TDMST Weekly Round-Up 2023.07.29 is the trucking commentary on news affecting professional truck drivers for the week ending July 29, 2023, written by Vicki Simons.
We welcome your comments, thoughts and feedback on the items of your choice below.
1. Regarding turmoil – UPS, turmoil – Yellow, financial failure:
Turmoil – UPS
There has been a lot of turmoil in the trucking industry lately.
Part of the turmoil has to do with UPS and the Teamsters.
The following are some articles about this:
- 5 early takeaways from UPS-Teamsters agreement
- Major strike avoided as UPS and Teamsters reach contract settlement
- No strike: UPS, Teamsters reach agreement
- United Parcel Service, Teamsters union to resume labor talks
- UPS avoids Teamsters strike
- UPS deal burnishes US Teamsters leader’s image as one ‘tough SOB’
- UPS shippers may face double-digit rate increases in wake of contract
- UPS Teamsters reach ‘historic’ agreement to avoid strike
- UPS, Teamsters Reach Agreement on New Contract
- UPS, Teamsters reach tentative contract
Turmoil – Yellow
Part of the turmoil in the trucking industry has to do with Yellow.
At first, it looked like things might be saved, but now, that doesn’t look as likely — unless someone jumps in with an acquisition offer.
As I wrote weeks ago, I predicted that one trucking company shut down would not be the last.
I didn’t expect for a shut down to occur to a company as well established as Yellow.
If you work for Yellow and if your job is on the line, please bear in mind what to look for regarding truck driving jobs and evaluate what trucking company recruiters tell you.
Remember what happened with Arrow Trucking:
Tulsa, Oklahoma-based Arrow Trucking abruptly shut down days before Christmas in 2009, leaving its drivers without pay or a way to get home.
Given as how there has been a “freight shortage” of late, I wonder if what is happening to Yellow will be able to absorbed by other trucking companies.
Here are some of the most recent articles about this:
- After 100 years in operation, bankruptcy looms for Yellow as customers flee, stock plunges: Reports
- ArcBest transitions ahead of potential LTL capacity shake-up
- Covenant sees some opportunity from Yellow collapse
- Focus turns from Brown to Yellow; the great ShipHero warehouse tour; and Nikolas reignite – WTT
- Loaded and Rolling: Yellow exec says bankruptcy coming Monday
- LTL rates bounce as Yellow struggles with union
- No strike at Yellow; Central States grants extension
- Reports: Yellow preparing for bankruptcy
- Stephens says Yellow is burning up to $10M a day
- Strike averted at YRC Freight, Holland
- Teamsters demand Yellow’s previous $11-per-hour offer
- Teamsters Halt Yellow Strike Plan After Benefits Extended
- VIDEO: Yellow worker speculates on embattled trucking company’s fate, says ‘no more pickups’
- Yellow appears to be ‘laying off personnel & closing entire terminals,’ Teamsters say
- Yellow begins ‘exploring opportunities’ to divest its 3PL arm as bankruptcy concerns loom
- Yellow Corp. avoids Teamsters strike
- Yellow Corp. lays off workers, tells others situation looks ‘increasingly bleak’ for survival
- Yellow drivers speak out; UPS backup plans; beating cancer and a down market – WTT
- Yellow elephant in the room for Saia’s Q2 earnings call
- Yellow is ceasing ‘regular operations’ on Friday
- Yellow limits pickups nationwide, leaked memo says
- Yellow preparing for ‘range of contingencies’
- Yellow Puts Logistics Division Up for Sale
- Yellow Says Discussions With Teamsters Ongoing
- Yellow strike averted as Central States Health agrees to extend benefits to workers
- Yellow to file bankruptcy July 31: Exec
- Yellow’s final friday; port strikes; and escalating fuel costs – WTT
Financial failure
- Should Taxpayers Bail Out Mismanaged Trucking Organizations?
- Surge Transportation blames bankruptcy filing on sales drop after e-commerce boom
- Surge Transportation sought buyer prior to filing for bankruptcy
2. Regarding AEBs, ELDs, legal, parking, violations:
AEBs (automatic emergency braking)
ELDs
Others and I have had plenty to say about the self-certification of Electronic Logging Devices.
