We, the undersigned, call on the U.S. Department of Transportation to make immediate changes to the Hours of Service Rules governing truck drivers.

1. 70 hours in 8 days to be changed to 77 "driving hours" in 7 days. These 77 hours will Only be logged as "on duty driving". This schedule can go on for a maximum of 6 weeks before a mandatory 72 restart break is required. All other "on duty" items will be logged, but will not count against the driving hours. This schedule should only be for over the road drivers. OTR drivers leave their homes for anwhere from 2 to 8 weeks plus, and as such should be given different rules than those local drivers that are home nightly and every weekend. OTR drivers many times are given loads that extend over the weekend time, and while usually give a good 24 hour break, do not have the extra 10 hours currently required to restart the 70 hour clock. Giving the OTR driver an 11 hour a day driving period, to be done within a 16 hour window, that does not substract the on duty chores from the driving time, would promote safety and reduce stress.

2. The 14 hour rule would be extended to 16 hours with the following:
a. Time spent in the sleeper during the 16 hour duty day of 2 hours or more will extend the duty day by the same. Drivers must have the flexability to get a rest period when needed. Safety for the driver means safety for the public.
b. If a driver is delayed at a shipper or receiver past 2 hours, the 16 hour day can be extended an additional 2 hours for driving. Also, extended periods of 2 plus hours, in the sleeper can use example (a) above.

Lastly, it is understood that no matter what rules are put into place in this industry or any other, there will always be some who seek to break or use to some advantage the breaking of said rules. We would ask that much more serious consequense be brought about for those that would intentionally go beyond these rules.