Author: GAWDA MEDIA

FMCSA Seeks Approval to Research Driver Schedules and Fatigue The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has requested approval from the Office of Management and Budget to investigate how commercial motor vehicle drivers’ schedules impact overall driver performance and safety. See 83 Fed. Reg. 53945 (October 25, 3018). The agency also seeks public comments on its proposal. The FMCSA intends to match data collected from driver logs with crash information to determine the level of crash risk by hours of driving. The agency also plans to estimate, for similarly situated drivers, the difference in crash risk after restarts that include two…

Hypertherm Releases New Version of Rotary Tube Pro Software Hypertherm has announced the release of a new version of its Rotary Tube Pro software that makes it easier to design and cut tube and pipe parts with no 3D CAD experience required. The new update includes a number of new features designed to speed the programming process. For example, automatic nesting is now standard, allowing software users to nest multiple quantities of the same part or different parts on stock tube. Users can add parts to the part list and build a stock list for nesting, maintain the seam orientation during nesting,…

Weiler Abrasives Group Expands Brand Globally Weiler Abrasives Group, a leading provider of abrasives, power brushes and maintenance products for surface conditioning, announced the rebranding of the European division of the company. SWATYCOMET d.o.o. in Maribor, Slovenia is now Weiler Abrasives d.o.o. and Toroflex GmbH in Bindlach, Germany is now Weiler Abrasives GmbH. The rebranding reinforces the vision, mission and values of Weiler Abrasives in the global market, joining all regions in their focus to build lasting partnerships with customers and deliver innovative cutting, grinding and finishing solutions worldwide — under a unified corporate brand. “We are excited about our…

American Torch Tip Now Offering Tregaskiss Tough Lock Contact Tips and Diffusers American Torch Tip is now offering Tregaskiss Tough Lock-style contact tips and diffusers. These American-made tips and diffusers are designed for lasting quality and available in standard copper and chrome zirconium in a wide variety of sizes for both robotic and manual use.

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…