The Nation

WASHINGTON — James Lamb is taking his fight against electronic logging devices right back to where the current mandate for ELDs was birthed. The head of the Small Business in Transportation Coalition (SBTC) said Wednesday he plans to have introduced in the House the “Suspension of Electronic Logging Device Mandate to Protect Americans Working in Interstate Commerce Act” which would suspend the current ELD mandate. The electronic devices were mandated by Congress as part of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century transportation bill passed in 2012. Lamb said he would name sponsors of the bill when it is formally introduced. He said he hopes to have an identical version of the bill introduced in the Senate. The bill would direct the Secretary of Transportation to: Immediately cease enforcement of the ELD rule promulgated at 49 CFR 395.8 (a) Require carriers to revert back to paper record of duty status logs Study the unintended consequences and effects of ELDs on operators of commercial motor vehicles Determine whether commercial motor vehicle operators have experienced adverse psychological effects that have induced reckless speeding and have caused an increase in large-truck occupant fatalities since implementation of the ELD rule in December 2017. Meanwhile, the SBTC has asked Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao to delay the December 16 deadline for carriers using Automatic On Board Recording Devices to switch to ELDs. In addition, Lamb and his organization, which reportedly has 15,000 members, are currently circulating an online petition to get the federal government to immediately suspend the ELD rule. As of Wednesday, some 32,000 trucking stakeholders had signed the petition, which Lamb plans to present to the White House. He hopes to get 100,000 signatures by November 29. The bill and the petition are only the latest efforts in Lamb’s fight against ELDs. The first effort came when in February 2018 Lamb and the SBTC filed an application for an exemption from the ELD rule for carriers with fewer than 50 employees. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration denied the petition in July of this year and in late October, the SBTC filed an application for reconsideration of the denial. The FMCSA immediately published a notice in the Federal Register seeking comments on the reconsideration application. When Lamb filed the original exemption application, the FMCSA said it received over 1,900 comment, most in favor of the exemption. Among other things, in the proposed legislation, Lamb says: The ELD mandate must “must “ensure that… the responsibilities imposed on operators of commercial motor vehicles do not impair their ability to operate the vehicles safely…” In 2018, the first full year the new ELD rule was in effect for the trucking industry to enforce commercial motor vehicle operators’ compliance with hours of service regulations, a total of 885 large truck occupants perished in crashes last year. That number marks the most since 1988. (The fatality total included all large trucks, which the federal government defines as trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more; most Class 8 trucks such as tractor-trailers carry a GVWR of 33,001 pounds or more). The number of speeding violations issued to U.S. truck drivers increased 7.8 percent in 2018, climbing to 146,945 violations, according to FMCSA data. The number of violations issued to truckers for driving 15 mph or more above limits rose 10.3 percent last year. The bill would require the Secretary of Transportation to do a study to determine if a correlation exists between the implementation of the ELD rule in December 2017 and the rise in truck speeding incidents and large truck occupant fatalities in 2018. Talk about electronic logging devices goes back to at least 2000 when the newly-created FMCSA first attempted to reform Hours of Service regulations to mandate the use of electronic tracking devices. This attempt to mandate HOS tracking with an ELD device was shot down by a 2004 court order.    

WASHINGTON — Small Business in Transportation Coalition Executive Director James Lamb Tuesday called for a final push over the next week to increase the number of signatures on an Electronic Logging Device Suspension Petition. The petition calls on President Donald J. Trump to direct the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to act on National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) findings and immediately suspend ELDs until unintended consequences can be studied to decide if the rule is ripe for repeal. The petition can be accessed here. Lamb said the NHTSA findings and unintended consequences revolve around recently-released statistics showing an increase in the number of fatalities involving large trucks. The petition currently has 32,000 signatures. Lamb set a goal of 100,000 signatures by November 29. “We believe these data prove the ELD mandate took us ‘out of the frying pan and into the fire,’” Lamb said. Immediately, numerous trucking groups including “Black Smoke Matters” and “Trucker Nation” joined the SBTC’s efforts, he added. Lamb said the new data show that in 2018, the first full year the new ELD rule was in effect for the trucking industry to enforce commercial motor vehicle operators’ compliance with Hours of Service regulations, an average of more than two occupants of large trucks died daily. “This is the highest number of such deaths since 1988, making this statistic a 30-year high,” Lamb said. “We believe ELDs have caused drivers anxiety to such levels that many now recklessly speed to beat the clock. These data show the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration was wrong that ELDs would save 26 lives per year.” NHTSA defines large trucks as trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more. Lamb also claimed many ELDs routinely malfunction and are unreliable. “Case in point: the recent major crash of Omnitracs,” he said. “This poses public safety concerns if drivers have not been properly trained on how to use paper logs as a backup. and sheer chaos could result.”

