Understanding the Impact of Federal Preemption of Intrastate Motor Carriers onthe Shipping Community and Carriers

摘要

In October 1994, the Minnesota Department of Transportation's (Mn/DOT) Office ofMotor Carrier Services sponsored nine focus groups of small shippers and motor carriers to learn more about how federal iniatives affect Minnesota's transportation community. The focus groups revealed several common issues that affect both carriers and shippers, including the following: low awareness of government agencies, services, and functions; perceived inconsistency in the application of rules and regulations; shippers' reliance on motor carriers as a source of information; inconsistent standards of loss and damage claims; and confusion of application of safety hazards. In addition to identifying perceptions about expected changes due to federal preemption of state motor carrier regulations, the research also provided insights into other timely concerns of shippers, motor carriers, and insurance companies. The report also includes recommendations in the areas of information, research, and education.