TDMST Weekly Round-Up 2024.02.03 is the trucking commentary on news affecting professional truck drivers for the week ending February 3, 2024, written by Vicki Simons.
We welcome your comments, thoughts and feedback on the items of your choice below.
Convoy
It is well known that the current federal government of the United States has not been upholding Article IV, Section 4, of The Constitution of the United States — in terms of “protect[ing] each of [the states] against Invasion.”
It may be lesser known that Article I, Section 10, Clause 3 allows states to “engage in War [when] actually invaded”.
The governor of the State of Texas declared that their state has been invaded and thus has not backed down from a demand from the federal government regarding letting down razor wire at one place along the border.
Some have opined that this could lead to another “civil war” within the USA.
I have many, many questions, but for now, I will simply urge professional truck drivers who wish to be involved in a convoy to Texas to:
- remember what happened to the Canadian truckers when they were involved in such a convoy; and
- be aware that millions of illegal aliens — including an unknown number of military-aged men who have no allegiance to the USA — are in the USA’s interior.
On my personal Facebook profile, I encouraged people to “Remember Ai,” a small Old Testament city that was destroyed as recorded in Joshua 8 because the men of war were drawn away from the city and were trapped between two groups of soldiers who were enemies to them.
So, if you have plans to be part of this convoy, please be well-provisioned and bear in mind that dark things may happen when you are there.
- 4 things to know about the ‘Take Our Border Back’ convoy heading to Mexico border
- Group protesting nation’s immigration policy calls for massive convoy
- Take Our Border Back’ vehicle convoy rallies near US-Mexico border
1. Regarding convoy, drugs, regulations, and speed limiters:
Drugs
It is never, ever right to haul illegal drugs in your truck, no matter how much you’ve been promised.
- Canadian officials seize drugs from big rig
- Canadian truckers face extradition in alleged drug-smuggling scheme
- CBSA seizes largest-ever quantity of drugs in Prairie Region from truck in Manitoba
- FBI alleges Mexican cartel, Canadian truckers part of drug ring
- FBI: Organized crime ring used semi-trucks to run drugs across North America
- Feds break up alleged crime syndicate trucking drugs from Mexico to Canada
- Feds bust crime ring trucking $16-28 million in drugs between Mexico and Canada
- Meth bust at US-Canada border one of largest in Canadian history
- Truck driver caught with $50 million in meth in ‘largest seizure’ in agency history
- Truck drivers among 10 arrested, 19 charged with drug smuggling
Regulations
Some regulations being implemented these days seem over the top.
If you believe so, please contact your federal and state elected officials — over and over again — to get action taken.
- CDL requirement proposal open for public comment
- CDL requirements would change under FMCSA proposal
- FMCSA notices on automation, AEBs slated for spring
- FMCSA proposing changes to CDL licensing requirements
- New regulations will drive further automation in and beyond the warehouse yard
- NHTSA Capable of Regulating High-Tech Vehicles, Carlson Says
- U.S. Treasury’s new reporting requirement for owner-ops, small fleets
- Wyoming fuel emergency revised following new FMCSA rule
Speed limiters
This issue keeps coming up, so please contact your federal elected officials.
- California state senator wants speed limiters on all vehicles
- FMCSA pushes back rulemaking on truck speed limiters to May
- FMCSA signals May as target date for speed limiter mandate notice
- FMCSA still moving ahead with controversial CMV speed limiter mandate
- Ohio officials say variable speed limit on I-90 is helping decrease crashes
- Speed limiters proposal now projected for May
2. Regarding autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles, electric – BEV, electric – ZEV, emissions, fuel, and hybrids:
Autonomous vehicles
I most emphatically disagree with the operation of autonomous, self-driving, or driverless 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.
Electric vehicles
Before you buy an all-electric Commercial Motor Vehicle, please do your due diligence.
