Legislative Bulletin - May 28, 2009

NY Truck Rental Security

TRALA is opposing legislation recently introduced in New York that would impose state-specific security mandates on truck rental companies. Senate Bill 4719, introduced by Senator Vincent Leibell (R-Brewster) on April 27, 2009, would impose operational best practices and training requirements on companies that rent trucks, vans or trailers to the public. The legislation would require truck rental companies to: 1) register with the state and maintain customer records for two years, 2) require a drivers license and one other form of identification, 3) make meaningful assurances to verify the identity of the renter and 4) develop a mechanism for checking customers names against state or federal criminal databases. The legislation also requires the NY Department of Homeland Security to develop and promote best practices for the industry and to educate companies on the detection and reporting of suspicious activity.

TRALA is actively engaged in a proactive industry-wide voluntary security program and has contacted Senator Leibell to share information about this program. TRALAs program includes the publication and distribution of over 180,000 copies of Safeguarding Americas Transportation System A Security Guide for Truck Rental Company Employees. This guide includes information to help truck rental company employees better identify and report suspicious behavior that may indicate a greater threat. TRALA has also developed and distributed the Truck Renting and Leasing Security Awareness and Self-Assessment Guide to companies throughout the industry. This guide contains valuable information aimed at heightening companies security awareness. The guide also includes a self-assessment section for use by companies in assessing their security preparedness and a menu of security options for consideration. These publications are combined with outreach efforts, information sharing and active engagement in numerous government and private-sector security initiatives.

TRALA is concerned about any legislation that could create a state-by-state patchwork of varying security standards and mandates on the interstate operations of truck renting and leasing companies. TRALA will work with Senator Leibell to demonstrate the effectiveness of its voluntary industry-wide security program. For more information about the legislation or TRALAs security program, please contact TRALAs Tom James at 703-299-9120 or at tjames@trala.org.