The text of the bill below is as of Jul 1, 1980 (Passed Congress).
You are reading a bill enacted 15,613 days ago. In the intervening time subsequent legislation may have amended or repealed the provisions below.
PUBLIC LAW 96-296—JULY 1, 1980 94 STAT. 793
Public Law 96-296
96th Congress
An Act
To amend subtitle IV of title 49, United States Code, to provide for more effective July 1, 1980
regulation of motor carriers of property, and for other purposes. [S. 2245]
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled, That this Act may beMotor Carrier
cited as the "Motor Carrier Act of 1980". Act of 1980.
49 u s e 10101
note.
PURPOSE OF THE ACT
SEC. 2. This Act is part of the continuing effort by Congress to 49 u s e 10101
reduce unnecessary regulation by the Federal Government. note.
CONGRESSIONAL FINDINGS
SEC. 3. (a) The Congress hereby finds that a safe, sound, competi- 49 u s e 10101
tive, and fuel efficient motor carrier system is vital to the mainte- note.
nance of a strong national economy and a strong national defense;
that the statutes governing Federal r e l a t i o n of the motor carrier
industry are outdated and must be revised to reflect the transporta-
tion needs and realities of the 1980's; that historically the existing
regulatory structure has tended in certain circumstances to inhibit
market entry, carrier growth, maximum utilization of equipment and
energy resources, and opportunities for minorities and others to enter
the trucking industry; that protective r^ulation has resulted in some
operating inefficiencies and some anticompetitive pricing; that in
order to reduce the uncertainty felt by the Nation's transportation
industry, the Interstate Commerce Commission should be given
explicit direction for r^ulation of the motor carrier industry and
well-defined parameters within which it may act pursuant to congres-
sional policy; that the Interstate Commerce Commission should not
attempt to go beyond the powers vested in it by the Interstate
Commerce Act and other legislation enacted by Congress; and that 49 u s e prec. 1
legislative and resulting changes should be implemented with the note.
least amount of disruption to the transportation system consistent
with the scope of the reforms enacted.
(b) The appropriate authorizing committees of Congress shall Periodic
conduct periodic oversight hearings on the effects of this legislation, oversight
no less than annually for the first 5 years following the date of hearings.
enactment of this Act, to ensure that tms Act is being implemented
according to congressional intent and purpose.
NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION POLICY
SEC. 4. Section 10101(a) of title 49, United States Code, is
amended—
(1) by striking out "and" at the end of paragraph (5);
(2) by striking out the period at the end of paragraph (6) and
inserting in lieu thereof "; and"; and
94 STAT. 794 PUBLIC LAW 96-296—JULY 1, 1980
(3) by adding at the end thereof the following new paragraph:
"(7) with respect to transportation of property by motor
carrier, to promote competitive and efficient transportation
services in order to (A) meet the needs of shippers, receivers, and
consumers; (B) allow a variety of quedity and price options to
meet changing market demands £ind the diverse requirements of
the shipping public; (C) allow the most productive use of equip-
ment and energy resources; (D) enable efficient and well-man-
aged carriers to earn adequate profits, attract capital, and
maintain fair wages and working conditions; (E) provide and
maiintain service to small communities and small shippers; (F)
improve and maintain a sound, safe, and competitive privately-
owned motor carrier system; (G) promote greater participation
by minorities in the motor carrier system; and (H) promote
intermodal transportation."
MOTOR CARRIER ENTRY POLICY
SEC. 5. (a) Section 10922 of title 49, United States Code, is
amended—
(1) in subsection (a) by inserting "of passengers" after "motor
common carrier";
(2) by redesignating subsections (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f), and all
references thereto, as subsections (c), (d), (e), (f), and (g), respec-
tively; and
(3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsec-
tion:
Certificate "OaXD Except as provided in this section, the Interstate Commerce
issuance. Commission shall issue a certificate to a person authorizing that
person to provide transportation subject to the jurisdiction of the
49 u s e 10521. Commission under subchapter II of chapter 105 of this title as a motor
common carrier of property if the Commission finds—
"(A) that the person is fit, willing, and able to provide the
transportation to be authorized by the certificate and to comply
with this subtitle and regulations of the Commission; and
"(B) on the basis of evidence presented by persons supporting
the issuance of the certificate, that the service proposed will
serve a useful public purpose, responsive to a public demand or
need;
unless the Commission finds, on the basis of evidence presented by
persons objecting to the issuance of a certificate, that the transporta-
tion to be authorized by the certificate is inconsistent with the public
convenience and necessity.
"(2) In making a finding under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the
Commission shall consider and, to the extent applicable, make
findings on at least the following:
Ante, p. 793. "(A) the transportation policy of section 10101(a) of this title;
and
"(B) the effect of issuance of the certificate on existing carriers,
except that the Commission shall not find diversion of revenue or
traffic from an existing carrier to be in and of itself inconsistent
with the public convenience and necessity.
Commission "(3) The Commission may not make a finding relating to public
finding, convenience and necessity under paragraph (1) of this subsection
limitation.
which is based upon general findings developed in rulemeiking
proceedings.
PUBLIC LAW 96-296—JULY 1, 1980 94 STAT. 795
"(4) The provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection (other than Transportation
authority
subparagraph (A)) shall not apply to applications under this subsec- applications.
tion for authority to provide—
"(A) transportation to any community not regularly served by
a motor common carrier of property certificated under this
section;
"(B) transportation services which will be a direct substitute
for abandoned rail service to a community if such abandonment
results in such community not having any rail service and if such
application is Hied within 120 days after such abandonment has
been approved by the C!ommission;
"(C) transportation for the United States Government of prop-
erty other than used household goods, hazardous or secret
materials, and sensitive weapons and munitions;
"(D) transportation of shipments weighing 100 pounds or less if
transported in a motor vehicle in which no one package exceeds
100 pounds; and
"(E) transportation by motor vehicle of food and other edible
products (including edible byproducts but excluding alcoholic
beverages and drugs) intended for human consumption, agricul-
tural limestone and other soil conditioners, and agricultural
fertilizers if—
"(i) such transportation is provided with the owner of the
motor vehicle in such vehicle, except in emergency situa-
tions; and
"(ii) after issuance of the certificate, such transportation
(measured by tonnage) does not exceed, on an annual basis,
the transportation provided by the motor vehicle (measured
by tonnage) which is exempt from the jurisdiction of the
Commission under section 10526(aX6) of this title and the Post, p. 797
owner of the motor vehicle certifies to the O)mmission
annually that he is complying with the provisions of this
clause and provides to the Commission such information and
records as the Commission may require.
"(5) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any carrier
holding authority under paragraph (4XD) of this subsection operating
one or more commercial motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight
rating of 10,000 pounds or more shall be subject to commercial motor
vehicle safety regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Transpor-
tation pursuant to this title with respect to its entire operations,
including the operations of commercial motor vehicles with gross
vehicle weight ratings less than 10,000 pounds.
"(6) The Commission shall streamline and simplify, to the maxi-
mum extent practicable, the process for issuance of certificates to
which the provisions of paragraph (4XE) of this subsection apply.
"(7) No motor common carrier of property may protest an applica- Application
tion to provide transportation filed under this subsection unless— protest by
"(AXi) it possesses authority to handle, in whole or in part, the carrier.
traffic for which authority is appUed;
"(ii) it is willing and able to provide service that meets the
reasonable needs of the shippers involved; and
"(iii) it has performed service within the scope of the applica-
tion during the previous 12-month period or has, actively in good
faith, solicited service within the scope of the application during
such period;
94 STAT. 796 PUBLIC LAW 96-296—JULY 1, 1980
"(B) it has pending before the Commission an application filed
prior in time to the application being considered for substantially
the same traffic; or
"(C) the Commission grants leave to intervene upon a showing
of other interests that are not contrary to the transportation
Ante, p. 793. policy set forth in section 10101(a) of this title.
"(8) No motor contract carrier of property may protest an applica-
tion to provide transportation filed under tins suDsection.".
(b) Section 11145 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end thereof the following new subsection:
Reporting "(c) The Commission shall streamline and simplify, to the maxi-
requirements, mum extent practicable, the reporting requirements applicable
simplification.
under this subchapter to motor common carriers of property with
respect to transportation provided under certificates to which the
Ante, p. 794. provisions of section 10922(bX4XE) of this title apply and to motor
contract carriers of property with respect to transportation provided
Post, p. 799. under permits to which the provisions of section 10923(bX5) of this
title apply.".
(cXD Section 10762(aXl) of title 49, United States Code, is amended
by striking out the last sentence and inserting in lieu thereof the
following: A motor contract carrier that serves only one shipper and
has provided continuous transportation to that shipper for at least
one year or a motor carrier of property providing transportation
under a certificate to which the provisions of section 10922(bX4XE) of
this title apply or under a permit to which the provisions of section
10923(bX5) of this title apply may file only its mmimum rates unless
the Commission finds that filing of actual rates is required in the
public interest.".
(2) Section 10762 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end thereof the following new subsection:
Filing "(g) The Commission shall streamline and simplify, to the maxi-
requirements, mum extent practicable, the filing requirements applicable under
simplification.
this section to motor common carriers of property with resi)ect to
transportation provided under certificates to which the provisions of
section 10922(bX4)(E) of this title apply and to motor contract carriers
of property with respect to transportation provided under permits to
wmch the provisions of section 10923(bX5) of this title apply.".
REMOVAL OF CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS ON MOTOR CARRIER OPERATION
SEC. 6. Section 10922 of title 49, United States Code, is further
amended by adding at the end thereof the following new subsections:
"(hXD Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this
subsection, the Commission shall—
"(A) eliminate gateway restrictions and circuitous route limi-
tations imposed upon motor common carriers of property; and
"(B) implement, by regulation, procedures to process expedi-
tiously appUcations of individual motor carriers of property
seeking removal of operating restrictions in order to—
"(i) reasonably broaden the categories of property authoiv
ized by the carrier's certificate or permit;
"(ii) authorize transportation or service to intermediate
points on the carrier's routes;
"(iii) provide round-trip authority where only one-way
authority exists;
"(iv) eliminate unreasonable or excessively narrow territo-
rial limitations; or
PUBLIC LAW 96-296—JULY 1, 1980 94 STAT. 797
"(v) eliminate any other unreasonable restriction that the
Commission deems to be wasteful of fuel, inefficient, or
contrary to the public interest.
"(2) The regulations promulgated by the Commission pursuant to Regulations.
paragraph (IXB) of this subsection shall provide for final Commission
action upon an application not later than 120 days after the date the
application is filed with the Commission, except that in extraordi-
nary circumstances, the Commission may extend such deadline for a
period of not to exceed 90 additional days. Such regulations shall also Notice and
provide for notice and the opportunity for interested parties to comment period.
comment, but need not provide for oral evidentiary hearings. In
granting or denying applications under paragraph (IXB) of this
subsection, the Commission shall (A) consider, among other things,
the impact of the proposed restriction removal upon the consumption
of energy resources, potential cost savings and improved efficiency,
and the transportation policy set forth in section 10101(a) of this title. Ante, p. 793.
and (B) give special consideration to providing and maintaining
service to small and rural communities and small shippers.
