The American Trucking Associations (ATA) is applauding the introduction of bipartisan legislation designed to remove what industry leaders describe as an outdated and redundant regulatory requirement for stinger-steered automobile transporters. The bill, introduced by Senators Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska) and Gary Peters (D-Michigan), along with Representative Tom Barrett (R-Michigan), seeks to permanently eliminate the federal requirement for warning flags on certain automobile haulers when vehicles extend beyond the rear of a trailer. ATA officials argue that the change would improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and prevent unnecessary vehicle damage without negatively affecting highway safety. The issue stems from provisions established under the FAST Act of 2015, which increased the allowable rear overhang for stinger-steered automobile transporters from four feet to six feet. However, federal regulations still require any cargo extending more than four feet beyond the rear of a trailer to display a warning flag attached directly to the cargo. For automobile carriers, complying with this requirement presents unique challenges because the cargo being transported consists of finished vehicles that already contain federally mandated visibility and reflective safety features. According to ATA’s Automobile Carriers Conference, vehicle manufacturers generally prohibit carriers from attaching objects such as warning flags to transported vehicles because doing so can damage the vehicles’ paint, trim, or exterior components. Industry representatives maintain that modern automobiles already provide adequate visibility through reflective surfaces, taillights, headlights, and other conspicuity features required under federal safety standards. As a result, they view the warning flag requirement as unnecessary and duplicative. The trucking industry has spent years advocating for relief from the requirement. In 2017, ATA petitioned the U.S. Department of Transportation for a waiver, arguing that warning flags offered little additional safety benefit for automobile transporters. In response, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) granted a five-year exemption in 2019 and later extended it for another five years in 2024. During the waiver period, regulators found no evidence that removing the warning flag requirement had any adverse effect on highway safety. Additionally, no opposition comments were submitted during the renewal process, further supporting the industry’s position. ATA officials believe the proposed legislation would provide a permanent solution by codifying the exemption into federal law. Industry leaders argue that eliminating the requirement would simplify compliance, reduce administrative burdens, and improve efficiency across the automotive transportation supply chain. They also emphasize that the measure preserves existing safety standards because transported vehicles continue… [TheTopNews] Read More.
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