The Department of Transportation (DOT), understandably on edge after the unexpected terrorist attacks of last September, is planning to release a report in March that will detail the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) plan to improve hazardous materials (hazmat) transportation safety. The report is based on interviews conducted during visits to hazmat carriers (including ILMA members) and commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver training schools over the last four months. The visits were prompted by reports that some suspected terrorists had attempted to obtain commercial driver licenses (CDLs) as part of a plan to use hazmat trucks as rolling bombs in future attacks.
The Agency has conducted more than 36,000 personal interviews, according to FMCSA Administrator Joseph Clapp, who testified about the program before the House Committee on Appropriations’ Subcommittee on Transportation on February 13. Clapp indicated that the original intent of the program was to increase the awareness of hazmat carriers in the wake of the September 11th tragedy, but explained that they have provided valuable information. The interviews are just one component of a comprehensive DOT effort to reduce vulnerabilities in hazmat transportation. Clapp told the Subcommittee that a total of 38,888 entities have been identified for visits, and that over 125 incidents have been referred to the FBI for further investigation, ranging from faulty identification, visa violations, and unspecified suspicious activities.
DOT has been busy in the last several months implementing a number of new homeland security initiatives, including drafting new regulations designed to implement the USA-Patriot Act, which will require states to conduct criminal background checks before issuing CDLs. Draft regulations are expected in the next several months.
