The following list contains websites that may be of assistance:
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
www.epa.gov
- The EPA protects human health and safeguards the natural environment. It works with industries and the government in pollution prevention programs and energy conservation efforts. The EPA published a book entitled “Environmental Screening Checklist & Workbook for Trucking Industry” in August of 2000, in which it provides information to help trucking companies evaluate their facility’s compliance with federal environmental regulations which are applicable to the trucking industry.
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
www.fhwa.dot.gov
- The FHWA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation that supports State and local governments in the design, construction, and maintenance of the Nation’s highway system. Title 23 of the U.S. Code and the Code of Federal Regulations (Highways) and Title 49 of the U.S. Code (Transportation) can be found on this website under the Resources/Laws and Regulations section. Numerous other publications are also available regarding highways, traffic volume, infrastructure, and research.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
www.fmcsa.dot.gov
- The FMCSA is an administration within the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). It develops and enforces regulations that govern motor carriers and works with federal, state, and local enforcement agencies, motor carriers, and others to reduce bus and truck-related crashes. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) can be found on this website under the Regulations/Regulations/Search section. You can also obtain information regarding a commercial carrier’s identification, size, commodity information, safety record, safety rating, roadside out-of-service summary, and crash information by requesting a free online Company Snapshot by clicking on Safety, Company Safety Data, Visit the Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER System, FMCSA Searches – Company Snapshot.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
www.nhtsa.gov
- NHTSA is an agency of the executive branch of the U.S. government, part of the Department of Transportation. It is charged with the writing and enforcing of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). It also created and maintains data files regarding traffic safety research, and it has an online database for searching recall data by VIN.
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
www.ntsb.gov
- The NTSB is an agency outside of and separate from the U.S. Department of Transportation. It conducts investigations of significant accidents and makes recommendations for changes relating to safety. The NTSB has no formal authority to regulate the transportation industry.
Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
www.osha.gov
- OSHA has jurisdiction over off-highway loading and unloading at places such as warehouses, plants, grain handling facilities, retail locations, etc. However, when another Federal agency such as the DOT or EPA has regulated a working condition, OSHA is preempted from enforcing its regulations.
U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT)
www.transportation.gov
- The DOT was established by an act of Congress in 1966. Various Administrations operate under the DOT, including the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR)
www.fmcsa.dot.gov
- These regulations are prescribed by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and they govern motor carriers in the United States. They are published in the Federal Register and are compiled in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations. See 49 CFR Parts 40 and 300-399.
www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/title49/b/5/3
Federal Motor Carrier Driver’s Handbook on Cargo Securement
www.fmcsa.dot.gov
- This handbook contains the North American Cargo Securement standards, which comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/cargo-securement/cargo-securement-rules
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS)
www.nhtsa.gov
- These standards are found in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 571. They are developed and enforced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). They are U.S. federal regulations that specify design, construction, performance, and durability requirements for motor vehicles and regulated automobile safety-related components, systems, and design features.
Safety Standards and Regulations
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)
mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov
- The MUTCD contains the basic standards that govern the design and use of traffic control devices for all streets, highways, bikeways, and private roads open to public travel. They are written by the FHWA. Each State Highway Agency is required to adopt a manual for a uniform system of traffic control devices consistent with the provisions of this code for use upon highways within its state.mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/kno_2009r1r2.htm
Standard Highway Signs
mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov
- Developed by the FHWA, these standards contain the details for all signs and pavement markings in the MUTCD, along with expanded design guidelines and details for symbolic traffic and lane-control signal indications.mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/ser-shs_millennium.htm
State Transportation Websites
www.fhwa.dot.gov
- This site will connect to all State Department of Transportation websites and Department of Highway websites. At the FHWA home screen, choose About, then Strategic Plan, then Highway Policy Information, then Other Sites & Resources, then State Transportation Websites.www.fhwa.dot.gov/webstate.cfm
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
www.dmv.pa.gov
- PennDOT is involved in the design and construction of the state’s roads, research and testing, traffic signal management, and the issuance of roadway and hauling permits. It’s website provides access to the latest publications of the rules and laws of the State of Pennsylvania as they relate to commercial and non-commercial drivers and vehicles in the State of Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Code
www.pacode.com
- This is the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s official publication of its rules and regulations. The site is search friendly. Title 67 relates to Transportation, with Part I being dedicated to the Department of Transportation and Part II relating to the Turnpike Commission. www.pacode.com/secure/data/067/067toc.html
Pennsylvania Vehicle Code
www.dmv.pa.gov
- Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes is designated as the “Vehicle Code.” It contains provisions for title, registration, and operation of vehicles, along with licensing of drivers, and enforcement of traffic laws. There are also sections addressing motor carrier safety, hazardous materials transportation, and state highway and turnpike improvements.www.dmv.pa.gov/Information-Centers/Laws-Regulations/Pages/PA-Vehicle-Code-(Title-75).aspx#.V+ZClvA8KK0
Pennsylvania Commercial Driver’s Manual
www.dmv.pa.gov
- The Commercial Driver’s Manual (CDL) provides all information needed by a CDL applicant to pass the CDL tests. It is designed to contain all information required for CDL applicants to meet the minimum knowledge requirements set forth in 49 CFR 383 for the safe operation of different classes of commercial motor vehicles. It also includes specialized knowledge required of drivers who wish to be qualified to drive buses, tanks, vehicles transporting hazardous materials, and/or a combination vehicle.
