TruckDriver.com eReport
TruckDriver.com ApplyTruckDriver.com SearchTruckDriver.com Trucking FleetsTruckDriver.com Find Truck Drivers
 
News and Events december 1, 2016
Advertisement

We hope your Thanksgiving was everything you wanted it to be and that you got to spend some time with family and friends.


Truckload Carriers Association Supports Court Decision
to Mandate Electronic Logging Devices

The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that most professional truck drivers currently using paper logs to track their hours-of-service compliance must transition to an Electronic Logging Device (ELD) by December 18, 2017. The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) agrees with the decision, which mirrors TCA’s own ELD policy, established by its Regulatory Policy Committee and approved by the Board of Directors in 2011.

The ruling upholds the Final Rule on ELDs that was originally published in December 2015 by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), on behalf of two truckers, had filed a lawsuit in March 2016 attempting to overturn the mandate. However, on October 31, 2016, the court rejected OOIDA’s claims.

TCA Chairman Russell Stubbs said, “I can remember a time when we referred to this technology as EOBRs (electronic on-board recorders) and opposed them. However, our members, being the innovators that they are, recognized the need for such technology, tested it, adopted it, and became leaders in a field that has placed safety and compliance at the forefront. We applaud the court’s decision in helping to level the playing field and getting ELDs another step closer to being placed in every truck on our roadways.”

David Heller, TCA’s vice president of government affairs, said, “We are fortunate to live in an era where hours-of-service regulations can be accurately tracked. TCA members have always been proactive in adopting technology that can aid in motor carrier compliance, so I know that the majority of them will be ahead of the curve when it comes to adopting ELD equipment. We will enjoy focusing on what’s next in trucking technology that will truly have a positive effect on motor carrier and driver safety.”

The decision does not change the rule’s exemption for pre-2000 year-model trucks, which are allowed to operate without an ELD. After December 16, 2019, all drivers and carriers subject to the rule must use certified, registered ELDs that comply with requirements of the ELD regulations.

The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals is the highest court in the country next to the Supreme Court. OOIDA still has the option to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court.


Professional Truck Driver Institute Goes Global

Tractor Trailer Training Program at Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany Earns PTDI Certification

At its recent certification commission meeting, the Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI) granted initial recognition of standards compliance to its first overseas program: the Tractor Trailer Training Program (3T), 435th Construction and Training Squadron, located at the Ramstein Air Force Base in Ramstein, Germany.

The Ramstein Air Force Base is the third U.S. Air Force truck driver training site to attain PTDI course certification. Ramstein’s sister base, Dobbins Air Reserve Base, near Atlanta, Georgia, received certification of its course in January 2015.

Training organizations such as the 3T Program at Ramstein see their role in truck safety as truly important and voluntarily submit their programs to PTDI for review against standards. PTDI works to advance commercial motor vehicle driver training, proficiency, safety, and professionalism by promoting quality commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver training courses and by verifying and publicly attesting to their quality.

“Back in 1999, none of the 250 motor carrier safety personnel, drivers, or educators who developed the essential elements that a CMV driver training course should contain had any clue that their efforts would have such far-reaching influence,” said Chuck Wirth of the American Institute of Trucking (AIT), Phoenix, Arizona.

Those stakeholders identified the skill and knowledge base as well as performance criteria that are critical for entry-level drivers to possess, addressing issues ranging from managing life on the road to backing up a CMV in traffic. The resulting reassessed PTDI standards, which were again reviewed in 2011, form a baseline from which to develop curriculum, instructional materials, exercises, and assessment routines in training and a way of measuring performance.

Formal training is the most reliable way for professional truck drivers to develop the many special skills required for entry-level CMV driving. The more skills learned in supervised training, the fewer that must be mastered on the job.

In addition to the initial certification of the 3T Program at Ramstein, the PTDI commission granted renewal of program certifications offered at All-State Career, Baltimore, Maryland; American Institute of Trucking (AIT), Phoenix, Arizona; Baker College of Flint, Center for Transportation Technology, Flint, Michigan; Lehigh Career & Technology Institute, Schnecksville, Pennsylvania; and Swift Driving Academy, Lewiston, Idaho.

