TDMST Weekly Round-Up 2024.01.13 is the trucking commentary on news affecting professional truck drivers for the week ending January 13, 2024, written by Vicki Simons.
We welcome your comments, thoughts and feedback on the items of your choice below.
1. Regarding winter storm, autonomous vehicles, and Loves’ 60th anniversary:
Winter storm
Whenever winter rolls around, there is the possibility that truckers will be stopped in their tracks due to inclement weather.
For this reason, it is particularly important to be prepared to stop for a period of time.
If you have not already done so, you will want to stock up on some food and water that you can carry in your truck.
You may also wish to review these articles on our site having to do with winter weather:
- Truck Snow Chains: Preparation for Winter Driving
- Winter Clothing Items
- First Winter Driving Season
- Trailer Connection and Separation: Trucker Winter Driving Tips
- Knowing When to Pull It Over and Just Stop Driving in Winter!
- Sleeping Bags: On Buying and Using One in an Truck Sleeper
- Truck Drivers Emergency Kit: What Truckers Need to Survive
- Addressing Snow Removal from Semi Tractor Trailers
- Protect Yourself in Cold Weather
- Dealing with Stress During Winter Driving
Please pay attention to all truck bans and be prepared to stop some place safe and legal.
Here are some of the most recent articles about the upcoming winter storm.
- Emergency orders issued in North Dakota, Iowa
- Idaho transportation department ensures delivery of heating fuel across restricted bridge
- Iowa waives hours of service rules for heating fuel haulers due to freezing temps
- James River Bridge closed to all traffic through 5 a.m. Tuesday
- New York State bans empty trucks from multiple roadways
- New York, Pennsylvania announce CMV travel bans due to winter weather
- Pennsylvania and Ohio to ban certain tractor trailer travel for winter weather
- Pennsylvania issues winter truck travel ban on Interstates 86 and 90
- Truck travel restrictions announced for multiple roadways in New York
- Winter storms dump snow on both US coasts as icy roads make for hazardous travel
- Winter storms pummel US
- Winter weather wallop: Nation dealing with icy mess
Autonomous vehicles
I completely oppose the operation of self-driving, driverless, or autonomous commercial motor vehicles on the same roads as the motoring public — but I share articles on this topic with our readers to help us stay current on the topic.
This week, there were two big things that happened regarding autonomous commercial motor vehicles:
- the announcement that autonomous trucks were ready to be “scaled” to take over the jobs of human truck drivers in a large way; and
- the news that some states are looking at not allowing driverless trucks to be operated there.
I shudder to think what sort of major crashes — even fatalities — involving “self-driving” trucks will have to take place before folks realize that humans are better than machines in some cases.
These are some of the articles on this topic this week:
- Aeva to Supply 4D Lidar for Autonomous Daimler Trucks
- Are Driverless Truck Companies About to Gamble with Human Safety in Texas?
- Autonomous trucks restriction pursued in multiple statehouses
- Autonomous Trucks Show Progress at CES
- Bill seeks to ban self-driving semis without a human on board from New York roadways
- Continental, Aurora enter ‘pivotal year’ in autonomous trucking
- Continental, Aurora finalize design of scalable autonomous trucking system
- Continental, Aurora partner to kick autonomous trucking into high gear
- Continental, Aurora: 2024 a ‘Pivotal Year’ for Autonomous Trucking
- Gatik, Goodyear roll on with autonomous trucking tire technology
- Goodyear, driverless startup Gatik implementing smart tire integration
- Goodyear, Gatik Integrate Tire Intelligence into Autonomous Vehicles
- Kodiak reveals production-ready autonomous truck at CES
- Kodiak Robotics debuts production-ready driverless tech
- Kodiak showcasing sixth generation autonomous trucks, ready to scale
- Kodiak Unveils Driverless-Ready Semi Ahead of Dallas Debut
- Kodiak Unveils Semi-Truck Designed for Scaled Driverless Deployment
- New York driverless truck ban proposed in Senate
- ‘Safer than a human driver’– Kodiak rolls out world’s first driverless-ready semi truck for scaled deployment
- Two states looking to ban driverless autonomous trucks | I-87 closure imminent
- Webasto sets sights on autonomous truck rooftops
Loves’ 60th anniversary
We extend our congratulations to Love’s Travel Stops for having reached their 60th anniversary!
We appreciate those who own, operate, and/or work at truck stops, travel centers, convenience centers, and the like, who provide either products and/or services to truckers and work to make things easier for them.
