Safety

The biodiesel industry was at a virtual standstill last week, despite an assurance by two Senate leaders they will introduce legislation “as soon as possible” to reinstate the tax credit that expired on Dec. 31.

American Trucking Associations announced last week it has promoted two officials in its policy and legal departments.

Automated vehicle tracking is now accessible to more fleets than ever before, as providers pack the technology into small — but powerful — hardware. However, economic and regulatory concerns are keeping older systems firmly entrenched in the trucking industry.

Truck driver Michael Hunt received the 2009 Highway Angel of the Year trophy from the Truckload Carriers Association on Dec. 30 before about 30,000 people at a college football bowl game in Boise, Idaho.

Cummins Inc. said Friday it has received U.S. Environmental Protection Agency certification for its heavy-duty and midrange 2010 engines — the heavy-duty big-bore ISX15 and midrange ISB6.7, ISC8.3 and ISL9 units.

Patriot Transportation Holding said its transportation group has been unsuccessful in renewing contracts with major customers who accounted for $10 million in revenue last year, or 11% of its total.

As part of its Comprehensive Safety Analysis 2010 program, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is introducing its new record-keeping system known as SMS, or safety management system.

Diesel exhaust fluid, the additive that most 2010 trucks will need to run, will be available at about 2,800 locations in the United States and Canada by January, ramping up to more than 5,000 by the end of the year, a spokeswoman for the North American SCR Stakeholders Group said.

Florida officials have temporarily eased trucking size and weight restrictions to help ease agricultural hardships related to unusually cold temperatures that are threatening the state’s produce industry.