TDMST Weekly Round-Up 2023.02.18 is the trucking commentary on news affecting professional truck drivers for the week ending February 18, 2023, written by Vicki Simons.
We welcome your comments, thoughts and feedback on the items of your choice below.
1. Regarding derailment, hazmat, accidents, and fatalities:
Derailment
Based on what I understand as of this writing, there have been about 4 train derailments in the USA within the last month or so.
One has to wonder if there isn’t something coordinated, sinister, or even downright tyrannical going on.
If you haul hazardous materials as a trucker — especially a placarded load — you know that that is a very serious matter.
A spill of a “hazmat” load should always contained and neutralized as soon as possible.
One has to wonder why a hazmat spill from a train was not treated in the same way.
Depending on your source for information, at least one of these derailments — the one in Ohio — has unleashed a huge amount of toxins into the land, water, and air.
Some media outlets have stifled on-the-ground reporting, but there have been reports of injury and death of non-human life in an area around the derailment.
If you are planning to work in or drive through the area where these derailments have taken place, please be super careful regarding your health.
For example, if you’re having trouble breathing, I strongly advise you to consider the potentially life-threatening risk of being in the area.
I have linked to some articles below from different sources that may be helpful to you.
- Biden Admin Doubles Down on Refusal of FEMA Aid for Ohio Train Derailment
- DIOXINS released after Ohio train derailment PERSIST in the environment and collect in lipids, meaning they will contaminate milk, cheese, eggs and meat from farms and ranches
- East Palestine train wreck may have created largest dioxin plume in world history
- Here’s what we know about the Ohio train derailment
- Norfolk Southern commits to Ohio community following derailment
- Norfolk Southern eliminated role in derailment area
- Norfolk Southern profits won’t suffer from derailment
- NTSB warns against misinformation as NS derailment probe continues
- Ohio train derailment released more toxic chemicals than first reported
- Ohio train derailment, a broker-free load board and the dashcam defense – WTT
- The worst rail disasters in freight history
- Toxic threats linger for Ohio community after train derailment spews harmful chemicals
Hazmat
This one was a truck hazmat accident.
- Hazardous spill closes Tucson interstate, forces evacuation
- I-10 remains closed following hazmat crash that killed truck driver in Tucson
Accidents
Please learn what you can from these articles about large truck crashes so that you can do your best to avoid being involved in a similar accident yourself.
- 25 people hospitalized following wreck between bus, tanker
- Box truck drives up onto flatbed in wreck that demolished semi truck cab
- Driver escapes without serious injury in wreck that left rig upside down
- Driver walks away after vehicle flattened by tractor-trailer
- I-30 in north Texas closed for multi-rig accident
- I-70 near Denver once again shut down for hanging semi truck
- Idaho State Police: Snoozing driver drove truck into Lochsa River
- Motorist’s dash cam catches truck with raised dump bed slamming into overpass
- Semi becomes disabled following U-turn attempt, leading to crash that killed car driver
- Tractor-trailer driver extracted through windshield after Louisiana wreck closes I-12
- Truck driver out of service after two crashes in one day, according to New Hampshire troopers
- Truck stuck in sandy median blocking Highway 90 in MS
- Trucker found laying in puddle of diesel with leg pinned between trailer, truck
- Two hospitalized after tractor trailer goes airborne off of overpass
Fatalities
We express our deep sympathy and extend our condolences to the families of those who passed away.
Also, please be aware of the circumstances that led up to these deaths so that you don’t repeat them.
- One dead in three truck crash near I-80 rest area
- Passenger in different rig run over by semi truck backing into parking space
- Truck driver hauling double-trailers dead after smashing into rig stopped in traffic
- Truck driver in fatal 2019 motorcycle crash faces extradition
- Truck driver killed in train collision that resulted in major derailment
- DPS: Trucker who ran over passenger during bathroom break under trailer “never realized” they left the cab
2. Regarding economy, inflation, fines, taxes, tolls, and rates:
Economy
The following are some of the most recent articles about the economy from the trucking industry’s perspective:
- ACT Research: 2023 looking healthy for Class 8 sales – so far
- ACT Research: January used truck retails volumes climb 24% month-over-month
- AutoNation Expects Used-Car Price Drop as Volumes Recover
- Carriers’ conditions improved in December with falling diesel prices
- Cass: January shipments better than expected; TL takes share from other modes
- Class 8 Truck Sales Reach 19,932 in January
- Class 8 truck sales show strong growth in January
- Cost management key as trucking conditions deteriorate: FTR
- Demand for goods remains depressed in North America as recession risk persists
- Factor 8 offers virtual sales tips to navigate recession, industry change
- January Classes 4-7 Retail Sales Surpass Year-Ago Period
- January trailer orders pull back to ‘more normal’ levels
- Lower used truck prices will hit Ryder profitability in ’23
- Retail Sales Jump in January, Defying Inflation and Rate Hikes
- Slowing trailer orders suggest a return to normalcy
Inflation
How are you handling inflation as a trucker?
