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John Gallagher

Based in Washington, D.C., John specializes in regulation and legislation affecting all sectors of freight transportation. He has covered rail, trucking and maritime issues since 1993 for a variety of publications based in the U.S. and the U.K. John began business reporting in 1993 at Broadcasting & Cable Magazine. He graduated from Florida State University majoring in English and business.
Mar - 2024 -
12 March
John Gallagher

Biden administration rolls out power grid plan for electric trucks

A battery-charging network strategy aimed at phasing out diesel-burning trucks kicks off with 12,000 miles of interstate freight corridors.

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11 March
John Gallagher

Bill would give states new power to waive truck weight limits

Legislation touted for supply chain emergencies could be used by carriers to haul heavier loads indefinitely, according to lobby group.

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06 March
John Gallagher

Ron DeSantis expected to sign truck-towing reforms

A new Florida law aimed at combating predatory truck towing requires operators to cap rates and make them more transparent for truck drivers and carriers.

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John Gallagher

Why brokers should care about nuclear verdicts and speed limiters

Transportation attorney Matthew Leffler explains why brokers need to keep on top of several major issues facing trucking in 2024.

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04 March
John Gallagher

Lax oversight of trucking contractors plagues Postal Service

A new audit of trucking contractors for the U.S. Postal Service recommends reforms for verifying safe drivers and triggers a call for new regulations.

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Feb - 2024 -
29 February
John Gallagher

FMCSA considering ELD exemption from ‘inactive’ trucker

An owner-operator claims ELDs, required by regulators to measure hours of service, are too expensive.

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John Gallagher

Are drayage truckers getting off easy under FMC’s new billing rule?

Shippers say a new Federal Maritime Commission rule meant to make billing more transparent will instead cause them more headaches.

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26 February
John Gallagher

FedEx warns of higher costs under trucker rest break waivers

Routes, service and driver safety could be at risk if federal regulators allow California and Washington state laws to supersede federal work laws, according to FedEx.

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23 February
John Gallagher

FMC tightens rules on charging container late fees

Regulators have imposed new billing standards on ocean carriers that shippers consider a “major step” toward eliminating abuse.

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21 February
John Gallagher

US targets Chinese-made container cranes in spy crackdown

New cyber-risk requirements for container terminal owners and operators are part of a major maritime cybersecurity initiative announced by the White House.

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20 February
John Gallagher

FMCSA issues warning after chemical tank ‘rockets’ hundreds of feet

Federal safety regulators have advised owners of older anhydrous ammonia tanks to conduct pressure testing to avoid catastrophic failure.

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15 February
John Gallagher

Truck drivers: FMCSA wants to see your leasing agreement

A federal task force wants contract details from truck drivers to help expose and combat predatory lease practices in the trucking industry.

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13 February
John Gallagher

FMCSA questioned on studies added to safety fitness rulemaking

Transportation and manufacturing groups are warning federal regulators against using driver-assist data in developing a rule that could determine a trucking company’s ability to stay in business.

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12 February
John Gallagher

New tax plan could ease investment burden for truckers

Small and large trucking companies will see benefits restored if the Senate advances a new tax package.

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07 February
John Gallagher

FMCSA calls out sham towing fees charged to truckers

The nation’s top truck safety regulator wants towing companies that overcharge truckers to be held accountable by the FTC.

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John Gallagher

FMCSA to study sexual assault in trucking

Federal regulators are responding to complaints that the government is not doing enough to protect women and minority truck drivers.

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01 February
John Gallagher

FMCSA takes on fraud concerns in new CDL testing rule

Federal regulators are proposing to ease requirements for new truck drivers — but crash victim advocates warn safety will be compromised.

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Jan - 2024 -
30 January
John Gallagher

Red Sea cargo diversions could affect 2024 holiday shipping

Retailers and ocean carriers assess the possible effects in the U.S. if supply chain disruptions in the Middle East continue.

