House and Senate committees overseeing transportation in late November were considering modifications to language in the recent anti-terrorism law that, as enacted, requires a background check and certification of anyone obtaining or renewing a license to haul hazardous materials. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has directed states to continue to issue and renew licenses under existing procedures.
Truckload Carriers Association has assumed responsibility for the oversight and management of the North American Transportation Management Institute, which provides accredited certification of fleet safety, maintenance and driver training professionals. The American Trucking Associations, which decided last year to exit the training business, asked TCA to take over NATMI because of TCA’s focus on and experience in training and education.
U.S. Department of Transportation plans a test-track evaluation of electronically controlled braking systems. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is asking ECBS manufacturers to offer their systems for a test of their validity and reliability on Class 7 and 8 commercial motor vehicles.
Fontaine Trailer Co. has purchased the assets of Ravens Inc., which builds aluminum platforms and both aluminum and steel dump trailers. Ravens will retain its name and operate as a division of Fontaine.
