1/21/10 Virginia to reopen 19 highway rest stops Four of the rest stops will reopen by Feb. 17, eight more by March 17, and the final seven by April 17. Read Anita Kumar's Washington Post article 1/16/10 The Trucking Division of Great American Insurance Group announced the start of its BIG RIG GIVEAWAY sweepstakes for 2010, marking the fourth year of Great American’s sponsorship. The 2010 grand prize is a customized 2006 Volvo VNL780 to be awarded to a lucky sweepstakes participant at the Mid America Truck Show on March 27, 2010. Click here for full Business Wire press release 1/5/10 FMCSA to Hold Public Listening Sessions on Hours of Service Requirements WASHINGTON—The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) today announced it will hold four listening sessions in January to gather information and comments as the agency prepares a rulemaking proposal on hours-of-service requirements for property-carrying commercial vehicle drivers. The agency wants to hear about topics such as rest and on-duty time, sleeper berth use and the effect the current hours-of-service rule has on loading and unloading times for drivers. A record of the listening sessions will be placed in the public docket for the rulemaking. Hours-of-service requirements are designed to help prevent commercial motor vehicle-related accidents, injuries and fatalities by prescribing on-duty hours and rest periods for commercial drivers. The FMCSA has scheduled three listening sessions to encourage public participation on this issue and will schedule a fourth listening session in the coming days. * Tuesday, January 19, 2010 Doubletree Hotel Crystal City National Airport 300 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, Virginia 22202 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST * Friday, January 22, 2010 Hyatt Regency Dallas Forth Worth Airport DFW International Parkway, Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas 75261 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. CST * Monday, January 25, 2010 Doubletree Hotel Los Angeles International Airport 1985 East Grand Avenue, El Segundo, California 90245 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. PST For more information on the listening sessions, including several questions on possible alternatives to the current hours-of-service requirements, please visit the FMCSA website at www.fmcsa.dot.gov. Interested persons may also contact David Miller, Office of Policy Plans and Regulation, U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, (202) 366-5011. 12/4/09 Have you checked out Randall-Reilly's "Custom Rigs" on-line magazine? One of the value-added aspects of an on-line magazine allows you to view on-demand, how-to videos. Click on this link for free video, information on new products and much more!! 12/2/09 Navistar and Modec Sign Joint Venture to Produce and Market All-Electric Truck Navistar intends to produce 400 electric vehicles in 2010. Read the full press release on Business Wire 11/3/09 Berkshire Hathaway to Buy Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad 10/22/09 The Journal of Commerce reports: Leading Economic Index Climbs 1 Percent Sixth consecutive gain bumps index to highest growth rate since 1983 10/6/09 According to several reliable sources the TxDOT will, on Wednesday, officially call off the dogs on the controversial Trans-Texas Corridor project. 9/09/09 Missouri gets approval for truck-only lanes on Interstate 70 By BRAD COOPER - The Kansas City Star Trucks Only 9/2/09 Journal of Commerce reports: Manufacturing Makes First Gain in 18 Months Freight Index Reaches 2009 High
9/1/09
Surface Trade with Canada and Mexico plummeted 31.5 percent in June compared with June a year ago, but the month-to-month increase of 6 percent runs counter to seasonal trends and confirms signals that the economy may have hit bottom in May.
07/29/09
Navistar Announces 2010 Emissions Pricing
Journal of Commerce announces It's Easy Being Green - Virtual Trade Show
September 15-16, 2009
07/21/09
Central States Pension Fund Drops YRC Worldwide
FedEx Expands Hybrid-Electric Fleet by 50 Percent
3/31/09
Cross-border trucking pilot program was flawed
3/21/09
Mexico throws counterpunch in trucking dispute
3/5/09
BTS Releases North American Surface Trade Numbers for December:
The ATD Convention & Exposition will be held April 18-20 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center on the Potomac in Washington, DC.
2/22/09
Road closures and other transportation advisories for the week of Feb. 22: Two to three lanes of I-93 South will be closed approaching and through downtown Sunday through Friday from 11:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. The Storrow Drive on-ramp to...
http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/02/road_closures_f_25.html
2/20/09
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says he wants to consider taxing motorists based on how many miles they drive rather than how much gasoline they burn, saying it would provide more reliable funding for highway projects.
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/02/20/usdot_mileagetax/?refid=0
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says he wants to consider taxing motorists based on how many miles they drive rather than how much gasoline they burn — an idea that has angered drivers in some states where it has been proposed.
