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What are some examples of motor carrier and broker complaints?

• The HHG shipment is hostage for final payment in excess of 110% of non-binding estimate.
• A HHG carrier, broker or other regulated entity engaged in interstate operations without the required authority from the FMCSA (unauthorized operations).
• A HHG carrier, broker or other regulated entity engaged in interstate operations without the required insurance on file with the FMCSA (uninsured operations).
• The HHG carrier failed to acknowledge, process and settle your loss and damage within 120 days of receipt.
• The HHG does not belong to a dispute settlement to handle loss and damage claims.
• The HHG carrier or other regulated entity failed to honor agreed pick-up and/or delivery dates without giving proper notice.

Statement of Lynne Osmus

hank you for inviting me here today to be a part of your discussion about the reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). We at the FAA, and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) as a whole, look forward to working with this Committee and the new Congress on achieving a robust, multiyear bill that will help ensure the safety of the flying public and efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS). This is an exciting time in our Nation’s history, as a new Administration takes the reins and establishes its policies. With new Members in Congress as well, fresh ideas and innovative approaches to challenging problems are sure to come. As Acting Administrator, I look forward to facilitating that as much as possible.

FAA reauthorization is a priority for the Department. As the new Administration settles in and continues to get its policy team in place, we will have the opportunity to analyze the Committee’s proposal and develop an Administration position on FAA reauthorization. There is a challenging legislative agenda this session and circumstances have dictated that during this first month of the Administration, the legislative focus be on the economic stimulus package. I can assure you, though, that the Secretary views the aviation reauthorization as one of his top legislative priorities. In the meantime, please accept my gratitude on behalf of the Administration for your efforts in moving the FAA’s reauthorization forward. There is a consensus in the aviation community, and certainly in the FAA, that multiple, short-term extensions as we have had in the last 18 months are burdensome and disruptive, and do not permit the careful planning and efficient execution that is necessary for successful infrastructure and technology programs.

Secretary LaHood has demonstrated that the FAA is at the top of his list of priorities. He visited FAA headquarters twice in his first week as Secretary, meeting first with the executive management team, and then holding a town hall meeting where all employees were invited to attend. In addition to the overflow crowd in the FAA auditorium, the town hall was shown via video broadcast to other FAA offices.

The Secretary has indicated several times in his confirmation hearing and to FAA employees that one of his immediate goals is to fill the position of FAA Administrator, in order to move forward as quickly and seamlessly as possible. He has expressed that the new Administrator will be one who can advance the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) and refine benchmarks for the program for the next five to eight years. The Secretary has also noted that one criterion for a successful FAA Administrator is someone with the people skills to resolve outstanding labor issues, something to which many Members of this Committee are also committed. I am also confident that any new Administrator will work closely with the Committee to ensure these goals are part of any future aviation legislation.

Travel Warning ALGERIA

The Department of State urges U.S. citizens who travel to Algeria to evaluate carefully the risks posed to their personal safety. Terrorist attacks including bombings, false roadblocks, kidnappings, ambushes, and assassinations occur regularly, particularly in the Kabylie region of the country. Since early 2007, the use of suicide bomb attacks, particularly vehicle-borne attacks, has emerged as a terrorist tactic in Algeria, including in the capital. The group that claimed credit for the December 11, 2007, suicide car-bomb attacks in Algiers has pledged more attacks against foreign targets, and specifically against American targets. This Travel Warning updates information on the current security situation in Algeria and the continuing threat posed by terrorism, and replaces the Travel Warning issued on August 22, 2008.

The Department of State recommends that U.S. citizens avoid overland travel in Algeria. Americans who reside or travel in Algeria should take prudent security measures while in the country, including making provisions for reliable and experienced logistical support. Visitors to Algeria are advised to stay only in hotels where adequate security is provided. All visitors to Algeria should remain alert and adhere to prudent security practices such as avoiding predictable travel patterns and maintaining a low profile.

