5/28/03 - Truckdrivers are still responsible for chassis supplied to them by ports in Florida.
A bill that would have shifted the responsibility for container chassis from truckdrivers to the ports that supply the chassis has died. HB1371, which was unanimously approved by the House Subcommittee on Transportation Systems April 9, did not pass during the regular session, which ended May 2, and did not come up during the special session that ended May 27.
HB1371 would have required regular inspections of the chassis and prohibited marine terminal operators from providing a motor carrier with a chassis that failed to pass inspection. The subcommittee added six amendments, including one that calls for drivers who are dissatisfied with the chassis provided to them to contact FDOT officers.

5/5/03 - The regular legislative session ended May 2 without passing a bill that would shift the responsibility for container chassis from truckdrivers to the ports that supply the chassis
HB1371 would require regular inspections of the chassis, and prohibit marine terminal operators from providing a motor carrier with a chassis that fails to pass inspection.
However, Gov. Jeb Bush could revive the bill if he calls for a special session, which he is expected to do next week.
”Poorly maintained container chassis have long been a major problem for container haulers,” said OOIDA Executive Vice President Todd Spencer. “It serves no worthwhile safety purpose to place penalties on drivers for poorly maintained container chassis. Drivers don’t even lay eyes on this equipment until long after they are dispatched and in the container yard to load.”
It is vital you contact the governor and let him know what this bill means to you as a Florida trucker.
Send correspondence for Gov. Jeb Bush to jeb.bush@myflorida.com or to the Office of the Governor, The Capitol, Tallahassee, FL, 32399-0001; phone (850) 488-4441 or fax (850) 487-0801.

5/2/03 - The House Transportation Committee canceled a hearing May 1 on HB1371, a bill that would shift the responsibility for container chassis from truckdrivers to the ports that supply the chassis.
The hearing has not yet been rescheduled.

4/10/03 - The House Transportation Systems Subcommittee passed a bill to shift the responsibility for container chassis from truckdrivers to the ports that supply the chassis.
HB1371, which passed on a 7-0 vote April 9, requires regular inspections of the chassis, and prohibits marine terminal operators from providing a motor carrier with a chassis that fails to pass inspection.
The panel added six amendments, including one that calls for drivers who are dissatisfied with the chassis provided to them to contact FDOT officers.
The bill is in the House Transportation Committee. For bill status, call (850) 488-4371.

4/8/03 - The House Transportation Systems Subcommittee will hold a hearing on HB1371, a bill to shift the responsibility for container chassis from truckdrivers to the ports that supply the chassis.
The bill, introduced by Rep. Susan Bucher, D-Palm Beach, requires regular inspections of the chassis, and prohibits marine terminal operators from providing a motor carrier with a chassis that fails to pass inspection.
The hearing is scheduled for 10:15 a.m. April 9.

3/24/03 - A bill in Florida would shift the responsibility for container chassis from truckdrivers to the ports that supply the chassis.
HB1371, introduced by Rep. Susan Bucher, D-Palm Beach, requires regular inspections of the chassis, and prohibits marine terminal operators from providing a motor carrier with a chassis that fails to pass inspection.
The bill is in the House Subcommittee on Transportation Systems. For bill status, call (850) 488-4371.