Engineering Committee provide rulemaking input

The TTMA Engineering Committee reviewed several key regulatory actions during the TTMA convention.

Among the regulatory items:

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is at work on revisions to its rear underride guard regulations.

• TTMA has been working with the Transportation Safety Equipment Institute to get strobe lights authorized on certain types of trailers.

• Phase 2 of EPA and NHTSA’s greenhouse gas proposal is expected to be published shortly.

• Mexico may modify its rules regarding conspicuity tape. Details are expected to be presented at the committee’s summer meeting scheduled for July 28 at The Embassy Suites Hotel in Alexandria, Virginia.

The Committee reviewed correspondence from Southwest Research institute and the California Air Resources Board. They also approved a guidance letter to CVSA to help determine out of service criteria for bolted slide rails.

The Committee reviewed several TTMA publications and reissued the following:

• RP 97 - Trailer Antilock Braking System Wiring

• TB 119 - Electrical Interface
for Truck-Trailer Interconnection

The committee expressed its gratitude to associate members who have hosted meetings. Rick Quinn of Steel Warehouse will host this year’s Associate-Hosted Meeting October 26-27. Future meeting volunteers are as follows:

2017: Andy Kinnucan of Hoosier Tank and Manufacturing

2018: Bill Schaffer of Overseas Hardwoods

2019: Steve Meagher of Peterson Manufacturing

2020: Dave Laeunesse of Phillips Industries

2021: Steve Miller of AXN Heavy Duty