Land Line Now online: D.C. Report – Foxx puts in motion plans for regulating autonomous vehicles
FMCSA Warns Drivers About Defective Samsung Galaxy Note 7
<img width="150" src="http://www.automotive-fleet.com/fc_images/news/m-note-7-1.jpg" border="0" alt="
Image via FMCSA
">Image via FMCSA
">The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has issued a safety advisory to drivers and passengers of commercial vehicles, warning them of the risks and regulations associated with transporting damaged or defective lithium batteries and the recently recalled Samsung Galaxy Note 7 device.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 has been the subject of two major recalls as a result of reports of the smartphone exploding and lighting on fire leading to injuries and damages. After an initial recall failed to solve the problem, Samsung has told retailers globally to stop selling and issuing replacement Galaxy Note 7 phones.
As a result of the danger posed by a potentially dangerous device, the Galaxy Note 7 was also banned from all commercial flights by the FAA.
Like most portable electronic devices, the Galaxy Note 7 contains a lithium-ion battery, which can overheat and catch fire, posing a serious burn and fire hazard if the device is defective.
FMCSA's safety advisory extends to any damaged, defective or recalled lithium cells or batteries and electronic devices.
While carrying the Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphone aboard a CMV by drivers and passengers has not been banned, FMCSA is recommending that all persons who wish to carry these devices on a CMV, including motorcoaches, take the following precautions:
Turn off the deviceDisconnect the device from any charging equipmentDisable all applications that could inadvertently activate the phone (e.g., alarm clock)Protect the power switch to prevent its unintentional activation Keep the device in carry-on baggage or on your person. Do not store in an inaccessible baggage compartment.Federal Hazardous Material Regulations forbid the transportation of electrical devices like batteries and battery-powered devices – which can create sparks or generate a dangerous heat buildup – unless the object is packaged in a manner that prevents or protect from such an occurrence.
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Two Charged with Impersonating Transportation Agencies
Two individuals have been charged for allegedly tricking small trucking companies into paying them for federal and state motor carrier registrations by impersonating government transportation agencies.
A federal judge granted the Federal Trade Commission's request for a preliminary injunction against James P. Lamb and Uliana Bogash for violating the FTC Act and the Restore Online Shoppers Confidence ACT. The two operated under the company names DOTAuthority.com Inc., and DOTFIlings.com Inc., Excelsior Enterprises Internationl, and JPL Enterprises International.
According to the FTC complaint, the defendants took more than $19 million from thousands of small businesses by sending misleading robocalls, emails and text messages that created the false impression that they were affiliated with the Department of Transportation, the Unified Carrier Registration system, or another government agency.
Lamb and Bogash allegedly used official sounding names, websites to send the companies fake warnings of $1,000 civil penalties or fines for non-compliance or threats of imminent law enforcement to coerce the companies into using their registration services instead of official government website services.
The complaint also states the defendants obscured the total amount charged by not telling customers that the cost included service fees that ranged from $25 to $500 or more. Additionally, many consumers who paid the defendants' UCR fees were automatically enrolled in an annual renewal program without knowledge or consent.
Related: N.J. Trucking Company Defrauded of Over $900K
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FMCSA issues Samsung Galaxy Note 7 advisory
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a safety advisory this week regarding the recently-recalled Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smart phone and its lithium batteries; a battery type that may be present in other electronic devices as well.
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Peterbilt Pride & Class Parade
Nearly 50 Peterbilt customers recently showcased their trucks in Denton, TX – the home of Peterbilt Motors Co. – as part of the very first “Peterbilt Pride & Class Parade.” The event also raised nearly $1,000 in donations for the United Way of Denton County. (Photos by Thomas Judd Photography and Peterbilt Motors Co.)
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Canada’s carbon pricing situation
Lukewarm Class 8 Orders See Trivial Increase
Net Class 8 truck orders in September increased modestly from the previous month, possibly signaling that a historically weak season for orders was ending, according to ACT Research.
Final order numbers topped out at 16,100 units, beating the 14,200 units ordered in August. August represented a 3-month high in orders and another increase in Sept. indicates that the usually strong fall order season will return as usual. The summer months are usually the worst time of year for order numbers.
“October kicks off the traditional high-volume fourth quarter, when fleets and OEMs nail down commitments for the upcoming model year,” said Jim Meil, ACT Research principal and industry analyst.
Mexico was a standout heavy-duty segment, boosted by a weak peso, according to ACT.
“A proposed emissions mandate at the start of 2018 contributes to market strength; we believe truckers are taking the long view and positioning strategically,” said Meil. “For other segments the status is the same-- U.S. tractors, Canada ,and export markets across-the-board are lackluster.”
Related: Medium-Duty Orders Rise 19% in September
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