Sensitech United Technologies, a company specializing in supply chain integrity and visibility, has released its 2019 third quarter report on Cargo Theft based on data tracked by SensiGuard, a division of the firm dedicated to cargo security. The latest statistics do not include information truck carriers will find positive. Cargo Theft Overview In Q3 of 2019, a total of 165 nationwide cargo thefts were placed in the SensiGuard database, and the report notes that this figure will likely rise as late reports are received. The data shows monthly distribution of thefts as being 46 in July, 67 in August, and 52 in September with an average loss per incident of $155,709. The total thefts and average value represent increases over Q2 data by 13% and 31%, respectively. Compared to the same quarter in 2018, volume increased by 3% while value was down 8%. Theft by Product Of the 165 thefts reported, electronics were the target of the most thieves (22%), moving the product up two spots from the Q2 2019 report. The average value of electronics stolen per incident came in at $331,443, bolstered by single-incident thefts in California and Kentucky exceeding $1 million. Rounding out the top three product types stolen are Home and Garden (19%) and Food and Drinks (14%). It should be noted that Food and Drinks do not include Alcohol, which at 2% represents the lowest of any category tracked. Alcohol thefts were down 47% from Q2 2019 figures and 88% from Q3 2018. Clothing and Shoes thefts continued an increasing trend (33% over Q2), as did Home and Garden (35% over Q2). Theft by State/Location California reports the highest percentage of thefts among the states (26% of nationwide total), substantially increasing its lead over Texas (10%), the widening gap largely attributed to rush shipments from China ahead of tariffs. The quantity of container freight combined with limited security resources is reported as a major factor influencing California’s ranking. Following Texas, Georgia came in third place in incidents reported (9%), followed by Florida (<9%), and a three-way tie for fifth place between New Jersey, Illinois, and Tennessee (6%). In terms of the physical location of incidents, Unsecured Parking remains the most likely target (74%), followed by Warehouses (15%) and Secured Parking (11%). Event Type The most prevalent method of theft continues to be at the Full Truckload level (56%), with the average truckload cargo value of $166,787. This data is a decrease from Q2 2019 and Q3 2018 figures. Pilferage had set a record for five consecutive quarters; however, in Q3 2019 it fell 1%. The value of products stolen by Pilferage also decreased 29% below Q2 2019 data. Facility Thefts were up 59% over Q2 2019, although the average value attributed to this location ($189,800) decreased. Fictitious Pickup of products increased over previous quarters and represented 5% of total thefts. In the report’s concluding statements, SensiGuard suggested that any decreases in the number of incidents of value per incident do not necessarily represent trends. “…The organized cargo thief is still shifting tactics to evade capture…” the report noted. Likewise, the report stated, “High value or low security will not be the only determining factors in theft risk to cargo as thieves will adjust to increased risk and modify their efforts accordingly.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Jerry Moran (R-KS), members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today introduced the Promoting Women in Trucking Workforce Act. Currently, women make up 47 percent of the United States’ labor force, yet represent 24 percent of America’s trucking workforce and only about seven percent of drivers. This legislation would support women in the trucking industry and would establish a Women of Trucking Advisory Board. “In Wisconsin, we make things, and we need to ensure we have a strong workforce to transport our goods to market,” said Senator Baldwin. “Women currently make up less than ten percent of the truck driving workforce, and removing the barriers that get in the way of women pursuing and retaining careers in trucking is key. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort with Senator Moran because more job opportunities for Wisconsin women will lead to more economic security for working families.” “As the trucking industry continues to face a driver shortage, we need to examine new ways to recruit and retain drivers that are delivering Kansas goods across the country,” said Senator Moran. “Because women are substantially underrepresented in the trucking industry, Congress should explore every opportunity to encourage and support the pursuit of careers in trucking by women. