2002 Member News
2002
Homeland Security Act Becomes Law
President Bush signed the Homeland Security Act on November 25 thereby establishing a new cabinet level department with a primary mission to help prevent, protect against and respond to acts of terrorism in the U.S. The new department also restructures and strengthens the Executive Branch to better meet the threat posed by terrorism. President Bush has announced his intention to nominate former Representative Asa Hutchinson (R., Ark.) to serve as Undersecretary for Border and Transportation Security within the department. Representative Hutchinson represented Arkansas's third district from 1997-2001 until President Bush appointed him to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration in August 2001.
2002
Secretary Mineta Comments on Reauthorization Bill Expectations
Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta says DOT's Reauthorization bill will contain a layer of security measures to be funded from the Highway Trust Fund.
Speaking recently before a Washington, D.C. transportation group (called the Road Gang), Secretary Mineta said these measures would include bridges, highways, and tunnels. He also indicated it might be difficult to increase funding levels and that new and innovative funding approaches will need to be considered to provide additional funds. Although the Secretary did not elaborate, this could mean new public/private partnerships to stretch existing dollars.
2002
Shifts in Congressional Leadership Resulting from Recent Elections
Since Republicans already controlled the House, there will be few changes in the leadership positions of the Committees of special interest to CVSA.
In the House of Representatives, Congressman Don Young of Alaska will continue as Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, with Democrat James Oberstar as the ranking member.
Also, Chairman Thomas Petri will continue to head the Highways and Transit Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over the MCSAP program. But the Committee's previous ranking Democrat, Robert Borski, will be retiring, and there are reports that Congressman Nick Rahall of West Virginia may rejoin that Subcommittee as the ranking Democrat.
On the Senate side, there will be a change in the Chairmanship of the Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over commercial vehicle safety. Senator Hollings will be returning the reigns to Senator John McCain. The Chairmanship of the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation will shift from Democrat John Breaux of Louisiana to Republican Sen. Gordon Smith of Oregon, the former Chairman.
Beyond the leadership positions of the above Committees, there may be some changes in the membership rosters. That information will not be known until the Republican and Democratic Caucuses meet to reorganize. Republicans may gain at least a one seat margin on all Senate Committees since they're now in firm control. Also, the party ratios could be affected by the results of the December runoff election by Louisiana Democrat Senator Mary Landrieu, who did not reach 50 percent of the vote in last week's election.
2002
CVSA Supports Proposed New Industry Registration Plan
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance is supporting a uniform commercial vehicle registration in all states as proposed in an agreement reached recently by the trucking industry — both private and for-hire motor carriers. This agreement, called the Uniform Carrier Registration plan, would replace the existing Single State Registration System (SSRS) and the fees would be used for state truck and bus safety and enforcement programs.
"We are pleased that the industry has reached an agreement," says Stephen Campbell, CVSA's Executive Director. "We look forward to working with industry groups to make sure the proposed registration program becomes part of the transportation reauthorization bill soon to be considered by the Congress."
The existing Single State Registration System now applies to only 38 states. While many of the states are using a large portion of SSRS fees for safety enforcement, only the for-hire industry is subject to the fees and carriers have to pay them in multiple states. The Uniform Carrier Registration plan would lower the financial burden on industry because registration would extend to all states and spread the fees across the entire industry.
2002
CVSA Submits Comments to the Operating Authority Docket
On October 30, CVSA filed comments on Docket No. FMCSA-2002-13015 offering observations and suggestions on the Interim Final Rule regarding Registration and Financial Responsibility Enforcement. The filing also provided a six-page summary of responses from CVSA members who took part in a recent survey on those issues.
The comments summarized seven of the major issues the jurisdictions have identified. The comments also stressed the Alliance's concerns about some requirements and their effect on certain industry segments. The comments expressed CVSA's willingness to help the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration meet the mandates the Congress has placed on it and offer suggestions for providing reasonable and practical solutions for implementing the Interim Final Rule.
