Dan Horvath, Senior Vice President of Regulatory and Safety Policy at the American Trucking Association (ATA), delivered a comprehensive presentation at Day with DISA on current and upcoming regulatory changes in the trucking industry. His expertise and insights provided valuable guidance on navigating the complex landscape of trucking regulations.
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Dan Horvath's session dove deep into several key regulatory areas impacting the trucking industry in 2024. He discussed the Safety Fitness Determination (SFD), highlighting FMCSA's proposal to revise motor carrier safety ratings. The proposal aims to shift from the current three-tier system (satisfactory, conditional, unsatisfactory) to a more nuanced approach, seeking industry feedback for a more accurate representation of carrier safety.
Another focus was the Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program and its SMS system. The FMCSA's proposed changes intend to simplify the system, narrowing down the list of violations and focusing more on those directly correlated with crash risks. These changes, still under discussion, could significantly impact how carriers are assessed and rated.
Additionally, Dan touched on the expansion of the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, the integration of oral fluid testing in drug and alcohol testing, and the implementation of automatic emergency braking systems in new trucks. He also addressed the ongoing discussions around speed limiters and side underride guards, emphasizing ATA's involvement in these regulatory dialogues.
Key Takeaways:
- Safety Fitness Determination (SFD) Changes: FMCSA's proposal to change the motor carrier safety rating system from a three-tier to a more nuanced approach could reshape how carriers are evaluated for safety. The industry's feedback will be crucial in shaping this new system.
- CSA SMS System Overhaul: Proposed simplifications to the CSA SMS system, focusing on violations with a direct correlation to crash risks, signifying a significant shift in carrier assessments. This could lead to more accurate and fair evaluations for carriers.
- Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Updates: With over 235,000 drug test violations reported since 2020, the expansion of the Clearinghouse and the introduction of oral fluid testing represent pivotal steps in enhancing road safety and compliance.
- Automatic Emergency Braking Systems: The proposed rule for integrating automatic emergency braking in new trucks underlines a growing emphasis on technological solutions to improve road safety, marking a significant advancement in vehicle safety standards.
- Speed Limiter Regulations: The ongoing discussions and delayed proposals regarding speed limiters highlight the complexities and potential impacts of this regulation on the trucking industry, with implications for road safety and operational practices.
- Side Underride Guards Debate: The consideration of mandatory side underride guards, despite a net negative cost-benefit analysis, showcases the ongoing tension between regulatory safety enhancements and operational practicalities in the trucking sector.
About Day with DISA
Day with DISA saw over 4,000 attendees from HR and safety professionals during this year’s in-person and virtual events. Covering key areas like drug and alcohol testing, DOT compliance, and occupational health, the conference provides essential insights and networking opportunities. While this year's event has concluded, we look forward to welcoming more professionals next year to continue building a culture of safety and compliance in the workplace.
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About DISA
Founded in 1986, DISA is the industry-leading provider of employee screening and compliance services. Headquartered in Houston, with more than 35 offices across North America and Europe, DISA offers comprehensive services including background checks, drug and alcohol testing, occupational health, and transportation compliance. DISA is dedicated to helping employers make informed staffing decisions and foster a safe workplace environment.