The U.S. Government considers the potential threat to U.S. Embassy personnel assigned to Algiers sufficiently serious to require them to live and work under significant security restrictions. These practices limit, and may occasionally prevent, the movement of U.S. Embassy officials and the provision of consular services in certain areas of the country. The Government of Algeria requires U.S. Embassy personnel to seek permission to travel to the Casbah within Algiers or outside the province of Algiers and to have a security escort. Travel to the military zone established around the Hassi Messaoud oil center requires Government of Algeria authorization. Daily movement of Embassy personnel in Algiers is limited, and prudent security practices are required at all times. Travel by Embassy personnel within the city requires prior coordination with the Embassy's Regional Security Office. American visitors are encouraged to contact the Embassy's Consular Section for the most recent safety and security information concerning travel in the city of Algiers.

Americans living or traveling in Algeria are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Algiers through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Algeria. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at 5 Chemin Cheikh Bachir El-Ibrahimi in the El Biar district of Algiers. The telephone number is [213] 770 08 20 00, which can also be reached after hours in the event of emergencies. The fax number is [213] 21 98 22 99.

Travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

Next Gen Implementation Plan

The Federal Aviation Administration released an update to its NextGen Implementation Plan on 2009 With its internal NextGen planning well defined, the agency will now focus on developing parallel commitments with the aviation community, particularly on avionics equipage. To support this, the RTCA, an industry association that serves as a federal advisory committee, has launched a NextGen Implementation Task Force in partnership with the FAA. This RTCA-sponsored task force will offer recommendations on how to get the most benefits from the NextGen mid-term operational capabilities. The plan provides

* Mid-Term Avionics Requirements: The Plan defines the core set of avionics that support the NextGen operational capabilities that will be deployed by 2018. NextGen benefits will be maximized when the majority of operators are properly equipped. While these avionics will also support capabilities implemented beyond 2018, additional equipage may be necessary to take advantage of capabilities introduced beyond the mid-term. * Governing Principles for Equipage: The Plan defines the governing principles that will guide upcoming conversations with operators on ways to accelerate mid-term equipage. The principles span potential operational, financial, and regulatory actions. * Implementation Commitments: (PDF) The Plan summarizes the agency’s NextGen implementation commitments for the next five years. It also highlights applied research, engineering, and demonstration activities in fiscal year 2009 that will help the agency make decisions on commitments for the following five years, and beyond. * Operational Description and Benefits: The Plan describes how the NAS will operate in 2018, when all mid-term operational capabilities are in place. It also discusses the modeling and simulation tools the FAA is using to assess NextGen’s benefits. * Technical Details: The agency has also updated its NAS Enterprise Architecture. Published on January 30, the architecture contains detailed, technical roadmaps for NextGen’s mid-term operational capabilities

9 Ways To Lower Your Auto Insurance Costs

One of the best ways to keep your auto insurance costs down is to have a good driving record.
Listed below are other things you can do to lower your insurance costs.


1. Shop Around
Prices vary from company to company, so it pays to shop around. Get at least three price quotes. You can call companies directly or access information on the Internet. Your state insurance department may also provide comparisons of prices charged by major insurers.

You buy insurance to protect you financially and provide peace of mind. It's important to pick a company that is financially stable. Check the financial health of insurance companies and consult consumer magazines.

Get quotes from different types of insurance companies. Some sell through their own agents. These agencies have the same name as the insurance company. Some sell through independent agents who offer policies from several insurance companies. Others do not use agents. They sell directly to consumers over the phone or via the Internet.

Don't shop price alone. Ask friends and relatives for their recommendations. Contact your state insurance department to find out whether they provide information on consumer complaints by company. Pick an agent or company representative that takes the time to answer your questions. You can use the checklist on the back of this brochure to help you compare quotes from insurers and on the same coverage.

2. Before You Buy a Car, Compare Insurance Costs
Before you buy a new or used car, check into insurance costs. Car insurance premiums are based in part on the car’s sticker price, the cost to repair it, its overall safety record, and the likelihood of theft. Many insurers offer discounts for features that reduce the risk of injuries or theft. These include daytime running lights and anti-theft devices. To help you decide what car to buy, you can get information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

3. Ask for Higher Deductibles
Deductibles are what you pay before your insurance policy kicks in. By requesting higher deductibles, you can lower your costs substantially. For example, increasing your deductible from $200 to $500 could reduce your collision and comprehensive coverage cost by 15 to 30 percent. Going to a $1,000 deductible can save you 40 percent or more. Before choosing a higher deductible, be sure you have enough money set aside to pay it if you have a claim.

