P.M. Executive Briefing - Mar. 2
This Afternoon's Headlines:
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Key Oil Ministers Will Recommend Increasing Output
The Associated Press reported that the Saudi Arabian, Venezuelan, and Mexican oil ministers announced in London today that production hikes are needed to lower worldwide oil prices. The three countries spearheaded the effort to reduce production last year.Details will be reached at the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries meeting March 27; although not an OPEC member, Mexico will follow the organization's decision. Kuwait also said yesterday it will support OPEC's decision and it backs efforts to keep the oil market stable. TruckingInfo.com (03/02/00)
EPA Posts Review of Diesel-Emissions Study
The Clear Air Science Advisory Committee released its review of the Environmental Protection Agency diesel-emissions riskssessment, with attention paid to concerns about the integrity of the evidence on which the study was based. The review can be found at www.epa.gov/sab/casa0004.pdf. eTrucker.net (03/02/00)
No Moves From Feds, Province on Gas Tax Cuts
Ontario Premier Mike Harris said he doubts that cutting the C$0.147-per-liter provincial gas tax will help lower pump prices, although the government is still considering the proposal.Consumer Minster Bob Runciman requested that the government gas task force give its report the end of this month or beginning of next month instead of waiting until June, when its report is scheduled.
The new National Truckers Association requested a temporary suspension of the C$0.04-per-liter federal tax, but received no promises from federal officials, who pointed to higher provincial fuel taxes and said they should talk with the provinces as well.
In order to resolve truckers' five-day protest over rising diesel fuel prices, Economic Development Minister Al Palladini vowed to set up meetings between the drivers and the federal government, oil companies, and shippers. Shortages at some filling stations are coming to an end now that the truckers are no longer blocking Toronto-area oil distribution outlets. London (Ontario) Free Press (03/02/00) P. A9
Illinois Auto Acquires Intermodal Depot
Illinois Auto Electric, one of the major suppliers in the service of refrigeration equipment, generators, and full-service trailer, container, and chassis repair, has acquired an intermodal depot in Chicago called National Repair Group. NRG occupies 21 acres next to Illinois Auto Central and is less than seven miles from most the major rail intermodal sites.According to general manager Rich Esler, the company steam cleans containers in between loads, inspects containers and equipment, and does necessary repairs in addition to performing container chassis, genset, and reefer work.
With its container handling equipment, NRG can stack standard containers six high; it services about 400 dry and 200 refrigerated containers a week. The only type of equipment NRG does not service is chemical tankers. It is beginning to reach out to international steamship lines, which are coming to dominate Chicago's intermodal traffic.
The adjacent Illinois Auto has been a truck equipment supplier for more than 40 years, and it repairs trailers and installs and services Qualcomm satellite systems, operating around the clock with 26 technicians on staff. Refrigerated Transporter (02/00) Vol. 37, No. 9; P. 61
Trucks Hauled Off Highway
A February spot check of 255 trucks in the St. Maurice, Quebec, area put 19 out of service for major mechanical defects and found minor mechanical problems in 34 of the 91 given strict inspections, while 167 of the trucks – 65% – were up to regulatory standards.Quebec Trucking Association communications director Pierre Charrette said there needs to be more inspectors and that weigh stations should be open more often; all trucks get the blame for road wear caused by overweight trucks, he said. Canada's transport minister last year vowed to add 125 truck inspectors to the current 257, and 50 will begin training in April.
Most of the vehicles in the two-day check last month were log haulers. In standard truck inspections, 21% of Quebec trucks have failed to live up to standards, compared with a 23.5% average for Canada. Montreal Gazette (03/02/00) P. A5; Moore, Lynn
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