- “Truckers need proven technology,” not EV semis, leaders say
- $100M in State Funding to Provide EV Charging and Hydrogen Fueling Sites in California
- 3 trucking majors combine to advance electric infrastructure
- ChargePoint says charging demand outpacing supply
- Driver Support Is Key to Electric Powertrain Adoption
- FHWA Releases Grants for Electric Truck Chargers
- Guardrail Crash Tests Yield Worrying Results for Heavy EVs
- More electric vehicle charging stations coming to Tennessee
- Our Electric Future: You Don’t Have to See It to Believe It
- Preliminary test crashes indicate nation’s guardrail system can’t handle heavy electric vehicles
- Push for electric vehicles backfiring as gas tax brings in less money
- Revoy Launches Atypical EV for Class 8 Freight Market
- Volvo Builds on VNL Launch with New Global Heavy-Duty and EV Models
- Volvo Debuts its First Only-Electric Truck Chassis
- Wireless Charging for Kenworth Class 6 EVs
Electric – BEV
See our glossary regarding “BEV.”
Electric – ZEV
See our glossary regarding “ZEV.”
- PACT coalition launches to speed up ZEV infrastructure
- Truck Makers Team up to Push for U.S. ZEV Truck Charging Infrastructure
Emissions
- 3 truck manufacturers partner to bolster zero-emission vehicles
- Truck Makers Launch Zero-Emission Infrastructure Coalition
Fuel
- Average US diesel prices inch up in latest EIA report
- Benchmark diesel price has been up and down for 6 straight weeks
- Diesel Price Increase of 2.9¢ Lifts National Average to $3.867
- Diesel Prices Climb After Two Midwest Refineries Go Offline
- Fortescue Says Europe Can’t Compete as a Green Hydrogen Hub
- Fuel averages fluctuate
- GM, Honda Hydrogen Fuel Cell JV Begins Commercial Production
- Hyzon Delivers Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trucks to PFG
- Neste Introduces Renewable Diesel to Georgia, Southeast
- Weekly Fuel Report: January 30, 2024
- Weekly NTI Update: January 29, 2023
Hybrids
3. Regarding banned and roads:
Banned
- Commercial vehicles banned on stretch of I-20 in Louisiana
- Nevada DOT warns truckers of months-long truck escape ramp closure
- Trucks barred from section of I-20, and citations are flying
Roads
- 60-year-old Blatnik Bridge to be replaced
- I-55 bridge between Arkansas, Tennessee set for weekend closure
- Plan to replace I-81 in Syracuse with urban boulevard gets court win
4. Regarding brokers, business, ports, purchase, rates, recalls, and strike:
Brokers
- Broker transparency rulemaking removed from ‘significant rulemaking’ report
- Carriers need True Non-Recourse factoring as brokers continue to close up shop
- FMCSA ‘remains committed’ to broker transparency rulemaking
- How brokers can avoid cargo coverage ‘gotcha’ situations
Business
Ports
- Georgia Ports Handled Record Number of Automobiles in 2023
- Gulf Coast ports see mixed year-over-year results in freight volumes
- Port of Oakland’s new TMS provides real-time insights for truckers
Purchase
Rates
- ACT Research: Will tightening capacity turn truckload rate cycle higher in ’24?
- Economic Trucking Trends: Spot rates pull back as severe winter weather fades
- Van spot rates in Truckstop’s system soften as winter weather subsides
- What can we learn from the truckload spot to contract rate spread?
Recalls
If your tractor or trailer has a recall on it, please have the work attended to as soon as possible.
- Navistar seat belt recall will affect around 300 semi trucks
- Tesla Issues Another Wide Recall to Fix Warning Light Size
Strike
This is the first time that I’ve read that an automakers’ strike directly impacted a trucking company.
5. Regarding chains, operations, and training:
Chains
Please make sure you know all chain laws and are prepared ahead of time.
- Daily Infographic: Winter safety: Navigating chain laws for truckers
- Truckload of chains left on Snoqualmie Pass after snowy weather
Operations
Training
I find it interesting — regarding some articles in this section — that instead of addressing the issues that are adding to the so-called “trucker shortage,” federal regulators (of unconstitutional agencies) are trying to use “shortcuts” to get more people into trucking.
