Carriers Assess Impact Of New Hours Rules

img src="/sites/default/files/images/articles/printeditiontag_new.gif" width=120 align=right>Truckload carriers that must implement new federally mandated driver work rules in January could face lost productivity, tighter capacity and higher operating costs, ultimately requiring them to increase driver pay and hike freight rates, according to several trucking analysts and industry executives.

Although the new hours-of-service rules on paper extend commercial driving time, they also cut the overall workday.

On many routes, that would actually cut productivity and time available for driving because of delays due to traffic, waiting for loads or unloading.