INTERMODAL GROUPS ASK FOR EXTENSION ON EQUIPMENT RETROFIT

INTERMODAL GROUPS ASK FOR EXTENSION ON EQUIPMENT RETROFIT    Four trade associations representing companies that own or operate intermodal equipment have petitioned the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for a one-year extension of a deadline for retrofitting trailers, semi-trailers and chassis more than eight years old with reflective materials.
   The FHWA had called for the retrofit to be completed by June 1. The trade groups noted in a joint statement that more than 430,000 trailers and chassis are affected: “Despite the industry’s best efforts, a failure to achieve this goal by June 1” will render 193,000 units “potentially unavailable for use. The resulting shortage of equipment could lead to congestion and gridlock at U.S. ports, rail terminals, and inland facilities just as the peak shipping season accelerates.”
   The four groups are the Ocean Carrier Equipment Management Association, the Intermodal Association of North America, the Institute of International Container Lessors, and the Association of American Railroads.