In defense of truckers? FMCSA interim boss Jim Mullen says he’s committed to hours of service reforms
As Mullen put it in his talk at last week’s Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association event: “We understand drivers need the flexibility to be as safe as they can. It’s clear the rigid rules do not work. We’re going to go forward with a final regu…
What proposed HOS changes in U.S. mean to Canadian drivers
Proposed changes to the U.S. hours of service rules have been touted as more flexible for drivers and carriers — but what about the benefits and the flexibility for cross-border drivers and carriers? Will the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administ…
Countdown through a parking shortage, tech surge, truck boot … 2019’s Top 10 podcast episodes
Listen: A year-in-review on the Overdrive Radio podcast this week, covering a boatload of ground all told: From trucking history to shutdowns and slow rolls, parking and booting, the ELD mandate and hours of service, small fleet business and the limits…
Righteous whistleblower or ‘disgruntled employee’?
A dispute between 30-year veteran driver Kevin Hosea and the small-fleet employer who fired him earlier this year shows the complexity of coercion-related cases. The fleet owner denies allegations of coercion.
Parties other than carriers now subject to enforcement under the Coercion Rule
One standout aspect of the coercion rule is that it marked the first time the FMCSA gained some authority to investigate and fine shippers and receivers not already under its regulatory purview. The rule also broadened agency authorities over brokers. …
Cracks in the system: Blowing the whistle on coercion
In the nearly four years since FMCSA’s driver protection rule took effect, results have been indirect at best, minimal at worst, when drivers report they’ve been pressured to violate regs.
FMCSA grants two, denies three hours of service relief requests
The agency granted exemptions to two waste and recycling companies allowing their short-haul drivers to operate for 14 hours instead of 12. FMCSA denied applications from three companies that asked for their drivers to drive beyond the current limits o…
Short-haul carrier asks FMCSA to expand short-haul exemption radius to 150 air miles
Palmetto State Armory says its drivers pick up and deliver products between manufacturing facilities and drive to PSA retail stores. The company states current operations include trips between 103 and 109 air miles. PSA says using ELDs or keeping logs …
Disruptions that will reverberate beyond 2020 — strategies for weathering, or taking full advantage
“The small business owner-operator does have certain advantages navigating market disruptions. An example of this is when natural disasters hit communities it’s the independents who step up to fill the gap, aided and abetted by our ability to make deci…
Indiana governor suspends hours regs for propane haulers in state
The executive order notes that Indiana is experiencing unseasonably cold weather, which has caused increased demand for propane to heat homes and businesses, causing a propane shortage in the state.