TDMST Weekly Round-Up 2024.07.27 is the trucking commentary on news affecting professional truck drivers for the week ending July 27, 2024, written by Vicki Simons.
I welcome your comments, thoughts and feedback on the items of your choice below.
1. Regarding ELDs, outage, protests, towing, and UPS:
ELDs
Many truckers and I were extremely resistant to:
- truckers being forced to use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) back in 2017;
- as well as the FMCSA’s “self-certification” system.
You may read more thoughts on these posts:
- Electronic Logging Devices Mandate Commentary
- In what other industry besides trucking has the government ever mandated the purchase of a ‘self-certification’ product?
As it turns out, that “self-certification” has been overwritten a number of times, including these instances:
- Feds remove four ELDs from list of registered devices
- FMCSA kicks 4 ELDs off registered list
- FMCSA Removes 4 ELDs from Approved Device List
- FMCSA removes four ELDs from legal registered list
- FMCSA removes four ELDs from ‘Registered Devices’ list
- ‘Revert to paper logs’ — FMCSA adds four ELDs to list of revoked devices
Outage
From what I understand, this may not be the only time that a technology “glitch” may happen.
Always be prepared for a paper back-up of your logs.
- CrowdStrike disruption far from over
- Microsoft outages still impacting your drivers’ ELDs? Here’s what to do
Protests
For more on this topic, please see these search results on my site:
Now for the article:
Towing
In my opinion, predatory booting and towing need to be made illegal in every state in the USA.
UPS
- UPS agrees to buy Mexican shipping company
- UPS announces deal to acquire Mexican delivery company Estafeta
- UPS Boosts Volume in US for First Time Since 2022
- UPS boosts volume in US for first time since 2022, but profit and revenue slide
- UPS Discusses Acquisition of Parcel Carrier in Mexico
- UPS domestic revenue slips as customers trade down to economy service
- UPS to acquire nearly 50-year-old Mexican delivery company
2. Regarding autonomous vehicles, CARB, electric vehicles, emissions, EPA, fuel, and hydrogen:
Autonomous vehicles
I am firmly opposed to the operation of self-driving, autonomous, or driverless commercial motor vehicles on the same roads as the motoring public — but I share articles on this topic with our readers to help us stay current on the topic.
- Atlas Energy to Deploy Self-Driving Trucks for Fracking Sand
- First driverless haul in Texas oilfields | Liquid meth found in diesel tanks
- GM’s Cruise Targets Resumption of Driverless Rides This Year
- Kodiak and Atlas Energy Solutions Ink Autonomous Truck Deal
- Kodiak Robotics makes first driverless haul on Texas oilfield
- Kodiak says Texas deal makes it first autonomous semi-trucking company with commercial operations
- Kodiak’s autonomous course correction
- Partnership puts Kodiak technology into Atlas trucks
- Trucks are now hauling frac sand in Texas with ‘no one inside the cab’
CARB
The definition of CARB is on my glossary.
Electric vehicles
Before you buy an all-electric Commercial Motor Vehicle, please do your due diligence by asking some questions and getting answers.
- California TA to be home to ‘one of the nation’s first’ public commercial truck charging stations
- Chinese company to build electric semi trucks at Georgia plant
- Daimler Truck Advances Battery-Electric Ambitions in Germany
- EV Output Is 45% Below Carmakers’ Expectations, Supplier Says
- GM Delays Electric Pickup Plant Second Time
- I-15 shut down until further notice for truck fire sparked by load of lithium batteries
- TA breaks ground on charging station for medium- and heavy-duty electric trucks
- TA Breaks Ground on Electric-Truck Charging Station
- TA breaks ground on truck charging station
- TravelCenters of America to install microgrid truck charging station
- Trump Targets Biden Administration’s EV Agenda at RNC
Emissions
- AMTA to collaborate on zero-emission truck testbed project
- California’s forklifts were going zero-emission even before latest mandate
EPA
The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is an unconstitutional agency within the federal government.
According to The Tenth Amendment, whatever is not covered in The Constitution is left to the States or the people.
