WASHINGTON, (Nov. 25, 2004) — The Transportation Security Administration has amended its security threat assessment standards for truck drivers hauling hazardous materials.

The agency announced substantive changes to the current standards by removing one felony offense, simple drug possession, from the list of disqualifying crimes, and adding unlawful purchase, receipt, transfer, shipping, transporting, import, export, and storage of a firearm or explosives to the list.

“Simple drug possession generally does not involve violence against others or reveal a pattern of deception,” the agency stated in the rule.

TSA is also reclassifying the criminal offense of arson as an interim rather than permanent disqualifier.

The rule also confirms the announcement made earlier this week that the agency will push back the start date of the fingerprint-based background checks for hazmat drivers to May 31, 2005.

TSA is accepting comments of this rule until December 27, 2004.

The agency also restated a requirement for Canadian trucking companies transporting explosives into the U.S. Carriers and drivers must register with Transport Canada and provide the government agency with standard company information, description of the type of explosive material hauled, as well as updated shipper and consignee information, among other things.

“TSA may periodically check the data on the carriers, offerers and drivers to confirm their continued eligibility and may remove from the list any that TSA determines is not known or is a threat to security,” the rule states.

TSA is also seriously considering accepting background checks completed by other public and private entities for separate Homeland Security mandates concerning transportation.

“(We have received inquiries) urging TSA to recognize these checks as comparable to the security threat assessment required in this rule to avoid duplication of effort and unnecessary cost,” the agency states. “TSA is committed to standardizing the security threat assessment process to the fullest extent possible.”

That’s welcome news to trucking groups like the Canadian Trucking Alliance, which has been lobbying U.S. lawmakers to accept the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card as a credential for hazmat background checks and the TSA’s other upcoming directive — the Transportation Worker Identity Credential, which will soon be required for workers who access “sensitive” facilities such as all U.S. seaports, airports, railroads, energy facilities and trucking companies.

Currently, there is no mechanism for Canadian drivers even apply for the checks. However, sources have told Today’s trucking that U.S. officials, in consultation with Canadian stakeholders, will likely include Canadian drivers in the rules officially in the near future.