4. Reduce Coverage on Older Cars
Consider dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverages on older cars. If your car is worth less than 10 times the premium, purchasing the coverage may not be cost effective. Auto dealers and banks can tell you the worth of cars. Review your coverage at renewal time to make sure your insurance needs haven’t changed.

5. Buy your Homeowners and Auto Coverage from the Same Insurer
Many insurers will give you a break if you buy two or more types of insurance. You may also get a reduction if you have more than one vehicle insured with the same company. Some insurers reduce the rates for long-time customers. But it still makes sense to shop around! You may save money buying from different insurance companies, compared with a multi-policy discount.

6. Maintain a Good Credit Record
Establishing a solid credit history can cut your insurance costs. Insurers are increasingly using credit information to price auto insurance policies. To protect your credit standing, pay your bills on time, don't obtain more credit than you need and keep your credit balances as low as possible. Check your credit record on a regular basis and have any errors corrected promptly so that your record remains accurate.

7. Take Advantage of Low Mileage Discounts
Some companies offer discounts to motorists who drive a lower than average number of miles a year. Low mileage discounts can also apply to drivers who car pool to work.

8. Ask about Group Insurance
Some companies offer reductions to drivers who get insurance through a group plan from their employers, through professional, business and alumni groups, or other associations. Ask your employer and inquire with groups or clubs you are a member of to see if this is possible.

9. Seek Out Other Discounts
Companies offer discounts to policyholders who have not had any accidents or moving violations for a number of years. You may also get a discount if you take a defensive driving course. If there is a young driver on the policy who is a good student, has taken a drivers education course or is at a college out of the area without a car, you may also qualify for a lower rate.

When you comparison shop, inquire about discounts for the following:

[ ] $500 deductible [ ] $1,000 deductible [ ] More than 1 car [ ] No Accidents in 3 Years [ ] No Moving Violations in 3 Years [ ] Driver Training Courses [ ] Defensive Driving Courses [ ] Anti-Theft Devices [ ] Low Annual Mileage [ ] Air Bags [ ] Anti-Lock Brakes [ ] Daytime Running Lights [ ] Student Drivers with Good Grades [ ] Auto and Homeowners Coverage with the Same Company [ ] College Students away from Home [ ] Long-Time Customer [ ] Other Discounts

The key to savings is not the discounts, but the final price. A company that offers few discounts may still have a lower overall price.

These discounts listed may not be available in all states or from all insurance companies.

Startup gives boost to electric cars

Richard Lowenthal used to worry about the electric-auto industry's chicken-and-egg question: Which will come first, the chargers or the cars?

But now that Coulomb Technologies has installed four of its ChargePoint Network electric-car charging stations in downtown San Jose, Calif., and just landed $3.75 million in first-round venture funding, Lowenthal doesn't have time to worry.

"Our company is all about enabling the purchase of electric vehicles," said Lowenthal, chief executive of the Campbell, Calif., startup. "We want to make sure that everybody can fuel them."

Coulomb plans to have about 1,000 chargers in place by the end of the year. They'll be found on city streets, in parking garages, at companies and at gas stations - not only in California, but also nationwide.

"These are vending machines for electricity," said Lowenthal, who has a knack for one-liners that reflect his years spent as a small-town politician. He's a former mayor and city council member of Cupertino, Calif.

So far, only a few hundred electric and plug-in hybrid passenger cars exist nationwide, with probably the biggest share in the San Francisco Bay Area. But automakers such as General Motors, Toyota, BMW, Mercedes, Ford, Nissan and others say they'll have electric cars or plug-in hybrids on the market in the next year or two.

Tesla, based in San Carlos, Calif., began selling its electric Roadster in 2008, while several garages in the Bay Area convert Toyota Prius hybrids to plug-in hybrids with extended electric ranges.

Investment banker Morgan Stanley forecasts 5,000 electric or plug-in cars will be on the road in 2010, 30,000 in 2011 and 100,000 by 2012. Lowenthal describes those projections as "conservative." Still, he said, if those numbers pan out, Coulomb will be profitable by October 2010.

