FMCSA Examines Beyond Compliance Program
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration seeks to reward motor carriers that adopt best practices.
FMCSA recently published a notice and request for public comment on the proposed Beyond Compliance Program. The Beyond Compliance Program would seek to recognize those motor carriers that proactively implement voluntary state-of-the-art best practices and technologies. FMCSA specifically requests responses to specific questions and any supporting data the Agency should consider in the potential development of a Beyond Compliance Program.
Beyond Compliance would include voluntary programs implemented by motor carriers that exceed regulatory requirements, and improve the safety of commercial motor vehicles and drivers operating on the nations’ roadways by reducing the number and severity of crashes. Beyond Compliance would not result in regulatory relief.
In determining possible development of a Beyond Compliance program, FMCSA seeks responses to the following specific questions and encourages the submission of any other reports or data on this issue.
1. What voluntary technologies or safety program best practices would be appropriate for a Beyond Compliance program?
2. What safety performance metrics should be used to evaluate the success of voluntarily implemented technologies or safety program best practices?
3. What incentives would encourage motor carriers to invest in technologies and best practices programs? a. Credit on appropriate SMS scores (e.g., credit in Driver Fitness for use of an employer notification system)? b. Credit on ISS scores? c. Reduction in roadside inspection frequency? d. Other options?
4. What events should cause the incentives to be removed? a. If safety goals for the carrier are not consistently achieved, what is the benefit to the motoring public?
5. Should this program be developed by the private sector like PrePass, ISO 9000. Or Canada’s Partners in Compliance (PIC)?
6. How would FMCSA verify that the voluntary technologies or safety programs were being implemented?
To submit comments and view the entire notice, please click HERE. If you have any questions, contact Chris Burroughs (burroughs@tianet.org, 703.299.5705).
