Trucking news and briefs for Friday, May 1, 2020:
Heavy-haul group seeks renewal of 30-minute break waiver
The Specialized Carriers and Rigging Association, a group for haulers of oversize and overweight freight, is seeking a renewal of a waiver from the mandatory 30-minute rest break.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is seeking public comment on the request to renew the exemption for another five years. Comments can be made here through June 1. SC&RA has held the exemption since June 2015.
The waiver applies to all specialized carriers and drivers responsible for hauling loads exceeding legal weight and dimensional limits that require permits.
More truck parking planned for I-40 rest area in Arizona
The Arizona Department of Transportation will soon add 38 truck parking spaces to the Haviland Rest Area along I-40 west of Kingman.
ADOT will add 22 spaces to the existing seven spaces at the eastbound rest area and 16 spaces to the existing seven spaces at the westbound rest area.
The project is expected to start next week and finish by July. The rest areas will remain open and available for truck parking during the construction.
Tyson Foods doubles COVID bonuses for drivers, frontline workers
Tyson Foods announced it is now offering $120 million in “thank you bonuses” to more than 116,000 frontline workers, including truck drivers, up from $60 million announced in early April.
The company is moving up the first $500 bonus payment to early May. The second $500 bonus will be paid in July. Tyson is also increasing short-term disability coverage to 90% of normal pay until June 30 for employees who are unable to work due to illness.
