The United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) has issued a set of standards seeking to address concerns regarding the authorization for Mexican motor carriers to enter and travel throughout the United States. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has begun safety surveys of Mexican carriers in Mexico, and has issued the following data in a fact sheet:
• Before 1982, trucks from Mexico could drive anywhere in the United States;
• The companies must pass a safety audit by U.S. inspectors, including a complete review of driver records, insurance policies, drug and alcohol testing programs and vehicle inspection records;
• Since the mid-1990s, the rate of Mexican trucks taken off the road for safety violations has dropped 64 percent, from 59 percent to 21 percent (comparable to the U.S. average);
• Mexican trucks and drivers must meet U.S. safety and security requirements before being allowed to drive beyond the border region.
Interest continues to be high on this issue. Comments regarding the cross border changes are more appropriately addressed to Congressional representatives, especially members of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development. A list of members can be found at: http://appropriations.senate.gov/transportation.cfm.
SOFTWARE VIOLATION PENALTY
A major trucking company has agreed to pay a penalty of $300,000 for unauthorized use of computer software. The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) has created an Anti-Piracy Division which actively seeks violations, has a “Hot-Line” for anyone wishing to report a violation and offers public access to its software education website. Go to www.siia.net/piracy/education.asp.
OSHA COMPLIANCE POSTER PUBLISHED
Our series on reducing safety hazards and workplace costs continues:
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently announced publication of its new "It’s The Law" poster. The free poster, also known as the “OSHA Notice of Employee Rights,” is required to be displayed in every workplace in the U.S. You can download copies free of charge in both English and Spanish from OSHA's website. Free printed copies can be obtained from any OSHA regional or area office, or by writing to the OSHA Publications Office, Room N3101, 200 Constitution Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210; phone (202) 693-1888. |
