Insufficient Route Planning, Escort Failure to Blame For Skagit River Bridge Failure, Investigation Finds
Insufficient motor carrier route planning, a failure by a pilot/escort to warn of potential hazards and inadequate evaluation of oversize load permit requests by state officials were the probable causes of an oversize truck strike that brought down the Interstate 5 Skagit River Bridge in Washington state, according to a final investigation report of the National Transportation Safety Board.
August 8, 2014Daily Briefings from Transport Topics
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Federal Judge Dismisses ATA Class-Action Toll Revenue Lawsuit
A federal judge in New York on Aug. 6 dismissed a class-action lawsuit filed last year by American Trucking Associations alleging that the New York State Thruway Authority is improperly spending more than a billion dollars in toll revenue on maintenance and improvements on the state’s mostly recreational canal system.
August 7, 2014Jobless Claims Fall as Average at Eight-Year Low
Fewer Americans filed applications for unemployment benefits last week, sending the average over the past month to an eight-year low, a sign the labor market continues to gain momentum.
August 7, 2014Researcher ‘Debunks’ Report Claiming Heavier Trucks Cause More Accidents, ATA Says
American Trucking Associations said a leading transportation researcher has debunked a recent report claiming trucks carrying heavier loads cause more accidents and fatalities.
July 30, 2014Coolants Require Check-Ups to Maximize Engine Life
Although some fleets and truck makers are turning to extended-life coolants because they are said to lower engine heat and maintenance costs, they still require regular checkups just as conventional coolants do, suppliers said.
July 28, 2014Truck Border Crossings Rise to 10.8 Million in 2013
Commercial truck crossings into the United States from Mexico and Canada increased 1.1% to 10.8 million in 2013, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
July 25, 2014Intermodal Rail Traffic Rises 5.6% for Week
U.S. rail intermodal traffic increased 5.6% in the week ended July 19 compared with the same week last year, the Association of American Railroads reported.
July 25, 2014Senate Panel to Examine Truck Safety July 29
Safety concerns stemming from several recent truck accidents have prompted Senate transportation leaders to schedule a hearing July 29 to press regulators about their initiatives for improving highway safety.
July 24, 2014Jobless Claims Decrease to Eight-Year Low
The number of Americans filing applications for unemployment benefits dropped last week to the lowest level in more than eight years.
July 24, 2014Ryder’s Second-Quarter Net Income Rises
Ryder System said its second-quarter earnings rose from a year ago, as its fleet management and supply chain units revenue increased.
July 23, 2014