TheTrucker.com

TA worker helps distressed trucker

CHICAGO — A TravelCenters of America (TA) worker is being lauded for his recent efforts to help a trucker struggling with serious health issues. TA’s Adam Carey, who works as a profit center manager at the truck stop chain’s Chicago North location, noticed that one of the rigs had been parked in the same spot for several days, according to a TA news release. The company didn’t say when the incident occurred. Concerned, Carey knocked on the door, but there was no answer. Soon after, he heard a faint knocking coming from inside the running truck. When he climbed up and looked in the window, Carey saw a man lying on the floor. After dialing 911, Carey tried to open the driver’s door, but it was locked. He managed to work with the driver to get the door open just as the police and an ambulance arrived. “The driver refused help and said he was going to be okay,” according to the news release. “Still concerned, Adam continued to look in on him throughout the day. Just before checking a fourth time, Adam received a call from the driver’s sister. She told Adam her brother hadn’t eaten or had anything to drink for at least two days. A recent medical treatment had made him weak and unable to open the door of his truck to get help.” Adam brought the driver food and bottled water, helping him to regain his senses. The driver thanked him and agreed that he needed medical care. “Thanks to Adam’s concern and actions, the man recovered and is now back on the road and doing well,” the news release stated. The driver’s sister wrote Adam a note that said, in part, “You were outstanding in every way … You have no idea how grateful I am for your efforts and following up on his situation.” Joe Woolever, general manager for the Chicago North location, called Carey “an extraordinary (profit center manager) and not one to seek recognition. A fuel island cashier is the one who told Joe about the incident and good outcome.”

Federal lawsuit alleges PACCAR violated whistleblower protections 

DENTON, Texas – The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) solicitor general has sued PACCAR Inc. for what it says are violations of a former employee’s right to report and speak about health-related concerns at the workplace. According to a news release from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), an employee at PACCAR’s Denton, Texas, Peterbilt Motor Co. was fired in 2020 after expressing concerns about how the company was dealing with the spread of Covid-19. “In response, a representative of PACCAR Inc. – doing business as Peterbilt Motor Co. – told the employee that the company planned to clean work spaces and continue work as usual,” the news release stated. After PACCAR later learned the employee expressed concerns publicly about the company’s response and their concern for the safety of other employees, the company fired the employee, OSHA reported. A subsequent investigation by OSHA found the employee engaged in protected activity by raising their workplace safety concerns, and that the company’s retaliation violated federal whistleblower protections. On Nov. 17, the department’s Office of the Solicitor filed suit against PACCAR Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. In its action, the department asks the court to order the company to comply with anti-retaliation provisions in the Occupational Safety and Health Act; reinstate the employee to his former employment position with the company, pay the employee back wages, interest, compensatory and punitive damages and other remedies; and expunge the employee’s personnel record. “Our investigation found that PACCAR terminated a worker for reporting their concerns that the company’s response to the dangers of the coronavirus would not prevent its spread,” said Regional OSHA Administrator Eric S. Harbin in Dallas. “Every worker has the right to report safety concerns of any kind without fear of retaliation.” Regional Solicitor of Labor John Rainwater in Dallas said: “The U.S. Department of Labor will hold employers accountable when they retaliate against workers who raise safety concerns for themselves and their co-workers. At the same time, the department will work vigorously to ensure a worker’s legal right to a safe and healthy workplace is protected as the law provides.” Headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, PACCAR Inc. is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of medium- and heavy-duty trucks. It also designs and manufactures trucks under the Kenworth, Peterbilt, Leyland Trucks and DAF brands.  

Joint state police effort shuts down 64 drivers, 51 big rigs

RICHMOND, Va. — During a three-day law enforcement project that began on Nov. 19, officers from the Virginia and North Carolina state police motor carrier safety divisions conducted a total of 702 big rig inspections. Of those, 667 violations were cited, 51 rigs were placed out of service and 64 drivers were placed out of service, according to the Virginia State Police. “This enforcement initiative’s results indicate the extraordinary efforts our Motor Carrier Safety Unit troopers put forth every day as they work to improve passenger and commercial vehicle safety across Virginia,” said Capt. Sean L. Stewart, Virginia State Police Safety Division commander. “Partnering with our North Carolina counterparts helps to reinforce that safety outreach and enforcement no matter which side of the state line you may be traveling.”