"(i) A person holding (1) a certificate issued under subsection Q)) of
this section to provide transportation £is a motor common carrier of
property, and (2) a permit issued under section 10923 of this sub-
chapter to provide transportation as a motor contract carrier of Post, p. 799.
property, may transport property under the certificate in the same
motor vehicle and at the same time as property under the permit.".
EXEMPTIONS
SEC. 7. (a) Section 10526(aX6) of title 49, United States Code, is
amended—
(1) by inserting "or by-products thereof not intended for human
consumption," after "fresh shellfish," in subparagraph (D);
(2) by striking out "and" at the end of subparagraph (C);
(3) by inserting "and" after the semicolon at the end of
subparagraph (D); and
(4) by adding at the end of such section the following new
subparagraph:
"(E) livestock and poultry feed and agricultural seeds and Agricultural
plants, if such products (excluding products otherwise products.
exempt under this paragraph) are transported to a site of
agricultural production or to a business enterprise engaged
in the sale to agricultural producers of goods used in agricul-
tural production;",
(b) Section 10526(aX8) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to
read as follows:
"(8)(A) transportation of passengers by motor vehicle inciden- Aircraft
tal to transportation by aircraft; passengers and
"(B) transportation of property (including baggage) by motor transportation.
vehicle as part of a continuous movement which, prior or
subsequent to such part of the continuous movement, has been or
will be transported by an air carrier or (to the extent so agreed by
the United States and approved by the Civil Aeronautics Board
or its successor agency) by a foreign air carrier; or
"(C) transportation of property by motor vehicle in lieu of
transportation by aircraft because of adverse weather conditions
or mechanical failure of the aircraft or other causes due to
circumstances beyond the control of the carrier or shipper;".
94 STAT. 798 PUBLIC LAW 96-296—JULY 1, 1980
(c) Section 10526(a) of title 49, United States Code, is further
amended by (1) striking the period at the end thereof and substituting
a semicolon, and (2) adding at the end thereof the following new
paragraphs:
"(10) transportation of used pallets and used empty shipping
containers (including intermodal cargo containers), and other
used shipping devices (other than containers or devices used in
the transportation of motor vehicles or parts of motor vehicles);
"(11) transportation of natural, crushed, vesicular rock to be
used for decorative purposes; or
"(12) transportation of wood chips.".
FOOD TRANSPORTATION
SEC. 8. (a) Subchapter II of chapter 107 of title 49, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end thereof the following new
section:
49 use 10732. Ǥ 10732. Food and grocery transportation
Customer "(a) Notwithst£mding any other provision of law, it shall not be
compensation. unlawful for a seller of food and grocery products using a uniform
zone delivered pricing system to compensate a customer who picks up
purchased food and grocery products at the shipping point of the
seller if such compensation is available to all customers of the seller
on a nondiscriminatory basis and does not exceed the actual cost to
the seller of delivery to such customer.
Consumer "(b) It is the sense of the Congress that any savings accruing to a
savings. customer by reason of compensation permitted by subsection (a) of
Report to this section should be passed on to the ultimate consumer. The
Congress. Interstate Commerce Commission shall monitor the extent to which
such savings are being passed on and shall report its findings to the
Congress not later than one year after the date of enactment of the
Ante, p. 793. Motor Carrier Act of 1980 and not less often than once a year
thereafter. For purposes of this subsection, the Interstate Commerce
Commission may exercise its powers to obtain relevant papers, books,
documents, and other materials.".
(b) The index for subchapter II of chapter 107 of title 49, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end thereof the following:
"10732. Food and grocery transportation.".
PRIVATE CARRIAGE
SEC. 9. Section 10524 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
inserting "(a)" before "The" and by adding at the end of such section
the following new subsections:
Transportation "(b) The Commission does not have jurisdiction under this sub-
of property, chapter over transportation of property by motor vehicle for compen-
jurisdiction.
sation provided by a person who is a member of a corporate family for
other members of such corporate family if—
"(1) the parent corporation notifies the Commission of its
intent or one of its subsidiaries' intent to provide the transporta-
tion;
"(2) the notice contains a list of participating subsidiaries and
an affidavit that the parent corporation owns directly or
indirectly a 100 percent interest in each of the subsidiaries;
Publication in "(3) the Commission publishes the notice in the Federal Regis-
Federal ter within 30 days of receipt; and
Register.
PUBLIC LAW 96-296—JULY 1, 1980 94 STAT. 799
"(4) a copy of the notice is carried in the cab of all vehicles
conducting the transportation.
"(c) In this section, 'corporate family* means a group of corpora- "Corporate
tions consisting of a parent corporation and all subsidiaries in which family."
the parent corporation owns directly or indirectly a 100 percent
interest.".
MOTOR CONTRACT CARRIERS
SEC. 10. (a)(1) Section 10102(12) of title 49, United States Code, is
amended to read as follows:
"(12) 'motor contract carrier' means— "Motor contract
"(A) a person, other than a motor common carrier, provid- carrier."
ing motor vehicle transportation of passengers for compen-
sation under continuing agreements with a person or a
limited number of persons—
"(i) by assigning motor vehicles for a continuing
period of time for the exclusive use of each such person;
or
"(ii) designed to meet the distinct needs of each such
person; and
"(B) a person providing motor vehicle transportation of
property for compensation under continuing agreements
with one or more persons—
"(i) by assigning motor vehicles for a continuing
period of time for the exclusive use of each such person;
or
"(ii) designed to meet the distinct needs of each such
person.".
(2) Section 10923(b) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by—
(A) inserting in paragraph (2) "of passengers" after "motor
contract carrier"; and
(B) redesignating paragraph (3) (and any references thereto) as
paragraph (7) and inserting after paragraph (2) the following new
paragraphs:
"(3) In deciding whether to approve the application of a person for a Permits,
permit as a motor contract carrier of property, the Commission shall application
consider— approval.
"(A) the nature of the transportation proposed to be provided;
"(B) the effect that granting the permit would have on the
protesting carriers if such grant would endanger or impair their
operations to an extent contrary to the public interest;
"(C) the effect that denying the permit would have on the
person applying for the permit, its shippers, or both; and
"(D) the changing character of the requirements of those
shippers.
"(4) No motor carrier of property may protest an application to Application
provide transportation as a motor contract carrier of property filed protest by
under this section unless— earner.
"(A)(i) it possesses authority to handle, in whole or in part, the
traffic for which authority is applied;
"(ii) it is willing and able to provide service that meets the
reasonable needs of the shippers involved; and
"(iii) it has performed service within the scope of the applica-
tion during the previous 12-month period or has, actively in good
faith, solicited service within the scope of the application during
such period;
79-194 O—81—pt. 1 54 : QL3
94 STAT. 800 PUBLIC LAW 96-296—JULY 1, 1980
"(B) it has pending before the Commission an application filed
prior in time to the application being considered for substantially
the same traffic; or
"(C) the Commission grants leave to intervene upon a showing
of other interests that are not contrary to the transportation
Ante, p. 793. policy set forth in section 10101(a) of this title.
"(5XA) The provisions of paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of this
section and paragraph (3) of this subsection shall not apply to
applications under this section for authority to provide transporta-
tion by motor vehicle of food and other edible products (including
edible byproducts but excluding alcoholic beverages and drugs) in-
tended for human consumption, agricultural limestone and other soil
conditioners, and agricultural fertilizers if—
"(i) such transportation is provided with the owner of the
motor vehicle in such vehicle, except in emergency situations;
and
"(ii) after issuance of the permit, such transportation (meas^
ured by tonnage) does not exceed, on an annual basis, the
transportation provided by the motor vehicle (measured by
tonnage) which is exempt from the jurisdiction of the Commis-
Ante, p. 797. sion under section 10526(aX6) of this title and the owner of the
motor vehicle certifies to the Commission annually that he is
complying with the provisions of this subparagraph and provides
to the (]!ommission such information and records as the Commis-
sion may require.
Permit issuance "(B) The Commission shall streamline and simplify, to the maxi-
process, mum extent practicable, the process for issuance of permits to which
simplification.
the provisions of subparagraph (A) of this paragraph apply.
Commission "(6) With respect to applications of persons for permits as motor
finding, contract carriers of property, the Commission may not make a
limitation.
finding relating to the public interest under subsection (aX2) of this
section which is based upon general findings developed in rulemak-
ing proceedings.".
(3) Section 10923(d) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(A) in the first sentence of paragraph (1) by inserting the
following immediately before the period at the end thereof: ",
except that in the case of a motor contract carrier of property,
the Commission may not require such carrier to limit its oper-
ations to carriage for a particular industry or within a particular
geographic area"; and
(B) in paragraph (2) by striking "including each person or
number or class of persons" and substituting "including each
person or class of persons (and, in the case of a motor contract
carrier of passengers, the number of persons)".
Certificates and flt)) Section 10930(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
permits,
limitations. (1) in paragraph (1) by striking "both a certificate of a motor
common carrier and a permit of a motor contract carrier issued
under this subchapter, or"; and
(2) bv striking out paragraph (2) and inserting in lieu thereof
the following:
"(2) if a person controls, is controlled by, or is under common
control with, another person, one of them may not hold a
certificate of a water common carrier, while the other holds a
permit of a water contract carrier, to transport property over the
same route or in the same area.",
(c) Section 10749 of title 49» United States Code, is amended—
PUBLIC LAW 96-296—JULY 1, 1980 94 STAT. 801
(1) in subsection (a) by inserting ", or a motor contract carrier
of property," after "carrier"; and
(2) in subsection ObXD by inserting ", or motor contract carrier
of property," after "water common carrier".
(d) Section 10766(b) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1) by inserting ", and motor contract carriers of property,"
after "carriers" in the first sentence;
(2) by inserting "or the motor contract carrier of property"
after "carrier" in the third sentence; and
(3) by striking the fifth sentence.
(e) Section 10925 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end thereof the following new subsection:
"(eXl) On application of a motor contract carrier of property who Permit
holds a permit issued under section 10923 of this title, or on complaint revocation,
conditions.
of a competing motor common carrier of property who holds a Ante, p. 799.
certificate under section 10922(b) of this title, or on its own initiative, Ante, p. 794.
if the Commission, after notice and an opportunity for a proceeding,
determines that the operations under the permit or any part
thereof—
"(A) do not conform with the operations of a motor contract
carrier of property; and
"(B) are those of a motor common carrier of property;
the Commission may amend or revoke such permit or part thereof to
conform the operations under such permit or part thereof to the
operations of a motor contract carrier of property.
"(2) The Commission may issue in place of any permit or part Certificate.
thereof revoked under this subsection a certificate under section
10922(b) of this title which authorizes the holder of such certificate to
provide transportation as a motor common carrier of property of the
same property between the same points or within the same territory
as authorized in the permit or part thereof.".
ZONE OF RATE FREEDOM FOR MOTOR CARRIERS OF PROPERTY AND
FREIGHT FORWARDERS
SEC. 11. Section 10708 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end thereof the following new subsection:
"(d)(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, the Com- Rate changes,
mission may not investigate, suspend, revise, or revoke any rate conditions.
proposed by a motor common carrier of property or freight forwarder
on the grounds that such rate is unreasonable on the basis that it is
too high or too low if—
"(A) the carrier notifies the Commission that it wishes to have
the rate considered pursuant to this subsection; and
"(B) the aggregate of increases and decreases in any such rate
is not more than 10 percent above the rate in effect one year prior
to the effective date of the proposed rate, nor more than 10
percent below the lesser of the rate in effect on July 1,1980 (or, in
the case of any rate which a carrier first establishes after July 1,
1980, for a service not provided by such carrier on such date, such
rate on the date such rate first becomes effective), or the rate in
effect one year prior to the effective date of the proposed rate.
