The American Driver
From Drivers - For Drivers
What's News - April 2007
Bomber’s paper trail leads to truck stop
A man who sent threatening letters and pipe bombs to financial institutions was arrested
earlier this week, thanks in part to a stop he made at a truck stop near Des Moines, IA.
Going green may mean closing ports to owner-operators
Ports at Los Angeles and Long Beach may agree to become the first major U.S. ports to
overhaul operations in order to meet emissions standards.
Nevada bill would require four ports of entry; other bills considered
As the regular legislative session in Nevada nears the home stretch, several bills of interest to
the trucking industry continue to draw discussion.
Names released in Indiana Toll Road wreck
Authorities have released the names of the eight victims in the fatal wreck that took place
Thursday, Aoril 26, along the Indiana Toll Road.
California toll road opponents face setback
A California state lawmaker trying to stop a toll road from being constructed through a state
park beach withdrew the bill during a committee meeting Tuesday, April 24.
Alabama bills address fuel taxes, left-lane use and probable cause
Several bills of interest to the trucking industry have been offered this year in the Alabama
Legislature. Those efforts include legislation to increase fuel taxes, limit left-lane use and give
law enforcement officers more power to arrest people for misdemeanors.
Pennsylvania governor admits to speeding; problem with limits
Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell has admitted that his state police chauffeured car sometimes
breaks the speed limit on Pennsylvania’s highways.
Crash claims eight lives on Indiana Toll Road
A multi-vehicle crash Thursday morning on the Indiana Toll Road claimed eight lives and
caused a shutdown of the westbound lanes in Elkhart County.
Going green may mean closing ports to owner-operators
Ports at Los Angeles and Long Beach may agree to become the first major U.S. ports to
overhaul operations in order to meet emissions standards.
Florida House OKs bill that includes authorization to lease toll roads
The Florida House has approved a far-reaching transportation bill that would allow the Florida
Department of Transportation to lease most toll roads in the state to private groups.
Tennessee House panel OKs toll road bill
With the state struggling to pay for needed transportation work, legislation on the move in the
Tennessee House would authorize tolling as a method to pay for new road and bridge work in
the state.
Several Oregon bills of interest to trucking industry
The Oregon General Assembly meets in regular session once every two years. Since this year’
s session opened in January legislators have offered numerous bills related to trucking that
include incentives to reduce idling, heftier fines for violating out-of-service orders and higher
fuel-related taxes.
Schwarzenegger to take on EPA over emissions
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced Wednesday that he plans to file a lawsuit
against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency because of its refusal to allow California to
implement its latest emissions-reduction law.
Wyoming lightens up on weight enforcement
Truckers hauling overweight loads in Wyoming no longer need to fear that they’ll be told to off-
load their dunnage, tarps or chains. Truckers with overweight loads will now be allowed an
extra 2,000 pounds for things like blocks, tarps and chains.
Mississippi governor signs toll road bill
Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour signed a bill into law this week to authorize toll roads as a
revenue generator for new construction. Former state laws prohibited toll roads.
Stiffer fines for chain law violations advance in Colorado Senate
A Colorado Senate panel has approved a bill that would boost fines for truck drivers who fail to
chain up during bad weather. The state also will allot nearly $2.5 million to build and expand
new Interstate 70 chain-up spots.
Truck-related bills near passage in Indiana
A couple of bills making there way through the Indiana General Assembly are of particular
interest to truckers – one would eliminate a trailer registration fee and the other would open
more roads to trucks.
Trucker's "Truck Out" Rally
A success in spite of government interference
Truckers rally in Oklahoma City
There was a rally at the state capitol in Oklahoma City on Monday, April 23, with about 75 sign-
carrying truckers joining forces with people who oppose illegal immigration to protest the
government’s cross-border trucking plan.
Trucker lured by fake lawmen, then beaten, robbed
Trucker Robert Arnold Martin, 36, told police he was beaten and robbed last week by two
Hispanic males he said were wearing hats emblazoned with the word “COPS.”
