Truckload Carriers Association to Revise Official Policies

With an aim to improve vehicle safety, productivity, driver performance and vehicle maintenance, Truckload Carriers Association's (TCA) Board has taken major decisions to revise its policies in its Annual Convention.

Portland, OR (prHWY.com) March 31, 2013 - With an aim to improve vehicle safety, productivity, driver performance and vehicle maintenance, Truckload Carriers Association's (TCA) Board has taken major decisions to revise its policies in its Annual Convention. As a result, the policies on drug and alcohol testing, on-board technology and sleep disorders were revised. Prior to revising the policies, TCA had formed a Regulatory Policy Committee, which was led by Troy Robertson, who is associate general counsel of Conway Truckload Inc. of Joplin, Missouri. The main task of the committee was to assess the future regulatory initiatives taken by the government for trucking industry. The following policy amendments are approved by the TCA Board and will take place with immediate effect.

Drug Testing

In compliance with the changes in the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations as well as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), TCA has added a new clause in its current drug testing policy. According to the revised policy, now the alternative specimen such as hair can be used as a drug testing sample. This will not only help to support the changes made by the government but also will be in the interests of the members.

On-Board Technology

Technological developments in the trucking industry have many advantages including the reduction in the cost as well as improvement in productivity of the drivers. So far, the development and use of the on-board technologies have been restricted. With the change in the policy on on-board technology, TCA supports the development of new and cost-effective on-board technologies that enhance the overall safety. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards support such technologies that have been found effective in providing vehicle safety as well as in reducing cost.

Sleep Disorders

TCA has revised its policy on sleep disorders to address the regulation by FMCSApertaining the sleep disorders and also the manner in which the regulation is going to promote the treatments of sleep disorder minimizing the impact to commercial and private carriers. The new policy suggests that TCA supports the existing as well as new screening and testing standards for sleep disorders as suggested by FMCSA, but it also requires the agency to establish some rules rather than publish the regulatory guidance.

About Truckload Carriers Association

TCA is a national trade association which looks into the interests of the truckload segment of the motor carrier industry. The association represents the operators of dry van, refrigerated, flatbed, and intermodal container carriers operating in the USA, Mexico and Canada. More than 200,000 truck operators are the members of TCA. The association collectively produces annual revenue of over $20 billion, TCA is an organization tailored to specific truckload carrier needs. For more information visit http://truckhive.com

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Tag Words: truck load boards

Categories: Transportation

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