A quarterly survey of fleets conducted by Transport Capital Partners (TCP) indicates that rising health care costs are increasing fiscal pressure on their bottom lines as well as complicating efforts to recruit drivers and independent contractors. Continue Reading

The U.S. biodiesel industry produced more than 1 billion gallons of fuel in 2011, a key milestone. Continue Reading

All the practical implications of the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2011 (now Public Law 111-353) are not yet spelled out when it comes to the trucking industry. What is clear, however, is that the new law, if it withstands post-enactment efforts by opponents still seeking revisions and/or financing cuts, will further tighten federal control over the transportation of food – from equipment and procedures to traceability and accountability. Continue Reading

LAS VEGAS. The U.S. has entered a period of sustained but slow economic growth that bodes well for trucking, according to economists at the 2012 Heavy Duty Dialogue. Representing a consensus opinion among the speakers at this one-day conference for truck manufacturers and suppliers, Dr. Jeff Rosensweig of Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, said the country will “most likely” experience GDP growth of 2 to 2.5% this year, although the potential remains that it could reach 3 to 4%. While a double dip recession still remains a possibility, he put the likelihood of a return to negative growth at just 25%. Continue Reading

The International Warehouse Logistics Association joined other logistics industry associations in writing a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) urging him to oppose a bill that would close the U.S. ports to independent truck owner-operators. Continue Reading

FTR Associates on Thursday, Jan. 5, released preliminary data showing December Class 8 truck total net orders for all major North American OEMs reaching the second-highest level in three years at 29,777 units. December orders were up 46 percent month over month, with a year-over-year increase from December 2011 of 11 percent, reversing the decline of disappointing November order activity. Class 8 orders for the final three months of 2011 annualize to 312,000 units. Continue Reading

As of January 3, 2012, commercial truck or bus drivers will face civil penalties of up to $2,750, per violation, for using handheld cell phones while operating a vehicle. The new rule, announced in November by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, will include a maximum penalty of $11,000 for companies that permit this behavior. Continue Reading

The California Air Resources Board has reminded heavy diesel truck owners that new emission rules take effect Jan. 1 and they may need to report their compliance online. Continue Reading

The U.S. Department of Transportation on Thursday, Dec. 22, announced the long-anticipated Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration final rule that revises the hours-of-service safety requirements for commercial truck drivers. Continue Reading

The California Air Resources Board voted to introduce some changes to its Low Carbon Fuel Standard to streamline procedures and clarify language. The Low Carbon Fuel Standard is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation fuels 10 percent by 2020. Continue Reading