Trucking organization asks to stop inspecting hazardous material freight along the roadside unless necessary

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) recently announced that it is proposing the current presidential administration to stop the opening and inspection of hazardous materials during roadside compliance reviews, The Journal of Commerce reports.

Officials told the news source that the federal government should stop inspecting hazardous materials shipments unless those loads are believed to pose an "imminent danger" or if they do not comply with hazmat regulations.

Furthermore, the organization is asking the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration (PHMSA) to clarify its rules on inspections by state police. Companies may want to enroll their drivers into recurrent hazmat training to help operators stay up to date with regulations on carrying hazardous materials.

"ATA supports PHMSA's existing authority to require motor carriers to make records, equipment, packagings and containers available for inspection," Rich Moskowitz, ATA vice president and regulatory counsel, told the news source. "Unfortunately, [that authority] is being interpreted in a manner that frustrates the safe and efficient transportation of hazardous materials."

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, nearly 2,000 federal hazardous material compliance reviews were carried out in 2010.

By Andie Martin 

Trucking organization asks to stop inspecting hazardous material freight along the roadside unless necessary

Monday, March 14th, 2011