FMCSA wants public input on how it inspects carriers for safety

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is seeking public comment on how it measures the safety of truck and bus operations – and how it can take action on what it finds.

The comments will be part of a multiyear review project known as the Comprehensive Safety Analysis 2010 initiative. During that project, the agency will ask motor carriers, truck drivers, insurance and safety advocacy groups, traffic enforcement professionals and others for their views.

“Now is the time to look at every aspect of our safety program,” FMCSA Administrator Annette M. Sandberg said in a statement. “How we use it, how we can improve it and how we can add to it – so we can be ready for the future.”

The agency currently inspects higher-risk carriers through a series of on-site inspections and reviews. However, FMCSA officials are not certain whether their current methods will still work as freight volumes increase.

The dates and locations of the public comment sessions are:

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; and
Oct. 26, Sheraton Springfield, Springfield, MA.

Additional information can be found on the Internet through the DOT Docket Management System at http://dms.dot.gov. Go to the site and search for docket number FMCSA-2004-18898.