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

After numerous studies linking the dangers of distractions and driving, 30 states and the District of Columbia quickly jumped on board with what seemed like the trendy legislation to ban texting behind the wheel. But some groups are question whether those bans have made the roads safer or if enforcing them is even possible. At its recent annual meeting, the Governors Highway Safety Association delayed action on a California proposal urging states to ban all electronic devices, both handheld and hands-free, while driving. Some seven or eight states prohibit the use of phones while driving, but no one has banned their use completely. According to other studies, the bans may have little effect and may even increase 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

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

While the Ontario Trucking Association’s ban on hand-held cell phones, texting and other communications devices while driving follows similar laws in Canada, it aslo includes a first: a ban on Citizen Band Radios (CBs) and similar two-way radios. The provincial government is looking to phase out CBs within the next three years, operating on the expectation that hands-free technologies will be developed in that time to Continue Reading

The lobby group Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety is urging the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to ban commercial truck drivers from using “unsafe” electronic devices, including those that are wireless or hand-held. The organization seeks to reduce the number of driver distractions, and several recent studies have pointed to cell phones as the key cause. However, other studies indicate Continue Reading