House Panel Criticizes DOT for Pushing Privatization
WASHINGTON — Leading members of the House Subcommittee on Transit and Highways from both parties sharply criticized the Department of Transportation’s recent push toward privatization and public-private partnerships.
ATA Official Says Responses Prepared to Pending HOS Rulings
ARLINGTON, Va. — With a pair of lawsuits challenging federal driver work rules still pending, American Trucking Associations officials have begun preparing responses to the rulings.
ATA Agrees to Boost Support for Biodiesel
ARLINGTON, Va. — American Trucking Associations said last week it would become more vocal in its support for increased fuel efficiency in heavy trucks and ratified an agreement with the biodiesel industry to promote that fuel at the federal level.
FMCSA Seeks $528 Million to Boost Safety, Enforcement
In addition to providing billions of dollars for congestion relief, the Department of Transportation’s $67 billion fiscal 2008 budget proposal included millions of dollars for commercial vehicle safety.
NATSO Expects More Biodiesel Sales
SAN ANTONIO — Truck-stop industry officials meeting here said their main focus this year would be preparing for the expected increase in biodiesel use.
Some Electronic Onboard Recorder Makers Applaud Mandate
Manufacturers of electronic onboard recorders had differing views of the federal government’s proposal to require recorders for some motor carriers, with some saying the government was treating EOBRs punitively and others hailing the move as an important safety development.
Critics Call Onboard Recorder Proposal Ineffective
The Transportation Department’s recent proposal to use electronic onboard recorders to monitor driver hours is “weak” and ineffective, safety advocacy groups said last week, while some trucking industry organizations applauded the plan.
Congress Takes Action on Bills to Improve Cargo Security
In their first days as Congress’ new majority, Democrats on Capitol Hill introduced legislation calling for greater cargo screening and tracking of hazardous materials shipments.
FMCSA Proposes Mandatory EOBRs for Habitual Violators
WASHINGTON — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration proposed a rule Thursday to mandate the use of electronic onboard recorders for habitual violators of federal hours-of-service rules.
Electronic Recorder Rule Near as White House Gives Approval
The White House late last month gave its approval for a proposal that could force truckers to use electronic recorders to monitor their hours of service, clearing the way for the rule to be published after more than two years of discussion.