[Federal Register: April 10, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 69)] [Proposed Rules] [Page 17812] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr10ap98-37] [[Page 17812]] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Highway Administration 49 CFR Part 393 [FHWA Docket No. MC-96-41; FHWA-97-2289] RIN 2125-AE05 Public Meeting To Discuss the Development of the North American Standard for Protection Against Shifting or Falling Cargo AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of meeting. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The FHWA is announcing a public meeting concerning the development of the North American Standard for Protection Against Shifting or Falling Cargo. The meeting will include a review of the most recent version of the North American Standard for Protection Against Shifting or Falling Cargo and a discussion of issues related to the adoption of the guidelines by jurisdictions throughout North America. DATES: The meeting will be held on May 2, 1998. The meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at 5:00 p.m. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Hyatt Regency Irvine, 17900 Jamboree Boulevard in Irvine, California. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Larry W. Minor, Office of Motor Carrier Research and Standards, HCS-10, (202) 366-4009; or Mr. Charles E. Medalen, Office of the Chief Counsel, HCC-20, (202) 366-1354, Federal Highway Administration, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, D.C. 20590. Office hours are from 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Electronic Access An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded using a modem and suitable communications software from the Federal Register Electronic Bulletin Board Service at (202) 512-1661. Internet users may reach the Federal Register's home page at: http://www.nara.gov/nara/ fedreg and the Government Printing Office's database at: http:// www.access.gpo.gov/su__docs. Background On October 17, 1996, the FHWA published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) concerning the development of the North American Standard for Protection Against Shifting or Falling Cargo (61 FR 54142). The ANPRM indicated that the FHWA is considering proposing amendments to its regulations concerning cargo securement requirements for commercial motor vehicles engaged in interstate commerce. Specifically, the agency is considering adopting new cargo securement rules that will be based upon the results of a multi-year comprehensive research program to evaluate current regulations and industry practices. The FHWA requested comments on the process to be used in developing the cargo securement guidelines. Standard Development Process The preliminary efforts at developing the North American Standard for Protection Against Shifting or Falling Cargo are currently being managed by a drafting group. The drafting group is developing a model set of cargo securement guidelines based upon the results from the multi-year research program. Membership in the drafting group includes representatives from the FHWA, Transport Canada, the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA), the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, the Quebec Ministry of Transportation--Ontario and Quebec are conducting most of the research--and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA). The meeting on May 2 is a continuation of a series of public meetings and is intended to serve as part of a process for further developing the guidelines. The meeting will involve a review of the work completed to date by the drafting group, discussions concerning the process for each of the jurisdictions in North America to adopt the guidelines, and the identification of any additional research or data that may be needed to resolve concerns raised during previous public meetings. The meeting is open to all interested parties. This process is intended to ensure that all interested parties have an opportunity to participate in the development of the guidelines, and to identify and consider the concerns of the Federal, State, and Provincial governments, carriers, shippers, industry groups, and associations as well as safety advocacy groups and the general public. For individuals and groups unable to attend the meeting, copies of the draft standard may be obtained, free of charge, by contacting Mr. Larry W. Minor at the address and telephone number listed at the beginning of this notice. Further, the CCMTA has posted the complete draft standard and related information (e.g., minutes of the previous public meetings, information about ordering copies of the cargo securement research reports, etc.) on the INTERNET. The website is: http://www.ab.org/ccmta/ccmta.html. With regard to future rulemaking notices, the FHWA will publish a separate notice concerning its review of the docket comments submitted in response to the ANPRM. That notice will summarize the comments and identify any issues that warrant reconsideration of the standard development process. Meeting Information The meeting will be held on May 2, 1998, at the Hyatt Regency Irvine Hotel, 17900 Jamboree Boulevard in Irvine, California. The meeting is scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in conjunction with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's 1998 Spring Workshop. Attendance for the cargo securement meeting is free of charge and open to all interested parties. However, anyone interested in attending the sessions and committee meetings of the CVSA's 1998 Spring Workshop must register with the CVSA and pay the appropriate registration fee. For further information about registration for other sessions or meetings of the CVSA's 1998 Spring Workshop please contact the CVSA at (301) 564-1623. The FHWA notes that since the CVSA's 1998 Spring Workshop is being held at the Hyatt Regency Irvine Hotel, the availability of guest rooms at the hotel is very unlikely. Therefore, those needing hotel accommodations should attempt to make reservations at other hotels in the vicinity. List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 393 Highway safety, Motor carriers, Motor vehicle safety. Authority: 49 U.S.C. 31136, 31502; 49 CFR 1.48. Issued on: April 6, 1998. George L. Reagle, Associate Administrator for Motor Carriers. [FR Doc. 98-9470 Filed 4-9-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-22-P