Bus operators told FMCSA at a listening session they endorse knowledge testing for new industry entrants, they want the new rules to be simple and that they want the tests to be targeted to specific types of companies.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration officials collected industry input Jan. 13 at a meeting of the American Bus Association in Nashville, Tenn. It was the first of three sessions that are part of the rulemaking process for creating tests for new bus and trucking companies and freight brokers and forwarders on their knowledge of regulations.
The tests were required by Congress in the MAP-21 transportation law that expires Sept. 30.
“I can easily envision multiple tests,” Bill Quade, FMCSA associate administrator, said in response to audience statements. Quade served as chairman of the session.
As an array of companies must be tested, Quade said the agency could either develop one test for all companies or tailor tests.
Quade said the testing could be similar to the commercial driver license system where there is a basic test and then endorsements for different specialties.
