WASHINGTON — The American Bakers Association and 14 other industry groups filed a joint amici curiae brief July 31 challenging the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (F.M.C.S.A.) Hours of Service (HOS) Final Rules for commercial truck drivers.

In their challenge, the coalition of 15 groups, which represent most sectors of the domestic economy, said parts of the HOS rules, such as reducing the maximum hours a trucker may work in a seven-day week to 70 hours from 82 hours and requiring at least a 34-hour rest period once a driver has maximized weekly hours, will slow productivity, hurt jobs and have a negative impact of agriculture, manufacturers, retail supply chains and distribution operations.

“A.B.A. has taken a strong stand on the HOS regulations since the rulemaking process began in 2003 due to anticipated widespread negative impact on the baking industry, including increasing the cost of transporting and delivering fresh baked goods,” the association said.

The brief contends the F.M.C.S.A. failed to consider any costs to shippers, receivers or transportation intermediaries when evaluating changes. The coalition said current hours of service rules have served the public well and have allowed shippers and motor carriers to improve safety over the past decade.

The coalition also opposed a challenge from Public Citizen and defended the F.M.C.S.A.’s decision to maintain the 14-hour driving window and the 11-hour daily driving provision.