Two Department of Transportation agencies are seeking comments on the feasibility of security requirements for motor carriers that transport hazardous materials, according to information published in the "Federal Register" July 16. Many of the hazardous materials transported by motor carriers have the potential to be used as weapons of mass destruction, or in the manufacture of such weapons, according to the information.
The Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) are examining the need for the security requirements and are considering measures that include escorts, vehicle tracking and monitoring systems, emergency warning systems, remote shut-offs, direct short-range communications, and notification to state and local authorities.
The agencies are seeking data about information and communications technology, the effectiveness of different types of physical security measures, the overall security of safe havens for temporary storage during transportation, and costs involved with implementing security measures, related safety or productivity benefits that would help offset costs. Also measures or incentives that may be appropriate to consider in promoting technology development and adoption in conjunction with or separate from general regulatory requirements, and whether specific physical security measures should be limited to certain highly hazardous materials.
The agencies are particularly interested in hearing from shippers and carriers that are utilizing some of the technologies and procedures discussed above.
Comments should be submitted by October 15, 2002, and should be addressed to Dockets Management System, US, Department of Transportation, Room PL 401, 400 Seventh Street SW, Washington, DC 20590-0001. They should identify Docket Number FMCSA-02-11650 (HM-232A). To the extent possible, the agencies will consider late-filed comments as they consider further action. To see the proposal, Federal Register