Governors launch effort to ease trucking regulations

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A cluster of Republican governors are calling on the Biden administration to address the supply chain crisis by suspending what they call burdensome regulations on the trucking industry. On Nov. 22, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, who is also chairman of the Republican Governors Public Policy Committee, launched Operation Open Road “to act at the state level to assist the trucking industry,” according to a news release from the governor’s office. “Republican governors across the country have committed to doing everything we can to solve a growing supply chain crisis that has resulted in backed up ports and empty shelves,” Lee said. “We call on the Biden administration to join us in Operation Open Road by suspending burdensome regulations on the trucking industry and therefore ensuring small businesses and American consumers have access to the goods they need this holiday season.” Lee signed Executive Order 93 while visiting trucking apprentices at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Crossville. According to the news release, the order works to deregulate critical trucking functions in Tennessee by: Directing the Department of Safety and Homeland Security to identify deregulation opportunities affecting the trucking industry and commercial drivers in Tennessee. Directing the Department of Safety and Homeland Security to collaborate with other entities, including the Department of Military, Department of Correction, Department of Labor, Tennessee Board of Regents, Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology and private businesses, to increase CDL training and certification opportunities. Encouraging third parties to expand the types of CDL applicants and licensees who can participate in training and testing programs. Lee is joined in Operation Open Road by governors from Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas. Participating Republican governors call on the Biden Administration to join in Operation Open Road by suspending burdensome regulations including: Suspending outdated federal regulations that unnecessarily require commercial driver’s license holders to be 21 years old and lower the age to 18 years old so that well-trained, working adults can work across state borders. Suspending the burdensome federal mandate for COVID-19 vaccines for all private employees, specifically for the trucking and transportation industry so that driver shortages are not further exacerbated by an additional barrier to employment. Reviewing and revising any federal policies that deter use or domestic manufacturing of essential transportation equipment, including intermodal containers, chassis, and automobiles, trucks, and tractor trailers. Halting spending that will raise taxes, grow inflation and impede a recovering economy. Operation Open Road governors have committed to using their authority, where possible, to: Modify weight, size or load restrictions to allow more cargo to move more efficiently Adjust hours-of-service constraints to provide truck drivers more time and flexibility. Deregulate education and occupational licensure barriers to get more commercial truck drivers on the road. Convene state agencies in transportation, commerce, workforce and other related fields to coordinate with private industry, local governments and neighboring states to ensure greater efficiency, connectivity and data sharing among shippers and receivers at ports, distribution points, storage facilities and other intrastate corridors for the expedited loading, unloading and transport of freight. Coastal port states commit to increase tonnage capacity and accept more Panamax ships waiting off the west coast. “Operation Open Road states call on every governor, regardless of party affiliation, to join in addressing the transportation crisis,” the news release from Lee’s office states. “A united front will have ripple effects on the strength of our American workforce and economy.” Lee said the costs of doing nothing includes: Worsening supply shortages that already increased 638% during the first half of 2021 for essential products, such as semiconductor chips, plastics and cardboard. Further worsening shipping delays between North American ports and Asia that ballooned from 14 hours in June 2020 to 13 days in September 2021. Compound declines in supermarket fulfillments that were 90% pre-pandemic but have fallen to 40% fulfillment. Exacerbating the 80,000-trucker shortage. In a joint statement, governors involved in the initiative said: “From coastal ports to inland ports to road and rail, our states can take action to address workforce shortages and prevent bottlenecks, logjams, and other transportation issues. Our families must put food on the table, gas in the car, and buy clothes, medicine, and supplies for their children and loved ones.” Click here to read the full statement.

Motorists to get break from traffic delays on westbound I-40

LAGUNA PUEBLO, N.M. — Travelers on Interstate 40 in northwestern New Mexico will get a break from construction delays this week. The state Department of Transportation will suspend work on a 5.5-mile project on Interstate 40 near Laguna Pueblo from Wednesday through Sunday, officials said. Transportation Secretary Mike Sandoval said he understands drivers are frustrated with getting stuck in traffic, especially during the holidays. “We want families to get to their Thanksgiving destinations safely, which is why we planned all along to open all lanes of traffic during the holiday,” he said in a statement Monday. “We sincerely appreciate everyone’s patience.” The project has led to long delays as westbound I-40 was reduced to one lane, and merging traffic faced an uphill climb. The transportation department said the work should be finished in mid-December ahead of schedule, barring any weather delays. Other phases of the project will wrap up in the spring, the department said.