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan and sensible bill with Sen. Baldwin that will lead to new job opportunities for women and increase equality for women already in the trucking industry.” The Promoting Women in Trucking Workforce would direct the administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to establish a “Women of Trucking Advisory Board.” Under this bill, the board would identify barriers to entry for women in the trucking industry, work across organizations and companies to coordinate formal education and training programs and help identify and establish training and mentorship programs for women in the industry. The legislation also requires the FMCSA Administrator to submit a report to Congress on the board’s findings and recommendations. This legislation is supported by the Women in Trucking Association and the American Trucking Association. “By creating an advisory board to utilize the expertise and resources of the Federal Motor Carrier Administration and the members of the board, we can increase the opportunities for women as drivers, technicians, owners, trainers and in other relevant career roles,” said Women in Truck Association President and CEO Ellen Voie. “I look forward to working with you and your office (Sens. Moran and Baldwin) in advancing this bill.” “On behalf of the American Trucking Association, I write to express thanks and support for the introduction of the Promoting Women in Trucking Workforce Act,” said American Trucking Association President and CEO Chris Spear. “Your (Sens. Moran and Baldwin) thoughtful and timely legislation brings important attention and focus to the advancement of female representation and participation in trucking.”

GREENBELT, Md. — The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance said Tuesday that inspectors conducted 34,320 commercial motor vehicle inspections during CVSA’s Brake Safety Week and placed 4,626 vehicles — or 13.5% — out of service after critical brake-related conditions were identified during roadside inspections. CVSA noted that a majority — 86.5% — of vehicles inspected during the September 15-21 time period did not have any critical brake-related inspection item violations. In 2018, CVSA said out of 35,080 inspections, 4,955 trucks — or 14.1% — were placed out of service. In 2017, CVSA conducted only a Brake Safety Day, which resulted in 14% of trucks inspected being put out of service. During a roadside inspection, if an inspector identifies critical vehicle inspection item violations, he or she will render the vehicle out of service, which means those violations must be corrected before the vehicle may proceed. Sixty jurisdictions in Canada and the U.S. participated in this year’s Brake Safety Week. In the U.S., 49 jurisdictions conducted 31,864 roadside inspections and placed 4,344 (13.6%) commercial motor vehicles out of service because of brake-related violations. In Canada, 11 jurisdictions conducted 2,456 roadside inspections and 282 (11.5%) commercial motor vehicles were placed out of service for brake-related violations. As part of this year’s Brake Safety Week, inspectors also collected and reported data on brake hoses/tubing. 2,567 units had chafed rubber hose violations. 1,347 units had chafed thermoplastic hose violations. 2,704 violations of § 393.45 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) and Canadian equivalent violations included chafed rubber hoses. There were 1,683 violations of § 393.45 of the FMCSRs and Canadian equivalent violations that included kinked thermoplastic hoses. “Inspectors conduct more than 4 million roadside inspections every year and checking brake components is just one element of the inspection procedure inspectors perform on commercial motor vehicles every day,” said CVSA President Sgt. John Samis with the Delaware State Police. “This inspection and enforcement event reminds drivers and motor carriers of the importance of properly functioning brakes and spotlights the work done by inspectors, motor carriers and drivers every day to keep our roadways safe by ensuring vehicles are in appropriate working condition.” According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, highway crash fatality data for 2018, there was a 2.4% decline in overall fatalities, the second consecutive year of reduced crash fatalities. However, conversely, for 2018, large-truck related fatalities increased by 0.9%. “While we applaud the decrease in the overall number of fatalities on our roadways last year, we’re alarmed by the increase in the number of large-truck-related fatalities,” Samis said. “CVSA conducts high-profile, high-visibility enforcement events, such as Brake Safety Week, to reduce the number of fatalities occurring on our roadways. Roadway safety is our number one priority and we will continue our efforts to improve brake safety throughout North America.” Brake Safety Week is an inspection, enforcement, education and awareness initiative that is part of the Operation Airbrake Program sponsored by CVSA in partnership with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators.      

