Requirements for Intermodal Equipment Providers and for Motor Carriers and Drivers Operating Intermodal Equipment

The FMCSA extends until June 30, 2011, the June 30, 2010, compliance date of its December 29, 2009, final rule concerning the inspection, repair, and maintenance of intermodal equipment (IME), specifically with respect to the requirement for drivers and motor carriers to prepare a driver-vehicle inspection report (DVIR) on an item of IME even if no damage, defects, or deficiencies are discovered by, or reported to, the driver. This action is being taken to provide the Agency with sufficient time to address, through a notice-and- comment rulemaking proceeding, an issue raised in a petition for rulemaking submitted on March 31, 2010, by the Ocean Carrier Equipment Management Association (OCEMA) and the Institute of International Container Lessors (IICL) (also referred to as "the petitioners"). The requirements for intermodal equipment providers (IEPs) to have in place inspection, repair and maintenance programs, and a process for receiving and taking appropriate action in response to DVIRs on which damage, defects, or deficiencies are reported, remain in effect.