User-agent: Mediapartners-Google* Disallow: Trucks World News: November 2013
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Nov 11, 2013

TRUCKS MARKET * China -

* China - Truck makers pin hopes on urbanization amid slump

(Photo from China Daily: Foton performs well in heavy-duty trucks despite a slowing growth in the market) 
Beijing,China -Ecn/China Daily, by Qindexing -11 Nov 2013: -- Industry analysts say prospects for Chinese truck manufacturers overseas still look grim because of high barriers to entry in mature markets like Europe and the United States coupled with a saturation of Chinese brands in traditional export destinations like the Middle East and South Africa... But these truck makers have found a silver lining in China's latest efforts to push forward urbanization... Heavy-duty trucks are always needed at the growing number of construction sites around the nation. People from the countryside in central and western China are expected to swarm into small cities, creating a large demand for infrastructure and the tools to build it... Figures from China's National Bureau of Statistics show that the nation's urban population increased by 12 percent between 2002 and 2011. It is now increasing by 20 million every year, according to the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development... According to China ministry's institute on industrial research, heavy-duty truck deliveries grew by 12 percent year on year during the first eight months to 503,100... Beiqi Foton Motor Co, the largest commercial vehicle manufacturer in China by sales, is among those eager to capitalize on this opportunity. During the first eight months, Foton sold 73,900 heavy trucks, up 27 percent from a year ago...

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TRUCKS RECALL* USA - Chrysler's RAM 3500

* DC - Chrysler recalling 1.2M trucks for steering issues

(Photo: Crhysler RAM 3500)
Washington,DC,USA -The Detroit News, by David Shepardson -Nov 8, 2013: -- Chrysler Group LLC said Friday it will conduct three recalls affecting approximately 1.2 million trucks... The campaigns target an estimated 453,000 vehicles with steering-system tie rods that may have been misaligned during assembly or steering-system service... The Auburn Hills automaker said as many as 726,000 may not need repair... One recall will inspect an estimated 842,400 model-year 2003-2008 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks to find approximately 116,000 repaired with tie-rod assemblies that could become misaligned. This condition could lead to component fracture and steering loss...

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Nov 9, 2013

TRUCKMAKERS NEWS * USA - Navistar / Western Star

Russia - Navistar begins deliveries of International Prostar trucks in 

(Photo) 
Warrensville,ILL,USA -Automotive News (UK) -8 Nov 2013: -- Navistar International Corporation today announced its newest dealer in Novosibirsk, Russia, began delivering International® ProStar® trucks. The first round of deliveries follows the company’s announcement in September that it would offer its aero-nose tractor in the Russian market... The ProStar offers fleets and drivers the efficient power of a big bore engine with lighter weight components to maximize payload. Available in a 6×4 application with 430 horsepower and 1,550 lb,-ft. of torque, the ProStar delivers excellent fuel economy, performance and reliability to maximize cost savings. Aerodynamics contributes 50 percent to overall fuel economy, which make it critical that a vehicle is designed to minimize aerodynamic drag. The ProStar vehicle’s aero nose and other aerodynamic components make it one of the most fuel efficient vehicles in the truck industry...


* South Carolina - All-wheel drive model now available from Western Star

Fort Mill,SC,USA -Fleet Owner -Nov. 8, 2013: -- Western Star Truck Sales has announced availability of its 4800SB all-wheel drive (AWD) model in 8x8 axle configuration... Suited for demanding utility, construction, government and refuse applications, the Western Star 4800SB 8x8 is equipped with a two-speed transfer case which promotes excellent gradability and is ideal for low- and high-speed operations, Western Star said... The truck is available with power ratings from 350 to 470 hp. and 1,250 to 1,650 lbs.-ft. of torque and features a short 109 in. BBC to provide optimal power and maneuverability in tight work spaces. The 4800SB is also spec’d with an air ride suspension for a more comfortable ride...

