Oregon has some notable new rules that truckers need to know. New laws cover indemnification clauses, idling, medical certification and driving through roundabouts.
One new law makes unenforceable any motor carrier contracts that provide for shippers to be indemnified for losses caused by their own negligence. The rule outlawing the provisions, which protect shippers or hold them harmless from anything that happens with a shipment, applies to contracts executed after May 27.
Oregon law defines affected contracts as any written agreement for the transportation of property for compensation or hire, entry on property to load, unload or transport property, or any service incidental to such activity, including the packing or storage of property.
Starting Jan. 1, 2012, another new law is intended to crack down on unnecessary idling of trucks. It sets a statewide standard for idling.
Commercial vehicles will be prohibited from idling for more than five minutes each hour on property open to the public. Violators would face $180 fines.
