10+2
update: Mitigation guidelines posted
Piracy update: Attacks still persist
United
States and Japan align cargo security programs
U.S. government works toward
improving safety
Upcoming Events
August 5-6
MATTECH 2009
Miami Beach, Fla.
August 20-23
Great American Truck Show
Dallas, Texas
September 20-23
CSCMP Conference
Chicago, Ill.
September 21-24
NAFTZ Annual
Addison, Texas
September 21-25
FIATA 2009
Geneva, Switzerland
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U.S.
government works toward improving safety
The U.S. government continues making changes
to stabilize the economy and improve safety. The changes
include: issuing new legislation for allowable stopping
distance, allocating stimulus funds for highway construction
projects and nominating Anne Ferro for the Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Administrator.
Final rule reduces allowable stopping distance for truck
tractors
Last week, the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration issued a final rule reducing the allowable
stopping distance by 30 percent.
Currently, class 8 trucks traveling 60 mph are required to
stop within 355 feet. The new legislation requires truck
tractors to stop within 250 feet when the vehicle is loaded
to its gross vehicle weight rating. When a truck tractor is
lightly loaded, it must stop within 235 feet. A number of
different brake technologies including, enhanced drum
brakes, air disc brakes or hybrid disc/drum systems are
expected to meet the new requirement.
On Aug. 1, 2011, three-axle tractors weighing less than
59,600 pounds must meet the new stopping distance
requirement. Tractors weighing 59,600 pounds or more and
two-axle tractors have until Aug. 1, 2013 to meet the
requirement.
The final rule will enhance safety and is believe to save
227 lives and prevent 300 serious injuries each year.
Projects set to use stimulus funds
Allocation of the $27.5 billion stimulus for highway and
bridge construction is well under way.
All states met the June deadline requiring them to sign
contracts for half of the construction work expected to use
stimulus funds.
According to Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.), chairman of the
House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, 4,366
projects worth more than 14 billion have been approved to
receive stimulus funding. In addition, contracts have been
signed for 2,294 projects and construction has started for
1,243 projects creating 21,000 jobs.
The stimulus money for highway projects is expected to
sustain or create 300,000 jobs by 2012.
FMCSA Administrator
President Obama nominated Anne Ferro for the Federal
Motor Carrier and Safety Administrator. Anne Ferro has years
of experience in the trucking industry as the current
president of the Maryland Motor Truck Association. Prior to
working for the MMTA, Ferro lead the Maryland Motor Vehicle
Administration.
Many leaders of the trucking industry are pleased with
President Obama’s nomination, but safety groups such as
Parents Against Tired Truckers are opposed to her
appointment since she supports the current hours-of-service.
Before Ferro can assume the role of FMCSA Administrator, the
Senate will need to confirm her nomination.
Insurance solutions
As the transportation industry is constantly changing,
rely on Avalon to help keep your business protected. As a
premier provider, we stay current on industry events and
trends to help ensure you have coverage for new exposures.
By choosing Avalon as your insurance broker, our industry
experts will work with you to find the best program for your
individual needs.
Our Truck Insurance program offers:
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