Also, I find it interesting that regarding POLL: Detention time since the ELD mandate — has it improved?, of the 147 Total Votes that have been cast (at this time) since July 25, the top two options:
- No, it’s only gotten worse at most customers: 41.5% (61 votes); and
- No, detention’s been about the same: 36.05% (53 votes)
together total 77.55% of truckers who say that detention under ELDs is about the same or worse than it was before.
Here are other recent articles about this topic:
- Drivers back to paper logs after FMCSA removes four ELDs from list of approved devices
- Fleetworthy Close-Up: Human interaction is key for successful use of ELDs
- FMCSA adds 4 more ELDs to list of revoked devices
- FMCSA adds recently revoked ELD back to registered list
- FMCSA Removes 3 ELDs from Approved List
- FMCSA removes 4 devices from registered ELD list
- FMCSA revokes three more ELDs
- FMCSA revokes three more ELDs’ certifications
- Four more ELDs placed on revoked list; FMCSA urges replacement
- Previously revoked ELD restored to FMCSA’s list of registered devices
Legal
- Capping payouts, combating ‘reptiles’ among ways to defuse nuclear verdicts
- Nuclear reaction: Report shows trucking companies ‘under siege’ by costly lawsuits
Parking
- Truckers remind public lack of parking means they “have to break the law” in face of recent fatal bus crash
- You Can’t Blame Trucks for the Highland Rest Area Bus Crash [Commentary]
Violations
Ouch! A $20K fine! Ouch!
- $20,000 fine handed out by Oregon sheriff for major overweight violation
- CHP warns CMV drivers — if you bypass open scales, you risk a misdemeanor charge
- Oregon Sheriff’s Office fines trucker $20,000 for overweight violation
3. Regarding border, brokers:
Border
- Borderlands: Mexico, Port Laredo remain on top for US trade
- Cross-border freight hauled by trucks increased in May
Brokers
- Bill Would Set Carrier Selection Standards for Brokers
- Freight broker Surge Transportation files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
- Improving broker reputation starts with integrity
4. Regarding autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles, emissions, fuel:
Autonomous vehicles
I most vigorously oppose the operation of self-driving, autonomous, 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.
- Backup Driver in Autonomous Uber Death Pleads Guilty
- Congress Wades Into Self-Driving Debate With New House Bills
- Google-backed Waymo Via downshifting on autonomous trucking – for now
- House Transportation Leaders Tout Self-Driving Technology
- Semi-Automated Trucks to Be Tested on Ohio-Indiana Route
- Waymo prioritizes ride-hailing platform over autonomous trucking
- Waymo Via backs away from autonomous trucking
- Waymo Via to Focus on Ride-Hailing Over Autonomous Trucking
Electric vehicles
Before you invest in an electric commercial motor vehicle, please do your due diligence.
All may not be as you’ve been told regarding their emissions and the infrastructure for operations.
Here are some of the most recent articles on this topic.
- Battery charging facility for heavy-duty trucks opens in Long Beach
- Charging Ahead: Battery Technology Advancements in Heavy Duty Trucks
- Coalition: Lack of fueling infrastructure ‘fatal flaw’ for fast trucking EV transition
- Electric charging station opens at Port of Long Beach
- Freight Group Emphasizes Heavy-Duty Charging Infrastructure
- GM CAMI plant to build EV battery packs
- GOP House Leaders Investigate Ford Battery Agreement
- Jet Engine Wind Powers EVs in Dallas Airport Test
- Leasing Offers Pathway for Fleets Interested in EVs
- Nation’s largest electric commercial truck charging depot opens in California
- New EV Platform Delivers Data Needed to Manage Electric Truck Fleets
- Nikola says damaged electric rig reignites at its headquarters
- Rushed transition to electric trucks will crush small carriers
- Seven Automakers Unite to Build EV Charging Network
- Stellantis, Samsung to Build Another EV Battery Plant in US
- VMC rolls out first electric trucks, looks to build national distribution network
- Voltera helps fleets overcome biggest roadblock to electrification
- WattEV Opens Heavy-Duty Truck Charger Depot at Long Beach Port
- WattEV truck charging depot opens in Long Beach
Emissions
- AI Startup Helps Diesel Trains Clean Up Their Emissions
- Battle ranks over California waiver for Clean Trucks rule swell
- CARB seeks input on new committee to implement latest emissions regs
- CARB-EMA: A Step in the Right Direction for Zero-Emission Trucking
- Clean Freight Coalition warns feds of challenges before new emissions rules can be met
- Court: Democrats can defend California waiver on big rig emissions
- Industry group says emissions goals out of sync with charging reality
- Rural States, Groups Tell EPA of Emissions Proposal Concerns
- Zero-emission trucks insurance topic of California bill
Fuel
- Average US diesel prices up as oil prices climb
- Hefty Jump of 9.9¢ Pushes Diesel Price to $3.905 a Gallon
- How to Improve Fuel Efficiency During the Heatwave
- US Targets 43.5 MPG for New Vehicles by 2032
- Weekly diesel reports show significant increases
- Weekly Fuel Report: July 25, 2023
- Weekly NTI Update: July 24, 2023
5. Regarding crashes, drugs, fatalities, weather:
Crashes
Please review these articles to see if there was anything reasonable that could have been done to avoid the crashes described.
