Editorial: Congress Ever Churning
While people in the real world continued to make and deliver useful products and services, the 535 elected souls on Capitol Hill took a few worthwhile steps related to freight transportation last week, although it remains far from certain when or if anything will actually get accomplished.
June 29, 2015TT Archives: Trucks vs. Railroads
Competition from trucking companies was a major concern for freight railroads in 1941, as evidenced by a rash of rail-sponsored legislation to impose tax increases, restrict operations and limit the size and weight of trucks.
June 29, 2015Senate Panel Clears Twin 33s, Orders DOT to Move on E-Logs
WASHINGTON — Senate appropriators on June 25 included a provision as part of a fiscal 2016 transportation funding bill allowing the use of twin 33-foot trailers nationwide.
June 29, 2015May Tonnage Growth Slowest in Two Years
Truck tonnage gained a scant 1.8% in May from a year earlier, the smallest rise in two years, on weaker factory output and bloated inventories, a sign that the economy is relying more on consumer-driven growth than manufacturing.
June 29, 2015Senate Panel Unanimously Approves New Six-Year Highway Policy Bill
WASHINGTON — A Senate panel unanimously approved a six-year highway policy bill that boosts freight programs and would increase funding for infrastructure projects.
June 29, 2015Logistics Costs Rise to $1.45 Trillion in 2014, Highest Level Since Before the Recession
WASHINGTON — The cost of moving and storing goods in the United States rose 3.1% in 2014 from a year earlier to $1.45 trillion, the highest level since before the recession, according to the State of Logistics report presented by the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals on June 23.
June 29, 2015Engine Parts Need Proper Torque Settings to Prevent Leaks, Breakage, Experts Say
Old habits are hard to break, but engine parts that are tightened beyond specifications can be easy to break.
June 29, 2015Depression-Era River Lock Infrastructure Crumbling as $9.2 Billion in Repairs Goes Unfunded
One of the essential elements of infrastructure in the United States is the river lock. Most locks close off a 600- to 1,200-foot stretch of river and raise and lower the water in the sealed-off chamber.
June 26, 2015VisTracks, Isotrak Partner to Offer E-Logging System
Fleet technology suppliers Isotrak Inc. and VisTracks have partnered to provide trucking firms with electronic logging of drivers’ hours of service and driver vehicle inspection reporting.
June 26, 2015FMCSA Issues Changes to Hazmat Carrier Oversight Policy
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration officials said they will soon begin toughening oversight of the nation’s hazardous material carriers, closely monitoring their Compliance, Safety, Accountability scores on a monthly basis.
June 26, 2015