"(2) The Commission, by rule, may incresise the percentages speci- Increase of
fied in paragraph (1)(B) of this subsection for any group of motor percentages,
common carriers of property or freight forwarders if it finds that— conditions.
"(A) there is sufficient actual and potential competition to
regulate rates; and
94 STAT. 802 PUBLIC LAW 96-296—JULY 1, 1980
"(B) there are benefits to (i) carriers or freight forwarders, (ii)
shippers, and (iii) the public from further rate flexibility;
except that the Commission may not increase such percentages by
more than 5 percentage points during any one-year period.
"(3XA) In determining, pursuant to paragraph (1)(B) of this subsec-
tion, whether the aggregate of increases and decreases in a proposed
rate that is to take effect on or before the 730th day following the date
of enactment of this paragraph is more than 10 percent (or such other
percentage as the Commission may establish under paragraph (2) of
this subsection) above the rate in effect one year prior to the effective
date of the proposed rate, general rate increases obtained in the one-
year period prior to the effective date of the proposed rate shall not be
included in such aggregate, except to the extent that such general
rate increases exceed 5 percent of the rate in effect one year prior to
the effective date of the proposed rate.
Rate change "(B) In the case of a proposed rate that is to take effect after the
according to 730th day following the date of enactment of this paragraph, the
Producers Price
Index. percentage which first appears in paragraph (1)(B) of this subsection
(relating to the upper limit of the zone of ratemaking freedom), or
such other percentage £is the Commission may establish under
paragraph (2) of this subsection in lieu of such percentage, shall be
increased or decreased, as the case may be, by the percentage change
in the Producers Price Index, as published by the Department of
Labor, that has occurred during the one-year period prior to the
effective date of the proposed rate.
Antitrust laws. "(4) Any rate implemented by a carrier pursuant to this subsection
shall be subject to the antitrust laws, as defined in the first section of
the Clayton Act (15 U.S.C. 12), except that the docketing and
publication of such rate by the carrier under section 10706(b) of this
Post, p. 803. title shall not be construed as a violation of the antitrust laws.
Nothing in this subsection shall limit the Commission's authority to
suspend and investigate proposed rates on the basis that such rates
49 u s e 10741. may violate the provisions of section 10741 of this title or constitute
predatory practices in contravention of the transportation policy set
Ante, p. 793. forth in section 10101(a) of this title.".
RATES AND LIABILITY BASED ON VALUE
SEC. 12. Section 10730 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
inserting "(a)" before "The Interstate Commerce Commission", by
inserting "(including a motor common carrier of household goods but
excluding any other motor common carrier of property)" after "au-
thorize a carrier", and by adding at the end thereof the following new
subsection:
"(b)(1) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (2) of this subsection, a
motor common carrier providing transportation or service subject to
the jurisdiction of the Commission under subchapter II of chapter 105
49 u s e 10521. of this title may, subject to the provisions of this chapter (including
Ante, p. 796. the general tariff requirements of section 10762 of this title), establish
rates for the transportation of property (other than household goods)
under which the liability of the carrier for such property is limited to
a value established by written declaration of the shipper or by
written agreement between the carrier and shipper if that value
would be reasonable under the circumstances surrounding the trans-
portation.
"(2) Before a carrier may establish a rate for any service under
paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Commission may require such
PUBLIC LAW 96-296—JULY 1, 1980 94 STAT. 803
carrier to have in effect and keep in effect, during any period such
rate is in effect under such para^aph, a rate for such service which
does not limit the liability of the carrier.".
RULE OF RATEMAKING
SEC. 13. (a) Section 10701 of title 49, United States Code, is amended
by adding at the end thereof the following new subsection:
"(e) In proceedings to determine the reasonableness of rate levels
for a motor carrier of property or group of motor carriers of property,
or in proceedings to determine the reasonableness of a territorial rate
structure where rates are proposed through agreements authorized
by section 1070603) of this title, the Commission shall authorize Infra.
revenue levels that are adequate under honest, economical, and
efficient management to cover total operating expenses, including
the operation of leased equipment and depreciation, plus a reason-
able profit. The standards and procedures adopted by the Commission
under this subsection shall allow the carriers to achieve revenue
levels that will provide a flow of net income, plus depreciation,
adequate to support prudent capital outlays, assure the repayment of
a reasonable level of debt, permit the raising of needed equity capital,
attract and retain capital in amounts adequate to provide a sound
motor carrier transportation system in the United States, and take
into account reasonable estimated or foreseeable future costs.".
0)) Section 10704(bX2) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to
read as follows:
"(2XA) When prescribing a rate, classification, rule, or practice for
transportation or service by common carriers other than by rail
carrier, the Commission shall consider, among other factors, the
effect of the prescribed rate, classification, rule, or practice on the
movement of traffic by that carrier.
"(B) When prescribing a rate, classification, rule, or practice for
transportation or service by common carriers other than by rail
carrier or motor carrier of property, the Commission shall consider,
among other factors, the need for revenues that are sufficient, under
honest, economical, and efficient management, to let the carrier
provide that transportation or service.".
RATE BUREAUS
SEC. 14. (a) Section 10706 of title 49, United States Code, is amended
by redesignating subsections (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), and (h) (and any
references thereto) as subsections (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), and (i),
respectively, and by inserting the following new subsection after
subsection (a):
"(bXD In this subsection, 'single-line rate' refers to a rate, charge, "Single-line
or aillowance proposed by a single motor common carrier of property '"»<«.'
that is applicable only over its line and for which the transportation
can be provided by that carrier.
"(2) As provided by this subsection, a motor common carrier of
property providing transportation or service subject to the jurisdic-
tion of the Commission under subchapter II of chapter 105 of this title 49 use I052i.
may enter into an agreement with one or more such carriers
concerning rates (including charges between carriers and compensa-
tion paid or received for the use of facilities and equipment),
allowances, classifications, divisions, or rules related to them, or
procedures for joint consideration, initiation, or establishment of
94 STAT. 804 PUBLIC LAW 96-296—JULY 1, 1980
them. Such agreement may be submitted to the Commission for
approval by &ny carrier or carriers which are parties to such
agreement and shall be approved by the Commission upon a finding
that the agreement fulfills each requirement of this subsection,
unless the Commission finds that such agreement is inconsistent with
Ante, p. 793. the transportation policy set forth in section 10101(a) of this title. The
Commission may require compliemce with reeisonable conditions
consistent with this subtitle to assure that the agreement furthers
such transportation policy. If the Commission approves the agree-
ment, it may be made and carried out under its terms and under the
conditions required by the Commission, and the antitrust laws, as
defined in the first section of the Clayton Act (15 U.S.C. 12), do not
apply to parties and other persons with respect to making or carrjdng
out the agreement.
Agreements, "(3) Agreements submitted to the Commission under this subsec-
approval tion may be approved by the Commission only if each of the following
conditions.
conditions are met:
"(A) Each carrier which is a party to an agreement must file
with the Commission a verified statement that specifies its name,
medling address, and telephone number of its main office; the
names of each of its affiliates; the names, addresses, and affili-
ates of each of its officers and directors; the names, addresses,
and affiliates of each person, together with an affiliate, owning or
controlling any debt, equity, or security interest in it having a
"Affiliate." value of at least $1,000,000. In this subparagraph, 'affiliate'
"Ownership." means a person controlling, controlled by, or under common
control or ownership with another person and 'ownership' means
equity holdings in a business entity of at least 5 percent.
Compliance "(B) Any organization established or continued under an
requirements. agreement approved under this subsection must comply with the
following requirements:
"(i) subject to the provisions of subparagraphs (C) and (D)
of this paragraph, (I) the organization may allow any
member carrier to discuss any rate proposal docketed, but
(II) after Januaiy 1,1981, only those carriers with authority
to participate in the transportation to which the rate
proposal applies may vote upon such rate proposal;
"(ii) the organization may not interfere with each carrier's
right of independent action and may not change or cancel
any rate established by independent action after the date of
enactment of this subsection, other than a general increase
or broad rate restructuring, except that changes in such
rates may be effected, with the consent of the carrier or
carriers that initiated the independent action, for the pur-
pose of tariff simplification, removal of discrimination, or
elimination of obsolete items;
"(iii) the organization may not file a protest or complaint
with the Commission against any tariff item published by or
for the account of any motor carrier of property;
"(iv) the organization may not permit one of its employees
or any employee committee to docket or act upon any
proposal effecting a change in any tariff item published by or
for the account of any of its member carriers;
"(v) upon request, the organization must divulge to any
person the name of the proponent of a rule or rate docketed
with it, must admit any person to any meeting at which rates
or rules will be discussed or voted upon, and must divulge to
PUBLIC LAW 96-296—JULY 1, 1980 94 STAT. 805
any person the vote cast by any member carrier on any
proposal before the organization;
"(vi) the organization ma^^ not allow a carrier to vote for
one or more other carriers without specific written authority
from the carrier being represented; and
"(vii) the organization shall make a final disposition of a
rule or rate dfocketed with it by the 120th day after the
proposal is docketed, except that if unusual circumstances
require, the organization may extend such period, subject to
review by the Commission.
"(C) No agreement approved under this subsection may pro-
vide for discussion of or voting on rates to which the provisions of
section 10708(d) or 10730(b) of this title apply, except that rates Ante, pp. 80i,
established or filed under section 10730 of this title before the ^02.
date of enactment of the Motor Carrier Act of 1980 or changes Ante, p. 793.
with respect to such rates may be discussed or voted on under
agreements approved under this subsection until Januaiy 1,
mi. Single-line
"(D) No agreement approved under this subsection may pro- rates.
vide for discussion of or voting upon single-line rates on or after
January 1,1984, except that such date shall be July 1,1984, if the
Motor Carrier Ratemaking Study Commission does not submit
its final report under section 14(bX4) of the Motor Carrier Act of
1980 on or before January 1, 1983. This subparagraph and Ante, p. 803.
subparagraph (BXi)(n) of this paragraph shall not apply to the
following:
"(i) general rate increases or decreases if the agreement
gives shippers, under specified procedures, at least 15 days'
notice of the proposal and an opportunity to present com-
ments on it before a tariff containing the increases or
decreases is filed with the Commission and if discussion of
such increases or decreases is limited to industry average
carrier costs and, after the date of elimination of the anti-
trust immunity by this subparagraph, does not include
discussion of individual markets or particular single-line
rates;
"(ii) changes in commodity classifications;
"(iii) changes in tariff structures if discussion of such
changes is limited to industry average carrier costs and,
after the date of elimination of antitrust immunity by this
subparagraph, does not include discussion of individual
markets or particular single-line rates;
"(iv) publishing of tariffs, filing of independent actions for
individual members carriers, providing of support services
for members, and changes in rules or reflations which are
of at least substantially general application throughout the
area in which such changes will apply.