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TRUCKMAKERS NEWS * WORLDWIDE: Ashok Leyland / VOLVO

* India - Ashok Leyland announces voluntary retirement scheme

(Photo
Chennai,India -The Times of India -Nov 9, 2013: -- Stung by continuous fall in sales and with recovery in the sector looking distant, India's second largest truck maker by volume and Hinduja Group flagship Ashok Leyland on Friday announced a voluntary retirement scheme  for its executives. The financial contours or implications were not disclosed... Truck makers in India are in the tweezer grip of poor economic growth impacting sales coupled with historic high discounts, which is denting profitability. For the quarter ended September 2013, Ashok Leyland said it incurred an operational loss of Rs 135 crore. Sales volume declined 23%, which was driven by a 25% drop in medium and heavy commercial vehicles volumes while light commercial vehicles declined by 17% year-on-year... A company spokesperson clarified that the severance package was only for executives of the company and not for workmen in the factory shop floor. Ashok Leyland employs nearly 4,500 executives across its offices in India... 


* Sweden - Years of testing behind top class Volvo urban driving

(Over three years, Volvo Group has cut emissions from 400 distribution trucks operating, by 30 per cent) 
Gothenburg,Sweden -Irish Trucker (Ireland) -7 November 2013: -- Volvo Trucks’ new Volvo FE and Volvo FL trucks are easier to drive in urban environments than ever before... This promise is based on years of testing and product development. Indeed, to guarantee efficiency and maximum driver comfort, everything has been tested – from steering wheel and mirror vibration to engine noise levels.. One of the most important parameters in the development of the new Volvo FE and Volvo FL has been to facilitate the driver's work situation by creating a truck that is both easy to drive and comfortable...


* Germany - China's CIMC buys German fire-fighting truckmaker Ziegler

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Frankfurt,Germany -Reuters -Nov 8, 2013: -- Cash-strapped German fire-fighting vehicles maker Albert Ziegler GmbH and Co has been sold to China International Marine Containers Group (CIMC)... Ziegler, which filed for insolvency in 2011, was bought for 55 million euros ($74 million), the company said on Friday, adding that all 1000 jobs will be preserved... Ziegler makes specialised fire trucks for airports as well as electrical tunnel rescue vehicles with driving cabs facing in both directions. CIMC produces, among others, transportation vehicles for liquids, cement and refrigerated goods...


* Supercross Tundra beats out ski, rally and BMX teams in Toyota's SEMA challenge

(Photo: The Let's Go Moto Tundra took home first place in Toyota's Dream Build Challenge) 
Torrance, California -Gizmag, by C.C. Weiss -November 7, 2013: -- Instead of limiting its SEMA fleet to specialty vehicles it worked on itself, Toyota opened up the garage to professional Toyota Team athletes. The athletes worked with sponsors and aftermarket specialists in the Toyota Dream Build Challenge, developing dream vehicles for their sports. The tailgate-ready, portable bike repair center known as the "Let's Go Moto Tundra" proved victorious. The Crusher Corolla The Ultimate Dream Ski 4Runner got a full overhaul, inside and out Integrated iPad media stations in front and back control the roof box and vehicle function...Oakley, pro skier Simon Dumont and Herbst Smith Fabrication teamed on this specialized 4Ru...

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Nov 7, 2013

TRUCKS MARKET * USA - October sales

* New York - October Class 8 orders surge

NY,USA -Fleet Owner -Nov. 6, 2013: -- Class 8 net truck orders surged in October, reaching their highest point since December 2011, according to FTR... FTR reported that October order rose 39% from September to 25,960 units. That is 14% over October 2012 and annualizes out to 244,500 units this year based on the previous three months of data... “The increase in orders is broad-based and not isolated to any one OEM,” said Don Ake, FTR vice president. “The number is at the high end of our expectations and will likely help to solidify build activity in the short term. The three-month annualized rate is right in line with our 2014 forecast” ...

