TDMST Weekly Round-Up 2023.06.10 is the trucking commentary on news affecting professional truck drivers for the week ending June 10, 2023, written by Vicki Simons.
We welcome your comments, thoughts and feedback on the items of your choice below.
1. Regarding EPA, marijuana, politics, strike, underride guards, and wildfires:
EPA
- 19 states target EPA waiver for California’s Advanced Clean Trucks rule
- EPA faces lawsuit from 19 states over California’s diesel big rig ban
- Nineteen States Sue EPA Over California Heavy Truck Phaseout
Quoting the first article in the section just above:
The filing states that federal law establishes the D.C. Court of Appeals as an “exclusive venue” for challenges to agency actions that could be deemed “nationally applicable” or if an action has “nationwide scope or effect.” There is little else in the filing beyond an attachment of the Federal Register publication of the waiver decision.
Ultimately at issue in the filing by the states is a major question: With some other states having vowed to follow California’s lead on clean vehicles and other emission rules, does California effectively set the standard for the entire country? Original equipment manufacturers are generally loath to run two separate production lines: one for California and its followers and the other for the rest of the nation.
Marijuana
We received an email from The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) on Monday, June 5, 2023, with this subject line:
“ATRI Releases New Research that Evaluates the Impacts of Marijuana Legalization on the Trucking Industry and its Workforce”.
Part of the email reads:
The ATRI study documents the strategies and implications of the two pathways the federal government can take in response to advancing legalization efforts.
The first pathway, maintaining the current prohibition policy where marijuana remains a Schedule I drug, would continue the trend of removing thousands of drivers annually from the industry through positive tests for past marijuana use.
The second pathway, a scenario where the federal government eases restrictions and possibly removes marijuana from the Schedule I designation, has significant challenges as well. …
I think that pretty well summarizes the quandary facing both the federal government and states that have not yet legalized marijuana.
Here are some other articles about this topic:
- Are Marijuana Drug-Testing Rules Making Truck Driver Shortage Worse?
- ATRI Assesses Impact of Marijuana Use on Trucking
- Marijuana laws forcing truck drivers out of the industry
- Marijuana legalization, testing approaches contributes to truck driver shortage: ATRI
- New ATRI research looks at legalized pot’s impact on trucking industry
- Study unable to firmly connect legal pot and truck safety
In my opinion, this situation does not just affect marijuana use, but also the use of CBD products that are not THC-free.
Politics
- Ticket cameras topic of legislation in at least 11 states State
- Truck enforcement topic of three bills at Texas statehouse State
- White House website highlights infrastructure, manufacturing investments
Strike
- Strike Unlikely at ABF Freight After Deal With Teamsters
- Teamsters to begin process to authorize leaders to strike UPS
- UPS Union Workers to Vote on Whether to Authorize a Walkout
Underride guards
If this issue concerns you, please submit your comments before the extended deadline.
- NHTSA extends comment deadline on side underride notice
- NHTSA extends trailer side underride guard comment period
- NHTSA side underride analysis slammed by safety, insurance advocates
Wildfires
Earlier today, I came across the following article:
The U.S. Military’s History of Using Forest Fires as a Weapon
In my opinion, it would be horrid if any government department or agency — especially those who are given the responsibility of defending the United States — was deliberately causing fires to harm Americans.
2. Regarding crashes, drugs, fatalities, and hit and run:
Crashes
Please learn what you can from these articles so that you will do everything reasonable to avoid being involved in a similar crash.
- Concrete truck overturn strikes tractor trailer, car
- Driver suffers broken legs in crash that destroyed historic house
- Florida cops say wrong way driver who struck tanker truck was under the influence
- Multi-vehicle crash reported on I-70 bridge
- Pedestrian hit by tractor trailer on Massachusetts highway
- Sudden brake leaves flatbed upside down, two cars crushed
- Truck passenger seriously injured after rig misses runaway ramp due to traffic
- Trucker narrowly avoids grizzly attack after running over cub
- Trucker’s dash cam captures bus plowing into stopped traffic, causing 8 vehicle crash
- Twenty-four vehicle pileup blamed on smoke from wheat field fire
- Video shows runway semi barreling through storage sheds in Utah
- WATCH: Driver realizes at the last second she’s too close to truck stuck on train tracks
Drugs
Never ever haul illegal drugs, no matter how much of an incentive you’ve been offered.