"(E) In any proceeding in which a party to such proceeding
alleges that a carrier voted, discussed, or agreed on a rate or
allowance in violation of this subsection, that party has the
burden of showing that the vote, discussion, or agreement
occurred. A showing of parallel behavior does not satisfy that
burden by itself.
"(F) The Commission shall, by regulation, determine reason- Quorum
able quorum standards to be applied for meetings of organiza- standards.
tions established or continued under an agreement approved
under this subsection.
94 STAT. 806 PUBLIC LAW 96-296—JULY 1, 1980
"(4) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle, before the
date on which the antitrust immunity is eliminated for discussion of
or voting on single-line rates by paragraph (3)(D) of this subsection,
the Commission may not take any action which would, on the basis of
the t5^e of carrier service involved (including service by carriers
singly or in combination with other carriers), result in the exclusion
of one or more motor common carriers of property from discussion or
voting under agreements authorized by this subsection on matters
concerning rates, allowances, classifications, or divisions, except that
before such date, the Commission may issue regulations which take
effect on or after such date to carry out the provisions of such
paragraph.".
Motor Carrier G)X1) There is hereby established a Study Commission to be known
Ratemaking as the Motor Carrier Ratemaking Study Commission, hereinafter in
Study
Commission. this section referred to as the "Study Commission".
Establishment. (2) The Study Commission shall make a full and complete investiga-
tion and study of the collective ratemaking process for all rates of
motor common carriers and upon the need or lack of need for
continued antitrust immunity therefor. Such study shall estimate the
impact of the elimination of such immunity upon rate levels and rate
structures and describe the impact of the elimination of such immu-
nity upon the Interstate Commerce Commission and its staff. The
study shall give special consideration to the effect of the elimination
of such immunity upon rural areas and small communities.
Membership. (3) The Study Commission shall be comprised of ten members as
follows:
(A) three members appointed by the President of the Senate,
two from the membership of the Committee On Commerce,
Science, and Transportation and one from the membership of the
Committee on the Judiciary;
(B) three members appointed by the Speaker of the House of
Representatives, two from the membership of the Committee on
Public Works and Transportation and one from the membership
of the Committee on the Judiciary; and
(C) four members of the public appointed by the President, two
from the membership of national trade associations of shippers,
one who is a motor common carrier of property from the
membership of the national trade association of motor carriers,
and one who is a motor common carrier of property from the
membership of a major regional motor common carrier rate
bureau.
Report to (4) The Study Commission shall, not later than January 1, 1983,
President and submit to the President and the Congress its final report including its
Congress.
Termination. findings and recommendations. The Study Commission shall cease to
Records and exist 6 months after submission of such report. All records and papers
papers. of the Study Commission shall thereupon be delivered to the Admin-
istrator of General Services for deposit in the Archives of the United
States.
Liaison officer, (5) The Chairman of the Study Commission, who shall be elected by
appointment. the Commission from among its members, shall request the head of
each Federal department or agency which has an interest in or a
responsibility with respect to motor carrier collective ratemaking to
appoint, and the head of such department or agency shall appoint, a
liaison officer who shall work closely with the Study Commission and
its staff in matters pertaining to this subsection. Such departments
and agencies shall include, but not be limited to, the Department of
PUBLIC LAW 96-296—JULY 1, 1980 94 STAT. 807
Transportation, the Interstate Commerce Commission, the Federal
Trade Commission, and the Department of Justice.
(6) In carrying out its duties, the Study Commission shall seek
the advice of various groups interested in motor carrier collective
ratemaking including, but not limited to, State and local govern-
ments and public and private organizations working in the field of
transportation.
(7)(A) The Study Commission or, on authorization of the Study Hearings.
Commission, any committee of two or more members may, for the
purpose of carrying out the provisions of this subsection, hold such
hearings and sit and act at such times and places as the Study
Commission or such authorized committee may deem advisable.
(B) The Study Commission is authorized to secure from any Information
department, agency, or instrumentality of the executive branch of from Federal
agencies.
the Government any information it deems necessary to carry out its
functions under this subsection and each department, agency, and
instrumentality is authorized and directed to furnish such informa-
tion to the Study Commission upon request made by the Chairman.
(8)(A) Members of Congress who are members of the Study Commis- Members of
sion shall serve without compensation in addition to that received for Congress, travel
expenses.
their services as Members of Congress; but they shall be reimbursed
for travel, per diem in accordance with the Rules of the House of
Representatives or subsistence, and other necessary expenses in-
curred by them in the performance of the duties vested in the Study
Commission.
(B) Members of the Study Commission, except Members of Con- Compensation
gress, shall each receive compensation at a rate not in excess of the and expenses.
maximum rate of pay for GS-18, as provided in the General Schedule
under section 5332 of title 5, United States Code, and shall be entitled 44 FR 58671.
to reimbursement for travel expenses, per diem in accordance with
the Rules of the House of Representatives or subsistence, and other
necessary expenses incurred by them in performance of duties while
serving as a Study Commission member.
(9)(A) The Study Commission is authorized to appoint and fix the Staff director
compensation of a staff director and such additional personnel as may and personnel,
compensation.
be necessary to enable it to carry out its functions. The Director and
personnel may be appointed without regard to the provisions of title
5, United States Code, covering appointments in the competitive
service, and may be paid without regard to the provisions of chapter
51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title relating to classifica- 5 u s e 5101 et
tion and General Schedule pay rates. Any Federal employees subject seq., 5331.
to the civil service laws and regulations who may be employed by the
Study Commission shall retain civil service status without interrup-
tion or loss of status or privilege. In no event shall an employee other
than the staff director receive as compensation an amount in excess
of the maximum rate for GS-18 of the General Schedule under
section 5332 of title 5, United States Code. In addition, the Commis-
sion is authorized to obtain the services of experts and consultants in
accordance with section 3109 of title 5, United States Code, but at
rates not to exceed the maximum rate of pay for grade GS-18, as
provided in the General Schedule under section 5332 of title 5, United
States Code. 44 FR 58671.
(B) The staff director shall be compensated at the rate of pay for a
position at Level 2 of the Executive Schedule in subchapter II of
chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code. 5 u s e 5313.
(10) The Study Commission is authorized to enter into contracts or Functions.
agreements for studies and surveys with public and private organiza-
94 STAT. 808 PUBLIC LAW 96-296—JULY 1, 1980
tions and, if necessary, to transfer funds to Federal agencies from
sums appropriated pursuant to this subsection to carry out such of its
duties as the Study Commission determines can best be carried out in
that manner.
(11) Any vacancy which may occur on the Study Commission shall
not effect its powers or functions but shall be filled in the same
manner in which the original appointment was made.
Appropriation (12) There are hereby authorized to be appropriated, for fiscal years
authorization. commencing on or after October 1, 1980, an amount not to exceed
$3,000,000 to carry out this subsection. Funds appropriated under this
subsection shall be available to the Study Commission until
expended, except that any such funds which remain unobligated on
the date that the Study Commission ceases to exist shall be forwarded
to the Treasurer of the United States for deposit in the general fund
of the United States Treasury.
(c) Section 10706(c) of title 49, United States Code, as redesignated
by subsection (a) of this section, is amended by striking "(except a rail
carrier)" and substituting "(except a rail carrier or a motor common
carrier of property)".
(d) Section 10706 of title 49, United States Code, is further
amended—
(1) in subsections (d), (f), and (g), as redesignated by subsection
(a) of this section, by striking "subsection (a) or Q))" and substitut-
ing "subsection (a), (b), or (c)"; and
(2) in subsection (f), as redesignated by subsection (a) of this
section, by inserting "or (c)" immediately before the period at the
end of the first sentence.
49 u s e 10706 (e) Any organization established pursuant to an agreement ap-
note. proved by the Commission prior to the date of enactment of this Act
Ante, p. 803. under section 107060t)) of title 49, United States Code, may continue to
function pursuant to such agreement until a new or amended
agreement is finally disposed of by the Commission under section
10706 of title 49, United States Code, as amended by this section, so
long as (1) such new or amended agreement is submitted to the
Commission for approval within 120 days of such date of enactment,
and (2) such organization complies with this section (including
amendments made by this section and regulations issued under such
amendments) during the period such new or amended agreement is
being prepared, submitted to, and considered by the Commission.
LUMPING
SEC. 15. (a)(1) Subchapter I of chapter 111 of subtitle IV of title 49,
United States Code, is amended by inserting the following new
section immediately after section 11108:
49 use 11109. *'§ 11109. Loading and unloading motor vehicles
"(a) Whenever a shipper or receiver of property requires that any
person who owns or operates a motor vehicle transporting property in
interstate commerce (whether or not such transportation is subject to
the jurisdiction of the Commission under subchapter II of chapter 105
49 use 10521. of this title) be assisted in the loading or unloading of such vehicle,
the shipper or receiver shall be responsible for providing such
assistance or shall compensate the owner or operator for all costs
associated with securing and compensating the person or persons
providing such assistance.
PUBLIC LAW 96-296—JULY 1, 1980 94 STAT. 809
"(b) It shall be unlavsrful to coerce or attempt to coerce any person Coercion.
providing transportation of property by motor vehicle for compensa-
tion in interstate commerce (whether or not such transportation is
subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission under subchapter II of
chapter 105 of this title) to load or unload any part of such property 49 use 10521.
onto or from such vehicle or to employ or pay one or more persons to
load or unload any part of such property onto or from such vehicle,
except that this subsection shall not be construed as making unlawful
any activity which is not unlawful under the National Labor Rela-
tions Act or the Act of March 23, 1932 (47 Stat. 70; 29 U.S.C. 101 et
seq.), commonly known as the Norris-LaGuardia Act.".
(2) The analysis for subchapter I of chapter 111 of title 49, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end thereof the following:
"11109. Loading and unloading motor vehicles.".
(b)(1) Chapter 119 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
inserting the following new section immediately after section 11902:
"§ 11902a. Penalties for violations of rules relating to loading and 49 USC 11902a.
unloading motor vehicles
"(a) Any person who knowingly authorizes, consents to, or permits
a violation of subsection (a) or (b) of section 11109 of this title or who Ante, p. 808.
knowingly violates subsection (a) of such section is liable to the
United States Government for a civil penalty of not more than
$10,000 for each violation.
"(b) Any person who knowingly violates section 111090?) of this title
shall be fined not more than $10,000, imprisoned for not more than 2
years, or both.".
(2) The analysis for chapter 119 of title 49, United States Code, is
amended by inserting the following immediately after item 11902:
"11902a. Penalties for violations of rules relating to loading and unloading motor
vehicles.".
(c) Section 11702(aX2) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
inserting "or 11109" after "10930".
(d) Section 11107 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
inserting "(a)" before "Except" and by adding at the end thereof the
following new subsection:
"(b) The Commission shall require, by regulation, that any arrange- Responsibility
ment, between a motor carrier of property providing transportation for loading
and unloading.
subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission under subchapter II of
chapter 105 of this title and any other person, under which such other
person is to provide any portion of such transportation by a motor
vehicle not owned by the carrier shall specify, in writing, who is
responsible for loading and unloading the property onto and from the
motor vehicle.".
(e) The Interstate Commerce Commission, in consultation with the Loading and
Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of unloading
Agriculture, and representatives of independent owner-operators, practices.