AP Interview via Yahoo!: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090220/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/lahood_vehicle_mileage_tax_6
March 3, 2008
BTS Releases North American Surface Trade Numbers for December 2007:
Trade using surface transportation between the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners Canada and Mexico was 3.1 percent higher in December 2007 than in December 2006, reaching $60.9 billion, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), a part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), reported today.
More information on transborder freight data and data from previous months are posted on the BTS website at http://www.bts.gov/transborder/.
January 10th, 2008
Walgreens Teams up with DHL to Offer Shipping Services Chainwide
DEERFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Walgreens (NYSE:WAG)(NASDAQ:WAG) has entered into an agreement with DHL, the world’s leading express delivery and logistics company, to offer shipping services in virtually all of its stores chainwide. The rollout will begin in April in Illinois and Florida and is projected to expand to more than 6,500 locations by the end of calendar 2008.
January 9th, 2007
Mexican President Defends NAFTA Despite Protests
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexican President Felipe Calderon defended a regional trade deal on Monday..........click here for the rest of this article
January 7th, 2008
Talking Transportation: The Truth About Trucks
Two years ago, in my very first Talking Transportation column, I tried to dispel the myth that our highway problems are all caused by trucks. "Let's Blame the Trucks" attacked that common wisdom with facts that didn't win me many friends But that's hardly my goal in these musings.
January 4th, 2008
Great American Announces Another ''Big Rig Giveaway''
CINCINNATI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--For the second year in a row, Great American Insurance Group's Trucking Division is giving away a totally transformed heavy duty, Class 8 truck in the company's popular "Big Rig Giveaway" sweepstakes. The 2008 sweepstakes prize, a tricked out Peterbilt 379EXHD, will be given to a trucker chosen at random from Great American's booth, #67200 at the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) on March 29 at 2:00 pm EST. This one-of-a-kind Pete will included a uniquely designed paint finish, new interior and upholstery, chromed-out detailing, and electronics including a DVD player, flat screen monitor, blind spot camera, security system, remote controlled electric hood opener, microwave and mini-fridge.
To enter the "BIG RIG GIVEAWAY," visit the Great American Trucking website at www.GreatAmericanTrucker.com. The contest is open to Class A commercial licensed drivers ages 21 or older. Employees and families of sponsors and vendors are not eligible. No purchase or payment is necessary to enter or win. The winner is responsible for taxes, insurance and all applicable fees. Void where prohibited by law.
December 12th, 2007
BTS Releases Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI);
The Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI) rose 1.3 percent in
October from its September level, rising after a one-month decline
that brought the index to its lowest level since January 2004, the
Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), a part of the U.S.
Department of Transportation’s Research and Innovative Technology
Administration (RITA), reported today.
A news release summarizing the data may be obtained by clicking this link.
ATA Welcomes New Rule on Hours of Service
ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The American Trucking Associations (ATA) welcomes the Interim Final Rule on drivers’ Hours of Service issued today by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
The rule retains the key components of the 2004 rule, which ATA has supported because in just four years it has led to significant decreases in the number of fatal large truck crashes, the fatal large truck crash rate, the number of injuries from truck-involved crashes, and the injury crash rate.
“FMCSA has made an important contribution to highway safety by keeping in force Hours of Service rules that have led to a reduction in deaths and injuries over the last several years,” said ATA President and CEO Bill Graves.
The new rule reflects the scientific research that shows that the comprehensive regulations in effect since 2004 (except for a change in sleeper berth regulations in October 2005) promote driver alertness and enhance highway safety. Components of the rule include:
Increasing from 8 to 10 hours the minimum amount of time that drivers must be off-duty between shifts, providing a greater opportunity for 7 to 8 hours of sleep;
The FMCSA cited data collected by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute that showed there is no increase in crash risk in the 11th hour of driving. Government and industry safety data and metrics clearly indicate that the current HOS rules are an improvement in truck safety over the pre-2004 rules.
For example:
The Interim Final Rule is an interim measure in effect while the agency collects additional data on the safety impact of the two challenged provisions. ATA will work with its members during the next stage of the HOS rulemaking process to document motor carriers' safety experiences under the 11- and 34-hour provisions.
President Graves also noted that ATA continues to pursue other goals on its safety agenda, including a requirement for speed limiters on new trucks, a 65-mph national speed limit for all vehicles and increased use of seatbelts.
