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Sen. Fischer Floats Quick-Fix Highway Funding Proposal
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Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) Official photo
">The first highway bill has emerged in the 115th Congress— a two-pronged measure introduced on Feb. 1 by Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE).
The proposal calls both for temporarily depositing certain Customs and Border Patrol revenues into the Highway Trust Fund and give states greater control over how road projects are built if they forego some federal highway funding.
The Build USA Infrastructure Act would redirect the first $21.4 billion of CBP revenue collected to backfill the Highway Trust fund every year for five years, starting after the current FAST Act highway bill runs out in 2020.
As for the windfall of flexibility aimed at states, the bill would let them enter into agreements with the Federal Highway Administration. And in return for remitting 10% of their federal-aid highway dollars, states would receive control over federal approval of the design, environmental permitting and construction aspects of federal highway projects. The remitted funds would also land in the HTF.
Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) Official photo
">Fischer, who chairs the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, said the Build USA Infrastructure Act is modeled after her legislative success “developing innovative, sustainable transportation funding solutions in the Nebraska Unicameral, including the Build Nebraska Act and the Federal Funds Purchase Program.” She said her state is initiating and completing projects at a faster pace because of these measures.
“Funding challenges and the burdensome federal regulatory approval process have delayed infrastructure projects across America for decades,” Fischer said in a statement.
“The Build USA Infrastructure Act is a responsible, forward-looking proposal to strengthen roads, bridges, and highways for the benefit of the American families and workers who use them every day," she added.
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Meritor MFS+ Standard on Kenworth Class 8 Trucks
Kenworth Class 8 trucks now come standard with the Meritor MFS+ front steer axle series for linehaul applications.
The lightweight axle is available in standard and wide track configurations with a gross axle weight rating of 12,000 and 13,200 pounds. The axle's gooseneck beam design offers a stronger, lightweight package while its low-profile element simplifies integration into the chassis to reduce maintenance costs.
The axle also offers high-angle turning capacity up to 55 degrees and is compatible with air disc brakes and all drum brakes. An offset knuckle, with integrated torque plate and tie rod arms, is available with air disc brake applications. It eliminates the need for separate torque plate and fasteners, saving an additional 15 pounds compared to the current air disc brake installation.
The new design also reduces space constraints for easier access by technicians. The MFS+ is designed for mounting each brake at “12-o'clock” for easy removal. Overall the MFS+ with integrated torque plates and tie rod arms may reduce weight by up to 85 pounds depending on brake and axle configuration which can result in increased payloads.
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20% of U.S. bridges need fixing
CarriersEdge Addresses Food Safety Training
Safety and compliance training solutions company CarriersEdge is now offering the Food Safety for Drivers training module, preparing drivers to meet the requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act.
Food Safety for Drivers is a 30-minute training module that uses images, interactivity and real life examples to cover what drivers need to know about preparing themselves and their trailers for transporting food in compliance with FMSA regulations. The module includes quizzes and a final test, which carriers can use to maintain food safety training records.
“Food Safety for Drivers prepares drivers for transporting food in accordance with FSMA regulations," said Jane Jazrawy, CEO of CarriersEdge. "Along with importers, manufacturers, shippers and carriers, drivers have an important role to play in the safe transportation of food. This new course focuses on FSMA regulations and best practices to help drivers prevent food contamination.”
After completing the module, drivers will be able to describe hazards that cause food contamination and how foodborne illnesses occur, explain the purpose of the FSMA regulations, describe their responsibilities in safely transporting food, list good hygiene practices, explain how a refrigeration unit works and how to prepare, inspect, pre-cool and load a trailer as well as monitoring cargo.
Topics covered in the Food Safety for Drivers course include:
Good Hygiene Practices, including wearing appropriate clothing, covering skin abrasions, proper hand sanitation, how to cough and sneeze properly and activities to avoidPreparing the Trailer, including checking the trailer's condition, with special consideration for items such as the air delivery chute, doors, as well as signs of rodent or insect infestation, cleaning the trailer, inspecting the refrigeration unit and correct pre-cooling proceduresLoading the Trailer, including temperature management, packaging, placement, and segregation of cargo, as well as allowing for sufficient airflow, and documentation
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