For the 8th Consecutive year GSIS was in attendance for the TIA Conference. We made many new friends and thank all those in attendance for an educational and entertaining week.

The past 12 months in the 3PL industry have, like the economy, had its ups and downs. Most notably the introduction of MAP 21 of the Highway Authorization Bill. Last July President Obama forever changed the logistics field with the introduction of Map 21 (moving ahead for progress in the 21st century act). Since its introduction, MAP 21 has been implemented by DOT, FTA, FMCSA and FHWA with one goal in mind: to develop a national strategic freight plan. Just renewed by congress in April, MAP 21 is running full steam ahead. We can revisit some key points of the TIA Conference pertinent to our field:

1. Electronic Logging Devices

The law requires DOT to establish regulations mandating electronic logging devices (EOBR’s) for motor carriers currently required to complete paper logs. The regulations must be in place within 1 year and carriers will have two years thereafter to adopt/install the devices.

2. Freight Policy

DOT is creating a national freight plan that includes an assessment of the condition and performance of the national freight network and identification of highway freight bottlenecks. This is intended to improve freight efficiency from 80% to 90% off of interstate systems and 95% for interstate systems.

3. Truck Size and Weight

The act does not include an increase in size and weight limits except for an increase in allowable weight for idling reduction devices from 400 pounds to 550 pounds. States are also allowed to issue 120 day oversize-overweight permits to trucks responding to disasters if a national emergency is declared.

4. Performance Standards

Each state and urban area is required to establish minimum performance standards related to highway and bridge maintenance, congestion, system reliability, safety, freight efficiency, air quality and project delivery. Failure to do so will result in the transfer of federal funds from non logistic areas in order to compensate.

5. Broker Bond

MAP-21 increases the broker bond to $75,000 and applies it to freight forwarders. It also tightens requirements on bonding companies to respond to carrier claims.

6. Proficiency Testing

All new employees entering the motor carrier field now must complete the DOT safety testing within 12 months rather than the previous standard of 18 months.

7. Transport of Agricultural Commodities & Supplies

Increases air mileage from 100 to 150 and eliminates “in the state” from regulation; making it an “interstate” issue.

8. HAZMAT

Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is to update its accident and release record keeping and reporting requirements. PHMSA is also to assist DOT in creating mandatory standardized training for HAZ enforcement officials.