News & Insights

A family business is more than just a company; it’s a legacy, or maybe it’s a retirement asset. Yet, without a thoughtful and strategic succession plan, that legacy or that retirement plan is at risk. Statistics show that many family businesses fail to survive past the second generation, some don’t even make it that far. Most often the culprit is lack of formal succession planning. The good news is that a structured approach can ensure a smooth handover, preserve family harmony, and set the b...

Many employers pay their salaried employees an annual salary amount that is paid in twenty-six biweekly installments over the course of each year, most often with payday on a Friday. But if the first Friday payday in 2026 is January 2nd, the last bi-weekly payday in 2026 will be Thursday December 31st, because Friday January 1, 2027 is a bank holiday and banks are closed. Most employers pay employees a day early if banks are closed on a Friday payday. As a result, there will be twenty-seven payd...

Employee performance management is not just about managing when problems arise, as discussed last month. Performance management also includes managing opportunities to retain employees. Employers should explore a collection of approaches to maintain a good work environment and to keep employees engaged and motivated.

Winter is coming and unfortunately so are the weather related concerns that affect transportation. Snow and ice on the roof of moving vehicles is a safety hazard that can lead to injuries, citations, and fines. Contractors should be aware of Pennsylvania laws requiring the removal of snow and ice from the roof of moving vehicles. “Christine’s Law” was enacted in 2022 as a result of Christine Lambert’s death from dislodged ice that fell like a projectile from a moving vehicle in 2005. Pursuan...

Everyone knows that immigration has been a top priority for the Trump Administration. Recent developments out of Washington D.C. signify a tightening of federal oversight of commercial learner’s permits (CLPs) and commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) issued to individuals domiciled outside of the United States. For employers in the transportation industry, a new interim final rule proposed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (“FMCSA”) will have an effect on employees holding a ...

With the school year now settling into normal routines, inevitably some contractors and bus drivers will face behavioral challenges with students. Sometimes, disciplinary action needs to be taken to stop inappropriate behavior. For contractors who transport students with an Individual Education Plan (“IEP”), there can be additional considerations before certain types of discipline can occur.

Because good drivers are hard to find, every driver is worth the effort of performance management when problems arise. Employers should be sure to start at the beginning. Clear and up to date job descriptions, including essential functions and requirements, are critical to set defensible expectations. A job description which specifically notes bending and lifting requirements is your best support in defensible hiring decisions for those expected to lift, assist, or secure students on your buses....