And those “shortcuts” — in my opinion — appear to be either failing or destined for failure.
- FMCSA eyeing CDL testing process changes
- FMCSA wants to allow learner’s permit holders to operate without a CDL holder in the passenger seat
- International student cap to squeeze driving school enrolment
- Meet one of the first ‘graduates’ in FMCSA’s under-21 OTR program
- Under 21 Truck Driver Apprenticeship Program Running on Fumes
- Vancouver Community College buys Freightliner eCascadia to expand student training
6. Regarding crashes, fatalities, fraud, missing, theft, and violence:
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.
- 13 people injured when more than 40 vehicles crash on Chesapeake Bay bridge in Maryland
- Car flattened under parked trailer in deadly loading dock incident
- Circus animals rescued after truck catches fire in Indiana
- Mobile home load shift caused by SUV sideswipe, police say
- Semi truck fails to negotiate curve, injuring police deputy
- Truck driver ejected in crash after being reported for high speeds
- Trucker’s window smashed by hay bale on passing pickup
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?
- Driver dies in tanker crash and fire while trying to enter I-271 in Ohio
- Florida trooper and trucker dead in I-95 police pursuit for Kia driver
- Police arrest truck driver for fatally striking fellow trucker in Tennessee Pilot parking lot
- Tanker driver dies after crashing over Ohio bridge
- Tanker driver perishes after fiery plummet off Ohio interstate ramp
Fraud
If you are the innocent victim of fraud perpetrated against you, please seek legal counsel.
- 4 Massachusetts state troopers arrested in CDL bribery scheme
- Feds charge Massachusetts state troopers in alleged CDL bribery scheme
- FMCSA takes on fraud concerns in new CDL testing rule
- Former Roadrunner driver sentenced for fraud scheme
- How load boards are responding to fraud, double brokering
- Massachusetts nabs troopers in alleged CDL fraud scheme
- New tool aims to combat freight fraud
Missing Trucker
If you have any information about this trucker, please get in touch with the right people.
- $25,000 Reward Offered In Mysterious Case of Missing Iowa Trucker
- Police in search of missing truck driver, tractor trailer in vehicle theft
- Reward increased to $25K for info on missing Iowa trucker
Theft
Do everything reasonable to protect yourself, your tractor, your trailer, and the load you’re hauling from being targeted for theft or violence.
- Cargo theft targets sleeping truckers
- Expert predicts growth in cargo theft, fraud, violence and pilferage – WTT
- Meat stolen from idling semi trucks
- QuikSkope Launches Freight Theft and Fraud Protection Tool
- Trucking Engaged in Tech Arms Race Against Cargo Criminals
Violence
Please protect yourself as best as you can from violence.
You may wish to read what we have written about self-defense.
- Albuquerque cops fatally shoot man threatening people with gun at Love’s truck stop
- Florida cops need help finding big rig after homicide victim found in field
- Troopers say truck driver was shot in the face on Ohio interstate
7. Regarding inspections, insurance, legal, politics, prevention, and safety:
Inspections
If you keep yourself and your rig in perpetual readiness for an inspection, you’ll never be caught off-guard.
- Lower Mainland authorities placed 58% of trucks OOS in 2023
- Semi truck reverses out of border inspection
Insurance
Legal
- California diesel ban update: Do fleets need to comply?
