eTrucking Business

South Dakota lawmakers know that drivers want better roads and increased capacity on state and local roadways. But they don’t know what residents are willing to pay to help build and maintain highways.

With the state in need of more than $240 million a year for road funding, the Joint Transportation Committee is looking at multiple options to help bridge the gap.

One proposal being discussed by the interim panel would increase the state’s fuel tax by 10 cents per gallon. Boosting the current rate from 22 cents per gallon to 32 cents would generate $57 million for the state’s transportation system.

Other options being floated include doubling the annual vehicle registration fee to raise $62 million and increasing the excise tax on vehicles sales by 1 percent to raise $19 million.

Committee members want to get feedback from residents on the options before meeting again Oct. 13 and Oct. 14. At that time, the panel will finalize its recommendations of increases for consideration during the 2010 regular session.

Contact information for members of the Joint Transportation Committee is available here.

Critics of the fuel tax increase say the price at the pump already is too high. They would prefer lawmakers look elsewhere for money. Others are concerned that charging more to license vehicles is too big a blow to consumers.

Advocates for the tax increases say the state is in a no-win situation that lawmakers are trying to figure out how to get out of. Like it or not, something must be done now or roads are going to go from bad to worse. They say that waiting will only make the funding problem worse.

To view other legislative activities of interest for South Dakota in 2009, click here.

– By Keith Goble, state legislative editor

Editor’s Note: Please share your thoughts with us about the legislation included in this story. Comments may be sent to statelegislativedesk@ooida.com.

A new law now in effect in Connecticut ends the state’s distinction of being one of the few remaining holdouts from states that require drivers to make room for emergency workers and law enforcement officers.

On Oct. 1, drivers traveling through the Constitution State are required to maintain a safe distance and reduce speed before passing emergency crews, law enforcement, maintenance vehicles and tow trucks parked by the road with lights flashing. Drivers are required to merge into a lane farther away from the designated vehicles, if practical.

The so-called “move over” initiative is designed to protect police and other emergency personnel during roadside stops.

Signs are being posted at entrances into the state to alert drivers of the new law. For a short period, the Connecticut State Police will issue warnings to travelers who do not follow the new rule. After that, offenders would face $92 fines. If injury or death to the emergency vehicle operator occurs, fines would escalate to $2,500 and $10,000, respectively.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, more than 40 states have implemented similar safety zone rules.

Another new rule now in effect in Connecticut is intended to make sure new drivers are ready to make the grade on roadways. Any 16- or 17-year-old prospective driver must pass the “DMV final exam” before gaining their license. It is separate from the 25-question test that teens already must pass when they are trying to obtain a learner’s permit.

To view other legislative activities of interest for Connecticut in 2009, click here.

– By Keith Goble, state legislative editor

Editor’s Note: Please share your thoughts with us about the legislation included in this story. Comments may be sent to statelegislativedesk@ooida.com.

Trucking in Massachusetts is getting some attention at the statehouse as bills are drawing consideration to offer an incentive to reduce truck idling and modify the state’s idling restriction.

The Joint Committee on Transportation is looking at increasing the maximum gross vehicle, bridge formula, and axle weight limits for large trucks equipped with idle-reduction technology. Sponsored by Rep. Theodore Speliotis, D-Danvers, the bill – H3334 – would authorize trucks equipped with auxiliary power units to weigh up to an additional 400 pounds.

Supporters say the weight exception removes the disincentive that otherwise would keep truckers from using APUs. They say a reduction of 400 pounds in cargo is a major loss in hauling potential and represents an economic disincentive for using these units.

States were granted federal authority in 2005 to allow heavy-duty trucks to exceed the 80,000-pound maximum weight limit to encourage the use of idling-reduction equipment.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association has long advocated adoption of the 400-pound exemption.

“It was the intent of Congress that the 400-pound exemption become law in all states,” Joe Rajkovacz, OOIDA’s regulatory affairs specialist told Land Line. “The Association supports the exemption as reasonable because it’s another inducement to install an APU onto your truck.”

