STAND UP, SPEAK OUT OR ACCEPT WHAT COMES!!!
Hoffa says IG report shows Mexican border should remain closed
WASHINGTON — Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa said Thursday that an inspector
general report shows once and for all that the border should remain closed to unsafe Mexican
trucks.
Jobless rate at 9.7 percent; trucking loses another 4,000 jobs
WASHINGTON — The unemployment rate jumped almost half a point to 9.7 percent in August,
the highest since 1983, reflecting a poor job market that will make it hard for the economy to
begin a sustained recovery. Truck transportation lost 4,000 jobs for the month, and has lost
130,600 jobs since August of last year, a drop of 10.4 percent. For-hire trucking currently
employs 1.26 million workers.
Lawyers group criticizes trucking industry safety
WASHINGTON—A recent study by a trial lawyers group showing that more than 28,000 motor
carrier companies have violated federal safety regulations drew the ire last week of the
American Trucking Assn.
[ I found this article to be quite interesting.  The AAJ is spinning propaganda regarding truck
highway safety...the ATA is countering that propaganda...and the irony here is both of these
entities are destructive to the Owner/Operator's and Independents, which vastly outnumber
company trucks, and are the ones which are the direct reason truck highway safety numbers are
improving. (~SS~) ]
Massey Energy CEO blasts climate bill at WVa rally
HOLDEN, W.Va. — Massey Energy chief executive Don Blankenship blasted supporters of
climate-change legislation and other environmental issues affecting the coal industry at a
corporate-sponsored Labor Day concert and rally in southern West Virginia.
Cap and trade will be delayed in Senate
The controversial cap-and-trade proposal won't be discussed in the U.S. Senate until late
September, two prominent Senate Democrats recently announced.
 
[See "What's News" Archives For Preceding Stories]
 
Road Safe America Launches National Petition Drive for Citizens to Urge
President...
ATLANTA, Sept. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Road Safe America, a non-profit dedicated to
making America's highways safer, has launched a web-based national petition
drive designed to create a national groundswell of citizen demand for
President Obama, the Congress and the U.S. Department of Transportation to
take action to require electronic speed governors on heavy commercial vehicles
to be set at 65 mph or slower.
[ Truckers...Here comes the propaganda by another organization, and they're pushing for American
citizens to sign a petition.  The accident info being spewed in this article is incorrect and we must
all stand up and speak out now, and bring this outrageous attempt to bring speed limiters to a
reality. (~SS~) ]
Initial legal brief filed against HOS, round 3
WASHINGTON — Since 2003 when the first “new” Hours of Service rule was finalized, Public
Citizen and other groups have successfully fought back against what they deem unsafe
regulations for truck drivers. Twice the courts have told the Federal Motor Carriers Safety
administration to fix the rule.
Small business truckers to protest potential California fuel tax hike
RANCHO DOMINGUEZ, Calif. — Operators of small trucking companies who are concerned
about a proposal they say will double California's excise tax on fuel and will add billions to fuel
and transportation costs are planning a protest today at noon at Golden State Logistics here.
Health Care Reform: Remedy, or prescription for failure?
Congress returns from summer recess ready to tackle health care reform. In anticipation, The
Daily News asked a local doctor, a labor leader and a small businessman how they think the
health care system should be fixed.
Portland plant is cooking now, turning old grease into biofuel
PORTLAND — Jarmin Kaltsas became fascinated with turning restaurant grease into heating
oil and motor fuel while working four years ago at a farm greenhouse in Knox County. The
biodiesel he began producing there in small volumes gave him bigger ideas.
It's not season for rejoicing at Texas ports
It should already be the holiday season on the city's docks.
But instead of gearing up for a busy season of moving containers of cargo filled with consumer
goods on Santa's list, some shippers are prepared for a few more months of trading doldrums
as the global economic slowdown continues to take its toll on local port trade.
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Missouri gets federal OK for truck-only I-70 lanes
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Federal transportation officials have approved a proposal by Missouri
officials to rebuild Interstate 70 across the state to include lanes only for trucks.
U.S. job openings fall to lowest level in 9 years
WASHINGTON — Job openings fell to the lowest level in nine years in July, according to a
Labor Department report Wednesday, as businesses remain reluctant to hire despite signs the
economy is improving.
Whistleblower Exposes Excesses in $650 Billion Transportation Industry
Pittsburgh, PA (PRWEB) September 9, 2009 -- Transportation insider Paul Todd has written a
scathing new exposé fingering freight brokers and agents as villains of the U. S. economy
because they cost each and every American consumer an additional $100 to $400 per month to
pay for goods, products, and services needed for daily living. In Industry of Thieves, published
by Rose Dog Books, Todd discloses how both businesses and drivers are exploited by freight
brokers and agents who mark up the costs of transportation by 20 to 60 percent for the sole
purpose of enriching themselves.
