YEAR IN REVIEW: JANUARY-JUNE 2004 (Part one of two)

Many regulations changed in 2004, including requirements for tying down cargo and changes to the Hours-of-Service.

As you may know, we like to begin each new year with a two-part review of regulation changes that occurred the previous year. 2004 was yet another busy year for regulation changes. We also saw many new regulations proposed that could become effective this year. In this issue we will give a summary of some of the regulatory news we discussed in the first part of 2004. Next week we will discuss regulation news from the later half of 2004.

NEW CARGO SECUREMENT REGULATIONS TAKE EFFECT, January 9, 2004 New regulations for inspecting, tying down and securing cargo went into effect on January 1, 2004. These regulations were designed to reduce the number of accidents caused by shifting and falling cargo. New regulations include revised general securement standards, performance criteria, working load limits, and commodity-specific and tie down requirements. See our new, comprehensive "How to Inspect, Tie Down, and Secure Cargo" Video Training Package that addresses all of the current and new regulations.

NEW HOURS-OF-SERVICE REGULATIONS, January 16, 2004 (Comprehensive analysis May 2, 2003) The Hours-of-Service regulations changed significantly for the first time in more than sixty years. Changes included the requirements for drivers to get more rest between on-duty times and changes to on-duty times and maximum driving times just to name a few. These new regulations also impacted those operating within a 100 air-mile radius. See our revised "New Hours-of-Service" Audio Training CD or Cassette to help get you up-to-speed on all of the changes.

OSHA POSTING REQUIREMENTS, January 30, 2004 In this issue we discussed the posting requirements for employers who must comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Each February 1 to April 30, these employers must post a summary of injuries and illnesses that occurred in the previous year. The summary must be posted in an area and format compliant with OSHA's regulations or an employer is subject to fines. Check out our new "OSHA Record Keeping" Video Training Package and Workbook for training on the new OSHA recording and reporting regulations.

RSPA REVISES HAZMAT INCIDENT REPORTING REQUIREMENTS, February 13, 2004 The Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) revised the incident reporting requirements for hazardous materials carriers. These revisions broaden the category of reportable incidents and a new form is required to be filed if a reportable incident occurs. Also see our "HazMat Initial Awareness" Security Training Video Package for help on preparing your organization.

NEW REGULATIONS FOR MOVERS, March 26, 2004 This issue discussed new requirements impacting all for-hire motor carriers engaged in the interstate transportation of household goods. These new requirements included changes to the acceptance of credit card payments, collecting charges upon delivery, providing binding estimates and filling out bills of lading.

NEW SAFETY PERFORMANCE HISTORY AND DRIVER RIGHTS REQUIREMENTS, April 2, 2004, April 16, 2004, May 7, 2004 All motor carriers operating in interstate commerce were impacted by the eye-opening new 49 CFR Part 391 regulations that went into effect last year. These regulations significantly changed the process of hiring a commercial motor vehicle driver. The regulations require employers to perform comprehensive safety performance history checks on all new drivers they hire and also afford drivers many new protective rights during the hiring process. In addition, employers are required to create a confidential new file for drivers and inform a driver of his/her rights before even accepting the driver's employment application. Under these new regulations, prior employers are required to respond to inquiries within 30 days and drivers can challenge the information provided by their previous employers. [Training available] Refer to our new "Safety Performance History" Folder Pak for a helping hand.

LCV DRIVERS TO RECEIVE MANDATORY TRAINING, April 23, 2004 Changes to the regulations for longer combination vehicle (LCV) drivers operating in interstate commerce were discussed in this issue. Drivers with limited experience are now required to complete extensive training requirements that include both knowledge and skills testing. Experienced LCV drivers are required to be grandfathered and employers must retain this documentation on file.

NEW TRAINING REQUIRED FOR ALL ENTRY-LEVEL DRIVERS, May 28, 2004 New mandatory entry-level driver training was covered in this issued. We told you that all drivers with less than one year of experience driving commercial motor vehicles must be trained on Driver Qualification, Hours-of-Service, Driver Wellness and Whistleblower Protection. Employers must retain proof of training. Drivers are required to be trained prior to driving for you if they have less than a year of experience. Our brand new "Driver Training Package" and "How to Hire a Driver" Video Training Packages will fill you in on all you need to know to hire and train new drivers under the new regulations.

TRAINING AVAILABLE Where noted we have a training product to meet your compliance needs. For more information Contact Us or call 1-800-253-5506 and ask for a Web Representative.