The American Driver
From Drivers - For Drivers
What's News - November 2007
Flaws found in national driver's license database
The national register of information on driver's license holders – including CDL holders –
that's maintained by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has some big flaws,
according to a government audit.
Woman killed in apparent road rage incident
The state police in Vermont are working an unusual case in which a trucker allegedly ran over
and killed a woman who was trying to block his tractor-trailer by standing in front of it at a weigh
station.
Arizona DOT closes I-17 rest area for a year for renovations
Truckers traveling though Arizona along Interstate 17 north of Phoenix may want to come up
with a new plan if they are used to stopping at the Sunset Point Rest Area.
Colorado transport panel suggests fees, higher taxes
Talk in Colorado about how to pay for billions of dollars of transportation work includes a
suggestion to double the fuel tax rate.
Iowans would accept fuel tax hike – on one condition
A recent newspaper survey in Iowa found that, by a 2-to-1 margin, residents are more
interested in increasing funding for roads and bridges than for things such as teachers pay.
Immigrant pleads guilty in Missouri CDL scam
A man from Somalia pleaded guilty to fraud charges Wednesday, Oct. 31, in connection with a
bogus CDL operation in West Plains , MO.
Undercover feds report problems in drug testing of truckers
The U.S. government says it's relatively easy for truckers to cheat on random drug tests and
get away with it.
 
[ TOP OF PAGE ]
 
Investigation still under way in Vermont road rage incident
Police in Vermont say it could be as much as a week before they have any answers in a tragic
road rage incident that left one woman dead and a truck driver under suspicion.
Port of L.A. adopts truck restriction; Long Beach to meet Monday
The Port of Los Angeles leaped ahead of the Port of Long Beach this week in the race to ban
older trucks – at least temporarily.
Charges filed in trucker’s death
A Tennessee-based truck driver has been charged in the death of fellow truck driver Eduardo
Gondarilla.
TWIC enrollment begins at second U.S. port
The port of Corpus Christi in Texas this week became the second U.S. port to begin enrolling
truckers and others in the Transportation Worker Identification Credential program.
Privatization of roads and bridges weighed in Massachusetts
A leading state lawmaker in Massachusetts is calling for officials in the state to look into the
possibility of privatizing roads and bridges.
California hay haulers in limbo with hay securement rules
Just be consistent – that’s the advice hay hauler A. L. Powell of Escalon, CA, has for the
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the California Highway Patrol in their ongoing
fight about which hay securement rules truckers hauling in the state should follow.
Bulgarian driver calls police so he can rest
A Bulgarian truck driver stopped by police in Great Britain this week was found to have been
driving for 36 hours, with just two short breaks.
Public meetings begin Wednesday for I-80 tolls
OOIDA is urging its members and the public to attend a series of public meetings in
Pennsylvania regarding the proposed tolling of Interstate 80 in the state.
FMCSA officials confirm their HOS response is coming soon
The trucking industry should hear, in a matter of weeks, what the FMCSA has decided on
hours of service.
Massive wreck clogs California highway
Dense fog and a drunken driver are being blamed for a massive, chain-reaction pileup
Saturday morning on State Highway 99 near Fresno , CA .
Investigation into apparent road rage incident continues
State police in Vermont hope that by Wednesday, Nov. 7, they'll have wrapped up their
investigation in the death of a woman who was run over by a tractor-trailer following an
apparent heated exchange of words with the driver.
Trinity Parkway toll road on ballot Tuesday in Dallas
Voters in the Dallas area will decide the fate of a proposed toll road through a city park along
the Trinity River .
Michigan House OKs bill to enhance penalties in work zones
A bill in Michigan that would expand penalties for people who drive recklessly, injuring or killing
someone in road construction zones, is halfway through the statehouse.
FDA cautions consumers about buying counterfeit drugs online
For many truckers, scheduling home time to get in to see their doctors or even to get their
prescriptions refilled at their local pharmacies is such a hassle that they – along with many U.
