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.
NTTC President Balks at Wetlines Proposal
A requirement that tank trucks carrying gasoline and other flammable materials be retrofitted with equipment to purge wetlines would kill and injure far more repair shop workers than it would save motorists lives, the head of a tank truck carriers industry group told Congress.
June 22, 2009Diesel Rises for 6th Week
The average price paid for retail diesel jumped another 7.4 cents last week to $2.572 a gallon, marking the sixth straight week of increases in the price of trucking’s main fuel for a total rise of 38.7 cents, the Department of Energy reported.
June 22, 2009Logistics Expenses Drop 3.5%
WASHINGTON — The cost of moving and storing goods nationwide fell 3.5% last year, the first decline in logistics-related ex-penses in six years, despite 2% higher transportation expenses. Manufacturers and retailers slashed inventories and excess capacity limited the ability of freight carriers to raise prices, according to a new report.
June 22, 2009Obama, House Panel Spar Over Highway Plan
WASHINGTON — Setting up what could be a major confrontation between Congress and the White House over transportation policy, a key House committee unveiled a $500 billion blueprint to remake the U.S. transport system, while on the same day the administration instead proposed extending the current plan for 18 months.
June 22, 2009Mass. Transportation Plan Delays Toll Increase
The Massachusetts Senate has approved a transportation reform bill that would avoid a planned toll increase in tolls and would abolish the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority by the end of the year, the Associated Press reported.
June 19, 2009Intermodal, Rail Traffic Fall for Week
Intermodal rail traffic fell 17% last week compared with the same week last year, the Association of American Railroads said.
June 19, 2009Oberstar Wants 57% Boost in Highway Spending
A key congressman wants to boost federal highway spending by 57% and set a six-year plan for such spending, a strategy at odds with Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, who is seeking a shorter, 18-month extension of highway funding.
June 18, 2009Initial Jobless Claims Rise; Continuing Claims Fall
Initial jobless claims increased last week, but the number of Americans collecting jobless benefits fell the week before for the first time since January, the Labor Department said Thursday.
June 18, 2009UPS Launches Web-Based Parts Fulfillment System
UPS Inc. has launched a new Web-based system that it says will allow companies to more easily manage parts inventory and order and ship parts.
June 17, 2009Ryder to Manage Mexican Distribution for Mazda
Ryder System said that it has agreed to manage auto parts distribution in Mexico for Mazda North American Operations.
June 17, 2009