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Dec 13, 2008

TRUCKS REGULATIONS * USA - Task force won't back down

New York,NY,USA -cnykink, Miranda L. Pennock -11 Dec 2008: -- There is no backing down now... That message was clear on Thursday when the Upstate New York Safety Coalition Task Force met at the Skaneateles Village Hall... According to Chuck Murphy, legislative aide for Sen. John DeFrancisco’s office, Vinny Gramuglia of the Mohawk Valley Citizens and Truckers Unite called him the Tuesday following the Black Friday truck protest throughout the Finger Lakes and asked if the task force and legislative representatives were ready to back down... “No, we are not going to back off our support for the regulations,” Murphy said. “These things were not made by the senator. They were an executive order by the governor”... Throughout the weeks since the truck demonstration on Route 20, members of the task force have continued looking over the state Department of Transportation’s draft regulations that ultimately restrict long haul tractor trailers from driving on seven specific state highways. The regulations do not affect local trucks or deliveries, one aspect of the law the task force feels area truckers have been misinformed about...

Labels: regulations

Oct 22, 2008

RULES * Kenya - Transporters Now Want Control of Weighbridges

Nairobi,Kenya -The East African/All Africa.com , by Gitonga Marete & Githua Kihara -20 October 2008: -- The implementation of the three-axle rule in Kenya has taken an unexpected turn, with the Kenya Transporters Association (KTA) now demanding to be given authority to supervise weighbridges to curb overloading by errant transporters... This comes as non compliant transporters, left with no alternative after being forced to weigh their trucks at the Mariakani weighbridge, have reluctantly complied with the directive that required them to remove the fourth axle... The KTA say that most of their trucks have complied with the directive but damage to the road will not abate due to the corruption at the weighbridges... Now, the association wants to be involved in running the bridges because transporters believe they are being blamed unfairly... According to KTA vice chairman Kiprop Bundotich, the association, if given the authority, will rein in errant transporters who "tarnish" the reputation of "clean" transporters...

Labels: regulations

Oct 17, 2008

Regulation * USA - New Rule would Hold P3 Transportation Deals to New Standard

Public-private partnerships for transportation arrangements that feature concessions would be subject to a new Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) rule

New York,NY,USA -The Bond Buyer (Vol. 365, No. 32985, P. 4), by Audrey Dutton & Michelle Kaske -14 Oct 2008: -- ... Introduced on Oct. 8, the fair market value and design-build rule would compel state departments of transportation and other public agencies to "negotiate for and obtain fair market value" for any concession deal having to do with facilities constructed or procured with federal highway funds. Long-term public highway development, construction, and operation and maintenance deals involving a third-party concessionair that pays the government or underwrites infrastructure projects for the privilege to operate the facility and collect its revenues would be subject to the rule. The regulation would also permit public agencies to compete against the private sector for such concession agreements. The FHWA says fair market value is applicable any time "a highway agency procures a concession agreement through a competitive process"... The agency explains that further clarification on concessions in regulations was needed because of they are being used more as a financing option...

Labels: regulations

Sep 5, 2008

REGULATIONS * Czech Republic - Government pushes for broader restrictions on long-haul trucks

The country’s coalition government, has agreed on tightening restrictions in the Czech Republic on long-haul vehicles

Prague,Czech Republic -Prague News/Radio CZ -4 Sept 2008: -- The country’s coalition government, made up of the Civic Democrats, the Christian Democrats and the Greens, has agreed on tightening restrictions in the Czech Republic on long-haul vehicles. On Wednesday, the cabinet met to discuss the issue, agreeing that large trucks should be banned year-round from Czech roads on Fridays between 3 and 6 pm, and Sundays until ten pm. The goal is to clear up traffic on Czech throughways and principal routes as well as to reduce deadly road accidents. But the news has many hauliers - long opposed to a ban on economic grounds - up in arms...

Labels: regulations

Jan 21, 2008

IN JAIL * Canada - Your rig could be impounded

Transportation minister supports B.C. crackdown on unsound trucks

Don Mills,Ont,CAN -The Province, by Cheryl Chan -January 20, 2008: -- B.C.'s transportation minister has a warning for owners of heavy commercial vehicles not up to safety standards: Your rig could be going to jail... The B.C. Trucking Association has been campaigning to have flagrantly unsafe trucks impounded for a minimum of 30 days... The proposed crackdown would target irresponsible truckers driving "patently unsafe" vehicles, said CEO Paul Landry... Trucks would be towed and impounded for at least 30 days -- longer for repeat offenders -- hitting the owners where it hurts most: the pocketbook... (Photograph by : Wayne Leidenfrost / The Province)

