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ARA Secures Regulatory Relief for Automotive Recycling Industry

13 July 2000

ARA Secures Regulatory Relief for Automotive Recycling Industry

    FAIRFAX, Va. - The Automotive Recyclers Association announced today that its 
request for modification to provide for additional modes of transportation for 
ARA members from EX number requirements has been granted by the U.S. Department 
of Transportation.  The exemption allows for the transportation in commerce of a 
"recycled" air bag module or seat belt pre-tensioner without marking the EX 
number or product code on the hazardous material shipping paper.  With approval 
of the modifications, ARA's exemption is now acceptable throughout the shipping 
industry whether by motor vehicle, rail freight, cargo vessel or cargo aircraft.

    The need for modification of ARA's original exemption -- to allow for rail
freight and cargo vessel -- was based on a technicality.  The previous
exemption did not allow shippers to accept recycled air bags if the company
used rail freight to transport their trucks during the shipping process.

    The United Parcel Service along with other shippers will once again
accept recycled air bag shipments under ARA's exemption.  Furthermore, the
Automotive Recyclers Association efforts will also benefit the United
Recyclers Group, Kentucky Auto & Truck Recyclers Association and the State of
California Auto Dismantlers Association who have been previously granted
"party status" to ARA's exemption.

    According to Ginny Whelan, ARA President, "We are extremely satisfied with
the outcome of our discussions with U.S. Department of Transportation.  The
Association has once again shown that it can obtain excellent regulatory
relief for ARA's members and others in the automotive recycling industry while
continuing its commitment to safety.  ARA will maintain its leadership role in
helping the industry expand and grow by advocating common sense solutions over
onerous bureaucratic regulations."