Hazmat Rule Delay Seen

img src="/sites/default/files/images/articles/printeditiontag_new.gif" width=120 align=right>The Transportation Security Administration will not meet its latest deadline of Jan. 31 to begin a system of background checks and fingerprints for all truck drivers who haul hazardous materials, several sources have told Transport Topics.

Instead, these sources said, TSA is preparing to apply the background check requirement only to new applicants who seek permission to haul hazardous materials when the new system is supposed to go into effect in January.

One source, who asked to not be identified, said TSA is unlikely to have a system in place to cover the approximately 2.7 million drivers who already have commercial driver licenses with hazmat endorsements any earlier than May 31.