- Clean Fuels Alliance America to Sue EPA
- EPA Awards $4.3B to Pollution Reduction Projects in 30 States
- EPA reaches settlement with Lupton Petroleum, Brad Hall Associates over violations of the Clean Air Act, including dispensing of high sulfur diesel fuel
- Not gonna be a guinea pig’: Truckers wary of 2027 EPA regs
- OOIDA: EPA emission standards rule makes truckers ‘guinea pigs’
- Sen. Padilla, EPA announce nearly $500 million to decarbonize air pollution in Southern California
- Zero-emission trucks included in EPA pollution-reduction grants
Fuel
- Allison Transmission, Cummins conduct successful field testing of new natural gas engine
- American Farmers’ Next Hot Commodity Is Canola for Biofuels
- Benchmark retail diesel price sees another downturn
- Diesel Price Sheds 4.7¢ to $3.779 a Gallon
- Diesel prices fall sharply for the second straight week
- Mercedes Fuel Cell Trucks Go to Work in Europe
- Ruling Paves Way to Restart Work on Exxon’s Texas LNG Plant
- Weekly Fuel Report: July 23, 2024
- Weekly NTI Update: July 22, 2024
Hydrogen
- Hydrogen fuel is nearly ready to replace diesel, but supply infrastructure must be developed
- Hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engines have role to play in decarbonization
- Video: Accelerating California’s Hydrogen-Truck Future
3. Regarding Chevron doctrine, politics, regulations, and supply chain:
Chevron doctrine
This was a very important legal decision.
- Bill seeks to codify the Chevron doctrine
- Senators look to codify ‘Chevron doctrine,’ revamp regs process
- Senators look to codify ‘Chevron doctrine,’ revamp regs process
Politics
- ATA Applauds pro-trucking provisions in Senate appropriations bill
- Senate committee advances transportation funding bill
- Senate spending bill praised for including pro-trucking provisions
- Senate’s DOT funding bill passes committee without speed limiter block
Regulations
- B.C. truckers hold second rally against new container trucking licensing regulations, call on NDP to intervene
- Beneficial ownership information delay is needed, trade groups say
- OOIDA to Congress: Trucking regulations need new approach
Supply chain
- Backed by big companies and labor, Supply Chain Council debuts
- Paris Olympics will be a true test of supply chains
4. Regarding crashes, death, drugs, fatalities, fire, fire – lithium, theft, and violence:
Crashes
Please look through these articles to see if there is anything you can learn to help you prevent being involved in a similar crash.
- Fleeing, shooting suspect stopped after collision with big rig
- One hospitalized after commercial vehicle strikes bridge, car strikes detached trailer
- One hospitalized when race car hauler crashes in Pennsylvania
- Trucker thrown from overpass in semi truck crash
- VIDEO: Commercial vehicle tumbles through intersection in Washington
Death
I express my deep sympathy — and offer my condolences — to the families of those whose loved ones died in these situations.
- Driver found dead in cab after veering off interstate
- Trucker’s body found on highway, police searching for second driver
Drugs
Never ever haul or take illegal drugs.
- 450 pounds of meth found in fuel tanks of truck in California
- Cocaine and meth found concealed in tractor trailer frame at California cargo facility
- NTSB raises concerns over marijuana rescheduling proposal
- NTSB responds to DEA’s proposed marijuana regulation rule
- NTSB urges caution on marijuana rescheduling
- NTSB Voices Concerns Over Potential Downgrade of Marijuana
- OOIDA supports DOT’s stance on marijuana policy
Fatalities
I express my deep sympathy — and offer my condolences — to the families of those whose loved ones died in these crashes.
Can you learn anything from the articles below that would help prevent being involved in a fatal large truck crash?
- At least 5 dead in crash involving ‘multiple’ tractor trailers on I-95
- Man crushed against commercial vehicle attempting to stop rolling pickup
- Motorist dead after crashing beneath trailer and coming out other side
- Semi driver dead after New Jersey crash
Fire
These are reports of different kinds of fires, except the specific one in the section just below.
- 130-mile stretch of I-84 in eastern Oregon shut down because of wildfires
- 42-year-old man arrested after car sparked California wildfire that tripled in size in a day
- Major highways impacted by Oregon wildfires
- New Brunswick trucking company premises destroyed by fire
- Oregon fire is the largest burning in the US; I-84 shut down again as flames approach
- Woman set two semi trucks on fire outside of motel with bizarre intentions
Fire – lithium
Theft
Never take something that doesn’t belong to you, unless you have permission.
In our day, there are many types of surveillance cameras, so be on guard!
- Female Love’s cashier jumps on armed thief’s back during robbery
- Perspective: Using Technology to Protect Cargo From Theft
- Philly police say string of cargo thefts is ‘definitely a crime ring’
Violence
Road rage is very real.
I recently had such an episode myself — while driving my own little hybrid car!
