Among the criticisms leveled at the proposed hours-of-service rule revisions are its negative impact on productivity and potential to hasten a driver shortage, as many businesses would have to hire new drivers to keep pace with current shipping levels. But small businesses could suffer the most, according to one company president who testified before a congressional committee this week. Calling the proposed changes “unnecessary and unjustified,” James Burg, of James Burg Trucking Co., estimated that his company would have to add more trucks and drivers to Continue Reading

At a recent listening session to review the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s proposed hours-of-service changes, many industry executives expressed the sentiments held by many: No change necessary. In a rebuttal to the notion that shorter hours would alleviate fatigue among drivers, representatives suggested something more proactive, like focusing its energy to address the fundmentals of Continue Reading

Sharing what they learned from challenging economic times was the spirit of a panel discussion at the Commercial Vehicle Outlook Conference last week in Dallas. Various fleet executives shared their strategies, which ultimately helped them survive, as well as what they’re preparing for in the future. One of the biggest lessons–and maybe even silver linings–from the recession is that it forced carriers and other businesses to trim all the fat from their operations. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t more challenges ahead. The executives agreed that the driver shortage would continue to Continue Reading