Latest news with #ELP
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
State of Freight Takeaways: English language rule for truckers takes effect, early impacts emerging
Just when some aspects of the freight market were starting to calm down, there's a new factor that has the potential to inject renewed volatility into supply chains. That was one of the points made in the June State of Freight webinar featuring Firecrown and SONAR CEO Craig Fuller along with Zach Strickland, SONAR's director of market intelligence. FreightWaves' State of Freight webinars the past few months took place against a backdrop of tremendous volatility and uncertainty in freight markets. Fuller and Strickland saw some aspects of the supply chain growing somewhat calmer, but also discussed a change in a key benchmark from the SONAR data dashboard that could be signaling any calming might not last. Here are five takeaways from the June State of Freight webinar. The Outbound Tender Rejection Index in SONAR has moved up sharply in the past few days. Fuller said it could be the first signs of tightening capacity because of the English Language Proficiency requirement that began a renewed round of enforcement this week. The impact of enforcing the ELP–which is not a new regulation, but is getting a new enforcement push from the Trump administration–goes well past having a driver taken off the road because he or she failed the ELP during a safety stop. Out of Service orders that would accompany a driver being taken off the road end up on the records of a carrier, Fuller said. 'If you're a fleet and you have an out of service violation, this time is recorded on your record,' Fuller said. 'And what's interesting about that is that it shows up in your insurance rates. It also means some shippers will not book you if you have a lot of out of service violations.' That recent spike in tender rejection rates could be a sign of carriers taking drivers off the road rather than have them become the focus of an Out of Service order that results in that mark on a company's record, according to both Fuller and Strickland. Fuller was 50-50 on whether to call the trade war that was raging in April and into May 'an afterthought.' 'It has become sort of that, but you're still dealing with it,' he said. Fuller said he saw evidence in the news cycle that 'the administration seems to have largely moved on.' But Fuller also noted that the 90-day deadline on other countries cutting trade deals with the U.S. is coming up fast. (The 90-day pause on many tariffs was announced April 9). 'My guess is they just end up extending them out because tariffs were far less popular among the independents and obviously the bond market,' he said, referring to the sharp spike in Treasury rates when 'Liberation Day' tariffs were announced. Speaking of the U.S. bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities, Fuller said 'I think it seems to be that's where the administration is focused on. It has moved on from trade, and I think it's a positive for everybody.' Fuller and Strickland discussed the Trade War Center on SONAR and what it is saying about ocean shipments. Strickland noted that the dashboard shows that ocean going volumes are now running above last year, 'and if you recall, last year was a strong year for import activity,' he said. And a lot of that ocean going traffic is coming out of Vietnam and Thailand, which Fuller said is an effort to take Chinese-made goods, transship them through those countries and avoid the steep tariffs on Chinese imports. 'A lot of transshipping is going on,' Fuller said. 'It's nearly impossible to know how much it is.' He added that there are estimates as much as 70% of U.S. Imports from Vietnam could be goods that were transshipped from China, but he also has seen estimates as low as 30%. Strickland, who came out of the LTL business, said he 'thought LTL was going to come out in much better shape through all this, just because the industrial sector is dying to wake up and is ready to go.' But Strickland said he now believes LTL won't perform any better than a recovery in truckload, which remains in the doldrums. But Strickland had optimism for the truckload sector, which could drag LTL along with it. 'I think the truckload market will flip, and I think we're close to it,' he said. 'What's going to happen is the truckload market is going to have an inflection point and then that's going to trigger a downstream reaction into LTL.' He added that he believed September or October might be a period when that 'flip' would occur. But LTL is ultimately tied to industrial activity. 'And on the industrial side of things, we need economic certainty or clarity,' Strickland said. 'The biggest thing you can take from the Big Beautiful Bill is that the administration is very anti-EV now,' Fuller said. He noted the various incentives for electrification that were in the Inflation Reduction Act are being terminated in the legislation passed by the House and now before the Senate that carries that BBB name. As a result of that, Fuller said, 'the pressure to electrify is off somewhat, because fleets no longer feel that this is a necessary thing they have to contend with,' Fuller said. He also noted a statement made by a leading U.S. Volkswagen official in the U.S. who said that customers were going to be offered EVs aggressively because of the huge pool of money the IRA provided to incentivize EV purchases. But that pool of money is now drying up. 'If you look at the bill, we're changing directionally,' Fuller said. More articles by John Kingston 5 takeaways from State of Freight: Getting ready for auto tariffs State of Freight takeaways: Freight crash may turn into sudden revival A market on the precipice: 5 takeaways from the April State of Freight The post State of Freight Takeaways: English language rule for truckers takes effect, early impacts emerging appeared first on FreightWaves. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Will Texas Enforce FMCSA English Proficiency Rules for Intrastate CDL Drivers?
