Why Truck Mandates Need a Slowdown: Pumping the Brakes
Recent trucking developments include scrutiny of automatic emergency braking systems, a new survey on hours-of-service and electronic logging device requirements, a regional commercial vehicle enforcement effort, and several legal and regulatory issues affecting carriers and drivers.
Investigation Examines False Automatic-Braking Activations
Drivers have raised concerns that false activations of automatic emergency braking systems could cause a truck weighing up to 80,000 pounds to unexpectedly come to a complete stop. Those concerns were examined in an investigation launched by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration between the issuance of an AEB mandate and publication of the agency’s proposed rule.
The investigation focused on instances in which truck-based AEB systems activated without an apparent obstacle or imminent collision. The issue has become part of the broader debate over how the technology should be tested and regulated before requirements take effect.
ATRI Seeks Input on HOS and ELD Requirements
The American Transportation Research Institute has launched a research survey examining the effects of federal hours-of-service rules and electronic logging device mandates. The research is expected to gather feedback from trucking industry participants on compliance, operational impacts and challenges associated with the requirements.
Regional Enforcement Effort Targets Commercial Vehicle Safety
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and state law enforcement agencies conducted 552 commercial vehicle inspections along freight corridors in the Southeast, according to an announcement from Columbia, South Carolina.
The inspections were part of a coordinated commercial vehicle safety effort. Such operations typically review driver qualifications, vehicle condition, hours-of-service compliance and other requirements under federal and state law.
Legal, Financial and Regulatory Developments
A Texas congressman has proposed legislation known as “Barron’s Law.” The measure would require standardized English testing for commercial driver’s license applicants and strengthen enforcement against chameleon carriers, which are operators that attempt to continue business under a new identity after facing enforcement action.
In a separate case, a federal prosecution alleges that an investment offering involving a trucking company used money from newer investors to pay earlier investors and support the owner’s luxury spending. The available information describes the case as an alleged investment scheme centered on the trucking industry.
Super Ego is not listed as a defendant in the case. C.H. Robinson said in a statement that the Super Ego companies it worked with were legally established and in good standing, and that each trucking company operating under the holding company had its own operating authority from the U.S. government.
A wrongful-death lawsuit also has been filed in federal court by the estate of Pahira against Bon and two trucking companies. The estate is seeking more than $750,000 under Pennsylvania’s Wrongful Death Act and Survival Act. The civil case follows a separate criminal and regulatory dispute.
Separately, the trucking industry continues to face financial pressure. At least eight large U.S. trucking companies reportedly filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September, with nearly 2,000 layoffs reported across delivery, logistics and manufacturing operations.
