Trucker In Fiery Tanker Crash Stirs Questions On Screening

democrats.assembly.ca.gov, May 14, 2007

OAKLAND Tough rules enacted after Sept. 11, 2001, were designed to strictly limit who can transport hazardous materials on the nation's highways, but experts say a growing truck driver shortage and inconsistent enforcement mean people with checkered backgrounds often pass the screening process.

Trucker James Mosqueda, 51, whose gasoline-loaded tanker burned and caused the collapse of a highway overpass, cleared an FBI criminal history check and an intelligence review from the U.S. Transportation Security Administration despite criminal convictions, including felony drug and burglary arrests.

The TSA said Tuesday that a review of Mosqueda's criminal record confirmed he had a valid tanker license because his last stint in jail, for heroin possession, ended more than five years ago. But lawmakers and industry experts are questioning rules that allowed someone with his background to operate a truck loaded with more than 8,000 gallons of gasoline. ead more at democrats.assembly.ca.gov.