In Texas, drivers who cannot read or speak English may still be issued commercial driver's licenses if they operate solely within the state's borders. This policy is not new. Per Texas Transportation Code § 522.043(b), the state prohibits requiring English language proficiency for intrastate-only CDL holders. The Texas Administrative Code and the official Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Handbook support this stance, noting that ELP only applies to interstate drivers. But a new enforcement directive from FMCSA, effective June 25, states that any commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver failing to meet the English proficiency standard under 49 CFR 391.11(b)(2) will be placed out of service if operating in interstate commerce. The issue? Texas isn't enforcing this for intrastate fleets and never really has. Federal Funds at Risk? MCSAP Says Maybe This enforcement discretion may violate the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP), a federal grant program that gives states funding for enforcement in exchange for aligning with FMCSA safety regulations. 49 CFR 350.305 outlines the limited list of allowable state-level variances. English proficiency isn't one of them. So, unless Texas has formally petitioned FMCSA for a variance – and DPS leadership confirms the state hasn't – Texas' refusal to enforce this could jeopardize MCSAP funding. TDPS Says No to ELP Enforcement, But FMCSA Says That's Changing The Playbook directly messaged leadership at Texas DPS, and the agency stated that it does not have a formal FMCSA-approved exemption. However, historically, FMCSA has turned a blind eye. That leniency may be coming to an end. Texas never enforced English proficiency for Intrastate drivers before the 2014-2015 FMCSA enforcement directive and still hasn't. But now, with FMCSA saying ELP violations will result in out-of-service orders, the conversation is shifting. Texas may be forced to act if FMCSA chooses to enforce funding eligibility under MCSAP. What's at Stake for Fleets? For now, fleets operating intrastate in Texas may continue employing non-English-speaking drivers with a restricted CDL if they stay within the state. But carriers need to be extremely careful: Interstate operations are subject to federal ELP enforcement. That includes for-hire and private carriers operating across state lines or hauling loads that begin or end outside Texas. MCSAP enforcement could force Texas to revise its policies or risk losing significant federal funding. Border state complications may emerge. As a border state, Texas is uniquely exposed to federal scrutiny, especially given the broader political climate and FMCSA's evolving enforcement stance. Compliance Is No Longer Optional The key takeaway? Carriers must evaluate whether their drivers are genuinely intrastate and ensure their CDL designations, load documentation and operational areas support that claim. The days of looking the other way on English proficiency may be numbered. As the FMCSA steps up enforcement and grant eligibility becomes more stringent, states like Texas may be forced to close the gap between state law and federal expectations or risk the financial and regulatory fallout. The post Will Texas Enforce FMCSA English Proficiency Rules for Intrastate CDL Drivers? appeared first on FreightWaves.
Hindustan Times
10-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh: After PGI, Project Sarathi to be implemented in 1,467 hospitals
Project Sarathi, a student volunteer initiative to help patients in hospital navigation, which was launched at PGIMER, Chandigarh, last year, will now be expanded to 34 states and Union Territories. PGIMER deputy director (administration) Pankaj Rai detailed that with the joint backing of the Union ministries of health and family welfare, and youth affairs and sports, a total of 1,467 hospitals had been approved for the project under 'Seva Se Seekhen', an experiential learning programme (ELP) in health, modelled on the concept of PGIMER's Project Sarathi, as listed on the MyBharat portal. As per the Union ministry of youth affairs and sports, the following states and UTs have either completed or have programmes ongoing based on the project's concept: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Odisha, Puducherry, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Of the 1,467 hospitals, implementation of ELP has been completed at 551 hospitals between September 17, 2024, and May 31, 2025. ELP is currently ongoing at 95 hospitals of which 81 are permanent health ELPs. Launched on May 5, 2024, Project Sarathi is a community service initiative aimed at improving patient experience by deploying student volunteers to assist in managing daily crowds, guiding patients within the hospital and easing OPD operations. The initiative involves 6,444 volunteers nationwide. A total of 816 students from 18 institutions, including 10 colleges and eight schools, have contributed over 50,340 hours in providing hospital navigation and support services at PGIMER. These efforts have led to the reduction in average patient wait time from 4.2 hours to 2.8 hours, according to a post-implementation impact study by PGIMER's department of community medicine.
