FMCSA EXTENDS TIME TO ADDRESS INTERMODAL EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE

FMCSA EXTENDS TIME TO ADDRESS INTERMODAL EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE    The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has extended the comment period on how to assign responsibility for the maintenance of intermodal containers and trailers until April 10.
   FMCSA is considering a rulemaking that would designate who is responsible for ensuring that intermodal equipment is safe to travel on the nation's highways. The so-called roadability issue is a major bone of contention between ocean carriers and trucking companies. Ocean carriers that own the equipment typically do not take care of the equipment, leaving it to truckers and railroads to inspect and repair the equipment, or face fines from federal and state highway inspectors for violating commercial vehicle safety standards.
   The U.S. Department of Transportation is extending the comment period an additional 45 days, until April 10, at the request of the Association of American Railroads.
   FMCSA said it granted the extension to see if the private sector could find a solution. The Intermodal Association of North America and the Ocean Carrier Equipment Management Association have been working closely to develop a set of private sector rules for maintaining intermodal chassis and trailers.
   Comments may be electronically submitted at https://dms.dot.gov.