In response to a lawsuit filed by 16 trade associations, DOT's Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) has published a final rule lowering the hazardous materials registration fees for large and small truck companies.
According to the American Trucking Assns., one of the plaintiffs, the lawsuit was necessary because existing registration fees were producing large revenue surpluses that could not legally be spent on DOT's Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Training Grant program.
As a result of the lawsuit, registration fees for large truck companies will be reduced from $2,000 to$300 per year, and the fees for "small” truck companies from $250 to $150 per year.
Additionally, any company that prepaid fees for the next two years would be eligible to receive a refund. This new fee structure will continue for three years, which is the length of time necessary to spend down the accumulated surplus.
The new rule is effective March 3.