S. consumers – are turning to the Internet for their prescription needs.
Double crashes send trucker to hospital
In Alabama, a trucker was involved in two crashes in rapid succession early Monday, Nov. 5.
OOIDA leaders say plan to track cross-border trucks lacks substance
Starting later this month, trucks crossing the U.S.-Mexico border as part of a new
demonstration program will have equipment on board that allows them to be monitored as
they pick up and deliver their loads.
AASHTO official acknowledges tolling, privatization ‘backlash’
The director of the organization that represents state highway and transportation officials says
there’s a growing “backlash” to toll roads and privatization.
Danish truckers block ports, bridges
In Denmark, hundreds of truckers blockaded other trucks from entering ports, tunnels and
bridges on Monday, Nov. 5, to protest new fines that the European Union has imposed on
truckers who violate hours-of-service rules.
Trucking company co-founder dies in crash
Doris “Lorene” Debrick, 76, died in a three-vehicle collision Friday, Nov. 2, in Miami County, KS.
Her husband, Arnold E. Debrick, 82, also was injured in the crash. They founded Debrick Truck
Lines of Paola, KS, a company of more than 50 trucks now operated by their two sons and two
daughters.
Maryland special session includes proposal to boost transportation revenue
Week two of a special session in the Maryland General Assembly is expected to include
discussion about funding road and bridge work in the state. The state spends roughly $2
billion each year on transportation.
Former Illinois Gov. Ryan sentenced to prison
Former Illinois Gov. George Ryan will surrender and report to prison to serve a six and one-half
year sentence connected to his conviction of 18 counts of racketeering, corruption, fraud and
other charges related to kickbacks for state contracts, according to a Reuters report.
Tolls may soon increase at New York, New Jersey crossings
Tolls could soon be increased at crossing points along the Hudson River in New Jersey and
New York.
DHS rolls out TWIC enrollment schedule for truckers, port workers
Truckers that have long awaited enrollment for the Transportation Worker Identification
Credential program can rest assured. The federal government has released a schedule for
enrollment at 147 U.S. ports.
Long Beach port commission adopts clean truck plan, RFID requirement
It’s official: by next fall, the twin ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles will begin banning the
oldest and dirtiest of an estimated 16,000 trucks that make daily calls there. The clean truck
plan is an effort to clean the port complex, which is considered the biggest polluter in the L.A.
region.
Colorado, Denver adopt emissions measures inspired by California
Emulating California and Florida, Colorado’s state government is pursuing a climate action
plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions – and likely signaling another myriad of state-specific
emission regulations for trucks.
Food safety: More lip service?
For more than a year now, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association has been
pushing for a place at the table when it comes to meaningful discussions regarding food
safety.
Google at the pumps?
Google is teaming up with gas pump maker Gilbarco Veeder-Root to dispense travel
information at the pump.
Falling cow smashes minivan
A couple who were in their minivan returning to their hotel in Manson, WA, had one of those
“holy cow” experiences – literally.
North Dakota extends HOS waivers
North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven has extended an hours-of-service waiver for truckers who haul
fuel to truck stops and gas stations.
Study finds overcharges of $100 million per year for U.S. passports
Government investigators reportedly found that Americans have been overcharged by more
than $100 million each year for new passports.
Life in prison for Mexican drug cartel leader
The leader of a major Mexican drug cartel was sentenced to life in prison in early November for
overseeing a criminal enterprise of “unprecedented scope” and conspiring to launder money –
and admitted to routinely wiretapping rival drug-traffickers and taxing criminals operating in
Tijuana and Mexicali.
Pennsylvanians oppose tolling I-80 public meetings
Approximately 250 people attended one meeting and about 80 attended another as the first
round of public meetings got under way in early November to inform Pennsylvanians about the
possible conversion of I-80 into a toll road.
California sues EPA over emission standards
California sued the federal government Thursday, Nov. 8, saying the White House and its ties
to the auto industry are blocking the rights of 15 states to require tougher tailpipe emissions
standards for cars and light trucks.
