Author: GAWDA MEDIA

Linde Purchase of Praxair Inc. Finalized Linde has announced that it has received approval from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission to acquire Praxair, Inc., clearing the last hurdle in the estimated $90 billion-dollar merger. With over 80,000 employees in more than 100 countries, this makes Linde the largest company in the global industrial gas business. In order to receive approval, Linde agreed to sell its U.S. bulk business as well as certain carbon monoxide, hydrogen and steam methane reforming businesses. The divestitures must occur by January 29, 2019, and until then, Linde and Praxair will continue to operate their businesses…

GAWDA Comments on FMCSA Hours of Service Rulemaking GAWDA filed comments on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on driver hours of service regulations. On Aug. 23, 2018, the agency published its ANPRM in response to widespread Congressional, industry, and citizen concerns over the HOS rules. See 83 Fed. Reg. 42631. The notice sought feedback from the public to determine if HOS revisions may alleviate unnecessary burdens placed on drivers while maintaining safety on our nation’s highways and roads. The four specific areas under consideration for revision are: Expanding the current 100 air-mile “short-haul” exemption for…

Atlas Welding Reports Two New Hires Atlas Welding Supply Company recently added two new employees to its sales team. Ryas Esdale has joined the sales team as an inside sales representative and marketing associate. Ryas will increase communication and sales with clients as well posting relevant information via social media and Atlas’ website. Ryas is originally from Birmingham, AL, and graduated from the University of Alabama with a BS in marketing. Patrick Visintainer has also joined the Atlas sales team. Patrick will strategically manage and grow all medical and scientific gas accounts. Patrick is originally from Birmingham, AL and graduated…

FMCSA Issues Final Rule on Drivers with Diabetes The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has published a final rule to permit individuals with a stable insulin regimen and properly controlled insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) to be qualified to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce. See 83 Fed. Reg. 47486 (September 19, 2018). Previously, ITDM individuals were prohibited from driving CMVs in interstate commerce unless they obtained an exemption from FMCSA. This rule enables a certified medical examiner to grant an ITDM individual a Medical Examiner’s Certificate, MCSA–5876, for up to a maximum of 12 months. To do so, the…

FMCSA Publishes ANPRM on Driver HOS Reform The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has announced that it is seeking public comment on revising four specific areas of current driver hours-of-service regulations, which limit the operating hours of commercial truck drivers for motor carriers of property. The agency stated its upcoming Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, which will be published in the Federal Register in the near future, responds to widespread congressional, industry, and citizen concerns and seeks feedback from the public to determine if HOS revisions may alleviate unnecessary burdens placed on drivers while maintaining safety on our nation’s highways…