FMCSA issues new rules, requirements

Jan 26, 2009

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a final rule on safety requirements for intermodal container chassis that hold cargo containers.

The special trailers are used to transfer cargo from ship or rail to truck for final delivery. According to the rule (.pdf file), published in the Dec. 17 Federal Register, intermodal equipment providers must have regular and systematic inspection, repair and maintenance programs in effect by December 2009, while equipment must have a USDOT number by December 2010.

In related news, FMCSA also issued a final rule (.pdf file) that would enact stricter requirements for newly registered trucking and bus companies. Administrator John H. Hill said in a news release that the new rule would:

• Establish that a newly registered trucking or bus company will automatically fail its safety audit if it violates any one of the 16 essential federal regulations during the 18-month safety monitoring period
• Revoke the registration of any carrier that fails its new entrant safety audit
• Subject new entrants to an expedited safety audit or comprehensive compliance review if certain violations are discovered during the 18-month safety monitoring period or during roadside inspections