November 10, 2007
*UPS Announces 2008 Rates*
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--UPS (NYSE:UPS) today announced new list rates
for 2008, including an average 4.9 percent increase for UPS Ground and
Ground Hundredweight shipments and a net average increase of 4.9 percent
on all air express and U.S. origin International shipments.
The increase for air express and international shipments is based on a
6.9 percent increase in the base rate, less a 2 percent reduction in the
current fuel surcharge. Updated rate and service information will be
posted on ups.com/rates beginning Nov. 16, and customers can preview UPS
Ground, Air and International express rates. On Dec. 31, customers can
download the /2008/ /Rate and Service Guide/.
The new rates will take effect on Dec. 31, 2007.
September 7, 2007
U.S. & Mexican Trucking Companies Cleared to Operate Beyond the Border DOT provides details on steps taken to ensure safety of year-long Demonstration Project in response to latest Inspector General report.
August 31st, 2007
Mexico Prepares to Allow U.S. Trucks to Cross Border
August 10th, 2007
Altitude set to broadcast 2007 Pikes Peak specials in August.
When TruckTalk first hit the scene there wasn't much happening between transportation and the Internet. I thought that the best way to be of service to the community was to offer an e-mail newsletter.
The goal continues to be to maintain a site that you will bookmark and return to often. Your entry to the latest in industry news and
information. The links you find here will assist in your search for
answers about equipment, services, regulations and the
people and organizations involved in the transportation process.
I've tried to contact every link you see listed in these pages. If you find a bad link please let me know. If you are affiliated with, or know of, a
company or group that needs to be listed here, let me know about them. I'll
send an e-mail and ask for permission to link.
Read JOC article
2010-compliant engine technology will increase International truck prices $6,000-$8,000, depending on engine. Read the full press-release.
To view a presentation of all the really cool features you'll find in the virtual expo visit joc.com and click on the It's Easy Being Green link.
William B. Cassidy | The Journal of Commerce Online
Click here for full release
By TODD SPENCER -Special to The KCStar
Link to article
POW,POW,POW!!
Trade using surface transportation between the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners, Canada and Mexico, was 13.1 percent lower in December 2008 than in December 2007, dropping to $52.9 billion, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), a part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), reported today.
A news release and summary tables can be found here.
More information on transborder freight data and data from previous months are posted on the BTS website.
3/4/09
Surface Trade with Canada and Mexico Rose 3.1 Percent from
December 2006
By Jim Cameron - Special to WestportNow
Read the rest of the article here. While you're there why not take a few minutes to register and leave a comment; we need these kinds of friends!
Freight Index Rose 1.3 Percent in October from September
Research Shows Regulations Reduce Crashes, Fatalities and Injuries
Reducing the maximum daily on-duty time by one hour from 15 to 14 and eliminating the provision allowing this time be “tolled” by breaks;
Providing a maximum 11-hour driving time per shift to complete runs safely;
Promoting schedules nearer to a 24-hour circadian cycle;
Allowing for a minimum of 34 consecutive off-duty hours of rest, recovery and restart to eliminate potential sleep debt.
The number of truck-involved fatalities decreased 4.7 percent in 2006 – from 5,240 in 2005 to 4,995 in 2006 – the largest percentage drop in truck-involved fatalities since 1992;
The projected truck-involved fatality rate for 2006 is at its lowest since record-keeping began in 1975;
The number of truck-involved-crash injuries decreased by almost 2,000 in 2005 and dropped another 8,000 in 2006;
The injury crash rate, another accepted metric, is also at its lowest point since DOT recordkeeping began.
Details in this U.S. DOT press release.
By Thomas Black and Karen Gullo
Read the complete report at Bloomberg dot com
Details in this release
TruckTalk shifts gears
That was several years ago and this is 2006. Our industry continues to embrace technology and move forward with the rest of the world. I decided to replace the newsletter with message boards where members could exchange ideas and share information
These boards will help us stay connected and even more up-to-the-minute with news than a newsletter could ever hope to achieve. I need your help in spreading the word. Tell your friends and co-workers. Use this as the resource it's intended to be. As traffic grows I'll have to depend on you to help moderate and administer the forum boards.
Even though scheduled publication of TruckTalk, the newsletter, has been suspended the message boards are ready and waiting for your comments and participation.
KEEP ON TRUCKING!!