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29 January
John Gallagher

FMCSA pushes back rulemaking on truck speed limiters to May

The latest agenda from DOT delays rules on truck speeds and automated driving systems.

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18 January
John Gallagher

FMCSA Administrator Robin Hutcheson to resign

Nation’s top truck safety regulator, Robin Hutcheson, will step down Jan. 26, according to DOT.

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17 January
John Gallagher

TIA warns Congress of rampant fraud in trucking

Lawmakers are told that criminals are registering as fake trucking companies with FMCSA. 

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12 January
John Gallagher

Is FMCSA tipping its hand on carrier safety fitness?

FMCSA is providing a rare glimpse into documents it will consider in formulating a significant safety rule.

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10 January
John Gallagher

DOT tangles with watchdog over $1.5 billion in freight grants

Highway, port and freight rail projects are caught up in a Government Accountability Office report questioning how the Department of Transportation justifies infrastructure investments.

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05 January
John Gallagher

Postal Service EV rollout off to shaky start

Thefts from a storage facility have raised concerns from a government watchdog agency as the Postal Service moves to electrify its delivery fleet.

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03 January
John Gallagher

White House warns Red Sea turmoil could hit US economy

White House spokesman John Kirby said shipping risks caused by the Middle East conflict could become a “pocketbook” issue for Americans.

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John Gallagher

CVTA: Trucker wages at stake in Florida’s CDL exemption request

Relaxing CDL testing rules could get drivers on the road faster without risking safety, according to a training school group.

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Dec - 2023 -
28 December
John Gallagher

Labor, climate costs loom large for trucking in 2024

After truck parking and broker transparency grabbed headlines in 2023, experts see independent contractor status and truck emissions as top issues next year.

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19 December
John Gallagher

DOT’s freight data exchange processing 65% of US container imports

Multimodal freight office leader Allison Camden has high expectations now that freight “has a seat at the table.”

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13 December
John Gallagher

Republicans pan truck speed limiter proposal at House hearing

FMCSA chief Robin Hutcheson was grilled by Republicans on the safety implications of a federal rule to effectively mandate truck speeds.

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John Gallagher

RXO sees ‘too much capacity’ in trucking heading into 2024

Pace of carrier exits needs to speed up to achieve economic balance in the truckload sector, according to RXO Chief Strategy Officer Jared Weisfeld.

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08 December
John Gallagher

Trailer side-guard rule likely delayed until at least October 2024

DOT’s latest regulatory agenda reveals regulators will be taking no action on a costly new safety equipment proposal for almost a year.

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07 December
John Gallagher

FMCSA issues policy on sexual assault among truck drivers

Trucking regulator reminds states of federal laws disqualifying convicted felons from having a CDL.

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05 December
John Gallagher

Truck parking expansion money still elusive on Capitol Hill

Local opposition and divided attention in Washington are hurdles that must be cleared before the trucking industry can get parking legislation passed.

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04 December
John Gallagher

Florida seeks help for truckers failing pre-trip inspections

CDL testing in Florida could get easier if regulators grant an exemption to driver instructors.

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01 December
John Gallagher

Feds told to start rating ‘unrated’ trucking companies for safety

A government system that leaves most of the trucking industry without a safety rating needs an overhaul, carriers and brokers tell regulators.

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Nov - 2023 -
29 November
John Gallagher

Indiana tops predatory truck-towing list

A new study looks at the causes and severity of excessive heavy-duty truck towing fees.

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24 November
John Gallagher

Railroads take on EPA’s pollution-reporting proposal

EPA’s proposal to consider mandating air pollution reporting could place new burdens on rail yards and rail carriers, critics say.

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22 November
John Gallagher

DOT finalizes rule requiring states to track vehicle CO2

Road builders say the Biden administration’s new emissions performance rule goes beyond the intent of Congress.

