Driving Standards Unveiled, Part of Mandatory Training Goal
OTTAWA -- The job of a truck driver has been defined more clearly than ever before, at least according to the new National Occupational Standard unveiled Monday by Trucking HR Canada, which is expected to pave the way toward establishing mandatory driver training regulations.
U.S. Safety Agency Sees Benefits of Onboard Video Systems
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The National Transportation Safety Board has released a report on what it says are the benefits of commercial vehicle onboard video systems that record either continuously or as the result of a triggering event, such as a crash. The report also focuses on what this U.S. government agency says are the advantages offered by these systems for evaluation of both driver and passenger behaviors and collision analysis. The report highlights two recent crash investigations in which continuous video systems were installed on commercial vehicles. The report discusses many what NTSB said are the benefits of onboard video systems, in addition to highlighting areas for improvement, such as the need for to be able to see the driver and each occupant seating location, the need to be able to see forward of the vehicle, optimized frame rate, and low-light recording capability.
Freight Rates Post Solid Gains Despite Lower Fuel Prices
MISSISSAUGA - - Freight rates are on the rise with newly released figures showing the total cost of ground transportation paid by Canadian shippers increasing 2.2% in February from the month before, according to the Canadian General Freight Index.
Port Truckers Strike in Los Angeles, Long Beach
LOS ANGELES/LONG BEACH -- Intermodal truck drivers working as independent contractors for four firms serving the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach hit the picket lines on Monday. At issue are allegations that the carriers illegally classify the drivers as independent contractors, rather than company employees, and deny them the benefits typically paid to company workers, according to DC Velocity. Truckinginfo.com reports the drivers are claiming wage theft on part of their employers due to being misclassified. Despite being labeled independent contract workers, the drivers are driving trucks owned by the trucking companies and working exclusively for them without being able to negotiate rates, refuse loads or take work from competitors.
Speed Limiter Battle Heating Up in U.S.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A battle that has pitted fleets, truck drivers, associations and governments against one another over the issue of speed limiters on trucks in Canada is heating up south of the border in anticipation of new regulations. The National Motorists Association (NMA) and Owner-Operator Independent Driver Association (OOIDA) on Tuesday issued a joint statement questioning claims made by the fleet-backed group the American Trucking Associations (ATA) and it urging U.S. regulators that all trucks need speed limiters programmed to 65 mph.
Questions About Electronic Logging? Check This Out.
DALLAS -- As regulators move closer to requiring controversial electronic logging devices for most trucks operating in both U.S. and Canada, a new online resource is available to people who have questions about the devices and the rules. ELDfacts.com has been started by the fleet management services provider Omnitracs LLC, in anticipation of the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration mandate slated for a September release. The regulations are expected to take effect sometime later.
Drivers Handing Out Roses and Razzies to Shipping Facilities
TORONTO -- Two months since its launch, the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) says its Operation Upgrade campaign is starting to reveal how shipping facilities need to do a better job of removing waste from the system and how drivers value preferred shippers who provide an environment free of harassment when picking up freight. OTA says it has gathered several takeaways since the initial launch of the survey campaign, which attempts to identify the strongest and weakest links in the supply chain by allowing drivers and carriers to assign scores to shippers and consignees based on treatment of truck drivers.