Labels: regulations

Jan 17, 2008

Regulation * USA - Bye, bye fees

So, OK, abusive-driver fees are on the out and we probably won’t see them again

VA,USA -Fleet Owner, by Skil Carr -January 16, 2008: -- The death-knell has sounded for Virginia’s controversial abusive driver fees, so for all the readers that thought these were a bad idea, your wish is coming true... The abusive-driver fees in question were civil penalties drawn up to fine drivers going 20 mph over the speed limit $1,050, plus $61 in court costs, in addition to existing fines that typically total $200. Also, a first-time drunken driver faced a $2,250 civil penalty – plus fines and court costs that typically run about $500 or more – under the abusive-fee regime, while driving without a license came with a mandatory $900 civil penalty in addition to the ordinary $100 for a fine and court costs... Many reasons are being trotted out for the failure of these fees, probably the biggest being that they only applied to in-state residents. That stuck in everyone’s craw, because if you didn’t pay them in three installments over 26 months, you’d lose your license: not so for someone from Ohio or any of the other 49 states in the Union... So, OK, abusive-driver fees are on the out and we probably won’t see them again. But here we are left facing a yearly pile of bodies on our highways with no one – politicians and John Q. Public as well – willing to seriously address it...

Labels: regulations

Nov 5, 2007

Definitions * USA - Trucking co. fights state over how workers are defined

Bristol,Conn,USA -Newsday -November 2, 2007: -- A Bristol trucking company has asked Gov. M. Jodi Rell and state lawmakers to intervene in a dispute with the state Labor Department over how workers are defined for tax purposes... State labor officials are targeting pilot car drivers who escort modular homes, yachts, jet engines and other oversized loads on state highways. The Labor Department has ruled that pilot car drivers working for Superior Flag Car Inc. are employees, not independent contractors. As a result, Superior Flag Car owes the state $36,276 in back unemployment insurance taxes... Companies pay taxes for employees, but not contractors...

Labels: regulations

Regulations * USA - Princeton considers taking on the big trucks

Local enforcement of regulations under review while towns await state action

NJ,USA -Packet on line, by Nick Norlen -November 2, 2007: -- While Princeton awaits a decision from the state Department of Transportation on its request to exclude a number of local roadways from the New Jersey Access Network, those concerned about the presence of large trucks are seeking a more immediate measure — local police enforcement... The exclusion request from township and borough officials came in February after a federal court ruled that regulations restricting 102-inch-wide and double-trailer trucks with no New Jersey destination or origin from entering the network unconstitutionally violated interstate commerce... The ruling was followed by new state rules for the truck network, which is composed of state and county roadways that can be legally used by large trucks... Since then, local officials have cited concerns about safety and the potential degradation of the environment and sensitive historical properties along the routes... (Photo: www.southeastroads.com: Attached to the Princeton Road ...)

Labels: regulations

Sep 30, 2007

CARB’s proposed mandates * USA - OOIDA concerned by

California officials want trucks and trailers to be equipped with aerodynamic fairings and automatic tire inflation systems. They also want every truck stop parking space to be electrified and they want to triple fines for violations of next year’s five-minute idling limit

CAL,USA -Land Line Magazin,By Charlie Morasche -30 Sept 2007: -- The California Air Resources Board is scheduled to consider those strategies and 41 others in the agency’s greenhouse gas reduction plan at next month’s board meeting... CARB staff presented the amendments at a workshop Monday and acknowledged the rapid adoption process of regulations that the agency has discussed little with trucking companies, trade associations and others who will be affected by the rules... CARB also plans to beef up anti-idling enforcement and triple the agency’s $100 fines to $300 for drivers caught violating the five-minute idling limit, which is set to take effect Jan. 1, 2008... CARB is fast-tracking requirements that trucks traveling in the state be retrofitted with cab fairings, gap fairings, trailer skirts and single-wide tires to improve fuel efficiency, and plans to require some type of tire inflation monitoring or automatic inflation system by 2010... The draft plan regulation said the agency could phase in the faring requirement until 100 percent of trucks would meet the requirement by 2013... CARB estimates that adding either shore power or IdleAire-like direct access of heat and air conditioning to California’s remaining 6,600 truck stop spaces and 1,300 Caltrans rest area spaces would cost between $49.5 million and $132 million... California ranked 47 out of 49 states in its ratio of commercial parking spaces in a 2002 study by the Federal Highway Administration... Other early action measures include requiring electric-powered reefers at distribution centers and grocery stores and requiring electric hybrid medium and heavy-duty trucks and cars and light duty trucks. Those measures are considered to be not ready for implementation until after 2010, though CARB can speed up those time frames... (Photo Gallery from liloazngurlspice: Island farm truck)

Labels: regulations

Sep 17, 2007

TRUCKS' REGULATIONS * Europe - VOSA Issues Low Emission Test Guidelines

* UK - VOSA's has published guidelines for vehicle operators on booking low emissions tests

London,UK -TNN -17 Sept 2007: -- Before applying for a first Low Emissions or Reduced Pollution Test, vehicle operators have to ensure that their vehicles are referenced on the Low Emissions Certificate (LEC) Eligible Engine or the LEC and RPC (Reduced Pollution Certificate) Approved devices list.VOSA will inspect and issue either an LEC or RPC for... The LEC/RPC test consists of a physical inspection and smoke opacity test...

