TDMST Weekly Round-Up 2023.08.26 is the trucking commentary on news affecting professional truck drivers for the week ending August 26, 2023, written by Vicki Simons.
We welcome your comments, thoughts and feedback on the items of your choice below.
1. Regarding Hawaii, holiday, UPS, weather, and Yellow:
Hawaii
I have included this section due to the fires on Maui.
All is not as it appears on the mainstream media.
Still, we are concerned about the impact of the fires on professional truck drivers on the islands.
If you are a trucker on any of the Hawaiian Islands, please let us know through the form below what is going on from your perspective.
- Biden’s Visit to Hawaii Coincides With More Federal Relief
- Maui warehouses, DCs overflowing with donations
Holiday
The Labor Day holiday in the USA is scheduled to take place from Friday, September 1, through Monday, September 4.
Be prepared for heavier-than-usual traffic, especially involving those who are taking their last vacations before the school year starts.
UPS
If you drive for United Parcel Service (UPS), we’d like to have your feedback about how things are going since the contract with the Teamsters has been ratified.
Please comment through the form below.
- FedEx, UPS pull back July cargo flights amid weak volumes
- Teamsters Notch Contract Win for 340,000 UPS Workers As Pay Raises Trend Upward
- Teamsters overwhelmingly ratify UPS contract
- Teamsters ratify 5-year contract with UPS; union calls it ‘most lucrative’
- Teamsters ratify UPS agreement
- Teamsters voting on UPS contract could conclude Tuesday
- UPS workers approve 5-year contract, capping contentious negotiations that threatened deliveries
- UPS Workers Approve New Union Contract
Weather
There has been some pretty severe weather of late.
Please prepare in advance for as many severe weather scenarios as you can.
Also, be prepared to shut down your truck if the weather is life- or rig-threatening.
- 15 trucks blown over on I-96 during tornado in central Michigan
- Deadly heat wave in the central US strains infrastructure, transportation
- Deadly heat wave in the central US strains infrastructure, transportation
- Firefighters help cool 250 pigs stranded in broken down tractor trailer
- Hilary disrupts Union Pacific’s Southern California network
- Hilary Pushes Into Nevada After Drenching California
- I thought I was going to die’: Trucker recounts severe storm that tipped his truck
- Looking for your next Henry?
- Mudslides and flooding bury big rig on SR 58 in California
- POLICE: Recent rain likely responsible for semi truck crash involving three cars
- SoCal Braces for Washed Out Roads From Storm Hilary
- Storm Moves On but Floodwaters Remain in Southern California
- These roadways in Detroit are closed for flooding so severe that cars are completely submerged
- Tropical Storm Hilary makes travel treacherous in Southern California
- WATCH: Winter pile-up doesn’t phase motorist who navigates the chaos like a pro
Yellow
I had a feeling that the first offer made for Yellow’s old terminals wouldn’t be the last.
In fact, there may be a whole lot more bidding going on for various parts of the old trucking company’s assets or business.
If you formerly drove for Yellow, please let us know how it’s going for you regarding getting another job.
- Bidding War: Old Dominion tops Estes Express’ offer for Yellow’s terminals
- Estes Express makes $1.3 billion offer for all of Yellow’s terminals
- Former Yellow Truckers Must Pivot After Losing Regional LTL Jobs
- How bull hauling works and Yellow’s billion dollar bankruptcy bids – WTT
- Old Dominion Freight Line offers $1.5 billion for Yellow’s 169 terminals
- Old Dominion Tops Estes’ Bid for Yellow Terminals
- Old Dominion ups ante with $1.5B bid on Yellow’s terminals
- Old Dominion ups bid for Yellow properties to $1.5 billion
- Survey shows drivers rattled by Yellow shutdown
- Trucking Community Rallies Around Ex-Yellow Drivers at NTDC
- Yellow’s real estate is in high demand. Its other equipment? Not so much, says trucking analyst
- Yellow’s Shutdown Opens Up LTL Market for Competitors
- Yellow’s Terminals: Analysts Expect More Bids
2. Regarding AEBs, HOS, safety rating, seat belts, and speed limiters:
AEBs
This section concerns Automatic Emergency Braking.
- AEB comment deadline runs through Sept. 5
- Briefly: Deadline to comment on automatic emergency braking looms
HOS
- Hawaii asks FMCSA for limited CDL test exemption
- Hours of Service relief extends to B.C., Yukon emergency response work
Safety rating
- FMCSA Looking to Change How it Determines Motor Carrier Safety Fitness
- FMCSA revisiting carrier safety rating system revamp
- FMCSA revisiting carrier safety rating system revamp
- Preventing fatigue can help drivers and motor carriers improve safety ratings
Seat belts
Speed limiters
If the thought of having a speed limiter in your tractor concerns you, please contact your elected officials and others in a position of power to do something about this technology.
