81_FR_23430 81 FR 23354 - Household Goods Consumer Protection Working Group: Membership Solicitation

81 FR 23354 - Household Goods Consumer Protection Working Group: Membership Solicitation

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 76 (April 20, 2016)

Page Range23354-23355
FR Document2016-09113

FMCSA announces its intent to establish the Household Goods (HHG) Consumer Protection Working Group (Working Group). The Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act requires FMCSA to establish this Working Group to provide recommendations on how to better educate and protect HHG moving customers (consumers) during an interstate HHG move. FMCSA solicits applications and nominations of interested persons to serve on the Working Group. As required by the FAST Act, the Working Group must be composed of individuals with expertise in consumer affairs, educators with expertise in how people learn most effectively, and representatives of the interstate HHG moving industry. The FAST Act mandates that the Working Group make its recommendations and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) publish them no later than December 4, 2016.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 76 (Wednesday, April 20, 2016) 
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 76 (Wednesday, April 20, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 23354-23355]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-09113]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2016-0116]


Household Goods Consumer Protection Working Group: Membership 
Solicitation

AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice, request for applications and nominations to the 
Household Goods Consumer Protection Working Group.

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SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its intent to establish the Household Goods 
(HHG) Consumer Protection Working Group (Working Group). The Fixing 
America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act requires FMCSA to establish 
this Working Group to provide recommendations on how to better educate 
and protect HHG moving customers (consumers) during an interstate HHG 
move. FMCSA solicits applications and nominations of interested persons 
to serve on the Working Group. As required by the FAST Act, the Working 
Group must be composed of individuals with expertise in consumer 
affairs, educators with expertise in how people learn most effectively, 
and representatives of the interstate HHG moving industry. The FAST Act 
mandates that the Working Group make its recommendations and the U.S. 
Department of Transportation (DOT) publish them no later than December 
4, 2016.

DATES: Applications/Nominations for the Working Group must be received 
electronically on or before May 20, 2016.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kenneth Rodgers, Chief, Commercial 
Enforcement and Investigations Division, Federal Motor Carrier Safety 
Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey 
Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. Phone (202) 366-0073; Email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

FAST Act

    Section 5503 of the FAST Act (Pub. L. 114-94) (December 4, 2015) 
requires the Working Group to provide recommendations to the Secretary 
of Transportation, through the FMCSA Administrator. The Working Group 
will operate in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act 
(FACA, 5 U.S.C. App 2).
    As required by Section 5503 of the FAST Act, the Working Group will 
make recommendations in three areas relating to ``how to best convey to 
consumers relevant information with respect to the Federal laws 
concerning the interstate transportation of household goods by motor 
carrier.'' Those areas are:
    1. How to condense the FMCSA ``Ready to Move ?'' moving tips 
document published in April 2006 (FMCSA-ESA-03-005) into a more 
consumer friendly format;
    2. How best to use state-of-the-art education techniques and 
technologies for conveying relevant information with respect to Federal 
statutes and regulations concerning the interstate transportation of 
HHG (including how to optimize use of the Internet as an educational 
tool); and
    3. How to reduce and simplify the paperwork required of motor 
carriers and shippers in interstate transportation.
    Section 5503 also mandates that the Secretary of Transportation 
appoint a Working Group that is comprised of (i) individuals with 
expertise in consumer affairs; (ii) educators with expertise in how 
people learn most effectively; and (iii) representatives of the FMCSA 
regulated interstate HHG moving industry.
    The working group will terminate one year after the date its 
recommendations are submitted to the Secretary of Transportation.

II. Member and Meeting Information

    If members are appointed from the private sector, they will serve 
without pay, but the FMCSA Administrator may allow a member, when 
attending Working Group meetings (or sub-group meetings of such group), 
to be reimbursed for expenses authorized under Section 5703 of Title 5, 
United States Code and the Federal Travel

[[Page 23355]]