Trucking watchdog taps new president
WASHINGTON -- An American special interest group that has been like a nail stuck in the tire
treads of the trucking industry has a new leader.
[ Public Citizen sells out.  The first thing on Public Citizen's new leader's agenda is to advocate for
a single-payer healthcare system.  Isn't this our Federal Government's agenda?  And this
self-proclaimed Gov't Watchdog organization is now joining their ranks. (~SS~) ]
Supply Chain News: Despite Dramatic Decline in Volumes, Railroads Staying
Profitable, Investing in Service and Speed
The US railroad industry, like most of the transport sector, has seen volumes plummet well
beyond the overall decrease in the economy – the first time this has really happened.
[ What's not being reported is the reason rail is staying profitable...Government Subsidies. (~SS~) ]
Truckers gird to fight proposed tax increase on gas
Already smarting from the recession and new environmental regulations, local trucking
companies are gearing up to fight a proposed 18-cent hike in the gas tax.
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CVSA Brake Safety Week 2009
ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Commercial Vehicle
Safety Alliance (CVSA) will conduct Brake Safety Week, Sept. 13-19, as part of
their Operation Air Brake Campaign dedicated to improving inspection,
compliance, maintenance and performance of commercial vehicle brakes
throughout North America.
DOT freight index posts largest gain in 18 months
WASHINGTON — The Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI) rose 1.6 percent in July from
its June level, the first monthly increase since February and the largest increase since January
2008, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS)
reported Thursday.
Packed house opposes North Middleton truck plan
Two years ago, a plan was introduced in North Middleton Township to build a motor freight
terminal off Newville Road behind a strip of homes known as Westminster Manor.
[ Interesting.  Did anyone consider the jobs that would be created in their community...or the fact
that those toxic spewing trucks (a fact which is not being reported correctly) is what provides them
with the comforts of life they enjoy?  (~SS~) ]
The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) and Its Affiliates are
Promoting...
SMYRNA, Ga., Sept. 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Recognizing that safe and
smart driving is important for its employees and the entire community, the
Georgia Motor Trucking Foundation is joining other leading organizations
across the nation to conduct a series of educational activities during Drive
Safely Work Week, Oct. 5-9.
Shipping industry fight before Congress
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - FedEx employs close to 5,000 people in Indianapolis, jobs that a
company spokesman said could be jeopardized by legislation on Capitol Hill. The shipping
company has started a public information campaign with two goals: informing the public of its
point of view and putting pressure on Indiana senators Evan Bayh (D) and Richard Lugar (R).
Different port, same story? Oakland readies truck restrictions
Count the Port of Oakland as yet another port to join the recent trend of restricting trucks in the
name of emissions and security. According to documents posted on the Port of Oakland Web
site, trucks wanting to enter the port will begin registering with the port this fall. By January,
they'll be required to sign a Secure Truck Enrollment Program, or STEP, agreement in order to
enter the port.
St. Louis bridge limited to 80,000 pounds
Trucks weighing more than 80,000 pounds are now prohibited from crossing the Interstate 270
bridge over the Mississippi River until further notice. Departments of Transportation offices in
Illinois and Missouri announced the weight restriction that took effect Monday, Sept. 8.
Bust reveals nearly two tons of pot co-mingled with produce
Border patrol agents along the U.S.-Mexico border in California made busts on 12
marijuana-smuggling attempts in a 24-hour period last week, including nearly two tons of pot
stuffed among a load of produce.
Maine statewide ballot to include excise tax, bonding initiatives
When voters in Maine take their place in the polling booth on Election Day, they will make
decisions on various issues. Among the topics on the statewide ballot are two questions
addressing transportation funding.
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Senate to consider pilot program to extend truck weight in Maine
WASHINGTON — From Washington to Augusta and perhaps beyond, the eyes of the
transportation industry are on Capitol Hill as the Senate today resumes consideration H.R.
3288, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies
Appropriations bill, which includes a proposal to establish a one-year pilot program to allow
tractor-trailers to exceed the 80,000-pound federal truck size and weight limit on Maine’s
interstate highways.
Parts suppliers urge House to pass advanced vehicle technology bill
WASHINGTON – The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) sent a letter
yesterday to all members of the U.S. House of Representatives urging passage of H.R. 3246,
the Advanced Vehicle Technology Act.  The legislation, introduced by Rep. Gary Peters (D-
Mich.), authorizes and funds Department of Energy (DOE) programs that examine technology
solutions to increase a vehicle’s fuel efficiency, reduce its emissions, and improve its safety.
