In the aftermath of a provincial ban on cell phones and handheld communication devices announced in June, the Manitoba Trucking Association has lobbied for various exemptions for truckers, including CB radios, GPS systems, and push-to-talk devices connecting drivers to dispatchers. The point of contention was that the cell phone and Continue Reading

With a double-digit increase in U.S. market share in just five years, tires imported from China may carry higher tariffs. A decision is expected from the White House on whether that 55 percent import tariff will be imposed. Based on legislation passed in 2000, such protections can be levied on Chinese imports if their Continue Reading

Everything may be bigger in Texas, but the limits on idling are going the way of the rest of the country, as the Lone Star state is the latest jurisdiction added to the American Transportation Research Institute’s growing list of state and local idling regulations. As of Sept. 1, drivers can no longer idle trucks using a sleeper berth to comply with HOS rest periods. In addition, a number of cities and counties in Texas have regulations Continue Reading

Experiencing the first drop in about 20 years, the aftermarket industry is expected to see its revenues fall as much as 10 percent. Truck underutilization has led many to cannibalize parts from parked vehicles rather than purchase new parts. Lower truck sales, both new and used, have also taken their toll on the aftermarket industry. Recovery is Continue Reading

Seven regional less-than-truckload carriers have been given the go-ahead by the Department of Justice to form an alliance, working together to offer joint services and pricing. The DOJ said the agreement would not violate antitrust laws. Such a ruling could mean more alliances are developed in the future, as it is becoming the Continue Reading

Onspot, the manufacturer of an automatic tire chain system, has released four videos addressing installation, operation and maintenance of the product. The Onspot Automatic Tire chain offers the traction of a single set of conventional snow chains at the flip of a switch, without having to stop the vehicle. The videos can Continue Reading

A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant for Alabama is expected to create or retain 70 jobs, while helping meet the project’s goals of reducing particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions. The $1.25 million award to the state’s Clean Fuels Coalition will be used to install truck stop electrification (TSE)systems in Continue Reading

California’s San Bernadino County will put $10 million in federal stimulus money to work, developing a clean-energy truck project in cooperation with J.B. Hunt Transport Services and other public and private partners. Specifically, the funds will be used to purchase 262 liquefied natural gas trucks and to build two refueling stations in Continue Reading

Illinois finally gave equality for truckers the green light with a new law raising the speed limit for trucks to 65 mph. After years of having to adhere to split speeds, imposing one speed limit for cars and trucks will no doubt improve safety on the roadways, according to the Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), which backed the Continue Reading

State officials in Maine are investigating whether traffic projections will deem a third bridge crossing from New Brunswick necessary. Another border bridge crossing will be out of commission with repairs necessitated by flood damage. But perhaps of greatest concern is the U.S. General Services Administration’s decision to build Continue Reading