Illinois legislation would ban double-decker horse trailers
A little more than a week after a double-decker semitrailer packed with 59 horses overturned
on an Illinois highway, a state lawmaker has offered legislation that would ban the use of such
trailers to transport horses.
Macquarie buys Chinese toll road for $537 million
Managers of a fund controlled by Australian toll road investor Macquarie Group and its parent
company, Macquarie Bank, invested $537 million to control a toll road in China.
Money issues put Nebraska road work on hold
The outlook for new road construction next year in Nebraska is grim unless the state is able to
come up with more money. The state is expected to get $114 million less in federal aid.
Interstate tolling ban moves forward as part of transportation legislation
A conference committee for the Fiscal Year 2008 Transportation Appropriations bill emerged
late Thursday, Nov. 8, with a version that included prohibition on interstate tolling in Texas.
[Also see post in our Online Community "Open Forum"]
Truckers asked to focus on California rest areas
Truckers are being asked to weigh in on a subject that is important to every driver that hauls on
California’s highways – and there’s an opportunity to earn a little money in the process. The
California Department of Transportation has contracted with a university to conduct two focus
groups to gather truckers’ input on California’s roadside rest areas. Truckers will be given
$100 for their participation, which should take a maximum of two hours.
DC insiders say Congress poised to ax funding for cross-border program
The cross-border program may very well be without funding thanks to language in the Fiscal
Year 2008 Transportation Appropriations legislation. The House of Representatives and the
Senate had both cut off funding to the program in their respective transportation appropriations
bills. Thursday, Nov. 8, a conference committee with members from both the House and
Senate agreed on the final language.
Mexican national arrested for smuggling millions in stolen wedding dresses
Seven months after suspicious customs agents pulled over a semi with a trailer full of stolen
wedding dresses, U.S. authorities have arrested a Mexican national living in Arizona for his
part in a scheme that must have been inspired by NAFTA.
Canadian trucker’s widow accepts award on his behalf
Ontario police presented a posthumous bravery award to trucker David Virgoe for his selfless
and heroic act this summer, which his widow, Debbie, accepted on his behalf Thursday, Nov.
8.
Canadian trucker wins $11 million lottery
A 67-year-old trucker in the town of Peers in Alberta, Canada, just got something better than a
big fuel surcharge.
TA adds new location in Illinois
TravelCenters of America has acquired its 235th travel center location in Morris, IL. Formerly
the Romine’s Truck Stop, the 39-acre site is branded TA and is located along I-80 at Exit 112
on Route 47.
CARB: Progress made in emissions battle, but urban sprawl next target
California has made progress in regulating emissions, according to CARB Chairman Mary
Nichols, but remaining progress will rely on residential growth and how many daily commuters
jam the state’s highways with their vehicles emitting dangerous greenhouse gases.
Police give prosecutor file in parking lot truck fatality
The Vermont State Police have been investigating an incident where a trucker was involved in
the death of a woman who was standing in front of his stopped truck in a parking lot. They have
handed their file over to a prosecutor who will decide whether charges should be filed.
Amendment to stop I-80 tolls dropped from legislation
An amendment to the Fiscal Year 2008 Transportation Appropriations legislation, which was
aimed at blocking the tolling of Interstate 80 in Pennsylvania, did not make it into the final
version that emerged from a conference committee.
County drops charge against truck driver tasered by cops seven times
Larry Works spoke with the ease of a guiltless man after he described being cleared of a
felony charge that could have landed him behind bars for several years. Works, from Holladay ,
TN , had been facing a felony charge of attempted assault on a law enforcement officer
stemming from one day in July 2006 in which sheriff's deputies reportedly shot him seven
times with electric stun guns.
Changes to road funding distribution sought in North Carolina
Two leading Republican legislators in North Carolina want to see the distribution formula
changed for roads in the state. The pair told a special committee studying transportation
needs that the current formula doesn't account for congestion in the state's largest cities.
Speed limiter legislation could be introduced this week in Quebec
Quebec's top transportation official is poised to introduce tougher speeding laws in the
province that include mandatory speed limiters on heavy trucks and stricter cellular-phone
laws for all drivers.