Kansas Turnpike Tolls to Increase for Those Without Transponders
Tolls for cars and trucks on the Kansas Turnpike are set to increase — starting Oct. 1 — for
drivers paying in cash, but not for vehicles using an electronic toll transponder.
Trade Policies Cost US Economy 500,000 Jobs - US Chamber
WASHINGTON -(Dow Jones)- The U.S. economy could lose or miss out on more than half a
million jobs as a result of three trade policy actions taken by Congress and the Obama
administration, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce claimed in a report released Tuesday.
[ More propaganda...if the southern border is opened to Mexican trucking companies...America will
lose even more jobs to the Maquiladoras. (~SS~) ]
Transportation infrastructure: “Transportation” bill delay means longer road to
prosperity, freight coalition leaders say
WASHINGTON—Freight and logistics interests are getting antsy. They want their six-year, $500
billion highway bill, and they want it now.
Oberstar Stands Firm on Transportation Bill, Gets Industry Backup
In case any doubts remained about his willingness to challenge the White House and the
Senate on prompt passage of a long-term infrastructure bill, House transportation committee
chairman Jim Oberstar's (D-MN) op-ed in the Politico Monday should clear them up:
Pilot begins operating nation’s 1st fuel island DEF pump
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Pilot Travel Centers today began operating the nation’s first Diesel
Exhaust Fluid (DEF) fuel island pump in preparation for serving vehicles equipped with
selective catalytic reduction (SCR) to meet near-zero emissions requirements set by the
Environmental Protection Agency to begin in January 2010.
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Highway Angels are Influencing the Public's Perceptions About Trucking
Alexandria, Virginia  When the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) receives driver
nominations for its Highway Angels program, the stories frequently involve heroic deeds, such
as pulling people from flaming vehicles or keeping critically injured crash victims alive or
minimizing their pain until paramedics can take over.  But sometimes even a mundane act of
kindness, such as fixing a flat tire, can leave the person who was helped with a permanent,
positive impression about truck drivers.
Napolitano halts new border projects; to review funding
WASHINGTON — Facing criticism for her handling of federal stimulus money, Homeland
Security Secretary Janet Napolitano says she's halting any new border construction projects
and will review how her department made funding decisions.
FMCSA launches Web site for CSA2010 initiative
CSA 2010 is a safety measurement system that identifies unsafe behaviors before the carriers
and drivers are deemed high-crash risks.  FMCSA expects the program to be fully implemented
throughout the U.S. by December 2010.
Agenda set for distracted driving summit
WASHINGTON — U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has announced the agenda for
the upcoming Distracted Driving Summit, set for Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. More than 200 safety
experts, researchers, elected officials and members of the public will gather in Washington to
share their experiences, provide feedback and develop recommendations for reducing the
growing safety risk that distracted driving is imposing on our nation’s roads.
[ When is this type of bs going to stop?  This issue should only be addressed on the state and local
level.  Where in our Constitution does it enumerate the power for our federal government to set
any type of agenda of control over state and local issues which should only be dealt with between
"The People" and their law enforcement within state and local levels? (~SS~) ]
Hearing on Ferro's nomination to FMCSA's top post may occur within two weeks
WASHINGTON — Anne S. Ferro’s nomination to become the next administrator of the Federal
Motor Carrier Safety Administration continues to wait on a Senate committee to schedule a
hearing, probably sometime this month.
FTR trucking index shows minimal improvement in August
The index, a measurement of five conditions affecting truckers, showed modest improvement
from its low reading of -28.80 in March, but it is expected to remain well below normal levels
until freight growth takes off in the second half of 2010.
Road funding panel needs to think big, Murphy says
LITTLE ROCK — A panel studying ways to generate more funding for state highway
improvements in the state should think big — $8 billion or more — and not settle for anything
less, state highway commissioner Madison Murphy said today.
[ Now this is interesting.  They're going to create a task force to determine how to fix what they
broke.  We all know the taxes received by states to be spent on highway maintenance and new
projects are being syphoned off...basically mis-managed...by federal and state government. (~SS~) ]
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‘Protectionism’ growing ‘blatant,’ group says; Mexico truck pilot cited
WASHINGTON — The world's major powers are repeatedly breaking their pledges not to erect
trade barriers, and there's no sign the "protectionist juggernaut" will ease as countries recover
from the global downturn, an influential monitoring organization said Friday.
CARB modifies regs; public comment due by Oct. 2
Public comments are due October 2 on a group of changes and modifications to the California
Air Resources Board’s regulations on “Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Heavy-Duty
Vehicles” released on Sept. 17.
Productivity coalition applauds passage of Maine pilot for heavier trucks
WASHINGTON —  The Coalition for Transportation Productivity (CTP), an advocacy group of
more than 100 shippers and allied associations dedicated to responsibly increasing federal
weight limits on interstate highways, today applauded the U.S. Senate for passing legislation
enabling Maine to conduct a one-year pilot program allowing 100,000-pound, six-axle trucks on
interstates within the state.