In the closing remarks, CVSA Executive Director Stephen Campbell said, "The federal / state / provincial partnership is vital to present and future motor carrier and highway safety. We continually offer our assistance in helping FMCSA fulfill its mission…"
Should you have questions, contact Steve Keppler at CVSA Headquarters, stevek@cvsa.org
2002
Homeland Security Bill Nears Final Passage
Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday passed legislation creating the Department of Homeland Security. The Senate is expected to take similar action within a few days. The new department will consolidate 22 separate federal agencies into the new department as the result of the largest reorganization of the federal government since the creation of the Defense Department in 1947.
Of special interest to CVSA - the Transportation Security Agency will be moved out of DOT and into the new department. So far, jurisdictional lines between FMCSA and the TSA have not been clearly defined. One example is the issue of Hazmat license background checks. The jurisdictional authority on commercial vehicle security matters between FMCSA/DOT and the new Homeland Security Department becomes a larger issue. Who will actually issue the rule on Hazmat background checks? We don't know the answer yet, but it is likely that CVSA will eventually be dealing with an additional cabinet level Department not just the DOT/FMCSA.
2002
Continuing Resolution on Appropriations Should not Affect State MCSAP Funding
It now appears that the current Lame Duck session of Congress will not complete action on most of the 2003 departmental appropriations bills including DOT's appropriation. This means that most federal departments will continue to be funded at 2002 levels, at least until January 2003 when the new Congress convenes. This should not affect the MCSAP, which is already being funded at levels guaranteed in the 1999 Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act ($190 million for the overall MCSAP program and $130 million for the state core inspection program).
2002
CHP Concludes "Join Us On the Road to Safety II"
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) announced today that preliminary data shows that truck-at-fault crashes declined five percent during the 18-month duration of its $2.5 million Join Us On the Road to Safety grant. This enforcement and public awareness campaign was funded by a state Office of Traffic Safety grant to target commercial truck drivers who speed, drive under the influence, or commit other violations.
2002
The Votes Are In and Counted
The amendments to CVSA's by-laws and operations policy have been approved by recent mail-in votes from CVSA Members. The amendments include certification requirements for motor coach inspectors and for bulk packaging and general hazardous materials inspectors. The amendments are now in effect and they'll be reflected in updates to the 2003 Operations Manual that will be issued in January. Because voting on amendments usually takes place at CVSA Annual conferences, members will have an opportunity to vote again when at the 2003 Conference in Toronto next April.
2002
Periodic Tire Checks Eliminated for Trucks Transporting Haz-Mat
Beginning November 4, 2002, drivers of trucks that are transporting hazardous materials will no longer be required to stop every two hours (or 100 miles) to check their tires. The final rule (which amends 49 CPR Part 397) was published in the Federal Register on October 4, 2002.
In a joint decision, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Research and Special Programs Administration eliminated the requirement to reduce a potential security risk. The long-standing regulation was intended to prevent possible fires caused by overheated tub-type tires. However, advancements in tire technology have reduced the frequency over-heated tires.
2002
New York Times Article Identifies Importance of Roadside Inspection Program for both Safety and Security
A front-page article in The New York Times, Sunday, October 20, warned that America's vast fleet of trucks; particularly those carrying explosive fuel or toxic chemicals could be ideal terrorist weapons. The article said the Congress has provided billions of dollars for airline security but little money has "flowed so far" to secure the most dangerous trucks.
The article acknowledges the important and critical role commercial vehicle inspectors play in safety and security in the statement "while focused on safety, such inspections make it possible to find trucks that might have been stolen or modified by terrorists."
The author mentions the danger of gasoline tankers, especially when they are unattended while loading fuel at a depot, but says chemicals present an even great risk. The article specifically mentions positive actions being taken by several CVSA Members, namely California Highway Patrol, Florida and Pennsylvania. Pat O'Boyle, a Pennsylvania commercial vehicle inspector, is pictured as he inspected a tanker at a weigh station on Interstate 84. In addition, CVSA Associate Member Dick Carr of Quality Distribution is mentioned. Go to www.NewYorkTimes.com to read the article.