Bridge under construction collapses in Ontario
Another bridge has collapsed, this time on a rural Canadian highway. Six construction workers
were injured but no one was killed during the collapse Saturday, Nov. 10, of the Bruce County
Highway 86 bridge.
Webasto's no-idle heating products get CARB's stamp of approval
Officials with Webasto Products North America announced that the company has received
approval for three bunker heaters from the California Air Resources Board.
Focus group, scheduled for tomorrow in L.A. , on hold
The first focus group aimed at gaining truckers' input on ways to improve California roadside
rest areas has been put on hold for now, but not because of a lack of response.
Serbian truck driver arrested in Detroit wanted for war crimes
Federal agents arrested a 42-year-old truck driver from Canada after his name matched the
name of a Serbian man wanted for war crimes against civilians.
High winds hit northwest
At least one tractor-trailer was partly overturned as winds of up to 100 mph swept through
eastern Oregon and parts of other northwestern states early Monday morning, Nov. 12.
Feds uncover more than $2 million in fake Nikes, jackets at LA/Long Beach
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers found more than 60,000 pairs of fake Nike shoes
and more than 6,000 fake North Face jackets in shipping containers at the Los Angeles/Long
Beach port complex.
OOIDA member lends hand to speed limiter fight
OOIDA member Jean Catudal of Yamaska , Quebec , is lending a helping hand to the fight
against mandatory speed limiters in his province. Catudal has set up a toll-free number to
help the truckers send a strong message of opposition to the speed limiter proposal.
Vermont trucker won't be charged
A Vermont trucker who ran over and killed a woman who reportedly was trying to block his truck
will not be charged in connection with her death.
Trucker touched by dying boy's wish
OOIDA member Doug McCauley of Jacksonville , FL , said he was just reading a bulletin board
and “killing time” at the Ambest Truck Stop in Cornersville , TN , when he stumbled across a
plea from a 13-year-old boy that touched his heart. He immediately bought a card, mailed it
and sent a message by Qualcomm to other drivers urging them to do the same.
Nationwide truck manifest automation online
Truckers who frequently take border crossings back into the United States can save time by
filing cargo information electronically – and if that's not motivation enough, eventually the
program will be mandatory at all border crossings.
Two public meetings left in Pennsylvania regarding I-80 tolls
Two public meetings remain in the current round of meetings aimed at informing the public
about the tolling of Interstate 80 in Pennsylvania .
Wisconsin bills would limit requests on open records
Two bills in the Wisconsin Assembly would make changes to the state's open records law.
OOIDA member lends hand to speed limiter fight
OOIDA member Jean Catudal of Yamaska , Quebec , is lending a helping hand to the fight
against mandatory speed limiters in his province. Catudal has set up a toll-free number to
help the truckers send a strong message of opposition to the speed limiter proposal.
Police hunt sniper who shot three trucks in South Carolina
Investigators in South Carolina are trying to figure out who fired shots from an Interstate 26
overpass Tuesday night, hitting three tractor-trailers. Two truckers suffered minor cuts when
bullets shattered their windshields. A third truck was hit in the door. All three incidents occurred
Tuesday, Nov. 13.
Kansas lawmakers want mandatory roadside drug testing
An interim legislative panel in Kansas is calling for legislation to get tough with people
potentially driving under the influence of drugs when they were involved in wrecks that result in
injuries.
Interstate 5 tunnel reopens early following repairs after deadly crash
The southbound truck tunnel on Interstate 5 near Santa Clarita , CA , was scheduled to reopen
at 5 p.m. Pacific time today, Nov. 15. The tunnel was closed after a fiery crash killed three
people and damaged the structure on Oct. 12.
New Hampshire lawmakers push for private toll bridge
Some state lawmakers in New Hampshire are hopeful of seeing a privately operated toll
bridge erected in the state to help ease traffic congestion in the southern part of the state.