[ Do take notice the statement within this article about "multi-lane interstate system engineered
for heavy commercial vehicles."  And then ask yourself...are our highways in any condition to allow
heavier trucks? (~SS~) ]
Kentucky governor announces $28.7 million to repair Interstate 65 in Louisville
Kentucky’s Governor Steve Beshear announced Thursday the beginning of a major
construction project to repair the pavement on Interstate 65 in Jefferson County. The $28.7
million project – “Revive 65” – involves the replacement of concrete pavement with asphalt on
the 3-mile section of interstate between Fern Valley Road and I-264 (Watterson Expressway). It
is among a dozen road and bridge projects, totaling more than $195 million, under way or
planned for the Louisville area.
New Hampshire public hearings to address 10-year transportation plan
Transportation officials in New Hampshire are asking for feedback from residents on several
road and bridge proposals throughout the state. On Sept. 14, the state Department of
Transportation kicked off more than 30 public hearings on New Hampshire's 10-year
transportation plan.
South Dakota panel considers fuel tax, fee increases; feedback sought
South Dakota lawmakers know that drivers want better roads and increased capacity on state
and local roadways. But they don't know how much residents are willing to pay to help to make
that happen.
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Trucking Conditions Index shows some improvement
The FTR Trucking Conditions Index ticked up slightly in August 2009, but at a reading of –20.18
still remains well below a neutral reading of 0. The index, a measurement of five conditions
affecting truckers, while showing modest improvement from its low reading of –28.80 in March,
is expected to remain well below normal levels until freight growth takes off in the second half
of 2010.
FMCSA Is Increasing Use of GPS Logs for HOS Audits, Qualcomm Exec Says
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is increasing its use of Global Positioning
System history logs as supporting evidence in driver hours-of-service audits, an executive with
Qualcomm Inc. said last week.
[ 20 yrs ago I was laughed and labeled when I stated this GPS system would be used for enforcement.  It's
against the law everyone kept saying.  Well y'all...here it is.  Regulations state a driver must retain the
current day's log and the previous seven...but FMCSA has put a regulation in place requiring 6 month
retention of GPS & EOBR data.  I don't hear anyone laughing now.  Drivers...if ya haven't been serious
about compliance yet...now's the time. (~SS~)]
Two Sisters Start Carmel Trucking Company
Two Hoosier sisters have launched a new transportation services company in Carmel. Megan
Bissmeyer and Jenny Kehrer created Rapid Freight Solutions after working the past 14 years
for Carmel-based Performance Marketing Group managing the fleet operations. The two want
to expand to 15 power units by the end of the year, 30 by 2010 and more than 50 by the end of
2011. The fleet will consist of dry vans, open car haulers, tankers and flatbeds.
Environmental, transportation groups urge halt to new Detroit River crossing
A new open letter to Gov. Jennifer Granholm and the Michigan Legislature from Michigan and
Canadian environmental and transportation activist groups calls for the state to halt all
spending on a proposed new Detroit River crossing.
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Obama's pick of industry lobbyist draws fire
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama's nomination of a trucking industry lobbyist to head
the agency that regulates the industry drew fire Wednesday from senators and safety advocates.
I-80 projects in Utah to require major road closings in coming weeks
SALT LAKE CITY— Two bridge replacement projects on Interstate 80 in Salt Lake and Summit
counties will require overnight directional closures on various dates from late September
through mid October.
U.S. trucking sector sees gains; local truckers remain wary
Officials at Fort Smith-based ABF Freight System are guardedly optimistic about a report
suggesting an improvement in the national trucking sector.
House to Senate: SAFETEA-LU is played out
With funding issues yet to be resolved on a new authorization - something that could cost
taxpayers up to $500 billion - the House and Senate have agreed on only one thing: It was
necessary to extend the 2005 authorization known as SAFETEA-LU to continue to fund
transportation past its Sept. 30 sunset date. On Wednesday, Sept. 23, the House voted on a
three-month extension with the belief that a replacement could still become law by Dec. 31.
Commercial trailer net orders up 14% over July
COLUMBUS, Ind. — Net orders for commercial trailers in August increased 14 percent from
July and 69 percent from a depressed August 2008, which was during the early stages of
retrenchment in the commercial vehicle sector according to the latest “State of the Industry: U.S.
Trailers” report issued by ACT Research Co.
Shell ‘Ladder of Protection’ features multi-grade CJ-4 engine oils
LEXINGTON, N.C. – Shell Lubricants unveiled its revamped Shell Rotella Energized Protection
product portfolio here this week to trucking, farm and oil trade journalists.
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