Trucking news and briefs for Monday, Oct. 12, 2020:
FMCSA to host listening session on broker transparency
Truck drivers will get a chance to voice their concerns about brokers and the ongoing debate over brokered rates transparency at a listening session with DOT officials later this month.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced in a Federal Register notice to be published Oct. 13 that it will host a virtual listening session Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 1-2:30 p.m. Eastern time. Registration for the videoconference will be required and will be available in advance of the meeting.
The announcement comes after FMCSA received petitions earlier this year from the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and another group asking that brokers be required to automatically send electronic records of each transaction record to carriers within 48 hours of loads being completed and prohibit brokers from including provisions in contracts that require carriers to waive their rights to transaction records. FMCSA is still accepting public comments on these petitions through Oct. 19.
FMCSA adds that it also received a petition from the Transportation Intermediaries Association asking the agency to eliminate 49 CFR 371.3 and to develop guidance on what legally constitutes a “dispatch service.” TIA says in its petition that its proposed modifications “would eliminate an outdated regulation that no longer applies to the current marketplace.”
“Given that the TIA petition expresses a different perspective than those expressed in the [OOIDA petition], FMCSA would like to hear from members of the public on their views on the regulation of property carrier brokers in general,” and the various petitions, FMCSA says in its notice announcing the listening session.
Kenworth recalls 1,400 trucks for possible brake issue
Paccar is recalling more than 1,400 Kenworth T680 tractors for a potential issue with a certain brake system, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents.
The recall affects approximately 1,416 model year 2016-2021 T680 trucks equipped with a 2.1m cab and Wabco 6S/6M ABS brake system with drum brakes.
Paccar says the brake systems were manufactured with a standard rear-brake ABS modulator valve instead of a quick release valve, which may exceed the intended service-brake release timing, increasing stopping distance of the trucks.
Paccar will notify owners, and dealers will replace the standard valve with a quick release valve for free. Owners can contact Paccar customer service at 1-425-828-5888 with recall number 20KWD. NHTSA’s recall number is 20V-593.
Ryder to install PowerFleet tracking system on forklifts
Ryder System has partnered with fleet tracking system provider PowerFleet to embed telematics into its forklifts and other material handling equipment within its warehouses.
Over the next 12-18 months, Ryder will be deploying the PowerFleet Enterprise system in more than 1,000 pieces of material handling equipment to help enhance safety and regulatory compliance in Ryder’s warehouse operations.
PowerFleet Enterprise combines a hardware device installed on the Ryder equipment, software and an analytics platform to provide safety controls and data on the utilization and productivity of the equipment and operator.
