The tank truck industry is awaiting federal decisions before it begins to invest in technological equipment that will meet new security legislation, said Cliff Harvison, National Tank Truck Carriers president. Carriers fear that after making initial investments, their efforts will not meet government standards. A carrier might purchase a certain brand of equipment, only to learn that the government requires another, he said.
"Where the government goes in this is absolutely critical," Harvison said.
Meanwhile, the feds want industry to take the first step. The situation arose after the terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington prompted legislation calling for new security measures for hazardous materials transporters.
Harvison and William Quade, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) hazardous materials division chief, noted the debate at the Cooperative Hazardous Materials Education (COHMED) training meeting January 14 in Houston TX.
Harvison argued that investments in technological equipment is too expensive to run the risk of the government deciding at a later date what the requirements should be.
Quade, on the other hand, said the federal agencies will not require specific brands of technological equipment, and urged the industry to take the lead in establishing what equipment is needed.