Expanded Satellite-based Mobile Communications Tracking System Requirements

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has been investigating methods to
improve carrier security, particularly in the area of hazardous materials security. The
transportation of hazardous materials is the largest security risk area within the motor carrier
industry, with more than 800,000 shipments of hazardous materials transported each day in the
United States. This project builds on two key FMCSA projects involving secure commercial
motor vehicle (CMV) operations: the Hazardous Materials Safety and Security Field Operational
Test (Hazmat FOT), and the Untethered Trailer Tracking and Control System. In 2004, the
Senate Conference Report 108-401 stated that further CMV tracking capabilities were necessary:
“As proposed by the Senate, the conference agreement directs $2,000,000 from
funds provided for the high-priority initiative program for an expanded satellitebased communications system to monitor and track hazardous materials and
high-value cargo in uncovered areas of the United States.”
This document outlines the requirements for this expanded satellite-based communications
system, provides a detailed breakdown of the individual technologies used, and explains how
they will be field-tested to provide evidence that the technologies meet the designated
requirements.
The information in this document regarding the potential security, safety, and operational
efficiency benefits of commercially available trailer tracking technologies, can be used by motor
carriers and the public sector emergency response and enforcement communities. Motor carriers
may decide to purchase and implement this technology to improve overall safety, security, and
operational efficiency. The emergency response and enforcement community could use the
technology to better respond to potential trailer security incidents.
In Fall 2005, FMCSA conducted a pilot test to develop and test an expanded satellite-based
communications system specified in this document.This document does notsupersede an earlier
report on the subject.