Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023:
Heartland Express again earns SmartWay High Performer Award
Heartland Express (CCJ Top 250, No. 28) has earned the 2023 SmartWay High Performer Award for the seventh time in company’s history.
The SmartWay High Performer Award recognizes companies who lead the freight industry in producing more efficient and sustainable supply chain transportation solutions. Based on SmartWay’s annual emissions reports for partners, High Performers have achieved significant shipping and freight efficiencies that merit special attention. Heartland Express’ continuous investment in its fleet equipment directly contributes to the Company’s allegiance to environmental stewardship. Heartland’s young tractor and trailer fleet leverages the latest technologies to improve fuel efficiency. Additionally, Heartland’s extensive focus on out-of-route management, utilization, and maintenance efficiency practices result in minimizing Heartland’s carbon footprint.
“To be recognized with a SmartWay High Performer Award for the seventh time is a tremendous honor and a testament to Heartland’s ongoing commitment to sustainability," said Chief Executive Officer Mike Gerdin. “Our desire to implement eco-friendly technologies and to work hard to execute operational efficiency has led to our continued success and long-standing relationship with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.”
FMCSA clarifies carriers' usage of exemptions
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued final rulemaking Tuesday regarding Clarification to the Applicability of Emergency Exemptions.
The action revises the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations to allow automatic relief of Hours of Service (HOS) regulations during an emergency, while shortening the duration and scope of exemption, except in the case of a presidential declaration of federal emergency; allow for additional reporting requirements when issuing extended/modified exemptions; establish a dedicated email inbox for extensions/modifications requests; and eliminates the provision that provided automatic regulatory relief for other elements such as medical certification of drivers, vehicle inspection requirements, parts and accessories, and transportation of hazardous materials.
Additionally, the final rule eliminates the provision that provided automatic regulatory relief for other elements of 49 CFR parts 390 – 399 such as medical certification of drivers, vehicle inspection requirements, parts and accessories, transportation of hazardous materials.
DOT boss to visit CDL school
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg will visit Prince George’s Community College Wednesday to highlight how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is expanding job opportunities in the trucking industry for veterans and others.
Secretary Buttigieg will join Maryland Governor Wes Moore to tour the community college’s Commercial Driver's License program, meet with students, and host a news conference where they expect to celebrate investments in the future of the trucking industry in Maryland and across the country, made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
