harder for a good truck driver to earn a living and accommodate for changes in weather and traffic.

The California Trucking Association supports safe driving practices and works with members to train and promote the best truck drivers in the nation. In 2011, California-based Con-Way Freight truck driver Paul Phillips earned distinction as the National Truck Driving Champion.

FMCSA’s release of the new HOS rules just three days before Christmas comes on the heels of new cell phone restrictions issued one month ago, just days prior to Thanksgiving.

The California Trucking Association promotes leadership in the California motor carrier industry, advocates sound transportation policies to all levels of government, and works to maintain a safe, environmentally responsible and efficient California transportation goods movement system.