2002
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Releases Development of a North American Standard for Protection Against Shifting and Falling Cargo; Final Rule
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has issued final regulations that require all interstate commercial motor vehicles to comply with a new single set of performance standards for securing cargo. The rule clarifies how to determine the working load limit of cargo securement systems and how to use devices to secure cargo to keep it from leaking, spilling, blowing or falling from the vehicle.
The new performance standards apply to cargo securement systems used in transporting general freight and loads that require specialized or unique methods. The new rule also establishes commodity-specific securement standards for transporting logs, dress lumber, metal coils, paper rolls, intermodal containers; cars, light trucks, vans, heavy vehicles, equipment and machinery, flattened or crushed cars, roll-on/roll-off containers; and large boulders.
The regulations are based on model regulations that were put together by a work group chaired by CVSA and CCMTA. The rule also reflects the results of a multi-year comprehensive research program that evaluated current cargo securement regulations, industry best practices and recommendations from U.S. and Canadian industry experts, federal, state and provincial enforcement officials and other interested parties. CVSA's Vehicle Committee will discuss these new requirements to determine what changes, if any, are to be incorporated into the Out of Service Criteria.
The rule will be effective December 26, 2002 and gives motor carriers until January 1, 2004 to comply with the new requirements. Contact CVSA headquarters if you need a copy of the new regulations.
2002
CVSA President to Participate in IACP Conference
Lt. Paul Sullivan will participate in the Annual Conference of the International Association of Chiefs of Police that will take place next week in Minneapolis. The topics Lt. Sullivan will discuss will include FMCSA's new operating authority rule, implementation of the New Entrant Program and Reauthorization.
In connection with Reauthorization, Lt. Sullivan will describe his plan to train the more than 800,000 local law enforcement officers in traffic enforcement and security awareness.
2002
Secretary Mineta to Certify Southern Border Safety
U.S. DOT Secretary Norman Mineta says he will soon certify that all of the safety programs specified last year by the Congress are now in place and that the border is ready to open to truck traffic from Mexico. However, President Bush will need to make the actual decision to lift the moratorium on truck traffic with Mexico.
2002
House Appropriations Committee Completes Work on 2003 DOT Budget
The House Appropriations Committee reported out its version of the Fiscal Year 2003 Transportation Appropriations bill yesterday. The Senate Appropriations Committee completed its work on the bill in July. Both bills fund the MCSAP program at $190 million, which is the full amount authorized by the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999.
At this time, it's not certain when the House and Senate will schedule a floor vote on their respective bills. This would set the stage for the Conference process to reconcile any differences in the two bills.
The Congress is expected to adjourn on October 11 for the November elections. Thus, final action on the DOT appropriations bill could be delayed until a possible lame duck session after the November elections or until the new Congress convenes in January 2003. In that case, it will likely be rolled into an omnibus appropriations bill to provide 2003 funding all other government agencies and departments, except for the Department of Defense, which the Congress is likely to act on before the November elections. In the meantime, a series of Continuing Resolutions passed by the Congress would continue funding programs at the Fiscal Year 2002 levels.
2002
CVSA To Help Test Effectiveness of Systems for Protecting Hazmat Materials on Trucks
Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta has announced a new effort to protect the nation against terrorists by conducting the Intelligent Transportation Systems operational test to measure the effectiveness of safety and security technologies and procedures for safeguarding hazardous materials transported by trucks.
The contract for this two-year effort will be led by the Battelle Memorial Institute with these members: the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, the American Transportation Research Institute, Qualcomm, Inc., Total Security Systems, Inc and several motor carrier companies and technology component vendors.
The project will be led by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and involve technical experts from DOT's Intelligent Transportation System Joint Program, the Research and Special Programs Administration, the Federal Highway Administration and the DOT's Office of Intermodalism.
2002
Congressional Committee Looks at Reauthorizing Highway Safety and Mobility Technology Programs
The House Subcommittee on Highways and Transit has concluded its first round of hearings on reauthorizing TEA ‘21 by receiving testimony on Intelligent Transportation Systems and what the Department of Transportation's policy should be with respect to these programs.
