OTA calls for tax holiday, new truck incentives for 2009 budget

TORONTO -- A economic stimulus package to cure Ontario's ailing economy needs to include both infrastructure spending as well as incentives that would help truckers investing on new equipment again.

DTOPS contingency plan in place to avoid border delays: CTA

OTTAWA -- The Canadian Trucking Alliance says it's struck a deal with U.S. Customs that would avoid any major border delays caused by carriers trying to renew transponder technology used to pay for US border crossing fees.

Wide-base tire weights harmonized with duals in Ont

TORONTO -- The government of Ontario has finally allowed full parity between new generation wide-base single tires and a set of duals.

US regulators pass ‘roadability’ container chassis rule

ARLINGTON, Va. - The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration released final regulations for the "roadability" of container chassis.

FMCSA toughens new entry standards

WASHINGTON -- A new rule to place stricter safety requirements on all newly registered trucking and bus companies has been introduce by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Border guards ramp up certification for firewood

SEATTLE, Wash. -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection continually inspects loads of firewood heading from Canada to the U.S. to prevent the entry of unwanted guests - the six-legged variety.

Michigan exempts truckers and auto parts sector from state tax

TORONTO -- It was a long, hard fight, but Ontario trucking companies will not have to pony up extra funds to cover the punitive Michigan Business Tax (MBT).

GPS to be used in US HOS enforcement

WASHINGTON -- The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has rescinded a policy barring use of GPS records to verify compliance with the hours of service rules.

Talk softly and carry a big TWIC

WASHINGTON -- Starting today, 18 additional U.S. ports will begin enforcing the biometric Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) security card.

Manitoba IDs steps to enhanced drivers licence

WINNIPEG -- Manitoba is introducing an enhanced identification card (EIC) as a less expensive alternative to a passport that will permit entry to the U.S. by land or water.

Obama halts Bush-era rules, including EOBRs

WASHINGTON -- Just hours after taking office, US President Barack Obama switched the red light on a list of rules until they can be reviewed by his own incoming staff, including a rule requiring at least some trucking carriers (perhaps most) to install electronic onboard recorders (EOBRs).

EPA greenlights CARB reefer rules

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The Golden State has received a waiver from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that allows the state to enforce emissions regulations on truck and trailer refrigeration units.

Feds propose big infrastructure spending in budget

OTTAWA -- There was no shortage of critics commenting on the budget released by the federal government on Jan. 27, but the Canadian Trucking Alliance wasn't one of them.

NS next in line to take LCVs for a spin

HALIFAX -- Permits allowing two Atlantic trucking companies to run long combination vehicles (LCVs) in Nova Scotia promises to save the fleets money and make them more energy efficient, the government says.

Cross-border operations get a little leniency

OTTAWA -- Two recent, and unrelated, developments in agriculture labeling and trailer usage will offer cross-border carriers a bit of breathing room on ever-tightening regulations.