Was Corzine’s driver distracted by e-mail?
State Police in New Jersey are investigating an allegation that the trooper who was driving
Gov. John Corzine when their SUV crashed may have been distracted by text messages sent
to his cell phone or Blackberry.
Road, truck-related issues gain attention in Maine statehouse
A bill making its way through the Maine Legislature would increase the borrowing limit for the
Maine Turnpike Authority. Several other bills of interest to truckers also are drawing
consideration in the statehouse.
Indiana judge reduces sentence for man who killed trucker
An Indiana judge has drastically reduced the prison sentence for a man who killed a truck
driver in 2005 by heaving a chunk of concrete off of a highway overpass.
Second bridge expansion joint heading west
A second 100-ton bridge expansion joint is on its way to the Tacoma Narrows Bridge project
on the west coast of Washington state.
Privatization opponents confident of override if Texas governor uses veto
Opponents of Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s proposed Trans-Texas Corridor say they can count on
the votes to override if Perry vetoes a bill that would delay such projects.
Trucking bills advance in Colorado
Two bills advancing in the Colorado General Assembly are focused on certain trucking
companies that operate in the state.
Missouri bills would increase taxes for road work
Two transportation leaders in the Missouri statehouse have offered separate, but related,
plans for how to pay for interstate highway improvements. Both bills would require voter
approval.
Trucker stops alleged would-be arsonist from igniting gas station
Sheriff’s deputies in Stark County, OH, say a trucker may have stopped an explosion from
destroying an entire neighborhood.
Texas Senate OKs temporary toll ban
The Texas Senate unanimously approved a bill Thursday, April 19, that is intended to buy the
state more time to review the effects of handing over roadways to private groups. It now heads
to the House.
OOIDA, truckers to file appeal in Landstar case
Taking the fight against Landstar System to the next level, OOIDA will appeal a Florida federal
judge’s ruling that truckers did not prove they were entitled to damages, even though they did
prove that the motor carrier violated truth-in-leasing regulations.
Defendant’s version of Wisconsin wreck challenged
Witnesses on Wednesday challenged a truck driver’s version of events leading up to a crash
that killed five people on Interstate 94 south of Eau Claire, WI, in 2005.
Leaders of port emissions program meet; proposed rule expected by July
Port officials in Los Angeles and Long Beach met last week for the first of several
input-gathering sessions aimed at replacing the oldest of an estimated 16,000 heavy trucks
that work at the two ports.
Incentive to install idling reduction devices hampered in Minnesota
A bill in the Minnesota House has died that was intended to minimize the need for truck drivers
to idle their trucks. However, the issue isn’t completely dead.
Trucker stabbed, robbed in Las Vegas
Las Vegas police are looking for witnesses after a truck driver was killed while walking to a
store during early morning hours.
Mexico’s numbers still not confirmed from Roadcheck 2006
North America’s largest annual inspection blitz for commercial vehicles is scheduled for June
5, 6 and 7, but the big question is whether Mexico will participate this year – not to mention the
question of what went on south of the border last year.
Proposed DC toll lanes would have ‘no price caps’
A pair of private companies that want to convert the HOV lanes on several Washington, DC-
area interstates into toll lanes – and add one new toll lane – would give new meaning to the
term “congestion pricing.”
Oberstar, DeFazio remain skeptical of highway privatization
Pilot programs can provide a look into the crystal ball for a preview of a bigger agenda coming
down the pike, even when the pike itself is the subject of those programs.
Pennsylvania bill would allow leasing of toll roads
Gov. Ed Rendell would really like to see state lawmakers approve legislation soon to authorize
public-private partnerships in Pennsylvania.
Texas Senate committee considers bills to curb private tolling
Since the Texas Legislature opened early this year dozens of bills have been offered to curb
the state’s tollway powers. A handful of bills that are moving forward include a provision to
place a two-year moratorium on private toll roads.