Please comment through the form below.
- Inflation remains hot: CPI up by 0.5% in January and 6.4% year-over-year (official numbers)
- Inflation Slows to 6.4%, but Price Pressures Re-emerge
Fines
If you’re driving a commercial motor vehicle, stay on the designated truck routes.
Taxes
Tolls
Rates
3. Regarding electric vehicles, Green Energy Agenda, batteries, and Tesla:
Electric vehicles
If you’re thinking about buying an electric commmercial motor vehicle, please see the “Green Energy Agenda” section just below.
- BYD Delivers Electric Terminal Tractor to Manhattan Beer Distributors
- DOE Funds Plans for EV Charging, Hydrogen Fueling on Freight Corridors
- Ford Halts Production of Electric F-150 After Battery Fire
- Ford Is Investing $3.5 Billion in EV Battery Plant With China’s CATL
- Geological Study Refutes Green Energy Agenda: Not Enough Metals to Replace Oil
- Global EV Sales Surging, Top $1 Trillion All-Time
- GM’s Strong Truck Sales Are Funding EV Sales Blitz, Barra Says
- How long will electric truck incentives be needed?
- Mitsubishi HC Capital to finance Lion Electric trucks
- Soup of the day: Battery electric trucks
- Volvo scaling up VNR Electric trucks
- What’s in Biden Administration EV Plans for Trucks?
Green Energy Agenda
Before you buy an electric truck, please read or listen to these resources:
- Geological Study Refutes Green Energy Agenda: Not Enough Metals to Replace Oil
- Not Enough Minerals for Green Revolution
- Eric Peters: The Truth You’re Not Told About Electric Cars
Batteries
Tesla
- Elon Musk’s Tesla Semi has fatal marketing flaw
- Full Self-Driving issues prompt recall of Tesla vehicles
- Tesla Fires Unionizing Autopilot Workers, Complaint Alleges
- Tesla Recalls More Than 362,000 Cars Due to Self-Driving Crash Risk
- Tesla Will Make Some EV Chargers Available to All
4. Regarding fuel and emissions:
Fuel
- AAA retail diesel average now $4.549 Fuel prices
- AMTA launches hydrogen commercial vehicle demonstrations
- Clean fuel to be focus of Senate hearing
- Countdown begins for hydrogen-powered trucks?
- Diesel down more than 9 cents as slide in retail levels continues
- Diesel Falls 9.5¢ to $4.444 a Gallon
- Diesel prices continue downward trend as supplies build, demand slacks
- Midwest US Ethanol Push Seen to Lift Gas Costs
- Tenneco adds new facilities to hydrogen internal combustion engines
- Weekly Fuel Report: February 14, 2023
- Weekly NTI Update: February 13, 2023
- Love’s Offers Auto Fuel Discount
Emissions
From the second article in this section, we read:
American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear on Wednesday warned Congress that the industry needed realistic federally-sponsored timelines and targets to reduce emissions, rather than allow California and other states to dictate standards.
I have two thoughts on this:
> The Tenth Amendment to The Constitution of the United States reads: “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.”
Since emissions are not addressed in The Constitution, this is a matter left up to the states or the people.
So, California has every right to set their own standards in this matter.
As of January 1, 2023, the state has already banned many older trucks from operating in the state.
Where was the ATA before that deadline?
>> If the ATA is so all-fired upset about the state of California dictating certain things for trucks and truckers, where were they on the AB5 situation?
Just saying.
- ATA tells U.S. Congress California’s emissions timelines unrealistic
- California zero emission regs ‘unachievable,’ guaranteed to fail
- GOP Senators Target EPA Heavy-Duty Truck Rule
- Grants to tackle big truck emissions at ports set to open soon as DOT announces funding for port improvements
- Realistic’ emissions goals touted at Senate hearing
- Senators Push Against Truck Emissions Rule
5. Regarding ELDs, HOS, and inspections:
ELDs
- B.C. provincial carriers required to use ELDs beginning Aug. 1
- British Columbia announces provincial ELD mandate Land Line
HOS
- Briefly: Pipeline problems prompt hours of service waiver in Nevada
- Eight-state HOS waiver extended | What are the best truck stops?
- Kinder Morgan pipeline service disrupted in Nevada
- Pipeline disruption prompts hours of service waiver in Nevada
- Regional emergency in effect for eight states through March 17
Inspections
If you keep yourself and your truck in a perpetual state of readiness for an inspection, you’ll never be caught off-guard.
- ACT Research: CVSA Road Check could be litmus test for spot rates
- Major commercial vehicle enforcement blitz taking place next week in Arizona
6. Regarding CSA and regulations:
Be aware of ever-changing standards and regulations.
