SFD:  "The SFD language is exactly what UMA asked for, that being a directive that the FMCSA cannot use any funds to amend the regulations relating to safety fitness determinations for motor carriers until ALL reforms to the Compliance, Safety and Accountability (CSA) programs mandated by the FAST Act are complete". 

 

Lease Interchange:  The Lease Interchange issue will be addressed in the House Committee Report, once that is filed next week.  The language will be identical or similar to that included in the Senate DOT Appropriations report as follows:  

   

"On March 16, 2016, FMCSA announced it was extending the compliance date for its final rule concerning the lease and interchange of passenger carrying motor vehicles [Docket No. FMCSA-2013-0103j], based on issues raised in numerous petitions for reconsideration. The Committee is pleased by this action, and directs FMCSA to expeditiously complete its review and modify the rule to resolve the issues raised, and ensure the rule appropriately targets unsafe passenger carriers without unduly interfering in compliant business operations. The Committee is confident FMCSA can resolve all outstanding issues prior to January 2018; however, if it is unable to effect a modification of the rule within this time period, the Committee expects FMCSA to grant an additional extension, until the rule can be modified."

 

UMA has pushed for language to direct an earlier resolution date than January of 2018 and both Committees believe the agency will move to answer the petition for reconsideration before the end of the calendar year, as your operations are still exposed to liability with the rule in place.  

Lastly, please don't forget to register for our Fall Association Events  October 26-27th. Our Spring Association Meeting was a great success and we expect another excellent event in October.

Note, we will also need Members to bus Group Leaders to the Marketplace being held 10AM-1PM on Thursday, October 27th. Contact Pattie Cowley for more details or visit our website.