Study, report
the motor carrier industry, shippers, receivers, consumers, and other to Congress.
interested persons, shall study, and report to the Congress, not later
than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act on loading and
unloading practices in the motor carrier of property industry. Such
report shall include (1) such recommendations for legislative and
other changes in such practices as the Commission considers appro-
priate, and (2) any changes in such practices which the Commission is
making by regulation.
94 STAT. 810 PUBLIC LAW 96-296—JULY 1, 1980
WRITTEN CONTRACTS PERTAINING TO CERTAIN INTERSTATE MOVEMENTS
BY MOTOR CARRIER
SEC. 16. (a) Subchapter II of chapter 105 of title 49, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end thereof the following new
section:
49 u s e 10527. ''§10527. Written contracts pertaining to certain interstate move-
ments by motor vehicle
"(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 10526(a)(6) of this
Ante, p. 797. subchapter, the Interstate Commerce Commission, in cooperation
with the Secretary of Agriculture, shall, where appropriate, require
by regulation the use of written contracts for the interstate move-
ment by motor vehicle of property described in such section and for
brokerage services to be provided in connection with the interstate
movement of such property.
"(b) A written contract between an owner or operator of a motor
vehicle and a broker, shipper of property, or receiver of property
which is required to be used by the Commission under this section
shall specify the arrangements, including compensation, with respect
to loading and unloading of the property transported under such con-
tract. Whenever the shipper or receiver of the property transported
under such contract requires that the operator of the vehicle load
or unload any part of the property onto or from the vehicle contrary
to any provision of such contract, the shipper or receiver shall
compensate the owner or operator of the vehicle for all costs eissoci-
Violation, ated with loading or unloading that part of the property. Any person
penalty. who knowingly violates the preceding sentence is liable to the United
States Government for a civil penalty of not more than $10,000 for
each violation.
Minimum "(c) The Commission shall prescribe, by regulation, the minimum
requirements. requirements and conditions of written contracts required to be used
under this section.".
0)) The analysis of subchapter II of chapter 105 of title 49, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end thereof the following:
"10527. Written contracts pertaining to certain interstate movements by motor
vehicle.".
Ante. p. 809. (c) Section 11702(aX2) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
inserting "10527 or" before "10930".
49 u s e 10527 (d) The Interstate Commerce Commission and the Secretary of
note. Agriculture may enter into agreements (including, but not limited to,
memorandums of understanding) in carrying out the provisions of
Supra. section 10527(a) of title 49, United States Code.
MOTOR CARRIER BROKERS OF PROPERTY
SEC. 17. (a) Section 10924 of title 49, United States Code, is
amended—
(1) in subsection (a) by inserting "of passengers or household
goods" after "transportation" the first place such term appears;
and
(2) by redesignating subsections (b), (c), and (d) (and any
references thereto) as subsections (c), (d), and (e), respectively,
and bjr inserting after subsection (a) the following new
subsection:
Licenses. "(b) The Interstate Commerce Commission shall issue, subject to
49TJSC 10927. section 10927(b) of this title, a license to a person authorizing the
PUBLIC LAW 96-296—JULY 1, 1980 94 STAT. 811
person to be a broker for transportation of property (other than
household goods) subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission under
subchapter II of chapter 105 of this title, if the Commission finds that 49 use 10521.
the person is fit, willing, and able—
"(1) to be a broker for transportation to be authorized by the
license; and
"(2) to comply with this subtitle and regulations of the Com-
mission.",
(b) Section 10925(d)(1)(A) of title 49, United States Code, is amended
by striking out "10924(d)" and inserting in lieu thereof "10924(e)".
FINANCE EXEMPTIONS
SEC. 18. (a) Section 11302(b) of title 49, United States Code, is
amended by—
(1) striking "more than $1,000,000" and substituting "more
than $5,000,000"; and
(2) striking "more than $200,000" and substituting "more than
$1,000,000".
(b) Section 11343(d)(1) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
striking "more than $300,000" and substituting "more than
$2,000,000".
UNIFORM STATE REGULATION
SEC. 19. Congress hereby declares and finds that the individual
State regulations and requirements imposed upon interstate motor
carriers regarding licensing, registration, and filings are in many
instances confusing, lacking in uniformity, unnecessarily duplicative,
and burdensome and that it is in the national interest to minimize
the burdens of such regulations while at the same time preserving
the legitimate interests of the State in such regulation. Therefore, the Recommendations.
Congress directs the Secretary of Transportation and the Interstate
Commerce Commission, in consultation with the States and the
various State agencies which administer such requirements and
regulations and with the motor carrier industry, including both the
regulated and unregulated segments, to develop legislative or other
recommendations to provide a more efficient and equitable system of
State regulations for interstate motor carriers. Such recommenda- Submittal to
tions shall be made to the Congress not later than 18 months after the Congress.
date of enactment of this Act.
POOUNG ARRANGEMENTS
SEC. 20. (a) Section 11342(a) of title 49, United States Code, is
amended by striking out "The Commission may" and inserting in lieu
thereof "Except as provided in subsection (b) for agreements or
combinations between or among motor common carriers of property,
the Commission may".
(b) Section 11342 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
redesignating subsections (b), (c), and (d) (and any references thereto)
as subsections (c), (d), and (e), respectively, and by inserting after
subsection (a) the following new subsection:
"(b) Any motor common carrier of property may apply to the
Commission for approval of an agreement or combination with
another motor common carrier of property to pool or divide traffic or
any services or any part of their earnings by filing such agreement or
combination with the Commission not less than 50 days before its
effective date. Prior to the effective date of the agreement or
94 STAT. 812 PUBLIC LAW 96-296—JULY 1, 1980
combination, the Commission shall determine whether the agree-
ment or combination is of major transportation importance and
whether there is substantial likelihood that the agreement or combi-
nation will unduly restrain competition. If the Commission deter-
mines that neither of these two factors exists, it shall, prior to such
effective date and without a hearing, approve and authorize the
agreement or combination, under such rules and regulations as the
Commission may issue, and for such consideration between such
carriers and upon such terms and conditions as shall be found by the
Hearing. Commission to be just and reasonable. If the Commission determines
either that the agreement or combination is of major transportation
importeuice or that there is a substantial likelihood that the agree-
ment or combination will unduly restrain competition, the Commis-
sion shall hold a hearing concerning whether the agreement or
combination will be in the interest of better service to the public or of
economy in operation and whether it will unduly restrain competi-
tion and shall suspend operation of such agreement or combination
pending such hearing and final decision thereon. After such hearing,
the Commission shall indicate to what extent it finds that the
agreement or combination will be in the interest of better service to
the public or of economy in operation and will not unduly restrain
competition and if assented to by all the carriers involved, shall, to
that extent, approve and authorize the agreement or combination,
under such rules and regulations as the Commission may issue, and
for such consideration between such carriers and upon such terms
and conditions as shall be found by the Commission to be just and
reasonable.".
MIXED LOADS
Ante, p. 797. SEC. 21. (a) Section 10526(a)(6) of title 49, United States Code, is
amended by striking out "a motor vehicle carrying, for compensation,
only property and that property consists" and inserting in lieu
thereof "transportation by motor vehicle".
OJXD Subchapter II of chapter 105 of title 49, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end thereof the following new section:
49 use 10528. "§ 10528. Mixed loads of regulated and unregulated property
"A motor carrier of property providing transportation exempt from
the jurisdiction of the Commission under paragraph (6), (8), (10), (11),
Ante, pp. 797, or (12) of section 10526(a) of this subchapter may transport property
798. under such paragraph in the S£ime vehicle and at the same time as
property which the carrier is authorized to transport under a certifi-
Ante, p. 794. cate issued under section 10922(b) of this subtitle or under a permit
Ante, pp. 799, issued under section 10923 of this subtitle. Such transportation shall
800. not affect the unregulated status of such exempt property or the
regulated status of the property which the carrier is authorized to
transport under such certificate or permit.".
(2) The analysis for subchapter II of chapter 105 of title 49, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end thereof the following:
"10528. Mixed loads of regulated and unregulated property.".
JOINT RATES AND THROUGH ROUTES
SEC. 22. (a) Section 10703(b) of title 49, United States Code, is
amended by inserting ", II (insofar as motor carriers of property are
concerned)," immediately after "subchapter I".
PUBLIC LAW 96-296—JULY 1, 1980 94 STAT. 813
(b) Section 10705 of title 49, United States Ckxie, is amended by
redesignating subsectibns (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f) (and any references
thereto) as subsections (c), (d), (e), (f), and (g), respectively, and by
inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection:
"(bXD The Interstate Commerce Commission may, and shall when
it considers it desirable in the public interest, prescribe through
routes, joint classifications, joint rates (including maximum or mini-
mum rates or both), the division of joint rates, and the conditions
under which those routes must be operated, for a motor common
carrier of property providing transportation subject to the jurisdic-
tion of the Commission under subchapter II of chapter 105 of this title 49 u s e 10521.
with another such carrier or with a water common carrier of
property.
"(2) The Commission may not require a motor common carrier of
property, without its consent, to include in a through route substan-
tially less than the entire length of its route and the route of any
intermediate carrier which is operated in conjunction and under
common management or control with such motor common carrier of
property which lies between the termini of such proposed through
routes (A) unless inclusion of such routes would make the through
route unreasonably circuitous as compared with another practicable
through route which could otherwise be established, or (B) unless the
Commission finds that the through route proposed to be established is
needed in order to provide adequate, more efficient, or more economic
transportation. In prescribing through routes the Commission shall, Preference
so far as is consistent with the public interest, and subject to the to carrier.
preceding sentence, give reasonable preference to the carrier which
originates the traffic".
(c) Section 10705(c) of title 49, United States Code, as redesignated
by subsection (b) of this section, is amended by inserting "or (b)" after
"subsection (a)" in the first sentence and by striking out "or water
carrier" in the second sentence and inserting in lieu thereof "carrier,
water carrier, or motor common carrier of property".
(d) The first sentence of section 10705(e) of title 49, United States
Code, as redes^ated by subsection (b) of this section, is amended by
striking out "a rail or water common carrier tariff" and inserting in
lieu thereof "a tariff of a rail carrier, water common carrier, or motor
common carrier of property".
(e) Subsection (fKD of section 10705 of title 49, United States Code,
as redesignated by subsection (b) of this section, is amended by
striking out "subsection (a) or (b)" and inserting in lieu thereof
"subsection (a), (b), or (c)".
(f) Section 10705 of title 49, United States Code, is further amended
by adding at the end thereof the following new subsection:
"(h) Any motor common carrier of property who is a party to a Division pay-
through route and joint rate, whether established by such carrier ments or
under section 10703 of this title or prescribed by the Commission interline
settlements.
under subsection (b) of this section, shall promptly pay divisions or 49 u s e 10703.
make interline settlements, as the case may be, with other carriers
which are parties to such through route and joint rate. In the event of
undue delinquency in the settlement of such divisions or interline
settlements, such through routes and joint rates may be suspended or
canceled under rules prescribed by the Commission. .
(g) Section 10705(g) of title 49, United States Code, as redesignated
by subsection (b) of this section, is amended by striking out "subsec-
tion (e)" and inserting in lieu thereof "subsection (f)".
