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A proposal to outsource regulatory requirements for the manufacture and maintenance of cargo tanks to a pair of professional organizations would impose a costly financial burden on the cargo tank industry, several industry commenters told federal regulators.

U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officials have postponed the July 17 effective date for a controversial regulation requiring that motor carriers and exporters report even small amounts of residual chemicals left inside cargo tank containers when returning from deliveries in Canada and Mexico.

Several tank-truck operators said freight volumes are increasing and rates are moving higher thanks to the combination of that higher level of demand and lower capacity on the carrier side.

CHICAGO — The National Tank Truck Carriers for the first time has formally endorsed the use of trucks heavier than the current 80,000-pound weight limit.

The tank truck industry faces a unique set of challenges that have led to increased regulations, self-imposed safety precautions and higher costs. Industry executives said they are adjusting by embracing new technology, providing additional driver training and re-examining their operations. 

The economic recovery and understanding how of government regulations will affect business will be key themes of the National Tank Truck Carriers’ annual conference, scheduled for May 10-12 in Chicago.