Petition granted to SmartDrive allowing lower windshield mounting for driver assist camera
FMCSA says SmartDrive’s camera housing is 3.7 inches wide by 5.2 inches tall and will be mounted in the approximate center of the windshield. The agency also received a request from Navistar for its ADAS to be mounted lower on the windshield that regul…
FMCSA approves alternate cargo securement methods for certain agricultural commodities
The waiver allows for alternate securement for agricultural commodities transported in wood and plastic boxes and large fiberglass tubs, or for hay, straw and cotton bales that are grouped into large singular units.
GAO recommends annual underride guard inspections, side underride guard research
The U.S. Government Accountability Office this week released a new report on truck underride guards, offering four recommendations to the U.S. Department of Transportation about improving data collection, inspections and more for the devices.
FMCSA extends emergency declaration for flooding in Plains, Midwest
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration this week announced it is extending the declaration because emergency conditions have not abated in the affected states.
Lights-out at MATS, and: You’re the parking expert ‘where you live and where you truck to’
Former owner-op Scott Grenerth introduces parking-info/reservation site RigRest.com, talks ongoing work with National Coalition on Truck Parking, in this episode of Overdrive Radio; Also: The moment the lights went at MATS just ahead of Secretary Chao’…
FMCSA denies reports that hours of service rule has cleared White House review
FMCSA officials have confirmed that a proposal to reform hours of service regulations remains under review by the White House’s Office of Management and Budget. OMB must clear the rule before it is published and before details of the proposed reforms a…
It’s official: DOT intends to propose hours of service reforms
The U.S. Department of Transportation intends to propose a rule that would change federal hours of service regulations for truck drivers, said Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao on Friday. However, since the rule is still under review, Chao said she …
Panel updates driver-assist tech progress, says jobs not threatened
FMCSA is striving to get input from the industry to ensure that no regulations needlessly impede research and deployment of driver-assist technologies.
Drivers will need to register in Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse to change jobs, ensure accuracy
The federal CDL Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, which will be a database of truck drivers who have failed or refused a drug or alcohol test, takes effect in January 2020, and drivers intending to transition to new jobs or ensure a clean record within t…
From within or without? — pressure to run over hours in the wake of the ELD mandate
Drivers face increased risks in the ELD era for any hours violations — hence more pushback against pressure to violate, met with one of those “equal and opposite reactions.” Yet not everyone agrees that external pressures to violate the regs are being…