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TRUCKS SAFETY * USA

* Study of on-board safety systems admittedly skewed toward larger carriers

(Photo) 
Green Valley,MO,USA -Land Line, by David Tanner -5 Nov 2013: -- A study, Onboard Safety Systems Effectiveness Evaluation Final Report, a document that accompanies an October 2013 technology brief issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, measuring the effectiveness of roll stability control and lane-departure warning systems for trucks is admittedly “skewed toward larger, for-hire carriers” and does not represent the small-business component of the trucking industry, the study authors say. OOIDA commends the authors for their honesty, and believes on-board safety systems should be a choice, not a mandate... The study compared trucks that have on-board safety systems with trucks that do not have on-board safety systems. Adding in available data on crashes, the analysis indicated a “strong positive safety benefit” for lane departure warning systems and roll stability control... OOIDA says the decision to employ such technology should be up to those who own the trucks as opposed to a government mandate... Areas of concern in the report, according to OOIDA, are the lack of focus on the overall crashworthiness of truck cabs, and the fact that it does not address issues of entry-level driver training...

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ALTERNATIVE FUELS * WORLDWIDE

* UK - Deutsche Post DHL expands its green fleet with dual fuel vehicles

Egham,UK -Automotive World (UK) -6 Nov 2013: -- Deutsche Post DHL acquires 63 new dual-fuel trucks... Several Group projects worldwide increase the use of alternative drive systems for delivery and transport... The total DHL fleet in the UK now comprises 95 dual fuel trucks in total with another 50 of these on order... Deutsche Post DHL further expands its fleet of about 8,500 vehicles with alternative drive systems and aerodynamic modifications... The dual fuel drive system is one of the few alternative systems that also work for heavy load trucks – the trucks at DHL UK are designed to operate at 44 tonnes. Hybrid or electric vehicles cannot be used in this transport segment due to their limited loading capacities and distance range. Dual fuel vehicles typically reduce carbon emissions by up to 14 percent...


* Quebec - Gaz Metro applauds Quebec program that subsidizes natural gas trucks

Montreal,QUE,CAN -Truck News -Nov 5, 2013: -- The rebate will cover 30% of up to $75,000 of the additional cost natural gas adds to the price of a vehicle... The announcement drew praise from Gaz Metro, which operates a number of natural gas fuelling stations in the province...

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AUTOS RECALL * USA - Hyundai's

* California - 2009-2012 Hyundai Genesis recalled for braking problem, 43,500 vehicles affected

Orange County,CAL, USA -The Car Connection, by Richard Read -Nov 5, 2013: -- Brake problems seem to be going around... Hyundai has jumped on the braking bandwagon with a recall for 2009-2012 models of the Hyundai Genesis. The action affects 43,500 vehicles manufactured over a nearly four-year period, from April 30, 2008 to March 28, 2012... The recall stems from a problem with the brake fluid found in the Genesis' Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit, or HECU. Such fluid ordinarily protects the HECU from corrosion, but according to a bulletin from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, that's not the case in the Hyundai Genesis. As a result, the HECU can corrode, and if that happens, the Genesis' brakes may not work well -- if they work at all. And that, of course, spells trouble for drivers...

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Nov 6, 2013

TRUCKMAKERS NEWS * WORLDWIDE: Scania's / Renault's / OAO AvtoVAZ's

* Sweden - Scania crown its range by a V8 730 hp Euro 6

(Photo: A Scania trucks V8 730 hp)
Södertälje,Sweden - Truck and Business (Belgium), by Claude Yvens -24 Oct 2013: -- Only European manufacturer to still offer a V8 with Euro 6 standards, Scania has introduced the most powerful version of its flagship: the 730 hp, which complements the range of 16-liter V8 that developed previously 520 hp and 580 . The Euro 6 V8 engines use the common rail fuel injection (Scania XPI) and have a variable geometry turbo (VGT) mounted at the rear. A new EGR system with cooling water is placed under the right cylinder bank... 


* France - Discovery Renault T: amazing!

