Terminal Tractors Archives - Page 5 of 5

Feds Eye Rule Change to EPA Regulation of Glider Kit Semi Trucks

DJ Products Supplies Equipment for Shunting Trailers — DJ Products Supplies Equipment for Shunting Trucks to Move Semi Trailers

EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt recently stated that glider kit semi trucks provide a more affordable option for independent operators and small business owners. Pruitt added, gliders also provide a crucial economic driver to many rural areas. With advancements in technology and increased focus on more environmentally friendly ways of doing business, the trucking industry is facing new challenges and being forced to adapt to new regulations.

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The debate over glider kit semi trucks

While Pruitt feels the EPA lacks the authority to regulate glider kits under a proposed new interpretation of the Clean Air Act, the American Trucking Association (ATA) opposes repealing the Obama era rule for medium- and heavy-duty truck standards for the glider industry.

Glen Kedzie, energy and environmental affairs counsel for ATA, responded to the proposed rule change by saying the previous standard was based on sound data and science. Kedzie went on to say that it is perplexing that the EPA would support the continued growth of the glider kit industry because it produces the most polluting equipment on America’s highways.

Under the Trump administration, the EPA states that the unique way gliders are manufactured makes them exempt from the regulations of new motor vehicles. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) also takes issue with the proposed rule change, stating that gliders produce 40 times more pollution than modern semis.

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FMCSA Grant Helps Cover Costs to Train Vets to Become Semi Truck Drivers

Over the past few years, the trucking industry has been facing a driver shortage. In efforts to encourage more people to become truck drivers, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is offering a grant for veterans to receive training.

Effects of Driver Shortage

The driver shortage doesn’t just affect the trucking industry. It has also had an effect on warehousing, with deliveries taking longer in general. This has kept warehouse employees busy moving warehouse items around and ensuring that there’s enough space to store items until they’re ready to be picked up.

From employees who stock warehouse shelves to those who operate a powered trailer dolly to move items around, those who work in the warehousing industry need to make sure that they’re able to keep doing their jobs safely.

FMCSA Grant

The FMCSA grant should help alleviate some of these problems. Under the terms of this grant, veterans who are eligible for the Trucking with the Troops program receive assistance with fees and tuition at Hawkeye Community College. The college offers a six-week or 16-week program that teaches veterans how to safely operate commercial vehicles, so that they can get their license and become truck drivers.

With the driver shortage in effect, this offers a solid opportunity for well-paying employment for those who have served in the Armed Forces. The grant is also available for spouses and children of veterans, making it more affordable for them to become truck drivers. This financial assistance should help increase the number of truck drivers who are on the road.

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Feds Propose Banning Mexico-Based Rigs from Driving on US Highways in New NAFTA Negotiations

Long-haul trucking companies may need to add more motorized trailer dollies soon. The long, controversial history of the North American Free Trade Agreement could be adding another chapter.

Renegotiating NAFTA

During recent NAFTA negotiations, President Donald Trump’s team put forth an extensive list of demands to be met in order to keep the agreement in effect. One of the conditions was removing the Mexican long-haul industry from a NAFTA chapter on cross-border services.

While the U.S. Trade Representative’s office has remained mum on the content of their proposals, a number of sources close to the negotiations have reported this particular demand. It was described as a “broad industry exclusion” that was submitted during October’s round of talks.

U.S. and Mexico Trucking Industries: A Contentious Relationship

Even after NAFTA went into effect, the U.S. put up several roadblocks to Mexican truckers operating in the country. Initially, they could transport loads only a short distance across the border before transferring them to American truckers.

In 2001 a dispute resolution panel found in Mexico’s favor, but the U.S. refused to comply, causing Mexico to impose retaliatory tariffs. Finally, in 2015, the U.S. granted licensed Mexican truckers the right to haul cargo across the country.

If the new proposal goes into effect, it could be a step toward restricting Mexican truckers once again. Without the advantages and protections afforded by NAFTA, Mexico would have a hard time challenging future trucking requirements imposed by the U.S.

Motorized Trailer Dollies from DJ Products

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