Headlines

Near the end of February, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) proposed a fee increase that didn’t sit well with the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA).

PHMSA, a division of the U.S. Department of Transporation (DOT), wanted to increase the registration and fee assessment program for hazmat transporters by as much as $2,000. Carriers, including Canadian companies that haul certain categories and quantities of hazardous materials, could see the annual fee rise to $2,975 (plus a $25 administrative fee) from $975 for registration years beginning in 2010-2011.

The fee increase would go towards funding the national Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) grants program.

In a letter to the U.S. DOT, the CTA urged the PHMSA to review the proposed increase. CTA reiterated the importance of funding safety and environmental initiatives such as the HMEP, but questioned the application and level of need for the proposed increase.

“CTA finds it troubling that in the face of federal budget constraints, U.S. agencies are developing a propensity for significant fee hikes to maintain programs on a status quo basis, rather than taking a hard look at programs and determining where cuts to non-essential components can be made,” said CTA president David Bradley.

CTA has further concerns that the fee assigned to large carriers ($25.5M in gross revenue) is partially based on revenues that are derived from domestic business in Canada that should be completely beyond the reach of the U.S. government.

“This is patently unfair in CTA’s view, and it is our position that the determination of large carrier status should be based solely on revenue earned in the United States to haul hazardous materials,” explained Bradley.

Read the full story at: todaystrucking.com

0 Comment(s) Post a Comment   Be the first to comment on this item.  Comment on this item: Name: Company: Email: Comment: Security Code: Reload Image Enter the text shown in the box above. Comments that include profanity, personal attacks or antisocial behavior such as "spamming," "trolling," or any other inappropriate material will not be posted to the site and/or will be removed from the site. You are fully responsible for the content you post. Neither the Association nor the publisher of this website, Data Key Communications, Inc, are responsible for the contents thereof or the opinions of the contributors. Contact and company information entered must be true and accurate. By submitting a comment, you agree to these terms and conditions.

More Headlines Showing Page 3 of 239 ‹‹First   ‹Previous Next›   Last›› 5/9/2012 GAWDA Members React To SMC ...more | comments Members offer feedback on conference educational and network opportunities. 5/9/2012 Colfax Reports Earnings Post-Acquisition ...more | comments Acquirer of ESAB parent Charter International sees revenues climb, profits fall. 5/9/2012 Small Business Optimism Climbs ...more | comments NFIB index hits highest level since December 2007. 5/8/2012 Air Products Secures Helium Supply ...more | comments Contract with National Helium provides base-load volume for plant in Kansas. 5/8/2012 Holston Helps Create Jobs ...more | comments Distributor helps Knoxville capture spot on Forbes' Best Cities for Jobs list. 5/8/2012 SMC Photos Show Attendees' Optimism ...more | comments As business picks up, conference attendees have reason to smile. 5/7/2012 Distributors, Suppliers Connect at SMC ...more | comments New products and services on display at GAWDA's Contact Booth Program. 5/7/2012 Oilind Safety Rebrands ...more | comments Company changes name to Airgas On-Site Safety Services. 5/7/2012 Panikar to Dicusss Growth Strategies ...more | comments Paxair Distribution, Inc. president address Baird 2012 Growth Stock Conference. 5/4/2012 Speakers Gauge Business Landscape ...more | comments Juan Williams, Andy Bauer address GAWDA conference.