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16 November
John Gallagher

Petitions for meal, rest break waivers dispute parking shortage claims

The Teamsters and crash victim advocates say claims that parking shortages will be made worse by California’s and Washington’s rest break rules are unfounded.

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15 November
John Gallagher

FMCSA tightens regulations to prevent fraud by brokers

A final rule issued by federal regulators aims to protect truckers from broker fraud.

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13 November
John Gallagher

Advisers to FMCSA waver on support for trucker overtime pay

A federal advisory panel promoting women in trucking weakened its stance on removing an exemption that currently allows carriers not to pay overtime to their drivers.

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09 November
John Gallagher

Trucks and teen motorists a dangerous mix, NTSB panelists say

Improving road safety and public health is the goal of a new push to help teen drivers learn to share the road.

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07 November
John Gallagher

As economy motors along, trucking prepares to downshift

FreightWaves CEO Craig Fuller sees bad signs from banks — and trouble ahead for brokers — as he looks to the first quarter of next year.

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03 November
John Gallagher

Senate approves bill to help vets get CDLs

Military veterans are closer to gaining more access to a CDL with the passage of legislation aimed at cutting GI Bill red tape.

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John Gallagher

DOT pumping more truck capacity into US ports

Trucks are featured heavily in projects reaping $653 million worth of port infrastructure grants announced Friday by the Biden administration.

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Oct - 2023 -
31 October
John Gallagher

Truckers push FMCSA to make brokers pay for detention time

Truck drivers are pressing regulators to require brokers to pay them for time lost waiting to pick up or drop off loads.

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26 October
John Gallagher

NLRB joint-employer rule triggers fears of higher trucking costs

A new federal labor standard opens up trucking companies to a wider range of costly employee liabilities, according to a legal expert.

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25 October
John Gallagher

Trucking congestion costs hit record $94.6B

Inflation, higher cargo volumes and diesel prices fueled a spike in congestion costs for trucking companies, according to new data from ATRI.

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20 October
John Gallagher

New data shows 14% decline in large-truck fatalities

FMCSA’s latest crash data is a hopeful sign for safety as trucking regulators consider new rules to reduce deaths and injuries.

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18 October
John Gallagher

12% new-truck tax panned at highway funding hearing

U.S. Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-Calif., argues that a long-standing tax on new trucks is an inefficient way to sustain the ailing Highway Trust Fund.

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16 October
John Gallagher

Trucker out-of-service orders hit all-time high

Data reveals 2023 will be a record year — by far — for commercial carrier shutdowns ordered by the government for new carriers.

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11 October
John Gallagher

FMCSA extends protections for under-21 harvest haulers

Truckers under age 21 serving the agriculture sector will continue to receive an exemption to avoid interference from law enforcement.

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10 October
John Gallagher

FMCSA cuts back on relief for drivers during emergencies

Trucking companies and drivers will see shorter windows on regional emergency exemptions provided by the agency.

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02 October
John Gallagher

Audit: Postal Service contract truckers had their kids riding along

Postal Service auditors have advised the agency to boost oversight of contract trucking companies.

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Sep - 2023 -
27 September
John Gallagher

What happens to freight if the government shuts down?

Here’s how 10 federal agencies plan to protect carriers and their customers if Congress fails to approve funding by Saturday night.

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26 September
John Gallagher

OOIDA calls long delay in truck broker rate transparency rule ‘BS’

A new regulatory agenda sets dates for trucking sector rulemakings ranging from speed limiter mandates to automatic emergency braking.

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21 September
John Gallagher

Cutting emissions is affecting shippers’ modal choices

Freight-movement data reveals the importance of factoring sustainability measures into transportation planning.

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20 September
John Gallagher

Lawmakers drag Buttigieg into UAW fight

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg faced partisan attacks over EV policy during a House oversight hearing.

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19 September
John Gallagher

FMCSA told to make all carrier complaint data public

GAO recommends FMCSA improve its website so that it is more useful for truck drivers seeking remedies for alleged coercion by employers.