HARTFORD, Conn. — A $21 billion transportation plan proposed by Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont November 7 would invest $14 billion in Connecticut’s roads and bridges plus $7 billion in its public transit systems over the next decade and would rely on interstate bridge tolls for part of that funding. The governor’s plan includes a proposal to place electronic toll gantries at 14 highway bridge locations across the state, 11 of which are located on interstates, including I-95, I-84, I-91, I-395 and I-684, according to a report in the Journal, the official magazine of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.. Connecticut’s tolling proposal matches a similar effort instituted in Rhode Island in 2018 – an effort that survived a federal court challenge in March – although in Rhode Island’s case, its interstate bridge tolls apply only to heavy trucks. The governor’s $21 billion plan, which breaks down to $2.1 billion worth of investment in Connecticut’s transportation system annually, is a more than $500 million per year increase compared to the previous level of state investment – which is roughly $1.6 billion per year, according to news sources. “For generations, the state has neglected critical investments in our infrastructure, hampering economic growth and leaving residents in endless hours of traffic wondering why state officials didn’t fix these problems years ago,” Lamont said in a statement. Lamont said that with six of the worst traffic bottlenecks in the country and 65 percent of its highways more than three decades old with 12 percent of its bridges rated in poor condition, “virtually anyone who regularly uses Connecticut’s transportation system agrees that the state desperately needs to make targeted improvements that reduce congestion and make travel quicker, safer, convenient, and reliable” To pay for this 10-year transportation plan – dubbed Connecticut 2030 or CT2030 for short – the governor proposes to use a mix of fiscal resources, including: $750 million in annual federal funding and grants. Transportation Infrastructure Finance & Innovation Act or TIFIA loans, loans from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Build America Bureau, and Railroad Rehabilitation & Improvement Financing loans. State general obligation bonds The transfer of all car sales taxes to Connecticut’s Special Transportation Fund by 2023, making that fund solvent while establishing a 15 percent reserve fund. Imposing select highway bridge tolls costing 50 cents to $1 for cars, $1.25 to $2.50 for medium-sized trucks, and $3.50 to $7.00 for heavy trucks. Lamont said he expects 40 percent of those tolls to be paid by out-of-state drivers. “For the future of our state, we can no longer kick the can down the road on these improvements – we must fix this long overdue problem and move our state forward today,” the governor said.

WASHINGTON— Voters in 19 states on November 5 sent a decisive message of support for transportation investment, approving almost 90 percent of 305 state and local transportation ballot measures. In total, the 270 approved initiatives are expected to generate over $9.6 billion in one-time and recurring revenue, according to the analysis conducted by the American Road & Transportation Builders Association’s Transportation Investment Advocacy Center (ARTBA-TIAC). Two measures in Texas are still pending. “The ballot results are a great reminder infrastructure investment remains one of the few areas where red states, blue states, Republicans and Democrats can all come together,” ARTBA President Dave Bauer said.  “It should also demonstrate to lawmakers on Capitol Hill that the public will be on board for the passage of a long-term bill that significantly boosts highway and transit investment at the federal level.” A complete report and an all-new interactive dashboard that filters results by state, mode, year and type of initiative are available at the Center’s flagship website at www.transportationinvestment.org. The preliminary results reaffirm a decade-long trend of voters strongly supporting investments to maintain and improve their state or local transportation networks. Voters have approved 81 percent of nearly 2,000 transportation investment ballot measures tracked by ARTBA-TIAC since 2010, including this year’s results. “Public support for increasing infrastructure investment continues to help local governments and the transportation construction community