I have to give you an update on what’s happening with my truck, trailer and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Many of you have already read about the problems we had in Iowa and how that has triggered a “Compliance Review” in Virginia. After talking with the Special Agent in charge of my “review” on April 18, I faxed a very detailed letter to him and his supervisor explaining the many discrepancies and conflicting information that I have been receiving from various state Motor Carrier Enforcement Officers. One of my requests in that letter was to postpone the “Review” until we could clarify exactly WHAT category of the FMCSA in which I fall. I am set for this review on May 16 at 11am and I’m supposed to drive my truck and trailer to Richmond for this very “extensive” examination (they said to plan for at least four hours). How am I supposed to know HOW to be compliant when no one in authority can explain to me WHAT it means to be compliant?
In my frustration, I contacted my State Senator Steve Newman and my Congressman Bob Goodlatte. I forwarded all the pertinent information to their attention and then spoke with them about the situation. Both of them have assured me that they are going to find out how we can rectify this without it continuing to get bogged down in bureaucracy (is that even possible with the government?).
So, let me give you another example of how difficult and ridiculous it is to work with the Feds. I finally received a voice mail message from the Special Agent in charge of my review late Friday afternoon. In addition to the fax of April 23, I also faxed a follow up letter to him Friday early afternoon. In his voice mail message, he never acknowledged receiving either of my faxes and moved forward without answering any of my concerns or questions. He said we are still scheduled for the review on May 16 at 11 am in Richmond…but here’s the kicker – He also said in his message that he had sent me a certified letter with all the information that I would need to bring with me to the Review. Then he remembered that I’m not going to be back in Lynchburg until May 14. He was calling to see if he could get a phone number where he could leave a voice mail message detailing the necessary items for the review! What? He’s leaving me a voice mail message asking me for a phone number where he can leave a voice mail message!
I’m hoping my Senator and Congressman will be able to help me out in this confusing and frustrating battle.