A.M. Executive Briefing - Sept. 29
This Morning's Headlines:
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Union Threatens to Disrupt Port
During a Tuesday rally outside a Port of Seattle terminal, Teamsters Local 174 secretary-treasurer Bob Hasegawa said the union will use "strategically targeted hits, surgical strikes" to press the port to help union organize the owner-operator port truckers, who the companies argue are independent contractors. The union also turned over demands including issues of pay and benefits for the truckers.The port heads say they are trying to cut down on the congestion that has sparked complaints from truckers. Already, port higher-ups have gotten together with terminals, carriers, and railroads regarding the congestion issue. Future meetings are already set. However, port spokesman Imbert Matthee says the port can play no part in the unionization issue. Seattle Post-Intelligencer Online (09/29/99) ; Nyhan, Paul
Mexico's TMM Heeds Customs, Vows All-Points Anti-Drug Effort
Transportacion Maritima Mexicana is going along with the wishes of U.S. Customs, which has been attempting to urge companies to beef up their own security to reduce drug smuggling. On Thursday, TMM Chairman Jose "Pepe" Serrano is to ink a deal with Customs higher-ups in which TMM will implement certain security measures in all its businesses, including the trucking operation it shares with J.B. Hunt Transport. TMM will also notify the U.S. of cargo that seems unusual, which pleases Customs since it wants better security measures on railroads. TMM is also to help lead the Business Anti-Smuggling Coalition. Journal of Commerce Online (09/29/99) ; McCosh, Daniel J.; Hall, Kevin G.Trucking Company Faces Charges
The president and two employees of Aulenback Trucking Company of Oxford County, Maine, could be sentenced to up to 12 years' incarceration if they are convicted on charges of perjury and conspiracy. It is charged that they did not obey orders forcing them to halt trucking if they did not fix safety infractions. ABC NewsWire (09/29/99)Transport Sees Q3 Revenue, Earns Shortfall
Transport Corp. of America is blaming its $1.7 million loss in the third quarter on troubles with a computer database that led to problems with roughly 2,000 loads. The company is also not going to meet projected earnings before taxes. The database problems were due to "upgrades in our logistics software" and should not happen again, according to a statement from President and Chief Operating Officer Robert Meyers. Reuters (09/29/99)Supporters of Tougher Trucking Rules to Testify in Senate
Today's Senate Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Subcommittee hearing will see six people speaking in support of changes in truck-safety requirements and additional money for enforcement. The only opponent of Sen. John McCain's legislative proposal to create a Motor Carrier Safety Administration is the Department of Transportation.The reason for the proposal to create the administration is a DOT inspector general report saying the Federal Highway Administration's enforcement was too lax. Speaking on behalf of the DOT today will be Federal Highway Administrator Kenneth Wykle; it is anticipated he will tell the subcommittee that the FHWA has added safety inspectors and otherwise increased enforcement.
Also likely to be discussed at the hearing are Mexican trucks outside the southern border zones, the American Trucking Associations' backing of better information gathering after truck accidents, and additional concerns of the ATA and the safety organization Public Citizen. Journal of Commerce Online (09/29/99) ; Watson, Rip
$1.8 Billion Border Plan Targets Roads
Texas Transportation Commissions Chairman David Laney on Monday in Laredo said $1.8 billion in state and federal monies would be forthcoming to lessen traffic congestion and improve Nafta trade movement. Different parts of the project will take place on the entire length of the border between Texas and Mexico. Among the roads to be affected are I-35, I-10, and U.S. routes 83, 77, and 281. Three state legislators applauded the announcement, but one said fixing the traffic problems would require additional funds. But, said the legislator, Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Laredo), "no doubt more money will follow" since the traffic problems have caught the eye of officials. San Antonio Express-News Online (09/28/99) ; Schiller, DaneCouple's Family Sues Over Highway Deaths
First Class Services Trucking, Northwest Pipe Co., and trucker Richard Sommerville have been sued by the children of a Nevada couple, Sandra Lee Vigil and Manuel Vigil II, who died Aug. 2 in an accident in California where large concrete pipes' restraining strap failed and caused the pipes to come off onto the couple's car. The suit alleges that the pipes were not correctly secured and that the trucker's blood alcohol content was above the "level of presumed intoxication for motor carriers." Las Vegas Sun Online (09/28/99) ; Gang, Bill© copyright 1999 INFORMATION, INC. Terms of Service