Arctic Express fails to pay; OOIDA seeks contempt ruling
A federal judge in Ohio is one step away from a possible ruling that Arctic Express Inc. is in
contempt of court for failing to stick to a court-ordered payment schedule in a class-action
settlement with truckers regarding escrow funds.
Border patrol captures $3 million in loot after Mexican officials reject rig
U.S. customs officers first became suspicious when they saw large areas on a trailer that had
been covered with masking tape. When they opened the trailer – which was headed north
from Mexico on April 5 – they found out why.
Trucker's "Truck Out" Rally (see "Save America Fund Website")
A "slow roll" on the beltway scheduled for April 22-25, 2007.
Note:  The American Driver fully supports whatever means is necessary to get the government
to listen to professional drivers, but we do not agree that "slow rolling" interstates, highways,
and other roads other than state capitols is an effective means to a solution.  We believe the
professional driver's image will be further damaged, instead of enhanced, due to citizens
unaware of what's going on.  We urge you to participate, but please keep it near the state
capitols.
DC rally organizers clarify position on ‘Truck Out’
The group that’s organizing a Washington, DC, rally next week for immigration reform is
distancing itself from another group that seeks to make a so-called “rolling blockade” by
truckers a part of the larger event.
West Virginia governor signs extension of ‘temporary’ fuel tax
Truckers and others fueling in West Virginia will continue to pay a nickel-per-gallon portion of
the state’s fuel tax, under a bill signed into law by Gov. Joe Manchin. The tax was slated to
expire this summer.
Canadian rail employees ordered back to work
The Canadian House of Commons approved legislation Tuesday that’s designed to force
striking railroad workers back to their jobs.
Corzine SUV was speeding at time of wreck
Just days after it was revealed that New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine was not wearing a seatbelt
when he was critically injured in a wreck last Thursday night, new reports say the SUV he was
a passenger in was doing 91mph in a 65 mph zone just before the crash, according to police.
Defense turns tables in WI trucker trial
The lawyer for a trucker charged with five counts of negligent homicide in Wisconsin is trying to
turn the tables on prosecutors.
Trucker pulls unconscious motorist from wreckage
Police in a Cleveland suburb say a trucker pulled another driver out of his four-wheeler last
weekend before the man’s wrecked pickup burst into flames.
Dates set for CVSA Roadcheck 2007
It’s time to mark your calendars – the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance has announced
June 5-7 as the dates for this year’s International Roadcheck inspection blitz.
Ongoing Nor’easter spawns more floods, road closures
Flooding rivers were expected to crest in a number of Northeastern states today following
record rainfall.
Nevada truck driver sues for $156 million of Howard Hughes estate
Truck driver Melvin Dummar, who claimed he saved billionaire Howard Hughes 40 years ago,
is again suing for his share of the Hughes estate.
Illinois legislators discuss several trucking bills
A bill awaiting consideration on the floor of the Illinois House would allow some large trucks
access to local roads in the state. A handful of other truck-related bills also are making their
way through the state Capitol.
Biodiesel producers feeling threatened by ‘Big Oil’
The nation’s biodiesel producers say they’re concerned, now that the government has granted
tax breaks to the big oil companies to produce biofuels.
Transportation deal approved in Virginia
The Virginia General Assembly signed off on a transportation fix with which some hope voters
will be satisfied. Despite the accomplishment that has been a couple of years in the making,
even supporters of the plan say it’s inadequate.
Finally: Washington’s ‘stuck truck’ reaches its destination
The state of Washington’s notoriously stuck truck finally made it to its destination early
Saturday morning.
Diesel tops $3 per gallon in California
California diesel soared to more than $3 per gallon and the national average price continued
to climb to more than $2.87 for the week ending Monday, April 16, 2007.
Flooding, road closings follow Nor’easter
Truckers from New Jersey to New England had to pick their routes carefully Monday after
record rainfall in many areas caused flooding and road closures.
