Matt ColeMatt Cole is the Senior Editor for Overdrive and CCJ. Reach him at [email protected].BusinessFMCSA officially adopts rules requiring background checks for hazmat CDL endorsementThe finalization of these interim final rules has no bearing on current drivers or carriers, as the rules have been in place since 2003 and 2005, respectively. The rules require drivers to undergo a TSA background check or hold a TWIC in order to receive a hazmat endorsement on their CDL.September 30, 2019BusinessSeptember recall roundup: Medium-duty Peterbilt tractors, vocational Autocar trucks, moreA recent recall announced by Paccar affects a small number of medium-duty Peterbilt trucks for issues related to steering components, while an Autocar recall includes a small number of vocational trucks for a potential steering issue.September 30, 2019BusinessTech company petitions FMCSA to allow camera systems to replace mirrors on trucksVision Systems North America says its Smart-Vision system provides the same functionality and view as traditional mirrors but with high-definition cameras and interior displays. The system consists of multiple digital cameras mounted high on the exterior of trucks.September 25, 2019BusinessDangers of hemp hauling: Truckers caught in the weeds of federal-state conflictThough the federal government has taken steps to legalize hemp production and distribution, the minutiae of the changes have caused headaches for drivers and carriers caught hauling hemp in restrictive states, with some being slapped with felony marijuana trafficking charges.September 24, 2019BusinessNew California laws require smog check for trucks, accelerate move away from diesel trucksTwo bills signed into law last week by California Gov. Gavin Newsom will further crack down on heavy-duty diesel trucks in the state. One law establishes “smog checks” for trucks to register and/or operate in the state, while the other is designed to accelerate the move away from diesel-powered trucks to zero emissions vehicles.September 23, 2019Hours of ServiceDrivers, carriers offer mixed reactions to proposed hours changesMany comments already submitted agree with the proposed changes, while others think it will allow carriers to extend drivers’ working day by three hours. Other commenters mostly agree with the changes but would prefer more flexibility with the 30-minute break and the sleeper berth split.September 20, 2019Custom RigsBandit Series cancels Iowa race for poor weather forecastOne race now remaining on 2019 scheduleSeptember 20, 2019Hours of ServiceComment period for proposed hours of service overhaul extended through Oct. 21FMCSA announced in a Federal Register notice to be published Thursday, Sept. 19, it has extended the comment period from Oct. 7 to Oct. 21. The 14-day extension effectively gives the hours proposal a 60-day comment period from the time it was published Aug. 22.September 18, 2019BusinessTrucking groups write Congress to oppose mandates for speed limiters, auto braking, insurance increaseA coalition of 31 trucking industry groups penned a letter to Congress in opposition of legislation that would mandate underride guards, speed limiters and automatic emergency braking systems on heavy-duty trucks, as well as a bill that would increase liability insurance minimums to nearly $5 million.September 17, 2019BusinessPDI to pay $1.1 million to settle alleged EPA emissions violationsPDI’s currently line of Big Boss tuners and manifolds are unaffected by the settlement, the company said. Additionally, PDI said its current products are covered by executive orders from the California Air Resources Board to verifying that its tuners meet both California and EPA emissions requirements.September 16, 2019Previous PagePage 68 of 184Next PageTop StoriesCustom RigsThe ‘Maximum Overdrive’-themed 1999 Western Star that made a marriageOwner-operator Jackie Baggett sees his "Green Goblin" 1999 Western Star 4964EX as more than a work truck. The rig served a solemn duty as starting point of a relationship that led to his marriage. The truck today hauls oversize freight for Ace Doran.Pride & PolishOverdrive's Pride & Polish: Vote for your favorite rigs todayRegulationsDOT reveals the real reason it's pushing out 200,000 non-domiciled CDL driversSmall Fleet ChampRoadside war stories, camaraderie, ownership advice: Small Fleet Champs deliverFeatured SponsorGarmin Delivers Big with Trucker-Trusted Navigators and Premium Wireless Headsets