Mandatory speed limiter proposal filed in Quebec
Julie Boulet, minister of transportation in the Canadian province of Quebec , introduced a
six-point highway bill Wednesday, Nov. 14, that includes a push for mandatory speed limiters
on heavy trucks.
Police hunt sniper who shot three trucks in South Carolina
Investigators in South Carolina are trying to figure out who fired shots from an Interstate 26
overpass Tuesday night, hitting three tractor-trailers.
Traffic drops on Ohio Turnpike; officials blame economy
Traffic on the Ohio Turnpike is down slightly in 2007, officials say, and the economy is the
biggest reason. Ohio Turnpike Spokeswoman Lauren Hakos told Land Line that so far in 2007
miles traveled on the pike are down 1.8 percent, truck traffic is down 1.1 percent, and the
turnpike has brought in 3.3 percent less revenue than it was predicted to generate.
Height limits increasing for the Eisenhower Tunnel in Colorado
If you truck Interstate 70 through the Eisenhower Tunnel, here’s some good news. Within a
week or two they’re going to increase the height limit for trailers by 5 inches.
Trans-Texas Corridor planners eye existing roads
Planners in Texas are considering whether to incorporate existing roadways into the proposed
Trans-Texas Corridor – a major link in a futuristic trade corridor from the southern border with
Mexico all the way to Canada.
Oregon governor committed to permitting illegal immigrants to drive
Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski said he still is in favor of making it more difficult for people to get
licenses to drive in the state and elsewhere, even though New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer has
dropped a similar proposal from consideration.
Worst year on record for food, product recalls
Have you ever thought about how many products are recalled in a year’s time and where those
recalled products end up after they are removed from store shelves? A total of 472 products,
which averages out to be more than one recall a day, according Don Mays, senior director of
product safety and planning for Consumer Reports Magazine.
Federal court rejects Bush’s fuel standards for light trucks
A federal appeals court in California has rejected the Bush administration’s fuel-economy
standards for pickup trucks, minivans and SUVs.
Land Line media blog: from Veterans Day to Lucas Land
Did you know that about 40 percent of OOIDA’s members are veterans? That’s according to a
survey done by the OOIDA Foundation. Thinking about Veterans Day prompted Managing
Editor Sandi Soendker to air her fears in a Monday, Nov. 12, blog that younger generations may
be losing the true spirit of this holiday.
Segment of I-10 remains closed in Louisiana
A 55-mile stretch of Interstate 10 in Louisiana remained shut down today, Monday, Nov. 19,
and could remain closed through Thanksgiving.
Arizona legislator pushes for privatized toll roads
A leading Arizona state lawmaker says tapping into privatization to build toll roads appears to
be the best option to come up with money for new highways.
California senator wants EOBRs on trucks
One of California's U.S. senators, Diane Feinstein, has jumped on the electronic on-board
recorder bandwagon.
CARB requests truckers' input on proposed retrofit reg for all trucks
If one proposed California regulation is approved on schedule next year, any heavy truck
entering the Golden State would have to meet 2007 engine emissions standards between the
years 2010 and 2013. State officials want truck drivers to fill out an online survey to "better
understand the age and use of diesel vehicles used in different operations such as long-haul,
local delivery and other types of operations." The survey is available by clicking here.
Truck parking issue tabled in Dundee, FL, until January
The lack of truck parking on public and private property has long been, a hot button issue
around the country as many cities and counties continue to restrict where truckers can and
cannot park, even on their own private property. The issue is currently before the City Council in
Dundee, FL, after a trucker was asked to move his rig off of residential property.
Feds say freight forwarder hauled millions in counterfeit clothing imports
Federal prosecutors charged a Los Angeles-based freight forwarder and five others for their
alleged role in a conspiracy to move an estimated $20 million in fake designer clothes.
Utah litterbugs, bad drivers target of legislation
If a Utah state lawmaker gets his way, the fine for throwing stuff onto highways in the state
would increase. Another proposal would make it easier for people to report bad drivers.
Canadian researcher says speed limiters on cars are next
A researcher from Canada says that if speed limiters become mandatory on heavy trucks, the
mandate could someday carry over to passenger vehicles.