www.dot.state.pa.us/public/DVSPubsForms/BDL/BDL%20Manuals/Manuals/Commercial%20Drivers%20Manual/Comm%20Manual%20English/PUB%20223.pdf
Pennsylvania Non-Commercial Driver’s Manual
www.dmv.pa.gov
- The purpose of this manual is to prepare non-commercial drivers to take and pass the non-commercial driver’s examination in order to obtain a Pennsylvania driver’s license. The principles presented in this manual apply to motor vehicles, bicycles, and horse-drawn vehicles.www.dot.state.pa.us/Public/DVSPubsForms/BDL/BDL%20Manuals/Manuals/PA%20Drivers%20Manual%20By%20Chapter/English/PUB%2095.pdf
Pennsylvania School Bus Driver’s Manual
www.dmv.pa.gov
- This manual contains the course for new and recertifying school bus drivers. It emphasizes fundamental concepts of school bus operation. Along with the associated training course, this manual is Pennsylvania’s response to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s requirement that each state develop a plan to reduce the danger of death or injury to school children while being transported to and from school.www.dot.state.pa.us/Public/DVSPubsForms/BDL/BDL%20School%20Bus%20protected/SB%20Manual/SB%20Manual/English/PUB%20117.pdf
Pennsylvania Motorcycle Driver’s Manual
www.dmv.pa.gov
- This manual provides the information needed to obtain a motorcycle license. It also describes strategies for crash avoidance.
www.dot.state.pa.us/Public/DVSPubsForms/BDL/BDL%20Manuals/Manuals/motorcycle%20Operators%20Manual/English/PUB%20147.pdf
Pennsylvania Vehicle Inspection Manual
www.pacode.com
- The provisions contained in this manual are cited as 67 Pa. Code Chapter 175. They apply to inspection regulations for all commercial and non-commercial vehicles.www.pacode.com/secure/data/067/chapter175/chap175toc.html
Pennsylvania State Police Crash Reports
www.psp.pa.gov
- The procedure for obtaining Pennsylvania State Police Crash Reports can be found on this website. Instructions for how to subpoena records from the PSP and/or how to subpoena a trooper’s appearance are also described.
American Trucking Association (ATA)
www.trucking.org
- ATA is comprised of 50 affiliated state trucking associations. It is the largest trade association for the trucking industry in the United States.
Trucking Industry Defense Association (TIDA)
www.tida.org
- TIDA is a non-profit association with a membership that is made up of over 1500 motor carriers, trucking insurers, defense attorneys, and claim servicing companies. TIDA’s main focus is to defend the trucking industry.
DRI (formerly the Defense Research Institute) (DRI)
www.dri.org
- DRI is an organization for defense attorneys and in-house counsel. It hosts 30 sub-committees and provides access to seminars, conferences, and webcasts concerning various transportation-related areas of practice.
USLaw Network, Inc. (USLAW)
www.uslaw.org
- USLAW is an international organization composed of more than 100 independent, defense-based law firms with more than 6,000 attorneys who are experienced in and who have a reputation for handling transportation matters.
International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC)
www.iadclaw.org
- The IADC is comprised of insurance lawyers and executives from around the world. It was originally called the General Counsels' Association of the United States. It is responsible for the creation of DRI. The purpose of IADC is to provide a netowrk within which its members can facilitate professional relationships.
Transportation Lawyers Association (TLA)
www.translaw.org
- This independent, international bar association hosts annual symposiums and provides education for transportation attorneys through CLE courses and publications.
Transportation and Logistics Council, Inc. (TLC)
www.tlcouncil.org
- The TLC was formed in 1974 as the Shipper’s National Freight Claim Council, Inc. In its representation of the interests of shippers throughout the years, it has been directly involved in the formative processes of legislation and government regulation of the transportation industry. TLC provides informational seminars and educational conferences as well as networking opportunities throughout the year. Membership is open to all those in the transportation community.
American College of Transportation Attorneys (ACTA)
www.actalawgroup.org
- ACTA consists of a select group of experienced transportation defense attorneys who have joined together to serve the trucking industry.
Transportation Loss Prevention and Security Association (TLP&SA)
www.tlpsa.global
- The TLP&SA was originally established as the National Freight Claim Council by the American Trucking Association but was later separated into its own entity. The TLP&SA’s purpose is to serve claims/loss prevention personnel working within the trucking industry. It holds educational conferences with the Transportation & Logistics Council, Inc. Membership is open to anyone who has an interest in loss and damage claims and with security issues.
Association of Transportation Law Professionals (ATLP)
www.atlp.org
- The ATLP is an independent non-profit organization that provides transportation professionals with opportunities for continued educational development in transportation law and practice. It currently has 14 chapters in various locales. In 1984, the ATLP's membership base was broadened to include all transportation regulatory agencies and their Canadian counterparts.
American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI)
www.atri-online.org
- The primary function of ATRI is to conduct transportation research. It is part of the American Trucking Associations Federation, which is a non-profit research organization located in Arlington, Virginia.
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
www.iihs.org
- IIHS is an independent, non-profit scientific and educational organization whose research focuses on human, vehicle, and environmental factors, with the intent to learn how to reduce deaths, injuries, and property damage from motor vehicle crashes. This organization is wholly supported by auto insuers.
Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI)
www.iihs.org
- HLDI works with IIHS and publishes insurance loss results by vehicle make and model. This organization is wholly supported by auto insurers.
Downloadable Passenger Vehicle Crash Data Recorders
www.boschdiagnostics.com
- Bosch Diagnostic’s data retrieval system is able to download the crash data from many passenger vehicles, but not all. This website lists the vehicles from which it is able to obtain crash data.www.boschdiagnostics.com/cdr/sites/cdr/files/CDR_v16.4_Vehicle_Coverage_List_R1_0_0.pdf