Aon Corp. a provider of risk management and insurance services has jumped into the public debate on the value of new federal rules that require hazmat drivers to be fingerprinted
and go through background checks.
The program went into effect Tuesday.
“While some in the industry squabble about the new requirements, David Mitchell, director of risk control, Aon Risk Service's trucking group, explains that the Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Agency have simply raised the security bar,” AON said in a press release.
"It's like getting a good physical exam. Several years ago, the physician checked weight, blood pressure and sugar levels. Now, there are several more checks, not all of which are totally appreciated by the patient. Physicians have 'raised the bar.' The good news is that we are living longer and healthier lives – even if we don't appreciate the bar being raised," Mitchell said.
The new rules have been criticized by a number of trucking groups and individuals, most recently by Dan England, president of C.R. England Inc. testifying on behalf of the ATA at hearings of the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Highways, Transit and Pipelines.
“ATA believes the objective can be accomplished through means that do not unnecessarily discourage drivers from hauling hazardous materials by virtue of inconvenient processes and inflated costs,” England said before the House subcommittee on May 11.
Mitchell acknowledges that the application process may become more complex and costly, but notes most companies are helping drivers handle additional costs.
"The costs will rise, but most companies are helping drivers pay for at least some of the costs. A recent survey of a nationwide trucking association showed that almost 30% of fleets are paying for the licensing cost, and another 30% are paying part of the cost."