Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, June 4, 2024:
Third Jason’s Law Truck Parking Survey in the works
The Federal Highway Administration is preparing to conduct its third Jason’s Law Truck Parking Survey.
The agency on May 28 published an information collection request in the Federal Register that it seeks to have reinstated by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
The new survey will be targeted to “individuals who are responsible for providing or overseeing the operation of truck parking facilities and stakeholders that depend on such facilities to safely conduct their business,” FHWA said. These include state transportation and enforcement officials, port authorities, private sector facility owners, trucking company owners and truck drivers.
[Related: Truck Parking Club turns free spaces paid: Is this the future of parking?]
For drivers and carrier owners, FHWA said it plans to ask about:
- The location and frequency of insufficient truck parking and capacity at rest facilities
- Future truck parking needs and locations
- Availability of information on truck parking capacity
- Other impediments to identification, access and use of parking
FHWA is required by the MAP-21 transportation spending law passed in 2012 to complete a survey and comparative assessment of truck parking facilities in each state. The agency published the results of its the first survey, conducted in 2014, in 2015. Its second survey was conducted in 2019, and the results were published in 2020.
FHWA is accepting public comments on how it plans to conduct the updated survey through June 27. Comments can be filed here.
[Related: Truck parking ‘still a major problem in every state’ and worsening, says inventory update]
FMCSA awards $480M in grants to states for safety initiatives
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on Monday announced approximately $480 million in Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) grant awards from the 2021 infrastructure law to fund initiatives aimed at preventing crashes, fatalities and injuries involving commercial motor vehicles.
As FMCSA’s largest grant program, the MCSAP awards funding to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Funding through the MCSAP supports inspections of large trucks and buses, investigations of motor carriers in response to safety concerns, and audits of new motor carriers and bus companies to reinforce responsible operation and ensure the safe movement of goods and passengers. The funding also promotes outreach and education efforts that help combat human trafficking, distracted driving, and other roadway safety concerns.
The program’s funding amounts are determined by a formula and awarded annually to the lead agency of each state or territory upon completion of an FMCSA-approved Commercial Vehicle Safety Plan.
“Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program grant funding is an important tool for reducing crashes and fatalities involving commercial motor vehicles,” said FMCSA Acting Deputy Administrator Sue Lawless. “The number of fatalities on our nation’s roadways involving commercial motor vehicles decreased by an estimated eight percent from 2022 to 2023. We know the needle is moving in the right direction, but until we reach zero roadway deaths, there will always be more work to do.”
[Related: ELDs and highway safety: Crashes, injuries and fatalities all up post-mandate]
Pilot Flying J boosts rewards for June
Throughout June, drivers using Pilot Flying J’s myRewards Plus app can earn up to 5 points per gallon on diesel fill-ups through the company’s PushForPoints campaign.
Typically, the company’s max points offering is 4 points per gallon after 8 qualifying fills of 50 gallons of diesel or more. For June only, this offer has been bumped to 5 points per gallon after only 4 qualifying fills of 50 gallons.
To participate, Pilot myRewards Plus members must activate the PushForPoints program in the app.
Hendrickson acquires Reyco Granning’s suspension business
Suspension manufacturer Hendrickson on Monday announced the acquisition of the Reyco Granning suspension business, based in Mt. Vernon, Missouri, from Reyco Granning LLC and its parent MAT Capital, LLC.
Reyco Granning specializes in manufacturing and marketing suspension solutions for heavy- and medium-duty vehicles.
Reyco Granning’s primary product lines include suspension solutions for motorhomes, commercial trucks, emergency response vehicles, specialty trailers, buses, and the aftermarket sector.
The Reyco Granning brand will continue to operate independently under its existing name for the foreseeable future, maintaining its market identity and ensuring continuity in operations and customer service.
“We are excited about this acquisition, as it provides a platform for Hendrickson to expand our reach and manufacturing footprint,” said Matt Joy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hendrickson. “Reyco Granning will enhance our overall product portfolio and ultimately better serve our customers in the commercial vehicle industry; we look forward to promoting the Reyco Granning brand as part of our ride solutions portfolio.”