Speaking on the commercial vehicle operations part of the ITS program, Aves Thompson, Director of the Alaska Department of Transportation's Division of Measurement Standards and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, recommended liberalizing the current 50/50 match on ITS/CVO projects to 80/20. He also recommended separating the ITS-CVO program from the general ITS program in FHWA and placing it in FMCSA.
Thompson told the Subcommittee that this would allow FHWA to deal with the more traditional project development side of highway technology development and allow FMCSA to focus more on the rapidly changing ITS/CVO technology.
As for the liberalized match, Thompson pointed out that the ITS-CVO programs are really an enhancement of the country's basic highway program that has traditionally been funded at a 90/10 match. He said the states should be offered a similar incentive to implement ITS-CVO programs.
The Congress will not begin drafting the reauthorization bill (call TEA ‘03) until early next year. At that time, the U.S. DOT also is expected to send its reauthorization package to the Congress.
2002
Public Safety Agencies Asked to Participate in Survey on Commercial Service Offerings
The Public Safety Wireless Network (PSWN) Program is urging all public safety agencies to provide information on the use of commercial service offerings as part of their agency's capabilities.
The information will help the Federal Communications Commission's Network Reliability and Interoperability Council develop recommendations and best practices for ensuring the reliability and interoperability of the Nation's telecommunications networks. Remember: public safety agencies play an important role in protecting life and property in this country's communities.
The survey asks for information on the types of commercial services used, when the services are usually incorporated during a response and problems experienced with commercial services. For more information on the PSWN Program, call 800-565-PSWN.
2002
Operating Authority Rule Issued
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has issued an interim final rule to prohibit a motor carrier from operating a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce unless it has been registered with FMCSA.
If a motor carrier's vehicle is discovered operating without or beyond the scope of the carrier's registration or operating authority, the vehicle will be placed out of service. The carrier also may be subject to additional penalties. The states will be required to enforce these requirements as a condition for receiving MCSAP funds.
The rule is effective September 27, 2002. Comments are due no later than October 28, 2002. Written comments can be mailed to the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Room PL-401, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, DC 20590-0001, faxed to 202-493-2251 or submitted online to http://dms.dot.gov/submit. Be sure to include Docket No. FMCSA-2002-130-15 on the submittal.
CVSA is working with FMCSA and the states to make sure there's a smooth implementation of these requirements. Next week, CVSA Headquarters will send the jurisdictions a survey asking for their comments on these requirements. Those comments will be communicated to FMCSA and will be included in CVSA's response to the Docket. If you have questions or concerns about this action, please contact Steve Keppler at CVSA HQ.
2002
Commercial Vehicle Inspectors Train and Compete for Honors
Forty-nine roadside commercial vehicle inspectors representing enforcement jurisdictions in Canada, Mexico and the United States took part in the 10th annual North American Inspectors' Championship from August 12-17 in Milwaukee. View the Guardian special feature here. Go here to view NAIC winners, event pictures and check rankings.
2002
CVSA's Messages Broadcast on Truckers' Radio Channel
On Thursday, September 5, Steve Campbell, CVSA's Executive Director, was the guest on a 35-minute live broadcast on the Truckers' channel (Sirus Satellite Radio Network). Truckers who were tuned into the station heard Steve describe CVSA's role in promoting highway safety and report on the Operation Air Brake campaign. Steve also provided the drivers with tips on how to detect and avoid terrorist attempts. ABC Radio, which programs this new show, has asked Steve to return soon to do another interview.
2002
DOT Releases 2001 Crash Statistics
2002
CVSA Asks FMCSA to Rescind Policy Guidance on Excluding Intrastate Violations
CVSA has written to FMCSA Administrator Joe Clapp asking him to rescind Policy Guidance the Agency issued in April 2002 regarding a legal interpretation that intrastate violations be excluded from the Safety Rating Process. CVSA pledged its support to help in any way possible to amend this policy to reflect the concerns and needs of the federal government and CVSA's state and provincial partners.
We encouraged FMCSA to integrate Canadian, Mexican and U.S. information produced from compliance, inspection and enforcement activities so the data could be treated the same as intrastate violation data and also be considered in determining motor carriers' safety ratings.