Indian Express
10-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
PGI's Project Sarathi to be adopted by 1,467 hospitals in 34 states and UTs
In a significant leap towards healthcare facilitation and youth engagement, Project Sarathi, an innovative hospital navigation and patient support initiative launched by the PGIMER Chandigarh on May 5, 2024, has now expanded its reach across 34 states and Union Territories (UTs). With the joint backing of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, a total of 1,467 hospitals have been approved under the Seva Se Seekhen — Experiential Learning Programme in Hospitals, as listed on the MyBharat portal. Vivek Lal, director, PGIMER, expressed his enthusiasm about the nationwide replication of the Project Sarathi model. 'Launched with the twin objectives of simplifying hospital navigation for patients and channelising the energy of India's youth towards meaningful social contributions, Project Sarathi has evolved into a distinctive model of community engagement. It aims to create a hospital environment where patients and their attendants feel guided, supported, and well-informed from the moment they arrive. At the same time, it offers students a structured platform to embrace social responsibilities during their formative years, thereby fostering greater civic consciousness and empathy,' Lal said. Lal further added, 'As envisioned under the leadership of Union Health Minister, Project Sarathi was launched as a modest yet confident step toward enhancing patient facilitation through volunteer engagement, and it has now blossomed into a nationwide movement with over 50,000 volunteer service hours logged at the PGIMER alone'. Pankaj Rai, deputy director (Administration), PGIMER, added that 1,467 hospitals across 34 states and UTs have been approved under the Seva Se Seekhen – Experiential Learning Programme in Health, on the Portal/Website, which is modelled on the concept of PGIMER's Project Sarathi. Of these, implementation of ELP has been completed in 551 hospitals from September 2024 till May, 2025 and in 95 hospitals, ELP is currently ongoing in the health sector out of which 81 are permanent health ELPs. The initiative actively involves 6,444 student volunteers nationwide, while work is progressing in the remaining 821 hospitals. 'Initially launched as a pilot to meet the rising demand for hospital navigators and patient support, Project Sarathi aimed to train and deploy student volunteers to help patients navigate complex hospital environments. Its early success, reducing patient confusion, improving time efficiency, and enhancing overall hospital experience, garnered the attention of other hospitals, medical colleges, and policymakers alike,' Rai said. At the PGIMER, a total of 816 students from 18 institutions have contributed over 50,340 hours of hospital navigation and support services. These efforts have led to measurable improvements, such as a reduction in average patient wait time from 4.2 hours to 2.8 hours, increased patient and attendant satisfaction, improved staff efficiency, and students assume non-clinical support roles.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Project Sarathi expands footprint in hospital navigation, patient support nationally
Chandigarh: Project Sarathi, the groundbreaking hospital navigation and patient support initiative pioneered by PGIMER, has achieved a significant milestone by expanding its innovative model across 34 states and Union territories of India. This nationwide rollout underscores a major leap in healthcare facilitation and youth engagement, with the backing of the ministries of health and family welfare and youth affairs & sports. Pankaj Rai, deputy director (administration), PGI, said, "A total of 1,467 hospitals have now received approval to implement this impactful initiative under the 'Seva Se Seekhen – Experiential Learning Programme in Hospitals' listed on the MyBharat portal." He added, "The 1,467 hospitals across 34 states and UTs are now onboarded for the experiential learning programme in health, modelled on the successful framework of PGI's Project Sarathi." The implementation of the Experiential Learning Programme (ELP) showed remarkable progress. From Sept 17 last year to this May 31, ELP was successfully completed in 551 hospitals. At present, 95 hospitals are actively running the ELP, with 81 of these designated as Permanent Health ELPs. