Goal is to Ensure New Rule Does Not Adversely Impact Intermodal Operations
 
CALVERTON, MD, July 31, 2012 – Today the Intermodal Association of North America, along with 14 other trade associations, filed a joint amici curiae brief in a legal challenge to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Hours of Service Final Rule. IANA believes that the previous Hours of Service rules served the public well and created a regulatory framework that improved safety over the past decade.
 

IANA participated in the joint filing in support of the American Trucking Associations legal challenge based on the Association’s concern that the required rest periods of the 34-hour restart provision could adversely impact the efficiency of intermodal motor carriers that provide rail and port terminal drayage services, since many intermodal facilities are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The amici brief also argues that FMCSA failed to consider the additional costs to carriers, shippers, receivers, and transportation intermediaries when evaluating changes to the rule.
 
According to IANA President and CEO Joni Casey, “Intermodal freight transportation is a well-balanced and interdependent system. Because intermodal stakeholders are dependent on each other, a negative impact that affects one will likely have a ripple effect across the entire supply chain. The 34-hour restart change is particularly problematic as it will reduce a driver’s present work week and impede the scheduling flexibility necessary to service the hundreds of rail and port facilities in the U.S.”
 
 About IANA
IANA is North America's leading industry trade association representing the combined interests of the intermodal freight industry. IANA's membership includes railroads, water carriers and stacktrain operators; port authorities; intermodal truckers and over-the-road highway carriers; intermodal marketing and logistics companies; and suppliers to the industry, such as equipment manufacturers, intermodal leasing companies and consulting firms. IANA's associate members include shippers, academic institutions, government entities and nonprofit associations.