Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/464194
17 Oil Prophets only $18,000, well below the current minimum FR levels for every motor FDUULHUFODVVL¿FDWLRQ)RUPRVWFODLPV the current FR rates are more than adequate to pay for damages. In the rare instance they are not, claimants can still sue in court for damages not covered by the carrier's insurance. This of course assumes that the motor carrier is at fault. The FMCSA report found that 76% of all truck- vehicle accidents were caused by a the driver of the passenger vehicle. In addition, the FMCA report lacks any data on the how high insurance rates would be pushed by increased FR levels. Industry insurance analysts are predicting a minimum rate increase of 60%. Nor does the report support the FMCSA's claim that higher insurance rates will result in safer CMV operation. The FMCSA provided no data nor evidence in the report to establish such a link. Instead the agency admitted this conclusion was based on anecdotal evidence alone. Finally, and of particular concern to PMAA, is the FMCSA proposal to increase FR will fall largely on the shoulders of those who can least afford higher compliance costs – small business operators who, unlike larger motor carriers, do not self insure. The FMCSA has formed a rulemaking team to evaluate appropriate levels RI¿QDQFLDOUHVSRQVLELOLW\IRUHDFK FODVVL¿FDWLRQRIPRWRUFDUULHU7KH next step, according to the FMCSA, will be to meet with stakeholders and develop a proposed rule. PMAA will work closely with the FMCSA, stakeholders and Congress to ensure small business petroleum marketers are left out of the upcoming FR proposal based on the lack of empirical data to justify an increase in mandatory minimum insurance coverage. REGULATORY CORNER WWW.PPMCO.COM ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 5555 Bankhead Highway | Birmingham, AL 35210 | 205-836-5650 30704 Sergeant E.I. Boots Thomas Drive | Spanish Fort, AL 36527 | 251-990-9000 Government Retail UST Energy Commercial Manufacturing PROVIDING ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES THAT EXCEED OUR CLIENTS' EXPECTATIONS PPM understands the unique environmental challenges facing the petroleum marketing industry.The PPM team will guide you WKURXJKWKHUHJXODWRU\DQGVFLHQWLͤFSURFHVVDVVRFLDWHGZLWK soil and groundwater assessment/remediation, compliance, and environmental due diligence.