Here are five things worth knowing today:
1. According to a Logistics Management report, there is a common thread among the publication’s top 50 trucking companies: “Great senior management that operates with a solid vision of their market and customers.” The report offers a glimpse inside the best practice strategies being employed by some of the top 50 carriers. Logistics Management has more.
2. A shortfall in transportation funding in Idaho is presenting a major roadblock when it comes to keeping up with the growing population and increased traffic flow, 7 KTVB reports. According to the report, expansion projects would be necessary to deal with the anticipated congestion, but last year, when the legislature increased the gas tax and registration fees it established a policy that those funds could be used only for maintaining existing roadways, not building new ones. KTVB has more.
3. A new report says roads in Oklahoma cost state drivers $4.9 billion a year because of higher vehicle operating costs, crashes, and congestion-related delays. According to a News Channel 4 KFOR report, 28% of major roads are in poor condition and another 42% are in fair or mediocre condition. The report says deficient roads cost Oklahoma City area drivers $2,242 a year. KFOR has more.
4. The U.S. Department of Transportation announced that it is sponsoring a series of technical assistance webinars for the Connected Vehicle Pilot sites. According to the DOT, the Connected Vehicle Pilot Deployment Program seeks to combine connected vehicle and mobile device technologies. To see the webinar and other materials on the Connected Vehicle Pilot Deployment Program, visit DOT.
5. Volvo Trucks North America announced that employees represented by the United Auto Workers have ratified a new five-year agreement covering about 2,000 members of UAW Local #2069 at the New River Valley, VA, plant. The new contract is effective March 17, 2016, and will expire March 16, 2021. “Our positive working relationship with the UAW was in evidence throughout negotiations, and helped us reach an agreement that ensures the plant’s competitiveness, while continuing to offer our employees a great quality of life,” said Franky Marchand, NRV vice president and general manager.