- Celebrating Love’s: 60 Years of Unmatched Innovation and Sustainable Growth
- Love’s Travel Stops Celebrates 60 Years (Photos)
- Love’s Travel Stops celebrates 60th anniversary of being in business
- Love’s Travel Stops marks 60 years of operations
- Truck stop giant Love’s celebrates opening first-ever store 60 years ago
2. Regarding electric vehicles, emissions, fuel, and hydrogen:
Electric vehicles
If you plan to buy an electric commercial motor vehicle, please do your due diligence ahead of time.
- Battery Maker LG Energy Posts Earnings Miss Amid Weak Demand
- Battery Plant Location Decision Nears for Paccar, Partners
- Biden Awards $623 Million to Build EV Charging Network
- Biden awards $623M to states, local governments to build EV charging network
- Electric vehicle ‘Buy America’ waiver rejected
- Engine maker Cummins to repair trucks in $2 billion emissions cheating scandal
- Estes adds 12 battery-electric eCascadias to to Calif. fleet
- EV Subsidies Trimmed in California’s Proposed Budget Cuts
- EV-Charging Firms Could Struggle With Finances in 2024
- Goodyear Unveils Plans for Sustainable EV Tires at CES
- GreenPower delivers 10 EV Star Cab and Chassis to Canada
- Hertz to Sell 20,000 EVs in Shift Back to Gas-Powered Cars
- LG Electronics Opens First US EV Charger Factory in Texas
- North Carolina proposes sites for electric vehicle charging stations
- Range Eyes May Debut of Its Next Electric Trailers
- Ree Automotive gets full by-wire electric certification
- REE Automotive introduces electric truck with fully by-wire architecture
- Stellantis Sales Drop 1% in 2023; Plug-In Hybrids Up
- Trinity Structures Deploys Off-Grid Integrated Charging Structures for Costco
- Trucking company awarded grant for electric semi trucks to replace current diesel fleet
- Zero-emission truck deployments reach every state, surge over 200%
Emissions
Fuel
- Average US diesel prices fall for 3rd straight week
- Diesel Drops 4.8¢ to $3.828 a Gallon
- EIA forecasts stable oil prices, lower fuel consumption
- Fuel reports show about 5-cent drop to national average
- Hydrogen rises at CES
- Less Volatility in Diesel Prices Expected in 2024
- Weekly Fuel Report: January 09, 2024
- Weekly NTI Update: January 08, 2023
Hydrogen
One of the things that I like about the concept of using compressed hydrogen as a fuel is that the process for making it useable is not nearly as long and involved as is the process for making useable fuel from petroleum products.
According to this resource: “You can get Hydrogen from simple means such as passing a current through water…”
According to Wikipedia: “An atmospheric water generator (AWG), is a device that extracts water from humid ambient air, producing potable water.”
And at least for right now, the air we breathe is free.
- Bosch Bets on Hydrogen for EV Trucking Future
- Bosch emphasizes hydrogen’s role in trucking
- Bosch to Launch Hydrogen Engine Later This Year
- Hydrogen Energy Back in the Vehicle Conversation at CES
- Hyundai Plans for Hydrogen Trucks to Supply Georgia Factory
- Nikola Showcases Hydrogen Fuel Cell EV at CES
- Quantron partners with FusionOne for hydrogen from recycled plastics
- Quick Spin: Nikola Tre Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Truck
3. Regarding coercion, crashes, drugs, fatalities, smuggling, theft, trafficking, and violence:
Coercion
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.
- 18 tractor-trailers involved in 40-vehicle pileup on I-5 in California
- B.C. suspends another carrier after its truck hits Massey Tunnel roof
- Bus collides with big rig in New York state
- Canada-based Chohan Freight Forwarders shut down after bridge strikes
- Video shows semi truck with locked up brakes sliding down I-80 near Donner Summit
- Wisconsin traffic cams catch twisty tractor trailer tumble on I-94
- Yard jockey trapped by shipping container toppled by strong winds at Port of Savannah
Drugs
Never, ever haul illegal drugs, no matter how big of a payout you’ve been promised!
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?
- 2 dead after fire aboard container ship at Port Houston
- 21-year-old trucker arrested for DUI in fatal head-on crash
- Fatal 43 vehicle pileup on I-40 in New Mexico blamed on bad weather, ‘driver inattention’
- Fog a factor in 35 vehicle pileup that killed two on California interstate
- Motorcycle rider, 20, killed in crash with big rig along I-5
- Murderer of truck driver shot to death at Nashville Love’s still at large as police ask for help
- Trucker crushed beneath loaded trailer at Florida trucking company
- Trucker ticketed for fatally striking fellow truck driver on foot on New York State Thruway
Smuggling
Never, ever haul humans made in the image of God as if they were cattle or cargo — no matter how big of an incentive you’ve been offered!
