ATA supports Mexican trucks, but raises some concerns

ARLINGTON, VA -- In comments filed yesterday, American Trucking Associations said it supported the efforts of the Obama administration to implement the cross-border trucking provisions of the North American Free Trade Agreement, but called on regulators to address several concerns with the proposal.

Those include a proposal for the government to purchase electronic onboard recorders for Mexican carriers and how the U.S. and Mexico will ensure fair and equal access to Mexico for American carriers.

For ATA's full comments on FMCSA's cross-border trucking program, click here.

Survey shows overwhelming opposition to larger truck weight limits

WASHINGTON, DC -- American voters say they are overwhelmingly opposed to allowing bigger, heavier trucks on our nation's highways, according to a national survey released yesterday.

Conducted by Hart Research Associates on behalf of the Coalition Against Bigger Trucks (CABT), the survey found public opinion is strongly against proposals being pushed by some large trucking companies asking Congress to raise the national cap on truck size by 20 percent to 97,000 pounds from the current limit of 80,000 pounds.

"Most (truckers) want no part of increasing the weight limit, either as drivers or even as motorists sharing the road," said Todd Spencer, Executive Vice President of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association.

--PR Newswire

Tracking Truckers: Rough Road Ahead For Electronic Monitoring

"Terry Button is a fifth-generation farmer from upstate New York who also works as a long-distance trucker, hauling hay and produce up and down the East Coast."

He's proud of his truck and likes it just the way it is. Inside, the cab is homey and low-tech, with a bed behind the two seats and a CB radio. There's no cruise control and no GPS telling him where to go."

Read more at NPR