Movers Support FMCSA Choice; Teamster Oppose

June 10, 2009
The American Moving and Storage Association endorsed President Obama's choice of Anne Ferro for Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration position.

“AMSA strongly supports President Obama’s nomination of Anne Ferro as Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) administrator,” said Linda Bauer Darr, president and CEO of the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA). “She has extensive experience on a variety of trucking issues, both from within government, as well as representing the private trucking industry. Anne also has the knowledge and unquenchable energy that will serve her well at FMCSA. She is collegial to work with, but firm in her resolve to improving trucking and trucking safety in America,” continued Darr.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters took a different position. The union told President Obama in a letter that it opposes his nominee to the FMCSA because of her support for Hours of Service rules allowing truckers to drive for up to 11 consecutive hours. “Anne Ferro is the wrong person to head the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration because of her 'trucking-industry party line,'” said Jim Hoffa general president of the IBT.

Just as the Teamsters have specific reasons for their opposition, AMSA has a particular interest in Ferro's past actions. “AMSA is particularly pleased that Anne has experience dealing with the problem of illegitimate or 'rogue' operators in the household goods moving industry,” said AMSA's Darr. “As AMSA works for ways better protect consumers from these unscrupulous criminals, we are confident that Anne's understanding of this problem will facilitate quick and effective solutions.”

Another Obama nominee, Joseph E. Brennan, received the endorsement of a broad alliance of environmental, public health, community and labor organizations. Brennan has been nominated to lead the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC).

“Joseph Brennan has shown an understanding that trade in the global economy can have a devastating impact in our communities and that our local officials and government need the tools to protect public health and the environment,” said Alberto Mendoza, the president of the California-based Coalition for Clean Air. “President Obama has selected someone who gets it: environmental stewardship and a strong economy are compatible.”

The Coalition for Clean & Safe Ports, an alliance of over 80 organizations and includes the Sierra Club, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), the American Lung Association of California, the Teamsters, and the Long Beach Alliance for Children with Asthma.

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