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo This vast undertaking actively involves 6,444 dedicated student volunteers across the nation, with work steadily progressing in the remaining 821 approved hospitals. Project Sarathi was formally inaugurated on May 5, 2024. A total of 816 students from 18 institutions, comprising 10 colleges and eight schools, collectively contributed over 50,340 hours of invaluable hospital navigation and support services. These efforts led to measurable and significant improvements, including a reduction in average patient wait time from 4.2 hours to 2.8 hours, increased patient and attendant satisfaction, enhanced staff efficiency as students took on non-clinical support roles, and the productive engagement of youth. From its beginnings as a local pilot, Project Sarathi blossomed into a national initiative of immense scale. The ministry of youth affairs and sports has confirmed that various states and UTs, including Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Odisha, Puducherry, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, have either completed or have ongoing programmes based on the Project Sarathi concept. BOX KNOW ABOUT THE PROJECT Project Sarathi was formally inaugurated on May 5, 2024 A total of 816 students from 18 institutions, comprising 10 colleges and eight schools, collectively contributed over 50,340 hours of invaluable hospital navigation and support services These efforts led to measurable and significant improvements, including a reduction in average patient wait time from 4.2 hours to 2.8 hours, increased patient and attendant satisfaction, enhanced staff efficiency as students took on non-clinical support roles, and the productive engagement of youth From its beginnings as a local pilot, Project Sarathi blossomed into a national initiative of immense scale From Sept 17 last year to this May 31, 'Seva Se Seekhen – Experiential Learning Programme in Hospitals' was successfully completed in 551 hospitals. At present, 95 hospitals are actively running the ELP, with 81 of these designated as Permanent Health ELPs. This vast undertaking actively involves 6,444 dedicated student volunteers across the nation, with work steadily progressing in the remaining 821 approved hospitals A total of 1,467 hospitals have now received approval to implement this impactful initiative Chandigarh: Project Sarathi, the groundbreaking hospital navigation and patient support initiative pioneered by PGIMER, has achieved a significant milestone by expanding its innovative model across 34 states and Union territories of India. This nationwide rollout underscores a major leap in healthcare facilitation and youth engagement, with the backing of the ministries of health and family welfare and youth affairs & sports. Pankaj Rai, deputy director (administration), PGI, said, "A total of 1,467 hospitals have now received approval to implement this impactful initiative under the 'Seva Se Seekhen – Experiential Learning Programme in Hospitals' listed on the MyBharat portal." He added, "The 1,467 hospitals across 34 states and UTs are now onboarded for the experiential learning programme in health, modelled on the successful framework of PGI's Project Sarathi." The implementation of the Experiential Learning Programme (ELP) showed remarkable progress. From Sept 17 last year to this May 31, ELP was successfully completed in 551 hospitals. At present, 95 hospitals are actively running the ELP, with 81 of these designated as Permanent Health ELPs. This vast undertaking actively involves 6,444 dedicated student volunteers across the nation, with work steadily progressing in the remaining 821 approved hospitals. Project Sarathi was formally inaugurated on May 5, 2024. A total of 816 students from 18 institutions, comprising 10 colleges and eight schools, collectively contributed over 50,340 hours of invaluable hospital navigation and support services. These efforts led to measurable and significant improvements, including a reduction in average patient wait time from 4.2 hours to 2.8 hours, increased patient and attendant satisfaction, enhanced staff efficiency as students took on non-clinical support roles, and the productive engagement of youth. From its beginnings as a local pilot, Project Sarathi blossomed into a national initiative of immense scale. The ministry of youth affairs and sports has confirmed that various states and UTs, including Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Odisha, Puducherry, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, have either completed or have ongoing programmes based on the Project Sarathi concept. BOX KNOW ABOUT THE PROJECT Project Sarathi was formally inaugurated on May 5, 2024 A total of 816 students from 18 institutions, comprising 10 colleges and eight schools, collectively contributed over 50,340 hours of invaluable hospital navigation and support services These efforts led to measurable and significant improvements, including a reduction in average patient wait time from 4.2 hours to 2.8 hours, increased patient and attendant satisfaction, enhanced staff efficiency as students took on non-clinical support roles, and the productive engagement of youth From its beginnings as a local pilot, Project Sarathi blossomed into a national initiative of immense scale From Sept 17 last year to this May 31, 'Seva Se Seekhen – Experiential Learning Programme in Hospitals' was successfully completed in 551 hospitals. At present, 95 hospitals are actively running the ELP, with 81 of these designated as Permanent Health ELPs. This vast undertaking actively involves 6,444 dedicated student volunteers across the nation, with work steadily progressing in the remaining 821 approved hospitals A total of 1,467 hospitals have now received approval to implement this impactful initiative
