Truckdrivers delivering home heating oil this winter could be working longer hours under a federal pilot program overhauling safety regulations. Only drivers delivering in-state are eligible, and they can operate only within a 100-mile radius of the oil distribution point.

At the request of oil companies, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has proposed rules that will be in force for the next three winters on a trial basis to facilitate deliveries at times of high demand. FMCSA hopes the program, which will run from November 1 to April 1, will aid companies to make sure that people get their home heating oil.

The rule overhaul, printed in the Federal Register last week, changes the maximum amount of time commercial drivers can operate over the course of a week. Participants in the program will be permitted to "restart" the hours-on-duty clock if their truckers have been off duty for at least two consecutive nights, including the hours from midnight to 6 a.m.

Any company with a good safety record can volunteer, as the agency will only allow companies with good safety records to enlist in the program. The government will then study data to determine whether to make the rules changes permanent.