Boston Hazmat Regs Illegal, FMCSA Rules

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has ruled that Boston’s efforts to stop trucks from carrying hazardous materials through the city during certain hours is illegal, the Associated Press reported.

In responding to a challenge from American Trucking Associations, FMCSA said that only it, through the state, can approve hazardous materials routes. FMCSA said that it was never consulted on the Boston regulations, AP said.

ATA and the Massachusetts Motor Transportation Association, argued that banning trucks carrying hazardous materials from city roads during the day cost their members fuel and productivity, the Boston Globe said.

The regulations also forced trucks into neighboring cities.

Boston officials to the Globe that the city is now considering its options, such as asking FMCSA to reconsider its ruling, appealing the decision in court or complying with it.