2002
CVSA Supports Texas Dept. of Public Safety on Border Inspection Sites
CVSA has written to the Texas Department of Transportation in support of the Department of Public Safety's position that commercial vehicle safety inspection facilities should be constructed at border crossing points rather than at a location further inland. CVSA pointed out that any sites other than at the border could have the effect of creating a new and expanded commercial zone that could compromise safety on Texas highways. Also, CVSA said enforcement procedures should be uniform at all border crossing sites with Mexico including location of inspection sites.
2002
A Preview of the 2002 CVSA Fall Workshop
CVSA 20th Anniversary Celebration — CVSA will open the Fall Workshop with a special surprise to celebrate its 20th anniversary. CVSA President Paul Sullivan and CVSA Executive Director Stephen Campbell will host the kick-off that will showcase some highlights and milestones across CVSA's 20 years.
General Session — Colonel Thomas Foley of the Massachusetts State Police will welcome everyone to the Boston Fall Workshop and talk about the events and activities that will take place August 24-29.
Special Speakers — George Rodriguez, Director of Truck Security at the Transportation Security Administration, and Billy Canary, ATA President and CEO, will discuss current safety and security issues facing the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Management Seminar — An expert in committee management will share professional practices and management techniques to help increase the efficiency of committee meetings.
Size and Weight Training Seminar — This session will feature training and discussion on important size and weight issues facing the trucking industry and close with a question and answer session on specific issues pertaining to law enforcement and the commercial vehicle industry.
Fatigue Management Training Seminar — Enforcement agencies and motor carriers will learn strategies on how best to manage employee fatigue in this 24/7 workday world.
Truck Crash Study Results — Ralph Craft from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will discuss results and conclusions from the Large Truck Crash Causation Study.
Raffle for the Children's Hospital — Join CVSA in supporting a great cause. Beautiful model trucks and other great items donated by CVSA members and associate members will be raffled throughout the week. All proceeds will be donated to the Children's Hospital. Tickets will be on sale throughout the workshop.
Guest Activities — Guests can enjoy a tour of Boston and Cambridge and experience the historic and scenic aspects these cities have to offer from the oldest public park in America to Boston's scenic Back Bay. A tour of Salem and Rockport will show the long seafaring and art history that surrounds Boston's North Shore from the oldest maritime museum in North America to the "House of Seven Gables."
2002
IRD Creates Tanya Loewen Educational Scholarship Fund
On Friday, August 9, 2002, Tanya Loewen, a valued IRD team member, co-worker and friend was killed while installing a highway safety system. As a memorial to Ms. Loewen, together with the Loewen Family, IRD has set up the Tanya Loewen Educational Scholarship Fund.
2002
Security Appropriations Bill Includes FMCSA Funding
Final passage of a supplemental appropriations bill to help the country recover from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks is expected this week. The $30 billion measure would provide additional FY 2002 funding to many federal agencies and departments, including the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Its total allocation is $19,300,000 with $4,200,000 earmarked to implement the hazardous materials background check requirement of the Patriot Act; $10, 000,000 for drivers' license fraud detection and prevention; the northern border safety and security study; and hazardous material security education and outreach. Another $5,100,000 is designated for coordination of drivers' license registration and Social Security number verification.
2002
CVSA Files Comments on New Entrant Rule
In its response to FMCSA's Interim Final Rule on New Entrants, CVSA recommended that a safety audit be conducted on-site at the new entrant's place of business as a condition of receiving operating authority rather than within an 18-month period after beginning operations. CVSA also specified that a CVSA Level I or a Level V inspection should be conducted on as many vehicles of the new carrier as possible as a part of the safety audit.
To more easily implement the new entrant rule, which is estimated to encompass 30,000 to 40,000 new entrants annually, CVSA recommended the initiation of a pilot program in several states. The pilot program would use third-party auditors and be modeled after a similar program being introduced in Canada.
Regarding the financial resources needed to carry out this rule, CVSA asked for more details on whether new entrant registration fees, along with those to be collected under the yet-to-be-issued Motor Carrier Replacement Information System, would be adequate. Click here to read CVSA's complete filing.
