Truck issues are among the items that Washington state lawmakers are reviewing at the statehouse. Topics covered include intermodal chassis, a heavy-haul corridor, and single trucks.
The House Transportation Committee voted 22-6 on Tuesday, Feb. 7, to advance a bill that would clarify the handling of those chassis at the state’s ports that are not properly maintained.
Equipment providers already are required to provide sufficient space for drivers to perform a pre-trip inspection of intermodal equipment. Procedures must also be in place to address any equipment concerns, or replace equipment, prior to drivers’ departure.
Intermodal haulers are required to perform inspection of the equipment prior to leaving the facility. Any violations occurring while on the road are the responsibility of the driver.
Sponsored by Rep. Deb Eddy, D-Kirkland, the bill addresses concerns at the Port of Seattle about the safety of intermodal equipment.
Eddy said that federal law already affords truck drivers an opportunity to perform inspections but there is no opportunity for them to actually do the inspection.
“They are put in position of taking the load and being told to immediately exit the premises without getting out of the truck,” Eddy told lawmakers during discussion on the bill. “So of course it is very difficult to inspect a chassis and access the weight if you are not allowed to get out of the truck.”
Among the provisions in the bill is a requirement for the Port of Seattle to be responsible for creating “roadability safety zones” where haulers can complete a driver vehicle inspection report. These haulers must perform pre-trip inspections as required by FMCSA and not leave the marine terminal with any equipment that has safety defects.
The bill also specifies that haulers cannot be retaliated against for refusing a load due to safety defects or being overweight.
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The House Transportation Committee voted 22-6 on Tuesday, Feb. 7, to advance a bill that would clarify the handling of those chassis at the state’s ports that are not properly maintained.
Equipment providers already are required to provide sufficient space for drivers to perform a pre-trip inspection of intermodal equipment. Procedures must also be in place to address any equipment concerns, or replace equipment, prior to drivers’ departure.
Intermodal haulers are required to perform inspection of the equipment prior to leaving the facility. Any violations occurring while on the road are the responsibility of the driver.
Sponsored by Rep. Deb Eddy, D-Kirkland, the bill addresses concerns at the Port of Seattle about the safety of intermodal equipment.
Eddy said that federal law already affords truck drivers an opportunity to perform inspections but there is no opportunity for them to actually do the inspection.
“They are put in position of taking the load and being told to immediately exit the premises without getting out of the truck,” Eddy told lawmakers during discussion on the bill. “So of course it is very difficult to inspect a chassis and access the weight if you are not allowed to get out of the truck.”
Among the provisions in the bill is a requirement for the Port of Seattle to be responsible for creating “roadability safety zones” where haulers can complete a driver vehicle inspection report. These haulers must perform pre-trip inspections as required by FMCSA and not leave the marine terminal with any equipment that has safety defects.
The bill also specifies that haulers cannot be retaliated against for refusing a load due to safety defects or being overweight.
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