P.M. Executive Briefing - June 8
This Afternoon's Headlines:
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Battle Over Simon Transportation Heats Up as Moyes Makes Bid
The battle for control of Simon Transportation Services escalated this week, with the Simon and Moyes families dueling for control of the truckload, refrigerated carrier.Jerry C. Moyes, acting as an individual and not in his role as chairman of Swift Transportation Co. of Phoenix, sent out "Dear Fellow Stockholder" letters to the other Simon shareholders. It was part of a "consent solicitation" to gain control of Simon’s board of directors. The letter was made public today.
The Simon filing notes that Moyes is trying to takeover the company without rewarding shareholders with a proper "premium" for control.
On June 7, Simon stock closed on Nasdaq at $5.69 a share, or $1.31 below the Moyes tender offer price. Jonathan S. Reiskin, Transport Topics
Drowsy Truckers Use Mandatory W. Va. Brake Stop to Snooze
The state of West Virginia opened a mandatory stop along Interstate 68 on Cheat Mountain in November to give truckers a place to check their brakes before descending the 7% grade. But many truckers are having a hard time finding a spot to do so, because the stop is often crowded with trucks whose drivers are sleeping.The state police cannot order the drivers to move along, since the stop is outside the interstate and there are no signs prohibiting sleeping. To fix this problem, the Division of Highways is giving the state police the authority to move the drivers along and posting no-sleeping signs. Associated Press (06/08/00)
Colorado Slashes Sales Tax on Trucks, Parts
A state sales tax reduction from 3% to .01% on new and used big rigs and parts will take effect on July 1, 2001 in Colorado.The reduction was part of a sweeping tax reduction bill signed into law by Gov. Bill Owens on May 31. The law also trims the state's general sales tax from 3% to 2.9% as of Jan. 1. In April the Colorado Senate amended the House bill to include the larger reduction of the sales tax rate on commercial trucks exceeding 26,000 pounds. Transport Topics staff
Medical Center at Illinois Truck Stop Popular With Truckers
The Artel Medical Center, one of the eight truck-stop medical clinics in the United States, offers medical care to truckers for $45 a visit at the Gateway Midstate Truck Plaza along Illinois 203.According to the clinic's manager, physician assistant Josie Zuckerman, many truck drivers have too little health insurance, and even those with the best health plans are frequently not in their plans' coverage areas when on the road.
The clinic, which opened last year, also offers medications for $5 to $10. Truckers say the clinic is also convenient for them, since they do not have to try to get to a doctor during their time at home. Belleville (Ill.) News-Democrat (06/08/00)
Ontario to Enforce Reflective Tape on Trailers
Starting June 1, trailers made after December 1, 1993, and greater than 6.5 feet in total width and four tons in GVW have to have reflective tape in Ontario – although there is a six-month education period. Starting on the first day of 2002, older trailers will also have to conform. Land Line Magazine Online (06/08/00)State Police Agencies Hail Highway Watch Program
The Highway Watch program, originally started in Colorado and now operating in Florida and Minnesota, has drawn praise from police departments because it trains truck drivers who volunteer for the program on how to report road hazards and dangerous drivers to police using their cell phones.The Oregon Trucking Associations plans to join Highway Watch program in July – with about 40 truckers signed up – and similar programs exist in Virginia and Pennsylvania.
According to Colorado State Patrol Capt. Keith Dameron, truckers gave up trying to report traffic problems before the Highway Watch program was adopted because dispatchers were not receptive. Now, the drivers in the program have an identification number to give to dispatchers.
Florida Highway Patrol spokesman Capt. David Tripp said truck drivers are better reporters than most motorists since truckers are frequently able to give precise locations, including the milepost number.
As far as reporting on reckless truck drivers, American Trucking Associations spokesman Mike Russell said truckers would probably be the first to report them in order to keep the reputation of all truckers from being soiled. There are about 400 trained truck drivers now participating in Highway Watch. APBnews.com (06/07/00); Wang, Robert
Compiled by Transport Topics staff and INFORMATION, INC. © 2000
