This is the TDMST Weekly Round-Up of news affecting professional truck drivers, written by Vicki Simons for the week ending May 6, 2023.
We welcome your comments, thoughts and feedback on the items of your choice below.
1. Regarding FedEx, employment, satisfaction, supply chain, trucker, vaccines:
Fedex
On December 10, 2022, I wrote a post on this site entitled “Truck Driver Furlough,” in which I questioned the announcement by FedEx, about which I had read on November 30.
I stated my observations and asked a lot of questions.
Although it does not give me any joy in this situation, my intuition was accurate.
I hope and pray that the FedEx Freight truckers who worked out of the slated-to-be-closed facilities will be able to find the kind of work they need and want.
- FedEx Freight Plans Closure of 29 Locations
- FedEx Freight to close 29 service centers
- FedEx Freight to shutter 29 locations, furlough workers
Employment
Sometimes employment definitions and statistics are written in such a way as to make them sound like good news when they really aren’t.
Please do your due diligence in this matter.
- Employers Add 253,000 Jobs in April
- Truck transportation jobs aren’t afraid of heights; they rose again in April
- Trucking jobs up by 3,000 in April
- US Adds 236,000 Jobs in March – 5700 in the Trucking Industry
Satisfaction
Supply chain
- Feds ramping up program designed to bolster supply chain
- Supply chain index hits all-time low in April
Trucker
- Career awareness an important first step for aspiring drivers
- Listening is key: Estes terminal manager Tammy Mangham isn’t afraid to ask questions
- So, you want to be a truck driver — Part 3
- Work-life balance in a down market — how to find it
Vaccines
Please see my previous trucking commentaries regarding the so-called C0V!D-19 p@ndemic and the false premise for the “need” to get j@bbed in order to keep one’s job, travel, etc.
It is far better, in my opinion, to boost one’s God-given immune system than pump unproven, untested, and man-made chemicals into one’s body.
- Briefly: Border vaccination requirement will end on May 12
- U.S. announces end of COVID-19 vaccine requirements –
- U.S. removing border vaccine requirements on May 12
- White House announces end to U.S.’ non-citizen border vax requirement
2. Regarding accidents, fatalities, violations, violence:
Accidents
Please review these articles to see how you can avoid being involved in a similar accident.
- Overpass: Vans damaged when car hauler collides with overpass, Michigan troopers say
- Overpass: VIDEO: Truck hauling heavy equipment collides with overpass
- Rear-end crash: Wisconsin Sheriff cites truck driver for rear-end crash caught on dash cam
Fatalities
We extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of those who passed away.
Please review these articles to see if you can glean any nuggets about how to avoid being involved in a fatal situation as a trucker.
- 30 tractor-trailers part of I-55 pileup Monday that killed 6, injured over 30
- At least 30 commercial vehicles involved in deadly Illinois pileup
- Death toll increases to seven in Illinois 72 vehicle pileup triggered by dust storm
- I-10 fully reopens in Arizona following fatal big rig crash into bridge pillar
- I-55 closed until Tuesday for ‘multiple fatality’ 60 to 80 vehicle pileup amid dust storm
- Man dies after his box truck was dragged under tractor trailer, South Carolina officials say
- Multiple big rigs involved in Illinois crashes caused by dust storm; at least 6 dead along I-55
- Pennsylvania sees downturn in highway fatalities
- Truck driver dies after rear-ending another 18-wheeler in Harrison County, Indiana
- Truck driver killed after colliding with bridge pillar in Arizona
- Truck driver killed after crashing into semi hauling Corvettes
- Trucker charged with negligent homicide in death of Simsbury, Connecticut, motorcyclist
- Trucker dies in fiery crash after striking Interstate 10 bridge in Cochiese County, Arizona
Violations
Performing thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspections will help you to avoid equipment-related violations.
Do not think that you can escape problems when you deliberately drive on a closed road.
- Iowa DOT shares photos of eye-popping CMV violations to help drivers gear up for 2023’s biggest blitz
- Truck’s ‘significant tire damage’ results in citation, Out of Service order
- Wisconsin cops call out semi driver for going around barricade into flood waters
Violence
Do everything that is reasonable to avoid violence as a trucker.
