Latest News Updates From Andrea Fischer

Anxious Transition to ULSD Smoother Than Expected — So Far

As new diesel standards took effect in 2006, refiners and fuel retailers said the nationwide transition to ultra-low-sulfur diesel was smoother than expected, despite concerns that the new fuel would cause supply shortages in some parts of the United States.

December 18, 2006

CVSA Plans Vote on Roadside Brake-Testing Devices

An official with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance told Transport Topics the group will vote next year on whether to include performance-based brake-testing devices as an enforcement tool during roadside truck inspections.

December 6, 2006

Group Warns on Biodiesel

he biodiesel industry’s largest trade group has issued a “winter weather advisory” after 50% of the samples in a national test failed to meet quality standards. br clear="all">

November 27, 2006

Seat-Belt Laws, Liability Changes Top Agenda For ATA Insurance Task Force, Officials Say

DALLAS — Trucking executives will continue to advocate insurance and legal reforms in state legislatures and will work to institute primary seat-belt laws across the country, industry officials said during American Trucking Associations’ Management Conference & Exhibition here.

November 8, 2006

FHWA Approves Final Standards For Truck Parking Program

The Federal Highway Administration said it has approved final criteria for a program aimed at helping truckers find parking near interstates.

November 1, 2006

U.S. Border Security Costs Canadians Business, Time

Although the Canadian trucking industry may face several regulatory changes in the years ahead that could improve operations for carriers, it’s unlikely that it will become less difficult for them to cross the U.S. border in the near future, said David Bradley, chief executive officer of the Canadian Trucking Alliance.

October 25, 2006

Court Rejects California Rule Requiring Engine ‘Reflash’

California’s Superior Court last week overturned a state regulation that required all trucks with 1993 to 1998 model-year engines operating in the state to be reprogrammed to include more stringent emission controls.

October 23, 2006

Engine Makers File With EPA to Certify New 2007 Models

ll major U.S. heavy-duty diesel engine manufacturers said they have submitted applications to the Environmental Protection Agency for certification of their 2007 models and expected to have the new, cleaner-burning engines available for sale by the beginning of next year.

October 16, 2006

Retailers Say They Are Ready to Start Selling ULSD Oct. 15

Fuel retailers said they would be ready to sell ultra-low-sulfur diesel when the Environmental Protection Agency’s final implementation phase of the new fuel takes effect Oct. 15.

October 10, 2006

Emissions Gear Seen Cutting ’07 Trucks’ Carrying Capacity

Truck makers and fleet managers said they are concerned new diesel particulate filters and engine-cooling systems in 2007 trucks could decrease hauling capacity.

October 2, 2006