Fatalities
We express our deepest sympathy and offer our condolences to the families of those who died in these crashes.
Please review these articles to see if you can avoid being involved in a similar set-up.
- Feds report more truck drivers dying from not using seat belts
- Three hurt, two dead after tanker rear-ends car at intersection
- Trucker killed in crash caused by teen passing two pickups, Indiana troopers say
Hit and run
If you hit someone or something in the course of driving, please be honest enough to stop and admit it.
Things could go much worse, legally, for those who leave the scene of an accident/crash.
- Arizona authorities searching for red Volvo tractor in connection with fatal hit-and-run incident
- Arizona troopers seek red Volvo involved in fatal pedestrian strike
- POLICE: Truck driver wanted for ‘hit-and-run’ after leaving scene of car that crashed into back of rig
3. Regarding AB5, economy, pay rates, purchase, and trends:
AB5
- Navistar recalls International trucks with ABS issue
- Trucker Group Stopping the Spread of AB5 Laws
- Truckers protest in LA after city ends hauling contracts over AB5
Economy
- 6 months in and on track to process 1M pallets
- ACT Research: Class 8 truck orders at 15,500 units in May
- Cargo revenues to fall $65B in 2023, airline group says
- Class 8 truck orders reverse negative course
- Economic Trucking Trends: Loss of capacity, not increase in demand, will lead recovery
- GM to Invest $500 Million at SUV Plant in Texas
- Inventory increases recorded across heavy duty equipment marketplaces
- Old Dominion reports freight tonnage drop from a year ago
- Old Dominion sees tonnage plummet again in May
- Spot market hits bottom, contract continues down: FTR
- Spot market hits bottom, contract continues down: FTR
- What new truck orders say about the freight recession
- XPO’s tonnage dips again in May, inflects higher from Q1
- Yellow’s tonnage remains in free fall
Pay
We do not endorse any trucking companies named in the articles in this section.
- Boost Recruiting by Evaluating Driver Pay
- Loaded and Rolling: Heartland’s pay guarantee aids retention; From driver to CEO with Brittany Traylor
- Pay protection aids Heartland’s driver retention, execs say
Rates
- Look for hefty rate hikes in 2024, parcel consultants say
- Spot rates see little change over Memorial Day weekend
- Trans-Pacific spot container shipping rates are inching up
- Transportation prices fall at fastest-ever pace in May
Purchase
Trends
4. Regarding autonomous vehicles, and electric vehicles:
Autonomous vehicles
In no uncertain terms, I oppose the operation of self-driving, driverless, or autonomous trucks on the roads with the motoring public.
However, I share these articles to help you stay current with the topic.
- FMCSA seeks input on Level 4 automated driving system in trucks
- Truck platooning, autonomous large vehicles topic of bills
- TuSimple Starts Level 4 Autonomous Truck Testing in Japan
- Volvo Autonomous Solutions Begins North American Operations
- Volvo Autonomous Solutions opens up shop in Texas
- Volvo Autonomous Solutions sets up operations in Texas
- Volvo prepares for autonomous freight corridors in Texas as new office opens in Fort Worth
- Volvo prepares to launch self-driving truck lanes in Texas
Electric vehicles
If you’re looking to potentially buy an electric Commercial Motor Vehicle, please do your due diligence ahead of time.