- Man arrested for threatening truck driver with gun, four hour police standoff, at Walmart dock
- Semi driver accused of firing several shots at car following crash in Detroit
- Trucker shot by co-driver during in-cab domestic dispute, Indiana sheriff says
3. Regarding electric vehicles, emissions, batteries, autonomous vehicles:
Electric vehicles
If you are considering buying an electric commercial motor vehicle, please do your due diligence first.
- Arizona, Texas attracting EV and chip megafactories
- BAE Systems, Eaton Collaborate on Electric Drive Solutions
- California Ups the Ante on ZEVs with Advanced Clean Fleets Rule
- Daily Infographic: EV charging
- Daimler Unveils Freightliner Medium-Duty eM2 Truck
- Dana Introduces Spicer Electrified e-Transmissions for Medium-Duty EVs
- Dana plans production launch of new e-transmission in 2025
- Dealership readiness for electric trucks critical to launch
- DTNA’s O’Leary: No Time to Waste Building EV Infrastructure
- Electrified Fleet Grid Upgrades Could Benefit Utilities
- ePower, ePTO electrical system added to International eMV
- Freightliner eM2 wraps up Daimler Truck EV lineup
- Freightliner ready to produce eM2 electric truck, eyes vocational uses
- Hino eying battery electric tractor
- Hino to Add Electric Version of XL Tractor
- In electric infrastructure, what’s old is new again
- Kenworth, Peterbilt Commercializing Fuel-Cell Electric Trucks
- Lion Electric adds Class 5 truck to lineup
- Navistar Expands Electric Truck Offerings
- Navistar Forging Ahead on Electric-Truck Development
- Navistar partnership targets charging infrastructure for vehicles
- Navistar signals plans for electric Class 8, unveils ePTO
- Paccar, Toyota bringing fuel-cell-electric trucks to market
- Ryder announces new EV program to help fleets transition to zero emissions
- Ryder Introduces Electric Vehicle Service
- Ryder set to offer all-inclusive electric vehicle program
- Safely Powering eTRUs: What You Need To Know About Electric Standby Power and the CARB Regulations
- Sea Electric System for Class 8 Trucks
- The Biden Administration Granted California Permission For Electric Truck Use Mandate
- The Rush to Battery-Electric Trucks: Putting the Cart Before the Horse
- UAW Demands Support for EV Workers Before Endorsing Biden
- Volvo Triples Electric Truck Dealer Network Since Last Year
- WattEV charging depot will power dozens of electric trucks
- ZF prepares axle-based e-powertrain for production
Emissions
While we all want clean air to breathe, some entities may attempt to hold us hostage to their unrealistic demands.
Please do your due diligence on this matter.
- ATA says California setting unrealistic targets for ZEVs
- California OKs regulation to streamline zero-emission big rig requirements
- California sets timeline requiring all trucks to be zero-emission
- Colorado approves rules that require availability of zero-emission trucks
- Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority Eyes Reduced Emissions
- DTNA’s O’Leary Urges ‘the Speed of Right’ on Zero-Emissions Path
- Emission standards are ‘costly and burdensome,’ OOIDA
- Emission-tampering charges net plea deals with three shops
- Reducing and Measuring Fleet Carbon Emissions — The Easy Way!
- Senate Resolution Attacks EPA’s Truck Emissions Rules
- Truck makers take on EPA’s zero-emissions carbon rule
- Twin California Ports Introduce Zero-Emission Locomotive
- Volvo Triples Certified EV Dealerships in Zero-Emissions Push
Batteries
- Battery supplies, charging infrastructure are lacking: O’Leary
- Hino Trucks partners with Hexagon Purus to distribute battery-electric heavy duty tractors
Autonomous vehicles
I most vigorously oppose the operation of autonomous, self-driving, or driverless commercial motor vehicles on the same roads as the motoring public, but share these articles as a courtesy to help you stay current on the topic.
