Will truckers pay more taxes to fix broken highways?

For over fifty years, American's interstate system and its 46,876 miles of roads have linked the nation together. The number of vehicles that depend on the interstate system is projected to grow, especially the number of trucks.

The Ottumwa Courier reports the interstate system is showing its age and breaking under the strain of all that traffic. More money than ever is needed to keep the roads repaired and to update the infrastructure.

Trucks are bigger than ever and carrying more cargo. The weight of heavy truck traffic is wearing down bridges and roads that are already in sorry shape.

While there is agreement on the condition of the interstate system, the question of who needs to pay for it is another matter.

Raising taxes on fuel could generate more revenue, but high diesel prices are squeezing truckers to the breaking point.

What is to be done? How can roads be maintained without putting too much strain on truckers? Leave a comment below and tell us what you think.

Happy Holidays from Truck Trader Insider

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

from Truck Trader Insider

New onboard diagnostic systems for trucks coming soon?

A story on the Etrucker website reports on a new EPA proposal for onboard diagnostic systems for trucks to reduce emissions.

Cars already feature technology similar to what the EPA is suggesting. The equipment would be installed on trucks and buses built after 2010, monitoring emissions and reporting problems with pollution controls to the driver.

The new systems are part of an effort to clean up diesel engine emissions, which has been linked to lung diseases and pollution-related deaths.

But what do the truckers think? Is this going to help make diesel trucks cleaner and more environmentally friendly? Is this just more regulation that will just burden truckers?

Leave a comment below and let us know what you think.

Which state has the worst roads?

It seems that Louisiana cannot catch a break. Not only is Louisiana still picking up the pieces after Hurricane Katrina, but now the state has been voted by Overdrive Magazine as having the worst roads.

Potholes and rough roads are murder on a truck's shocks, and the roads around Louisiana appear to have plenty of them. Swampy land in the state makes it difficult to keep roads even. Keeping road repairs funded are another problem, especially in the wake of Katrina.

Texas was voted as having the best roads and the most friendly state to truckers.

Do you have a pick for the state with the worst roads? How about the best roads? Tell us about a state and what you like or hate about their road system. Leave a comment below.

How do you build more comfortable trucks? Share your solutions!

Engineering students from Carnegie Mellon University are studying how to make truck driving more comfortable in order to attract new truckers.

The Pittsburgh Business Times reports on a study sponsored International Truck and Engine Corp. Mechanical engineering students at CMU are looking for ideas to make truck driving easier and safer.

One of the solutions suggested by CMU students was a small scooter carried onboard a truck. The scooter could be used by a driver to get around while a truck is unloaded. The students are working on other concepts to make driving safer for older truckers.

While the students are busy coming up with their truck ideas, what do you think? Who better to think up new truck ideas than truckers?

What kind of truck accessories or modifactions would you suggest? More room in the cab? More navigation equipment? More sleeping space?

Post a comment and let us know what you think.

Former convicts as truck drivers. A second chance or road danger?

With the demand for truck drivers at an all time high, a CDL certificate is an option for prison inmates looking for a fresh start.

The Dallas Morning News features the story of a former inmate who found a job as a trucker. After serving a seven-year sentence for aggravated robbery, he was paroled and found work, after earning his CDL behind bars.

Now working for a moving company, he feels that his truck driving career has given him a second chance at being a productive citizen.

The idea of former inmates as truck drivers is not embraced by everyone. Critics fear that putting ex-cons behind the wheel is endangering others they share the road with.

The Houston Chronicle reports on how a quarter of truckers who were faulted for accidents in Texas had prior criminal records. 14 percent had committed drug or alcohol offenses.

What do you think? How do we balance the need for a second chance for former prisoners with the need for road safety? Should truck driving be the choice for ex-cons? Is it unfair to be suspicious of truck drivers who have rap-sheets?

Leave a comment below and let us know.

More truckers are buckling up for safety

Today's Trucking Online features an article on seat belt use by commercial motor vehicle drivers.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 59 percent of truckers are now wearing their seatbelts on a regular basis, making that a 23 percent increase from 2003.

We hope we don't sound like your mother, but are you wearing your seatbelt more? Are there reasons that a trucker would not wear his seatbelt?

Tell us what you think. Leave a comment below.

New truck tax credit effort fails in Pennsylvania

The Land Line Magazine web site features a story on recent death of a bill that would have encouraged the purchase of new low emission trucks in Pennsylvana. The bill was introduced in the Pennsylvania House, but got stuck in the House Appropriations Committee till the end of the session, killing it.