2002
CVSA President Testifies before the House Subcommittee
On July 9, CVSA President Paul Sullivan testified before the House Subcommittee on Highways and Transit in one of a series of hearings the Subcommittee is conducting on the reauthorization of TEA 21.
Sullivan outlined CVSA's major recommendations on reauthorizing the MCSAP program that were developed by a CVSA adhoc committee on reauthorization. He told the Subcommittee that many states are having difficulty with the 80/20 match formula for the basic MCSAP core grant, as well as with the incentive grant and recommended a change to 90/10 on the core grant and 100 percent funding for the Incentive program. Sullivan also asked the Subcommittee to consider additional resources to help implement NAFTA and the new entrant program, especially with respect to the required Safety Audit.
He recommended that two new program elements — state specific training and technology programs — be established under the MCSAP umbrella. Sullivan also stressed the states' training needs, particularly with respect to the need to train non-MCSAP enforcement officers in commercial vehicle traffic enforcement and security awareness.
In conclusion, Sullivan told the Subcommittee that the CDL program needs a major overhaul based on weakness in the program that CVSA uncovered in its state self-assessment pilot program conducted in Massachusetts and West Virginia. Those states, he said, benefited from the comprehensive analysis and already were taking steps to correct their deficiencies. Sullivan suggested that all states could benefit from such a self-assessment program.
The Subcommittee also heard testimony from FMCSA Administrator Joseph Clapp, several industry representatives and other safety groups. Also, a member of the Transportation Research Board discussed the group's recommendations on changes in the size and weight limitations.
To read the complete text of CVSA President Paul Sullivan's testimony, click here.
2002
A Reminder for Interstate Motor Carriers
Beginning July 3, 2002, for-hire motor carriers operating in interstate commerce must display their US DOT numbers on both sides of all their power units.
2002
Only Four Weeks Until Inspectors' Championship Begins
Just four weeks remain before the 2002 North American Inspectors' Championship begins in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 12. So far, 46 contestants have registered for the competition.
If your state or province has not yet registered and would like to do so, please contact Vu Nguyen at 301-564-1623 as soon as possible. And, be sure to call CVSA Headquarters if your state or province has registered a contestant, but has not received a confirmation packet.
The NAIC staff is working diligently to make sure this year's championship is a big success — just like its predecessors.
2002
Training Bulletin Provides Guidance for Vehicle Selection in Level V Inspections
CVSA Headquarters has issued Training Bulletin 02-03 to provide the guidance for vehicle selection during a Level V inspection. As determined by the ILRA Committee, when selecting vehicles for a Level V inspection at a company's place of business, all vehicles are subject to the inspection, unless the company can provide acceptable documentation that the vehicle(s) is removed from service and awaiting repair. Each commercial motor vehicle that is inspected and found to be free of defects is to be issued a CVSA decal.
2002
Software Tool Provides Emergency Responders with Critical HazMat Information
CVSA and the Operation Respond Institute are offering CVSA members an important software tool (OREIS™) that provides emergency responders with critical information about hazardous materials that are in transit.
OREIS provides users with the exact hazardous materials contents of participating motor carriers and railroads. The system also identifies hazmat based on a placard symbol, UN ID Number or tank silhouette and provides guidance for dealing with the chemical. This information is of great importance to law enforcement because the interception of dangerous chemicals in transport by terrorists is a major concern in the United States.
The software is available at no cost to CVSA members as part of a large-scale deployment effort to put this tool in the hands of emergency responders across the United States and Canada. CVSA members are urged to order the software by visiting www.Oreis.org. The website has a software version and a demo of OREIS™.
2002
Roadcheck 2002 Shows Safety and Productivity Improvements
The 14th annual 72-hour Roadcheck—held June 4-6—resulted in 49,032 North American Standard inspections performed by 8,190 personnel at 919 locations throughout Canada, Mexico and the United States. The inspectors found 25,204 vehicles free of critical safety defects, up 6.3 percent from last year (23,716) and placed a CVSA Decal, which is good for up to 90 days, on each of those vehicles. Click here for more information.