94 STAT. 814 PUBLIC LAW 96-296—JULY 1, 1980
(h) Section 10703(a)(4) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end thereof the following new subparagraph:
Contracts. "(E) A freight forwarder may enter into contracts with a rail
carrier or with a water common carrier providing transportation
subject to the Shipping Act, 1916 (46 U.S.C. 801 et seq.) or the
Regulations. Intercoastal Shipping Act, 1933 (46 U.S.C. 843-848). Not later
than 180 days after the date of enactment of this subparagraph,
the Commission shall promulgate regulations implementing the
provisions of this subparagraph.".
TEMPORARY AUTHORITIES AND EMERGENCY TEMPORARY AUTHORITIES
SEC. 23. Section 10928 of title 49, United States Code, is amended
by-
(1) inserting "(a)" before "Without";
(2) inserting "of passengers" after "motor carrier" each place
such term appears; and
(3) adding at the end thereof the following new subsections:
49 u s e 10321. "(b)(1) Without regard to subchapter II of chapter 103 of this title
5 u s e 551. and subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5, the Commission, pursuant to
such regulations as the Commission may issue, may grant a motor
carrier of property temporary authority to provide transportation to
a place or in an area having no motor carrier of property capable of
meeting the immediate needs of the place or area. Unless suspended
or revoked, the Commission may grant the temporary authority for
not more than 270 days. A grant of temporary authority does not
establish a presumption that permanent authority to provide trans-
portation will be granted under this subchapter.
"(2) The Commission shall take final action upon an application
filed under this subsection no later than 90 days after the date the
application isfiledwith the Commission.
"(c)(1) Without regard to subchapter II of chapter 103 of this title
and subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5, the Commission, pursuant to
such regulations as the Commission may issue, may grant a motor
carrier of property emergency temporary authority to provide trans-
portation to a place or in an area having no motor carrier of property
capable of meeting the immediate needs of the place or area if the
Commission determines that, due to emergency conditions, there is
not sufficient time to process an application for temporary authority
Time ex- under subsection (b) of this section. Unless suspended or revoked, the
tension. Commission may grant the emergency temporary authority for not
more than 30 days, and the Commission may extend such authority
for a period of not more than 90 days. A grant of emergency
temporary authority does not establish a presumption that perma-
nent authority to ppovide transportation will be granted under this
subchapter.
"(2) The Commission shall take final action upon an application
filed under this subsection not later than 15 days after the date the
application isfiledwith the Commission.".
COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATIONS
SEC. 24. (a) Section 10526(a)(5)(A)(ii) of title 49, United States Code,
is amended by striking out "15 percent" and inserting in lieu thereof
"25 percent".
0)X1) Subchapter II of chapter 105 of title 49, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end thereof the following new section:
PUBLIC LAW 96-296—JULY 1, 1980 94 STAT. 815
*'§ 10529. Limited authority over cooperative associations 49 u s e 10529.
"(a) Notwithstanding section 10526(aX5) of this title, any coopera- Notification;
tive association (as defined by section 15(a) of the Agricultural recordkeeping.
Marketing Act (12 U.S.C. 1141j(a)) or a federation of cooperative 49 u s e 10526.
associations which is required to notify the Commission under such
section 10526(a)(5) shall prepare and maintain such records relating
to transportation provided by such association or federation, in such
form, as the Commission may require by regulation to carry out the
provisions of such section 10526(aX5). iTie Commission or an Inspection
employee designated by the Commission, may on demand and display rights.
of proper credentials—
*X1) inspect and examine the lands, buildings, and equipment
of such association or federation; and
"(2) inspect and copy any record of such association or
federation.
"(b) Notwithstanding section 10526(a)(5) of this title, the Commis- Filing of
sion may require a cooperative association or federation of coopera- reports.
tive associations described in subsection (a) of this section to file
reports with the Commission containing answers to questions about
transportation provided by such association or federation.
"(c) The Commission may bring a civil action to enforce subsections eivil action.
(a) and (b) of this section or a regulation or order of the Commission
issued under this section, when violated by a cooperative association
or federation of cooperative associations described in subsection (a).
"(dXD A person required to make a report to the Commission, Noncompliance
answer a question, or maintain a record under this section, or an penalty.
officer, agent, or employee of that person, that (A) does not make the
report, (B) does not specifically, completely, and truthfully answer
the question, or (C) does not maintain the record in the form and
manner prescribed bj^ the Commission, is liable to the United States
Government for a civil penalty of not more than $500 for each
violation and for not more than $250 for each additional day the
violation continues.
"(2) Trial in a civil action under paragraph (1) of this subsection
shall be in the judicial district in which (A) the cooperative associ-
ation or federation of cooperative associations has its principal office,
(B) the violation occurred, or (C) the offender is found. Process in the
action may be served in the judicial district of which the offender is
an inhabitant or in which the offender may be found.
"(e) A person, or an officer, employee, or agent of that person, that
by any meems knowingly and willfully tries to evade compliance with
the provisions of this section shall be fined at least $200 but not more
than $500 for the first violation and at least $250 but not more than
$2,000 for a subsequent violation.
"(f) A person required to make a report to the Commission, answer Violations,
a question, or maintain a record under this section, or an officer, penalties.
agent, or employee of that person, that (1) willfully does not make
that report, (2) willfuUjr does not specifically, completely, and truth-
fully answer that question in 30 days from the date the Commission
requires the question to be answered, (3) willfully does not maintain
that record in the form and manner prescribed by the Commission, (4)
knowingly and willfully falsifies, destroys, mutilates, or changes that
report or record, (5) mowingly and willfully files a false report or
record with the Commission under this section, (6) knowingly and
willfully makes a false or incomplete entry in that record about a
business-related fact or transaction, or (7) knowingly and willfully
maintains a record in violation of a regulation or order of the
79-194 O—81—pt. 1 55 : QL3
94 STAT. 816 PUBLIC LAW 96-296—JULY 1, 1980
Commission issued under this section, shall be fined not more than
$5,000.".
(2) The analysis for subchapter 11 of chapter 105 of title 49, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end thereof the following:
"10529. Limited authority over cooperative associations.".
Repeal. (c) Subsection (c) of section 11144 of title 49, United States Code, is
hereby repealed.
PROCEDURAL REFORM
SEC. 25. (a) Section 10322 of title 49, United States Code, is amended
to read as follows:
**§ 10322. Commission action and appellate procedure in non-rail
proceedings
"(a) This section applies to a matter before the Interstate Com-
merce Commission over which the Commission has jurisdiction under
chapter 105 of this title, other than a matter involving a rail carrier
providing transportation subject to the jurisdiction of the Commis-
49 u s e 10501. sion under subchapter I of such chapter. The deadlines set forth in
this section do not apply to the following sections of this subtitle:
49 u s e 10525, 10525(c), 10708(b), 10922(hX2), 10928,11345a, and 11701(c).
10708, ante, pp. "(b)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a
796,814, posf, pp.
819, 818. division, individual commissioner, employee board, or an employee
Oral hearing; delegated under section 10305 of this title to make an initial decision
decisions. in a matter related to a carrier (other than a rail carrier), or, in the
49 u s e 10305. case of a matter referred to a joint board under section 10341 of this
49 u s e 10341. title, such joint board—
"(A) shall, in any case in which an oral hearing is held or the
Commission has found that an issue of general transportation
importance is involved, complete all evidentiary proceedings
related to the matter not later than the 180th day following
institution of the proceeding and shall issue in writing the initial
decision not later than the 270th day following institution of the
proceeding; and
"(B) shall, in the case of all other proceedings subject to this
section, issue in writing the initial decision by the 180th day
following institution of the proceeding.
If evidence is submitted in writing or testimony is taken at an oral
hearing, the initial decision shall include specific findings of fact,
specific and separate conclusions of law, an order, and justification
for the findings of fact, conclusions of law, and order.
"(2) In any case involving an application for authority to provide
motor carrier transportation incidental to trailer-on-flatcar or con-
tainer-on-flatcar service by rciil under subchapter II of chapter 109 of
49 u s e 10921. this subtitle, a final decision on such application shall be issued in
writing not later than the 180th day following the date such applica-
tion isfiledwith the Commission.
Publication in
Federal
"(3) At the earliest practicable time after the filing of an applica-
Register. tion for authority under subchapter II of chapter 109 of this title, the
Commission shall publish in the Federal Register notice of the filing
of such application.
Waiver. "(c) The Commission, or a division designated by the Commission,
may waive the requirement for an initial decision under subsection
(b) of this section and may require the matter to be considered by the
Commission or such division on finding that the matter involves a
question of Commission policy, a new or novel issue of law, or an issue
of general transportation importance or that wsdver of the initial
PUBLIC LAW 96-296—JULY 1, 1980 94 STAT. 817
decision is required for the timely execution of the Commission's
functions. If the requirement for an initial decision is waived, a final
decision shall be issued in writing within the time limit established
for the issuance of the initial decision under subsection (b) of this
section.
"(d) In a proceeding under this section in which the parties have
had at least an opportunity to submit evidence in written form, such
parties shall have an opportunity to present arguments to the initial
decisionmaker. The decisionmaker shall determine whether the
arguments should be presented orally or in writing and may require
that written arguments be submitted simultaneously with written
submissions of evidence and that oral arguments be presented at an
oral hearing. Upon issuance of an initial decision under this section,
copies of such decision shall be served on the parties and submitted to
the Commission.
"(e) An initial decision under this section becomes a final decision Initial decisions.
on the 20th day after it is served on the interested parties, unless—
"(1) an interested party files an appeal during the 20-day
period or, if authorized by the Commission or division designated
by the Commission, by the end of an additional period of not
more than 20 days; or
"(2) the Commission stays or postpones under subsection (f)(1)
of this section the initial decision not later than the 20th day
following the date it is served on the parties.
"(f)(1) Before an initial decision under this section becomes a final Final decision
decision, the Commission or a division or an employee board desig- review.
nated by the Commission, may review the initigd decision on its own
initiative and shall review an initial decision if a timely appeal is
filed under subsection (e) of this section.
"(2) An initial decision may be reviewed on the record on which it is
based or by a further hearing. If an initial decision is reviewed, it
shall be stayed pending final determination of the matter and it
becomes a final decision only after the final determination is made. If Appeals.
a timely appeal is filed under subsection (e) of this section, the final
determination shall be made not later than the 50th day after the
appeal is filed. If an initial decision under this section is reviewed by
the Commission or a division or an employee board designated by the
Commission on its own initiative, the final decision shall be made not
later than the 50th day after initiation of such review.
"(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (2) of this subsec-
tion, if an initial decision under this section is reviewed by further
hearing, such review shall be completed, and a final decision made,
not later than the 120th day following the date the further hearing is
granted.
"(4) Review of, or appeal from, an initial decision under this section
shall be conducted under section 557 of title 5. The Commission may
prescribe rules limiting and defining the issues and pleadings on
review under subsection (b) of such section.
"(gXD The Commission may, at any time on its own initiative Commission
because of material error, new evidence, or substantially changed action,
proceeding
circumstances— reopening
"(A) reopen a proceeding; and
"(B) grant rehearing, reargument, or reconsideration of an reconsideration.
action of the Commission; and
"(C) change an action of the Commission.
94 STAT. 818 PUBLIC LAW 96-296—JULY 1, 1980
An interested party may petition to reopen and reconsider an action
of the Commission under this paragraph under regulations of the
Commission.