Recall issued for more than 7K Western Star tractors

WASHINGTON — More than 7,000 Western Star tractors built between 2017-19 are being recalled due to a potential fire hazard. According to a safety recall report from the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration, the recall affects Wester Star models 4900, 4700 and 5700. “On certain Western Star vehicles built with a pass-through power stud and attached foam gasket seal mounted through the bulkhead, in certain instances, a potential exists for contact between the power stud and bulkhead resulting in potential arcing,” the report states. “Arching of a power cable between the stud and bulkhead could increase the risk of a fire.” The recall report notes that the studs will be replaced by authorized service facilities. Details of the reimbursement plan will be included in the owner’s notification letter.

Texas jury awards $730 million in oversized load fatality case

MOUNT PLEASANT, Texas — A Texas jury on Nov. 22 awarded $730 million to the surviving children of a 73-year-old woman who was killed after a collision with an over-sized load on a rural highway. According to court documents, Toni Combest was killed on Feb. 21, 2016, on the White Oak bridge in Titus County, Texas, by a nearly 200,000-pound big rig load that was being escorted by front and back pilot escort vehicles. The Monday judgement was against 2A Pilot Cars, the employer of the front escort vehicle. Attempts to reach 2A Pilot Cars and their attorneys were unsuccessful. Brent Goudarzi, who represented Combest’s family, said that “the lead pilot escort vehicle ran Mrs. Combest off of the roadway just as Mrs. Combest was rounding the blind curve that would take her onto the skinny bridge.” “Upon entering the bridge, Mrs. Combest was faced with a tractor and load that was almost completely within her lane,” Goudarzi continued. “The driver of the tractor was able to swerve his vehicle out of her lane, but he was not able to remove the 16-foot-wide load from her path before the load struck her vehicle and caused a violent explosion of debris. The entire event was captured by the dash camera located in the rear escort vehicle.” Goudarzi said the load, a top-secret piece of military equipment, was being transported under the authority of Landstar Ranger, Inc. According to publicly available information, Landstar Ranger, Inc. is the eighth largest trucking company in the nation. Landstar Ranger, Inc. settled less than one week prior to jury selection for $50 million. S&M Pilot Service, the employer of the rear escort driver, settled for $1 million, also just prior to trial. “This verdict marks the end of a several-year prosecution that exposed the extreme dangers associated with the over-sized load and escort vehicle industries,” Goudarzi said. “These dangers have, for years, been ignored and disregarded for the sake of profits that rise into the billions of dollars. The witnesses in this case provided testimony concerning the industries’ conscious disregard of State and Federal safety standards and the best practices within the industry. This verdict will send a message to the over-sized load and escort industries that they will be held accountable when they place profits over safety in a manner that leads to catastrophic events like the one that took the life of Mrs. Toni Combest.”

ATRI study focuses on small verdict impacts on trucking industry

ARLINGTON, Va. — The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has released a study that focuses on the impact that verdicts and settlements under $1 million have on the trucking industry During its research on nuclear verdicts, ATRI found that small cases are heavily-impacting the industry as well. The research used a new ATRI dataset of more than 600 cases resulting in either a settlement or verdict award of less than $1 million. The report provides rich insight into key crash characteristics and litigation factors that contribute to substantial payments to plaintiffs. This study showed that settlement payments are approximately 37.7 percent larger than verdict awards and 393 percent more likely to occur in incidents involving a fatality. Additionally, incidents involving a severe injury were 217 percent more likely to settle and 199 percent more likely to result in payments to plaintiffs over $600,000. The report provides an overview of the small litigation landscape in the trucking industry as well as strategies to assist carriers and attorneys in preventing more costly litigation outcomes. “This analysis proves a theory that I have always had; there are two markets as to the value of cases – the settlement market and the trial market. There should be one market and that is what a case is objectively worth,” said Doug Marcello, Attorney at Marcello & Kivisto LLC. To access the full report, click here.  