The bill would have awarded a tax credit of $3000 to trucking companies and private drivers buying new class 8 trucks, which come equipped with modern emissions control systems.

Rep. Karen Beyer sponsored the bill to help truckers and trucking companies comply with the new 2007 emission standards. Although the bill is dead now, it could be re-introduced in January.

Should there be a tax credit for new trucks? Would it help truckers and the environment, or is this just more government meddling in the truck business?

Leave a comment and let us know what you think?

Trucking legend J.B. Hunt dies

Waxahachie Daily Light features a profile of J.B. Hunt, founder of J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc., who died last Thursday at the age of 79.

J.B. Hunt, a former trucker himself, founded his business in 1969 with only five trucks and seven trailers. Hunt's company grew into one of the largest trucking companies in the country.

Hunt stepped down as chairman of his company in 2004, leaving a trucking company with a worth in the billions and a fleet of over 11,000 trucks.

The rise of J.B. Hunt's company followed the trucking business through major changes over the last four decades, ranging from deregulation of the industry to the use of computers for dispatching.

Watch out for road hazards and distractions

Did you know your cell phone can be just as dangerous to you and your truck as a slippery road? Anything that distracts you from your job behind the wheel can put you at risk, and that includes that pesky ringing flip-phone.

Big Rig Owner features a story on the many hazards truckers face when driving, and some of them are surprising.

There are the usual suspects: slippery roads, aggressive drivers and improperly secured cargo. You might not consider a dirty windshield to be risky, but when trouble happens on the road you might have only seconds to react. A clean windshield and mirror could make the difference in protecting you and other drivers.

The tips offered are simple ones, but they are worth keeping in mind.

Have your own advice on safe driving? Let us know! Share your road wisdom and leave a comment.

No smoking in Ohio workplaces. That means trucks too!

A workplace smoking ban goes into effect today in Ohio, even if your workplace is behind the wheel of a moving truck.

The Plain Dealer features a story on a new anti-smoking law. All workplaces, bars, restaurants, and even truck cabs have to toss out their ashtrays and go totally smokeless, although throwing an ashtray out of a moving truck is not advised.

Does this mean you are breaking the law if you are a tobacco-using trucker driving through Ohio today?

According to supporters of the smoking ban, the new law only affects trucks based in Ohio. If you are an out of state trucker and just passing through, feel free to puff away.

The law is designed to cut back on secondhand smoke, with enforcement is based on complaints. If you are a lone trucker, you are probably not going to get busted.

The Ohio Trucking Association is expected to ask the state legislature to exempt truckers from the ban.

Kenworth releases fuel saving guidlines

All truckers face the challenge of getting the most out of every dollar they spend on fuel. With fuel prices as predictable as a heavy traffic on a wet road, any suggestions on saving money at the pump are welcome.

TruckNews.com reports that Kenworth Truck Company has released a new guide to help truckers and fleet owners improve their fuel savings.

The new guide includes tips on to improve aerodynamics on your truck, making adjustments under the hood, and properly attaching trailers to trucks.

Rack and pinion Freightliner trucks makes steering eaiser

Cars and light trucks have used rack and pinion steering for years. Now Freightliner is adding rack and pinion to their Class 8 trucks.

TruckNews.com features a story on how Freightliner heavy trucks featuring rack and pinion steering are more responsive and maneuverable.

The benefits of a more maneuverable truck go beyond navigating crowded trucks stops with ease. Rack and pinion reduces truck weight by 45 pounds, reduces driver fatigue ,helps trucks stay cooler, and can extend tire life.

Engineers at Freightliner first tried rack and pinion on a spec truck for an annual race to the top of Pikes Peak.

Trucking regulations – Do fewer laws mean more dangerous roads?

The New York Times features a story on the debate over trucking laws and the government's role in regulating the trucking industry.

Families who have lost loved ones in truck-related accidents are calling for tougher laws on trucks, focusing on how many hours a trucker can drive in a day and training requirements.

Members of the trucking industry are wary of new regulations, fearing that adding new laws will have consequences for their business.

Caught in the middle are truck drivers, who have to balance running a business along with maintaining safe driving standards.

The debate of over truck safety reaches back to the 1930s, when the first regulations placed limits on truck driving hours.

We want to hear your thoughts and stories on this issue. Do we need more trucking regulation? How should the trucking industry provide safe trucking and watch the bottom line?

Leave a comment and tell us what you think.