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.
Standards Body Passes on ‘Hot’ Fuel Rule
Trucking groups hailed the decision by the National Conference on Weights and Measures not to proceed with proposals to regulate the temperature of retail fuel at the pump.
July 27, 2009NHTSA Issues Rule to Cut Truck Stopping Distance by 30%
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will require a cut of 30% in the allowable stopping distance for the majority of new trucks beginning in 2011, the agency said Friday.
July 27, 2009Senators Address 3 DOT Nominations
The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee advanced the nominations of several other key administration officials to the full Senate on July 21, including the nomination of Deborah Hersman to lead the National Transportation Safety Board.
July 27, 2009Senate Panel Passes FAA Reauthorization without Changing Courier Labor Rules
A Senate committee last week approved a bill to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration without a provision that would make it easier for some employees at FedEx Corp. to unionize.
July 27, 2009Dems Still Split on Funding of Nation’s Highway Needs
WASHINGTON — Congressional Democrats continued to spar over how best to address the nation’s road transportation needs, as the Senate and House moved on opposing paths.
July 27, 2009Diesel Drops 4.6¢ to $2.496 in 4th Straight Weekly Decline
U.S. retail diesel prices dropped 4.6 cents last week to $2.496 a gallon, the Department of Energy reported — the fourth straight decline — but rising crude oil costs will soon lead to a reversal of that trend, a department analyst predicted.
July 27, 2009Oberstar ‘Troubled’ by Wetlines Warning
House Transportation Committee Chairman James Oberstar (D-Minn.) said he was “deeply troubled” over a claim by truck safety inspectors that proposed legislation requiring the purging of flammable materials from tanker wetlines would be “difficult, if not impossible,” to enforce.
July 27, 2009ATA Joins Industry Group on Contractor Law to Protect Owner-Operator Business Model
Concern about the possibility of legislative threats to the use of owner-operators has led American Trucking Associations to join a Washington, D.C., lobbying group.
July 27, 2009Intermodal, Rail Traffic Continue to Decline
Intermodal rail traffic fell 18.8% last week compared with the same week last year, the Association of American Railroads said.
July 24, 2009BNSF’s 2Q Income Improves Despite Lower Volume
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. said its second-quarter profit improved but its revenue fell on lower overall freight demand.
July 23, 2009