Labels: regulations

Sep 16, 2007

REGULATIONS * Canada - Truckers adjust to new ones

Truckers, drivers, and owners of commercial vehicles will need to complete certain safety inspections of their vehicles every 24 hours if the vehicle is on the road

Winnipeg,Manitoba,Canada -The Daily Graphic, by ANGELA BROWN -September 14, 2007: -- Winnipeg-based Manitoba Trucking Association represents 280 corporations in the industry. Its general manager, Bob Dolyniuk, said a labour shortage threatens the industry in all capacities, including drivers, technicians and other positions... Other issues of concern in the trucking industry include added security challenges at the border and working towards becoming more environmentally friendly by reducing fossil fuel emissions... New federal regulations came into effect in January requiring drivers to take 10 hours of rest for each 24-hour period. Drivers can work a 14-hour shift, but must only drive 13 hours during that time... Dolyniuk worries the new regulations will result in a reduction in productivity... Federal regulation on inspecting vehicles based on national safety code standards, is planned to take effect on Jan. 1... (Photo by Angela Brown - Brandon truck driver Leonard Mears was on the job yesterday while taking a quick break in Portage la Prairie’s west end. Mears, who is a long-time truck driver, recognizes the need for industry regulations, but finds they can be challenging)

Labels: regulations

Watchdog Agency * USA - Criticizes truck regulators

US. regulators don't always use the maximum fines to punish trucking companies with "serious violations" of safety laws, a government watchdog agency said

Houston,TX.USA -Bloomberg/The Houston Chronicle, by ANGELA GREILING KEANE -Sept. 15, 2007: -- ... The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is required by law to levy "maximum fines" against truckers with a second major violation, instead of waiting for a third as it does now, the Government Accountability Office said in a report Friday in Washington... Maximum fines range from $11,000 for violations such as drivers exceeding the maximum hours allowed at the wheel to $32,500 for infractions involving hazardous materials, an agency spokeswoman said... The GAO said that under U.S. law, companies that repeat "serious violations" even once should receive maximum fines. The GAO found the trucking regulator didn't levy top penalties until companies reached a third violation... (Photo from CDL Truck Driving Jobs)

Labels: regulations

Aug 11, 2007

New regulations *USA - In California raise questions about APUs

If a truck can legally operate in all other states, can California put additional restrictions on it when it enters, even if it is driving through and not doing business there?..

CAL,USA -Land Line Magazine, by Paul Abelson -Aug. 10, 2007: -- With 2008 fast approaching, one of the most frequently asked questions among many truckers is, “What is going on in California regarding APUs?”... The folks at CARB seem to favor electric power sources, from either on-board or external sources. These include deep-cycle, battery-powered, on-board devices and shore power, including IdleAire... BUT ... The California regulations will apply to all trucks – but not RVs or motor homes – operating in the state. It won’t matter whether you’re picking up, delivering or just passing through, if your truck has an ’07 or newer engine, the rule will apply to you... Previously, California regulations applied only to vehicles sold or registered in the state... Questions have been raised as to whether this new approach violates the Interstate Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution because California is mandating equipment on trucks from other states. If a truck can legally operate in all other states, can California put additional restrictions on it when it enters, even if it is driving through and not doing business there?.. That will be a challenge for the lawyers to handle...

Labels: regulations

Jun 23, 2007

* USA - Griffith regulates trucks, ups speed limit

GRIFFITH,IN.USA -NWI Times (Munster,IN), by CHARLES F. HABER -June 22, 2007: -- The Town Council has adopted an ordinance against "jake braking," where truck drivers use the engine's compression to slow the vehicle instead of using the brakes... The ordinance makes it illegal for a truck to brake in that method except in an emergency... The council also increased the speed limit by 5 mph along two portions of Broad Street...