Theft
In the 21st century, there are many kinds of technology in place to help prevent theft — or catch perpetrators after the fact.
It just isn’t worth it to engage in theft. Don’t do it.
- Memphis police share video of cargo theft in progress in hopes of catching suspects
- RCMP nabs trucker with 3.56 million illegal cigarettes in Saskatchewan
- Strategic cargo theft growth pushes industry fraud toward all-time high
- Will skyrocketing cargo theft lead to a crackdown on double brokering?
Trafficking
According to Justice.gov:
Human trafficking, also known as trafficking in persons, is a crime that involves compelling or coercing a person to provide labor or services, or to engage in commercial sex acts. The coercion can be subtle or overt, physical or psychological. Exploitation of a minor for commercial sex is human trafficking, regardless of whether any form of force, fraud, or coercion was used.
Under no circumstances must a professional truck driver engage in trafficking!
If you engage in trafficking and are caught, you may be facing severe legal consequences.
According to TruckersAgainstTrafficking.org:
**Please note: Truckers Against Trafficking is not a reporting agency. We do not operate the hotline or take tips. If you suspect trafficking is taking place or have an emergency, please call local law enforcement or the National Human Trafficking Hotline immediately at 1-888-373-7888 to report what you know.
Don’t wait! You may save a life.**
Some of the most recent articles about this are:
- CVSA Kicks Off Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative
- Here are the human trafficking red flags that truckers need to know
- Trucking industry shines light on human trafficking during awareness month
Violence
- Nashville police asking for help after truck driver is murdered
- Truck driver David White shot and killed at Nashville truck stop
- Truck hijackings on the rise in Mexico
- Trucker found dead in cab from gunshot wound near Nashville truck stop
4. Regarding border, brokers, business, insurance, outlook 2024, and shut down:
Border
- Borderlands: Cargo insurance can boost cross-border operators’ business
- Cross-border freight ends seven-month losing streak
- Opening of border crossing delayed 10 months
Brokers
- Broker liability case turned down by SCOTUS
- Check Call: Broker liability still remains questionable
- Digital brokerage Uber Freight slashes jobs
- Logistics veteran joins board of insurtech LuckyTruck
- Supreme Court rejects review in broker liability case, leaving the issue unresolved
Business
- 5 strategic financial moves for transportation businesses
- Daily Infographic: 2023’s most notable deals in trucking
- Daimler Truck Deputy Chair Wary of 15% Cost Savings Target
- FedEx braces for 50% cut in Postal Service air contract
- Medical logistics company divesting trucking, cross-dock operations
Insurance
- Congress again eyes massive trucking insurance hike
- Lawmakers push to increase trucker minimum insurance requirements from $750K to a whopping $5 million
- Rep. Garcia renews effort to increase minimum insurance to $5M
Outlook 2024
Shut down
5. Regarding maintenance, safety, and securement:
Maintenance
- Multiple charges recommended for driver in fiery Toole crash in wake of report that found the 80% of the trailer brakes nonfunctional
- The Battle Against Corrosion In Your Cab
- Why Is My Semi-Truck Not Starting?
Safety
- B.C. asks feds to reduce safety gaps following overpass crashes
- OOIDA to transportation committee: Value safety over tech
- Province asks feds to improve safety certification model
- Safety fitness rulemaking could be influenced by several reports
Securement
6. Regarding congestion pricing, economy, and pay:
Congestion pricing
Economy
- As Red Sea risk spooks container shipping, tankers remain unfazed
- Benchmark diesel down again as Saudi moves suggest there’s more declines to come
- Class 8 Sales Fall for Fifth Consecutive Month in December
- Crosswinds threaten soft landing
- Daily Infographic: In 2023, US average retail gasoline prices were 40 cents a gallon lower than in 2022
- December Class 8 Orders Fall 12.5% After Short Rebound
- December imports surprisingly high amid Panama, Suez Canal woes
- Economic Trucking Trends: Slowing Class 8 sales could cause OEs to curtail production
- FreightTech experts: 2024 is the year for laggards to catch up
- FTR Shippers Conditions Index’s new report reveals significant October gains
- How the Red Sea Conflict is Crimping Global Trade
- Isuzu Trucks enjoys record year in U.S.
- Morgan Stanley sees inventory restock producing freight upcycle soon
- Red Sea attacks reveal supply chain fragility
- Ryder opens Indiana distribution center for printing giant Lexmark
- ‘Stagnant’ trucking market expected in 2024: FTR
- US Trucking Faces Downstream Effects From Suez Canal Attacks
Pay
7. Regarding MirrorEye, politics, recalls, and returns:
MirrorEye
- MirrorEye maker confident that mirror exemption will continue
- Stoneridge Continues to Improve MirrorEye Rear-View Camera System
Politics
This group of articles cover a wide range of topics that are all political in nature.
