Half of truckload carriers are prepared for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's CSA 2010 program
, according to the results from Transport Capital Partners' Business Expectations Survey. While the program was slated to get under way in July, full implementation has been delayed until November (See Truckinginfo.com story).

"TCP's survey shows only half of the carriers have reviewed their SafeStat numbers to understand what FMCSA will be reviewing and about 1/3 have already made changes in their safety programs based on these reviews," said Richard Mikes, a managing partner for TCP. "But one in six do not anticipate the need to make any changes."

"The survey shows that larger carriers appear to be further along in preparing for changes than smaller carriers and delaying the implementation of the new regulations will address some carrier concerns and allow time for better understanding and preparation," said Lana Batts, a managing partner for TCP.

The survey found that 41 percent of respondents expect to change the way they monitor sub-performing driving, while 29 percent have already changed hiring standards.

"Carriers that have made changes are engaging in multiple initiatives," Mikes said. "This includes over 60 percent adding training so that drivers understand how these new regulations can not only affect their jobs but also their careers."

When asked about California environmental regulations, a third of carriers operating in or going into the state are considering some type of environmental compliance fee. Batts and Mikes believe these increased costs must eventually be reflected either in rates or surcharges.