The Intermodal Association of North America has launched its Global Intermodal Equipment Registry, a virtual technology alternative to the intermodal equipment marking options that were mandated in the final roadability regulations issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
The new tool is expected to save the industry about $60 million.

GIER reduces costs for users by using technology to avoid the physical capturing and remarking of intermodal equipment to meet the regulatory requirements. Instead, GIER utilizes the existing unique alpha-numeric control numbers that currently appear on intermodal equipment.

Intermodal equipment is registered in GIER using these existing control numbers as well as the vehicle identification number (VIN) and the vehicle registration. GIER provides a searchable database that links these commonly found equipment marks to the Intermodal Equipment Provider (IEP) responsible for the equipment. This includes identification of the newly required IEP DOT number.

While the roadability regulation initially proposed four physical options for marking intermodal equipment, the industry petitioned FMCSA for reconsideration of the final roadability rule. Last month, FMCSA agreed to amend the roadability rule to allow a fifth intermodal equipment marking option.

"After months of waiting, I am glad that we finally are able to provide this streamlined, cost-saving compliance solution to the intermodal industry," said Joni Casey, IANA president and CEO.

GIER also provides the data needed to process Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIR) electronically, which is also required under the FMCSA's roadability regulations. IANA has developed electronic DVIR processing capabilities that are currently available for use prior to the Dec. 17, 2009 compliance deadline. Based on ongoing discussions with IEPs, IANA estimates that over 300,000 pieces of intermodal equipment will be registered within the first month that GIER goes live.

Intermodal Equipment Providers can register their equipment in GIER by visiting GierRegistry.com.