Labels: regulations

Apr 6, 2007

* USA - EPA's SmartWay Partnership

The SmartWay partnership created by the EPA focuses on helping trucking and rail carriers reduce their emissions. - What it means to Buyers

Newton,MA,USA -Purchasing.com -5 Apr 2007: -- Take advantage of the market today. Trucking firms are more eager for business now than they have been in a long time... Use the current market environment to build stronger relationships with carriers. Don't just focus on improved pricing—think about expanding services and collaboration with carriers... Do a deep dive on your carriers—understand how they mange their costs and you'll see an improvement in your costs...
Why the new engines?
The new regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency require all trucks on the road use new engines that use cleaner technology and ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel. And clearly the data behind the regulation explains why the new regulations were needed... According to statistics from the EPA, combined truck and rail transport consume more than 35 billion gallons of diesel fuel each year, which produces more than 350 million metric tons of carbon dioxide each year as well as a vast amount of nitrogen oxides (NOx), a contributor to ozone smog. Ground freight contributes 40% of transportation related emissions of NOx and 30% of particulate matter emissions...
Cut the idle
Unnecessary idling of diesel engines in trucks and locomotives results in: Annually, more than 1 billion gallons of diesel fuel consumed... Annually, 11 million tons of carbon dioxide, 200,000 tons of oxides of nitrogen, and 5,000 tons of particulate matter emitted... Increased engine maintenance costs and shortened engine life... Impaired driver rest and health... Elevated noise levels...

Labels: regulations

Mar 22, 2007

Opposes new state regulations * USA - That allow big rigs to use Route 27

South Bruns. wants trucks to hit the road
Edison,NJ,USA -The Edison Sentinel, by CHRIS GAETANO -22 Mar 2007: -- The new state regulations establish a hierarchy of roads consisting of federal interstates at the top, state highways in the middle and local roads at the bottom... According to the state Department of Transportation's (DOT) proposal, large trucks would be required to drive only on federal roads unless the shortest distance between two points is through the use of a road on the state network. Large trucks on the state network must leave as soon as possible. Meanwhile, large trucks on the state network may only drive on local roads if the shortest distance between itself and its destination involves the local road, and the driver is expected to leave as soon as possible... (Photo: JEFF GRANIT staff A car waits to turn onto Heathcote Road as a truck drives through the intersection with Route 27 in Kingston. Larger trucks are going to be allowed on the road due to a new set of state trucking regulations, which officials in South Brunswick and other municipalities oppose)

Labels: regulations

Feb 27, 2007

Trucking Regulations * USA - Should Apply to All For National Security’s Sake

Ridgewood,NJ,USA -Family Security Matters, by Joan Messner -25 Feb 2007: -- In 1986, the 99th Congress passed the Commercial Motor Vehicles Safety Act. It was an Act designed to help secure the safety of all of us... The first regulation in the CMV Safety Act dealt with driver’s licenses: it ruled that no one who operates a commercial motor vehicle shall have more than one driver’s license. It further states that the minimum information required will include the “social security number of such operator”... Further, the general rule written in this act is that the Secretary of State shall disqualify for life from operating a commercial vehicle:
- anyone who has committed more than one violation while driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance;
- anyone who has committed more than one violation of leaving the scene of an accident;
- anyone who has used a commercial vehicle in the commission of a felony.
... There are some who object...their excuse is “privacy”. That is a red herring and it stinks...

Labels: regulations

Feb 23, 2007

Laws * USA - Trucking group fighting snow, ice proposal

Penn,USA -Land Line Magazine (Grain Valley,MO), by Red Black -Feb 21, 2007: -- The Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association is lobbying against a proposed law that would let police ticket drivers whose vehicles shed snow and ice, regardless of whether anyone’s injured... Under current Pennsylvania law, fines are only given if snow or ice flying off of a vehicle actually injures or kills someone... Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association Safety Director Don Siekerman told that there’s no widely available technology for cleaning snow and ice off trailers – and that a ladder and broom just doesn’t cut it...

Labels: regulations

* USA - Truckers must file e-summaries of cargo at borders

USA -National Journal's Technology Daily/ GovExec.comby Winter Casey -Feb 20, 2007: -- The Customs and Border Protection agency has moved forward with a plan to require all truckers entering the United States to file electronic summaries of cargo... As of Jan. 25, all truck carriers entering through Arizona, Washington and seven ports in North Dakota must file electronic manifests through the Automated Commercial Environment, a processing system being developed to enhance national security and facilitate legitimate trade... An e-manifest requires the trucker to provide details of the trip, vehicle, shipment, passengers and driver. All of the data goes into the ACE databank or a national CBP database, CBP spokesman Eric Blum said...

Labels: regulations

Feb 8, 2007

Administration * USA - Wants better mileage light trucks, minivans and SUVs

Boston,MA,USA -Technocrat.net, by zogger -7 Feb 2007: -- The administration, among other energy proposals, wants to raise the mileage standards for light trucks, SUVs and minivans. They also think that "credits" for fuel economy, similar to "carbon credits", be available so that manufacturers and investors can buy and sell them in order to achieve goals... (Comment:) I think those credits, for mileage or carbon, etc, are rather short sighted and counter productive. The last thing we need in this economy is yet another batch of paper financial pseudo "products"...

Labels: regulations