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 The
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has told state drivers license
administrators that they will delay the requirement for background checks on
HazMat drivers, which was originally scheduled to begin November 3, 2003.The
word is the delay is indefinite, at least for now.
The requirement was conceived during the aftermath of the
terrorist attack on the United States. However, the good intentions didn't match
reality. With over 3.5 million CDL drivers carrying Hazardous Materials
endorsements, the logistics to run background checks on them and any new
endorsement seekers is just overwhelming. When you take into account TSA still hasn't
finished doing background checks on all of its 48,000 airport security
screeners, you can see the magnitude of the problem.
Hazardous materials carriers have been concerned that their
operations may be impacted by drivers being put out-of-service while background
checks are completed. State license administrators have never been told how they
were going to do the checks or who is going to pay for them. To date, the TSA
hasn't had answers for either.
As of now, it looks like hazardous materials carriers can
breath a sigh of relief. TSA will have to come up with a workable plan before
this requirement can be put into place.
However, keep in mind that you have a responsibility of
"due diligence". Despite the fact the requirement may be delayed,
should you be doing criminal background checks on your drivers? If you're
involved in an accident and your driver has a criminal background, the plaintiff
attorneys will have a field day with you at trial. No matter whose at fault!
Contact SafeTrac Solutions for comprehensive quality
background investigations.
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