Interstate 10 in Louisiana to remain closed for two weeks
Louisiana Department of Transportation officials now say it will be at least two weeks before
Interstate-10 is reopened between Lafayette and Baton Rouge.
Truckers' team argues DAC case before federal appeals panel
Lawyers for OOIDA and DAC Services Inc. presented oral arguments to a panel of federal
judges Thursday, Nov. 15, in the 10th Circuit Appeals Court in Denver in a case that could
ultimately impact millions of drivers across the country.
Official says mileage tax 'viable' option to replace fuel tax
The author of report in Oregon says a tax system based on miles driven could one day replace
per-gallon fuel taxes at the pump. James Whitty, manager of the Oregon Department of
Transportation Office of Innovative Partnerships and Alternative Funding, said officials in all 50
states and Washington, DC, have their eyes on the report, which was nearing completion on
Tuesday, Nov. 20.
Lights and bells and lasers, oh my
In Linden, NJ, just southwest of New York City, trucks have been hitting the 12-foot-4-inch high
North Wood Avenue railroad bridge for years.
$1.5 billion in cuts planned for New Hampshire highway plan
Construction crews in New Hampshire could have $1.5 billion less to build and maintain
roads in the state during the next 10 years.
Transport minister learns it doesn't pay to speed in Quebec
Journalists in Quebec are having a field day one week after Transportation Minister Julie
Boulet introduced legislation that includes stiffer penalties for speeding and a mandate for
speed limiters on heavy trucks. Journalists witnessed Boulet's limo driver breaking various
speed-related laws as he drove the minister away from the event.
Home for the holidays?
At OOIDA headquarters in Grain Valley, MO, staffers who talk to thousands of truckers a day
report while many truckers and OOIDA members will treat Thanksgiving Day like any other
working day this year, on the most part large numbers appear to be planning to spend the
holiday with friends and family.
Oregon steps up chain enforcement this week
The Oregon State Police are increasing patrols though mountain passes this Thanksgiving
week with a special emphasis on enforcing trucking chain law requirements.
CARB requests truckers' input on proposed retrofit reg for all trucks
If one proposed California regulation is approved on schedule next year, any heavy truck
entering the Golden State would have to meet 2007 engine emissions standards between the
years 2010 and 2013. The California Air Resources Board is asking truck drivers to fill out an
online survey, which is available by clicking here.
Ports of Seattle, Tacoma and Vancouver propose joint truck restrictions
Just as truckers are seeing major operational changes at the nation's biggest West Coast port
complex, a group of ports in the Pacific Northwest is eyeing a similar plan.
Industry data is crucial; don't blow off the census
In December, more than four million American businesses are scheduled to receive 2007
economic census forms. It's estimated that 180,000 transportation and warehousing
businesses will be among those, so if you are operating your own small trucking business,
those forms could be in your mailbox.
Pennsylvania meetings draw opposition to tolls
OOIDA members made their presence known during a series of eight public meetings this
month regarding the proposed tolling of Interstate 80. A Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
spokesman said sometimes four or more people sporting OOIDA logos attended to submit
comments against the tolling proposal.
Fuel fraud: Thieves use pay-at-pump technology to steal millions
Truck drivers and holiday travelers alike swipe their debit cards rather than stand in line to pay
inside. The move saves time and often a shivery walk through nippy parking lots this time of
year.
It's not just trucks - CARB hits everything from ships to vacuum cleaners
To be sure, the California Air Resources Board has laid a heavy hand on trucking in recent
months. Trucks aren't alone, however.
Alabama state lawmaker calls for new direction at DOT
The leading lawmaker in the Alabama House is pushing for changes in the state Department
of Transportation.
Massachusetts legislation pushes biofuels
Top lawmakers in Massachusetts are proposing a combination of first-of-their-kind mandates
and incentives to promote the development and use of biofuels in the state.
Holy glue, Batman, that's one sticky GPS mess
Some law enforcement officers say they don't like high-speed chases because they endanger
innocent people, but that they hate to let suspects simply drive away.