"(2) The Commission may grant a rehearing, reargument, or
reconsideration of an action of the Commission that was taken by a
division or an employee board designated by the Commission if it
finds that—
"(A) the action involved a matter of general transportation
importance; or
"(B) the action would be affected materially because of clear
and convincing new evidence or changed circumstances.
An interested party may petition for rehearing, reargument, or
reconsideration of an action of the Commission under this paragraph
Stay of Commis- under regulations of the Commission. The Commission may stay an
sion action. action pending a final determination under this paragraph. The
Commission shall complete reconsideration and take final action by
the 120th day after the petition is granted.
"(3) If the Commission initiates any action under paragraph (1) of
this subsection, final disposition under such paragraph shall be made
not later than the 120th day following the date action is initiated.
Effective "(h) A final decision under this section shall be effective on the date
date. it is served on the parties, and a civil action to enforce, enjoin,
suspend, or set aside the decision may be filed after that date.
Time period, "(i) In extraordinary circumstances, the Commission may extend a
extension. time period established by this section, except that the total of all
such extensions with respect to any matter subject to the provisions
of this section shall not exceed 90 days.".
Repeal. (b) Section 10323 of title 49, United States Code, is hereby repealed.
(cXD Section 10324(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
striking out the last sentence.
(2) Section 10324(c) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to
read as follows:
49 u s e 10327. "(c) An action of the Commission under section 10327 of this title is
enforceable, unless the Commission stays or postpones such action.".
Repeal. (d) Section 10325 of title 49, United States Code, is hereby repealed.
(e) Section 10327(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
striking out "Notwithstanding sections 10322,10323, and 10324(c) of
this title, this" and inserting in lieu thereof "This".
(f) The index for subchapter II of chapter 103 of title 49, United
States Code, is amended by striking out the items relating to Bections
10322, 10323, 10324, and 10325 and inserting in lieu thereof the
following:
"10322. Commission action and appellate procedure in non-rail proceedings.
"10323. Repealed.
"10324. Commission action.
"10325. Repealed.".
ENFORCEMENT
SEC. 26. (a) Section 11701(c) of title 49, United States Code, is
amended by striking "related to a rail carrier".
(b) Section 11707(e) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
adding the following at the end thereof: "For the purposes of th&
subsection—
"(1) an offer of compromise shall not constitute a disallowance
of any part of the claim unless the carrier, in writing, informs the
claimant that such part of the claim is disallowed and provides
reasons for such disallowance; and
PUBLIC LAW 96-296—JULY 1, 1980 94 STAT. 819
"(2) communications received from a carrier's insurer shall not
constitute a disallowance of any part of the claim unless the
insurer, in writing, informs the claimant that such part of the
claim is disallowed, provides reasons for such disallowance, and
informs the claimant that the insurer is acting on behalf of the
carrier.".
(c) Section 1114 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by
inserting "Interstate Commerce Commission," after "Consumer
Product Safety Commission,".
MERGER PROCEDURE
SEC. 27. (a) Subchapter HI of chapter 113 of title 49, United States
Code, is amended by inserting after section 11345 the following new
section:
*'§ 11345a. Consolidation, merger, and acquisition of control: 49uscii345a.
motor carrier of property procedure
"(a) If a motor carrier of property providing transportation subject
to the jurisdiction of the Interstate Commerce Commission under
subchapter II of chapter 105 of this title is involved in a proposed 49 use 10521.
transaction under section 11343 of this title, this section and section
11344 of this title also apply to the transaction. The Commission shall 49 u s e 11343,
11344.
publish notice of the application in the Federal Register by the end of Publication
the 30th day after the application is filed with the Commission. in Federal
However, if the application is incomplete, the Commission shall .Register.
reject it by the end of that period. The order of rejection is a final
decision of the Commission under section 10322 of this title. Ante, p. 816.
"(b) Written comments about an application may be filed with the
Commission within 45 days after notice of the application is pub-
lished under subsection (a) of this section.
"(c) The Commission must conclude evidentiary proceedings by the
240th day after the date of publication of notice under subsection (a)
of this section. The Commission must issue a final decision by the
180th day after the date it concludes the evidentiary proceedings. In
extraordinary circumstemces, the Commission may extend a time
period established by this section, except that the total of all such
extensions with respect to any application shall not exceed 90 days.
"(d) The Commission may waive the requirement that an initial Waiver.
decision be made under section 10322 of this title and make a final
decision itself when it determines that action is required for the
timely execution of its functions under this subchapter or that an
application governed by this section is of m^or transportation
importance. The decision of the Commission under this subsection is
a final decision under section 10322 of this title.".
(b) The analysis of subchapter III of chapter 113 of title 49, United
States Code, is amended by inserting after
"11345. Cionsolidation, merger, and acquisition of control: rail carrier procedure."
the following:
"11345a. Consolidation, merger, and acquisition of control: motor carrier of property
procedure.".
SMALL COMMUNITY SERVICE STUDY
SEC. 28. (a) The Interstate Commerce Commission shall make a full Report to
investigation and study of motor carrier service to small communities President and
eongress.
(with emphasis on communities of population 5,000 and under), and
94 STAT. 820 PUBLIC LAW 96-296—JULY 1, 1980
shall submit a report, including legislative or other recommenda-
tions, to the President and the Congress not later than September 1,
1982.
Contents (b) The report shall include an analysis of the common carrier
of report. obligation to provide service to small community shippers and an
assessment of whether the Commission is enforcing such obligation.
If the Commission determines that it is not fully enforcing such
obligation, then it shall expledn why not, and detail what steps it
would need to take and what resources it would have to have in order
to enforce such obligation. The report shall also describe the extent to
which motor carriers were providing service to small communities
prior to the date of enactment of this Act, and evaluate the effect of
this Act on such service. The report shall include specific recommen-
dations regarding ways to ensure the provision and maintenance of
motor carrier service to small communities.
Data for (c)(1) To develop data for its report, the Commission shall monitor—
report. (A) complaints to determine the number and kinds of com-
plaints by small community shippers; and
(B) applications for new and expanded service to determine
whether motor carriers are seeking to serve small community
shippers.
Additional (2) The Commission may develop additional data by any other
data. means, including surveys of small community shippers and motor
carriers providing service to such communities to determine the
reliability of such service and the availability of quality and price
Contracts. options. The Commission is authorized to enter into contracts or
agreements with public and private organizations to carry out such
surveys of shippers and motor carriers.
Appropriation (d) There is hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal years
authorization. 1981 and 1982 such sums as are necessary to carry out the provisions
of this section.
INSURANCE
SEC. 29. Section 10927(aXl) of title 49, United States Code, is
amended by striking out "approved by the Commission." and insert-
ing in lieu thereof "approved by the Commission, in an amount not
less than such amount as the Secretary of Transportation prescribes
pursuant to, or as is required by, the provisions of section 30 the
Infra. Motor Carrier Act of 1980.".
MINIMUM FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR MOTOR CARRIERS
Regulations. SEC. 30. (a)(1) The Secretary of Transportation shall establish
49 u s e 10927 regulations to require minimal levels of financial responsibility
note.
sufficient to satisfy liability amounts to be determined by the Secre-
tary covering public liability, property damage, and environmental
restoration for the transportation of property for hire by motor
vehicle in the United States from a place in one State to a place in
another State, from a place in a State to another place in such State
through a place outside of such State, or between a place in a State
and a place outside the United States.
(2) The minimal level of financial responsibility established by the
Secretary under paragraph (1) of this subsection for any vehicle shall
not be less than $750,000, except that the Secretary, by regulation,
may reduce such amount (but not to an amount less than $500,000)
for any class of vehicles or operations for the two-year period
beginning on the effective date of the regulations issued under such
PUBLIC LAW 96-296—JULY 1, 1980 94 STAT. 821
paragraph or any part of such period if the Secretary finds that such
reduction will not adversely affect public safety and will prevent a
serious disruption in transportation service.
(3) If, at the end of the one-year period beginning on the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary has not established regulations
to require minimal levels of financial responsibility as required by
paragraph (1) of this subsection for any class of transportation of
property for hire by motor vehicle from a place in a State to a place in
another State or from a place in a State to another place in such State
through another State, the levels of financial responsibility for such
class of transportation shall be the $750,000 amount set forth in
paragraph (2) of this subsection, until such time as the Secretary, by
regulation, changes such amount under this subsection. Notwith- Amount
standing the provisions of such paragraph, the Secretary may only reductions.
make reductions in such amount under such paragraph for the two-
year period beginning on the 366th day following the date of enact-
ment of this Act or any part of such period.
0)X1) The Secretary shall establish regulations to require minimal Regulations.
levels of financial responsibility sufficient to satisfy liability amounts
to be determined by the Secretary covering public liability, property
damage, and environmental restoration for the transportation of
hazardous materials (as defined by the Secretary), oil or hazardous
substances (as defined by the Administrator of the Environmental
Protection Agency), or hazardous wastes (as defined by the Adminis-
trator of the Environmental Protection Agency) by motor vehicle in
interstate or intrastate commerce.
(2) The minimal level of financial responsibility established by the Hazardous
Secretary under paragraph (1) of this subsection for any vehicle substances.
transporting in interstate or intrastate commerce—
(A) hazardous substances (as defined by the Administrator of
the Environmental Protection Agency) in cargo tanks, portable
tanks, or hopper-type vehicles, with capacities in excess of 3,500
water gallons,
(B) in bulk class A explosives, poison gas, liquefied gas, or
compressed gas, or
(C) large quantities of radioactive materials,
shall not be less than $5,000,000, except that the Secretary, by Amounts,
regulation, may reduce such amount (but not to an amount less than limitation.
$1,000,000) for any class of vehicles or operations for the two-year
period beginning on the effective date of the regulations issued under
this subsection or any part of such period if the Secretary finds that
such reduction will not adversely affect public safety and will prevent
a serious disruption in transportation service.
(3) The minimal level of financial responsibility established by the
Secretary under paragraph (1) of this subsection for any vehicle
transporting in interstate or intrastate commerce any material, oil,
substance, or waste not subject to the provisions of paragraph (2) of
this subsection shall not be less than $1,000,000, except that (A) the
Secretary, by regulation, may reduce such amount (but not to an
amount less than $500,000) for any class of vehicles or operations for
the two-year period beginning on the effective date of the regulations
issued under this subsection or any part of such period if the
Secretary finds that such reduction will not adversely affect public
safety and will prevent a serious disruption in transportation service,
and (B) in the case of any class of vehicles transporting any such
material, oil, substance, or waste in intrastate commerce other than
in bulk, the Secretary, by regulation, may reduce such amount if the
94 STAT. 822 PUBLIC LAW 96-296—JULY 1, 1980
Secretary finds that such reduction will not adversely affect public
safety.
(4) If, at the end of the one-year period beginning on the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary has not established regulations
to require minimal levels of financial responsibility as required by
paragraph (1) of this subsection for any class of transportation of
hazardous materials, oil, hazardous substsmces, or hazardous wastes
by motor vehicle in interstate or intrastate commerce, the levels of
financial responsibility for such class of transportation shall be the
$5,000,000 amount set forth in paragraph (2) of this subsection or the
$1,000,000 amount set forth in paragraph (3) of this subsection, as the
case may be, until such time as the Secretary, by regulation, changes
Amount such amount under this subsection. Notwithstanding the provisions
reductions. of paragraph (2) or (3)(A) of this subsection, the Secretary may only
make reductions in such amount under such paragraph for the two-
year period beginning on the 366th day following the date of enact-
ment of this Act or any part of such period.