- Aurora CEO Chris Urmson on the Future of Self-Driving Trucks
- Bringing the Fleet Perspective to Self-Driving Trucks [Video]
- Hirschbach adds autonomous lane in Texas with Aurora
- Insider Q&A: Aurora CEO Chris Urmson on self-driving trucks
- Kodiak autonomous trucks go electric
- Kodiak Installs Autonomous Driving System on Electric Truck
- Kodiak marries autonomy with electrification
- Kodiak Robotics introduces 1st autonomous electric Class 8 semi
- Kodiak Robotics leads on path to commercialization
- Kodiak Robotics Upfits Electric Class 8 With Autonomous Tech
4. Regarding auction, business, idling, leasing, pay, pricing, savings:
Auction
Business
- How to calculate your CPM — take control of variable, fixed costs
- Lessons in leadership and leaving a legacy
Idling
Leasing
- FMCSA forms task force to combat predatory leasing
- FMCSA names panel targeting predatory lease-purchase agreements
- FMCSA Seats Task Force Seeking Fair Leasing Agreements for Owner-Operators
- New FMCSA task force to fight back against ‘predatory’ truck leasing
Pay
We do not necessarily recommend or endorse any companies referred to in this section.
- Alaskan trucking companies offer $150,000 pay
- Pay, equipment quality remain top driver concerns, according to new recruiting, retention report
- Trucker Stats: Revenue Per Week
Pricing
- ArcBest defends dynamic pricing strategy
- Parcel shippers urged to negotiate with carriers often for best pricing
- ‘Unlimited everything’ disrupts long-standing EDI pricing model
Savings
5. Regarding fuel: clean, diesel, fuel cell, gasoline, generator, hydrogen, price, renewable, RNG; fuel card; fuel economy:
Fuel: clean
Please do your due diligence regarding any fuel that is labeled as “clean.”
What makes it “clean” when compared to other forms of fuel and is the sourcing of that fuel just as “clean” as the fuel itself?
- Better together: Industry coalition working to pave the road to clean energy
- Clean Truck Technologies Developing at Rapid Pace
- Cummins announces new clean fuel systems
Diesel
- AAA retail diesel average now $4.114 Fuel prices
- Average diesel prices down for second straight week as oil companies post record profits
- California officially outlaws the sale of ‘dirty’ diesel trucks starting in 2036
- Diesel era will end ‘sooner’ than predicted: report
- Diesel Prices Sink to an Average of $4.018 a Gallon
- Key diesel price benchmark falls closer to $4/gallon
- Renewable diesel on the rise
- Weekly Fuel Report: May 02, 2023
Fuel cell
- Hyundai bringing hydrogen fuel cell truck to the U.S.
- Hyundai Brings Xcient Hydrogen Fuel Cell Truck to US
- Hyundai Premieres Xcient Fuel Cell Tractor for North America
- Hyundai rolls forward with Xcient fuel cell tractor
- Hyundai showcases Xcient fuel cell Class 8 tractor
- Nikola hydrogen fuel cell truck order filed by USPS carrier
- Paccar, Toyota Plan to Produce Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trucks
Gasoline
Generator
Hydrogen
- Act Expo a coming of age for hydrogen fuel cells
- FCEV from Kenworth, Peterbilt to run on hydrogen fuel cell tech
- Florida, South Korea Join in Hydrogen Research
- Nikola gets investment for 50 hydrogen stations
- Nikola partnership to spur hydrogen fueling infrastructure buildout
- Nikola, Voltera Team up for Hydrogen Fueling Infrastructure
- Toyota Class 8 Hydrogen Powertrain Approved in California
Price
Renewable
RNG
- Shell Starship 3.0 to explore potential of RNG
- Shell Starship 3.0 to Test With Renewable Natural Gas
Fuel card
Fuel economy
6. Regarding detour, roads, safety, securement, training:
Detour
- 100 mile detour planned for Pennsylvania Turnpike this weekend
- 21 truckers fined for taking wrong detour in Canadian city
- Pennsylvania Turnpike warns motorists of 100-mile detour
Roads
- Canada, Newfoundland invest $306M to expand Trans-Canada Highway
- I-10 west still closed as crews repair buckled pillar from fatal big rig bridge collision, Arizona DOT says
- I-55 in Illinois shut down for dust storm, ‘large’ pileup crash
- Indianapolis interstate to reopen after years of construction
- Interstate 55 reopens in southern Illinois after ‘horrific’ crash that involved multiple big rigs
- Wyoming to Replace Aging Twin Bridges Over I-80
Safety
- ATA Marks Distracted Driving Awareness Month, Encouraging Safe Behaviors
- Don’t let good safety practices slip amid freight recession
- Driver Poll: Do you think that technology has made the trucking industry safer?