Trucker arrested in record-breaking drug seizure at border

SAN DIEGO — Federal prosecutors say a trucker from Mexico was arrested after trying to smuggle record-breaking amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl into the U.S. The U.S. Attorney’s Office says more than 17,500 pounds of meth and 389 pounds of fentanyl were discovered last Thursday hidden inside a tractor-trailer at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego. The seizures are the largest of either drug in the U.S. for both 2020 and 2021. The driver, a Mexican citizen, faces federal drug charges. “This is a staggering seizure that demonstrates the extent of our current fight against mass production of methamphetamine and fentanyl. But for the vigilance of our law enforcement partners, this record-breaking deluge of drugs would have caused incredible damage in our communities.” said Acting U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “We commend our partner agencies for their tireless work and dedication to preventing these dangerous and deadly drugs from entering our country.”

Professional truckers share Thanksgiving travel tips

ARLINGTON, Va. – Nearly 53 million Americans are expected to travel over the road at least 50 miles or more this Thanksgiving holiday, the highest on record since 2005, according to the AAA auto club. With that many people on the highways, the likelihood of accidents occurring increases. That’s why officials at the American Trucking Associations (ATA) said their Share the Road highway safety program is providing tips for safe driving ahead of the big holiday weekend. “The high volume of travelers for Thanksgiving amplifies the importance of taking safe driving measures to ensure everyone can make it to the dinner table,” said Share the Road professional truck driver Earl Taylor of Penske Logistics. “Many families were unable to see family during the pandemic, and we want to be sure they get to their destinations safely.” High traffic volume can contribute to congestion and a reduction in speeds. “Share the Road’s award winning Instructional Video spreads truck safety messages to the millions of motorists who will be driving alongside large trucks this week,” according to an ATA news release. “The video, featuring professional truck drivers, gives an eight-minute recap of critical safe-driving habits and has already been viewed by hundreds of thousands of motorists, including truck drivers and the general motoring public.” Click here to access the ATA’s safety video. ATA Executive Vice President of Industry Affairs and Senior Advisor Elisabeth Barna said: “The professional truck drivers in the Share the Road Instructional Video are highly-trained drivers who have accrued millions of accident-free miles. Just taking a few minutes to review some of these important safety messages can make all the difference on the road.” Thanksgiving offers several other driving challenges beyond traffic congestion, according to the ATA. Winter driving presents unique problems for motorists, including high wind and blowing snow, which contribute to reduced visibility in many regions throughout North America. Similarly, freezing temperatures can have a profound impact on vehicles and roadways. A thorough pre-trip inspection and understanding of driving conditions can play a significant role in driving success this holiday season. “As a veteran driver and a truck driver from Missouri, I have been trained to deal with wintery conditions on the road,” said Share the Road professional truck driver Steve Fields, of Yellow. “It’s important to make sure your vehicle is prepared for extended trips. Check your wiper fluids, antifreeze, and pack a few extra blankets before you pull out of the driveway in case of emergency.” Share the Road professional drivers recommend the following safety tips while on the road: Buckle up: A seat belt will not prevent a collision, but it will save a life. Remove ice and snow from your vehicle: Clear your windows and roof of snow to ensure you have maximum visibility and avoid creating a hazard for the vehicle behind you. Don’t allow ice and snow to create additional blind spots on your vehicle. Slow down: Chances of a crash nearly triples when driving faster than surrounding traffic. Do not drive impaired: Driving is a great responsibility and your fellow travelers are relying on safe, attentive drivers to respectfully share the road and make good decisions. Be aware of truck blind spots: Trucks deliver your favorite Thanksgiving traditions – turkeys, cranberries, mashed potatoes and all kinds of tasty pies – so make it easy on them by staying out of blind spots. Pass on the left where the truck’s blind spot is much smaller. Keep your eyes on the road: Distracted driving is a major cause of traffic accidents and one of the leading causes of death amongst teenagers. Even just two seconds of distraction time doubles the chances of an accident. Use your cell phone when stopped and never text while driving. Do not cut in front of large trucks: Remember trucks are heavier and take longer to make a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them. Fully loaded tractor-trailers can take the length of a football field plus both end zones to make a complete stop. Ask your favorite quarterback how far that is. Hint: it’s far. Prepare your vehicle for long distance travel: Before you head out to your aunts, uncles and cousins, check your wipers and fluids and have your radiator and cooling system serviced. Simple maintenance before you leave your home can prevent many of the problems that strand motorists on the side of the road. Prepare yourself for long distance travel: The vehicle needs maintenance and the driver needs plenty of rest and hydration to function at his or her best. If the turkey is making you feel drowsy, pull over and wait until you are more alert. Leave early and avoid risks: Leave early to reduce anxiety about arriving late. Road conditions may change due to inclement weather or traffic congestion. Be aware of the vehicle in front of you: Leave extra room between you and the vehicle ahead.

