Security & Safety Briefs - Dec. 29 - Jan. 4

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The Latest Headlines:

• DOT Withdraws Hazmat, Food Product Rulemaking
• DHS Reports Progress on US-VISIT Program
• Ontario Passes Liability Limits

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DOT Withdraws Hazmat, Food Product Rulemaking

The Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has withdrawn its open rulemaking to implement the Sanitary Food Transportation Act of 1990, according American Trucking Associations.

The rulemaking regulates the commingling of hazardous materials and food- grade products in transportation, ATA said.

ATA had previously submitted comments in opposition to the proposed rule, which simply incorporated by reference all applicable standards previously published by the Agriculture Department or Food and Drug Administration without enumerating which standards would apply to motor carriers.

PHMSA withdrew the rulemaking based upon a provision in the federal highway law passed last year, which transferred authority for regulating the safe food transportation of from DOT to the Department of Health and Human Services.

To view a copy of the withdrawal notice, click here (2-page PDF file). Transport Topics

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DHS Reports Progress on US-VISIT Program

The Department of Homeland Security said Friday that its US-VISIT program has completed installation of biometric entry capabilities at 104 land border ports, as mandated by Congress.

Biometric entry capabilities are now deployed at all fixed ports of entry open to US-VISIT travelers, the agency said.

US-VISIT is a program of security measures that collect biometric and biographical information from visitors at U.S. visa-issuing posts upon their arrival and departure from air, sea and land border ports.

The program enhances security by verifying each visitor’s identity and by comparing their information against watch lists of terrorists, criminals, and immigration violators, DHS said. Transport Topics

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Ontario Passes Liability Limits

The government of Ontario, Canada, approved legislation last month limiting vicarious liability for owners of rented and leased commercial trucks and passenger vehicles.

The law, which took effect Dec. 14 and applies only to that province, placed a $1 million freeze on such liability for owners of rented vehicles. Transport Topics

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