http://www.inboundlogistics.com/cms/article/regulation-and-legislation-truckers-get-the-message/

Regulations Facing Truckers

“Two recent Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) initiatives pose possible challenges for shippers: the phase-in of the safety monitoring system known as CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability), and the implementation of new Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations for drivers.”   There is debate about  other possible initiatives that could influence the cost of moving freight.

CSA, a safety and compliance initiative designed to help identify large trucking companies that aren’t complying with safety rules, so that enforcement officials can intervene.  Safety Measurement System (SMS)  identifies carriers that might need intervention and helps FMCSA through Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories (BASICs). This survey analyses  set priorities and identifies trucking companies it should investigate in person.

Many carriers aren’t in the database, and this makes it impossible for shippers or brokers to use BASICs for anything practical, but shippers should use them as guidelines, along with other carrier qualification methods.  The rating system is a good tool for in-house improvement guidelines.

It’s very important that the CSA data be accurate, since it’s available publicly and may be used against a carrier in case of accident investigations.

The Hours of Service rules are creating many problems with scheduling and reduced productivity, creating extra expense for shippers and truckers.

Load weights are being monitored closely with stiff penalties for infractions of regulations.  The industry has been looking at longer heavier trucks with a sixth axle for more even distribution and less impact on the roadway.

Transportation funding is in need of an overhaul with increased fuel surtax or tolls as current deficits build up.

Insider Perspective: The Case Against CSA  by Jeffrey G. Tucker is included with this article.