FMCSA Reevaluating Carrier Compliance

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is asking the trucking industry for comments on how the agency could update its process for monitoring motor carrier compliance in preparation for increasing freight volumes.

The multi-year review project, known as the Comprehensive Safety Analysis 2010 initiative, will begin next month with a series of public listening sessions.

The dates and locations of the sessions are:

• Sept. 21, Doubletree Hotel, Mission Valley, San Diego;
• Sept. 28, Sheraton Atlanta, Atlanta;
• Oct. 5, Hampton Inn & Suites Dallas/Mesquite, Mesquite, TX;
• Oct. 12, Wyndham Chicago, Chicago;
• Oct. 19, Fairview Park Marriot, Falls Church, VA;
• Oct. 26, Sheraton Springfield, Springfield, MA.

  FMCSA currently inspects higher risk carriers through a series of on-site inspections and reviews. However, it is uncertain whether the process will remain effective as freight volumes continue to advance. Over the next 20 years, freight volume is expected to increase 50% from current levels, FMCSA said.

  “Now is the time to look at every aspect of our safety program— how we use it, how we can improve it, and how we can add to it— so we can be ready for the future,” said FMCSA Administrator Annette M. Sandberg.