Justification for Emergency Clearance of ICR

July 16, 2008

Department of Transportation

Office of the Secretary

SUBJECT: Request OMB Emergency Clearance

OMB Control Number: 2126-0016

TITLE: Licensing Applications for Motor Carrier Operating Authority

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requests the Office of Management and Budget’s emergency approval for a revision to the above information collection as soon as possible, but not later than July 24, 2008, to conduct an independent evaluation of the safety performance of Mexican-domiciled trucks.

An independent panel will review pre-existing information submitted to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) under OMB control number 2126-0016. The proposed revision to this information collection will enable DOT to determine the applicants’ ability to meet specific statutory and regulatory requirements applicable to their particular proposed operation. DOT will also follow-up with applicants to clarify information provided to DOT. This collection of information is essential to DOT in its mission of promoting and enhancing transportation safety and economic growth throughout the United States.

While conducting the Mexican Trucking Demonstration Project, DOT is seeking emergency approval for this revision to determine the effects on the safety of the driving public. Failure to conduct a thorough independent evaluation would create a void in critical information to ensure safe conditions. The use of normal clearance procedures is reasonably likely to prevent or disrupt the collection of information.

Without this collection of information, the Secretary of Transportation will not have a complete and independent review of the safety of Mexico-domiciled trucks and the procedures established by the DOT for ensuring trucking safety nor will her decision to open the border to Mexico-domiciled motor carriers be based on thorough documentation of relevant safety factors.

The data collection of the independent evaluation will end September 6, 2008, and the burden to the public for this activity is estimated at a total of 130 hours.