- 3 Electric Truck Infrastructure Issues that Must be Resolved
- EV Sales Are Soaring as Oil Use Is About to Peak
- GM’s EVs Will Gain Access to Tesla’s Charging Network
- Megawatt Charging System for Electric Trucks a Step Closer
- Megawatt truck charging arrives – albeit slowly
- NACFE: Updated Guidance on Electric Truck Charging Infrastructure
- NACFE’s 10 tips to roll out electric truck chargers
- Schneider builds electric charging facility for Southern Calif. fleet
- Schneider’s California charging depot can charge 32 trucks at once
- Schneider’s Electric Heavy-Duty Trucks Start Off on Regional Routes
- Utah forms committee to discuss vehicle electrification infrastructure
5. Regarding emissions, fuel, oil, and treatment:
Emissions
- Calstart: Medium-Duty Trucks Leading Transition to Zero Emissions
- Lawmakers’ doomsday approach to trucking emissions
- Schneider opens large-scale zero emission electric charging depot
Fuel
Among others, this section includes links to articles on fuel prices, fuel shortages, and fuel surcharges.
- AAA retail diesel average now $3.917
- Average US diesel prices decline for 7th straight week
- B.C. port project to invest in hydrogen and fuel cells
- Diesel benchmark down again and Saudi production will be soon
- Diesel Price Falls Below $3.80
- Dismal Sales Undercut Carmakers Pushing Hydrogen Fuel Cells
- Fleets Focus on Driver Performance to Raise Fuel Economy
- Fuel shortages, wildfires prompt emergency orders
- Fuel Surcharges in Long Term Contracts
- How Truck Driver Fuel Incentive Programs are Going Beyond MPG
- Nebraska fuel shortage prompts extended hours for truckers under Executive Order
- Nebraska governor signs bill promoting use of biodiesel
- Weekly Fuel Report: June 06, 2023
- Weekly NTI Update: June 05, 2023
Oil
Treatment
6. Regarding employment, training, and testing:
Employment
- Labor unrest, canal woes could complicate ‘normal’ peak season
- New survey reveals insights into truck driving jobs, including decline in number of people seeking jobs
Training
- Connecticut groups working to give former inmates a second chance through trucking
- North Carolina School Gets $1.7 Million to Expand CDL Program
Testing
7. Regarding boot keys, last mile, parking, and restrooms:
Boot keys
A “boot” is a device that incapacitates a truck and prevents it from rolling down the road.
Those who install boots usually want to be paid big bucks to have them removed.
It’s basically a hostage situation.
Including this link below does not imply that we are in favor of truckers deliberately parking illegally and then driving off.
Last mile
Parking
- Arkansas Adds 84 Truck Parking Spots on I-40
- New York Thruway Plazas Revamped With Truck Drivers in Mind
Restrooms
Some trucking companies prohibit their truckers from carrying a portable toilet in their trucks, but we list 10 reasons why it’s a good idea to consider doing so.
- Bill to mandate trucker access to bathrooms reintroduced in House
- New restroom bill for truck drivers receives industry support
- OOIDA encourages support for restroom bill
- The fastest podcast in freight, bathroom bills and peak season slumps – WTT
- Trucker Bathroom Access Act reintroduced in House
- Trucker bathroom access legislation has been reintroduced in House
8. Regarding recalls, technology, theft, and tires:
Recalls
- Navistar ABS recall covers 92,193 trucks and buses
- Recall issued for certain Navistar models due to faulty ABS light
Technology
- Aperia App Aims to Help Fleets Simplify Tire Pressure Management
- AV TEST Initiative needs to be mandatory, OOIDA says
- Is your system vulnerable to cyberattacks? Here’s how to find out
- MileMaker Launches Cloud-Based App
- WARP develops tech-backed cross docks to digitize the traditional hub and spoke freight network
Theft
- 2 former employees charged with bilking $1.4M from carrier MH Group
- Cargo Solution Express manager indicted on theft charges
- Residents scramble to steal packages spilled in wreck that ejected Amazon truck driver
- Two charged for embezzling money from fleet
- Who’s stealing your freight, supply chain’s biggest spills and the logistics NASCAR race – WTT
Tires
- All About Truck Tires: Load Ratings, Sizes & More
- How Retreads Can Help Reduce a Truck Fleet’s Carbon Footprint
9. Regarding violations and violence:
Violations
- Arizona troopers find nearly 6000 rounds of ammo hidden in commercial vehicle tires
- Missouri big rig repair shop owner charged with federal violations of Clean Air Act
- VIDEO: Big rig driver takes a WTF shortcut through the median
Violence
- Driver takes hammer to fellow trucker, screwdriver to others, in apparent road rage incident
- Truck driver arrested for pinning woman against trailer, threatening multiple people with gun
10. Regarding inspections, operations, safety, securement, and spill:
Inspections
If you keep your rig and yourself in perpetual readiness for an inspection, you’ll never be caught off-guard.
