Intermodal Chassis Inspections Get Yes Vote

Section 4128 of the Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (H.R. 3) as passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on March 10th calls for regulations to be issued within one year of enactment of the Transportation Equity Act (TEA) governing safety of intermodal chassis. The legislation calls for a numbering system which would positively identify container chassis and match that intermodal equipment to the equipment provider. The equipment provider would also be required to maintain a system of maintenance and repair records on each piece of equipment.

Civil penalties are provided for intermodal equipment providers that fail to attain satisfactory compliance with safety regulations. The law also prohibits putting intermodal equipment on public highways if “providers are found to pose an imminent hazard.”

Motor carriers and agents of motor carriers may petition the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to investigate a non-compliant intermodal equipment provider.

A notice of proposed rulemaking will be issued providing an opportunity for comment before rules take effect, but not later than one year after the date of enactment of the Transportation Equity Act.