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14 September
John Gallagher

Crash victims allege DOT violations related to underride guard report

A too-cozy relationship between the trucking industry and regulators may be putting lives at risk, crash safety advocates contend.

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13 September
John Gallagher

FMCSA proposing crash-data appeals process for drivers

Complaints about transparency and accuracy of safety data that affects the operations of truck drivers and carriers has caught the attention of federal regulators.

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John Gallagher

Truck driver jobs at center of House hearing on automation

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle pressed the American Trucking Associations and tech companies over job and safety concerns associated with driverless trucks.

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John Gallagher

Only 1 key trucking bill likely to pass in Congress, GovTrack says

FreightWaves looks at prospects for trucking legislation as lawmakers return to Capitol Hill after the August recess.

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06 September
John Gallagher

Biden hails ratification of West Coast dockworker contract

Along with a six-year port agreement, President Biden is underscoring the role of UPS Teamsters and ocean shipping reform in boosting the U.S. economy.

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01 September
Aug - 2023 -
31 August
John Gallagher

Freight interests frustrated with leadership vacuum at DOT

Rail, port and trucking interests want the Biden administration to ramp up oversight and coordination of the multi-billion dollar infrastructure law.

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28 August
John Gallagher

FMCSA seeks advice on new safety rules for carriers

A new safety standard would change how FMCSA determines whether carriers and truckers are fit to operate.

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25 August
John Gallagher

AARP pushes feds to protect older pedestrians from truck accidents

FMCSA and NHTSA should incorporate braking technology to avoid crashes involving more than just other vehicles, AARP warns.

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23 August
John Gallagher

FMCSA details new truck driver detention time survey

Federal regulators will attempt once again to try to figure out the safety and cost effects of delaying truck drivers at shippers and receivers.

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22 August
John Gallagher

Automation underperforming for US Postal Service, watchdog says

Automated equipment put to work for the U.S. Postal Service failed to achieve projected savings, according to the agency’s watchdog.

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21 August
John Gallagher

NHTSA denies Mack Trucks’ turn-signal lamp exemption

Federal regulators are cracking down on trucking-related exemption requests that fail to provide safety justifications.

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16 August
John Gallagher

FMCSA’s erratic history on meal/rest break preemption

Regulators are leveraging their power to once again weigh in on state laws affecting truck drivers.

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11 August
John Gallagher

FMCSA will consider rollbacks to truck driver rest-break rules

Regulators may use waivers to give California and Washington more power over truck driver work rules that the Trump administration found were preempted.

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09 August
John Gallagher

Safety officials on automatic emergency braking mandate: Not so fast

A proposal requiring automatic braking on trucks needs more than a 60-day comment period, state agencies and brake manufacturers assert.

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07 August
John Gallagher

Feds call attention to maritime ‘near misses’

DOT and MarAd are moving on a new database aimed at preventing vessel collisions.

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04 August
John Gallagher

Watchdog: FMCSA’s oversight of Mexican carriers needs work

DOT’s inspector general recommends FMCSA take steps to clamp down on foreign carrier safety compliance.

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John Gallagher

FMCSA cites safety record in granting CRST’s CDL exemption

Getting drivers on the road faster boosts productivity, says CRST, which was conditionally granted a CDL exemption renewal.

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01 August
John Gallagher

Ocean carriers warn FMC against regulating prices

Requiring container ship operators to file an export policy would be too costly — and unlawful as well, carriers tell regulators.

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Jul - 2023 -
27 July
John Gallagher

Major trucking companies seek exemption for driver trainers

Federal rules on driver instructor background requirements are hampering carriers’ ability to staff trainers, according to companies.

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John Gallagher

Where is DOT’s Freight Office?

The Department of Transportation’s “supercharged” Freight Office will be tasked with overseeing and coordinating competitive grants and how they fit into a national freight strategy.

