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Indiana readies law regulating coils loads

Truckers hauling coils solely in Indiana will soon be responsible for showing further proof they are qualified for the job.

The Indiana Department of Revenue is shooting for a July 1 start date for intrastate carriers and truckers to have completed the state’s new certification standard for hauling metal coils. State lawmakers approved a bill early this year that requires trucking companies involved in transporting metal coils that originate and terminate in Indiana to use truck drivers trained and certified in properly securing these loads.

Modeled after an Alabama law, The Hoosier version prohibits affected truck drivers from hauling one or more metal coils individually, or grouped together, weighing at least 5,000 pounds unless they are certified in proper load securement.

Collin Davis, an attorney with the Revenue Department, said Indiana is working with the same Texas-based company that provides online training for Alabama truckers. Once training is complete, Indiana truckers can print their certificates to show law enforcement.

Davis said the state opted to limit to intrastate operations those affected by the certification rule because of legal concerns.

“We were worried about affecting interstate commerce and the commerce clause under the U.S. Constitution,” Davis told Land Line . “We don’t want to place restrictions on out-of-state drivers.”

A DOR spokesman said plans are to make certification available online. It would be a Class A misdemeanor for uncertified drivers to haul affected coil loads. Companies would face the same penalty for using uncertified drivers.

Captain L. Wayne Andrews of the Indiana State Police tried to ease concerns from truckers about not getting a heads up on how to get certified. He said troopers will not start handing out tickets until the DOR has established the certification standards and proper notification has been made.

“Until such time as these rules have been developed and adopted by them, and adequate notification provided to the transportation industry, the Indiana State Police cannot take any enforcement action for violations,” Andrews wrote to Land Line .

The policy division of the DOR will be responsible for sending out notification of the certification process. Andrews said at this point, it’s a work in progress.

To view other legislative activities of interest for Indiana, click here .

Editor’s Note: Please share your thoughts with us about the legislation included in this story. Comments may be sent to [email protected]

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