There’s no telling what is influencing some people, so seek to head off road rage whenever possible.
5. Regarding congestion pricing, economy, employment, future, rates, scam, taxes, tolls, and wardrobing:
Congestion pricing
In my opinion, this “congestion pricing” scheme should never have been proposed.
- Congestion pricing pause challenged in State Supreme Court
- Governor Hochul Sued Over NYC Congestion Pricing Freeze
Economy
- ACT Research reports declining trailer orders
- ACT Research says freight market facing overcapacity; spot rates slightly raised over 2023 lows
- ATA Reports Dip in Truck Tonnage for June
- ATA truck tonnage index dropped 1.6% in June
- ATA: Truck Tonnage Slipped in June
- DAT One load posts dip; truck posts unchanged
- Economic Growth Increased in Q2 to Healthy 2.8% Annual Rate
- ECONOMIC TRUCKING TRENDS: Freight volumes weaken but balance returning to market
- Fed’s Preferred Inflation Gauge Cools
- Freight market demand increase only seasonal
- FreightWaves Infographics: US imposes tariffs on Chinese steel shipped through Mexico
- FTR’s Shippers Conditions Index Improves in May
- New Class 8 truck sales dropped sharply in June, but not enough to relieve overcapacity
- Trailer orders plummet, indicating 19% year-over-year decline
Employment
- Driver retention starts with commitment to engagement
- More layoffs at freight-related firms: 607 workers cut across 4 states
- Trucking groups say some carriers abusing LMIA to recruit foreign workers
- Why do truck drivers leave a fleet?
Future
- Check Call: Freight market shows promise of strong finish to 2024
- Covenant Logistics sees possible truckload market rebound in 2025
- Heartland Express says recovery likely in 2025
Rates
Scam
Be on your guard!
In order to try to be helpful, First Citizens Bank (which has over 550 branches), provides information about what to look out for regarding scams and scammers.
- Briefly: FMCSA warns of phishing emails seeking personal information
- FMCSA warns of fake email scam requesting personal info
- SEC charges 2 executives in $112M trucking Ponzi scheme
- Truckers report email scam aimed at hijacking authority
Taxes
- Fuel retailers applaud House legislation to extend the biodiesel tax credit
- Trucking receipts are center of Multistate Tax Commission dispute
Tolls
Wardrobing
According to the article in this section, “wardrobing” is when “at least one person who has worn an outfit with the tag on to a wedding or a one-time event only to return the item after wearing it.”
6. Regarding border, broker, business, business – purchase, statistics, and utilization:
Border
- Borderlands Mexico: Bridge49 alliance wants nearshoring to go high-tech
- Cross-border freight propped up by strong growth at southern border
- XPO Launches Cross-Border Expansion Into Mexico
- XPO launches ‘major’ expansion of cross-border Mexico services
- XPO Logistics announces cross-border expansion in Mexico
Broker
- Broker report: FMCSA blames lack of data, authority
- Double brokering and bankruptcy
- FMCSA says it has too little data to assess double-brokering fraud
- FMCSA to Congress: Please help us on brokered-freight fraud
- FMCSA Wants Authority to Enforce Freight Broker Violations Amid Rising Fraud
- Fraud apocalypse’ hurting legit carriers as brokers get picky
- Illinois trucking company, brokerage file for bankruptcy liquidation
Business
- ACT Research: Used Class 8 Truck retail sale price took big hit in June
- How insurance brokers address truckers that misrepresent fleet size
- How owner-operators can build business for trucking’s down cycles
- Persisting in times of crisis
- Task Force Continues to Examine Truck Purchase Agreements
Business – purchase
- How to buy a trucking company
- Market Trends: Why Used Trucks Are Dominating Sales Right Now
- What Factors Do You Consider When Buying a New Truck?
Statistics
- ACT Research’s For-Hire Trucking Index creeps closer to balance in June
- What’s Your Revenue Per Mile Trucker Stat™?
Utilization
7. Regarding fatalities – legal, legal, ports, speeding, and shut down:
Fatalities – legal
In my opinion, it was only a matter of time before a trucker involved in a fatal crash was legally charged with it.
Please do everything in your power to avoid being involved in a crash!
