Truckers, if you are concerned about hours of service but cannot make it to one of four FMCSA listening sessions starting this week, you still have plenty of opportunity to make your voices heard. The following is a handy guide to submitting comments online, by phone, by mail and by fax.

Let’s start with a convenient shortcut to the online comment form. To avoid wading through multiple steps, simply click here and follow the “Submit Comment” link. For helpful hints, including how to file comments anonymously, check out this “how to file” list of instructions compiled by Land Line Magazine.

When filing online, you will need to provide the following document ID: FMCSA-2004-19608-3573.

Speaking up now can make a difference in how the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration develops a new rule. Remember, this is a new administration and they want to hear from you. The FMCSA is particularly interested in hearing about on-duty hours, the 60- and 70-hour rule, sleeper berth use, loading/unloading time and rest periods.

The public is welcome to attend upcoming listening sessions Tuesday, Jan. 19, in the Washington, DC, area; Friday, Jan. 22, in Dallas; Monday, Jan. 25, in Los Angeles; and Thursday, Jan. 28, in Davenport, IA. Click here for the locations and addresses. Note that the Davenport session has the best truck parking at a nearby Flying J.

OOIDA plans to have representatives at each session to help members make a strong impression.

The first session is being webcast live at the following link: http://www.tvworldwide.com/events/dot/100119/. Viewers of the webcast will have an opportunity to leave comments.

During all four events, the public can call 866-216-6835 and enter an access code to make a comment. Click here to view the list of access codes and the available times to call.

For mailing or faxing comments, you will need to provide the following docket number: FMCSA-2004-19608. Don’t forget to check out Land Line’s “how to file” instructions for some helpful hints.

The official mailing address for comments on hours of service is: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.

The fax number is 202-493-2251.

Those are the official channels. If you have a Facebook account, click here to join an HOS discussion group moderated by OOIDA. If you have any questions, just ask or call OOIDA at 800-444-5791.

– By David Tanner, staff writer
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