One more time: FMCSA plans carrier hazmat registration

Jan 15, 2003 12:00 PM

Another federal permit requirement for hazardous materials carriers is in the works through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), according to information presented January 14 at a Cooperative Hazardous Materials Education (COHMED) training conference in Houston TX.

The trucking industry has just received a three-year reduced rate for hazmat registration from the Research and Special Services Administration (RSPA), only to learn that another Department of Transportation agency registration is likely to be initiated. However, the FMCSA proposal would not include a fee for the registration, said William Quade, FMCSA hazardous materials division chief.

The two agencies cannot combine the information to avoid the double registration. Quade said the FMCSA registration is required by law, and will have elements different from the RSPA regulation. RSPA only requires a carrier to register and include the fee, no inspections or other actions are required. The FMCSA registration will require carriers to meet certain prescribed security levels. FMCSA expects to publish a notice of the plan in September.