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.

Business, Fuel, Safety, Government

California Adopts Low-Carbon Fuel Standard

The California Air Resources Board has adopted a low-carbon fuel regulation that targets cutting greenhouse gas emissions from the state’s transportation fuels by 10% by the year 2020.

April 27, 2009
Letters to the Editor, Business, Government, Safety

Letters: Rooftop Snow (Cont.), GVW Increase, Truck APUs

I agree with the letter writer’s arguments concerning the liability aspects of drivers on top of trailers unless proper fall safety equipment is used.

April 27, 2009
Business, Safety, Government, Logistics

Shippers Oppose Petition By Union Pacific Seeking STB Permission to Decline Hazmat

Union Pacific Corp.’s petition seeking Surface Transportation Board permission to limit the railroad’s common carrier freight-hauling responsibilities has elicited a common response from nearly all other interested parties: Absolutely not.

April 27, 2009
Business, Government, Safety

Trucking Faces Core Changes, Hebe Says

OXON HILL, Md. — The entire North American trucking industry is in the midst of a fundamental reshaping, which will lead to flat tonnage levels for fleets and fewer truck manufacturers producing much more expensive vehicles and mostly in Mexico, said a senior executive of Navistar Inc.

April 27, 2009
Government, Business, Safety

Court Backs FedEx Claim on Mass. Drivers

FedEx Corp.’s package delivery unit won a victory in its ongoing battle over the classification of its drivers when a federal appeals court ruled April 21 that a handful of Massachusetts drivers were wrongly classified as employees with the ability to unionize, instead of as independent contractors.

April 27, 2009
Business, Safety, Government

Companies Pushing for Higher Premiums to Compensate for Losses on Investments

The long downward trend in insurance rates for fleets may be coming to an end as more insurers push for higher premiums to make up for investment losses and as fewer underwriters compete for the business.

April 27, 2009
Government, Business, Safety

Ontario to Allow Double 53-Foot Trailers on Some Roads in 1-Year Pilot Program

The Ontario Ministry of Transportation said it will begin issuing permits this summer allowing double, 53-foot trailers on selected highways in the province.

April 27, 2009
Business, Safety

Volvo Reports 1Q Loss; Sees Lower Demand

Volvo AB Friday reported its second consecutive quarterly loss and predicted a decline in European and North American truck markets, Bloomberg reported.

April 24, 2009
Business, Safety

Intermodal, Rail Traffic Fall for Week

Intermodal rail traffic fell 18.3% for the week ended Saturday, compared with the same week last year, the Association of American Railroads said Thursday.

April 23, 2009
Business, Safety, Government

Knight’s First-Quarter Income Improves

Truckload carrier Knight Transportation’s first-quarter profit rose to $11.7 million, or 14 cents a share, from $11.4 million, or 13 cents, a year ago.

April 22, 2009