ARA Secures Regulatory Relief for Automotive Recycling Industry
13 July 2000
ARA Secures Regulatory Relief for Automotive Recycling IndustryFAIRFAX, Va. - The Automotive Recyclers Association announced today that its request for modification to provide for additional modes of transportation for ARA members from EX number requirements has been granted by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The exemption allows for the transportation in commerce of a "recycled" air bag module or seat belt pre-tensioner without marking the EX number or product code on the hazardous material shipping paper. With approval of the modifications, ARA's exemption is now acceptable throughout the shipping industry whether by motor vehicle, rail freight, cargo vessel or cargo aircraft. The need for modification of ARA's original exemption -- to allow for rail freight and cargo vessel -- was based on a technicality. The previous exemption did not allow shippers to accept recycled air bags if the company used rail freight to transport their trucks during the shipping process. The United Parcel Service along with other shippers will once again accept recycled air bag shipments under ARA's exemption. Furthermore, the Automotive Recyclers Association efforts will also benefit the United Recyclers Group, Kentucky Auto & Truck Recyclers Association and the State of California Auto Dismantlers Association who have been previously granted "party status" to ARA's exemption. According to Ginny Whelan, ARA President, "We are extremely satisfied with the outcome of our discussions with U.S. Department of Transportation. The Association has once again shown that it can obtain excellent regulatory relief for ARA's members and others in the automotive recycling industry while continuing its commitment to safety. ARA will maintain its leadership role in helping the industry expand and grow by advocating common sense solutions over onerous bureaucratic regulations."