Trucking news and briefs for Monday, Oct. 23, 2023:
FMCSA extends comment period for carrier safety rating system revamp
Owner-operators and others in trucking are getting more time to comment on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s information-seeking advance notice of proposed rulemaking related to a potential revamp of its carrier rating system.
FMCSA is seeking public comments on how it can develop a new methodology to determine when a motor carrier is not fit to operate in interstate commerce.
The agency opened the comment period on Aug. 29 for 60 days, through Oct. 30. With a notice publishing in the Federal Register on Oct. 23, FMCSA is extending the comment period another 30 days through Nov. 29.
FMCSA said that as of Oct. 10, three commenters -- the American Trucking Associations, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance and the American Bus Association -- had requested a deadline extension. ATA and CVSA requested 30-day extensions, and ABA requested a 60-day extension.
[Related: Carrier safety rating system revamp comment period opens]
The associations, FMCSA said, cited the “complexity and breadth” of questions, and the timing of the request. ATA specifically cited its annual Management Conference and Exhibition in Austin, Texas, which was held Oct. 14-17, at which it planned to solicit feedback from members.
FMCSA said it “believes it is in the public interest to allow for public comment for an extended period.”
As of Friday, Oct. 20, only 12 comments had been filed to the docket. Comments can be filed here. Specifically, FMCSA is asking for public feedback on:
- The need for a rulemaking to revise the regulations prescribing the safety rating process
- The available science or technical information to analyze regulatory alternatives for determining motor carrier safety fitness
- Feedback on the agency’s current safety rating regulations, including the process and impacts
- The available data and costs for regulatory alternatives reasonably likely to be considered
- Responses to specific questions in the ANPRM
[Related: FMCSA making a run at revamp to carrier safety rating system]
ATRI calls for input on challenges, opportunities for women truck drivers
The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has launched a new survey to identify what motor carriers are doing to recruit and retain women truck drivers.
The survey is part of a larger study identified by ATRI’s Research Advisory Committee as a top research priority. The overall study will identify challenges unique to women truck drivers, as well as best practices that can be leveraged to overcome those challenges.
“This research is critical if we’re going to meaningfully increase the number of women truck drivers,” said Stormie Janzen, Total Transportation of Mississippi Vice President of Safety and Recruiting. “I encourage my colleagues across the industry to take some time and respond to ATRI’s request.”
Fleets are asked to provide input through an online survey that will document current recruitment communication channels, effective recruitment messaging and initiatives aimed at creating a positive company culture. The survey will also recruit participants for virtual interviews that will provide deeper insights into the issue. A second survey to solicit truck driver input on the same topics will be launched later this year.
Participating carriers are asked to complete the online survey by Friday, Nov. 17. All submitted data will be kept strictly confidential.
TCA accepting Professional Driver of the Year nominations
The Truckload Carriers Association is accepting nominations for its TCA Professional Drivers of the Year award through Dec. 8.
The awards program, revamped last year with a name change and increased cash prizes, celebrates five drivers with a prize of $20,000 per driver and recognition at TCA events and publications throughout the year.
Nominees are expected to show a commitment to safety, demonstrate leadership on and off the road, and contribute meaningfully to the success of their companies or to the industry. Drivers must be nominated and employed by a TCA carrier member.
Nominations can be submitted here. Winners will be recognized during TCA’s Annual Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, from March 23-26, 2024.
