What's Happening and Where
Industry News
Traffic deaths "fall" to 37,313.
Commentary-Sadly and remarkably, this still means that over 700 people a week in this great country die from all accident causes.
Perhaps a little of our Trillion $$ stimulus money could have been invested toward rectifying this problem!
Legislation fit to watch.
New Alert!
American Trucking Association once again proves it is actually a shill for a few major carriers and the rail industry. Believe it or not the American Trucking Association has aligned with the benign sounding "Freight Movement Bill" sponsored by California congresswoman Laura Richardson. The bill would add .12 per gallon nationally on diesel fuel. Is it ever too much to ask of the American Trucking Association to pretend to represent real truckers and entities by asking where the existing money in congress is. By the way, they could start with explaining the whereabouts of the $850 billion that was supposed to go to infrastructure!
Major legislation being discussed that can affect all of us
Proposal to Increase the current maximum truck weight from 80,000 lbs up to 97,000.
Commentary-this would benefit a possible few shippers but seriously jeopardise other
shippers, carriers, the public, and even the road infrastructure. Proponents of the legislation have offered to increase the amount of money that they pay towards fuel tax to help offset the expense of this program but there is just one major problem-NONE of the them pay these taxes currently. They are either exempt or third parties who would simply sidestep the expense and place it on the truckers and owner operators.
Card Check-This is a law being considered in congress that would allow union organizers to meet in private and individually with company employees as it regards to unionization of the company that they work for and to even lets the organizer collect their vote.
Commentary-This is completely counter to law and practice that has worked well for decades. The impact of this wreckless bill is widespread. For smaller companies this would force many that are already struggling completely out of business. Larger companies will be forced into hiring freezes and even layoffs until the full effects of the legislation is realized. Fortunately at least for now, a few key U.S. Senators that had originally supported this legislation are having second thoughts. Could be they heard from some constituents.
Announcements-Company Updates
First safety teleconference with our new director of safety was held on April 12, 2009. It was a first in that all of the Mason Dixon Agents and many drivers and owner operators were present during the call.
CSA 2010 not delayed....Federal courts have upheld the timeline for implementation. Ask your Mason Dixon representative for details!