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U.S., Mexican Trucks Will Begin Cross-Border Demonstration Program at Same Time
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WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters today announced that U.S. trucks will begin operating in Mexico for the first time ever starting at the same time Mexican trucks begin operating north of the commercial border zone in the U.S. The Secretary noted that the improvements to the demonstration program are a result of recent conversations with the Mexican government and Congress.
"We are working to give American truckers an unprecedented opportunity to compete in a substantial new market," Peters said. "This announcement puts the program on track to lower costs for U.S. consumers, make our economy more competitive and give U.S. truckers new business opportunities."
In February, the Department of Transportation announced a year-long demonstration program to expand cross-border trucking operations with Mexico. The program is designed to eliminate the current cumbersome, outdated and costly system of moving freight across the border, and replace it with an efficient, transparent and safe cross-border trucking process.
The program's safety developments have been guided by, but not limited to, requirements established by Congress in 2002. The Department's independent Inspector General has also certified that the program substantially meets eight criteria addressing inspector training, inspection facilities, and the development of safety procedures. The Department has invested $500 million since 1995 to modernize border safety facilities and hire and train the more than 500 federal and state inspectors who inspect trucks crossing the border every day.
As part of the program, U.S. inspectors will conduct in-person safety audits to ensure participating Mexican companies comply with U.S. safety regulations. The Department also will require all Mexican truck drivers to hold a valid commercial driver's license, comply with U.S. medical requirements, comply with all U.S. hours-of-service rules and be able to understand questions and directions in English. Mexican truck companies that are allowed to participate must have insurance with a U.S.-licensed firm and meet all U.S. safety standards, including drug and alcohol testing. Companies that meet these stringent standards will be allowed to make international pick up and deliveries only.
The elements of the trucking program are discussed in a Federal Register notice issued today. The Department is seeking comment over the next 30 days on the program. The notice is available online at www.fmcsa.dot.gov.
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Protecting Your Car With Auto Shipping Insurance
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By : Idan Lavi |
Before you set a date to have your car shipped to its new location, either domestic or foreign, you should consider buying auto shipping insurance from the company you plan to use. Shipping insurance will protect your car in case of damage during transport or theft. Having extra insurance can offer you peace of mind while your car is in transit.
But not all auto shipping insurance policies are the same. Check with your shipping company to see if they offer a primary or excess insurance policy. A primary policy will cover damages to your car regardless of what your regular auto insurance will cover. An excess policy will only cover what your insurance company will not. Before purchasing either policy, be sure to call your auto insurance company to see what types of damages are covered under your current policy and then make a decision from there.
If you are transporting an antique or classic car, you may want to purchase extra insurance so that the car is covered completely. Buy enough coverage to cover the blue book value of the car. If possible, find an auto shipping company that specializes in shipping these types of vehicles. They usually use cargo units that are made to protect cars that are of greater value. Most companies will have a secure 10 car auto transport unit.
When shipping a car, you should take pictures of the car before it is loaded onto the truck. You should also conduct an inspection with the driver and write down previous body damage or scratches. This will help later on if you find new damage to the body of the car. Protecting your car begins by buying auto shipping insurance, but you will have to be proactive in making sure that you are able to file a claim and get the money you deserve if damage occurs during transit.
Choosing an auto transportation company may not seem too difficult, but you should get a few car shipping quotes and compare prices as well as service. Compare the cost of auto shipping insurance as well. This will save you money in the long run. Once you have chosen a company, make sure that you receive all paperwork and have the car inspected to make sure that it is running properly before shipping it.
After your car arrives at its destination, inspect the outside of the car to make sure that it is not damaged. File a claim immediately if you find damage to the body of the car. Depending on which policy you purchased, a primary or excess policy, you may have to contact your auto insurance company as well.
In most cases, your car will arrive in good condition. But by taking the proper precautions, such as buying auto shipping insurance and inspecting your car before the trip, you will be able to ensure that your car will be safe during transit. |
Author Resource:- Idan Lavi used to be the owner of a professional Moving Company in New York City, making him the ideal author for a guide on moving just about anywhere.
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Koenigsegg CCR
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Engine
806-hp, 4.7-liter V-8
Transmission
6-speed manual
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Koenigsegg, the company that holds the Guinness world record for the most powerful production car, has trumped itself. The 665-horsepower, 240-mph CC8S that set the horsepower record last year is now the 806-hp CCR.
Like the CC8S, the CCR is a low, aerodynamic mid-engine car with doors that push out from the body and then twist forward. The CCR also shares the CC8S’s removable roof panel that stores under the front hood.
Both Koenigsegg cars are a monocoque design — in which the body is integrated into the chassis — and use a tall six-speed-manual gearbox. Gauges are mounted on the steering column directly behind the steering wheel, and controls are located on the center console.
In addition to the more powerful engine, differences between the CCR and the CC8S include larger brakes, refined side air intakes, a different headlight arrangement, a revised rear design that displays more exposed carbon fiber, and new front splitters to increase downforce.
The company is developing U.S. versions of both cars through its importer, Koenigsegg USA in Lighthouse Point, Fla. |
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