FMCSA Sets Intermodal Chassis ‘Roadability’ Rule
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Wednesday issued a new rule that it said will “significantly strengthen safety requirements” for intermodal container chassis.
The so-called “roadability” rule affects the special trailers that hold cargo containers when they are transferred from ship or rail to truck for final delivery, FMCSA said in a statement.
The rules make intermodal equipment providers subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, or FMCSRs, for the first time, and establish shared safety responsibility among intermodal equipment providers, motor carriers, and drivers.
“We want to ensure that every piece of equipment traveling on our highways is operating safely,” said FMCSA Administrator John Hill. “These new rules will bring new safety and enforcement focus on the chassis and equipment used to haul goods on our nation’s roads every day.”
Beginning in December 2009, intermodal equipment providers must have in place regular and systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance programs for intermodal chassis, and will also need to track defects reported and repairs made.
By December 2010, each intermodal provider will be required to identify its equipment with a USDOT number. The final rule also outlines inspection requirements for motor carriers and drivers operating intermodal equipment, the agency said.
