Safety

About Safety News...

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.

Government, Business, Safety, Equipment

May Class 8 Truck Sales Drop 39%

Heavy-duty U.S. truck sales continued their severe slide into a fifth month, as retail volume fell 39% in May, while the year-to-date total now lags the pace of last year by 33.9%, according to WardsAuto.com.

June 22, 2009
Government, Business, Safety, Fuel

SCR Engine Makers Deny Navistar Claims

Several truck and engine manufacturers who plan to use selective catalytic reduction technology to meet 2010 emission standards have denied allegations by Navistar Inc. and have asked a federal appeals court to give them standing to argue against Navistar’s lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

June 22, 2009
Business, Government, Safety, Fuel, Equipment, Technology

EGR vs. SCR Battle Also Rages in Truck Classes 3-7 for 2010

Diesel emission standards change again in January 2010, but unlike the previous modifications when all manufacturers used essentially the same emission-controlling technology, medium-duty truck buyers next year will have a choice of competing systems.

June 22, 2009
Business, Safety, Government

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, 2009
Government, Business, Safety, Fuel

Diesel 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, 2009
Business, Safety, Government, Logistics

Logistics 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, 2009
Government, Business, Safety, Technology, Equipment

Obama, 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, 2009
Business, Safety, Government

Mass. 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, 2009
Business, Safety

Intermodal, 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, 2009
Business, Safety, Government

Oberstar 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, 2009