- How to Prevent a Truck Crash from Becoming a Catastrophe
- Manage fleet yard traffic in name of safety, productivity
- Risky Drivers: How to Spot the Red Flags
- Safety Series: Preparation and skill are keys to avoiding warm-weather hazards
- VIDEO: Jake braking trucker has tips on how to avoid using the runaway ramp on Fancy Gap
- Why road safety is in everyone’s best interest
Securement
Training
7. Regarding independent, politics, seizures:
Independent
Politics
- EPA Hearing Draws Environmental, Trucking Interests
- House Lawmakers Unveil CDL Streamline Bill
- In the midst of change: FMCSA Administrator Robin Hutcheson discusses industry issues at Truckload 2023: Orlando
- Move over rule revisions pursued to protect all road users
- Texas city rolls out new tech to help truckers avoid waiting at red lights
- Ticket camera rules addressed in 12 statehouses
- Truck enforcement topic of five bills at Texas statehouse
- Ways Congress Can Strengthen the Trucking Workforce
Seizures
8. Regarding ELDs, speed limiters, testing, technology:
ELDs
- ELD Buyers Guide: A guide to switching ELD’s – Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)
- ELD report touts compliance, lacks safety data
- FMCSA mostly mum on ELDs’ safety effectiveness
Speed limiters
- Bill would forbid FMCSA from passing speed limiter mandate for trucks
- Lawmaker vows to block speed limiters on trucks
- Oklahoma congressman files bill to halt FMCSA’s speed limiter rule
- Oklahoma congressman’s bill would block FMCSA speed limiter mandate
- Speed limiter rule would be prohibited under DRIVE Act
- Speed limiters create a states’ rights issue, Rep. Brecheen says –
Testing
- DOT issues final rule on oral fluid drug testing
- DOT OKs Drug Testing Drivers Using Oral Fluid Samples
- DOT Rule Allows Oral-Fluid Specimen Testing for Drugs
- Oral fluid drug testing approved by DOT
- U.S. DOT announces changes in drug testing for truckers
- USDOT approves oral fluid drug testing to help combat shy bladder, employee cheating on urine tests
- USDOT approves use of oral fluid in drug testing
Technology
- 4 Ways to Unlock the Power of Quality Data
- Arkansas set to deploy work zone cameras to nab speeders
- Arkansas to use cameras in speeding crackdown in work zones
- Comparing technology apples and oranges
- Conference for an industry looking to master cybersecurity
- ConMet’s Digital Driver App Gives Real-Time Telematics Data
- Constantly evolving: Safety technology can improve driver performance, reduce carrier liability
- Drone delivery firm Zipline raises $330M at $4.2B valuation
- Getting More Value Out of Trailers with Smart Technology
- Mitigate cyber threat risk with increased visibility
- Research: Truck Drivers Mistrust Driver-Facing Cameras
- Senators Tout FCC’s 5.9 GHz Spectrum Waiver
- Supply chain industry gets new generative AI software
- Traffic cameras capture car cutting off dump truck seconds before it overturns
9. Regarding cargo, international, fleets, loyalty, parking:
Cargo
- Loaded and Rolling: Inbound container volumes cloud freight rebound, FMCSA task force on truck leasing
- Refrigerated freight spot rates see largest gain this year, according to Truckstop
International
Fleets
- California OKs Advanced Clean Fleet rule; here’s a summary of it
- California OKs Advanced Clean Fleets Regulation
- Trucking bloodbath hurts fleets large and small
The last article in the section just above states:
America’s $875 billion trucking industry is struggling.
The number of authorized interstate trucking fleets in the U.S. declined by nearly 9,000 in the first quarter of 2023, according to federal data analyzed by Motive, a fleet management technology company.
The first section in this trucking commentary proves that even large trucking companies are closing some locations.
Before you hire on with any trucking company, ask for some proof that they have enough contracts to keep you loaded and rolling.