House hearing to focus on private funding
Private funding partnerships with government is the main topic of a hearing of the
Subcommittee on Highways and Transit of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure
Committee scheduled for Tuesday.
Indiana Toll Road discount only for certain Hoosiers
Illinois residents, no matter how often they use the Indiana Toll Road, will not be eligible for a
toll discount. That discount will be reserved for residents of seven counties in Indiana once
electronic tolling becomes a reality later this year.
Washington bill targets unsafe intrastate truckers
Unsafe trucking companies are the subject of a bill headed to Washington state Gov. Chris
Gregoire’s desk.
According to New Judicial Watch – Zogby Poll :
66% of Likely Voters -- Including Majority of Hispanics – Support Using More Law Enforcement
to Stop Illegal Immigration
Anti-gouging bill tabled in Montana
A failed effort in the Montana House was designed to protect consumers in the state from
being gouged at the fuel pump.
OOIDA gives California agency trucker’s perspective on emissions
The California Air Resources Board hosted about 150 representatives of the trucking and
agriculture industries and environmental groups for a workshop explaining tougher diesel
emissions rules soon to affect owner-operators.
Wisconsin bills intended to improve safety on roadways
A bill in the Wisconsin Assembly would penalize drivers in the state who cause accidents
while talking on hand-held cell phones. The measure is one of several highway safety-related
bills under consideration in the Legislature.
Illinois to ready to roll out camera vans again
For the second year in a row, Illinois is rolling out special enforcement camera vans to ticket
speeders in construction zones.
Busy I-70 tunnel in Colorado to close for summer
There’s going to be a major bottleneck on Interstate 70 in Colorado this summer. The
Glenwood Canyon Tunnel is going to be reduced from four lanes to two lanes once work
begins to repair a crack.
Organizers of immigration rally invite truckers to participate
The organizers of a planned four-day rally on immigration in Washington, DC, are inviting
truckers to join in.
Super-heavy rig nears destination in Washington
That super-heavy truck that’s hauling a bridge expansion joint across Washington state could
reach its destination early Saturday morning.
Army changes caustic wastewater disposal plan
The U.S. Army has a new plan for disposing of about 2 million gallons of caustic wastewater
from an Indiana facility that stored the deadly VX nerve agent.
New Jersey governor critically injured in wreck
The State Police in New Jersey say Gov. Jon Corzine was apparently not wearing a seatbelt
when the SUV he was riding in crashed on the Garden State Parkway Thursday evening, April
12. The 60-year-old Corzine was in stable but critical condition Friday.
Despite payload size, Washington’s ‘stuck truck’ making good time
The super-heavy truck that’s hauling a bridge expansion joint across Washington state is
making pretty good time, all things considered.
Texas trucker lends a helping hand
Trucker Jeff Vowels of Houston, TX, said he feels he was in the right place at the right time and
bets the trucker he helped save would agree with him.
Texas House passes moratorium on private toll roads
A Texas House of Representatives bill calling for a two-year moratorium on private toll roads
passed overwhelmingly this week with a 134-5 vote. A similar measure is headed for a vote in
the state Senate.
U.S. starting radiation detection at foreign ports
The U.S. Departments of Homeland Security and Energy announced Wednesday, April 11, that
operational testing of a scanning system for nuclear or radiological cargo within shipping
containers has begun at sea ports in Honduras and Pakistan.
California bill would tax port containers
A California state lawmaker has renewed and revised his effort to generate more than $525
million annually from shippers at ports in the state.
Toll talk fizzles in Arizona Senate
At a time when legislators in many states are touting the benefits of tolling, lawmakers in the
Arizona Senate appear to have sidelined legislation that would open the state to more tolling
options.
Washington’s ‘stuck truck’ finally on the road again
The overweight load that’s been stuck at or near the Washington state border is finally unstuck
– and is actually heading down the highway.