- Camping in fast lane could cost $100s in proposed W Virginia bill
- Carriers can reduce legal, financial risk with more frequent MVR monitoring
- Deaf trucker awarded $335k in discrimination case
- Four Massachusetts troopers arrested by feds in ‘CDLs for sale’ scheme
- Michigan man sentenced for conspiracy to ‘delete’ emissions controls from hundreds of semi trucks
- Michigan man sentenced for conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act
- New sentencing in ongoing emissions ‘delete’ case | ‘Frost law’ weight restrictions hit in this state
- Oregon Trucking Stakeholders Sue State Over Road Taxes
- State yanks dozens of CDLs following Massachusetts trooper bribe scandal
- Texas Oil Regulators Ask State to Sue EPA Over Methane Rule
- Truck drivers are the focus of Georgia direct-action repeal
Politics
- Bill to expand Colorado chain law to additional interstates, keep big rigs out of the left lane
- Commercial vehicles are the topic of a Colorado bill
- Connecticut investing $9M in rural infrastructure
- House Passes Tax Bill Amid Budget Negotiations
- Intermodal freight infrastructure set to receive millions from feds
- Move-over rule revisions topic of legislation in four states
- Ticket quotas are the topic of bills at six statehouses
Prevention
Safety
8. Regarding containers, economy, lottery, pay, taxes, and tolls:
Containers
Economy
- Roadrunner announces largest LTL expansion in 5 years
- US Bank Index: Truck freight market ends ’23 with drop in volume, spending
- US Factory Gauge Climbs to Highest Since 2022
- Used Class 8 tractor values saw declines in November 2023
- Used Truck Sales in December Drop 7% From Prior Year
Lottery
Pay
Taxes
- Oregon Trucking Association suing state over highway taxes
- Weight-mile tax in Oregon challenged in court
Tolls
Never skip paying a toll that you rightfully owe.
Yes, I know that it is a pain to have to pay a toll, but if you don’t want to pay it, use an alternative route.
Using a toll road implies that you’ll pay for the right to use it.
If you still insist on welching on paying a rightfully-owed toll, don’t be surprised if you face legal action and end up having to pay the balance of what you owe plus interest!
- Commercial Vehicle Miles on Ohio Turnpike Slipped in 2023
- Plan approved for Louisiana I-10 bridge includes a hefty toll for truckers
- Toll evaders busted in New York/New Jersey
9. Regarding employment, shortage, and trends:
Employment
- BLS says fewer truck transportation jobs in ’23 than first estimated
- Penske Logistics slashes over 200 truck driver and warehouse jobs
- Strong Job Growth Continues With 353,000 Added in January
- Trucking jobs up in January, but outlook is bleak
Shortage
Trends
10. Regarding technology, tires, and weight restrictions:
Technology
- Allison Ventures formed to invest in emerging technologies
- CtrlChain taking charge of logistics through smarter tech
- How AP automation can transform invoicing for fleet operators
- MileMaker announces partnership with Turvo to bring advanced TMS
- RXO’s new AI-powered truck check-in technology to ‘speed up process’
- Sustainability efforts spur carrier to create visibility in LTL
- White Paper: Attention all businesses looking to streamline data management processes!
Tires
Weight restrictions
11. Regarding parking and truck stops:
Parking
- Federal Funding to Help I-4 Truckers Find Place to Rest
- Feds To Add Another 1,000 Truck Parking Spaces
- New Mexico Unveils Electronic Truck Parking Signs Along I-10
- TCA’s David Heller says lack of truck parking is industry’s No. 1 issue
- TravelCenters of America adds hundreds of big rig parking spots with 2 new locations
Truck stops
- Love’s Set for 2024 Growth and Expansion
- Love’s Travel Stops Previews Expansion Plans for 2024
- TA Express opens off I-5 near U.S.-Canada border in Washington
- Truck stop chain announces plans for expansion
12. Regarding awards and championships:
Awards
We congratulate all professional truck drivers who have demonstrated skill on the job and have been recognized for their achievements!
If you deserve such an award, please make sure you’re in the running to receive it.
- Driver is only the second in his company to reach 4 million safe miles
- Minnesota Trucking Association names Jeffrey Geyer 2023’s Driver of the Year
- Perdue Driver Achieves 4 Million Accident-Free Miles
- PMTC’s 2024 awards program opens
Championships
If you’re a skilled professional truck driver — and you have the desire to compete — why not sign up to be part of a truck driver championship?
This is one way to show the world that there are still truckers who know what they’re doing on the road! 🙂
- 2024 State Truck Driving Championships Schedule
- Schedule Announced for National Truck Driving Championships
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: 2024.02.03 to our TDMST Weekly Round-Up Trucking Commentary or our Truck Drivers Money Saving Tips home page.
