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A coalition of intermodal interest groups oppose Intermodal Equipment Safety and Responsibility Act of 2003 (H.R. 2863), which was introduced to the House July 24 by Rep. Henry Brown (R-S.C.).

The bill would increase intermodal-equipment inspection requirements, and shift repair/inspection responsibility and damage liability from trucking firms to chassis owners, Association of American Railroads officials said in a prepared statement.

Comprising AAR, Intermodal Association of North America, National Association of Waterfront Employers, National Maritime Safety Association, Ocean Carrier Equipment Management Association, Pacific Maritime Association, the United States Maritime Alliance and Waterfront Coalition, the coalition sent an opposition letter July 31 to members of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which is considering the bill.

"Congressionally mandated changes to current practices could have significant unintended consequences that would be harmful to all segments of the intermodal industry, including the motor carriers for whose benefit such legislation is ostensibly being considered," the letter stated.

H.R. 2863 is supported by American Trucking Associations, AAR said.