Produce hauler shocked by unsanitary conditions at loading dock
Although it was Michael Yeagle's first time loading produce at the Guadalupe Cooling
Company's facility in Guadalupe , CA , he said the sanitary conditions he witnessed on the
dock were the worst he's seen in the 18 years he's been hauling produce.
U.S. representative wants Macquarie investigated
A U.S. representative from Virginia has asked the state attorney general to investigate the
business practices of toll road operator Macquarie Bank in relation to the Dulles Greenway.
Pageant queen getting to know husband as team driver
The young woman who was crowned Miss Arkansas in 2006 has swapped the runway for the
roadway.
Colorado transportation panel proposes tax and fee increases
A special panel in Colorado is calling for five tax and fee increases to help pay for
transportation projects throughout the state. They can be considered by the Legislature during
the session that begins in January 2008.
Company drivers: Speed limiters do not improve highway safety
Improving highway safety is the cornerstone argument used by groups pushing the mandatory
use of speed limiters on heavy trucks in the U.S. and Canada. The reality of life on the road in a
truck with a speed limiter is anything but safer according to a survey of employee or hired
drivers - commonly referred to as company drivers - conducted by the Owner-Operator
Independent Drivers Association's Foundation.
Waste Management pays CARB $1 million for diesel truck emissions
The California Air Resources Board continues to collect fines related to diesel truck
emissions. CARB recently collected more than $1 million from Waste Management Inc. for
failing to inspect its diesel truck fleet.
Interstate 10 reopens in Louisiana
Interstate-10 was reopened in Louisiana Sunday evening, Nov. 25, which was 11 days after it
had been shut down because of a large natural gas leak.
Feds follow tire tracks, find 1,400 pounds of pot smuggled from Mexico
Two brothers from Mexico were arrested after federal agents noticed that a tractor trailer had
illegally entered the United States “in an area popular with smugglers,” according to U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials .
New Jersey bills tackle loading delays at ports, road safety
As state lawmakers put on a final push in New Jersey to approve bills before the regular
session ends in about five weeks, a couple of bills of interest to truck drivers could draw
consideration.
Maine truckers protest fuel prices; set up meeting with politicians
Truckers in Maine are gearing up for a second meeting with state and national politicians on
what skyrocketing diesel fuel prices are doing to their businesses. OOIDA member Larry
Sidelinger, owner of Yankee Pride Transport in Nobleboro , ME , is organizing a session for
Dec. 1 in Damariscotta , ME. He attended a similar meeting earlier this month and was
inspired.
Wisconsin slaps $1 million lien on trucking company
The state of Wisconsin has filed in court for a $1 million lien on the now defunct trucking
company TRAC, located in Menomonie.
Iowa lawmakers to consider fuel tax increase
A plan under study in Iowa would raise $200 million for road improvements through increases
to certain taxes and fees. The package was proposed by the Associated General Contractors
of Iowa , a road construction industry group.
BP's $500 million deal with school calls for ‘confidential' energy research
The University of California-Berkley gets $500 million to research alternative energy. Oil giant
BP Amoco PLC gets access to inventions and research from some of the world's finest
laboratories. So what's the problem? Some environmental and watchdog groups say the
deal's division between open and “proprietary” research sells out the university's ethics.
New MassPike director to review operations
As his first order of business, the new executive director of the Massachusetts Turnpike
Authority will conduct a 60-day review in an effort to trim wasteful spending. Alan LeBovidge
took the helm on Monday, Nov. 26, with a vow to right the ship.
Michelin agrees to settlement in Chinese patent case
Michelin Tire and two Chinese tire brands have settled a patent infringement case according to
media reports.
Mexican opposition to cross-border program continues
The Mexican trucking association that represents both carriers and independent truckers has
reiterated its intent to try to get the cross-border trucking program stopped. CANACAR officials
stated that Mexico doesn't have the ability to conduct complete audits on American trucks – and
can't guard against cabotage if American companies try to haul domestic cargo in their country.
