Carrier compliance

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is asking the trucking industry for comments on how it could update its process for monitoring motor carrier compliance, in anticipation of 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 are as follows:

• 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 increase. Over the next 20 years, freight volume is expected to increase 50%, according to FMCSA.