TPGA Monday Morning Messenger May 18, 2020

May 18, 2020

In Brief

I n this issue of the Monday Morning Messenger , TPGA highlights some answers to some FAQ's we've received recently had regarding cylinder requalification including training, renewals, and labeling.

After two years of negotiations, the FMCSA has released their federal final rule for interstate Hours of Service.

Also, speaking of Hours of Service, the FMCSA has extended the Hours waiver, yet again. Find out when until.

Additionally, TPGA has included some quick links to recent compliance alerts we have sent out for your convenience.

Lastly, check out our weekly quick tabs for links to Convention, PSC, our COVID pages & to follow us on social media.

In this issue

In Brief
Cylinder Requalification
FMCSA Hours Final Rule
Hours Extension
Recent TPGA News
Quicklinks

Calendar

May 18-29, 2020

RRC Online (Updated)

Continuing Education

May 19-20, 2020

TPGA Board Meeting

Canceled

May 21, 2020

PERC Skills Training

Webinar

May 28, 2020

PERC Skills Training

Webinar

May 31, 2020

Continuing Education

& Certification Renewals

extended to August 14, 2020

Cylinder Requalification Training,

RIN Numbers, & RIN Decals

Have a new employee or need a refresher on how to requalify propane cylinders? Well, you're in luck, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has updated their comprehensive cylinder requalification training program last year on how to properly requalify cylinders.

How to Take the Course

Online. Go to PERC's new Online Learning Center. Register to use the website & login. Search word "Requalify" & click register to begin the online course. It's FREE. Get a certificate at the end.
Download.The FREE downloadable training program digital bundle includes a 128 page cylinder requalification training book, 162 slide power point with embedded videos. Click here to download bundle.
Order. You can purchase a hard copy book with USB through Propane Service Corporation (PSC) by calling (800)392-0023.

Reminder. You need an RIN # to requalify cylinders. You must renew it every 5 years. Click here to search the RIN locator, enter your address and see when your RIN # and when it expires.

RIN decals. Blank RIN decals as well as custom RIN decals can be purchased through the Propane Service Corporation. Click here to see all the RIN decal options. Login to see Member pricing.

Long Anticipated FMCSA Hours of Service

Overhaul Final Rule is Here

Two years in the making, the FMCSA released its Hours of Service final rule late last week.

The Hours of Service modifications are:

1. Short-Haul Operations : Expanding and extending the federal short-haul exception to 150 air-miles and 14-hour work shift. Now, it is 150 air-miles for both intrastate & interstate.

2. Adverse Driving Conditions : Extending the driving window by up to 2 hours for the adverse driving conditions allowance;

3. 30-Minute Rest Break : Modifying the 30-minute rest break requirement to take effect after 8 hours of driving time instead of 8 hours of on-duty time, and to permit satisfying the requirement while on-duty but not driving;

4. Split Sleeper-berth : Permit drivers to split the required 10-hour off-duty period into two periods: 7 consecutive hours in the sleeper-berth; and not less than 2 consecutive hours off-duty or in the sleeper-berth;

Rule will become effective in September 2020.

READ RULE

FMCSA Hours of Service Waiver Extended

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) declares that a national emergency continues to exist that warrants extension of the hours of service waiver originally granted on March 18, 2020.

The extension of the hours waivers is expanded through June 14, 2020.

The declaration waives hours of service requirements for motor carriers providing direct assistance in support of emergency relief efforts related to the COVID-19 outbreaks, including transportation to meet immediate needs essential supplies such as fuel.

Direct assistance does not include routine commercial deliveries, including mixed loads with a nominal quantity of qualifying emergency relief added to obtain the benefits of this emergency declaration.