2002
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Delays Certification Rulemaking
The interim final rule titled "Certification of Safety Auditors, Safety Investigators and Safety Inspectors (March 19 Federal Register) has been delayed 30 days from June 17 until July 17. This rule establishes procedures to certify and maintain certification for auditors and investigators. It also requires certification for state or local government MCSAP employees who perform driver/vehicle roadside inspections. FMCSA says it needs more time to review all of the comments it received on this rulemaking.
2002
Ad Hoc Committee To Deal With Proposal To Create New Department Of Homeland Security
House of Representatives Majority and Minority Leadership have agreed to form an ad hoc committee to deal with the President's proposal for creating a new Department of Homeland Security. His proposal calls for transferring the Coast Guard and the recently created Transportation Security Administration, along with some of the powers of the Federal Aviation Administration to the new Department.
In a rare move on Capitol Hill, the existing standing House committees would hold hearings and mark up their portions of the bill, but the proposed ad hoc committee will package the committees' recommendations into a final bill to be voted on by the full House. The Senate standing committees would complete their work on the overall proposal that would be attached to a bill introduced by Senator Lieberman creating a new Department of Homeland Security. The House and Senate goal is to get a bill to the President's desk by September 11, 2002.
2002
Safety Bulletin Corrects OOS Criteria Item
Safety Bulletin 02-03 was issued May 30, 2002 to correct the inadvertent removal from the OOS criteria of a means to deal with a significant looseness in the yoke-coupling at the steering gear input shaft. The following statement will apply under Steering Mechanism item 8.d. (4): "Any looseness of the yoke-coupling to the steering gear input shaft." This change will be reflected in the 2003 North American Standard Out Of Service Criteria.
2002
New Online Service Available to CVSA Members
More than 75 commercial vehicle inspection photos are now available for Members to copy from an archive located in the Members Only area of www.cvsa.org. If you have photos to share, please forward them to CVSA Headquarters, cvsahq@cvsa.org.
2002
Win a Palm Pilot by submitting a CVSA Survey
CVSA members and associates receive a chance to win an Palm Pilot by simply submitting a CVSA Member Satisfaction Survey. Individuals who have already submitted a survey in Rapid City and non-CVSA members are not eligible to enter the raffle. All surveys must be submitted by June 28th. Click here to download the survey.
2002
Comments on FMCSA Rules Submitted Earlier This Week
CVSA's comments covered the following rulemakings:
- FMCSA-01-10886, Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Certification of Compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). The comments listed CVSA's concerns about expanding the use of the FMVSS certification label beyond its original intent to enable purchasers to know which standard applied to the vehicle when it was manufactured. CVSA's consensus is that requiring all CMVs (including vehicles from Canada and Mexico) traveling in the United States to have a FMVSS certification label would not resolve any safety issues
- FMCSA's Interim Final Rule for the Certification of Roadside Inspectors, Safety Auditors and Safety Investigators. This regulatory action is based on provisions in the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999 and the FY 2002 DOT Appropriations Act. CVSA's comments focused on the need for FMCSA to make sure these Certification programs have a comprehensive quality control process in place that includes initial and recurring training, testing and the resources to support these programs. Given CVSA's 20-year record of success, consensus building environment, quality control process, international and inclusive organization, the Alliance strongly encouraged the FMCSA to adopt the CVSA Program by reference in its regulations for the Certification of Roadside Inspectors
2002
Two Training Bulletins Issued
The bulletins address these issues:
(1). The improper citing of motor coaches with Title 49, Section 393.43 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Motor coaches not equipped to tow trailers are not designed with tractor protection valves. Therefore, the parking brake will not be activated when the air pressure is between 20-45 pounds per square inch.
(2). The interpretation of the term "missing" in CVSA Out of Service Criteria, item 10.b. (8), "Seventy-five percent or more of the tread width loose or missing in excess of 12 inches (30cm) in circumference." "Missing" is defined as separation of either original tread or a recap, not slick/bald tires.
