Industry outlook looking up; driver shortage continues to be a challenge

Industry outlook looking up; driver shortage continues to be a challenge

An analyst for Cass Freight Index reports that the U.S. freight market continues to enjoy solid growth in spite of widespread driver shortages. “The freight industry continues to experience the strongest year since the recession ended, and while there are still headwinds, things should continue to improve for the industry,” stated Rosalyn Wilson, senior business…

Manufacturing execs back change in highway tax structure

Manufacturing execs back change in highway tax structure

Crumbling and congested U.S. roadways are driving up costs for U.S. manufacturers as late deliveries and unreliable transportation undermine hard-fought gains in production efficiency, according to U.S. manufacturing executives. Thomas Riordan, Chief Executive of Neenah Enterprises and an official with a national manufacturers group, figures that truck and rail traffic congestion raise the Neenah, Wis.,…

FMCSA eyes ‘alternative compliance’ for motor carriers

FMCSA eyes ‘alternative compliance’ for motor carriers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is mulling over the possibility of giving motor carriers regulatory flexibility or other benefits if their safety efforts go beyond minimum requirements, the agency’s chief safety officer said recently. Speaking to an American Trucking Associations Safety Policy Committee at the group’s annual meeting in San Diego, Jack Van…

Mn DOT and University of Minnesota studying rest stop options for truckers

Mn DOT and University of Minnesota studying rest stop options for truckers

A pilot project led by the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the University of Minnesota is looking at providing real-time information to truckers about where they can find a safe a place to pull off the road when they have reached their driving limit. Federal regulations limit truckers to a maximum 70-hour workweek, down from…

ATRI promoting sustainable practices in trucking

ATRI promoting sustainable practices in trucking

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has launched a new section on its website, www.atri-online.org, which covers a wide range of sustainable practices. “Sustainable practices are an emerging focus for trucking companies,” said Chad England, a member of the ATRI Research Committee and CEO of C.R. England. ATRI’s compendium is a great resource for gaining insight…

U.S.-Canada agree to closer cooperation on trucking issues

U.S.-Canada agree to closer cooperation on trucking issues

The U.S.-Canada Regulatory Cooperation Council adopted a Joint Forward Plan last month that identified 29 cross-border initiatives the two countries have agreed to address. In addition to agreeing to address concerns raised by the pharmaceutical and agriculture industries, the council has agreed to work on a wide range of issues aimed at benefiting trucking, transportation…