Letters to the Editor

“Safety theatre” (for that’s what it surely is) makes all parties feel good while disguising the real issue: how to train drivers to use the new technologies without compromising safety.

Of course, concerns persist about electronic onboard recorders (“FMCSA Drops Its 2012 Electronic Log Rule Aimed at Carriers With Major HOS Offenses,” 11-21, p. 3). EOBRs are unconstitutional and should be outlawed.

Your Oct. 31 “Analysis” from The Associated Press, which was headlined “Small Business Tax Deduction to Shrink, Showing Importance of Year-End Planning” (p. 7), stated: “The maximum that can be deducted under the two deductions combined is $2 million.”

I’ve driven some “oversize” equipment myself within the past three years, and while not necessarily as “monstrous” as what the letter writer is probably moving most of the time, the 11-foot-wide unescorted mobile cranes and/or 14.3-foot double-decker buses are still considered oversize.

I’m writing in response to the Oct. 3 article about the “new” Volvo drivetrain package: “Volvo Offers New Powertrain Package for VN Trucks.”

I own a small motor carrier and drive as well. In the past 38 years, I have driven trucks all across the United States, both regional and cross country, and I am reaching the end of my career with more than 3 million safe miles covered.

Accolades to you for the front-page feature article that was published in your Sept. 26 issue and headlined “Transportation Officials Urge National Effort to Attract Next Generation of Industry Talent.”

I read with dismay the comments made by [an official of] American Trucking Associations about the proposed hours-of-service changes in your Sept. 12 issue.

I would like to congratulate you on identifying and writing about what I believe to be the most important driver safety topic but is in most cases overlooked in our industry.

This is in reference to the editorial “Fixing the EOBR Rule.” What we need to fix the electronic onboard recorder rule — and many other inane decisions by activist jurists — is a little real-world common sense.