Thomas E. Petri: “I rise in support of H.R. 4040, the Intermodal Safe Container Act Amendments of 1996. I want to thank my colleagues Bud…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 4040, the Intermodal Safe Container Act Amendments of 1996. I want to thank my colleagues Bud Shuster, Susan Molinari, and Howard Coble, and my Democratic colleagues James Oberstar, Nick Rahall, Bob Wise, and Bob Clement, for their cooperation in swiftly moving this legislation. This legislation corrects several problems in the 1992 Intermodal Safe Container Act which sets standards for the intermodal transfer of freight containers between ocean shipping lines, railroads, and motor carriers so that no trucks hauling containers are overweight. The 1992 act has been delayed by DOT only until January 1, 1997. A coalition of ocean carriers, railroads, motor carriers, and freight shippers recommended changes to the 1992 act, since these problems could not be corrected by DOT. DOT supports these changes. These recommendations are the basis of this legislation. This bill encourages compliance with highway weight rules. It clearly establishes that shippers must provide a certification that identifies the weight and contents of the container. If this certification is not made or is incorrect, the shippers are automatically liable for any resultant highway weight violations. The Act speeds shipments by permitting all carriers to use electronic certifications and reduces paperwork by permitting a bill of lading to be used as the certification. The weight threshold for a container certification has been set at 29,001 pounds.”