The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued its final rule addressing requirements for intermodal equipment providers (sometimes referred to as the roadability rule). The regulations require providers of intermodal equipment (e.g., shipping container chassis) to register and file with the FMCSA an Intermodal Equipment Provider Identification Report; establish a systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance program to assure the safe operating condition of each intermodal chassis; maintain documentation of their maintenance program; and provide a means to effectively respond to driver and motor carrier reports about intermodal chassis mechanical defects and deficiencies. Each intermodal chassis offered for transportation in interstate commerce in the United States must be marked with a US Department of Transportation (DOT) identification number. The final rule comes into effect on June 17, 2009. 73 Fed. Reg. 76793 (December 17, 2008).
(Source: Holland & Knight)