Teamsters Denounce FMCSA Decision to Withdraw Rulemaking on Motor Carrier Financial Responsibility

WASHINGTON, June 2 -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters issued the following news release:

Today's decision by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to withdraw the proposed rulemaking concerning raising the minimum levels of liability insurance coverage for motor carriers was denounced by the Teamsters Union.

Higher liability minimums would help promote public safety by ensuring motor carriers adhere to federal safety regulations for trucks and buses. By withdrawing the proposed rulemaking, the FMCSA has put the driving public in the backseat when comes to highway and auto safety.

"These minimum liability standards must be increased to deal with the realities of our modern transportation system," said Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa. "Raising the liability standards will not only protect the driving public, but improve the industry as a whole."

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.