Regulation System (41 CFR Subtitle F), relating to per diem, travel, 
and transportation. Non-Federal employee Working Group members 
appointed as individuals with expertise in consumer affairs or as 
educators with expertise in how people learn most effectively also will 
be deemed Special Government Employees (SGEs), as defined by 18 U.S.C. 
202(a). SGE status means Federal ethics rules apply, in part, to these 
non-Federal employee members and such members may be required to file 
confidential financial disclosure reports to detect and resolve any 
real or apparent financial conflicts of interest with the Working 
Group.
    The Working Group members who are individuals with expertise in 
consumer affairs or who are educators with expertise in how people 
learn most effectively cannot be subject to the registration and 
reporting requirements of the Lobbying Disclosure Act (2 U.S.C. 1605). 
See 79 FR 47482 (Revised Guidance on Appointment of Lobbyists to 
Federal Advisory Committees, Boards, and Commissions)(August 13, 
2014)).
    The FMCSA Designated Federal Official who will oversee the Working 
Group anticipates calling a series of meetings on the following dates:
     May 24, 2016
     June 28, 2016
     July 26, 2016
     August 30, 2016
     September 27, 2016
    Meetings will be in person and/or via teleconference. All meetings 
in furtherance of this FAST Act mandate will be open to the general 
public, unless cause exists (albeit unlikely) to close the meeting to 
the public under an exception provided under the FACA. Notice of each 
meeting will be published in the Federal Register at least 15 calendar 
days prior to the date of the meeting.

III. Request for Nominations

    The DOT, through FMCSA, seeks applications and nominations for 
membership to the Working Group. Applicants or nominees must be either: 
(i) Individuals with expertise in consumer affairs; (ii) educators with 
expertise in how people learn most effectively; or (iii) 
representatives of the FMCSA-regulated interstate household goods 
moving industry. The DOT will consider professional credentials such as 
experience, education, and achievements. The Department also endeavors 
to appoint members of diverse views and interests to ensure the 
committee is balanced, with appropriate consideration of background.
    Qualified individuals may self-apply or be nominated by any 
individual or organization. To be considered, applicants and nominators 
should submit the following information:
    (1) Name, title, and relevant contact information (including phone 
and email address) and a description of the interests the applicant/
nominee shall represent;
    (2) Any letter(s) of support from an individual, a company, union, 
trade association, or non-profit organization on letterhead, containing 
a brief description why the applicant/nominee should be considered for 
membership;
    (3) A resume or short biography of the applicant/nominee, including 
professional and academic credentials; and
    (4) An affirmative statement that the applicant/nominee meets all 
Working Group eligibility requirements.
    Please do not send company, trade association, or organization 
brochures or any other information. Should more information be needed, 
DOT staff will contact the applicant/nominee, obtain information from 
the applicant/nominee's past affiliations, or obtain information from 
publicly available sources, such as the Internet.
    Nominations are open to all individuals without regard to race, 
color, religion, sex, national origin, age, mental or physical 
handicap, marital status, or sexual orientation. To ensure that 
recommendations to the Secretary take into account the needs of the 
diverse groups served by DOT, membership shall include, to the extent 
practicable, individuals with demonstrated ability to represent 
minorities, women, and persons with disabilities.
    Applicants and nominators should submit the above information via 
electronic transmission to Kenneth Rodgers, FMCSA Office of Enforcement 
and Compliance, at [email protected]. The submission must be 
received on or before May 20, 2016.

    Issued on: April 13, 2016.
T. F. Scott Darling, III,
Acting Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2016-09113 Filed 4-19-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P

