Comptroller Agents Participate in Interagency MD Port Inspection Operation

Baltimore, Md. (October 30, 2009) – Agents for Comptroller Peter Franchot joined the United States Coast Guard, along with fellow federal, state and local agencies, in a joint inspection operation at the Maryland Port Administration's Seagirt and Dundalk Marine Terminals earlier this week. During the two-day operation, participants promoted awareness and verified compliance with federal and state inter-modal container, truck, air, rail and hazardous material safety regulations.

“We continue to work closely with other law and regulation enforcement agencies to maintain a level playing field and protect Maryland citizens,” said Comptroller Franchot.

Comptroller agents inspected trucks for fuel tax compliance. In total, agents conducted 111 dyed fuel checks and 72 International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) checks during the operation. None of the inspected trucks were found to be in violation and no citations were given.

The operation included inspections of containers and trucks entering and leaving the Port of Baltimore. Such inspections are frequently conducted by individual agencies focusing on a specific part of the overall safety picture. However, this multi-agency strike force operation is one in a series of similar initiatives conducted in ports throughout the United States since 1998. Such efforts ensure that all safety regulations are being complied with and reduces the inspection time delay for shippers.

Trucks were randomly selected as they entered and left the marine terminals with shipments from both, domestic and international locations. Inspections included verifying proper truck and container documentation, structural integrity of shipping containers, licensing, customs, fuel tax compliance and hazardous material markings, packaging and segregation.

Other agencies taking part in the operation included: the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration, Maryland Transportation Authority Police, Maryland Port Administration, Maryland State Police, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Transportation Security Administration, Federal Railroad Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Aviation Administration.