|
Volume II, Issue 6—June 2009 |
|
Industry Headlines |
|
Vicarious Liability Cap for Rentals Approved by Alberta Legislature The Alberta Legislative Assembly has passed legislation that rightfully limits the liability of non-negligent owners of vehicles under short-term rental agreements. Under the provisions of Bill 30, which passed after the third reading on June 3, 2009, owners of rental vehicles could only be held vicariously liable for up to $1 million. Currently, such rental vehicle owners can be subject to unlimited liability solely on the basis of their ownership of a vehicle involved in an accident. To see a copy of Bill 30, please click here. State Adjournments Bring Victories in Blocked Legislation Several tax and fee increases fought by TRALA have been declared dead upon the adjournment of the state legislatures in which they were pending. Among the most significant proposals TRALA was battling were registration fee increases in Illinois and a new lease gross receipts tax in Texas. |
|
Truck Renting and Leasing Association ■ 675 N. Washington Street ■ Suite 410 ■ Alexandria, VA 22314 ■ 703.299.9120 |
|
Truck Renting and Leasing Association |
|
TRALA Industry Wire |
|
Facts & Stats |
|
TRALA Leadership Profile Tom Thayer, TRALA 2009 Chairman President & CEO Idealease of Richmond |
|
Congratulations on your election as Chairman of TRALA, would you share with us your thoughts on the priorities you see for the industry and ways that you hope to contribute to the association during your tenure as an officer? TRALA continues to build on its years of success in protecting the interests of its members and remaining at the forefront on legislative and regulatory issues that affect our industry. Over the next year, I look to provide TRALA with the support necessary as we continue to fight any attacks that are made to weaken or eliminate the victory on vicarious liability; I will repeatedly encourage our members and industry allies to remain strong in our grassroots campaign to fight against the card check legislation; and most importantly, as state and local governments look to find new areas of revenue to help off-set budget shortfalls, TRALA must continue to remain vigilant in stopping unfair taxes and fee increases that will hurt our industry. How do you maintain effective working relationships with your employees? Over the years I have done every job that exists in my company and I still continue to help out. My employees have never seen me putting myself above the job and I believe this has created a positive, working relationship with my employees. It has allowed me to earn their trust and respect. I also have an open door policy and I am always available to listen. In six months the 2010 diesel engine emission regulations go into effect, how do you foresee the industry preparing for this third wave of regulations? The 2010 diesel engine emission regulations may be the most trying EPA change that our industry will face. Not only are we dealing with mature technologies such as SCR, diesel exhaust fluid and new particulate filters, we are also learning that technicians, drivers, fleet owners, etc. are very unaware of how urea will be distributed, stored, and the expenses related to maintaining the new technology. Also, given the current economic environment, I do not foresee any pre-buys taking place similar to previous years when new regulations went into effect. In addition to full-service truck leasing, you’ve worked for an OEM and currently own and operate an International truck dealership. How has this experience shaped your vision of what it means to be a transportation partner to your customers? All of my work experiences have allowed me to see things from every angle. It has allowed me to be a business partner to my customers and shaped me to be the leader I am today. I am able to recognize myriad problems quickly and offer solutions. Most economists are currently predicting the recession will end this year, please share your thoughts on when you foresee the trucking industry beginning to recover and specifically your predictions for renting and leasing? The economic recovery for the trucking industry may be complicated by uncertainties regarding new equipment and technology as well as the increased costs that accompany them. However, the truck renting and leasing industry and its high-tech maintenance workforce will likely lead the way in the recovery as companies seek out experienced transportation partners to mitigate these uncertainties. Also, some customers may remain shaken by the recent downtown in the economy and might prefer the cash flow benefits provided by partnering with a renting and leasing company rather than tying up huge amounts of money in vehicle purchases. |
|
Advertise in TRALA’s 2009-2010 Membership Directory |
|
Legislative Update |
|
Source: Ward’s Communication |
|
Reach your target audience by advertising in the premier industry guide. There is still space available in the 2009-2010 Membership Directory and Buyers Guide. In addition to print advertising, don’t forget to ask about opportunities for your company to be featured on TRALA’s website or in EnRoute. Please contact Brian Hefner at bhefner@trala.org or (703) 299-9120 for more information. You can also visit TRALA’s website to find out more about specs and special advertising rates. |
|
Maryland Motor Truck Association’s Anne Ferro Named to Head FMCSA President Obama has named Maryland Motor Truck Association (MMTA) President Anne Ferro to head the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Prior to becoming MMTA’s President in 2003, Ferro was administrator of the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, starting in that post in 1997. Her nomination must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Source: Transport Topics
GM to Halt Medium-Duty Truck Production Source: Reuters
Battle Begins Over Bigger Big Rigs Debate is heating up over the issue of whether larger commercial trucks should be allowed on the highways. Supporters say big commercial trucks allow drivers to deliver more freight in fewer trips, thus cutting pollution and reducing congestion on crowded highways. Opponents say larger trucks would cause more wear-and-tear on the U.S. dilapidated roads and bridges and create a greater safety hazard to other drivers. Source: USA Today
Hybrid Trucks Visit on Capitol Hill A high-tech truck convoy arrived on Capitol Hill June 11 to showcase the emergence of fuel-saving hybrid technology for the nation’s biggest vehicles and unveiled a new study from Duke University that finds hybrids provide the U.S. a strategic opportunity in competitiveness, green jobs, and reduced pollution. The first “Hybrids on the Hill” day organized by CALSTART and its Hybrid Truck Users Forum, also warned that hybrid trucks need help to succeed and retain the technology lead American firms now have. Source: Commercial Carrier Journal |