Big rig hauling whiskey overturns

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — A semi loaded with $400,000 worth of Jack Daniel’s whiskey overturned on Nov. 17 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. According to the Murfreesboro Police Department, the load shifted as the driver was making a left turn onto the Interstate 24 on-ramp from South Church St. Several gallons of the spirit spilled onto the ground, but the driver was not injured.

Thanksgiving travel weather report offers a smorgasbord

ATLANTA — Weather for the Thanksgiving holiday and beyond will offer a little bit of everything but nothing too extreme. The worst weather is predicted for Wednesday. In the northeast, winds could gusts up to 40 mph from New York City through the Boston metro, according to Accuweather.com’s holiday forecast. “Tree branches could blow across some highway sections and side roads, and high-profile vehicles may have some troubles,” AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Paul Pastelok said. In the West Virginia mountains, western and northern Pennsylvania and New York, as well as northeastern Ohio, travelers may face some lake-effect snow throughout the region. In parts of Maine, drivers will need to be mindful of runoff from heavy rain earlier in the week, which may leave streams and rivers overflowing, according to Accuweather. “There is still a chance of a band of snow developing well east of the lake-effect snow zone in New England and eastern New York state,” Accuweather’s forecasters cautioned. “Some weather-related delays are also likely across the Upper Midwest, northern Plains and the northern Rockies on Wednesday. As cold air sets in, some snow is expected to fall across the region.: Rain and even some wet snowflakes could even make it to the Chicagoland area, although Pastelok said that the precipitation should not last all day. A similar pattern is possible in the Denver metro, although the chance of rain will not arrive until late Wednesday into Thursday. Some rain and thunderstorms will be possible from New Orleans through St. Louis, but the precipitation will generally be light and lead to only minor travel issues. Most of the West Coast is expected to enjoy rain-free weather and breezy conditions. By Thursday, a cold front will bring rain showers from Texas to Ohio, along with some snow showers for Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Temperatures rebound mostly back to normal by Thursday for much of the eastern half of the US, but keep in mind that “normal” can still be cold.

5 dead in Ohio van collision with semi

GEAUGA COUNTY, Ohio  – Five people in a passenger van were killed Monday morning in Ohio after a head-on collision with a tractor-trailer. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), at around 11 a.m., troopers arrived in the area of State Route 44 just north of State Route 87 in Newbury Township and found a 2003 Ford Econoline van, along with a semi hauling an empty flatbed, that had crashed into each other. The driver and four passengers inside the van died at the scene, while two other passengers were transported to an area hospital with serious injuries, the OSHP reported. The OSHP said the truck driver was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injures. A cause for the accident has not been released.

