Packaging, Transportation and Disposition: Packaging Conditions and Testing

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has been undergoing changes to the Hours of Service regulations for commercial motor carriers over the last several years. Although the most recent changes continue to undergo legal challenges as a part of the final rulemaking; they have already been implemented (with enforcement to motor carriers) by governmental entities. These changes to the regulations have already shown to have a substantial impact on the permissible time that drivers have to work on a daily and weekly basis. Additionally it subsequently effects their available driving time and increases stringent requirements for mandatory rest periods for the drivers. The impact of these changes has resulted in a reduction in productivity for drivers, motor carriers and all industries that rely on inland US transportation using trucks. Due to the substantial security protocols and procedures associated with the nuclear industry, the impacts on our industry reach even further than most. Due to the new regulations, it has a significant impact on shippers and receivers, on both schedules and costs. As an industry, it is critical that we identify ways for the shipper-consignee community to work closely with the carrier industry to integrate these changes into their practices. With the ramifications of these new regulations affecting all parties, a joint-effort will help to create new ‘best practices’ whereby minimizing the adverse effects and increasing the safety and security for the nuclear industry.