Recent studies have shown that distracted driving often leads to a crash or even a fatality, and many states are pursuing bans on texting while driving. But the American Transportation Research Institute wants to know how wireless devices are used in the trucking industry, as well as any policies or procedures that may govern Continue Reading

The freight outlook is a mixed bag of positives and negatives. On the one hand, freight seems to be stabilizing, according to reports from larger transportation companies such as UPS and FedEx, and the lines of credit are opening up, of which particularly small- to medium-size companies are taking advantage. But, analysts caution, freight Continue Reading

The controversial regulations to ban trucks from seven highway access routes in the state of New York is now open for public comment. Large trucks, except for local pick-up and delivery will be affected. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, the state trucking association and 26 business groups have voiced their Continue Reading

New regulations in the state of New York banning trucks from using seven highways as shortcuts on their routes will drive up transportation costs and result in job losses, according to the state trucking association. Still, the governor’s office is moving ahead with the ban, citing safety as the primary reason. Visit the New York State Department of Transportation website for Continue Reading

An appeal filed by the American Trucking Association and the Truckload Carriers Association dismissing California’s new emission reduction rule for transport refrigeration units as unfair is scheduled for argument on October 2. The two industry groups said out-of-state carriers are unjustly targeted and that California is wrongfully Continue Reading

The U.S. Departments of Treasury and Energy unveiled a program to reward clean energy equipment manufacturers with $2.3 billion in tax credits. Those credits are available for two years or until the cap is reached. Manufacturers of energy conservation technologies, solar, wind and geothermal energy equipment, greenhouse gas emission reduction solutions and Continue Reading

The groundwork is being laid for a network of intermodal facilities, literally. At a ground breaking ceremony for the new Northwest Ohio Intermodal Terminal, CSX, a major supporter of the project, declared it the “future of our nation’s transportation infrastructure.” The Northwest Ohio terminal is just the first step. Existing rail corridors through Continue Reading

More than 300,000 currently parked or under-utilized trucks are causing concern for the trucking industry’s outlook. Freight volumes are stabilizing, but no economic revival is on the horizon to fuel their growth. According to analysts at FTR Associates, excess capacity is what will hold back trucking’s much needed boost. That coupled with Continue Reading

Diesel prices are expected to hold steady for the rest of this year, but the average price per gallon is projected to jump by a nickel in 2010, according to the Department of Energy. For the rest of 2009, expect to see $2.46 per gallon at the pump, but next year fuel is forecast to average $2.84, up from its previous estimate of Continue Reading

A new wheel from Alcoa Wheel and Transportation promises to help reduce emissions and stress on vehicle components. The LvL ONE wheel is stronger than steel alternatives and weighs 30 pounds less, featuring Alcoa’s standard bright finish. By pulling 35 percent less weight, fleets save fuel, reduce emissions and place less Continue Reading