Dyed diesel okayed for limited use, fines waived

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Trucking news and briefs for Friday, May 14, 2021:

IRS waives dyed diesel penalty for truckers in affected states
To help ease any ongoing fuel shortages in some states affected by the pipeline shutdown, the Internal Revenue Service is waiving its penalty for the sale and use of dyed diesel in highway vehicles.

Ordinarily, dyed diesel fuel is not taxed, because it is sold for uses exempt from excise tax, such as to farmers for farming purposes, for home heating use, and to local governments. Using dyed diesel in highway vehicles under normal circumstances can result in a penalty of $1,000 or $10 per gallon, whichever is greater, plus payment of the tax.

Retroactive to May 7 and effective through May 21, truck drivers can use dyed diesel to help alleviate any shortages of diesel in Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

Liquid bulk transporter first to be ISO certified twice
Oakley Transport (CCJ Top 250, No. 183), a liquid, food-grade hauler, is the only bulk food transporter in its industry to be certified twice with the International Standards Organization for ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 22000:2018. ISO certifies that management systems, operation processes and services meet all requirements for standardization and quality assurance.

In 2015, Oakley started preparing for ISO certification, achieving the goal in 2017. Oakley, at the time, became the first and only bulk food transporter to be certified to such standards. Never resting and continually auditing all processes for improvement, Oakley was once again awarded re-certifications to the newest versions of ISO certifications ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 22000:2018 in March 2021. 

ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 22000:2018 are stipulations to certify superior operations management, food safety and food defense. Both ensure Oakley’s consistency in operations, services and its ability to meet and exceed all customer and regulatory requirements.

“Being ISO certified demonstrates Oakley's ability to follow procedures and processes,” Thomas Oakley, president and CEO, said. “It empowers employees with clear direction and the ability to drive improvement. It ultimately is an affirmation to customers of our focus on their cargo, our services, food safety and defense.”

HP joins Embark to test autonomous tech
HP Inc. is joining autonomous truck developer Embark Trucks’ Partner Development Program (PDP) to test and deploy autonomous freight within its carrier network.

Embark says HP will play a critical role in testing self-driving truck technology in a real-world commercial setting, as well as providing data and feedback to Embark as it expands the PDP. HP will record its first autonomous freight deliveries with Embark, moving printers from Los Angeles to Phoenix.

"As our Partner Development Program grows, we're thrilled to bring storied high-tech companies like HP on board," said Alex Rodrigues, CEO of Embark. "Embark is excited to work with HP to prepare their carrier network to operate Embark self-driving trucks. The upfront time invested in PDP will provide HP a meaningful head-start when it comes time to scale self-driving technology throughout their logistics operations. Self-driving freight will inevitably help large shippers like HP bring additional speed and efficiency into their supply chains."