November 19, 2001—The Michigan Public Service Commission has enhanced its screening procedures for all motor carrier applicants seeking intrastate authority to transport hazardous materials within Michigan. The revisions are designed to significantly strengthen the screening process used before granting authority to transport hazardous materials within Michigan. Effective immediately, the revised procedures are being implemented by the MPSC with the assistance and cooperation of the Michigan State Police and the Michigan Secretary of State. Michigan receives about 12 hazardous materials applications per year.
In addition to more intense overall scrutiny of applications to transport hazardous materials, applicants will be required to provide new information that will be reviewed by the Commission with assistance from the Michigan State Police and Secretary of State. The new information requirements include:
- A signed release by the applicant and all drivers allowing the Michigan Public Service Commission, with the assistance of the Secretary of State and Michigan State Police to verify all information provided;
- Ten year employment history for the applicant and all drivers;
- Verification of driving, vehicle records, and hazardous materials certification for the applicant and all drivers by the MPSC through the Secretary of State “Direct Access” Program.
Additionally, the State Police will conduct an investigation to include:
- Verifying past employment of the applicant and all applicant’s drivers;
- Criminal investigation of the applicant and applicant’s drivers;
- Inter law enforcement cross checks for identification of other matters which may pose safety and fitness concerns, including other state police forces and the Federal Bureau of Investigation;
- Site visit to the applicant’s facilities by the Motor Carrier Division of the Michigan State Police.
Once the review process has concluded, the MPSC will process the application.
The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Consumer and Industry Services.
Provided by environ.com.