- Driver facing manslaughter charges for I-95 crash that killed 5
- Truck driver charged in Ohio crash that killed 6 including 3 high school students
- Truck driver charged in Ohio crash that killed 6, including 3 students
- Truck driver charged with homicide and assault for I-70 bus crash that killed six
- Trucker charged in North Carolina crash on I-95 that killed 5
Legal
- 2 Miami trucking companies file for bankruptcy protection
- Colorado Judge Temporarily Halts Kroger-Albertsons Merger
- How freight fraud became the perfect crime
- Legal challenges ahead for truck speed, hours-of-service rules?
- Motorist turns himself in after fleeing road rage shooting with semi truck
Ports
- CBP Installs X-Ray Scanner for Containers at Texas Port
- Federal lawsuit alleges Port of LA polluting San Pedro Bay
Speeding
Please obey the speed limits!
- Indiana launches pilot program to monitor and fine drivers who speed in construction zones
- Speeding top cause of fatal crashes in Colorado; multi-state partnership urges drivers to heed limits
Shut down
These articles have to do with trucking companies or individuals that were shut down due to something illegal.
- Canadian fleet shut down following bridge strike
- New York CMV troopers take pickup out of service for weight violations
8. Regarding bridges, low clearance, parking, and roads:
Bridges
- ‘Bridge launching’ begins on southbound portion of Ohio’s State Route 8 replacement project
- Gordie Howe International Bridge deck connection complete
- Gordie Howe International Bridge Links Detroit to Windsor
- Large Bridge Project awards total more than $5 billion
Low clearance
I have written this post: Low Clearance Bridges and Overpasses: How to Watch for and Avoid to help prevent this…
Parking
Roads
9. Regarding language, TCA/Mexican, and testing:
Language
In my opinion, every CDL holder in the USA needs to be able to read, write, and understand English!
To the best of my knowledge all road signs in the USA are in English.
TCA/Mexican
According to the first article in this section:
The Truckload Carriers Association welcomed its first Mexican carrier member this week.
What does this action mean going forward?
Please comment through the form below.
- TCA welcomes first Mexican carrier
- TCA Welcomes First-Ever Mexican Fleet Member
- TCA welcomes Olympic Transport as first Mexican carrier member
Testing
So much for that!
10. Regarding cameras, Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE), and technology:
Cameras
Please do your due diligence regarding replacing mirrors with technology.
Is there a chance that they could ever fail to work due to a technology outage?
- Convoy Technologies granted rear-vision camera exemption for trucks
- FMCSA to allow carriers to swap Convoy cameras for rear-vision mirrors
Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE)
Technology
- AI leads tech interest among fleets, BEV declines
- C.H. Robinson Launches AI-Leveraged Load-Matching Platform
- C.H. Robinson Uses AI for Faster, More Customized Load-Matching for Small Fleets
- Dash cam catches big rig rear-ending car, sending it flying into woods
- Data-Driven Insights: The Secret to Next-Level Fleet Safety and Success
- Fleetio Go Fleet Maintenance App Now Available in Spanish
- Gaining Driver Buy-In Is Key to Deploying Dash Cams
- Hard truths in freight; AI driver trainers; Lithium Ion APUs |
- Understanding AI in Trucking
- Using telematics data and reporting to improve fleet safety and culture
11. Regarding truck parts and truck stops:
Truck parts
- Allison, Cummins test fully-automatic transmission with nat-gas X15N
- Automatic emergency brakes: ‘They’re not foolproof’
- Brake drums from China, Turkey under scrutiny | Broker’s new load-suggestion service for small fleets
Truck stops
Please note that the name of the city mentioned in one of the articles is spelled “Las Cruces.”
- Love’s opens rebuilt store in Las Cruses, New Mexico; 84 truck parking spots
- Newest Love’s opens in northwest Ohio off U.S. 30; has 86 parking spots
- Renovations completed at Missouri Love’s
- TravelCenters of America adds 4 locations; SC, OR, and 2 in NV
- TravelCenters of America opens four locations in South Carolina, Oregon, and Nevada
12. Regarding appreciation, awards, and recognition:
Congratulations to all truckers and other entities who deserve special recognition!
Appreciation
Awards
- Perry Williams, Jason Crawford recognized by NCI as May, June drivers of the month
- Road to NTDC Spotlight: Nate Lewis
Recognition
- Highway Angels | July/August 2024
- TCA honors Arizona driver for aiding another trucker whose rig overturned
I wish you — and all professional truck drivers — safe travels and lots of money saving opportunities on the road.
Return from TDMST Weekly Round-Up: 2024.07.27 to our TDMST Weekly Round-Up Trucking Commentary or our Truck Drivers Money Saving Tips home page.
