Here are five things worth knowing today:
1. OOIDA appeals to block ELDs
OOIDA, the Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association, asked a federal appeals court on Tuesday to prevent the government from requiring drivers to install electronic logging devices (ELDs) in their trucks. According to The Wall Street Journal, OOIDA argued that ELDs would violate the privacy of millions of drivers by allowing employers and the government to track them. Lawyers for the group also argued that employers could potentially use the data generated by e-logs to “force drivers in unsafe conditions if they didn’t hit their hours limits,” the Journal reports. WSJ has more.
2. Shell teams with China’s FAW Jie Fang Truck Co.
Shell announced that it has entered a strategic cooperation with FAW Jie Fang Truck Co., China’s largest manufacturer of heavy-duty trucks. According to the company, Shell has been FAW’s lubricants’ supplier for first-fill and service-fill oils for many years. In the new program, Shell and FAW will jointly develop a new range of lubricants for engines, transmissions and axles, with the aim of achieving longer drain intervals, increasing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions, according to Shell.
3. Coalition urges CA lawmakers to stop ignoring state’s transportation needs
A coalition of more than four dozen economic and local government groups in California urged lawmakers on Wednesday to restart talks on transportation funding before the end of November, the Los Angeles Times reports. According to the report, transportation negotiations have failed to resolve a supermajority vote that is needed in both the Assembly and Senate to increase the state’s gasoline tax. The LA Times has more.
4. July Freight Transportation Index
According to the U.S. Dept. of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI) rose 1.6% in July from June, rising for the fourth consecutive month. The level of freight shipments in July measured by the Freight TSI reached its all-time high at 124.6. The June index was revised from 122.6 from 122.3.
5. Titanium Transportation recognized as 2016 Profit 500
Titanium Transportation Group announced that it has been ranked on the 28th annual Profit 500 ranking of Canada’s Fastest-Growing Companies by Canadian Business and Profit. According to the company, this is the eighth consecutive year it has been included on the list. Titanium was ranked 98th on the list with five-year revenue growth of 757%, the company mentioned.