Safety

When will the trucking industry, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the critics of the industry come to the realization that there never will be one set of rules that fits all types of trucking operations or satisfies every proponent and opponent?

U.S. Class 8 truck sales in October were 29.6% lower than year-ago levels, marking the 10th straight month this year that sales have trailed 2008’s results, according to data from WardsAuto.com.

Security experts say cargo thieves are becoming more selective and organized, which is resulting in a more substantial average loss per incident. Now, fleets are fighting back with anti-theft devices, diligent drivers and increased collaboration.

WASHINGTON — The nation’s top transportation safety investigator said all commercial trucks should be outfitted with electronic onboard recorders to monitor driver hours.

Commissioners with the Port of Long Beach, Calif., gave preliminary approval last week to a new drayage truck registration process, the first step toward meeting the obligations of their out-of-court settlement with American Trucking Associations.

Federal and California environmental regulators have certified 2010 engines of AB Volvo’s two North American brands — Volvo and Mack — the companies said Nov. 16. They are the first engine manufacturers to gain official approval.

The House Transportation Committee last week approved a bill that would prohibit the transport of flammable liquids in unprotected product piping on new cargo tankers in two years and in existing tankers by the end of 2025.

Americans’ automobile travel of more than 50 miles from home will increase Thanksgiving weekend by 2.1% from last year, the motorists’ group AAA said.

When large, corporate-owned fleets such as U.S. Foodservice and Wal-Mart Transportation were pressured by their owners to meet environmental sustainability goals even during the current faltering economy, it made the news.