Sec. 4104. Operation of small commercial vehicles study
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Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall initiate a review of the prevalence of, characteristics of, and safe operation of commercial vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight below 10,000 pounds, and are utilized in package delivery of goods moving in interstate commerce. If the Secretary decides to enter into a contract with a third party to perform the research required under subsection (a), the Secretary shall— solicit applications from research institutions that conduct objective, fact-based research to conduct the study; and ensure that such third party does not have any financial or contractual ties with an entity engaged in interstate commerce utilizing commercial vehicles or commercial motor vehicles.
As part of the review, the Secretary shall collect information from a cross-section of companies that use fleets of such vehicles for package delivery in interstate commerce, including companies that— directly perform deliveries; use contracted entities to perform work; and utilize a combination of direct deliveries and contract entities. The review shall include an evaluation of the following: Fleet characteristics, including fleet structure, and vehicle miles traveled. Fleet management, including scheduling of deliveries and maintenance practices.
Driver employment characteristics, including the basis of compensation and classification. How training, medical fitness, hours on duty, and safety of drivers is evaluated and overseen by companies, including prevention of occupational injuries and illnesses. Safety performance metrics, based on data associated with the included entities, including crash rates, moving violations, failed inspections, and other related data points. Financial responsibility and liability for safety or maintenance violations among companies, fleet managers, and drivers.
Loading and unloading practices, and how package placement in the vehicle is determined. Other relevant information determined necessary by the Secretary in order to make recommendations under subsection (e). Upon completion of the review, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce of the Senate a report containing— the findings of the Secretary on each of the factors in (d); a list of regulations applicable to commercial motor vehicles and commercial motor vehicle operators that are not applicable to commercial vehicle operations described in this section; and recommendations, based on the findings, on changes to laws or regulations at the Federal, State, or local level to promote safe operations and safe and fair working conditions for commercial vehicle operators.