Concern about distracting drivers with too much information drew interest but no policy decisions from the Technology and Engineering Policy Committee of American Trucking Associations.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will give serious consideration to the American Trucking Associations' proposal for reforming federal rules governing truck drivers' hours of service, an FMCSA official told members of ATA's safety policy committee.

American Trucking Associations President Walter B. McCormick Jr., in a blunt speech here to members of the Truckload Carriers Association, said the relationship between the two groups would be markedly changed after Jan. 1, now that TCA has voted not to affiliate with ATA.

American Trucking Associations is stepping up its campaign to inform members about emissions standards that are growing tougher for diesel engines and an expected rule that would slash the sulfur content of fuel by 2006.

Concern about distracting drivers with too much information and a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration effort to evaluate use of accident-data recorders in trucks drew interest but no policy decisions from the Technology and Engineering Policy Committee of American Trucking Associations.

Small trucking companies will be able to buy Tom McLeod Software on the Internet through TruckersB2B.com.

The National Transportation Safety Board is likely to make a recommendation that electronic recorders be placed on automobiles sometime next year.

The Truckload Carriers Association’s “Just in Time to Wait” panel has devised a strategy for promoting its agreement with the National Industrial Transportation League to try to cut driver waiting time at loading docks.

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, which regulates the safety of new trucking equipment, is collecting information on the potential capabilities and costs of “black box” computers on trucks to aid in reconstructing accidents, as is done in aviation.

The Truckload Carriers Association’s “Just in Time to Wait” panel has devised a strategy for promoting its agreement with the National Industrial Transportation League to try to cut driver waiting time at loading docks.