FINAL BILL REPORT
ESB 5534
C 359 L 93
SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED
Brief Description: Authorizing terminal safety audits of private carriers.
SPONSORS: Senators Vognild and Prince
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
BACKGROUND:
The Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) conducts intrastate common/contract carrier terminal safety audits at the company's place of business. The carrier's books are inspected for compliance with the hours of service requirements, driver qualifications, rate regulation, etc. Vehicle and equipment inspections are also conducted in the terminal yard.
Private carriers are not subject to the UTC's safety authority. The Washington State Patrol conducts private carrier roadside inspections, but does not perform private carrier terminal surveys.
SUMMARY:
The UTC is authorized to conduct private carrier terminal safety audits for those carriers operating vehicles (a) with a gross weight of 26,001 pounds or more, or (b) transporting hazardous materials that require placarding. Only those private carriers with terminals in Washington State are subject to the commission's jurisdiction. The Washington State Patrol will continue to conduct roadside inspections for all private carriers.
Private carriers with in-state terminals using vehicles weighing over 26,001 pounds are required to register with the commission. The registration application fee is a maximum of $50; the annual regulatory fee may not exceed $10.
Exempt vehicles include: (1) vehicles owned by the federal, state or local government, and (2) farm vehicles transporting a farmer's own products to market or machinery and supplies to or from the farm, as long as the farm vehicle is not transporting a hazardous material that requires placarding or is operated within 150 air miles of the farm.
VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:
Senate 49 0
House 98 0 (House amended)
Senate 46 0 (Senate concurred)
EFFECTIVE:July 25, 1993