Numbers from a data mining software company provide a preliminary look at what the 2010 Comprehensive Safety Analysis (CSA 2010) safety screening program might hold. Based on the analysis from Vigillo, drivers and carriers will have their hands full in preparing to comply with the program’s standards. For starters, 69 percent of data collected for 1,500 fleets indicate that a majority would incur some sort of Continue Reading

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published its final rule that eliminates the need for Canadian insurance companies to maintain U.S.-issued policies. The FMCSA supported the rule in part because Canada does not impose similar standards on the U.S. The rule, which will take effect on Continue Reading

A new line of portable battery powered trailer testers will be released by Innovative Products of America (IPA) for testing lights and electric brakes. According to the company, technicians can easily diagnose short circuits, open and crossed circuits, poor grounds and test electric brakes, all by Continue Reading

Overall, freight seems to be trending upward, but a noticeably slow June was cause for concern among some industry analysts. It wasn’t that the numbers fell below 2007 numbers, but because they typically spike in the summer. In some ways, this flattening could be part of the economic rebound cycle, indicating a slight setback before accelerating to a new cycle high. Another reason might be the impact of Continue Reading

The Virginia rest areas closed as a cost-cutting measure, then re-opened by current Gov. Bob McDonnell to make good on a campaign promise are the subject of another budget battle. Actually, all of the the state’s rest areas must find ways to reduce costs. McDonnell has a few ideas of his own, but is waiting for Continue Reading

On Monday, UPS offered customers the option of paying a small fee to calculate and offset carbon emissions associated with their shipments. The carbon neutral shipping program is available in 35 countries and territories across Europe, Asia and the Americas through all shippers at UPS.com, online retailers, The UPS Store and other retail locations. For the initial launch, the company purchased offsets from the Continue Reading

Last week, Delaware joined 29 other states banning texting while driving, but the New England state took the restrictions a step further by banning handheld cell phone use while the vehicle is in motion. This includes reading or sending emails and browsing websites in addition to texting. Under the law, the first offense carries a penalty of $50, while a second offense carries a fine of $100 to $200. The law is Continue Reading

Lobbying for the agricultural industry and others who ship heavier products, nine members of Congress petitioned the House of Representatives’ Committee on Agriculture in support of the Safe and Efficient Transportation Act, H.R. 1799, which would boost the current 80,000-lb federal weight limit on commercial trucks to 97,000 lbs. Such a move, they say, would reduce emissions as well as Continue Reading

Of the 29 states that have enacted texting bans, Massachusetts may just be the toughest. The New England state is the latest to ban the latest driving distraction wrought of technology. According to the bill, adults will be fined $100 for the first offense, $250 for the second and $500 for the third. Teen-aged drivers are subject to the same fines, but will also face license suspensions of Continue Reading

Buoyed by the benefits to the environment and reducing dependence on foreign oil, NGVAmerica, a national organization to furthering development and widespread use of vehicles powered by natural gas or hydrogen, is backing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposal for certifying natural gas aftermarket vehicle conversion. It’s a step that will help expand the use of alternative fuels, and one that’s Continue Reading