Foreign investors win toll road bid in Colorado
In an attempt to retire $416 million in bond debt, a Denver-area toll authority has accepted a
bid from foreign investors to take over a stretch of the loop around the metro area.
Covenant Transport under fire for alleged work comp issues
The trucking company that describes itself as “faith-based” isn’t commenting on news reports
that it tried to get workers to waive their rights to worker’s compensation benefits.
Truckers victimized by insurance fraud
A woman who ran a Long Beach, CA, company called International Commercial Insurance
has been sentenced to more than four years in prison for allegedly defrauding five trucking
companies.
West Virginia governor won’t allow lawmakers to set tolls
Gov. Joe Manchin vetoed a bill that would have given the West Virginia Legislature the power
to approve toll changes along the West Virginia Turnpike before they go into effect.
Commission says Massachusetts highways neglected
Massachusetts Transportation Finance Commission officials say state spending habits
during the past 20 years will have an affect on future transportation and highway budgets.
Scam warning issued to truckers
Law enforcement officials are warning all travelers – motorists and truckers – to be on the
lookout for a scam that’s been reported at truck stops in Indiana, Tennessee, Ohio and
Kentucky.
Washington’s famed ‘stuck truck’ could move soon
A truck carrying a massive expansion joint for the new Tacoma Narrows Bridge in Washington
state may finally get on the road on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Florida reopens stretch of I-75 despite fires
A stretch of Interstate 75 in south Florida reopened Tuesday morning after being shut down
due to a large brush fire.
Legislation could keep SSRS going until new program is up and running
The Single-State Registration System truckers dealt with every year officially ended the first of
2007, thanks to the current highway funding legislation passed by Congress in 2005.
Former DOT secretary warns of ‘Traffic Armageddon’
Now that he’s retired from his job as U.S. Department of Transportation secretary, Norman Y.
Mineta is talking doom and gloom in an effort to promote private-sector financing of U.S.
highways and infrastructure.
Dallas intermodal hub to open Friday
What’s being billed as the largest intermodal transportation hub under development in North
America will have its grand opening in a Dallas suburb this Friday, April 13.
Oregon completes distance-tax test, discovers flaws
The state of Oregon has just completed a year-long test of a system that would tax drivers
based on when and how far they drive, rather than how many gallons of fuel they buy.
Washington’s ‘stuck truck’ still in a rut
There’s new news on the stupendously overweight truck that’s been stuck in Washington
state for several weeks.
Legislation on the move in Missouri focuses on trucks; road safety
Bills of interest to truck drivers seemingly have flooded the Missouri statehouse since it
opened for business early this year. Among those bills are measures that include incentives
to reduce idling, implement rules for household movers and increase safety on the state’s
roadways.
Trucker comes forward after last week’s fatality caused by thrown tire
A truck driver has come forward after apparently unknowingly losing a tire last week that
resulted in a fatality.
Vermont trial over state vehicle emissions standards begins
One week after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that carbon dioxide emissions can be regulated
as a pollutant, a trial in Vermont is the first of several to decide whether states may adopt
tougher emissions standards than allowed by the federal government.
Road tax measures die in Georgia
A failed effort in the Georgia General Assembly sought to allow local governments to partner
for transportation projects with a 1 percent sales tax. A more far-reaching effort also failed to
gain approval.
Minnesota bill would increase truck weight limit
A bill moving forward in the Minnesota Senate would increase the gross vehicle weight of
trucks allowed on certain roads in the state by as much as 8.5 tons.
We have located a site, sponsored by FMCSA, which provides concise information about
trucking company's.  If you would like to know detailed information about your company...or
about a company you're planning to employ/contract with...this would be an excellent resource
to check out.  
Follow this link:  SAFER - Safety and Fitness Electronic Records System
We will also be placing this site's information and link in our "Online Community - Driver's
Resources" forum.
Thank you Challenge Magazine for the mention of our site in you latest issue.
"The World According To Blog"
Quack, quack: Monetization’s just a fancy word for privatization
New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine and top transportation officials are putting their own spin on
terms used to describe the leasing of toll roads to private investors.
