Breakdown of Electronic Logging Device Mandate

September 12, 2014

On March 12th, 2014, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration FMCSA announced a change to the 2010 mandate for Electronic On-Board Recorders (EOBRs). The old rule required certain fleets to use EOBRs for hours-of-service compliance. The new rule requires more technologically advanced Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to be used in...

Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance

September 11, 2014

We take a break from our regular posting to honor those who lost their lives in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Each year on this day, American flags are flown at half-staff to honor and commemorate those lives lost. Fellow Americans are asked to observe a moment of silence...

Changes to Minimum Levels of Financial Responsibility for Motor Carriers

September 9, 2014

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has recently re-evaluated the minimum levels of financial responsibility for motor carriers, and a new minimum will likely be announced soon. This task was delegated to them by the Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary, who was assigned the task by Congress. There is...

Heavy Vehicle Speed Limiters: The Debate

September 4, 2014

The Department of Transportation (DOT) will soon mandate the use of speed limiters, also known as speed governors or Electronic Control Modules (ECM), on large trucks weighing over 26,000 pounds. The rule targets trucks that typically travel on roads with a speed limit of 55 mph or higher. No speed...

New Mandate Prevents Truck Driver Harassment with Electronic Logging Devices

September 2, 2014

Preventing driver harassment is a focal point with the latest Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate. The old rule, made in 2010, did not stop carriers from harassing drivers into breaking hours of service (HOS) rules. The purpose of ELDs is to improve road safety for truck drivers and the public....

Tough New Regulations Proposed for Crude Oil Transport

August 28, 2014

The Department of Transportation (DOT) released details of new proposed rules for the transport of flammable material by rail - particularly crude oil and ethanol. The proposed rules cover seven different areas associated with crude-by-rail transport. There is less than one month left to comment on the proposed rules. If...

eCommerce consumers willing to pay extra for sustaintable shipping

August 26, 2014

Would you be willing to pay 5% more for products ordered online if they are shipped sustainably? A recent survey titled “Need for Green or Need for Speed Survey" conducted by the consulting firm West Monroe Partners revealed that 54% of eCommerce consumers are willing to pay the extra money....

Build America Investment Initiative

August 21, 2014

It’s no secret that the U.S. infrastructure is in desperate need of repairs. In fact, there is $2 trillion worth of deferred maintenance in this country in roads, bridges, sewer systems and water mains. President Obama recently announced the Build America Investment Initiative that will address many of the issues...

Tips for Effective Freight Shipping

August 19, 2014

With the variety of materials being shipped throughout the country every day, you’re bound to run into a problem or two along the way. Knowing how to solve these problems ensures a more efficient shipping process, and more importantly, a healthier bottom line. Here are some tips on commonly asked...

No-Defect Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports May No Longer Be Necessary

August 14, 2014

The Department of Transportation (DOT) is proposing a rule to eliminate Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIR) when a driver does not find any truck defects during a pre- or post-trip inspection (no-defect DVIRs). This comes after a similar rule was put in place in 2012 for Intermodal carriers. The new...