- Safety groups decry attempts to block speed limiters, OOIDA fires back
- Safety groups urge Congress to oppose efforts to block speed limiters
- Speed limiter battle rages on
- The mega fleets’ foolhardy stance on speed limiters
3. Regarding autonomous vehicles and electric vehicles:
Autonomous vehicles
I despise the idea of self-driving, autonomous, or driverless trucks on the same roads as the motoring public, but share these articles as a courtesy to help you stay current with the topic.
- Autonomous trucks topic of paused California bill
- Kodiak sets up autonomous truck hub at Georgia Pilot
- Kodiak, Pilot open first ‘autonomous truckport’ in Georgia
- Newsom leans toward allowing autonomous trucking in California
- Smart Highways for Autonomous Trucks Down Under
Electric vehicles
If you are planning to get an electric commercial motor vehicle, please do your due diligence ahead of time.
- At the Forefront of Freight’s Green Future with WattEV
- Exploring EVs at ACT Research’s Market Vitals conference
- First Class 3 Mullen Electric Truck Rolls off of Mississippi Assembly Line
- Fleet Editors’ EV Market Roundtable
- It’s official: Nikola truck fires prompt battery-electric recalls
- Mullen Launches Production of Class 3 EV Truck
- New Volvo Program Offers Truck Fleets Full-Service EV Infrastructure Development
- Real estate investors surge into electric truck charging
- San Francisco Tests Out Driverless EV Shuttle
- Volvo launches one-stop-shop for EV charging services
4. Regarding acquisitions, border, business, and recalls:
Acquisitions
Border
- Border town boom is realigning the freight market
- Borderlands: US-Mexico cross-border trade may hit $1 trillion by 2028
- Cross-border freight hauled by trucks increased in June
- Cross-border risk management helps companies win nearshoring game
- Truck-hauled cross-border freight values rise
Business
- 9 Time-Saving Strategies for Busy Fleet Managers
- Asset-based logistics: A freight agent’s competitive advantage
- Efficient operation is key to surviving trucking downcycle
- Freightos loses $5.9M as cost-cutting plan takes effect
- Variable Expenses Per Mile Trucker Stats™
- White Paper: Doing More With Less
Recalls
If the tractor you drive or the trailer you haul is under a recall, please get the necessary repair work done as soon as possible.
- Isuzu recalls 19,479 trucks for ignition switch fuse corrosion
- Navistar recalls International trucks with driveshaft issue
5. Regarding crashes, distracted driving, drugs, drunk drivers, and fatalities:
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.
- Driver and one of his dogs die in I-25 crash near Pueblo, Colorado
- Four people injured after tractor trailers collide on BQE
- Man in critical condition after slamming into semi truck during illegal pass attempt
- Watch a trucker jauntily trot away from his rig as a train smacks into it
- Watch this flatbed get obliterated by a train from several different angles.
- Werner Appeals Crash Verdict to Texas Supreme Court
Distracted driving
Actively seek to reduce and eliminate if possible all kinds of opportunities that lead you to be distracted while driving.
Drugs
Never ever haul illegal drugs, no matter how lucrative the payoff sounds.
Drunk drivers
Be aware of the statistics and never drink alcoholic beverages before driving any kind of vehicle, especially a commercial motor vehicle.
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 prevent being involved in a fatal large truck crash?
- “The phone went silent” recalls wife talking with trucker at time of fatal wreck with RV
- 34-year-old trucker found dead in roadside rig
- 5 dead in Michigan storms
- Driver dead after rig flips all the way up embankment in potential drowsy driving wreck
- New Jersey state police looking for big rig involved in fatal hit-and-run
- Trucker killed while trying to stop his rig from rolling
6. Regarding detention, employment, NTDAW, parking, and retention:
Detention
It should have been the case (in my opinion) that within the first year of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) being mandated, that there was a greater handle on truckers being detained at shipper and receiver locations — and appropriate compensation for their wait time.
Perhaps now they will be?
