Union workers strike at Volvo Trucks plant
The United Auto Workers (UAW) union went on strike Saturday at Volvo Trucks North America s New River Valley (NRV) truck assembly plant, another significant hurdle in truck production that was already facing headwinds from supply chain shortages.
NRV Vice President and General Manager Franky Marchand noted the company was surprised and disappointed that the UAW decided to strike,” adding that progress was being made in negotiations with the union and we had offered substantial increases in our employees’ compensation.
UAW Secretary-Treasurer Ray Curry, Director of the UAW Heavy Truck Department, said the union was disappointed that Volvo Truck has failed to present a substantial offer by the March 16 contract deadline despite a contract extension, adding that more than 2,900 UAW members at NRV are seeking a new agreement that protects their families through job security, adequate wages and benefits and protects their health
Two truckers named TA-Petro Citizen Drivers
TravelCenters of America on Monday announced its eighth annual Citizen Driver Award honorees – Dan “Dusty” Porter, of Acton, Ontario, Canada, and Don Talley, of Muncie, Indiana. Chosen from 85 nominations, the two truckers have a combined 73 years of hauling freight, with nearly six million accident-free miles. TA President Barry Richards announced the Citizen Driver honorees live on the Dave Nemo Radio Show on Sirius XM’s Road Dog Trucking Radio.
As a Citizen Driver Award recipient, drivers may choose a TA, Petro or TA Express location to be dedicated in their honor. To celebrate their career and contributions, a bronze historical marker with the driver’s image and story is installed on front of the building, and a dedication ceremony is held with 30 of their closest family and friends.
Werner, Carter Express drivers named TA-Petro Citizen Drivers ccjdigital.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from ccjdigital.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
General Assembly
NIKI KELLY | The Journal Gazette
INDIANAPOLIS – Legislators are weighing whether to allow more overweight truckloads on Indiana s roads – a move opposed by police for safety reasons and the rail industry for competitive purposes.
A Senate transportation panel heard testimony on House Bill 1190 on Tuesday but didn t vote.
Rep. Jim Pressel, R-Rolling Prairie, said Indiana already allows a limited number of overweight trip permits for steel, agriculture and paper products.
This bill expands the commodities that can use overweight trucks up to 120,000 pounds and largely eliminates the cap.
Indiana law currently limits loads to 80,000 pounds without the special permit.
State lawmakers debate whether to increase weight limits for trucks
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March 15, 2021
Indiana lawmakers are debating whether to allow more trucks that are now considered overweight to travel on state roadways.
House Bill 1190, authored by Rep. Jim Pressel, R-Rolling Prairie, would increase the maximum weight for trucks from 80,000 pounds to 120,000 pounds. Current state law only allows trucks to be up to 120,000 pounds if they are hauling certain commodities, including metal, paper or agricultural materials.
The Senate Homeland Security and Transportation Committee discussed the bill on Tuesday but did not vote on it.
Manufacturers and trucking groups are supportive of the legislation, but opponents, including law enforcement agencies, have raised concerns about possible damage to state infrastructure and safety on the roads. Railway groups also are opposed to the bill.