Q: I have a logbook question. The rules say that I must keep my logbook current. How current is "current"?
A: The FMCSRs (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations) require that the log be "current to the time shown for the last change of duty status." That means you should keep the log up to date at all times. Actually, it is to your advantage to keep close track of your time so that you can always know how much driving time and/or on-duty time you have remaining before off-duty time is required.
IMPROVING THE
1-10 CORRIDOR
It seems that every time you turn around you read about some company downsizing (such as Sprint cutting 3,000 jobs or K-mart going into bankruptcy). As we all know, if people aren’t buying, manufacturing is not in production, and therefore, there is nothing to ship. If there is nothing to ship, then there is nothing to haul. But trust me, the light is beginning to shine at the end of the tunnel.
After decreases in 14 of the past 15 months, we are starting to see a change in production. In December, the decrease was 0.3%, but in January the industrial production dipped only 0.1%, thus raising hopes that the nation’s beleaguered manufacturing sector may be edging toward a recovery.
Furniture, industrial machinery, stone, clay and glass products also posted production gains, as did business equipment, computers and semiconductors. Factories are seeing more demand for big-ticket goods.
There is a little known study that is going on called the National I-10 Freight Corridor Study, which is a joint effort by eight state Departments of Transportation to analyze multimodal transportation needs and develop a plan for improving the Interstate 10 (I-10) Corridor. I-10 extends coast to coast across eight states – California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida – and includes 17 major cities.
The I-10 is a corridor of international, national, regional, state and local significance. Not only is this interstate important to the communities and facilities on the route, but to those linked to it as well. Cargo moves along I-10 to reach other interstates, international bridges, ports, airports, manufacturing plants and other facilities. Therefore, developing a plan for the future requires coordination with local, state, regional and national interests along I-10 and beyond.
There is still tremendous growth in freight traffic, especially big truck traffic. However, companies are warehousing fewer goods than in the past. Just-in-time delivery of goods has now become the standard, making companies dependent on fast delivery.
A recent study suggests that domestic freight will increase by 85% through 2020 and international trade will grow by 115% over
the same period. Although other modes of transportation could handle some of this
cargo, truck transportation is expected to be the major mode. By 2020, truck traffic is expected to carry 68% of all tonnage moved and represent 82% of the value of the freight
moved in the U.S. While the large volume of truck traffic affects congestion, air quality and road conditions, it also provides economic development - and jobs. If truck congestion can be reduced, travel conditions and safety will improve, cargo movements would
increase and productivity would soar.
Ultimately, development of an action plan and improvements to I-10 will depend on you. Your help will be critical to understanding the issues and problems on I-10 and helping to implement needed improvements. So how can 10-4 readers help? Send your comments either by mail or e-mail. Let them know about the issues along 1-10 or on roadways and other transportation systems linked to it.
For more information on this project, visit their website at www.i10freghtstudy.org or to be added to their mailing list call them toll free at 1-866-441-0399.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Heartland Express has been sued in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa for alleged violations of federal leasing regulations. The suit contends that many of the owner-operators leased to Heartland were forced to buy insurance from the company, that Heartland then failed to provide insurance documents upon request, and that they
excessively charged back fees to these
owner-operators for insurance premiums.
The complaint also alleges excessive charge backs to the owner-operators for fuel
purchased through the carrier’s purchasing program with Comdata Inc.
Once again, before you sign on with a motor carrier (no matter how big or how little) read the contract and ask questions. Rule of thumb: the smaller, less known companies usually treat their drivers better in my opinion. Don’t forget, you can get your own copy of the federal leasing regulations from the NTA.
Make sure you're not getting ripped off!
NTA ANNOUNCES NEW ONLINE NEWSLETTER
The NTA has gone to the Internet with their own newsletter. Now, you can receive up-to-date news on rules, regulations and more. This is another FREE SERVICE for NTA members only. If you would like a free copy e-mailed to you, just e-mail a request to wayne@ntassoc.com. NTA is now the home of the professional internet trucker.
The NTA Inc. is a nationwide association established to provide services, benefits and information to private fleets, owner-operators and trucking companies. The NTA provides their members with more FREE services and
benefits than any other of its kind. For more information or details, call (562) 630-7637 (in CA) or (800) 805-0040 (outside CA). You can also e-mail me at wayne@ntassoc.com. Until next month, "Drive Safe - Drive Smart!"
