As we head into the summer months we stop to remember all those who have unselfishly sacrificed and served our country.  We applaud you and thank you, one and all, for your service.  Words cannot express the importance of your service to our country.

A good time was had by all at the annual IMUA meeting in Austin Texas.  It was great to see old friends, and wonderful to see so many new participants interested in learning about this industry.  We strongly urge the cargo underwriters and claims personnel to get involved in industry events like those offered by the IMUA. Through knowledge comes power – and that applies whether it means understanding your book of business or the industry you are working in!

This month we report:

NATIONAL MEDICAL REGISTRY – It is now in place.  Commercial drivers needing to renew their medical cards, or obtain a new medical certificate, must now have that examination performed by a certified examiner. Certified examiners can be located by city, state or ZIP code on FMCSA’s website.  A last minute effort by the OOIDA to delay implementation was rejected.

ELECTRONIC ONBOARD RECORDERS – The FMCSA has extended the time for comments on its newest proposal on EOBR.  Interested parties now have until June 26 to file comments.  The proposal, which is a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking, would amend the federal regulations to establish minimum performance standards for electronic logging devices, require the devices for all drivers who are required to log their record-of-duty status (RODS), and take measures to ensure the devices are not used by carriers or others to harass drivers.

DRIVER COERCION REGULATIONS – The FMCSA has issued a proposed rulemaking to help protect drivers from undue pressure to provide services. The proposed rulemaking will allow for the imposition of fines and license revocation on those who compel a driver to operate outside of legal hours, or require the driver to operation unsafe equipment. Read More

Welcome to Spring and hopefully some warmer times ahead.  I am looking forward to the annual IMUA meeting this month in Austin.  CAB will be sponsoring a Transportation Session on the changing insurance needs and exposures for the logistics industry, moderated by yours truly.  Come join the fun!  I look forward to seeing many of you there. It is a great time for all of us to catch up.

This month’s news:

INCREASED FILING LIMITS? – Last year there was a movement to increase filing limits for auto liability which failed quickly. However the FMCSA has now released a report indicating that the current financial responsibility minimum of $750,000 for motor carriers is inadequate to meet the costs of some crashes. The report concluded that while catastrophic motor carrier crashes are rare, the costs for resulting severe and critical injuries can exceed $1 million. The agency said it has formed a rulemaking team to further evaluate the appropriate level of financial responsibility and has “placed this rulemaking among the Agency’s high priority rules. A copy of the report can be viewed here.

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