improve safety, mobility and overall quality of life for residents as projects get underway,” said Carolyn Kramer, ARTBA-TIAC director. Voters in Maine overwhelmingly approved, by a 76 percent to 24 percent margin, a $105 million bond measure to support transportation infrastructure projects. The vote was Maine’s seventh successful transportation bond in eight years. While transportation investment fared well nationwide, Washington state voters endorsed by a 56 percent to 44 percent margin a measure that reduces or repeals certain motor vehicle taxes and fees and removes the authority to impose certain new fees without their approval. This decision will cost the state nearly $4.3 billion in state and local transportation revenue over the next six years. Voters in Colorado rejected by a 55 percent to 45 percent vote a measure that would have permitted the state to retain excess tax collections in order to fund education and transportation. The 305 measures tracked by ARTBA-TIAC is the largest number ever for an odd-numbered, off-year election. Although historically most transportation measures are put on the ballot in even-numbered years when congressional or presidential elections drive higher turnout, an increasing number of measures are being considered by voters during odd-numbered years and primary elections. There were 57 measures in 12 states that would raise over $20 million each, compared to 21 measures in 2017.  Of that total, 89 percent were approved.  Of 25 measures that would raise over $100 million, voters approved 92 percent.  This included a bond measure in Harris County, Texas to support transit expansions in Houston under the “Moving Forward Plan.” Of the local ballot measures, most (302 of 305) were property tax increases, primarily in Ohio (154) and Michigan (15), where many municipalities consistently ask voters to renew such assessments to pay for local roads and infrastructure repairs. Additionally, local bond measures in Texas appeared on 25 ballots and received 96 percent approval, which will generate nearly $6 billion. Most of these measures established municipal utility districts. The approved measures will support $7.7 billion in new transportation investment revenue and $1.9 billion in continued funding through tax extensions, renewals or protections. The timing of the market impact of these actions is difficult to project as revenue approved will last up to 25 years.    

WESTLAKE, Ohio — The TA Restaurant Group, a division of TravelCenters of America, is opening a Black Bear Diner at the TA travel center in Kingman, Arizona, off Interstate 40 at Exit 48. Black Bear Diner was recognized in Nation’s Restaurant News 2017 and Nation’s Restaurant News 2018 as one of the fastest growing private restaurant chains in the United States. The full-service dining concept offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast is served 24 hours a day. “We’ve been thrilled with the popularity and success of the Black Bear Diners among our customers and are happy to add yet another to our restaurant group,” said John Ponczoch, senior vice president, TA Restaurant Group. “We strive to provide a ‘home away from home’ experience for all our customers and these restaurants provide a dining option that is unique and welcoming, with the comforts of home.” “We are extremely pleased with the TA Restaurant Group’s opening in Kingman, Arizona, their fourth franchised Black Bear Diner,” said Bruce Dean, co-founder and chief executive officer of Black Bear Diner. “As an experienced and successful operator with thriving Black Bear Diners in Wheeler Ridge, California, Barstow, California, and in Beaumont, Texas, we look forward to the continued growth of this important franchise partnership.” All Black Bear Diner restaurants offer a bear-themed atmosphere and are designed to remind guests that quality and service are key ingredients to every meal, Dean said. The restaurant is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and has seating for approximately 150 people. This is the fourth Black Bear Diner in the TA travel center network. TravelCenters of America is the nation’s largest publicly traded full-service travel center network. Founded in 1972 and headquartered in Westlake, Ohio, its more than 21,000 employees serve customers in over 260 locations in 44 states and Canada, principally under the TA, Petro Stopping Centers and TA Express brands. For more information, visit www.ta-petro.com. Founded in Mt. Shasta, California, in 1995, Black Bear Diner now operates 135 locations in 13 states and growing. country. For a full menu and additional information, please visit www.blackbeardiner.com.   Wheeler Ridge, California Barstow, California Beaumont, Texas    

