U.S. carrier group backs uniform chassis rules

U.S. carrier group backs uniform chassis rules    The Ocean Carrier Equipment Management Association,    a U.S.-based association of 18 major ocean common carriers, said it supports recent federal initiatives to create uniform nationwide safety standards for the inspection and maintenance of intermodal equipment.
   Legislation on this issue has been introduced in Congress recently.
   The carrier association said it believes that national legislation in conjunction with federal regulation will result in “increased industry efficiencies and, most important, safer trailer and chassis equipment on U.S. highways.”
   “Existing data demonstrates that very few serious accidents result from intermodal equipment defects,” said Ocean Carrier Equipment Management Association chairman Peter I. Keller. “Nevertheless, Ocean Carrier Equipment Management Association members are committed to improving public safety and we believe a clear and uniform federal requirement will further this goal.”