Feds Want To Put Tracking Devices On Big Rigs; Gov’t Could Access Data Whenever They Want

[mystery-ak]

Feds Want To Put Tracking Devices On Big Rigs; Gov’t Could Access Data Whenever They Want
Published on December 1, 2022
December 2, 2022
in Wyoming Trucking/News/Transportation

***For All Things Wyoming, Sign-Up For Our Daily Newsletter***

By Kevin Killough, energy reporter
Kevin@CowboyStateDaily.com

The U.S. Department of Transportation is proposing a new rule that would require all commercial trucks used for interstate commerce to install tracking devices that would transmit location data and other personal information to police whenever law enforcement requests it. 

Roger King, owner of Cowboy State Trucking in Kemmerer, said it’s hard enough to find drivers, and putting federal tracking devices on trucks would be one more reason for people to find other jobs. 

“Nobody likes Big Brother looking at your every move,” King said in reference to the government surveillance figure in the George Orwell novel “1984.”

King said trucking companies have a financial interest to operate safely and follow the law, so he doesn’t see a need for the proposed law. 

Already Highly Regulated

According to the Federal Register, the growth of the commercial vehicle industry outpaces law enforcement resources, so the tracking devices would allow law enforcement to “to make timely and informed decisions to support their mission-critical operations.”

The trucking industry is highly regulated, however, and drivers and the companies they work for already have to provide a wealth of information to regulators. This includes roadside inspections at ports of entry, and drug testing and thorough background checks of drivers. 

more
https://cowboystatedaily.com/2022/12/01/feds-want-to-put-tracking-devices-on-big-rigs-govt-could-access-data-whenever-they-want/

[mountaineer]

I cannot imagine what info the feds believe they need of truck drivers that they don't already have. This is ridiculous.

[berdie]

I cannot imagine what info the feds believe they need of truck drivers that they don't already have. This is ridiculous.

Agreed. And if I own my own rig it could be a huuuuge problem.

[Fishrrman]

If you run a railroad engine for the major carriers, more than just the engine is "tracked".

The cabs now have interior cameras that record you all the time.

The engines can be monitored in real time for such things as speed, throttle position, use of the brakes, etc.

Make a move they don't like, and they could be callin' you out on it.
Doesn't even have to be "against the rules".
For instance, use the air brakes instead of the dynamic brake, and they could "take exception" (using air uses more fuel).

It wasn't like that when I worked there (although there were event recorders on the engines, and they did check you on that from time to time).
Wouldn't want to do it now.

[Smokin Joe]

Between Onstar and similar systems and snooper add-ons that promise insurance savings, not to mention the ubiquitous cell phone, pretty much everyone is tracked anyway.

[DB]

A very dark world is rapidly approaching and the young are embracing it with open arms.

[libertybele]

Where are the Teamsters or have they become so weakened that they are no longer relevant?

[mountaineer]

Where are the Teamsters or have they become so weakened that they are no longer relevant?

I don't suppose the members are very happy about this, but the fatcat union bosses are not about to challenge anything the Biden administration does.

[libertybele]

I don't suppose the members are very happy about this, but the fatcat union bosses are not about to challenge anything the Biden administration does.

For being so evil, old and senile, Joe has become one powerful p.o.s.

[christian]

libertybele:
For being so evil, old and senile, Joe has become one powerful p.o.s.

All those promises of Joe was going to make everything so much better, and then blanket denials for Joe-demented and more innocent that saints.  Were they evil people, wolves in sheep's clothing, or just amazingly stupid on a very consistent basis?  Obsessive control people can't obsess enough until they over control and really screw things up, often beyond repair.  They call them bureaucrats others call them obsessive control fools.  We may never find out which is most appropriate.