- Detention time study plans to receive data from 2,500 drivers
- FMCSA details new truck driver detention time survey
- FMCSA Outlines Plans for Driver Detention Study
- FMCSA taking another look at truckers’ detention time with operational, safety impacts under the microscope
- FMCSA to study CMV driver detention time
- FMCSA to study CMV driver detention time
- FMCSA to study CMV driver detention time
- Loaded and Rolling: FMCSA outlines new driver detention study
Employment
- Moving company WayForth laying off hundreds, closing operations in 8 states
- New survey results: Majority of truckers find their jobs stressful
- Postal service contractor cutting 660 jobs
- Recent estimates on transportation employment likely higher than reality
- Study: 75% of truck drivers say their job is mentally, physically stressful
- Tennessee undertakes awareness, recruiting campaign for truck drivers
- ‘We’re very sincere in our mission to support the driver’ — Minnesota trucking company finds success by putting truck drivers first
NTDAW
I couldn’t help but laugh at one quote in the article just below:
Drivers: Do you care about truck driver appreciation week?
“You mean the week where the office staff gets to eat bbq all week in the name of truckers? Lol” — Taylor Barker aka American Trucker
We experienced the same thing when Mike drove for his last regional trucking company, before starting to drive locally.
Meanwhile, we’d like to hear from you.
What kind of “rewards” would be more valuable to you than a once-a-year recognition?
Parking
I’m glad that alternative parking spaces have been identified for truckers, which some of the articles below describe!
- Combined, 2 new Love’s locations have 151 truck parking spaces
- Company expects to add nearly 300 truck parking spaces across Nebraska
- Daily Infographic: TruckParkingClub.com expands into 8 states
- FMCSA Highlights Truck Parking, Safety at NTDC
- Love’s adds 151 truck parking spaces with new locations in Colorado, Texas
- Love’s adds 151 truck parking spaces with new locations in Colorado, Texas
- New FinPark app aims to help solve truck parking problem
- New FinPark app aims to help solve truck parking problem
- New tech aims to address US truck parking shortage
- Planning, awareness can help drivers find safe truck parking
- Stakeholders Dissect Truck Parking Challenges
Retention
Which retention incentives work for you and don’t?
Please share through the form below.
- Build Better Driver Relationships Through Communication
- How to Build Better Driver Relationships Through Communication [Video]
- Smart strategies to retain drivers for your fleet
7. Regarding inspections, operations, pre-trip inspections, and technology:
Inspections
If you keep yourself and your rig in perpetual readiness for an inspection, you’ll never be caught off-guard.
- Brake Safety Week begins, focusing on linings and pads
- Fleet Advantage to offer free safety audits for Brake Safety Week
- New York City Automates Truck Weight Enforcement on BQE
- Surprise dangerous goods, hazmat blitz nets 482 violations in Canada
- With brake blitz underway, this video shows you what inspectors are looking for this week
Operations
Please be aware that being involved in a “rolling roadblock” in which you’re actively participating may be a violation of the Hobbs Act:
18 U.S. Code § 1951 – Interference with commerce by threats or violence
(a)Whoever in any way or degree obstructs, delays, or affects commerce or the movement of any article or commodity in commerce, by robbery or extortion or attempts or conspires so to do, or commits or threatens physical violence to any person or property in furtherance of a plan or purpose to do anything in violation of this section shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than twenty years, or both.
Here’s the article:
Pre-trip inspections
At least two articles in this section reveal that people were resting or sleeping under a tractor trailer and that the trucker did not perform a pre-trip inspection before pulling out.
In one case, the man resting/sleeping under the truck died.
Do not inadvertently be responsible for murdering someone!
Always perform a pre-trip inspection before you pull out of a parking space!
- Man sleeping under rig dies after driver pulls from parking spot
- Man sleeping under semi at gas station fatally struck, police say
- WATCH: Hammocking man under moving semi truck demonstrates the importance of a good pre-trip
Technology
- Automation underperforming for US Postal Service, watchdog says
- Check Call: Identity theft is not a joke, Jim!
- DelDOT launches Smart Roadways Traffic Alert System for trucks
- DJI already dominates consumer drones; now it’s getting into delivery
- How parcel shippers are leveraging accurate SKU data to save millions
- Lytx DVIR offers enhanced customizable features to help fleets, drivers ensure safety
- MnDOT to send wireless alerts to travelers
- Viewpoint: The evolving world of real-time visibility
- Walmart, Alphabet’s Wing partner on Dallas drone delivery
- White Paper: Are You Taking Full Advantage of Asset Tracking?