(Photo: Renault trucks)
Paris,France -Truck and Business (Belgium), by Hendrik Despiegelaere -31 Oct 2013-- The new T range of Renault Trucks has surprised almost everyone from the first meters. This is not the Premium and Magnum trucks were bad, but their successors set the bar much higher in all areas... Renault Trucks has not botched the development of its new ranges. More than seven years of testing, EUR 2 billion invested 5 million hours to the test, 10 million kilometers of testing, 300 test vehicles distributed among 50 clients, it is not nothing... Expectations were therefore strong and static display was not allowed to answer any questions. Including the following: how the new Renault would they behave on the road? The answer is now clear: after a first taken in hand, everyone is impressed and that although we all rolled into other novelties are the Mercedes-Benz Actros and Volvo FH have. It's range can compete with any competitor. If the price positioning of Renault is favorable, the new range can truly make him take a step forward. And let's be clear: a T is a genuine Renault on the cabin layout and equipment... 


* Russia - Lada maker appoints ex-GM manager to run Russian company

(Photo: GM AvtoVaz plant in Togliatti city -1,000 km Moscu's SE) 
Paris,France -Bloomberg, by Mathieu Rosemain -Nov 5, 2013: -- OAO AvtoVAZ appointed Bo Andersson, a former top purchasing manager at General Motors Co., as chief executive officer, the first non-Russian to lead the maker of Lada cars as it deepens ties with the Renault-Nissan alliance... Andersson, 58, will take the post on Dec. 31 and succeed Igor Komarov, who is leaving the industry, Togliatti-based AvtoVAZ said today in a statement following a board meeting yesterday led by Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn... Andersson, a Swedish national who’s currently CEO of Russian truckmaker GAZ Group (GAZA), will be the first foreign-born head of the country’s biggest automaker since its founding 47 years ago during the Soviet Union...

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TRUCKMAKERS NEWS * USA - Toyota's

* California - Toyota on track to match Chevy, Ram light pickup truck sales

Irvine,CAL,USA -Torque News, by JOHN GOREHAM -4 Nov 2013: -- Toyota has already passed GMC in pickup truck sales. Now, very quietly, Toyota's sales are growing rapidly, while Chevy's are dropping by double digits. It may not be long before Toyota is tied for number two in all but HD pickup sales... Toyota has very quietly become tied for third largest light pickup truck maker in the US. General Motors told Motortrend magazine in September that fully 25 percent of its trucks are HD (Heavy Duty) models. That means that the number of non-HD trucks sold by GMC in October was about 10, 080 trucks. If we exclude Heavy Duty models, Toyota’s Tundra model alone is dead even with the GMC Sierra. In total light trucks, including the Toyota Tundra and Tacoma, Toyota has now passed GMC by a wide margin...

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Nov 5, 2013

TRUCKMAKERS NEWS * China - Heavy trucks' photos shots from

* Sinkiang - 8 leggers from China

Uigur,Sinkiang,China -Johns' reports, for Biglorryblog (UK) ... says John: "On a recent trip to China I therefore took the opportunity to photograph a few... As might be expected, many are tippers used for heavy loads like coal, minerals, aggregate, like the one above and these:
Most lorries have their gross permitted weight stencilled on the side of the cab and the maximum for eight-leggers appears to be 31 tonnes, as indicated on the Iveco-based lorry above:
I’m not sure that a weighbridge ticket would always confirm that the rules have been applied! So far as I could tell, this rig was being used to carry coal:
Melons can also weigh quite a bit. This FAW was unloading at Kashgar’s equivalent of the old Covent Garden:
This side tipper still shows its Steyr antecedents:
Other eight-legger outfits commonly seen include tankers:
Finally here are a couple of Dong Feng 8 x 2’s with lifting pusher axle:

Other vehicle types were cement mixers, though most were six-wheelers and I got no pictures. Also to be seen were livestock vehicles, particularly triple deckers for sheep, but again I got no pictures..."

