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.
November Trailer Orders Jump 73% from ’08, but Remain Weak
Orders for new commercial trailers jumped 73% in November from the depressed level of a year ago, even as they fell 27% when compared with the unexpectedly strong order surge in October, according to ACT Research Co.
January 11, 2010November Tonnage Dips 3.5%
U.S. truck tonnage declined 3.5% in November from the corresponding month of 2008, but it still was the best year-over-year showing in 12 months, according to American Trucking Associations. Total tonnage grew 2.7% from October’s levels.
January 11, 2010FMCSA Slates 3 Public Hearings as Next Step in HOS Review
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced it would host a series of public “listening sessions” over its intentions to modify again its often-challenged hours-of-service rule for commercial drivers.
January 11, 2010Biodiesel Board Says Production Is Halted as Industry Waits for Restoration of Tax Credit
The biodiesel industry was at a virtual standstill last week, despite an assurance by two Senate leaders they will introduce legislation “as soon as possible” to reinstate the tax credit that expired on Dec. 31.
January 11, 2010ATA Taps Osiecki as Policy Head
American Trucking Associations announced last week it has promoted two officials in its policy and legal departments.
January 11, 2010More Technologies Are Ready for the Cab, But Regulatory, Business Hurdles Remain
Automated vehicle tracking is now accessible to more fleets than ever before, as providers pack the technology into small — but powerful — hardware. However, economic and regulatory concerns are keeping older systems firmly entrenched in the trucking industry.
January 11, 2010Driver Earns TCA Highway Angel Trophy for Saving Victim’s Life in Fiery Crash
Truck driver Michael Hunt received the 2009 Highway Angel of the Year trophy from the Truckload Carriers Association on Dec. 30 before about 30,000 people at a college football bowl game in Boise, Idaho.
January 11, 2010Cummins Gets EPA 2010 Certification for Heavy, Midrange Engines
Cummins Inc. said Friday it has received U.S. Environmental Protection Agency certification for its heavy-duty and midrange 2010 engines — the heavy-duty big-bore ISX15 and midrange ISB6.7, ISC8.3 and ISL9 units.
January 8, 2010Patriot Loses Some Big Customers
Patriot Transportation Holding said its transportation group has been unsuccessful in renewing contracts with major customers who accounted for $10 million in revenue last year, or 11% of its total.
January 7, 2010New Record-Keeping System More Stringent Than SafeStat
As part of its Comprehensive Safety Analysis 2010 program, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is introducing its new record-keeping system known as SMS, or safety management system.
January 7, 2010