A.M. Executive Briefing - May 25
This Morning's Headlines:
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US, Canada Diverge on Driver-Hour Rules
While Canada and the United States have progressed toward compatible rules on electronic clearance and fitness requirements, they are disagreeing on the question of hours-of-service rules.It would seem to be a good idea to harmonize the countries' HOS rules, since trucks handle over 70% of trade between them. Scientific studies, have convinced government authorities in both Canada and the United States that drivers require seven or eight hours of sleep, but authorities say, with eight hours off, drivers are only getting about five hours of sleep.
Iveco Has Designs on a Bigger Presence
Giancarlo Boschetti, the chief executive of Iveco, says his company will head off on course to become one of the world's top-five truck manufacturers by way of either joint ventures or alliances.Iveco, the highly profitable commercial vehicle arm of Fiat, is one of the leading manufacturers of light commercial vehicles but it needs to expand its presence in medium trucks. Fiat is rumored to have approached German industrial group MAN and possibly Navistar of the United States.
In addition to bolstering its medium and large truck presence, Iveco plans to augment its automotive service offering, which deals with finance leasing, contract hire, and vehicle rental. Financial Times (05/25/00) P. 35; Burt, Tim
Rising Estimates for Wilson Bridge Replacement May Divert Heavy Trucks
A recent jump in the cost estimate for a revamp of the big Wilson Bridge outside Washington, D.C., connecting Maryland and Virginia across the Potomac River, has thrown the project's schedule in doubt and could jeopardize future truck traffic on that congested artery.The Washington Post reported that the new estimate of $2.5 billion, which adds about half a billion to earlier estimates, has governors of both states pushing for more federal help and to pin down all funding before work begins on the Interstate 95 span.
It was to start this year, and if it does not it could miss a projected 2004 completion target. After that, engineers have said they may need to keep heavy trucks off this key link in East Coast transportation. Transport Topics staff
Van Seumeren to Buy Group's Mammoet Unit
Dutch company Van Seumeren, which specializes in offshore, infrastructure, and petrochemical heavyweight crane transportation, will buy the Royal Nedlloyd Group's Mammoet Group, which specializes in the shipment of heavy cargoes, ferry operations, and truck operations in the United States, Asia, and Europe, for $100 million. The new combined company is expected to post annual sales of $270 million.Mammoet Chief Executive Frits van Riet, who will serve as COO of the combined company, said he does not expect any of the 1,400 Mammoet employees to be laid off. Journal of Commerce (05/25/00) P. 10; Lowe, Alexandra Penrhyn
Compiled by Transport Topics staff and INFORMATION, INC. © 2000