CSA
- FMCSA launches site for proposed CSA carrier SMS changes
- FMCSA launches site for proposed CSA carrier SMS changes
Regulations
- FMCSA announces new plan to help reduce big rig crashes
- FMCSA changing how it identifies unsafe carriers
- FMCSA proposes changes to how it measures safety
- FMCSA Proposes Changes to Its Motor Carrier Safety Measurement System
- FMCSA proposes Safety Management System changes to prevent crashes
- Wisconsin officials working to fight back against reckless driving
7. Regarding BP/TCA and recalls:
BP/TCA
Will the service after the acquisition be better than, the same as, or worse than the service is now?
- BP acquiring TravelCenters of America for $1.3 billion
- BP Buys TravelCenters of America
- BP reaches $1.3B deal to buy TravelCenters of America
- Loaded and Rolling: BP buys TravelCenters of America; ATRI reveals top bottlenecks of ’23
- Oil Giant BP Acquires TravelCenters of America
- Oil giant BP buying major truck stop chain TravelCenters
- TravelCenters of America acquired by BP
- TravelCenters of America is bought by global giant BP
- TravelCenters of America purchased by bp for $1.3 billion in cash
- TravelCenters of America to be bought by BP for $1.3 billion
- What BP likes in TA: Good price per outlet, environmental benefits
Recalls
If your tractor has a recall, please have it attended to as soon as possible.
8. Regarding drugs, marijuana, and theft:
Drugs
Never ever haul illegal drugs, no matter how big of an incentive you’ve been offered.
- Driver hauling storage pods let go after illegal opioids found
- Indiana trooper finds $2.8 million worth of cocaine in semi’s sleeper berth during I-70 traffic stop
- No charges for CMV driver hauling storage unit containing fentanyl, heroin, opium poppies
Marijuana
Please keep yourself out of legal hot water regarding this and similar substances.
- ATRI launches survey to understand impacts of marijuana legalization
- ATRI Studying Impact of Marijuana Legalization on Trucking
- Survey aims to measure legal marijuana’s impact on trucking
- Trucking researchers launch survey on marijuana legalization impact
Theft
Do everything that is reasonable to try to thwart the theft of truck parts and cargo from your tractor/trailer.
- Daily Infographic: Cargo thefts spike 15% across US, Canada in 2022
- Legislation targets catalytic converter theft | Another fuel-related HOS waiver
9. Regarding roads, weather, and staged:
Roads
- Eastbound I-80 in Iowa reopens after closure for multi-semi crash
- Florida officials studying I-75 project
- Most treacherous roads in trucking
- Oregon DOT monitoring landslide on I-84
Weather
Please monitor the weather along your route and if necessary, park until conditions improve.
Remember that no load is worth your life.
Here are some resources on our website that you may find helpful:
- Refuse to Drive a Truck When These Situations Happen
- Captain of the Ship Policy and Unsafe Working Conditions
- Safe Driving Tips for Drivers of Large Trucks
- Whistle Blowing Truckers: STAA Law on Retaliation, Vindication
- Out of Service Truck: Trucker Stages a Showdown
Meanwhile, here are some articles about weather-related problems this past week:
- Caught on trucker dash cam — Oklahoma wind floats and spins pickup hauling trailer
- Daily Infographic: 5 ways weather impacts freight shipments
- ‘Snowy conditions’ blamed for 30 vehicle pileup on I-41 in Wisconsin
- VIDEO: 10 vehicle pile-up just one of multiple crashes in zero visibility dust storm that plagued Oklahoma
- VIDEO: High winds batter big rig on bridge
Staged
I am glad that the people involved in this scam are being sentenced!
- 7 more sentenced in Louisiana truck collision insurance scam this month
- Federal Judge Sentences Four Involved in Staged New Orleans Crashes
- Four more sentenced in Operation Sideswipe
10. Regarding employment, LTL, and ports:
Employment
Back on December 3, 2022, I wrote about a “furlough” for FedEx Freight drivers.
Now, UPS is laying off “junior drivers.”
Hmm…
Is this a sign of an economic downturn?
What about the so-called “trucker shortage”?
LTL
- How can grocery LTL evolve?
- How expedited LTL shipping just became painless
- LTL tonnage is off for Yellow Corp., but it cut debt
- Saber-rattling begins ahead of LTL labor negotiations
Ports
- Borderlands: Port of Corpus Christi finishes 2022 with new tonnage record
- Daily Infographic: Port of Long Beach container volume plops
- Port of Long Beach container volume plops
- Port of Savannah exports up, total cargo volume down
11. Regarding violations and weight:
Violations
Weight
- Coalition calls for increased weight limits for auto haulers
- Coalition pushes to increase weight limits for vehicle transporters
- Michigan highway weight restrictions go into effect Monday, Feb. 13
12. Regarding awards:
Awards
Congratulations to “Driver of the Year winners” in both “For Hire” and “Private Fleet” categories!
My husband Mike and 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: 2023.02.18 to our TDMST Weekly Round-Up Trucking Commentary or our Truck Drivers Money Saving Tips home page.