8. Regarding CEOs, economy, surcharge, taxes, theft, and tolls:
CEOs
- How much money do shipping CEOs make? Here’s their 2022 pay info
- Knight-Swift executives take pay cut amid cost reduction efforts
Economy
- 2 assessments of trucking conditions show weaknesses in June, July
- 6 ways for carriers to weather a tough freight market
- DAT Truckload Volume Index: Volume Falls in July
- DAT’s Truckload Volume Index slips lower in July
- Economic Trucking Trends: Freight headwinds, worsening trucking conditions, and another supply chain disruption
- Equipment Financing Industry Confidence Increases in August
- Freight market poised for growth next year
- FTR’s June report reflects weaker conditions for carriers
- Higher Trailer Build Forecast, Class 8 Backorders Easing
- Houston reports record-breaking cargo volumes in July
- More carriers, more savings: Take advantage of oversupply during the summer beverage season
- OOIDA releases July market update
- Recession possible but less likely than before, experts say at ACT Research conference
- Retailers look to get suppliers’ prices lower
- Semi trailer build rates remain ‘strong’
- Small fleets’, owner-ops’ resilience amid trucking downturn
- Truck Tonnage Dips 3% Year-Over-Year in July
- Trucking conditions, tonnage hauled both declining through summer
- Uber Freight thinks pendulum may start to swing soon
- US Class 8 truck sales still strong despite losing steam in July
- White Paper: The State of Freight — August 2023
Surcharge
How are surcharges affecting you as a trucker and (if you have a trucking business) your business?
Taxes
- ATA, Freight Leaders Press Congress on Excise Tax Repeal
- Deadline to file Form 2290 Aug. 31
- IRS issues truckers a tax time reminder
- IRS Reminds Truckers of Aug. 31 Tax Payment Deadline
Theft
Never ever allow theft to take place.
- Former North Carolina trucking company employee accused of embezzling over $900K
- Former worker charged with embezzling $900K from family-owned trucking company
- POLICE: Do you recognize this diesel-stealing tractor trailer?
- Suspect arrested for robbery of Delaware truck stop
Tolls
9. Regarding infrastructure, legal, and truck stop:
Infrastructure
- 76,600 U.S. bridges need to be replaced; 42,400 are in poor condition
- Report: Number of bridges in poor condition declining
- USDOT providing $3M for Hawaii’s traffic infrastructure after deadly blaze
Legal
- Canadian trucking company fined $37K for failing to clean up fuel spill
- Drunk 20-year-old arrested at Love’s after disturbing truckers
- POLICE: Trucker arrested for handgun after trying to skip inspection
- Werner’s appeal of $100M Texas verdict focuses on legal arguments
Truck stop
10. Regarding containers and ports:
Containers
- Container lines paid out billions in boom-time profits via dividends
- Container volumes grow in July for South Carolina Ports
Ports
- July Cargo Volumes Decline at Most Ports
- Port of Baltimore Welcomes Biggest Containership Ever
- Port of Oswego gets $4 million for cargo-handling and rail upgrades
- Port-bound rail volumes approach prestrike levels in Canada
11. Regarding emissions, fuel, and oil:
Emissions
Fuel and Fuel Economy
- California fuel haulers granted relief through declaration
- Diesel Price Increase Eases
- Diesel prices continue upward charge
- Diesel prices up yet again
- Georgia Prioritizes Hydrogen Fueling Station Development
- Linde Canada bringing LNG-powered Volvo FH to Canada for pilot project
- Mack’s medium-duty plant certified for using renewable energy
- Reimagined Multi Service Fuel Card Website Launches With Powerful New Tools To Help Truckers Save Time And Money
- Small increase in DOE/EIA diesel price masks underlying volatility
- Weekly NTI Update: August 21, 2023
- Viewpoint: 10 mpg in a Class 8 on the open road? Yes, it’s doable
Oil
- Daily Infographic: Big oil sees downtick in 2023
- Marathon to Shut Third-Largest US Oil Refinery After Fire
- Oil Production Boosts Government Income in New Mexico
12. Regarding recognition, awards, and NTDC:
Recognition
We appreciate all truckers who help their fellow human beings in a time of need.
- Bison driver honored for pulling a couple from their crashed SUV
- Bison’s Tyszuk named Highway Angel for helping couple after crash
- Trucker rescued when passing officer noticed trailer sticking out of pond
- Watch this NYC trucker lend a hand to a brother of the road who got lost in Brooklyn
Awards
Congratulations to all who participated in truck driving championships of any kind — including those who won.
- Brown Wins Crown: UPS driver is grand champion
- Former NTDC Grand Champions Reflect on Driving Course
- National Truck Driving Championship winners crowned
- Nevada’s Gragg Wilson of UPS Named 2023 NTDC Grand Champion
- One With the Truck’: Gragg Wilson’s Road to NTDC Title
- UPS driver from Nevada wins driving contest grand champion title
- UPS Driver Wins Top Honor at National Truck Driving Championships
NTDC
NTDC = National Truck Driving Championship.
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: 2023.08.26 to our TDMST Weekly Round-Up Trucking Commentary or our Truck Drivers Money Saving Tips home page.