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TRUCKMAKERS NEWS * USA

* USA - Volvo optimizes its ‘Regional Haul’ trucks 

Greensboro,NC,USA -Biglorryblog (UK) -29 October 2013: -- Volvo Trucks North America is boosting fuel efficiency and payload capacity for regional haul carriers with the introduction of its ‘Optimized Series’ which includes eight models equipped with proven fuel and weight-saving specifications to deliver a greater value of ownership for regional tanker, bulk haul, refrigerated, dry van or flatbed applications...
(Photo: Volvo Trucks’ Optimized Series of vehicles includes:
· VNM 200 and VNL 300 daycabs
· VNM 430 and VNL 430 flat-top sleepers
· VNM 430 and VNL 430 mid-roof sleepers
· VNM 630 and VNL 630 mid-roof sleepers)
 ... Optimized daycabs, 430 sleepers and the VNM 630 model feature a Volvo D11 engine with 405 horsepower and 1,550 lb.-ft. of torque and the Volvo I-Shift automated manual transmission. The optimized Volvo VNL 630 model is spec'd with a Volvo D13 engine featuring 435 horsepower and 1,750 lb.-ft. of torque. All Optimized Series models utilize an aluminum fifth wheel, Michelin wide-base single tires, aluminum wheels, 6x2 tandem rear axle configuration with rear-tag axle and Volvo Optimized Air Suspension rated up to 38,000 lbs...

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TRUCKS RECALL * USA

* Michigan - Ford recalls ambulances because engines can stop

(Photo: Ford F550 ambulance) 
Detroit,MICH,USA -The Detroit News -November 1, 2013: -- Ford is recalling about 3,100 F-Series ambulances because the engines can stop unexpectedly... The F-350, F-450 and F-550 “Super Duty” ambulanceshave 6.7-liter diesel engines. They’re from the 2011 and 2012 model years... Ford says a faulty exhaust gas temperature sensor can cause the engines to stop and not be restarted for at least an hour. The company says it has no reports of the problem affecting patient care... Most of the ambulances were sold in the U.S., with some in Canada and other countries...


* DC - Honda won't repair 340,000 recalled minivans until March

(Photo from Honda / Wieck - 2008 Honda Odyssey Touring) 
Washington,DC,USA -The Detroit News, by David Shepardson -November 3, 2013: -- Honda Motor Co. said it will recall more than 344,000 minivans in the United States for unexpected braking, but will not have enough parts to begin repairing vehicles until March... The Japanese automaker said because of system components and software, it will recall 344,187 2007-2008 Odyssey minivans because of unexpected braking. Honda said the car's electronic system can apply the brakes unexpectedly. The system can build hydraulic pressure in the braking system and the pressure may be released into the brake circuit, causing heavy and unexpected braking without the driver pressing on the brake pedal and without illumination of the brake lamps...

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Nov 4, 2013

TRUCKMAKERS NEWS * WORLDWIDE - China's truck plant in Pakistan

* Pakistan - China to set up new truck plant at Taxila

(Photo)
Islamabad,Pakistan -Press Trust of India -November 1, 2013: -- Pakistani and Chinese military-run firms today signed a joint venture agreement for setting up a truck assembly plant that is likely to start production within a year... The National Logistics Cell and Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) of Pakistan finalised the deal with China North Industries Corporation Limited (NORINCO). The plant will be set up at the HIT complex in Taxila, located a short distance from Islamabad... Officials said the plant, expected to start production within a year, will initially assemble 300 Euro-compliant trucks and prime movers. Production can be scaled up in line with market demands... The trucks will be assembled by the joint private limited company PAKNOR and sold under the brand name Power Star...

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Nov 2, 2013

TRUCKMAKERS NEWS * USA & Canada

* Washington - Paccar’s profit jumps 32.4%

(Photo: A Kenworth truck) 
Bellevue,WASH,USA -Transport Topics -29 Oct 2013: -- Truck maker Paccar Inc. said its profit increase 32.4% in the third quarter amid higher truck deliveries and record profits in its parts and financial service businesses... Paccar sells the Kenworth Truck Co. and Peterbilt Motors Co. brands of light-, medium- and heavy-duty trucks in North America. It also sells the DAF Trucks and Leyland Trucks brands internationally...


* British Columbia - Westport ending 15L natural gas engine production, shifting focus to OEM integration

Vancouver,BC,Canada -Fleet Owner, by Brian Straight -Nov. 1, 2013: -- Westport formally announced the shutdown of 15L natural gas engine production in its latest earnings report this week. The company said it will no longer take orders for the powerplant, which features Westport’s high-pressure direct injection (HPDI) system, as of Nov. 15 of this year... The company is not, though, abandoning its HPDI system, says Nicole Adams, director of communications... Adams added that Westport is now working on integrating the next-generation HPDI system with Volvo’s new 13L natural gas engine with expected availability sometime in 2014...

