FMCSA extends deadline for inspection report final rule

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recently extended the deadline for a final rule concerning the inspection, repair and maintenance of intermodal freight equipment.

According to a notice (.pdf file) published in the Aug. 20 Federal Register, FMCSA granted a partial extension to the final rule, which requires drivers and motor carriers to prepare a driver-vehicle inspection report on intermodal equipment even if no damage or deficiencies are discovered by the driver. The deadline, originally set for June 30, was extended to June 30, 2011.

According to FMCSA, inadequately maintained intermodal equipment creates crash risks, and the regulations help ensure commercial motor vehicle operations are safer.

The agency said the extension will provide sufficient time to address issues raised by the Ocean Carrier Equipment Management Association and the Institute of International Container Lessors. The two Washington-based organizations requested repeal of a provision in 390.42(b) of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations that requires motor carriers to prepare "no-defect" DVIRs. They contend the requirement is an undue burden that would result in more than 38 million unnecessary reports annually.