About 35 states already offer an incentive to reduce truck idling. States to add the provision this year include Arizona, Maine and Virginia. And a Florida lawmaker has prefiled a bill for consideration during the 2010 regular session to adopt the provision.

The Massachusetts transportation panel also is considering a bill that would modify the state’s idling rule. In most instances, drivers idling their trucks while sleeping or resting would be exempt from the rule.

Massachusetts law now limits idling to no more than five minutes per hour.

Sponsored by Rep. Paul Kujawski, D-Webster, the bill – H3641 – includes a provision that is intended to limit idling while trucks wait to load or unload. Owners of locations served by trucks would be prohibited from causing vehicles to idle for more than 30 minutes while waiting to do business at the location.

The owner or operator of trucks, as well as the owners of locations served by trucks that are found to be in violation, would face fines of at least $100, while repeat offenders would face fines up to $500.

Rajkovacz is encouraged to see there is more recognition that truck drivers do not control all of the reasons they would have to idle. He said motor carriers, shippers and receivers also warrant scrutiny.

“People need to be held accountable for the positions they put drivers in. Only then will you get meaningful change in behavior,” Rajkovacz said. “Drivers cannot be singly the only ones responsible. It is everybody’s responsibility in the supply chain.”

Exceptions would be included for situations when vehicles are stuck in traffic, required by law enforcement to stop, or when idling is necessary to operate defrosters, heaters, air conditioners or other equipment “solely to prevent a safety or health emergency” that is not part of a rest period.

During rest periods and while waiting to load or unload, idling would be allowed for air conditioning or heating purposes.

The bill also specifies that use of auxiliary power units, gen sets or other idle-reduction technologies to provide heat, air or electrical power as an alternative to idling is not included in the restriction.

One other bill of interest is intended to give people a heads up when trucks are backing up. The measure – H3157 – would require that commercial vehicles or trailers weighing more than 7,500 pounds be fitted with an audible warning system.

Violators would face $100 fines.

– By Keith Goble, state legislative editor

Editor’s Note: Please share your thoughts with us about the legislation included in this story. Comments may be sent to statelegislativedesk@ooida.com.

OOIDA’s DC staff has moved to a larger office near the Department of Transportation building, within walking distance of Capitol Hill. The new office is located in Suite 1050, 1100 New Jersey Ave. S.E., Washington, DC 20003.

The staff is composed of Rod Nofziger, director of government affairs; Mike Joyce, director of legislative affairs; Laura O’Neill, government affairs counsel; Melissa Theriault Rohan, government affairs associate; and Doug Morris, director of security.

The second annual Big Rig Expo comes to Tulsa, OK, Oct. 22-24.

Billed as the “last truck show of the year 2009,” it will give drivers and owner-operators a final opportunity to check out new equipment and services or new companies before 2010.

The show will feature a number of exhibitors and seminars as well as an invention contest and a talent contest where the winner will have a chance to record a song in Nashville, TN.

Educational seminars will take place on Friday and Saturday. They will be conducted by OOIDA, the Oklahoma Safety Management Council, the Oklahoma Trucking Association, and Women in Trucking.

Other attractions include the Four Aces Truck Competition, a golf tournament, live entertainment, a kids’ area and a Red Cross blood drive.

To get more details or to register for free admission, click here.

– By Kerry Evans-Spillman, Land Line staff
kerry_evans-spillman@landlinemag.com

Love’s No. 316 in Ormond Beach, FL, will offer “Fuel and Go” to truckers during Biketoberfest, Oct. 15-18.

Daytona Harley Davidson, which is a major participant in Biketoberfest, is also right next door to the Ormond Beach Love’s. Increased traffic volume for truckers waiting to fuel combined with the significant influx of cars, trucks and bikes during the event has in the past caused traffic jams to the point that the State Police have had to close the exit off Interstate 95/U.S. Highway 1.

To ensure truckers will still be able to fuel up and continue to use the exit, Love’s has advised there will be no long-term truck parking available at the Ormond Beach location during Biketoberfest.

