Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/269152
Voices 2 | Overdrive | March 2014 "I see no problem with it," said Michigan-based inde- pendent owner-operator Melvin Davis Jr., when asked about the notion of a new written test for carriers, owner-operators and intermediaries applying for interstate operating authority. "They need to know what they're doing and what the rules are." Texas-based Cody Blan- kenship, featured on Overdrive's January cover story about running under your own authority, con- curred that it's time "to bring some knowledge and professionalism back to trucking. … Being an own- er-operator or a fleet owner should be a coveted thing." Not all were sunny about the rule's prospects, however. Here's Todd Ramey, following news of listening sessions the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration began holding in January on its steps toward crafting the test: "Do you think they will even consider what a seasoned driver tells them?" Ramey offered the example of the listening sessions devoted to the hours of ser- vice rewrite, in which drivers issued a clarion call for greater flexibility. The result: less. At the February meeting of FMCSA's Motor Carrier Safety Ad- visory Committee, broader New En- trant requirements were among the top recommendations the committee made to Congress for inclusion in the upcoming highway bill. Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association Executive Vice President Todd Spencer expressed bewilderment over the post-authority nature of the New Entrant audit, which his association opposes. The audit typically occurs 12-18 months after the business is granted authority. "Whatever scrutiny FMCSA deems necessary to give a thumbs-up to a New Entrant should take place before the first mile is run," he said. Listening sessions will be held this month at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky., and in April at the Los Angeles Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance meeting. Also, drivers can submit formal commentary on the testing at reg- ulations.gov using docket number FMCSA-2001-11061. Via OverdriveOnline.com: Norman Ott: This [test is] just another way to get control of private businesses. I don't know of any other business that has so many agen- cies depending on them for their paycheck. Andrea Sitler: As a DOT consultant, I am called out to too many companies that have DOT authority and are clueless as to the regulations. This should never be! How can you be a business person, a lawyer, doctor, painter, carpenter or any other professional if you do not know the rules? Via Facebook: Shawn Hubbard: Test wouldn't prove anything. I would like to see a class in professionalism, integrity and etiquette instead. Dave Barnes: It's just about more money. Anybody can pass a test. They need to stop coming up with ways to take more of our money. Readers debate New Entrant testing Overdrive 's January cover story charted the par- ticulars of gaining operating authority. The New Entrant test FMCSA is crafting would put yet another step in that process. Find the three-part "Be your own boss" feature by searching that title on OverdriveOnline.com. Should the New Entrant test for new carrier operating authority include questions related to business knowledge in addition to safety regulations? No, limit questions to current federal purview 51% Yes, but only on state-required programs like IFTA and IRP 23% I don't know 5% Yes 21% Voices_0314.indd 2 2/26/14 9:39 AM