“In the past 12 months, fleet executives have seen a surge in maintenance costs, and a lot of that is due to the upkeep of older vehicles, unscheduled repairs and preventative service. “Making sure that you’re identifying the opportune time to be cycling vehicles is really important,” he told Fleet Owner. “Unscheduled maintenance events for… Continue reading Rising maintenance costs: How fleets can keep their bottom line in check

New Jersey has gotten more aggressive about idling, with various local and state level campaigns and laws to deter drivers from wasting fuel and creating unnecessary emissions.   The state’s anti-idling law, which has been on the books since the early ’70s, limits engine idling for diesel- and gas-powered vehicles to three minutes, with some exceptions. Violations… Continue reading NJ Fining Vehicles up to $1,000 for Idling

“Rand McNally today released the 2016 edition of its #1-selling trucker’s atlas, the Motor Carriers’ Road Atlas. The printed atlas, first published in the early 1980s during the period of trucking deregulation, has served over-the-road professional drivers for more than 30 years. “The Motor Carriers’ Road Atlas continues to be the trusted reference and essential… Continue reading Rand McNally Publishes 35th Edition of Atlas for Commercial Drivers

“The Obama administration proposed new rules on Friday to slash greenhouse gas emissions from heavy, long-haul trucks, a move to attack climate change that prompted a wary response from industry groups worried about the costs. “The complex proposal from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency would apply to 18-wheel tractor-trailers, buses, delivery vans, beefy heavy-duty pickup… Continue reading U.S. proposes tighter emission standards for big trucks

“When it comes to moving large amounts of freight from one part of a country to another, companies usually have to choose between road or rail. “Both have their advantages and disadvantages: trains can carry a huge amount of freight, can be powered entirely by electricity, but aren’t practical for final-mile deliveries. Trucks on the other… Continue reading Scania Starts Trials of Electric Trucks Fed by Overhead Power Lines in Sweden

“You could soon share the road with trucks driven by robot drivers — sooner than you think — and that is going to mean big changes for the U.S. economy.  “The Central North American Trade Corridor Association has proposed a robot truck corridor crossing Canada, the U.S. and Mexico and has launched an initiative to implement this on Route… Continue reading Self-Driving Trucks to Revolutionize Industry, Juice U.S. Economy

“The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) and its members last week thanked the U.S. House of Representatives for voting to stop the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) from arbitrarily raising financial requirements for commercial truck fleets. “In a bipartisan vote late last week, the House struck down an amendment seeking to remove a provision… Continue reading OOIDA Lauds Lawmakers for Halting Arbitrary Trucking Insurance Hikes

“The U.S. DOT’s Federal Highway Administration believes there’s no need to increase current truck size and weight limits on America’s highways. The administration, in technical reports issued Friday, June 5, says too many gaps exist in current data about safety and other factors to recommend any changes to current limits. OOIDA leadership is pleased with… Continue reading Federal study recommends no changes to truck size and weight

“Last week, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) the latest step in its research efforts to develop technology that would make motor vehicles inoperative if drivers are determined to be impaired by alcohol – technology that is being aimed at commercial fleets as well. “For starters, NHTSA’s own research shows that truck drivers are… Continue reading Using technology to put impaired drivers on ice — Be Safe Out There