A big boost for roadside inspections, a program to crack down on truckers with poor driving records and the resurrection of the Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee are part of the new appropriations bill for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

The Environmental Protection Agency beat back congressional and industry critics who are opposed to the government setting an ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel standard for 2006.

Trucking’s fight to simplify the medical examination form and rid the health history section of such terms as “fits, syphilis and gonorrhea and nervous stomach” has scored a victory.

The transportation appropriations bill that puts off hours of service reform also contains $269 million in funding for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, allowing the agency to boost roadside inspections and crack down on truckers with poor driving records.

The Federal Highway Administration wants to know if states should do more to enforce size and weight limits as part of the annual certification process to receive highway funds.

Trucking won its biggest legislative victory of the year Oct. 3 when a key congressional panel officially prohibited the Department of Transportation from altering the industry’s work rules for at least 12 months.

The Federal Highway Administration wants to know if states should do more to enforce size and weight limits as part of the annual certification process to receive highway funds.

By all accounts, Congress’ decision to prevent the Department of Transportation from issuing a final hours-of-service rule represents a major victory for the American Trucking Associations.

As the Supreme Court opens its current session, two of the items scheduled for Nov. 7 are environmental issues that potentially have huge ramifications for how federal standards are established.

Reports of road rage among truckers prompt public fear of trucks and cause motor carrier executives to shake their heads in dismay. They also illustrate the importance of the character of the individual driving the truck.