Articles/News with FMCSA tag

Displaying 1  -  20  of  32
FMCSA declares trucker in fatal hit-and-run an ‘imminent hazard’
May 2, 2013
The driver, Johnny Allen Spell, was operating a tractor-trailer when he failed to stop for a school bus, which had engaged its warning lights and was unloading passengers. Spell’s vehicle fatally struck a child. Federal investigators are also reviewing the hiring practices and compliance records of Ricky Lucas Trucking, Spell’s employer.
FMCSA safety officer to speak at Zonar conference
April 18, 2013
Jack Van Steenburg, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s chief safety officer and assistant administrator, is scheduled to speak at THE ZONE, which will be held in San Antonio in May. Officials say he will provide an update of federal safety and compliance efforts and discuss future plans for the administration’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability program.
FMCSA names Gary Catapano to advisory committee
March 4, 2013
Catapano, the senior vice president of safety for First Student, is also involved in National School Transportation Association (NSTA) committees. Now, as a member of FMCSA's Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee, Catapano says he will "help the agency with the regulations that affect NSTA’s members."
Zonar to launch fleet management conference
January 17, 2013
The provider of fleet telematics, remote diagnostics and mobile onboard computing will launch THE ZONE 2013 from May 14 to 16 in San Antonio. Officials say that the fleet management conference will offer renowned industry speakers covering strategic transportation topics.
NAPT Summit adds 2 speakers
August 2, 2012
Michael Eugene of Orange County Public Schools in Orlando, Fla., and Anne S. Ferro of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration are scheduled to speak at the National Association for Pupil Transportation's 2012 Summit in Memphis in October.
Feds’ sweep takes 287 bus, truck drivers off the road
June 26, 2012
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s drug and alcohol strike force also results in pending enforcement actions on more than 128 truck and bus companies for alleged violations, such as using a driver who has tested positive for illegal drugs or not instituting a testing program.
DOT tightens rules on medical examiners
April 19, 2012
A new federal rule requires healthcare professionals who perform medical examinations for interstate truck and bus drivers to be trained, tested and certified on the specific physical qualifications that affect a driver’s ability to safely operate the vehicle.
New app provides safety info on bus companies
March 28, 2012
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's free SaferBus application, for iPhones and iPads, lets users review companies' safety records before booking bus trips. Those without one of the Apple devices can still access the safety database online.
Antenna detects cell phone use in vehicles
December 20, 2011
The offering from inthinc Technology Solutions Inc. can decipher various cell wave frequencies, including phone calls, text messages and e-mails emitted from the driver’s seat. Fleet managers can adjust the settings to either send an in-cab voice alert to drivers when a cell signal is detected, or report the violation to the manager via e-mail or text alert.
Feds ban cell phone use by some bus drivers
November 29, 2011
The new final rule prohibits interstate truck and bus drivers from using hand-held cell phones while operating their vehicles. A DOT spokesperson confirms to SBF that for school buses, the rule only applies to private operators that transport students on interstate trips.
Police conducting thousands of surprise bus inspections
September 27, 2011
The two-week strike force targets motorcoaches, tour buses, school buses and other passenger vehicles across the country. It is launched on the same day as the federal government’s Motorcoach Safety Summit.
Cell phone ban proposed for truck, bus drivers
December 21, 2010
Federal rule would prohibit interstate commercial truck and bus drivers from using hand-held cell phones while operating a commercial motor vehicle. The restriction would apply to school bus operations by private operators in interstate commerce, according to the proposal.
Federal agencies speak out on passenger van use
December 14, 2010
NHTSA and FMCSA administrators send a letter to all 50 states’ motor vehicle administrators to remind them that 12- or 15-passenger vans should not be used to transport students because they do not provide the same level of safety as school buses.
FMCSA sweep nabs 109 drivers
August 18, 2010
FMCSA strike force investigators examined the drug and alcohol safety records of commercial drivers employed by bus and truck companies, including school bus drivers. As a result, 109 drivers were removed from the roads and more than 175 carriers face enforcement actions.
FMCSA issues charges against illegal operator
June 21, 2010
FMCSA charged bus operator Cayetano Martinez with 78 violations of 13 separate motor carrier safety regulations. The agency's claim identifies the four separate company names Martinez allegedly used to illegally operate and evade previous orders from FMCSA.
Contractor Roundtable: The Current Business Climate
March 12, 2010

School bus contractors offer insights on the advantages of contracting in the current economic climate as well as the impact of state and national regulatory issues.

School bus passenger protection off ‘Most Wanted’ list
February 19, 2010
NTSB removes the issue from its recommended transportation safety improvements, citing NHTSA’s final rule that increased school bus seat-back height and established specs for voluntarily installed seat belts.
FMCSA clarifies texting ban
February 2, 2010
An agency official explains that the new texting ban for truck and bus drivers only applies to school bus drivers in limited cases. A forthcoming proposed rule may affect school bus drivers not currently covered.
Feds ban texting for bus, truck drivers
January 26, 2010
The prohibition, effective immediately, is the latest in a series of actions taken by the U.S. DOT to combat distracted driving after a national summit on the issue in September. Violators may face fines of up to $2,750.
Senate confirms nomination of FMCSA administrator
November 6, 2009
Anne Ferro was the motor vehicle administrator in Maryland from 1997 to 2003, where she led the agency’s efforts to implement a graduated licensing program for new drivers as well as a model for older driver research. She is currently president of the Maryland Motor Truck Association.
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