Federal law does not supersede California law, DOT tells appeals court

Federal law does not supersede California law, DOT tells appeals court

Appearing before the U.S. Ninth Circuit Appeals Court in early March, the U.S. DOT testified that federal preemption does not prevent California’s meal-and-rest regulations from applying to truck drivers. “The California law is squarely within the states’ traditional power to regulate the employment relationship and to protect worker health and safety. Moreover, it is a…

Trucking industry circles the wagons on tolls

Trucking industry circles the wagons on tolls

With the U.S. Highway Trust Fund heading toward insolvency, Congress and the trucking industry are lining up on opposite sides of a battle over tolls on American interstate highways. The Alliance for Toll-Free Interstates (AFTI) is an anti-tolling group that includes trucking industry members FedEx, UPS, Old Dominion, the American Trucking Associations, all 50 state…

President calls for tougher fuel standards by 2016

President calls for tougher fuel standards by 2016

President Barack Obama recently directed his administration to issue the next round of fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas standards for medium to heavy-duty vehicles by March 2016. Obama said the action would benefit the economy through lower consumer costs and the development of new technologies. The new standards will mean “thousands of dollars in savings…

Mexican truckers seek $30 billion for alleged non-compliance with NAFTA

Mexican truckers seek $30 billion for alleged non-compliance with NAFTA

A Mexican trucking trade association has filed for arbitration against the U.S. seeking $30 billion for non-compliance with the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) by not fully opening its borders for truck trade. Mexico’s CANACAR transport association says 30,000 Mexican truckers have been affected by the closed border and have signed onto the group’s…

FMCSA proposes drug and alcohol clearinghouse

FMCSA proposes drug and alcohol clearinghouse

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently announced a proposed rule to establish a drug and alcohol clearinghouse for all CDL holders. FMCSA says the clearinghouse would help improve roadway safety by making it easier to determine whether a truck or bus driver is prohibited from operating a commercial motor vehicle for failing to comply…

Three bills aim to increase use of natural gas in trucking

Three bills aim to increase use of natural gas in trucking

Two Midwestern congressmen have introduced legislation that would make it easier for long haul truckers to use natural gas as a fuel. Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO) and Rep. Lee Terry (R-NE) recently introduced a trio of bills they say will make long haul trucking safer, more convenient and more cost effective. The three bills would…

Customs facility funding may slow Canadian bridge project

Customs facility funding may slow Canadian bridge project

A new International Trade Crossing (ITC) bridge connecting Ontario to Michigan could be delayed if the U.S. government does not come up with funding for a new U.S. customs facility. The Canadian government is prepared to spend $2.1 billion for the new crossing but a $325 million customs facility on the U.S. side of the border may…