Schools with PTDI-certified courses use various delivery methods beyond the classroom—such as independent study, web-based training, externships, and behind-the-wheel training—but they all have the same desired outcome: to impart the basic skills needed to operate a CMV.


Ramona Hood Named 2016 Influential Woman in Trucking

Freightliner Trucks and the Women In Trucking Association presented the sixth annual Influential Woman in Trucking award to Ramona Hood, Vice President of Customer Operations, Transportation Logistics at GENCO, a FedEx company.

The winner was announced during the panel discussion of Career Satisfaction and Productivity: "Steps That Will Ensure Your Career Fulfillment and Success" at the WIT Accelerate! Conference & Expo in Dallas, TX. Hood was presented the award by Mary Aufdemberg, Director of Product Marketing, Freightliner Trucks, and Chairwoman of Women In Trucking Association.

"This award is a unique opportunity to share success stories of women with important roles and careers in the trucking industry," said Aufdemberg. "It was my honor to present this prestigious award to Ramona Hood, who was among a list of impressive and inspirational female nominees."

The Influential Woman in Trucking award recognizes women in the trucking industry who make or influence key decisions, have a proven record of responsibility, and mentor and serve as a role model to other women. The award was developed in 2010 as a way to honor female leaders in trucking, and to attract and advance women within the industry.

“Ramona Hood truly deserves the title of the 2016 Influential Woman in Trucking.  She has not only advanced in her career to become a vice president in a large corporation, she has taken the time to give back to her community. We are extremely proud to be able to recognize her for her accomplishments and her altruism,” said Ellen Voie, President/CEO of the Women In Trucking Association.

Hood joined FedEx in September 1991 and recently accepted the Vice President of Customer Operations, Transportation Logistics at GENCO, a FedEx company. She previously was responsible for providing leadership to the FedEx Truckload Brokerage organization to assure that the sales, revenue, and strategic plans are achieved. Hood also held various positions within FedEx Custom Critical, where she displayed proven leadership and the ability to drive results.

Hood has received numerous honors including Crain’s Cleveland Women of Note 2016 and Smart Business, Progressive Women in 2016; and Woman of Inspiration Award, Walsh Women of Distinction 2013.

“I’m blessed and thrilled to be named 2016 Influential Woman in Trucking. It was a fantastic opportunity to be a part of the panel with the other great finalists,” said Hood.

This year’s finalists of the Influential Woman in Trucking award also included Sherri Garner Brumbaugh, President & CEO, Garner Trucking Inc.; Elise Chianelli, Director of Product Management, Safety & Compliance, PeopleNet; Karen Jones, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Ryder System; and Carolyn Gable, President & CEO, New Age Transportation.

Latest Forum Topics
General Trucking Discussion  |  DASH CAM Forum

Jobs

Did you know?

Trucking companies all across the United States and Canada use TruckDriver.com as a primary source for locating professional truck drivers. Those same companies are also in need of qualified transportation professionals to support and lead their operations and administrative staff departments.

Did you know TruckDriver.com offers opportunities for mechanics, dispatchers, driver recruiters, safety and compliance professionals and other non-driving positions?  Learn more about those opportunities here.


Featured Jobs

Survey and Comments

Here are the results of the TruckDriver.com Giving Thanks Survey.  First, we must say that we agree with all who responded.

How thankful are you the 2016 Presidential Election is over?

Extremely Thankful - 72%
Very Thankful - 10%
Somewhat Thankful - 05%
Thankful - 13%

And second, ‘WHEW! Glad that’s over!’

Next up, the TruckDriver.com Twitter Survey.

Until next time, please drive safely.

* * * * *

Your Comments Are Always Welcome

We do like to hear from you and invite you to let us know how we can improve the e-Report. Please send your ideas and suggestions to: jobs@truckdriver.com

VeeBoards



 
Privacy Policy & Terms of Service  |  FAQ  |  Contact Us
  © Copyright 1996-2016 TruckDriver.com  |