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September 20, 2000 10:52 AM, EDT

The National Industrial Transportation League has endorsed a code of ethics that, if followed, would have truck drivers spending more time on the road and less time waiting at loading docks.

Under the terms of the code, shippers will be expected to establish reasonable transit times so carriers can comply with hours-of-service requirements and speed limits. The code also calls on shippers to treat drivers with respect, provide better communications on the type of freight they are shipping and comply with legal size and weight limits.

The code is titled the Voluntary Guide to Good Business Relations for Shippers, Receivers, Carriers and Drivers. The nonbinding set of principles was developed over two years by NITL and the Truckload Carriers Association.

Ed Rastatter, NITL’s director of policy, said he believed most of the 800 shippers and receivers represented by NITL already follow the policy. He said that would encourage other shipper and carrier organizations to sign on to it.

For the full story, see the Sept. 18 print edition of Transport Topics. .