FMCSA updates progress on MAP-21 provisions

Washington – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has been “taking advantage” of opportunities presented by a number of provisions in the surface transportation funding bill signed into law July 2012, according to agency Administrator Anne S. Ferro.

Speaking (.pdf file) March 14 before the House Highways and Transit Subcommittee, Ferro highlighted the agency’s progress on implementing safety initiatives authorized or reauthorized by MAP-21. Among the updates:

• Drug and alcohol clearinghouse – FMCSA is developing a rulemaking to require commercial motor vehicle carriers to report positive drug or alcohol test results or test refusals to a national clearinghouse.
• Electronic onboard recorders – The agency is developing minimum performance standards and appropriate use requirements for EOBRs, which track hours-of-service compliance.
• Reincarnating carriers – FMCSA has begun implementing procedures to make it more difficult for shut-down carriers to reopen under a new identity by requiring all potential new carriers to pass written exams on safety regulations.
• Medical examiner registry – Beginning May 2014, the agency will require motor carriers and drivers to only use medical examiners listed in the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners for physical examinations.