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21 July
John Gallagher

NHTSA pressured to overhaul rulemaking on side underride guards

Federal regulators have been asked to significantly revise — or scrap altogether — a rulemaking requiring side underride guards for new truck trailers.

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19 July
John Gallagher

Reaching the next level of fleet-safety AI

Trimble’s Jesse Chappell discusses how video AI in trucking is gaining momentum with enterprise fleets.

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18 July
John Gallagher

FMCSA denies prison inmate CDL training exemption

Exempting former prison inmates from certain CDL training rules could not ensure that safety standards would be upheld, according to federal regulators.

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14 July
John Gallagher

House passes defense bill with ban on Chinese shipping platform

The National Defense Authorization Act amendment is aimed at blocking China’s ability to monitor U.S. container flows.

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11 July
John Gallagher

FMCSA advisory panel targets predatory leasing contracts

The first meeting of FMCSA’s Truck Leasing Task Force has put lease-purchase agreements under more intense scrutiny.

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04 July
John Gallagher

Is Washington stepping up for truck drivers?

FreightWaves spoke with research scientist David Correll about how much progress has been made toward addressing workforce challenges.

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Jun - 2023 -
29 June
John Gallagher

NHTSA rejects call to make AV test reporting mandatory

The voluntary structure of NHTSA’s automated vehicle testing initiative will hinder the agency’s ability to modify AV safety regulations down the road, OOIDA contends.

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28 June
John Gallagher

Truck parking in Texas, Louisiana gets $33.5M boost from DOT

Government sponsors are finding ways to add capacity for truck parking through long-standing federal grant programs.

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22 June
John Gallagher

Feds propose automatic emergency braking systems for heavy-duty trucks

NHTSA and FMCSA are proposing that all new trucks over 10,000 pounds be equipped with automatic emergency braking systems.

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John Gallagher

Diesel trucks taking up EV slack to meet cargo demand in California

Harbor Trucking Association’s Matt Schrap warns about the effects that California’s carbon emissions restriction is having on the drayage industry and the environment.

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20 June
John Gallagher

Trucking group: Study supports greater use of hair tests for drivers

Hair testing finds significantly more opioid, cocaine and meth use by truck drivers versus testing for those drugs using urinalysis, a recently updated study finds.

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15 June
John Gallagher

FMCSA issues final guidance to expose illegal brokers

Move by federal regulators to crack down on broker scofflaws gets mixed reviews from broker and carrier groups.

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14 June
John Gallagher

FMCSA to consider requiring proficiency tests for new carriers

A 14-year-old petition filed by a truck safety group to strengthen new-entrant requirements has finally been greenlighted for public scrutiny.

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13 June
John Gallagher

Trucking tells FMCSA crash reporting presumes drivers guilty

FMCSA puts unfair burdens on truck drivers and carriers in accident reporting, the agency is told.

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08 June
John Gallagher

NHTSA side underride analysis slammed by safety, insurance advocates

The Biden administration is using a flawed analysis to inform a potential rule mandating lifesaving equipment on truck trailers, according to safety and insurance groups.

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06 June
John Gallagher

Feds report more truck drivers dying from not using seat belts

The latest federal data reveals that 64% of large-truck drivers killed in crashes were not wearing seat belts.

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05 June
John Gallagher

Study unable to firmly connect legal pot and truck safety

The effects of marijuana impairment on truck driving is not fully understood due in part to limited research, according to a new ATRI report.

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01 June
John Gallagher

FMCSA wants more regulation of tests for new truck drivers

Regulators explain the rationale behind an upcoming rulemaking for third-party CDL knowledge testers versus issuing a permanent waiver.

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May - 2023 -
31 May
John Gallagher

California Dems lobby DOT for $700M electric truck charging project

A project sponsored by West Coast states is seeking the entire first round of federal funding set aside for zero-emission charging and fueling networks.

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