Truckers left without pay as Trucker’s Express brokerage shuts down
The Missoula, MT-based Trucker’s Express Inc. officially closed its doors Feb. 26, leaving
many carriers without payment for loads hauled during the past several months.
Washington’s ‘stuck truck’ to remain stuck until Monday
The nation’s most closely watched overweight truck is stuck again – at least temporarily.
Kentucky to get boost in speed limit
Kentucky Gov. Ernie Fletcher has signed a bill into law that allows for higher speed limits on
rural interstates and parkways in the state.
Texas bills with eye on trucking rules advance
Several bills of interest to the trucking industry recently won approval in the Texas Senate. They’
ve been forwarded to the state’s House for further consideration.
Expected solar flares could threaten GPS reliability
The same Global Positioning System devices that help guide trucks, cars and even planes
could temporarily go haywire in a few years, according to a group of scientists.
Illinois Senate approves effort to end split speed limit
For the third time in recent years, legislation making its way through the Illinois statehouse
would bring an end to split speed limits in the state.
Toll ban bill advances in Texas
A bill that is intended to buy the state more time to review the effects of handing over roadways
to private groups is advancing in the Texas Senate.
IdleAire awash in red ink
IdleAire Technologies Corp., a provider of truck stop electrification services to the long-haul
trucking industry, came out Thursday, April 5, with its 2006 financial report, and there’s a lot
more red ink than black on the page.
Alabama bills address fuel taxes, left-lane use and probable cause
Several bills of interest to the trucking industry have been offered this year in the Alabama
Legislature. Those efforts include legislation to increase fuel taxes, limit left-lane use and law
enforcement officers more power to arrest people for misdemeanors.
Stiffer fines for chain law violations advance to Colorado Senate
The Colorado House approved a revised effort that would boost fines for truck drivers who fail
to chain up during bad weather. The state also will allot nearly $2.5 million to build and expand
new Interstate 70 chain-up spots.
Truckers arrested in massive pot bust
Two young truckers from El Paso, TX, Ceasar Grijalva and Timothy Pearson, are in big trouble
with the law after state troopers found more than 1,000 pounds of marijuana in their trailer.
Biofuel firm’s finances uncertain
The Dallas-based company that markets Willie Nelson’s “BioWillie” brand of biodiesel may be
facing financial difficulties.
Washington’s ‘stuck truck’ still a slow go
When it comes to hauling a 100-ton bridge expansion joint across the state of Washington,
you could say “some restrictions apply.”
Gribbin nomination hearing cordial, but hits home on privatization
Transportation Secretary Mary Peters and others in the Bush administration continue to
promote privatization of highways and infrastructure and now their nominee for the DOT’s chief
legal advisor comes from a company that is major player in the privatization arena.
Missouri bill focusing on several truck rules advances
The Missouri Senate unanimously approved a bill that includes several provisions of interest
to truck drivers. It now heads to the House for further consideration.
Freightliner workers strike at North Carolina plant
Hundreds of UAW workers at the Freightliner plant north of Charlotte, NC, went on strike late
Tuesday night.
Police searching for trucker involved in Florida wreck
The Florida Highway Patrol is searching for the driver of a truck whose tire fell off early Monday
morning, killing the passenger of an SUV.
Washington governor approves new ID for border crossings
Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire signed a bill into law late last month that is aimed at easing
border crossings into British Columbia, Canada. The new law authorizes a new “enhanced”
driver’s license for truckers and other drivers to use in place of a passport.
The ‘stuck truck’ rides again
An overweight truck that’s been stuck at the Idaho-Washington state border for two weeks is
finally on the move – at least for a short distance.
Truck toll rates increase on Indiana Toll Road
Truckers predicted that tolls would increase after the lease of the Indiana Toll Road to private
investors in 2006.
