The reviews are in on the Department of Transportation’s draft study of truck size and weight. And depending on the reviewer, the study is good, bad or downright ugly.

Jim Hall joined the debate over trucking safety earlier in April, but he didn’t take sides. Now, that has changed.

The merger of motor carrier and highway safety into a single office was long overdue, said the federal official whose department has those duties. See new organizational chart.

TT File PhotoJim Hall (pictured) joined the debate over trucking safety earlier in April, but he didn’t take sides. Now, that has changed. The chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board came out swinging against both the DOT and trucking during a news conference.

The merger of motor carrier and highway safety into a single office was long overdue, said the federal official whose department has those duties. See new organizational chart.

Trucking’s chief regulator put on a softer face as she outlined a three-pronged approach to improve truck safety that includes education, enforcement and expanded use of technology.

The National Transportation Safety Board and the International Transportation Safety Association have scheduled a symposium on transportation recorders for May 3 through 5 in Arlington, Va.

Drug and alcohol use among truck drivers dropped 41% between 1996 and 1997, according to a survey released last week.

The reviews are in on the Department of Transportation’s draft study of truck size and weight. And depending on the reviewer, the study is good, bad or downright ugly.

TT File PhotoThe debate over trucking safety moves to a new forum April 27 as the Senate Commerce Committee holds a hearing on the issue, which is getting more and more attention from lawmakers. Kenneth Mead is expected to unveil the results of a four-month audit of the federal motor carrier safety program.