If you see something with which you disagree, please contact your representatives — preferably make a phone call and then write a letter — on the appropriate level of government to express your concern.
If you feel very strongly about something, send multiple communications over multiple days.
- Biden digs in heels on embattled acting DOL boss, renominated to lead department
- Buttigieg Emphasizes Transportation Safety at TRB
- Congress Faces Deadline on Partial Government Funding
- Department of Labor unveils worker classification final rule
- DOL rolls back Trump’s independent contractor classification rule
- New Biden Admin Rule Threatens Independent Truckers at Federal Level
- New Rule Will Reclassify Independent Contractors as Employees
- New Rules on Independent Contractors Could Affect Trucking’s Owner-Operator Model
- Speed limit revisions a topic at six statehouses
- Speed limit revisions proposed at Indiana statehouse
- Speed Limiters, Automatic Emergency Braking, Side Underride? 2024 Regulatory Outlook
- Ticket quotas are the topic of bills at four statehouses
- Tweaks in final independent contractor rule could benefit trucking
Recalls
Returns
8. Regarding parking, ports, and technology:
Parking
- Fire department shames trucker for shutting it down in front of engine bays
- Truck parking being addressed by New York MPO
- Truck Parking Club: Looking for Property Owners With Unused Space
- Truck Parking Front and Center at TRB
Ports
- New freight intelligence system launches at Port of Oakland
- Port of Los Angeles Leader Outlines Ambitious Goals for 2024
- Port of Virginia Exceeds 100% Clean Energy Goal Ahead of Schedule
Technology
- Briefly: Relay’s digital payment process now available at Maverik stores
- Craig Fuller joins the board of trailer-sharing platform Repowr
- Drivewyze introduces free safety alert service
- Drivewyze Makes Safety Alerts Free for Entire Industry
- Drivewyze Offers Free Access to New Safety System
- Drivewyze offers free in-cab safety alerts
- Echo partners with Navix to enhance freight bill auditing
- Neural Propulsion Systems realizes radar breakthrough
- Ottonomy adds lockers to delivery robots
- Smart tech shows promise of smarter driver monitoring
- Walmart adds 1.8M homes to Dallas-Fort Worth drone delivery service
- Walmart Announces Dallas Drone Deliveries Covering Millions
- Walmart Expands Rollout of Generative AI Search on App
9. Regarding roads, teams, and tires:
Roads
- Daily Infographic: US bridges rated in poor condition
- New traffic pattern in place throughout Interstate 95 project
- Remodeled NYS Thruway service area reopens in Central New York
- Texas cargo bridge projects could be expedited under new law
- Toronto roads ranked third slowest in the world
Teams
- Drivers Stephen Asgar and Charlene Dougan embrace the adventure of life on the road
- Team driving can be rewarding, but it’s important to set (and follow) ground rules
Tires
- Gatik taps in to Goodyear’s tire intelligence
- Goodyear, Gatik partner on new tire technology for autonomous trucks
10. Regarding tolls, UCR fees, and union:
Tolls
- Pennsylvania Turnpike increases toll fees
- Report: Caltrans Budget to Take Hit Due to Green Vehicles
- States Welcome Truckers into New Year by Raising Tolls
UCR fees
- FMCSA looking to increase UCR fees by 25% for next year
- UCR fees projected to increase 25%
- UCR Fees to Increase by 25% in 2025, FMCSA Says
Union
- Labor unions’ rise in trucking seen as unlikely
- Teamsters rack up late-2023 wins, stage significant strike in ’24
11. Regarding fines, inflation, lottery, and towing:
Fines
Inflation
Lottery
Towing
- How truckers can fight predatory towing bills
- How truckers can fight predatory towing bills
- Towing is topic of Missouri bill once again at statehouse
12. Regarding awards and skill:
Awards
We applaud all professional truck drivers whose actions led up to the fleet safety awards described in the articles in this section.
Note: “TCA” stands for “Truckload Carriers Association”.
- Five Canadian carriers among TCA Fleet Safety Award winners
- TCA announces division winners in annual Fleet Safety Awards contest
- TCA announces Fleet Safety Award division winners
- TCA names 18 Fleet Safety Award division winners
Skill
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: 2024.01.13 to our TDMST Weekly Round-Up Trucking Commentary or our Truck Drivers Money Saving Tips home page.