Kentucky work zone could spell delays over Thanksgiving weekend

PADUCAH, Ky. — The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), citing forecasts for heavy holiday week traffic, suggests motorists traveling Interstate 24 for Thanksgiving take an alternate route around an extended work zone in portions of Caldwell and Trigg counties. “Traffic in this work zone has been running really well in recent months,” said Kyle Poat, chief district engineer of KYTC District 1, based in Paducah. “However, earlier in the year, we had several truck crashes that blocked traffic for extended periods.  We’ve also had significant backups from time to time.  By taking an alternate route, travelers driving between Paducah and the Nashville/Clarksville, Tennessee, area can be of help to themselves and others by using this suggested alternate.” The work zone, established as part of an extensive pavement replacement project, stretches 10 miles along I-24, between mile markers 55 and 65. The work zone has restricted lanes with two-way traffic running on the eastbound lanes, separated by a centerline barrier wall. AAA estimates 53.4 million Americans will be traveling for Thanksgiving, up 13 percent from 2020, so Poat and other KYTC personnel recognized the potential for traffic delays and backups. Poat said engineers are hoping to get westbound traffic moved to new pavement along the westbound lanes in time for the Christmas holiday.  However, the work zone restrictions will remain in place through Thanksgiving. Details of the suggested alternatives: Eastbound motorists heading toward Nashville should consider a self-detour between the I-24/I-69 Exit 25 Interchange near Calvert City to the U.S. 68 Cadiz Exit 65 Interchange via I-69 South to Draffenville Exit 47, then taking U.S. 68 East. Westbound motorists can avoid the work zone by taking Cadiz Exit 65 to follow U.S. 68 West to reach I-69 northbound at the I-69 Draffenville Exit 47 interchange, then follow I-69 North to return to I-24 westbound at Exit 25 near Calvert City. Westbound motorists may take the Pennyrile Parkway northbound to I-69 southbound to return to I-24 at Exit 42 near Eddyville. The suggested alternate route along U.S. 68 includes about 15 miles of 2-lane in Marshall County.  Westbound travelers taking the self-detour will need to make a right turn to remain on U.S. 68 immediately after crossing the Eggners Ferry Bridge over Kentucky Lake at Aurora.  The alternate route through Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area adds about 10 minutes of driving time, but avoids the potential for backups on I-24.  Counting the 55 mph work zone speed limit, the difference in driving time is minimal. The alternate route westbound via the Pennyrile Parkway and I-69 is longer, but avoids the potential backup for westbound traffic at Exit 65. Travelers may use WAZE and similar map/traffic APPS to monitor the roadway ahead for potential delays. “Motorists should be aware that Interstate 24 through Kentucky gets a substantial eastbound surge every Friday afternoon,” Poat added.  “Other than that, we anticipate backups are most likely the afternoon of Thanksgiving Eve and again Sunday afternoon, as the holiday week winds down.” To aid with holiday traffic flow, all other work zone traffic restrictions along I-24 in Kentucky have been removed. Holiday travelers should be aware of work zone restrictions along I-24 in Illinois that start on the Kentucky side of the Ohio River at Paducah for westbound travelers.  Traffic backups are also possible there.  

Georgia authorities sideline big rig filled with unsecured explosives

RURAL GEORGIA – The Georgia Department of Public Safety (GDPS) stopped an 18-wheeler on Monday and discovered that the driver had no hazmat endorsement, shipping papers or placards for a load of class 1.4 explosives. Examples of 1.4 class explosives include empty primed grenades and some small arms ammunition. According to a GDPS Facebook post, officers found that the load was unsecured when they opened the trailer. The GDPS did not indicate what type of 1.4 explosives were found, nor did they state where the stop occurred. The driver was not named. “Glad we stopped this CMV in Georgia, this unsafe load was headed for Utah,” the GDPS post stated.

NYC to roll out new truck map

NEW YORK — Slinking through New York City in a semi truck can be a challenge. That’s why it’s important for drivers to know exactly where they can and cannot go. The city will soon be releasing a new truck map to better help big rig drivers navigate to and from their delivery sites without incident. “The Local Truck Route Network is designated for trucks with an origin and destination within a borough,” according to the city’s transportation department. “This includes trucks that are traveling to make a delivery, or for loading or servicing. Trucks should only use non-designated routes for the purpose at the beginning or end of a trip, when traveling between their origin/destination and a truck route. The Through Truck Route Network is primarily composed of major urban arterials and highways and must be used by trucks that have neither an origin or destination within the borough.” The new map will be available online, though an exact date has not been announced. Click here for access the city’s DOT map site.22

Oregon raising diesel tax rates

SALEM, Ore. — The State of Oregon has announced that it will be hiking diesel fuel taxes beginning Jan. 1, 2022. The taxes are set using a formula. Tap here for the new rates. As an example, an 80,000 pound rig pays $21.50 in fuel taxes per 100 miles currently, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation. Beginning in 2022, that same rig’s taxes will rise to $23.70 per 100 miles. Loads above 80,000 pounds will pay even higher taxes. See the PDF link above for more details. Drivers may claim a credit if they paid Oregon state fuel tax on fuel for a vehicle subject to weight-mile tax. The deduction must be for the reporting period that they used the fuel. Credits for previous reporting periods will not be granted until the time of audit. Drivers must attach copies of fuel invoices to the highway-use tax report.

