The move by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to take over hazardous materials security for trucking is a logical action given that TSA is the lead agency on transportation security, said John Conley, National Tank Truck Carriers president.
" We trust that TSA will continue to communicate with PHMSA (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration) and FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) on matters of transportation and hazardous materials security," Conley told Bulk Logistics Trends. "We will cooperate in these efforts with TSA as we always have with the Department of Transportation."
Conley responded to questions about information published in the Federal Register June 27 that TSA, an arm of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has assumed the lead role from PHMSA for making security rules for motor carrier shipments of hazardous materials.
PHMSA will continue to consider alternatives for enhancing the safety of explosives stored during transportation under another rulemaking docket. PHMSA also will consult and coordinate with TSA on hazardous materials transportation security issues.
The advance notice of proposed rulemaking (49 CFR Part 177) can be seen by clicking here.