South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

Homeland Security check for drivers unneeded

To the editor:

Everyone who is involved in the transportation industry is probably aware of the $94 Homeland Security check required by commercial drivers.

To receive their hazardous materials en-dorsement to haul these dangerous substances, major companies require these en-dorsements.

I have several problems with this scenario. First, I had to renew my license one-and-a-half years early, which is costly.

Next, why do American drivers have to be subject to this when drivers entering this country from outside the United States are not subject to commercial driver’s licenses, hazardous materials endorsements or De-partment of Transportation rules governing the safety of their vehicles?

The previous information was sent to U.S. Rep. Russ Carnahan after I spoke with him several weeks ago. His office called and said this complaint has merit. Hopefully, we can get legislation to repeal this law.

Truck drivers, bus drivers and all of the transportation industry should get behind Rep. Carnahan on any bill he can bring to the table to stop this unfair practice.

Anyone wishing to do harm to our country will attempt their act with or without this law.

The drivers nor the companies should be responsible to pay for this background check. I want safe drivers and vehicles on the road, but the licenses, DOT standards and company background checks are sufficient.

Ron Wagganer

Lemay

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