New FMCSA waiver allows pulsating brake lights on rear of tanker trailers

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Updated Oct 14, 2020

Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020: 

FMCSA grants waiver allowing additional brake light on trailers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration granted a waiver to the National Tank Truck Carriers to allow fleets to install a red or amber brake-activated pulsating lamp in the upper center position or in an upper dual outboard position on the back of tanker trailers, in addition to the steady-burning brake lamps required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

FMCSA granted a similar exemption to tanker fleet Groendyke Transport in April 2019, allowing the carrier to install an amber brake-activated pulsating light in the upper center on the back of tanker trailers in addition to the steady-burning brake lights. Groendyke said over a 30-month period, using the lights reduced rear-end collisions by nearly 34% and eliminated all rear crashes at railroad crossings.

The waiver granted to NTTC allows any carrier using tankers to install the lights. The waiver is effective immediately and is good through Oct. 8, 2025.

Dispatcher feedback wanted on truck parking in CA, AZ, NM, TX
Dispatchers are being asked to provide input on the challenges and issues their drivers face with truck parking along a corridor of I-10 from California to Texas.

The I-10 Corridor Coalition, which is made up of transportation departments in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas, has launched a survey for dispatchers and their truck drivers that travel in the area.

The input from the survey will help guide the creation of a truck parking availability system that will monitor, collect and communicate real-time information about truck parking availability along I-10 in the four states.

Questions in the survey refer to driving and parking experiences, specifically within the four states. Dispatchers can take the 27-question survey here.

Yokohama announces tire price increase
Yokohama Tire Corporation announced Tuesday that it will implement a price increase of up to 6% on select commercial truck and bus tires sold in the U.S., effective Dec. 1.

The price increase includes drive, all-position/steer and trailer tires, the company says.