Longer range, Lowenthal sees a potential windfall. President Barack Obama has said he would like to see 1 million electric and plug-in cars on America's highways by 2015. Lowenthal says about two chargers will be needed for every electric and plug-in vehicle, so the growth possibilities for his company are huge.

Coulomb sells chargers through distributors at a cost of $2,000 to $3,000 each, and now has distributors in 28 states, Lowenthal said. It also sells subscriptions to drivers of electric cars and plug-in hybrids, and shares the revenues with the charging-station owners.

The first buyers of chargers are cities and companies that want to make a green statement, he said.

That's why San Jose partnered with Coulomb, said James Helmer, the city's transportation director. He said the chargers fit into the city's policies of supporting local clean-technology companies and promoting cleaner cars.

San Jose has allowed Coulomb, as part of a two-year trial period, to install its chargers on city property for free. During 2009, anyone who uses the stations - one is located on Santa Clara Street outside City Hall and three are in the Fourth Street garage - will get the electricity for free.

The time required to charge an electric car varies widely among vehicles and battery types. While many who use a public charging spot are expected to merely grab a quick power boost, those who park vehicles outside their workplace could get a full charge from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

After the trial period, drivers will be required to sign up for the ChargePoint Network and pay a $9.95 setup fee plus a monthly fee ranging from $15 to $50.

Madagascar

The State Department warns U. S. citizens of the risks of traveling to Madagascar, and recommends deferring all but essential travel to Madagascar because of escalating civil unrest stemming from a political rift between supporters of the former mayor of the capital city of Antananarivo and the government of Madagascar. This replaces the Madagascar Travel Alert of January 28, to note that the Department of State has authorized the departure of non-emergency personnel and family members at the U.S. Embassy in Antananarivo, recommend against non-essential travel to Madagascar, and update security concerns.

Since January 2009, Madagascar has been experiencing escalating political demonstrations including violent clashes between government forces and supporters of the former mayor of Antananarivo. Looting, and the burning of residences and businesses have occurred. While American citizens have not been targeted to date, the Department of State has authorized the departure of non-emergency personnel and family members at the U.S. Embassy in Antananarivo due to the ongoing unrest and security concerns. The Department of State advises U.S. citizens against non-essential travel to Madagascar at this time. American citizens already in Madagascar should carefully consider the dangers of remaining. Those who do choose to remain despite this warning should continue to maintain a high level of vigilance and a low profile.

The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas, to review emergency procedures and contingency plans, and to remain aware of their surroundings at all times. American citizens in Madagascar should ensure they have enough water, food, and supplies in stock in the event of an emergency. The dynamic political situation may require the U.S. Embassy in Madagascar to close for safety and security reasons without much advance notice. The Embassy will nevertheless endeavor to notify American citizens of any such closures via warden message, posted at http://www.antananarivo.usembassy.gov/warden-messages.html.

American citizens in Madagascar are urged to register with the Department of State or the U.S. Embassy in Antananarivo, Madagascar, through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy in Antananarivo to contact them in case of emergency. Please be sure to include your e-mail address and cellular phone number.

The Embassy is located at 14-16 Rue Rainitovo, Antsahavola, Antananarivo. The mailing address is B.P. 620, Antsahavola, Antananarivo, Madagascar; telephone [261] (20) 22-212-57 during regular business hours and for after-hours emergencies; fax [261] (20) 22-345-39. The Consular Section e-mail address is antanwarden@state.gov. The Embassy's web site is located at http://www.antananarivo.usembassy.gov.

Updated information on travel and security in Madagascar may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. For further information, please consult the Country Specific Information for Madagascar and the Worldwide Caution available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov.

International travel

International travel

The State Department’s Office of American Citizens Services and Crisis Management (ACS) administers the Consular Information Program, which informs the public of conditions abroad that may affect their safety and security. Country Specific Information, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings are vital parts of this program.

* Country Travel Information by Regions
* A - Z Country Index

Click on the region name for a list of countries.