(c) Financial responsibility may be established under this section
by any one or any combination of the following methods acceptable to
the Secretary: evidence of insurance, guarantee, surety bond, or
qualification as a self-insurer. Any bond filed shall be issued by a
bonding company authorized to do business in the United States. The
Secretary shall establish, by regulation, methods and procedures to
Eissure compliance with this section.
Violation, (d)(1) Any person (except an employee who acts without knowledge)
determination who is determined by the Secretary, after notice and opportunity for
of penalty a hearing, to have knowingly violated this section or a regulation
amount.
issued under this section shall be liable to the United States for civil
penalty of not more than $10,000 for each violation, and if any such
violation is a continuing one each day of violation constitutes a
separate offense. The amount of any such penalty shall be assessed by
the Secretary by written notice. In determining the amount of such
penalty, the Secretary shall take into account the nature, circum-
stances, extent, and gravity of the violation committed and, with
respect to the person found to have committed such violation, the
degree of culpability, any history of prior offenses, ability to pay,
effect on ability to continue to do business, and such other matters as
justice may require.
Civil penalty, (2) Such civil penalty may be recovered in an action brought by the
recovery. Attorney General on behalf of the United States in the appropriate
district court of the United States or, prior to referral to the Attorney
General, such civil penalty may be compromised by the Secretary.
The amount of such penalty, when finally determined (or agreed
upon in compromise), may be deducted from any sums owed by the
United States to the person charged. All penalties collected under
this subsection shall be deposited in the Treasury of the United States
as miscellaneous receipts.
Report to (e) Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act,
C!ongress. the Secretary shall report to Congress upon the regulations issued
under this section. The Secretary shall describe the various levels of
financial responsibility mandated and the rationale for selecting the
final limits. The Secretary shall also include an estimate of the
impact of the regulations upon the safety of motor vehicle transporta-
tion, the economic condition of the motor carrier industry (including,
but not limited to, small and minority motor carriers and independ-
ent owner-operators), and the ability of the insurance industry to
Recommen- provide the designated coverage. The Secretary shall make recom-
dations for
further legis-
lation.
PUBLIC LAW 96-296—JULY 1, 1980 94 STAT. 823
mendations with respect to the need for further legislation related to
levels of financial responsibility, including to what extent, if any,
minimum statutory levels should be modified.
(f) This section shall only apply to motor vehicles having a gross
vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or more.
(g) For purposes of this section, the term—
(1) "Secretary" means the Secretary of Transportation; and "Secretary."
(2) "State" (includii^ its use in the terms "interstate" and "State."
"intrastate") means a State of the United States, the District of
Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands,
American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the North-
em Marianas.
IMPOSITION OP STATE TAX ON MOTOR CARRIER TRANSPORTATION
PROPERTY
SEC. 31. (aXD Chapter 115 of title 49, United States Code, is
amended by inserting after section 11503 the following new section:
'*§ 11503a. Tax discrimination against motor carrier transporta- 49uscii503a.
tion property
"(a) In this section— Definitions.
"(1) 'assessment' means valuation for a property tax levied by a
taxing district;
"(2) 'assessment jurisdiction' means a geographical area in a
State used in determining the assessed value of property for ad
valorem taxation;
"(3) 'motor carrier transportation property' means property, as
defined by the Interstate Commerce Commission, owned or used
by a motor carrier of property providing transportation in
interstate commerce whether or not such transportation is
subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission under subchapter II
of chapter 105 of this title; and 49 u s e 10521.
"(4) 'commercial and industrial property' means property,
other than transportation property and lana used primaruy for
agricultural purposes or timber growing, devoted to a commer-
cial or industrial use and subject to a property tax levy.
"(b) The following acts unreasonably burden and discriminate Prohibited
against interstate commerce and a State, subdivision of a State, or discriminatory
acts.
authority acting for a State or subdivision of a State may not do any
of them:
"(1) assess motor carrier transportation property at a value
that has a higher ratio to the true market value of the motor
carrier transportation property than the ratio that the assessed
value of other commercial and industrial property in the same
assessment jurisdiction has to the true market value of the other
commercial and industrial property;
"(2) levy or collect a tax on an assessment that may not be
made under paragraph (1) of this subsection;
"(3) levy or collect an ad valorem property tax on motor carrier
transportetion property at a tax rate that exceeds the tax rate
applicable to commercial and industrial property in the same
assessment jurisdiction.
"(c) Notwithstanding section 1341 of title 28 and without regard to
the amount in controversy or citizenship of the parties, a district
court of the United States has jurisdiction, concurrent with other
jurisdiction of courts of the United States and the Stotes,toprevent a
94 STAT. 824 PUBLIC LAW 96-296—JULY 1, 1980
Granting violation of subsection (b) of this section. Relief may be granted under
of relief, this subsection only if the ratio of assessed value to true market value
conditions.
of motor carrier transportation property exceeds by at least 5
percent, the ratio of assessed value to true market value of other
commercial and industrial property in the same assessment jurisdic-
tion. The burden of proof in determining assessed value and true
Violations. market value is governed by State law. If the ratio of the assessed
value of other commercial and industrial property in the assessment
jurisdiction to the true market value of all other commercial and
industrial property cannot be determined to the satisfaction of the
district court through the random-sampling method known as a sales
assessment ratio study (to be carried out under statistical principles
applicable to such a study), the court shall find, as a violation of this
section—
"(1) an assessment of the motor carrier transportation prop-
erty at a value that hgis a higher ratio to the true market value of
the motor carrier transportation property than the assessment
value of all other property subject to a property tax levy in the
assessment jurisdiction has to the true market value of all other
commercial and industrial property; and
"(2) the collection of ad valorem property tax on the motor
carrier transportation property at a tax rate that exceeds the tax
ratio rate applicable to taxable property in the taxing district.".
(2) The chapter analysis of chapter 115 of title 49, United States
Code, is amended by inserting after
"11503. Tax discrimination against rail transportation property."
the following:
"11503a. Tax discrimination against motor carrier transportation property.".
(b) Section 10521(b)(4) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
inserting "section 11503a and" after "in".
RATES FOR TRANSPORTATION OF RECYCLABLE MATERIALS
SEC. 32. (a) Subchapter II of chapter 107 of title 49, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end thereof the following new
section:
49 u s e 10733. "§ 10733. Rates for transportation of recyclable materials
"(a) A motor carrier of property providing transportation subject to
the jurisdiction of the Commission under subchapter II of chapter 105
49 u s e 10521. of this title may provide transportation of recyclable materials
without charge or at a reduced rate.
"Recyclable "(b) In this section, 'recyclable materials' means waste products for
materials." recycling or reuse in the furtherance of recognized pollution control
programs.".
(b) The analysis for subchapter II of chapter 107 of title 49, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end thereof the following:
"10733. Rates for transportation of recyclable materials.".
BUSINESS ENTERTAINMENT EXPENSES
SEC. 33. (a) Subchapter III of chapter 107 of title 49, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end thereof the following new
section:
PUBLIC LAW 96-296—JULY 1, 1980 94 STAT. 825
''§10751. Business entertainment expenses 49 u s e 10751.
"(a) Any business entertainment expense incurred by a person
providing transportation subject to the jurisdiction of the Commis-
sion under chapter 105 of this title (other than transportation b})^ rail) 49 u s e 10501 et
shall not constitute a violation of section 10741 or 10761 of this title if seq.
such expense would not be unlawful if incurred by a person or Infra.
corporation not subject to such jurisdiction of the Commission.
"(b) Any business entertainment expense authorized imder this
section that is paid or incurred by a person providing transportation
subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission under chapter 105 of
this title (other than transportation by rail) shall not be taken into
account in determining the cost of service or the rate base for
purposes of this title.
"(c) Within 180 days after the date of enactment of the Motor Standards and
Carrier Act of 1980, the Commission shall institute a rulemaking guidelines.
proceeding pursuant to which it shall issue rules establishing appro- Ante, p. 793.
priate standards and guidelines for authorized business entertain-
ment expenses under this section. Such standards and guidelines
shall be consistent with standards and guidelines applicable under
existing law to persons not subject to this subtitle, including compet-
ing unregulated surface transportation carriers.".
(b) The analysis for chapter 107 of title 49, United States Code, is
amended by inserting immediately after the item relating to section
10750 the following new item:
"10751. Business entertainment expenses.".
(c) Section 10761 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end thereof the following new subsection:
"(c) This section shall not apply to expenses authorized under
section 10751 of this title.".
(d) Section 10741 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end thereof the following new subsection:
"(e) This section shall not apply to expenses authorized under
section 10751 of this title.".
COORDINATED TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
SEC. 34. (a) Section 10922 of title 49, United States Code, is amended Ante, p. 796.
by adding the following new subsection:
"(j) A motor common carrier of property may deliver to or receive
from a rail carrier a trailer moving m trailer-on-flat-car service at
any point on the route of the rail carrier if the motor carrier is
authorized to serve the origin and destination points of the traffic".
(b) Section 10923 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by Ante, p. 800.
adding the following new subsection:
"(e) A motor contract CEirrier of property may deliver to or receive
from a rail carrier a trailer moving in trailer-on-flat-car service at
any point on the route of the rail carrier if the motor carrier is
authorized to serve the origin and destination points of the traffic".
JOB REFERRAL
SEC. 35. The Secretary of Labor shall establish, maintain, and List of available
periodically publish a comprehensive list of jobs available with motor jobs, publication.
carriers of property holding certificates or permits issued by the 49 u s e 10921
Interstate Commerce Commission under subchapter II of chapter 109 note.
of title 49, United States Code. Such list shall include that informa- 49 use i092i
tion and detail, such as job descriptions and required skills, as the
94 STAT. 826 PUBLIC LAW 96-296—JULY 1, 1980
Employment aid. Secretary deems relevant and necessary. In addition to publishing
the list, the Secretary shall assist a person previously employed by
any such carrier in finding other emplojnnent. In order to carry out
this section, the Secretary may require regulated motor carriers of
property to file reports, data, and other information.
ADMINISTRATION
SEC. 36. Section 10344(f) of title 49, United States Code, is amended
Rent payment. by adding at the end thereof the following new sentence: "The
Ciommission shall pay the rent for any space or facilities assigned
under this subsection at rates determined in accordance with section
210(j) of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of
1949 (40 U.S.C. 4900)).".
Approved July 1, 1980.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
HOUSE REPORT No. 96-1069 accompanying H.R. 6418 (Comm. on Public Works and
Treinsportation).
SENATE REPORT No. 96-641 (Comm. on Commerce, Science, and Transportation).
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 126 (1980):
Apr. 15, considered and passed Senate.
June 19, H.R. 6418 considered and passed House; passage vacated and S. 2245,
amended, passed in lieu.
June 20, Senate concurred in House amendments.
WEEKLY COMPILATION OF PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS, Vol. 16, No. 27:
July 1, Presidential statement.