A media advisory issued by Love’s says the company understands and apologizes for the inconvenience the temporary parking change causes for professional truck drivers. Therefore, the company is issuing advanced notice to help prepare drivers to make alternate plans for long-term parking that week.

The Ormond Beach Love’s implements a similar “Fuel and Go” policy during Bike Week in March.

Attention, hazmat haulers hauling into Canada: The federal transportation ministry no longer accepts a hazardous materials endorsement as the sole evidence that a driver has completed necessary training.

Additional proof is now required in the form of a certificate of training, according to Transport Canada. These certificates, obtained at the completion of required training, must be available to show to inspectors, said Transport Canada Spokeswoman Maryse Durette.

“Canadian legislation requires that a person who handles, offers for transport, or transports dangerous goods be adequately trained and hold a training certificate. Their training certificate is their proof of training and must be provided to an inspector upon request,” Durette told Land Line on Thursday, Oct. 1.

The requirements for U.S. drivers are set out in section 6.3 of Part 6 of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations. There is no change for Canadian drivers, who are already required to carry a document as described in section 6.4 of the regulation.

The new regulation has begun with a six-month awareness program, which will end in March when full enforcement takes effect.

“Some enforcement personnel and some in the trucking industry are under the impression that the hazmat endorsement on the back of the hazmat carriers’ driver’s license meets American requirements that are equivalent to Canadian training requirements,” Durette said.

“If they do, these are acceptable. However, since U.S. drivers’ licenses are administered state-by-state, some states’ endorsements meet the Canadian standards; others do not. Similarly to Canadian drivers, a driver must carry a document that states that the individual has been trained according to CFR 49, which is the equivalent training required by Canadian legislation.”

– By David Tanner, staff writer
david_tanner@landlinemag.com

OOIDA member and “Cure” convoy founder Rachèle Champagne is finalizing the remaining details before her event on Saturday, Oct. 3, in Cornwall, Ontario. She has managed most of the planning from the cab of her truck.

More than a year ago, Champagne said she had the idea of raising money for breast cancer research while driving down the road and talking to two of her friends, also truckers. Nearly 30 female drivers turned up for Champagne’s first-ever “Cure” convoy a year ago. 

Based on the reaction to Champagne’s initial convoy, this year three other female truck drivers were inspired to host a “Cure” convoy in October. Three will be in Canada and one in Dallas, TX.

“We are hoping to beat the number of trucks we had last year, so I want to encourage all of the female drivers who can make it to come out and raise money for this worthwhile cause,” Champagne told Land Line on Wednesday, Sept. 30.

A “Cure” convoy is set for Oct. 3 in Alberta, Canada, as well. The third convoy is scheduled for Oct. 17 in New Brunswick, and the final event will be hosted at “Willie’s Place” in Carl’s Corner, TX, on Oct. 24.  The three convoys in Canada are for female truckers only, while the U.S. convoy will also have a support convoy for male drivers as well.

Champagne said she is impressed with all of the organizers’ efforts so far. She is already involved in the planning stages for two more convoys in 2010.

“All of the organizers have done amazing jobs. I can’t say enough about them. They are so committed to raising money to fight breast cancer, which affects so many families,” she said.

– By Clarissa Kell-Holland, staff writer
clarissa_kell-holland@landlinemag.com

The Truckin’ for Kids Truck Drags Show and Shine, now in its 29th year, is Oct. 4 at the Toyota Speedway in Irwindale, CA. This isn’t just another truck show.

In addition to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International, which is the primary beneficiary, Truckin’ for Kids supports a number of other children’s charities and also has a scholarship fund. So far, the organization has raised more than half a million dollars for children in need.

Past shows have featured more than 250 trucks, and organizers expect at least that many this year. The excitement will include drag races, many classes of show trucks, and a Light the Lot contest.

Land Line Field Editor Suzanne Stempinski will be on the scene. Watch for her report on this Web site and in an upcoming issue of Land Line Magazine.

For additional details on this event, visit Truckin’ for Kids.

–  By Kerry Evans-Spillman, Land Line staff
kerry_evans-spillman@landlinemag.com