Transportation
U.S. Issues Electronic Stability Control Mandate for Trucks
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Transportation Department's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on Wednesday it has finalized rules requiring electronic stability control (ESC) systems on new commercial trucks and large buses. The regulations require the systems on Class 6-8 trucks plus large buses exceeding 26,000 pounds in gross weight. Compliance will be evaluated using a "j-turn" test that replicates a curved highway off-ramp. The rules will take effect for most heavy trucks two years from publication of the regulations while some of the largest buses will have longer to comply. Canada is expected to adopt similar regulations.
North American Class 8 Orders Drop, Medium Duty Rebounds
BLOOMINGTON, IN and COLUMBUS, IN -- Two new reports show North American Class 8 truck orders in May declined to their lowest level since September 2013. The freight transportation forecasting firm FTR released preliminary data showing May net orders totaled 19,714 units, an 11% month-over-month decline and 23% lower than a year ago.
Time to Get Ready for the Big Trucking Inspection Blitz
It's that time of the year to make sure every truck along with driver paperwork is in order because those who don't could be sidelined and forced to shell out hundreds if not thousands of dollars.The 28th annual, three-day International Roadcheck 2015 is set for June 2-4, when approximately 10,000, local, provincial, state and federal inspectors in jurisdictions across North America fan out for roadside inspections. The event is organized by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), in cooperation federal governments in Canada, U.S. and Mexico. Inspectors will primarily be conducting the North American Standard Level I Inspection, the most thorough roadside inspection, that's a 37-step procedure that includes an examination of both the driver and vehicle.
Avoid Fines, Penalties This Week: Secure Your Cargo
Not having your cargo properly secured could lead to a world of problems, more so than usual, as truck inspectors across North American are gearing up to hit the highways throughout North America. June 2-4 is the annual, three-day truck inspection marathon known as International Road Check, when 10,000 truck inspectors will be out in full force, handing out fines and placing trucks and drivers out-of-service for safety violations.In addition to performing a high number of the tough Level I inspections, where they thoroughly scrutinize both the driver and their tractor-trailer, they will be putting a special emphasis on checking cargo securement.