- After a trucker collapsed during roadside inspection, a trooper performed CPR for 17 minutes to save his life
- CVSA Inspectors Sideline 773 Vehicles
- CVSA marks speeding as focus of July’s Operation Safe Driver Week
- Indiana State Police partners with the Newton County Sheriff’s Department to conduct CMV blitz
- Indiana troopers conduct CMV blitz targeting overweight trucks
- Roadside CMV inspection reveals 14 people in hot trailer, 26 pounds of fentanyl and cocaine
- Speeding focus of CVSA’s upcoming Operation Safe Driver Week
- Washington troopers to conduct multiple ’emphasis patrols’ for unsecured loads in June
Operations
- Trucker charged after ignoring sign, driving on wet concrete
- VIDEO: Would you drive this double-decker container combo?
Safety
- Connecticut DOT plans to install wrong-way detection systems
- Feds dole out more than $471M in grants to help reduce commercial vehicle wrecks
- FMCSA Advisory Committee Offers Safety Suggestions
- Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee to offer recommendations
- Regulations that don’t improve safety should go, OOIDA chief says
- Safer docks, warehouse areas, come with design and planning
- Washington state testing orange lane striping to help improve worker, driver safety
- WATCH: Double yellow line means nothing to this impatient driver
Securement
These articles all highlight load securement problems.
- Bull breaks free from trailer while owner grabs tacos
- Lumber truck loses it on Michigan curve
- Watch these piggies run amok after a tractor trailer overturn
Spill
- Did Denmark Trucker Orchestrate Mashed Potato Mess to Protest Diesel Tax?
- Global Trucking Trends: Dumped spuds potentially a potato protest
- Tanker spill cleanup along Highway 38 slowing traffic near Drain, Oregon
11. Regarding HOS, infographics, ports, rail crossings, and roads:
HOS
- Briefly: Nebraska gov. issues hours of service waiver for fuel haulers
- Hours of Service exemption for carriers, drivers providing relief to Nova Scotia wildfires
- Nebraska governor temporarily waives HOS regulations for fuel haulers
Infographics
Ports
- Analysis Shows Shifting Port Patterns, Spot Market Bottom
- Borderlands: Texas seaport completes $146M container terminal expansion
- Labor slowdowns hinder container processing at Pacific Northwest ports
- West Coast container ports hit as labor talks take ominous turn
- West Coast dockworkers making $200K demand higher pay
- West Coast Port Disruptions Continue Amid Labor Talks
- West Coast Ports See Disruption as Labor Talks Drag On
Rail crossings
This is going to be interesting to watch.
- Dozens of Dangerous Rail Crossings Will Be Eliminated
- Federal funding made available to reduce vehicle crashes at dangerous railroad crossings
- FRA grants $570M to projects eliminating railroad crossings
Roads
- I-94 in Detroit the nation’s riskiest, new study shows
- Interstate 84 closures planned in Portland, Ore., area
- Kentucky governor pledges $4.4M for road repairs
- Transportation funding law signed by Minnesota governor
12. Regarding awards, kindness, recognition, and win:
Awards
We offer our heartiest congratulations to this trucker!
Kindness
Each of us has the opportunity to be kind to others, even those who don’t deserve it.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ and ‘Hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
— Matthew 4:43-45
Recognition
We recognize and express our appreciation to those who helped out their fellow human beings in a time of need!
- Louisiana State trooper saves truck driver’s life with roadside CPR
- Melton driver honored for aiding couple who crashed in S.C.
- Oklahoma police thank trucker for rescuing toddler wandering in the streets
Win
We congratulate this winner! Yay!
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: 2023.06.10 to our TDMST Weekly Round-Up Trucking Commentary or our Truck Drivers Money Saving Tips home page.
