BGS Transportation Department Attends Regional Conference
January 31, 2017 | Carole Clark Isakson Jim Wills , Carole Clark Isakson and Nicole Wiebold recently attended the 2017 TLA (Transportation Lawyers Association) Chicago Regional Seminar. This seminar attracts lawyers from 35 states and several Canadian provinces, and included a presentation by the regional director of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Jim Wills, Nicole Wiebold, Carole Clark Isakson
The TLA is an active group of transportation attorneys, uniquely qualified to provide both education and networking. Transportation issues are generally not state specific, and having a good understanding of the federal regulatory scheme is critical. It also helps to know who to call in Texas in the case of an emergency! The TLA provides both.
The seminar featured presentations from attorneys in the US, Canada and Mexico on cross boarder issues (primarily liability and choice of law concerns). A representative of the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) reported on implemented and upcoming changes to the rules applying to many motor carriers. As with every business, trucking companies can expect ever evolving technologies to present new advantages and burdens. Electronic logging devices on many trucks will be required effective December 18, 2017. These devices capture data on the driver’s driving, engine run times, vehicle movement, miles driven, and engine hours. Seminar attendees also learned about new rule-making on safety fitness determinations for motor carriers, changes in entry level driver training, the status of the Unified Registration System, and the new drug and alcohol clearinghouse.
Other speakers opined on arbitration provisions and a variety of other topics of particular interest to attorneys representing transportation companies, including motor carriers.
Contact the BGS Transportation Lawyers with your questions on motor carrier regulations!