23354 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 76 / Wednesday, April 20, 2016 / Notices another method of evaluation. FMCSA This would be the expected cost for a Administration, U.S. Department of specifically requests comments on other program implemented on a small Transportation, 1200 New Jersey means of validating the sustained use of number of vehicles and/or drivers. It is Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. the approved technology or safety expected that the costs would be tiered Phone (202) 366–0073; Email programs. so that larger programs requiring more kenneth.rodgers@dot.gov. Removal From the Program monitoring would incur a higher cost. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FMCSA specifically seeks data and cost A motor carrier would be immediately information to determine the I. Background removed from the program if it received appropriate range of fees to be paid by FAST Act a final conditional or unsatisfactory the motor carrier under the no-cost safety rating; was declared an imminent Section 5503 of the FAST Act (Pub. L. contract. hazard; or received an out of service or 114–94) (December 4, 2015) requires the Issued on: April 13, 2016. Working Group to provide revocation order from FMCSA. Additionally, a motor carrier would be T.F. Scott Darling, III, recommendations to the Secretary of removed from the program immediately Acting Administrator. Transportation, through the FMCSA if it was determined that the approved [FR Doc. 2016–09118 Filed 4–19–16; 8:45 am] Administrator. The Working Group will technology or safety program was not BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P operate in accordance with the Federal being used or was being used by fewer Advisory Committee Act (FACA, 5 drivers/vehicles than approved. U.S.C. App 2). A motor carrier would be provided a DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION As required by Section 5503 of the warning if an alert(s) exceeded the FAST Act, the Working Group will intervention threshold or did not Federal Motor Carrier Safety make recommendations in three areas maintain performance above the Administration relating to ‘‘how to best convey to performance baseline specified in its [Docket No. FMCSA–2016–0116] consumers relevant information with application. If the SMS measure or the respect to the Federal laws concerning performance did not improve within 6 Household Goods Consumer the interstate transportation of months, the motor carrier would be Protection Working Group: household goods by motor carrier.’’ removed from the program. Membership Solicitation Those areas are: 1. How to condense the FMCSA SMS Display AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety ‘‘Ready to Move ?’’ moving tips Administration (FMCSA), DOT. document published in April 2006 FMCSA will design the change to SMS to show a Beyond Compliance ACTION: Notice, request for applications (FMCSA–ESA–03–005) into a more BASIC. Information on the Beyond and nominations to the Household consumer friendly format; Compliance BASIC detail page would Goods Consumer Protection Working 2. How best to use state-of-the-art explains that this BASIC exists for Group. education techniques and technologies carriers that have applied to this SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its intent for conveying relevant information with program and been approved. The detail to establish the Household Goods (HHG) respect to Federal statutes and page would also include a brief Consumer Protection Working Group regulations concerning the interstate explanation of the technology or (Working Group). The Fixing America’s transportation of HHG (including how program and would show if the program Surface Transportation (FAST) Act to optimize use of the Internet as an is ‘‘Deployed’’ or ‘‘Improved.’’ requires FMCSA to establish this educational tool); and Working Group to provide 3. How to reduce and simplify the Cost paperwork required of motor carriers recommendations on how to better As noted above, FMCSA has the and shippers in interstate educate and protect HHG moving authority to contract for a no-cost transportation. customers (consumers) during an contract to provide monitoring services Section 5503 also mandates that the interstate HHG move. FMCSA solicits for this program. This means that the Secretary of Transportation appoint a applications and nominations of costs of the work performed by this Working Group that is comprised of (i) interested persons to serve on the third party would be paid by the motor individuals with expertise in consumer Working Group. As required by the carrier. For the monitoring that would affairs; (ii) educators with expertise in FAST Act, the Working Group must be be conducted as part of the application how people learn most effectively; and composed of individuals with expertise process, FMCSA estimates that this (iii) representatives of the FMCSA in consumer affairs, educators with would take, on average, five hours per regulated interstate HHG moving expertise in how people learn most carrier. However, it is acknowledged industry. effectively, and representatives of the that some programs or technologies will The working group will terminate one interstate HHG moving industry. The requires significantly more resources to year after the date its recommendations FAST Act mandates that the Working monitor. At a wage that is are submitted to the Secretary of Group make its recommendations and commensurate with a GS–13 Transportation. the U.S. Department of Transportation Management Analyst in the (DOT) publish them no later than II. Member and Meeting Information Washington, DC, area, this would equate December 4, 2016. If members are appointed from the to $44.15 per hour or $220. It is expected that the six month DATES: Applications/Nominations for private sector, they will serve without the Working Group must be received Lhorne on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES validation would be two hours, or $88, pay, but the FMCSA Administrator may and the annual review would take two electronically on or before May 20, allow a member, when attending additional hours, or an additional $88 2016. Working Group meetings (or sub-group per year. Assuming a carrier is in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: meetings of such group), to be program for five years, FMCSA Kenneth Rodgers, Chief, Commercial reimbursed for expenses authorized estimates that the fee would be Enforcement and Investigations under Section 5703 of Title 5, United approximately $750 per motor carrier. Division, Federal Motor Carrier Safety States Code and the Federal Travel VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:53 Apr 19, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00086 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\20APN1.SGM 20APN1

Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 76 / Wednesday, April 20, 2016 / Notices 23355 Regulation System (41 CFR Subtitle F), Qualified individuals may self-apply DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION relating to per diem, travel, and or be nominated by any individual or transportation. Non-Federal employee organization. To be considered, Maritime Administration Working Group members appointed as applicants and nominators should [Docket No. DOT–MARAD–2016–0039] individuals with expertise in consumer submit the following information: affairs or as educators with expertise in Agency Requests for Renewal of a (1) Name, title, and relevant contact how people learn most effectively also Previously Approved Information information (including phone and email will be deemed Special Government Collection(s): Capital Construction Employees (SGEs), as defined by 18 address) and a description of the Fund and Exhibits U.S.C. 202(a). SGE status means Federal interests the applicant/nominee shall ethics rules apply, in part, to these non- represent; AGENCY: Maritime Administration, Federal employee members and such (2) Any letter(s) of support from an Department of Transportation. members may be required to file individual, a company, union, trade ACTION: Notice and request for confidential financial disclosure reports association, or non-profit organization comments. to detect and resolve any real or on letterhead, containing a brief apparent financial conflicts of interest SUMMARY: The Maritime Administration description why the applicant/nominee with the Working Group. (MARAD) invites public comments should be considered for membership; The Working Group members who are about our intention to request the Office (3) A resume or short biography of the of Management and Budget (OMB) individuals with expertise in consumer applicant/nominee, including approval to renew an information affairs or who are educators with professional and academic credentials; collection. The collected information is expertise in how people learn most effectively cannot be subject to the and necessary for MARAD to determine an registration and reporting requirements (4) An affirmative statement that the applicant’s eligibility to enter into a CCF of the Lobbying Disclosure Act (2 U.S.C. applicant/nominee meets all Working Agreement. We are required to publish 1605). See 79 FR 47482 (Revised Group eligibility requirements. this notice in the Federal Register by Guidance on Appointment of Lobbyists the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Please do not send company, trade Public Law 104–13. to Federal Advisory Committees, association, or organization brochures or Boards, and Commissions)(August 13, DATES: Written comments should be any other information. Should more submitted by June 20, 2016. 2014)). information be needed, DOT staff will The FMCSA Designated Federal ADDRESSES: You may submit comments contact the applicant/nominee, obtain Official who will oversee the Working [identified by Docket No. DOT– information from the applicant/ MARAD–2016–0039] through one of the Group anticipates calling a series of nominee’s past affiliations, or obtain following methods: meetings on the following dates: information from publicly available • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http:// • May 24, 2016 sources, such as the Internet. • June 28, 2016 www.regulations.gov. Follow the online • July 26, 2016 Nominations are open to all instructions for submitting comments. • August 30, 2016 individuals without regard to race, • Fax: 1–202–493–2251. • September 27, 2016 color, religion, sex, national origin, age, • Mail or Hand Delivery: Docket Meetings will be in person and/or via mental or physical handicap, marital Management Facility, U.S. Department teleconference. All meetings in status, or sexual orientation. To ensure of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey furtherance of this FAST Act mandate that recommendations to the Secretary Avenue SE., West Building, Room W12– will be open to the general public, take into account the needs of the 140, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 unless cause exists (albeit unlikely) to diverse groups served by DOT, a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through close the meeting to the public under an membership shall include, to the extent Friday, except on Federal holidays. exception provided under the FACA. practicable, individuals with FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Notice of each meeting will be demonstrated ability to represent Daniel Ladd, 202–366–1859, Maritime published in the Federal Register at minorities, women, and persons with Administration, Office of Financial least 15 calendar days prior to the date disabilities. Approvals, U.S. Department of of the meeting. Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Applicants and nominators should Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. III. Request for Nominations submit the above information via Telephone: 202–366–2321 or E–MAIL: The DOT, through FMCSA, seeks electronic transmission to Kenneth lisa.simmons@marad.dot.gov. Copies of applications and nominations for Rodgers, FMCSA Office of Enforcement this collection also can be obtained from membership to the Working Group. and Compliance, at kenneth.rodgers@ that office. Applicants or nominees must be either: dot.gov. The submission must be SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: (i) Individuals with expertise in received on or before May 20, 2016. OMB Control Number: 2133–0027. consumer affairs; (ii) educators with Issued on: April 13, 2016. Title: Capital Construction Fund and expertise in how people learn most T. F. Scott Darling, III, Exhibits. effectively; or (iii) representatives of the Form Numbers: None. Acting Administrator. FMCSA-regulated interstate household Type of Review: Renewal of an [FR Doc. 2016–09113 Filed 4–19–16; 8:45 am] goods moving industry. The DOT will information collection. Lhorne on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES consider professional credentials such BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P Background: This information as experience, education, and collection consists of an application for achievements. The Department also a Capital Construction Fund (CCF) endeavors to appoint members of agreement under 46 U.S.C. Chapter 535 diverse views and interests to ensure the and annual submissions of appropriate committee is balanced, with appropriate schedules and exhibits. The Capital consideration of background. Construction Fund is a tax-deferred ship VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:53 Apr 19, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00087 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\20APN1.SGM 20APN1


Document Created: 2016-04-20 01:51:34
Document Modified: 2016-04-20 01:51:34
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice, request for applications and nominations to the Household Goods Consumer Protection Working Group.
DatesApplications/Nominations for the Working Group must be received electronically on or before May 20, 2016.
ContactKenneth Rodgers, Chief, Commercial Enforcement and Investigations Division, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. Phone (202) 366-0073; Email [email protected]
FR Citation81 FR 23354 
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