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Trucking is a crucial piece of the chemical supply chain and ACD members rely heavily on this mode to deliver products to their customers. Having capable, well-trained truck drivers on the road and empowering truckers and businesses to have control over their fleets is necessary to ensure the smooth movement of goods. ACD supports policies that improve the viability and appeal of truck driving as a career and allow businesses to engage in the trucking industry without burdensome regulations. Moreover, ACD recognizes the importance of ensuring that hazardous substances are transported safely, as demonstrated through ACD’s Responsible Distribution® program. ACD supports policies that improve trucking safety without engaging in regulatory overreach.
For more information on specific trucking policies, please explore the topics below and browse ACD’s resource database. For the latest actions in these areas, follow us on X and visit our Newsroom.
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While trucking is a critical piece of the American supply chain, the industry has faced a shortage in drivers. ACD supports actions that would address the truck driver shortage and its aging workforce without sacrificing necessary safety requirements. These include incentivizing younger drivers to enter the profession by removing age-based restrictions for those who have completed the necessary training, implementing flexibilities in hours-of-service requirements to ensure drivers can maximize their impact while on the road, and ensuring that drivers retain the right to operate as private contractors.
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The transportation of hazardous materials is critical to meeting the health, safety, and economic needs of the nation. ACD members prioritize the safe transportation of hazardous materials through Responsible Distribution and compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR). The HMR are practical and efficient safety regulations that include specific labeling, testing, and training requirements and are enforced and administered nationwide. ACD supports the HMR and appreciates PHMSA’s outreach to industry in making sure these rules are clearly understood.
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Rail service is critically important for the chemical distribution industry. Many ACD member companies are serviced only by a single railroad, subjecting them to higher freight rates, capacity constraints, and service issues. ACD endorses efforts to promote greater freight rail competition and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Surface Transportation Board (STB), which would provide proper recourse for rail customers and improve the reliability and quality of service.
For more information on specific rail policies, please explore the topics below and browse ACD’s resource database. For the latest actions in these areas, follow us on X and visit our Newsroom.
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The chemical industry is one of the largest customers of freight rail in both volume and revenue. The chemical distribution industry depends on freight rail to deliver the raw materials it needs to process, formulate, and distribute products that are essential to Americans’ everyday health and safety. Members of the Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD)) place the highest priority on the health, safety, and security of our employees, communities, and the environment and demonstrate that commitment through adherence to ACD Responsible Distribution®, the underpinning of our industry’s responsible management and handling of chemicals.
Learn more about Rail Safety in the Chemical Industry.
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The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has taken several measures to address rail service issues, including adopting a rule to require more clarity on demurrage invoices; launching an inquiry on first mile/last mile rail service; and reopening a rulemaking on reciprocal switching. In 2022, the STB continued its oversight, holding a two-day hearing on general freight rail service concerns and a later hearing on one Class I railroad’s increased use of embargoes. The STB also issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to update the emergency service rules to provide relief for shippers in situations that require immediate action. ACD supports the STB taking continued action that would improve service and competitiveness in the freight rail industry, including the allowance of reciprocal switching. ACD also supports Congress giving the STB additional authority to ensure chemical distributors and other shippers receive adequate rail service.
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For further questions about ACD’s Surface Transportation Issue Page, please contact Nicholas Breslin, Manager of Regulatory Affairs at nbreslin@acd-chem.com.