Government

A Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration advisory committee has recommended the agency seek authority from Congress to impose penalties against shippers, receivers and brokers who “unduly detain” commercial vehicle drivers.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is seeking additional public comment on its proposed electronic onboard recorders rule to ensure motor carriers do not use the technology to violate the privacy of truck drivers.

CINCINNATI — Fleets are adopting electronic logging systems at a rapid pace in advance of a federal mandate, according to technology vendors and fleet executives.

As technologies are implemented and improved in various industries, companies are at an increased risk of being sued for patent infringement. This is particularly true as federal or state regulators move to require companies to use electronic tracking or other technology.

An index of leading economic indicators rose 0.4% in March, the ninth straight monthly increase, the New York-based Conference Board said Thursday.

A new Senate bill would suspend the July 2012 deadline for scanning all cargo bound for the United States.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is seeking additional public comment on its proposed mandatory electronic onboard recorders rule to help the agency ensure that motor carriers do not use the technology to harass or violate the privacy of truck drivers.

CINCINNATI — The National Private Truck Council’s board of directors voted to support a federal proposal to require use of electronic logging devices to monitor driver compliance with hours-of-service rules.