HARTFORD, Conn.  — Gov. Ned Lamont’s latest transportation improvement proposal limits new tolling to 14 specific bridge, interchange and highway projects, and sets in motion a possible fully functioning airport in south-central Connecticut. It also invests millions in new commuter rail cars and public busses. The 10-year, $21.1 billion plan, known as CT2030, will be unveiled publicly on Thursday. The Associated Press on Wednesday obtained a copy of the proposed executive summary of the initiative, which promises “swift and safe” roads, “fast and functional” trains and faster, safer, more convenient and reliable travel across the state. Unlike previous transportation plans, this one targets new spending to a limited number of specific projects while increasing the state’s investment in preserving the current system. “CT2030 doesn’t promise the kitchen sink,” the summary reads. “It prioritizes and pays for the most vital improvements for Connecticut residents.” Some Democratic legislative leaders gave the proposal early, positive reviews on Wednesday, after receiving a closed-door briefing from the Democratic governor’s staff. “I think this a plan, in its original form, as it is now, that might need a little work,” said House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz, D-Berlin. “But it’s something I can entirely embrace.” Unlike earlier transportation proposals, this plan focuses heavily on addressing the state’s worst traffic chokepoints, an idea welcomed by both Democrats and Republicans. According to the summary, Connecticut has six of the nation’s 100 worst traffic bottlenecks. “I think no question, commuters in the state of Connecticut complain the most about driving down the highway and all of a sudden you’re slamming on your brakes,” said Rep. Vincent Candelora, R-North Branford, who credited Lamont with “focusing on the right issues.” But Candelora said the GOP questions whether tolls are still needed to accomplish that goal. According to the summary, Lamont’s plan would rely on a combination of borrowing and limited tolls, referred to as “user fees,” ranging from 50 cents to $1 for passenger vehicles and $3.50 to $7 for heavy trucks. There would be 20% discounts for drivers with EZ-Pass transponders. The proposed tolling, which the summary calls “modest,” would begin in 2023. The administration estimates about 40% of the revenue generated would come from out-of-state drivers. A previous transportation plan that was ultimately disregarded earlier this year would have imposed about 50 overhead tolling gantries on Interstates 84, 91, 95 and parts of Route 15. “Now that we’re looking at a more realistic, scaled-back plan, we think that there could be ways to fund this program without adding a new revenue stream,” Candelora said. According to the proposed executive summary, Lamont’s plan relies partly on a special low-cost borrowing program from the federal government, which needs to be repaid with a dedicated funding stream. Candelora said that doesn’t necessarily have to be highway tolls. Tolling opponents agree. Cherie Juhnke of Plainville, who stood outside Wednesday’s meeting holding a “no tolls” sign, was unimpressed that this latest transportation proposal would limit the tolls to 14 bridges, interchanges and highway projects — a figure that could change. “We pay enough,” Juhnke said. “No tolls. They’ll never go away if they go up.” Besides highway improvements, Lamont’s new plan includes financial investments in rail, buses, ports and airports. It calls for the state to begin working with the federal government on a plan to transform either Tweed Airport in New Haven or Sikorsky in the Bridgeport/Stratford area, into an airport with 25 daily flights. There’s also funding in the plan for new commuter rail cars and other improvements with a goal of reducing round-trip commuter travel times by 20 minutes a day between New Haven and Penn Station in New York City. It’s uncertain when there might be a vote on the proposal, which could change in future negotiations. Aresimowicz said he’d like to see a vote in a special session. However, he didn’t rule out the issue coming up in the next regular legislative session, which convenes in February.    

