Action
Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); request for comments.
Summary
The FMCSA proposes to revise the regulations concerning protection against shifting and falling cargo for commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) engaged in interstate commerce. We would issue new cargo securement standards based on the North American Cargo Securement Standard Model Regulations, reflecting: The results of a multi-year comprehensive research program to evaluate current U.S. and Canadian cargo securement regulations; the motor carrier industry's best practices; and recommendations presented during a series of public meetings involving U.S. and Canadian industry experts, Federal, State and Provincial enforcement officials, and other interested parties. Generally, the proposed revision would require motor carriers to change the way they use cargo securement devices to prevent certain articles from shifting on or within, or falling from CMVs. In some instances, the proposed changes could require motor carriers to increase the number of tiedown devices used to secure certain types of cargoes. The intent of this rulemaking is to reduce the number of accidents caused by cargo shifting on or within, or falling from, CMVs operating in interstate commerce, and to harmonize to the greatest extent practicable U.S., Canadian, and Mexican cargo securement regulations.