See all the Country Specific Information



ACS supports the work of our overseas embassies and consulates in providing emergency services to Americans traveling or living abroad. We also assist in non-emergency matters of birth, identity, passport, citizenship, registration, judicial assistance, and estates. ACS can facilitate the transfer of funds overseas to assist U.S. citizens in need, repatriate the remains of loved ones who have died overseas, assist victims of crime, and help U.S. citizens who are detained in foreign prisons. In other words, ACS is here to assist you and your family whenever and wherever we can.

ACS also administers a repatriation loan program to bring home destitute Americans. We operate a 24-hour Duty Officer Program and Crisis Response Teams who work on task forces convened to deal with natural or man-made disasters.

Click here for a list of links to travel information from other countries

How Vehicles Are Tested

How Vehicles Are Tested

Fuel economy is measured under controlled conditions in a laboratory using a standardized test procedure specified by federal law. Manufacturers test their own vehicles usually pre-production prototypes and report the results to EPA. EPA reviews the results and confirms about 10-15 percent of them through their own tests at the National Vehicles and Fuel Emissions Laboratory.
Estimating MPG with Laboratory Tests

The energy required to move the rollers can be adjusted to account for wind resistance and the vehicle's weight.

ARRIVE ALIVE, DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE

The facts you need to know:

• You are driving under the influence of alcohol when you have a concentration of over 0,08 gram per 100ml blood-alcohol level or 0,38 milligram per 1000 ml of breath-alcohol
• The maximum penalty for drunk driving is R120,000 and/or six years imprisonment
• A magistrate can suspend or permanently cancel your driver=s licence if you are convicted of drunken driving
• You will have a criminal record if you are found guilty of driving under the influence

ALCOHOL IS NOT A MITIGATING FACTOR IN ANY ROAD

CRASH OR ANY COURT ACTION ARISING OUT OF ONE

DRINKING AND DRIVING IS A

CRIMINAL OFFENCE

LATEST!: Breathalyser Test results have been accepted by Attorney’s General as admissible evidence in court. This means that:

• It will be easier for traffic officers to check drivers for drinking and driving as they will no longer need nurses at roadblocks or have to take drivers to hospital to draw a blood sample
• If a driver is breathalysed and found to be over the legal limit, s/he can be taken off the road immediately and could be sentenced within hours. There are no court delays arising from the wait for blood test results
• The introduction of the breathalyser in the UK led to a 300% increase in convictions in its first year of operation

ALCOHOL AFFECTS YOUR ABILITY TO DRIVE

Alcohol is water-soluble and is absorbed in the blood. More blood is supplied to the brain than other organs, with the result that alcohol impairs your brain functions within minutes.

At a breath-alcohol level of 0.38:

• Reaction time doubles, muscle co-ordination diminishes and a driver is more likely to respond incorrectly to stimuli
• Alcohol affects the forebrain by suppressing caution, carefulness, concentration, self criticism and self control
• It is a mood changer, leading to a feeling of well-being and to recklessness, aggression and carelessness, all of which are highly likely to negatively affect judgement
• Alcohol affects vision: Depth perception deteriorates, making it impossible to judge accurately how far away objects are. Eye muscles lose their precision and when both eyes can=t focus on the same object, vision becomes blurred or you see double.
• Alcohol results in tunnel vision. At night pupils don=t adapt from darkness to light and a drunk driver will be dazzled by oncoming headlights much more severely than a sober driver. Alcohol also makes night blindness worse.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU ARE CAUGHT DRINKING AND DRIVING

• If you are caught driving under the influence of alcohol, you do not have the option of paying a fine. You will be arrested on the spot
• You will then be taken to a police station where you get booked and locked up in a cell until you are sober
• After you have sobered up (which can take hours), you will be charged for driving under the influence of alcohol
• If a blood test is being used as evidence, you may apply for bail in a magistrate’s office or court
• If you cannot afford bail you will be locked up until the case is heard, usually about two months after being charged
• If a breathalyser test is being used as evidence, you will appear in court the next weekday in some jurisdictions.

The higher your alcohol level goes,
the more likely you will crash

If your blood alcohol concentration is 0.08 you are four times more likely to crash than if you are sober. With a count of 0.12, your chances are 15 times more likely and at 0.16 your chances of crashing are 30 times more than if you're sober.