Safety
Transportation businesses face a host of dynamic risk issues that can significantly impact their financial and operational health. The news in this category focuses on the latest safety and security initiatives, resources and regulations and addresses topics that include fleet safety, claims administration, driver hiring and retention, risk management and compliance.
CSX Derailment Could Boost Crude Train Regulation
A CSX Corp. train derailment in Lynchburg, Virginia, on April 30 that sparked a fire when crude oil tanks ignited could increase pressure on regulators, railroads and tank-car owners to improve oil shipment safety.
May 1, 2014Editorial: Studying HOS
A memo from the American Transportation Research Institute last week questioning the government’s perceived safety benefits of the hours-of-service rule change likely did not surprise many in trucking.
April 28, 2014Hersman Urges Tougher Action by FMCSA During Farewell Address as NTSB Chairman
WASHINGTON — The outgoing chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board urged the top federal truck-safety agency to ensure that fleets that do not follow hours-of-service rules are penalized and eventually shut down.
April 28, 2014Preliminary NTSB Report Outlines Events in FedEx Calif. Crash
The National Transportation Safety Board released a preliminary report April 25 confirming the sequence of events in the fatal crash involving a FedEx Freight truck and a bus in Orland, Calif., earlier this month.
Outgoing NTSB Chief Hersman Urges FMCSA to Shut Down Unsafe Operators
WASHINGTON — Deborah Hersman, the outgoing chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, said the top federal truck safety regulator has to ensure that companies that do not honor hours-of-service rules are penalized and eventually shut down.
FMCSA Grants Extension on Drug, Alcohol Clearinghouse Comments
The time period for commenting on the proposed rule for the national clearinghouse for driver drug and alcohol test results has been extended through May 21.
Editorial: Life-Saving Data
We have watched coverage of the April 10 deadly crash involving a truck and bus with a great deal of sadness. The personal stories of the young students killed have been nothing short of heartbreaking.
April 21, 2014PHMSA Seeks Comments on ATA Hazmat Petitions
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is seeking comment on two separate American Trucking Associations’ federal preemption petitions claiming that regulatory requirements for hazardous materials hauling in Pittsburgh and New York City impose unfair burdens on hazmat carriers.
Md. Gov. O’Malley Signs ‘Jake’s Law,’ Boosting Penalty for Distracted Driving
Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) signed into law a measure that increases the penalty for drivers who cause injury or death to others in a crash caused by distracted driving.
Mass. Trucking Co. Sentenced For Bribing FMCSA Inspector
A Massachusetts trucking company owner was sentenced to one year of probation and a fine of $1,000 for paying a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration safety inspector $1,000 to produce a false report.