FMCSA gives more time to comment on potential carrier safety rating revamp

Trucking news and briefs for Friday, Oct. 20, 2023:

Carrier safety ratings revamp -- more time to comment

Owner-operators and others in trucking are getting more time to comment on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s information-seeking advance notice of proposed rulemaking related to a potential revamp of its carrier rating system.

FMCSA is seeking public comments on how it can develop a new methodology to determine when a motor carrier is not fit to operate in interstate commerce.

The agency opened the comment period on Aug. 29 for 60 days, through Oct. 30. With a notice publishing in the Federal Register on Oct. 23, FMCSA is extending the comment period another 30 days through Nov. 29.

FMCSA said that as of Oct. 10, three commenters -- the American Trucking Associations, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance and the American Bus Association -- had requested a deadline extension. ATA and CVSA requested 30-day extensions, and ABA requested a 60-day extension.

[Related: FMCSA offering 'kinder, gentler' approach to safety scoring? Not if automated inspections go live]

The associations, FMCSA said, cited the “complexity and breadth” of questions, and the timing of the request. ATA specifically cited its annual Management Conference and Exhibition in Austin, Texas, which was held Oct. 14-17, at which it planned to solicit feedback from members.

FMCSA said it “believes it is in the public interest to allow for public comment for an extended period.”

As of Friday, Oct. 20, only 13 comments had been filed to the docket. Comments can be filed here. Specifically, FMCSA is asking for public feedback on:

• The need for a rulemaking to revise the regulations prescribing the safety rating process
• The available science or technical information to analyze regulatory alternatives for determining motor carrier safety fitness
• Feedback on the agency’s current safety rating regulations, including the process and impacts
• The available data and costs for regulatory alternatives reasonably likely to be considered
• Responses to specific questions in the ANPRM

[Related: FMCSA making a run at revamp to carrier safety rating system]

Canadian dealer partners with hydrogen/diesel dual-fuel tech provider 

Diesel Tech Industries (DTI) has announced a partnership between First Truck Centre (FTC) and DTI’s Guardian Hydrogen-Diesel Dual Fuel Technology. FTC will be installing the Guardian hydrogen-diesel system in applications throughout Alberta and British Columbia. The companies say this collaboration marks a significant milestone in advancing sustainable transportation solutions.

Twelve First Truck Centre locations throughout Western Canada broadens the scope of possibilities across numerous provinces. The Guardian hydrogen-diesel system facilitates the integration of hydrogen as a fuel source in current diesel engines, curbing greenhouse gas emissions while preserving cost-efficiency, the companies note. The system can deliver advantages that include decreased diesel usage and reduced emissions.

“DTI is thrilled to collaborate with First Truck Centre, to lead the transformation of the heavy truck industry with our Guardian Hydrogen-Diesel Conversion System," said Rebecca Goldsack, COO at DTI.

With 12 branches spread across Alberta and British Columbia, First Truck Centre has become the largest Daimler Trucks Elite Support-certified group of facilities in Canada. First Truck Centre offers various sales, vehicle maintenance, necessary parts, and collision services to the industry. It is also very involved in Cleantech initiatives in Alberta and British Columbia for renewable and compressed natural gas, battery-electric and hydrogen-fuell-cell-electric technology.

[Related: Hydrocarbons and alchemy: Exploring alternative fuels for current engines]

Love’s opens new Arizona truck stop

Drivers traveling along I-19 in Arizona have a new option for parking, as Love’s Travel Stops opened a new location in Nogales this week.

The new Love’s boasts 113 truck parking spaces, McDonald’s and Subway restaurants, eight diesel bays, eight showers, a Speedco opening in December and more.

It is the company’s 16th location in Arizona. 

[Related: It's 'Absolute Trucking' for two-rig team Rita and Roger Wilson: Truckers of the Month]

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