Truckers invited to attend business group's symposium on I-80 tolls
After receiving dozens of calls from concerned business owners in northern Pennsylvania ,
leaders with an area chamber of commerce decided to invite officials to speak at a
symposium on the issue of Interstate 80 tolls. It is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, Nov.
30.
Doing the right thing pays off for produce hauler
Doing the right thing isn't always easy, but produce hauler and OOIDA member Michael Yeagle
couldn't turn a blind eye and not report the unsanitary conditions he witnessed recently at a
produce loading dock.
Durable good orders, freight tonnage both drop in October
There's mixed economic news today. On one hand, retailers are reporting that Christmas
season Internet sales exceeded their expectations. On the other hand, the usually robust
trucking month of October actually saw a decrease in freight tonnage.
New Jersey lawmaker suggests doubling fuel tax rates
If a key New Jersey lawmaker gets his way, the state will consider increasing fuel tax rates to
help pay for transportation work. The state's 14.5 cent-per-gallon tax on gasoline and 17.5
cent-per-gallon tax on diesel are among the lowest in the nation.
FMCSA to showcase plan to reduce fatalities, injuries and crashes
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has a plan to beef up enforcement in the
trucking industry and improve highway safety. On Dec. 4, the public will be updated on
FMCSA's Comprehensive Safety Analysis 2010 initiative, a comprehensive review and analysis
of the agency's current commercial motor carrier safety and enforcement programs.
Federal Maritime Commission eyes LA, Long Beach port truck proposal
The Department of Transportation's maritime administration met Wednesday, Nov. 28, to
consider the recently approved “Clean Truck Program” adopted by the massive twin ports at
Long Beach and Los Angeles . The four-member commission met behind closed doors
Wednesday but did not release any information involving a decision, although that could come
later, an agency spokesman told Land Line .
Two truckers report being shot at on highway in New Mexico
The U.S. Postal Service is offering a $50,000 reward for information on the shooting of a
trucker in New Mexico on Friday, Nov. 23. Police say 53-year-old William Bamfield was on U.S.
Highway 550 about 60 miles north of Albuquerque around 7 p.m. Friday when he was shot. He
is in stable condition.
Truck parking available for Pennsylvania symposium on I-80 tolls
Organizers of a symposium about the I-80 toll proposal in Pennsylvania have secured truck
parking and a shuttle service for truckers who would like to attend. The event is scheduled for 9
a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, Nov. 30, at the Zion Baptist Church , 114 Zion Road , Clarion , PA. The
church is three miles south of the I-80 Clarion Exit 62 on Route 68 .
Truckers still needed to participate in California rest areas meetings
Truckers are being asked to weigh in on a subject that is important to every driver who hauls
on California 's highways. New information is available regarding the times and locations of
the meetings on the state's roadside rest areas.
Washington truckers win overtime case
Truckers who are based in the state of Washington have won a major court victory on overtime
pay. The Columbian newspaper reports that a state Supreme Court ruling was upheld on
Monday, Nov. 26, when the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal.
Home Depot, retailers propose union-free port truck plan
The Home Depot is the latest company to join a group of retailers that want to finance new
trucks rather than unionize drivers at the twin ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles .
Feds to study truckers' mortality rate
Two federal agencies say they'll soon launch a major study aimed at figuring out why truckers
have a death rate 11 times higher than the general work force.
Judge sides with Corzine; governor doesn't have to reveal toll plans
Gov. Jon Corzine of New Jersey will not have to make public his plans for leveraging state toll
roads to increase revenue. Superior Court Judge Linda Feinberg, who earlier had indicated
she sided with Corzine, made it official in a ruling on Monday, Nov. 26, that the report could
remain a secret because it was still a “draft” and not a final document.
Time running out on driving rights bills in New Jersey
With the end of the regular session in New Jersey about five weeks away, time is winding
down on a legislative package that would make it easier for drivers in the state with
suspended licenses to keep their driving privileges. One bill would help truckers stay on the
road.