WASHINGTON, (Mar. 10, 2005) — Not even the backing of North America’s largest retailer and private trucking fleet could keep on the table a bill proposing to extend U.S. hours-of-service rules to 16 on-duty hours.

Facing mounting opposition from labour unions and special interest group Public Citizen, Rep. John Boozman withdrew an amendment to the transportation reauthorization bill that would have allowed truck drivers to work a 16-hour workday as long as they take two-hour breaks during the day.

The current HOS rules — which are being reworked by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under a U.S. court order — allow truck drivers 14-hour workdays with driving time limited to 11 consecutive hours.

The legislation was being pushed by some corporate interests, including retail giant Wal-Mart, whose headquarters are located in Boozman’s Fayetteville, Ark. district. Proponents of the plan claim that the extra hours were to give truck drivers more rest time in their workday.

The Teamsters Union quickly claimed victory today after Boozman’s decision. It says that the bill was an attempt to boost loading dock and delivery efficiencies on the backs of truckers.

“Throughout this debate, Wal-Mart and other proponents of the amendment have claimed that their motivation was the well-being of our nation’s truck drivers,” said Teamsters President James P. Hoffa in a press release. “I urge these corporate special interests and their backers in Congress not to speak on behalf of the hardworking men and women who make a living on our nation’s highways.