ELD violations won’t mean CSA points

TORONTO, ON - Carriers that operate across the border don't have to fear for their Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) scores if they are not compliant with the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate before the Dec. 18 deadline. Federal Officials in the United States are confirming that drivers who are cited roadside for non-compliance before April 1, 2018 will be issued a "no points cite" which won't affect the driver or carrier in the CSA system, reports Heavy Duty Trucking.

TFI encouraged by U.S. truckload gains

MONTREAL, QC - TFI International believes recent improvements in the U.S. truckload market will allow it to increase contract renewal rates through 2018.

Teamsters back proposed regs for port drivers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Teamsters are standing behind two bills introduced this week in the United States designed to make jobs safer and more equitable for drivers working in major U.S. Ports. The bills, called the Clean Ports Act of 2017 and the Port Drivers' Bill of Rights, are being introduced by representatives Grace Napolitano (D-Calif.) and Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) after a USA Today report in June found clean air regulations banning older model vehicles for drivers working in ports were creating an environment of indentured servitude for drivers. Drivers were being forced to sign what the bills call exploitive truck lease or rental agreements.

Trucking groups call for updated NAFTA

OTTAWA, ON - Three of North America's largest trucking associations - the Canadian Trucking Alliance, American Trucking Associations, and Mexico's CANACAR - have come to the defence of the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Analysts: Participating in politics is crucial

MISSISSAUGA, ON - Engagement in the political process at a grassroots level is key to making headway on industry issues, experts are saying. This morning panelists at the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) breakfast meeting titled "Bridging Border Barriers" said fleets and drivers aren't engaged enough in lobbying efforts at home and in the United States. With the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on everyone's minds, the industry analysts said now more than ever engagement from the bottom up is crucial to having a say in the issues that will shape the future of trucking. President of the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA), David Bradley, said keeping members engaged, is a constant challenge faced by trade associations on both sides of the border. "I think at some point the carriers will become engaged, but I don't think we're engaged enough," he said. "If everybody does one thing, once a year, that helps." Bradley says it's not always enough to send executives and lobbyists to speak with legislators, because they don't own and drive the trucks. The stories need to be told by those on the road.

Teamsters applaud NAFTA progress; talks extended

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Policy teams representing the Teamsters Union from the United States and Canada on hand during the fourth round of NAFTA renegotiations this week are applauding the decision to fix the NAFTA cross-border trucking provision. The priorities of the union representing 1.4 million workers in North America, included highway safety, dairy supply management, and worker rights. Also on the table during this round were key discussions regarding the auto sector and manufacturing, and trade disputes. Teamsters general president Jim Hoffa said independent truckers and highway safety advocates will be pleased with the U.S. position on cross-border services. "The [United States Trade Representative's] approach is a creative solution to this long-standing controversy," he said. "I am satisfied that the U.S. position will permit Congress and the Dept. of Transportation to safeguard the livelihoods of American truck drivers and the personal safety of American families on U.S. highways under NAFTA 2.0." Teamsters Canada President François Laporte said Canadian Member of Parliament (MP) and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chrystia Freeland, and Canadian negotiators have a progressive, pro-worker approach to the talks.

Trump stumps to truckers on taxes

HARRISBURG, PA - The American Trucking Associations (ATA) was on-hand in Pennsylvania this week to support President Trump in calling on the United States congress to ease the corporate tax burden on the trucking industry. ATA president and CEO Chris Spear said the group supports the President's plan to reform the U.S. tax code and hopefully have it passed into law by the end of 2017.

New Ambassador Bridge good for trade: CTA

OTTAWA, ON - The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) applauded the Canadian government for issuing the permits required for the Ambassador Bridge expansion project to continue. The Detroit International Bridge Company, building a privately-funded six-lane crossing to replace the current, 87-year-old, Ambassador Bridge, announced the granting of the permits earlier this week. The current bridge will come down once the new one is in place.

Run on Less tour begins

NEW YORK, NY - The Run on Less tour that will see seven freight-hauling trucks participate in a three-week test of fuel efficiency is underway.

Cummins denounces DACA decision

COLUMBUS, IN - Cummins chairman and CEO Tom Linebarger has denounced the Trump administration's decision to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) initiative in the United States.

Ambassador Bridge expansion gets Canadian permits

WINDSOR, ON – Canada has issued the final permit needed for the Ambassador Bridge expansion project to continue. Matthew Moroun, with the Detroit International Bridge company, says the permit allows…

Daimler donates to help Harvey victims

HOUSTON, TX - Daimler AG has donated $1 million to the American Red Cross to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey. The German automaker and its United States-based subsidiaries, including Daimler Trucks North America, Mercedes-Benz USA, Mercedes-Benz US International, and Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, announced the donation to help those caught-up in the catastrophic storm, today

RFP deadline extended for Gordie Howe bridge

WINDSOR, ON - After a review of their public-private partnership procurement process, the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) announced today they are extending their request for proposals (RFP) period for the Gordie Howe International Bridge project.

Out of service not enforceable until April on ELD’s

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) is pushing back enforcement on the out-of-service criteria for the new Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate in the United States. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) new congressionally mandated ELD regulations will still take effect on Dec. 18, 2017 as planned, and will still be enforceable from that date, however the CVSA announced this morning that inspectors will not be putting vehicles out of service until April 1, 2018. Until the April 1 deadline inspectors will be noting violations and roadside inspection reports, and issuing citations to drivers at the inspector's discretion. The announcement will not affect the enforcement of out-of-service criteria for Hours of Service.

ACI turnaround option extended until Dec. 31

OTTAWA, ON - The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) is extending the turnaround option for drivers that arrive at the border without their advance commercial information (ACI) form until the end of the year. Recurring delays and outages at the border caused CBSA to make the exception on a 90-day basis back in May. Outages have continued, resulting in the policy being extended until Dec. 31, 2017.