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Nov 1, 2013

TRUCKMAKERS NEWS * Study: "... to calm or vitalize the driver ... "

* Germany - Benz puts drivers fist in topfit truck  

(Photo: TruckTopFit) 
Stuttgart,Germany -AutoNet -Oct 31, 2013: -- Life in a semi-trailer cab isn’t exactly a home away from home and it’s contributing to a shortage of transport drivers. It’s not a problem particular to North America, it’s also a problem in Germany and Mercedes-Benz has been working on it... A study called the TopFit Truck project is aimed at enhancing the health and fitness of drivers and boosting trucking as a career. It makes drivers the focus of research and development... The study, ongoing since 2006, shows sleeping in a truck is adversely affected by truck stop traffic noise which hampers drivers’ fitness, making them susceptible to attention deficits and “microsleep.” Accident risk increases along with vehicle wear and fuel consumption... Besides impaired sleep, the monotony of driving long distances puts strain on the body and impairs brain performance... The study looked at measures such as power naps, aromatherapy, massage and auditory stimuli to boost brain performance... The next step was to incorporate innovations in a tractor unit. In 2009, a truck was fitted with new measures including power massage seat that could be positioned for a power nap. There was also a system for dispersing relaxing or refreshing fragrances as well as a music computer programmed to calm or vitalize the driver...


* Germany - MAN SE sees no change in European truck sales in 2014 

Berlin,Germany -Reuters, by Andreas Cremer / Harro ten Wolde -Oct 29, 2013: -- German truck maker MAN SE expects no change in sales of heavy-duty vehicles in core European markets next year... It may take "several years" to solve problems in MAN's bus operations, Anders Nielsen, head of MAN's truck and bus division said. The division posted an 11 million-euro ($15.16 million) operating loss in the third quarter, extending the nine-month loss to 47 million euros. ($1 = 0.7254 euros)...


* Italy - CNH Industrial sees light ahead for Iveco truck unit 

Torino,Italy -Reuters -Oct 31, 2013: -- Tractor and trucks maker CNH Industrial reported an 11 percent fall in its third-quarter trading profit on Thursday, hit by a stronger euro, but said its long-suffering Iveco truck business might now be on the turn... The newly formed sister company of Italian car maker Fiat stuck to its full-year targets on Thursday as a strong performance from high-margin agricultural machinery is expected to offset weakness in trucks and construction equipment...


* Nigeria - NTM unveils Mini-trucks

Lagos,Nigeria -Daily Times, by OLAOLU OLUSINA -November 1, 2013: -- Nigeria’s foremost trucks and agricultural tractors manufacturer, National Trucks Manufacturers (NTM), Kano, has added a new, versatile product in its wide line-up of commercial vehicles... Called the Mini-Truck, the vehicle has as some of its strong points very low price tag, ease of operation and low fuel consumption... The vehicle allows for the comfort of a small compact car with the space for carrying bulky (not heavy) items... Some of the technical features of the vehicle include: 1.0 L engine (1,000cc), with 4-stroke water cooled, 4-cylinders, fuel-injection system...

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TRUCKING INDUSTRY * USA - HOS: House bill would roll back restart provisions

* DC - Measure would have GAO assess restart rule, delay provisions at least six months

Washington,DC,USA -Fleet Owner, by David Cullen -Oct. 31, 2013: -- Current HOS restart rule under fire for sapping trucking productivity... A bill that would reverse the current Hours of Service (HOS) restart for truck drivers to the pre-July 1st rule— for at least six months— has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives... If it became law, the HOS measure — which has been dubbed the TRUE Act— would: 
 -- Put back into effect the 34-hour restart rules that were in place before July 1, 2013 
-- Require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct an independent assessment of the methodology FMCSA used to devise the current 34-hour restart rule 
-- Prevent re-implementing the current (July 1st) 34-hour restart rule until six months after GAO submits its assessment to Congress ...

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