State-by-state: How the infrastructure funds will be spent

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has released state-by-state fact sheets that highlight how funds from the recently enacted infrastructure bill will be spent. “Americans rely on our transportation infrastructure every day – to get to work, school, loved ones, and to move goods across our economy,” said DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “The once-in-a-generation investments in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will improve people’s lives in every state in the nation by increasing access to safe, clean, reliable transportation.” According to the DOT, in California, there are 1,536 bridges and more than 14,220 miles of highway in poor condition. Since 2011, commute times have increased by 14.6% in California, and on average, each driver pays $799 per year in costs due to driving on roads in need of repair. Based on formula funding alone, California would expect to receive approximately $29.5 billion over five years in federal highway formula funding for highways and bridges. On an average annual basis, this is about 44.1% more than the state’s federal-aid highway formula funding under current law. California can also compete for the $12.5 billion Bridge Investment Program for economically significant bridges and $15 billion of national funding in the law dedicated to megaprojects, which will deliver substantial economic benefits to communities. Additionally, California can expect to receive approximately $555 million over five years in formula funding to reduce transportation-related emissions, as well as about $631 million over five years to increase the resilience of its transportation system. In Pennsylvania, there are 3,353 bridges and more than 7,540 miles of highway in poor condition, according to the DOT. Since 2011, commute times have increased by 7.6% in Pennsylvania, and on average, each driver pays $620 per year in costs due to driving on roads in need of repair. Based on formula funding , Pennsylvania would expect to receive approximately $13 billion over five years in federal highway formula funding for highways and bridges. On an average annual basis, this is about 40.4% more than the state’s federal-aid highway formula funding under current law. Just as in California and all other states, Pennsylvania can compete for the Bridge Investment Program and megaprojects funds. Pennsylvania can expect to receive approximately $265 million over five years in formula funding to reduce transportation-related emissions, in addition to about $301 million over five years to increase the resilience of its transportation system. Click here for a full list of projects across the nation.      

Ohio refineries shut for maintenance, affecting diesel supplies

CINCINNATI — The temporary shutdown of two major petroleum refineries in Ohio has one of the state’s biggest cities worried about a diesel fuel shortage. Marathon Petroleum in Ironton, Ohio, and Husky Marketing and Supply Co. in Lima, Ohio, both shuttered operations for what they are calling preventative maintenance, which could last for a month or longer. A City of Cincinnati memo detailed the shutdown and said that it is likely to greatly affect operations there. “Currently, the City has enough reserves to maintain approximately three weeks of City services that require the use of diesel fuel,” the memo states. “This supply timeframe does not account for City services that would be necessary in the event of snow or flooding. The existing reserve is 25 percent below the one-month supply we typically have stocked for emergencies. There are many essential City services that require the use of diesel fuel.” Pilot Flying J stores are already reporting temporary diesel outages in parts of Ohio. “Like other fuel retailers, we are seeing limited capacity in some markets due to extremely tight diesel supply conditions, particularly in the Columbus, Ohio, market region,” Brad Jenkins, senior vice president of supply and distribution for Pilot, said in a statement. “We are working to manage demand across our stores in the surrounding areas to maintain consistent diesel supply for our customers and guests.  Currently, all of our travel centers are open, however select locations may experience temporary diesel outages until the supply situation improves.”

Waymo, UPS to use Class 8 autonomous trucks in trial runs

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — Autonomous driving technology company Waymo Via will partner with UPS to use Class 8 trucks for trial runs in Texas this holiday season. According to a news release from Waymo Via, “Over the next several weeks, we’ll conduct autonomous trial runs together using our Waymo Via Class 8 trucks equipped with the fifth-generation Waymo Driver. These trial runs will take place in Texas, where the Waymo Driver will deliver for UPS’s North American Air Freight unit between facilities in Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston.” Waymo said it hopes the runs will allow for more data to be collected about how autonomous driving technology can help enhance safety and efficiency. Additionally, the company said it will be better able to “evaluate the performance of the autonomous system and successful delivery of freight, and understand how to refine our autonomous operations in this use case for eventual scaling.” Waymo Via officials said that with the “unprecedented demand and need for freight movement,” its technology, combined with UPS, “will help fill critical needs for our partners during this time.” “These Class 8 trial runs will build on all of the learnings and success we’ve had testing with UPS over the years, as well as our previous Class 8 trial runs with other carriers across unique verticals, including J.B. Hunt,” the news release stated. “While it’s still early days, this partnership with UPS is a great example of how Waymo Via is creating an autonomous delivery solution spanning trucking and local delivery that can offer customers unique safety benefits, network flexibility and scalability.”