- 2 injured when tractor-trailer flies off I-40 near Flagstaff, Arizona
- Man run over by semi truck in busy grocery store parking lot
- Motorist okay after crashing rented Lamborghini under semi trailer at high rate of speed
- POLICE: Five cars collide with loose logs after trucker’s ‘reckless driving’
- Rented Lamborghini crashes into big rig’s trailer in Georgia
- Rig rolls over roadside diesel mechanic during service
- Semi truck veers off Arizona interstate, plummets 30 feet to road below
- VIDEO: Semi truck topples making turn — and fellow truckers just drive on by
- WATCH: Semi truck knocks around work truck at intersection
Drugs
Unless and until the time that the USA changes its laws or regulations about truckers being allowed to use CBC that could contain THC, it is wise to avoid using the products, even during your time off.
I am friends with a trucker on Facebook who lost his trucking job earlier this year as a result of using a CBD product, after which he underwent a drug test and was found to have THC in his body. 🙁
Also, never, ever haul illegal drugs, no matter how much you are offered to do so.
- CBD products could impact truck driver drug tests
- CBSA seizes suspected cocaine worth $6M in truck at Manitoba border
Fatalities
We express our deep sympathy — and offer our condolences — to the families of those whose loved ones died in these crashes.
Can you learn anything from the articles below that would help you learn about how to prevent a fatal large truck crash?
- Dump truck driver dies after losing brakes, crashing into reservoir in Utah
- Four dead in crash caused by big rig driver failing to yield right of way, Texas cops say
- One dead in nine-vehicle crash involving dump truck that smashed into line of cars
- POLICE: Fatal, fiery wreck started with trucker’s attempt to avoid flying debris
- Vitran Express Canada fined for fatal workplace accident
Weather
Please be on your alert regarding driving in high winds.
6. Regarding attack dog, inspections, safety:
Attack dog
This issue is very disturbing.
- K-9 released on trucker; Ohio officer now on leave
- Officer placed on paid leave amid probe into K9 attack on surrendering truck driver
- Ohio cop who released K-9 on surrendering truck driver has been fired
- Ohio cops release attack dog on trucker after he surrenders following pursuit
- Ohio officer fired after letting his police dog attack a surrendering truck driver
- Ohio Police Unleash Attack Dog on Black Truck Driver
- VIDEO: Semi truck chase ends with police unleashing K-9 on truck driver attempting to surrender
Inspections
If you keep yourself and your rig in perpetual readiness for an inspection, you’ll never be caught off-guard.
