As the federal government tightens security in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, trucking companies are facing new laws and regulations that require new ways of doing business.

In the December issue of Heavy Duty Trucking, Washington Editor Oliver Patton examines the fallout from the USA Patriot Act, which says states cannot issue or renew a hazmat commercial driver's license unless the Secretary of Transportation certifies that the driver is not a security risk - a provision that has left many state and trucking officials scratching their heads as to how to comply without drying up the flow of hazardous materials drivers
No matter what Congress decides to do about that particular problem, the trucking industry should be aware that changes are coming down the pike when it comes to driver security, whether it's in the area of background checks, biometric identifiers, mandatory driver training standards or other aspects.

For more, see the December issue of HDT. Click here to see if you qualify for a free subscription.