Speed lowered at Alabama’s spill-prone ‘Malfunction Junction’
The speed limit at the intersection of interstates in Birmingham, AL, has been lowered from 60
to 50 mph.
Toll talk comes to Nevada
Nevada state lawmakers have been told that agreeing to public-private partnerships could
help the state cope with funding shortfalls to get needed road work done.
Three tire manufacturers raise prices
At least three major tire manufacturers are raising prices.
Mexican truck kills nine in Monterrey
A Mexican trucker who was driving in Monterrey, Mexico, on Sunday apparently lost the brakes
on his tractor-trailer and plowed through a residential area. Nine people were killed.
Supreme Court: EPA must deal with greenhouse gases
In a landmark ruling that’s bound to eventually affect the operation of heavy trucks, the U.S.
Supreme Court on Monday, April 2, ruled that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has
the authority to regulate heat-trapping greenhouse gases emitted by vehicles.
EOBR comments due April 18
Comments are being accepted on a proposed regulation that would mandate the use of
electronic on-board recorders for motor carriers that have chronic HOS violations. The
proposal also offers incentives for carriers that voluntarily use the so-called “black boxes.”
OOIDA: Speed limiters will hurt, not help highway safety
The idea of putting speed limiters on heavy-duty trucks is a bad one, according to the
Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association.
Senate panel questions Macquarie official who is up for DOT job
David James Gribbin IV – President Bush’s choice for general counsel for the U.S.
Department of Transportation – faced a Senate Commerce Committee nomination hearing
Thursday, March 29.
Mississippi lawmakers OK use of tolls
After a decade’s worth of unsuccessful attempts, the Mississippi Legislature has approved a
bill that would create tolls along some roads and bridges in the state and give the state
another tool to raise revenue.
Idaho bill expands heavy truck travel
Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter signed a bill into law Thursday, March 29, that opens more roads in
Idaho to heavier trucks.
ICE busts 77 illegal aliens working construction on major bridges
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency has arrested 77 illegal aliens who
were working on the construction of major bridges in four southern states.
Chicago trucking company owner, associates sentenced
A Chicago-area trucking company owner, Frank Butera, has been sentenced to more than
seven years in prison for his role in scamming a shipping company out of more than $4.5
million.
Ramp to I-375 closed for several weeks after fiery crash
It could be several weeks before an interstate ramp in downtown St. Petersburg, FL, is
reopened to traffic, according to the state Department of Transportation.
OOIDA representative to speak at FDA hearing on food safety
When a load of produce is recalled because of potential contamination, what’s a trucker to do?
Friends, strangers team up to raise $15,000 for cancer-stricken trucker
For the past two years, David “Rusty Nail” Broyles made friends while barbecuing chicken and
pork in a parking lot outside the Mid-America Trucking Show. He’s come to know a lot of
people.
Tolls to increase on International Bridge
Tolls are going up on the International Bridge that carries Interstate 75 from Michigan to
Canada at Sault Ste. Marie.
Indiana governor won’t rule out tolls for I-69 extension
It is being widely reported that Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels is not ruling out the possibility of
tolls for a proposed extension of Interstate 69 from Indianapolis to Evansville, IN.
No luck for stuck truck
An overweight truck carrying a huge load is stuck in Idaho at the Washington state border,
because Washington officials won’t let it in until the weight is re-distributed.
Small Alabama towns denied greater speed enforcement authority
An Alabama House panel voted down a bill that sought to allow small towns in the state
authority to tickets speeders on interstate highways.
Bonds sought for road work OK’d in Arkansas
Gov. Mike Beebe has signed a bill into law that will allow Arkansas voters to decide in
November 2008 whether to authorize $575 million in bonds to cover road repairs. If approved,
the state Highway Commission would be authorized to issue the bonds through 2013.
Mexican pilot program meeting resistance on multiple fronts
As the opening of the border to 100 Mexico-based motor carriers – with an unlimited number
of trucks – nears, the natives in the U.S. trucking industry are becoming restless.