Loyalty
Parking
- Daily Infographic: Truck Parking Club pilots hourly truck parking at Kentucky McDonald’s
- New Mexico town bans big rig parking on public streets
- Truck parking in these regions are the worst
- Trucker Path identifies parts of the country with least truck parking
10. Regarding economy, inflation, theft, tolls:
Economy
- April Class 8 truck orders tank but OEMs unfazed
- Bankrupt Bed Bath & Beyond goes after container shipping lines
- Did the freight market just hit the floor?
- Economic Trucking Trends: Earnings diverge, spot market punishes
- Economic Trucking Trends: Truck orders fall, signs of a spot market turnaround
- Fed Raises Key Rate Again, but Hints at Possible Pause
- Forward Air dials down 2023 outlook but sees ‘real improvements’
- Inventory levels up, values down as Sandhills Global Market Reports show continuing trends
- Maersk Profits Slip in Q1, Forecasts Weak 2023
- March Used Class 8 Sales Down 20% Year-Over-Year
- Packaging demand bubble has popped
- Rail data shows reality of current supply chain
- The more things change …
- Truck freight volume continues to contract nationwide, new US Bank report shows
- Truckload shipments fall more than 6% in Q1
- Truckstop, Bloomberg Intelligence Survey shows spot market close to turning corner
- Uber Freight EBITDA continues to fall; revenue drops 23% from year ago
- Universal Logistics’ trucking operating revenue falls 18% in Q1
- Wall Street greets e2open’s tough forecast with a stock plunge
- Werner misses Q1 earnings estimate, sees spot market hitting bottom in Q2
- Yellow posts Q1 loss as it negotiates operational changes, labor deal
Inflation
Theft
To help prevent cargo theft, please see these resources on our website:
- King Pin Lock Use and Installation to Prevent Trailer Theft
- Reviews of The Enforcer Kingpin Lock by Truckers
- Truck Drivers Money Saving Tip for 10-03-2022 (bar lock)
Tolls
11. Regarding inspections, drugs, smuggling:
Inspections
If you keep yourself and your truck in perpetual readiness for an inspection, you’ll never be caught off-guard.
- ‘High Visibility Enforcement’ patrol to take place statewide in Washington
- International Roadcheck begins next week
- Proper inspections every day will keep Roadcheck stress away
- Roadcheck fails: Iowa DOT shows some of 2022’s worst
- Texas DPS to inspect 100% of big rigs at Veterans International Bridge through Sunday, per report
- Truck inspections causing long wait times at Texas border bridges
Drugs
Never ever haul illegal drugs, no matter how big of a payout you may be promised!
- 3,175 pounds of marijuana found concealed in truck’s load of tires at Detroit border crossing
- ATRI Surveys Truck Drivers to Assess Thoughts on Impacts Since the Legalization of Marijuana
- CBP seizes 3,175 pounds of marijuana from big rig at Detroit Cargo Facility
- Daily Infographic: CBP seizes $21M worth of fentanyl in green beans shipment
- Trucker arrested after 30 kg of suspected cocaine seized at Alberta border
- Trucker arrested after Illinois troopers find suitcases containing $1.8 million in cocaine during I-88 inspection, prosecutors say
- Trucker busted on I-88 in Illinois for having $1.8 million of cocaine
Smuggling
Never ever haul people like you would cargo or cattle, no matter how large of a treasure you’ve been promised!
12. Regarding awards and recognition:
Awards
We applaud those professional truck drivers who have demonstrated skill and safety on the job!
- J.B. Hunt honors 84 truckers for driving more than 2 million safe miles
- J.B. Hunt recognizes 84 drivers for million-mile safety accomplishments
- Lemonde named Quebec’s Driver of the Year
Being as how it is only the first part of May 2023, I think it is a bit early to be naming a “driver of the year,” but so be it.
Recognition
We recognize those truckers who helped out their fellow human beings in a time of need.
- Highway Angel of the Year: CFI driver honored for rescuing victims of fiery crash
- Highway Angels | May/June 2023
- Semi driver blocked in car to stop police pursuit, California sheriff says
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: 2023.05.06 to our TDMST Weekly Round-Up Trucking Commentary or our Truck Drivers Money Saving Tips home page.