UPDATED 7:30 a.m. November 7 BRYANT, Ark. — Two people were killed early Wednesday morning when a FedEx tractor-trailer veered out of its lane and hit a vehicle that had been stopped pm the shoulder by a Bryant police officer. Authorities said about 1:45 a.m. Wednesday, Bryant Officer Seth Wakefield conducted a routine traffic stop on I-30 Eastbound around the 123-mile marker while working the DWI Task Force. The DWI task for is a state-funded program that allows officers to look for any individuals that might be driving while impaired. Officers said Wakefield noticed a vehicle that had defective equipment and conducted the stop. The vehicle was pulled over on the inside lane of the three-lane interstate next to the center median wall. Once the stop was completed, Wakefield returned to his patrol unit. The tractor-trailer, driven by Roshannon Dunnigan, 37, of Shreveport, Louisiana, plowed into both Wakefield’s vehicle and the vehicle he had stopped as a result of the traffic stop. Both vehicles, the patrol car and the vehicle on the stop, were struck by the FedEx 18-wheeler, which resulted in two fatalities. Arkansas State Police said two passengers in the car Wakefield stopped, Adriana Greenwood, 23, of Pointblank, Texas, and Treylin Cranford, 19, of Little Rock, Arkansas, were killed. The driver of the car, Andre Harris, 19, of Pointblank, Texas, was injured, as was Dunnigan. No information was available on their condition. Authorities said Wakefield sustained minor injuries and was treated and released from Saline Memorial Hospital in Benton, Arkansas, about six miles southwest of Bryant, which is located six miles southwest of Little Rock. The accident shut down I-30 for almost five hours. FedEx Ground released a statement regarding the accident: “First and foremost we extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the individuals involved in this incident. Safety is our highest priority and we are cooperating fully with the investigating authorities at this time.”    

SEATTLE — State and local governments could end up scrambling to pay for road paving and other transportation projects as a Washington state measure that would cut car tabs to $30 was passing in early returns Tuesday. Sponsored by Tim Eyman, the measure would cap most taxes paid through annual vehicle registration at $30 and largely revoke the authority of state and local governments to add new taxes and fees without voter approval. Initiative 976 was being approved by a 56 percent to 44 percent margin after the first votes were tallied in the all mail election. King County, the state’s most populous, was rejecting I-976 but most other counties were approving it by healthy margins. Vote counting will continue for days. The measure would also repeal taxes and fees that were already in place, which could cost the state and local governments more than $4 billion in revenue over the next six years, according to the state Office of Financial Management. Eyman says people are fed up with rising car tab costs. Just before the first votes were tallied, Eyman claimed victory, saying just getting the initiative on the ballot was a win. However, a large group of businesses including Microsoft and Amazon, as well as labor unions, waged a nearly $5 million campaign in opposition, saying the state needs car tab dollars to maintain a safe and effective transportation system. Joanne Lind, 60, Tumwater, dropped her ballot off at the drop box outside of Olympia City Hall Tuesday afternoon. She said she voted no on I-976. “I feel like people who own cars should help pay for the infrastructure,” she said. More than 60 cities use car-tab fees to pay for road construction, bus service and sidewalks. The state also charges fees to help pay for programs including Washington State Patrol traffic enforcement, highway maintenance, ferry operations and maintenance of county roads and bridges. Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan and other government leaders have been vocal in their opposition and over a half-dozen city councils passed resolutions against it. The city of Olympia also sent a mailer urging people to vote no which the state Public Disclosure Commission said it would investigate because state law prohibits city councils from using public resources to promote or oppose measures. Eyman is also using the initiative to try and undo a car-tab fee hike collected by Sound Transit in the Puget Sound region, which uses a method of vehicle valuation that inflates some car values. Voters approved the increase as part of a light-rail expansion package in 2016 for King, Snohomish and Pierce counties. If I-976 passes, the agency stands to lose about $328 million a year, or about 11% of its annual revenue, according to the state analysis. Sound Transit said it could lose about $13 billion more over 20 years because of higher borrowing costs and possible project delays. In a statement Wednesday morning Sound Transit Board Chairman and Redmond Mayor John Marchione said the board would hear from its finance staff and lawyer at its Nov. 21 meeting. “The Board will consider Sound Transit’s obligations to taxpayers who want their motor vehicle excise taxes reduced, as well as how to realize voters’ earlier direction to dramatically expand high capacity transit throughout the Puget Sound region,” Marchione said. Eyman’s $30 car tab initiative first passed 20 years ago. It was struck down in court before being enacted by lawmakers. The fees have crept up in recent years as lawmakers allowed them and voters approved them. Eyman’s latest measure comes as he fights a campaign finance lawsuit filed against him by Attorney General Bob Ferguson. Eyman has been held in contempt of court for refusing to cooperate with court rules while a judge has ordered a for-profit signature-gathering firm to pay over $1 million for deceiving state residents by funneling their campaign donations to Eyman for his personal use.