- 11 states to participate in highway safety blitz
- B.C. to commence ELD enforcement Aug. 1
- CVSA Releases 2023 International Roadcheck Results – CVSA — Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance
- Eleven state traffic blitz happening today
- Multi-state speeding enforcement campaign planned for this week
- ‘Operation Orange Squeeze’ patrols to crack down on PA Turnpike drivers
Safety
- FoRRRwD initiative seeks to reduce number of crashes on two-lane roads
- What to know about FMCSA safety ratings
7. Regarding pay, rates, taxes:
Pay
Rates
Taxes
- ATA-led coalition urges Congress to repeal excise tax on trucks, trailers
- Several States Alter Fuel Tax Structures
8. Regarding politics, ports, regulations, side underride guards:
Politics
- Bill to preserve vehicle choice advances at House committee
- Fiscal 2024 Transportation Funding Bills Await Votes
- ‘Right to Repair’ vote slated for Maine fall ballot
- Road safety issues are the topic of new Arkansas laws
- Sen. Fischer introduces bill to add motor carrier selection standards
- Senators Introduce Trucking Safety Bill
- Truck routes are the topic of two new Arizona laws
- Weight limits and fines are topic of new Indiana law
Ports
- Cargo volumes a mixed bag for Gulf Coast ports in June
- Daily Infographic: The number of electric vehicle charging ports in the US nearly doubled in the past three years
- Georgia Ports’ fiscal year volumes slide nearly 7%
- Spot rates show uniform weakness for another week
- Texas port cargo operations were suspended in May 2017
Regulations
Side underride guards
- Side underride guards the costliest trucking mandate ever?
- Trucking organizations oppose proposed side underride guard rule
9. Regarding technology, Tesla:
Technology
- Daily Infographic: AI will play a pivotal role in e-commerce
- Dash cam catches trucker saving car driver suffering from medical emergency
- North Carolina State Troopers Use AI to Ticket Texting Truckers
- Out of control semi barrels into oncoming traffic in Indiana in stunning dash cam video
- Rand McNally-powered Milemaker program launches new version
- Updated MileMaker software launched
Tesla
Regarding the second article in this section, did the reporter share any information about how much the trucks weighed?
- Daily Infographic: Tesla rolls out 1st production electric Cybertruck in Texas
- Tesla Semi passes diesel trucks on Donner Pass’ steep grades
10. Regarding scam, theft, towing:
Scam
Please be on your guard against potentially exploitative devices like these and potentially accompanying violent behavior.
- Truckers targeted in scam that ‘hijacks’ DOT numbers
- Two arrested for booting trucks and physically removing drivers from cabs for not paying them fast enough
Theft
Do everything reasonable to avoid theft of your person, your belongings, or anything associated with your tractor, trailer, or cargo.
Towing
11. Regarding business, economy, trends:
Business
- 5 Steps to Fleet Fuel-Purchasing Savings
- 5 Tips for Safe Transactions When Selling a Commercial Vehicle
- Choosing the right temp-controlled partner can provide profit boost
- Get on the continuous improvement path
- Recurring Expenses Planners For Your Peace of Mind
- Security gaps put your business at serious risk
Economy
- Big rig trailer customers, dealers endure bumpy conditions in June
- CN doesn’t expect return of ‘more normalized’ demand in 2023
- Daily Infographic: EIA forecasts crude oil prices will increase through 2024 as demand rises above supply
- Economic Trucking Trends: A ‘meh’ week for trucking economic indicators
- Economy Grew at a Faster 2.4% Rate in April-June Quarter
- Fed Economists ‘No Longer Forecasting a Recession’
- Freight sentiment indexes see shippers down in Q3
- From booze to fries, signs of consumer demand weakness multiplying
- June Used Class 8 Sales Little Changed From Last Year
- Kuehne+Nagel writes off peak shipping season
- Landstar not ready to call market bottom
- Odds of a Recession Are Receding, Economists Say
- Old Dominion uses cost control to mitigate slumping demand in Q2
- Signs of life and destruction in the land of freight
- Unseasonable rise in demand provides much-needed optimism for transportation providers
- Used Class 8 rigs see solid June sales
- Used truck sales post monthly growth
- Viewpoint: Another nail in the consumer spending coffin
- White Paper: The State of Freight — July 2023
Trends
- 4 Trends in Less-Than-Truckload
- HDT Series: How Freight Movement is Changing
- LTL industry likely altered regardless of Yellow’s fate
12. Regarding appreciation, awards:
Appreciation
- Briefly: Sheetz and Trucker Path hold driver appreciation sweepstakes
- Sheetz sponsors National Truck Driver Appreciation Sweepstakes
Awards
Congratulations to the winner!
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: 2023.07.29 to our TDMST Weekly Round-Up Trucking Commentary or our Truck Drivers Money Saving Tips home page.
