Listening Session: Knowledge Testing of New Entrant Motor Carriers, Freight Forwarders and Brokers


AGENDA

9:30 - 9:35 a.m.

  • Opening Statement by Bill Quade, FMCSA Associate Administrator for Enforcement
  • Purpose of the Listening Session
  • Introduction of FMCSA Representatives

9:35 - 9:40 a.m.

  • Introduction by Fatimah Moody, Facilitator
  • Discussion of Ground Rules
  • Administrative Details

9:40 - 11:30 a.m.

  • Presentations by Listening Session Attendees
  • Facilitator Will Seek Audience Participation

11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

  • Break

2:30 - 4:20 p.m.

  • Continuation of Public Comments

4:20 - 4:30 p.m.

  • Closing Remarks by Chuck Horan, FMCSA

The session may conclude early if the audience has no more comments.


QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

FMCSA asks listening session participants to consider the following questions in preparing to make comments at the listening session:

  • Should the exam be limited to the applicable FMCSA regulations or include both the regulations and industry best practices?
  • If the exam covers industry best practices, what specific best practices should be included on the exam?
  • What industry best practices manuals/publications are available for new entrants to study prior to taking a proficiency exam?
  • Are private-sector training courses available to teach new entrants industry best practices?
  • Should FMCSA limit the exam to company officers or employees responsible for safety and compliance, or should the Agency allow safety consultants to complete the exam on behalf of the new entrant?
  • Should the test results be linked to specific individuals identified on the registration application with a requirement that the new entrant entity have a ''certified'' individual who passed the exam in a position responsible for safety and compliance?  And should the new entrant be required to update their registration information whenever these individuals are replaced/reassigned during the new entrant monitoring/oversight period?
  • MAP-21 requires freight forwarders and brokers to renew their registration authority every 5 years. Should the new entrant testing rule require a new test (i.e., recertification test) to accompany the freight forwarder or broker renewal application?
  • Should the FMCSA develop and deliver the test directly to the new entrant applicants, or should the Agency rely on a private sector entity to handle the testing, with the results being transmitted directly to FMCSA?
  • Do private sector companies or organizations currently conduct testing concerning industry best practices?
  • Should the testing be conducted at testing centers, or should FMCSA allow on-line testing?