Shippers Challenge Liability Changes in Uniform Bill of Lading

Some shippers are unhappy about changes to the standard bill of lading used by less-than-truckload carriers.

As the Journal of Commerce reports, the Transportation and Logistics Council and NASSTRAC say changes to the National Motor Freight Traffic Association uniform bill of lading, which went into effect August 13, are unfair to smaller shippers that rely on the BOL as their contract.

The NMFTA, which represents more than 600 less-than-truckload trucking companies, says the changes simply update and clarify provisions of the bill of lading, which was last revised in 1997.

The shippers' biggest problem with the revised agreement is language related to proving carrier negligence.

Section 1(b) states that “the burden to prove carrier negligence is on the shipper.” The previous UBOL stated “the burden to prove freedom from negligence is on the carrier.”

The shipper groups contend that this is in violation of the Carmack Amendment, the 1906 law that established uniform cargo liability standards.

NMFTA lawyers, however, told JOC that they're not changing the law. “The shipper has the burden of proof to show (a shipment) was tendered in good condition, delivered in damaged condition, and then the burden shifts to the carrier, to prove it was not negligent.”

The Surface Transportation Board has denied a petition by the supper groups asking it to suspend the controversial UBOL provisions and questioned whether it even had the authority to investigate.

Follow @HDTrucking on Twitter

Economic Watch: Manufacturing Declines, GDP Expectations Lowered

A preliminary look at the nation's manufacturing sector shows it continues to expand following a recent downturn. Separate reports show expectations of long-term economic growth have been moved lower and the housing market is suffering from low inventory levels.

U.S. goods producers saw a further upturn in overall business conditions during August, though the rate of improvement was softer than seen in July, according to a first reading for the month from the Flash U.S. Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) provided by the financial information services provider IHS Markit.

It registered 52.1 in August, down from July's nine-month high of 52.9. The August reading pointed to a moderate rate of improvement that was weaker the post-Great Recession average. While output continued to rise markedly, total new work rose at a slower pace and employment expanded at the weakest rate in four months.

U.S. manufacturers signaled increased output for the third month running in August. The rate of expansion remained solid overall, having edged up slightly from July to a nine-month high. Anecdotal evidence suggested that new product launches, stronger underlying demand and new marketing strategies supported production growth in August.

“Taking the July and August readings together suggests that manufacturing is enjoying its best growth so far this year."

“The August drop in the PMI is a disappointment but less worrying when looked at in the context of July's better-than-expected reading,” says Chris Williamson, chief business economist at IHS Markit. “Taking the July and August readings together suggests that manufacturing is enjoying its best growth so far this year in the third quarter, and should help drive stronger gross domestic product (GDP) growth.”

With August seeing the largest rise in exports for almost two years, Williamson said, the improved trade performance should also help drive faster economic growth.

“However, a slowdown in overall order book growth is ...Read the rest of this story

Bendix Wingman available for Peterbilt 579, 567 models

Bendix's driver assistance system, Bendix Wingman Fusion, can now be ordered as a factory-installed option on Peterbilt Motors Company Models 579 and 567 highway tractors and vocational trucks.

Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems made Wingman Fusion available in 2015. According to the company, the system integrates a suite of Bendix safety technologies – radar, camera, the vehicle's brake system – into a driver assistance system.

read more

CVSA to hold 2016 Brake Safety Week Sept. 11-17

During the week of Sept. 11-17, 2016, law enforcement agencies across North America will conduct inspections on large trucks and buses to identify out-of-adjustment brakes, and brake-system and anti-lock braking system (ABS) violations as part of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's (CVSA) Brake Safety Week, an annual outreach and enforcement campaign designed to improve commercial motor vehicle (CMV) brake safety throughout North America.

read more

Dept. of Labor blog adds insult to injury

read more

Scania’s got a new truck, but not for North America. Not yet at least.

It's always a treat to watch a new truck get introduced, with all the flash and hype that's usually only reserved for swanky new sports cars.

That's certainly the case for the new big rig being rolled out by Swedish truck maker Scania, which is part of Volkswagen Truck & Bus GmbH ; an all-new platform that's been 10 years in the making with investments totaling about $2.39 billion.

read more

Apex Capital Offers Roadside Assistance Program

Apex Capital is now offering access to truck breakdown assistance, road service, towing and accident dispatch services through the company's 24/7 Roadside Rescue program.

The program gives Apex clients discounted pricing and can assist with everything from diagnostic help to full-service repair management. The Apex 24/7 Roadside Rescue program covers emergency roadside assistance, fleet towing, tires, oil changes, preventative maintenance and other services.

The program has a nationwide roadside assistance network with more than 85,000 discount providers to perform a variety of services. It also features a U.S.-based call center in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex that is available 24/7.

Apex 24/7 Roadside rescue includes:

• Breakdown assistance, including tire repair and replacement, brake repair, battery replacement, reefer repair, lockouts, air and cooling system repair, and jump starts.
• Towing assistance, including equipment re-positioning, secure storage, drop deck and lowboy support, pull starts, and secondary towing after accidents.
• Cargo assistance including load shifts, load transfers, warehousing, decking program, storage, repackaging, and disposal.
• Recovery assistance, including medium and heavy duty wreckers, trailer lifts, rotators, accident management, police call management, and invoice review and negotiation.
• Maintenance assistance with dedicated technicians assigned to manage your account, real-time operations notifications, and reduced costs for repairs and service.

Apex Capital is a full-service freight factor that specializes in small- to medium-sized trucking companies. Apex buys freight bills and provides service, benefits and credit to clients.

For more information on the Roadside Rescue program, click here.

Related: Freight Factoring Goes Beyond Cash Flow

Follow @HDTrucking on Twitter