Insights - May/June 2018 - 7

who previously had to obtain an FMCSA exemption before being
cleared to drive a commercial vehicle.
He also mentioned autonomous vehicles, saying the government is doing its best to catch up with market developments. The
efforts to develop procedures and policy direction will take an
unspecified amount of time. Frederick also discussed this topic,
saying FMCSA and the entire Department of Transportation were
working on the issue through interagency groups.
Ruban further provided updates on intermodal equipment
provider investigations. Eleven such investigations were conducted in 2017, with three resulting in enforcement. At the same
time, Ruban noted the overall improvement in chassis safety that
has been observed by the agency, as evidenced by a decrease
in violations. Violations that still tend to occur, he said, include
failure to have a systematic maintenance program, failure to
complete timely annual inspections and not displaying evidence
that mechanics are properly qualified to work on chassis.
In addition, he said a similar number of investigations will
take place during the 2018 fiscal year.

The Photographic Evidence Task Force also presented
its updated recommendations regarding the equivalence of
photographs versus a returned tire carcass for evidence and
evaluation of a carcass defect, which were approved by the
committee. The committee will also develop a motor carrier
and roadside vendors "informational card" program to assist
with industry awareness of this new criteria for tire marking and
photographic evidence.
The committee also recognized the contribution of immediate past committee leaders Cliff Creech of Norfolk Southern, Joey
Frederick of P&B Intermodal Services and Jordan Hunt of ContainerPort Group.

Human Capital

They noted there were no current updates on potential
changes to the Electronic Logging Device mandate, while stressing the agency's openness to discussing any issues that may
arise. They shared that it was too soon to draw any conclusions
since full ELD enforcement took effect April 1. FMCSA also
continues to work on additional steps related to the Compliance,
Safety, Accountability program.
FMCSA further explained the review process for its sleeper
berth study and its pilot program to assess licensing of drivers
under 21 with military experience for interstate operations. Both
programs are awaiting approval by the White House's Office of
Management and Budget before they can proceed further.

Maintenance and Repair Committee
Thursday began with the Maintenance and Repair Committee
meeting. The committee moved to approve the Intermodal
Recommended Practices completed by the Intermodal Chassis
Mechanics Training Task Force, a priority item. The task force
shared that it is working on an inspection and repair guide for
delivery in the summer of 2018 that will include the 53 IRPs,
as well as other resources to assist mechanics with inspecting
and repairing intermodal chassis. Task Force Chairman Marty
Summers from CCM noted that the group has worked 2,924
hours over three years to prepare these IRPs.

In a presentation on Apprenticeship Programs for the Intermodal Workforce, Rachel Rowe of FASTPORT elaborated on the
benefits of developing a registered apprenticeship program that,
on the employer side, results in higher employee productivity,
higher retention rates and a substantial return on investment.
Apprenticeships also fulfill a business need to create a pipeline of
skilled workers.
Among the benefits to the apprentices are hands-on career
training; improved skills and competencies; the potential to earn
college credit; and a successful long-term career burdened by
little or no educational debt. In closing her presentation, she noted that for every $1 invested in apprenticeships, there is a public
return of approximately $28 in benefits. With respect to employers, she noted the opportunity to attain competitive advantage
through the nationally recognized Certificate of Registration
credential with the U.S. Department of Labor, the ability to leverage training and labor costs due to funding streams and reduced
labor costs. Also mentioned was the ability for employers in the
program to draw from a potential $83 million in grant funds.
The Department of Labor can provide funding for paid apprenticeships that can be set up through organizations such
as IANA. Associations can work with members as employer
partners. She said there are particular benefits for veterans under
the apprenticeship program rules, such as a housing stipend
during training. Rowe said FASTPORT is a private company that
facilitates apprenticeships by working with trade associations,
such as IANA, and other entities.

Operations Committee Meeting
The Operations Committee meeting was conducted later in
the day. After the approval of the minutes, Committee Vice Chairman Hensal recognized the contribution of the immediate past
May/June 2018 | Intermodal Insights

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Insights - May/June 2018