2002
Funding to Cover More Than Licensing Provisions
Last week, we reported that the House Appropriations Committee was completing final action on a Supplemental Appropriation bill to provide FMCSA with $19.5 million to help implement the licensing provisions in the Patriot Act. We now have learned that not all of that amount will go for that purpose. The funding also would be used to cover a wide variety of other security activities that were not contemplated when FMCSA's original 2002 budget was approved late last year.
2002
Bus Security Act Clears House Committee
The "Over-the-Road Bus Security and Safety Act," H.R. 3429, authorizes funding that would allow the Department of Transportation to make grants to private operators for system-wide security improvements to their operations. A similar bill has cleared the Senate Commerce Committee. At this time, floor action has not been scheduled in either the Senate or the House.
2002
Scholarship Deadline Nears
Do you have a child graduating from high school this Spring? If so, encourage the graduate to apply for the CVSA Academic Scholarship. CVSA will award two $1,000 scholarships based on academic excellence. Applications must be received by June 10, 2002. You can get a copy of the scholarship package by sending an e-mail to cvsahq@cvsa.org. This year's scholarship is dedicated to the memory of the late Gary E. Curtis, CVSA's past Director of Operations.
2002
FMCSA Administrator Addresses Workshop Attendees
Joseph Clapp, FMCSA Administrator, addressed the Workshop attendees on the agency's initiatives and goals and commented on the status of NAFTA and the southern border opening. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining the focus on saving lives on North American highways.
2002
FMCSA Issues Interim Final Rule on New Entrants
On May 13, FMCSA issued an interim final rule establishing stricter minimum requirements for new entrants into the motor carrier industry. Comments are due July 12, 2002 and the rule will take effect January 1, 2003. CVSA's New Entrant Committee, chaired by Steve Waters, will review the rule and recommend comments to be filed on CVSA's behalf.
2002
Appropriations Committee Ready to Allocate an Additional $24 million to FMCSA
The full House Appropriations Committee is reportedly ready to approve legislation that will allocate $19.5 million to FMCSA to help implement HM licensing provisions of the Patriot Act. The money is to be used to help states carry out new administrative procedures, fund a new CDL anti-fraud initiative and help FMCSA fund its own resources for carrying out new licensing requirements.
2002
Spring Workshop in Rapid City, SD Drew More Than 475 Attendees
Special thanks to Captain James Carpenter and the S.D. Highway Patrol for their exemplary support throughout the week. The general session was well attended, as were the committee sessions.
2002
CVSA President Addresses Transportation
Group at National Press Club "CVSA and the more than 10,000 North American roadside inspectors it represents have an obligation to reach out to local officers and help train them in traffic enforcement and security awareness," was the message CVSA President Paul Sullivan delivered to members of the transportation trade press and industry representatives.
2002
2003 ITS Deployment Program
The FHWA is requesting preliminary applications from public/public or public/private partnerships to determine qualifications for participation in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2003 Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Deployment Program. More info here.
2002
DOT Enforcing Prohibited Placard Restrictions on Trucks
The U.S. DOT/FMCSA announced that it is enforcing a requirement prohibiting motor carriers from placing extraneous information on placards and in placard holders. Click here for more information.
2002
Paul Sullivan Addresses the Senate Subcommittee on Surface Transp. and Merchant Marine
On October 10th, newly appointed CVSA President Sullivan addressed the Senate Subcommittee on bus and truck security and haz-mat licensing issues.
2002
New CVSA Staff Member
Paul Bomgardner joins CVSA staff as Director of Administration. Paul has been active in the Alliance for more than 20 years. His enforcement and industry background will be a tremendous asset to the Alliance.
2002
Hans Roelle, Alaska State Trooper, Shot and Killed Saturday
A fellow CVSA member lost his life in the line of duty. He is survived by his wife, Christine and four children. More at Anchorage Daily News.
2002
Transportation Security Information Report (TSIR) 01-04
Click here for more information.
2002
Truck and Bus Brake Safety Improving—Slowly but Surely
Truck and bus safety enforcement agencies throughout the United States and Canada will conduct 16 hours of brake safety roadside inspections on September 5 as part of Operation Air Brake, a North American Brake Safety Campaign. More here.
