Weeks ahead of deadline and describing legislation as “unnecessary,” Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed the California Assembly Bill 316. While the state legislature provided sweeping support for the bill, the veto will now allow the continued operation of heavy-duty driverless trucks as regulated under current law. (See more at FreightWaves, “Governor vetoes autonomous trucking ban in California,” Alan Adler, 9/23/2023)
In October, the Danish Transport Ministry is presenting a bill to allow, on a trial basis, the use of extra-long trucks and double trailers up to 34 metres on certain designated roadways. Danish Transport Minister Thomas Danielsen states that “We have to make the best use of roads, and therefore we are opening up to be able to drive extra-long trucks where the roads allow it. When a single truck can carry more, it results in less CO2 and fewer vehicles on the roads, and is therefore both a win for the climate and for congestion.” (Read More at Trans.INFO, “Long trucks will cut congestion and help environment, says Danish Transport Ministry” Gregor Gowans, Journalist, 19.09.2023)
Gov. Gavin Newsom has a bill on his desk (passed in the state senate last week) that with his final decision will set the fate of future self-driving trucks, including semi-trucks, for operation in the state of California. The bill would ban autonomous vehicles (over 10,000 lbs.) and as expected, is supported by drivers of the Teamsters union who present an argument of road safety and job protection. A counter argument relates that California has always been a leader and supporter in development of new technologies. Oct. 14th is the deadline for approval or veto by the governor. (More at: ABC10, “Are self-driving semis coming to California? …” by Elisha Machado, 9/19/2023)
The Panama Canal Authority released a notice last week on September 8th announcing that it will be suspending bookings for super category vessels from yesterday Sept. 12 through the 30th. This action is a response to counter the backlog caused by the ongoing drought conditions. FreightWaves explains that unless major rainfall changes conditions “the daily transit limits and vessel draft restrictions the ACP imposed earlier this year will need to remain in place until this time next year.” (More at: FreightWaves, “Panama Canal Authority: Vessel transits may be reduced if drought persists” Lori Ann LaRocco, 9/12/2023)
Hilldrup announced last week its acquisition of Graebel Commercial Services (GCS). In conjunction with the purchase, the GCS segment of business was relaunched as WeSolve Workplace Environments, or more commonly as WeSolve. Scott Snead, President of WeSolve, explains that “WeSolve Workplace Environments is a global, full-service work environment company that offers office relocation planning, coordination, and management services.” (See Hilldrup News, “Hilldrup’s Launch of WeSolve Workplace Environments …” by Jordan McDaniel, 8/1/2023)
There are concerns that the drought in Germany this year and its impact on the Rhine River water levels may rival river lows in 2018 and 2022. In July water levels hit a low of below 100 cm, down from a high of 350 cm in May (at the Kaub measuring station.) Low water levels cause increased shipping costs due to container ships and some barges sailing half full resulting in more vessels needed to transport goods. (See video about the Rhine) However, recent “heavy rainfall in the Rhine’s upstream regions” has resulted in levels to rise to about 180 cm as of last Friday, "allowing vessels to sail with full loads.” (More at: The Maritime Executive, “Rhine Water Levels Improve …” 07/30/2023)
