TDMST Weekly Round-Up 2024.02.10 is the trucking commentary on news affecting professional truck drivers for the week ending February 10, 2024, written by Vicki Simons.
We welcome your comments, thoughts and feedback on the items of your choice below.
1. Regarding earnings, economy, MirrorEye, regulations – MCS-150, protesters, and towing:
Earnings
There are many more articles that I could have put in this section, but I’ve provided a sampling of some articles, both companies that are doing well financially and those that are not, as of the 4th quarter of 2023.
The purpose for my listing these is so that you can learn what potentially leads to financial success in trucking, so that you can duplicate it in as many respects as possible (even if you’re a company driver).
- Auto Stoppages Push P.A.M. Transportation Into Red in Q4
- Heartland Express sees nearly 25% increase in operating revenues for 2023
- JB Hunt sees 9% drop in revenue during 2023
- Reefer Unit Powers Carrier Global to 55.6% Q4 Profit Hike
- Schneider’s 2023 financial reports reflect challenges in freight market, CEO says
- Werner aims to grow dedicated after Q4 earnings miss
- Werner Enterprises Reports Revenue, Profit Decline for Q4
- XPO’s shares jump 18% on big Q4
Economy
Some signs point to a strengthening economy while others do not.
Please prepare for both good and bad times.
- Class 8 tractor orders see uptick from December to January, ACT Research reports
- Cost control helps ArcBest beat Q4 expectations
- DAT One stats show load numbers fell nearly 17% in early February
- I Have Seen the Future of Truck Driving — And It is Amazing
- January Class 8 Orders Significantly Higher Than Year Ago
- January Class 8 Truck Orders Start 2024 Strong
- January truck orders starts off strong with truckers willing to buy
- Maersk Warns of Slowdown Once Freight Boost Fades
- Peak season is multiplying: How can logistics respond?
- Radiant Logistics looks for back-half 2024 inflection
- RXO touts performance even as numbers show impact of weak freight market
- Tanker transits plunge 20% in Red Sea: Lloyd’s List
- The long road to recovery
- Trucking Executives Cite Opportunities for AI Adoption
- Weather, tonnage declines offset by cost reductions in ArcBest’s Q4
- XPO and Saia stock go to the moon
MirrorEye
This camera technology is a replacement for mirrors.
Based on what I personally saw at a trucking show some years ago, truckers would be able to see more places around their trucks with this technology than with mirrors.
What are your thoughts?
Please comment through the form below.
- FMCSA renews Stoneridge’s mirror exemption
- FMCSA says okay to truckers using cameras instead of rear-view mirrors
- FMSCA Extends Waiver for Stoneridge Rear-View Cameras
- MirrorEye camera system gets additional five-year exemption
Protesters
Please be aware 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.
While this is a matter for attorneys and judges to decide, in my opinion, any action by people on a road that “shuts down” or “completely stops” commerce is a violation of federal law and the perpetrators need to be held responsible for their actions.
- Memphis Mayhem: Protesters cause closure of I-40 bridge across Mississippi River
- Protesters shut down I-40 Memphis/Arkansas bridge
- Truckers block Mexico highway protesting crime against drivers
Regulations – MCS-150
This is for owner-operators and independent drivers.
Towing
This situation potentially affects all truckers.
Predatory towing, in my opinion, is sheer, unadulterated greed and needs to be outlawed.
There is a time and a place for towing large trucks, but it ought never to be predatory.
- FMCSA calls out sham towing fees charged to truckers
- FMCSA voices opposition to predatory towing
- FMCSA: FTC Proposal Should Include Truck Towing Provisions
- Towing reform is topic of Florida and Missouri bills
- USDOT calls for ban on predatory towing junk fees to help protect truckers
- USDOT supports protections for truckers against predatory towing
2. Regarding autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles, emissions, fuel, and oil:
Autonomous vehicles
I wholeheartedly disagree with the operation of driverless, autonomous, or self-driving 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.
- Cincinnati Airport Deploys Autonomous Baggage Handling EVs
- Company touts 1st-ever autonomous yard truck operation at Texas warehouse
- ISEE Unveils Auto-Coupling System for Autonomous Yard Trucks
- ‘World’s first’ fully autonomous truck yard now in operation in Texas
Electric vehicles
Before you buy an all-electric Commercial Motor Vehicle, please do your due diligence.
- Congressional Republicans Continue EV Pushback
- Minnesota Trucking Association examines challenges of long-haul electric rigs
- Revoy EV allows quick conversions to electric mode
- Toyota Boosts Spending on US EV Production by $1.3 Billion
Emissions
Please do your due diligence on this topic.
- BorgWarner, Cummins, Eaton, Ford to EPA: It’s Time to Finalize GHG Phase 3
- California Asks Insurers About Covering Zero-Emission Trucks
- Daily Infographic: Rail helps drive down emissions
- Emission standards supported by Cummins and others
- Emissions-rigging fine takes huge bite from Cummins’ Q4 earnings
- Greenhouse gas performance measures challenged in Congress
- Postal Service announces plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions
Fuel
- A first since September: Benchmark diesel price up 2 straight weeks
- Canada, Colorado Form Hydrogen Development Partnership
- Daimler, Linde pioneer new hydrogen fueling technology
- Diesel Price Rises 3.2¢ to $3.899 a Gallon
- Fuel averages higher in most regions
- Hydrogen’s newsy week skips over underlying challenges
- Leading Container Maker Sees Profit Jump in Hydrogen Business
- Nikola opens Hyla fueling station in California
- Nikola Opens Hyla Hydrogen Refueling Station in Southern California
- Trucking Tower offering money-back guarantee in fuel pilot program
- US diesel averages see increase across nation
- Weekly Fuel Report: February 06, 2024
- Weekly NTI Update: February 05, 2023
Oil
- EIA shifts forecast amid uncertainty of global oil shipments
- Red Sea Danger Spurring Global Oil Buyers to Go Local
- US Oil Output Expected to Flatline Until 2025
3. Regarding border, business, capacity, and events:
Border
Please have all of your paperwork and credentials in place before hauling cross-border freight.
- Border agents arrest 18 migrants hiding in 18-wheeler
- Border crossing computers fail in $3.5M mishap
- Borderlands: Mexico’s truckers plan nationwide strike against cargo theft
- Computer issues paralyze trade between US and Mexico
- Sen. Cruz introduces bill to prevent commercial border closures
- ‘Take Our Border Back’ convoy ends with rallies in 3 states
Business
This section affects owner-operators and independent truckers more than company drivers.
- 5 Tips for Writing a Compelling Listing Description When Selling Your Work Vehicle
- Saia Targets Further Expansion Via $1 Billion in 2024 Capex
- Should UPS have been bigger as well as better?
Capacity
Events
4. Regarding cold chain and containers:
Cold chain
Containers
5. Regarding crashes, fatalities, fraud, hijackings, theft, and violence – mob:
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.
- “Condemned vegetables” spilled when semi truck crashes
- Damages for pain and suffering in crashes topic of Iowa bill
- Fiery semi truck crash with seven cars causes major delays
- Lamborghini totals bobtail semi truck during street race
- Trucker arrested for running over fellow driver at Tennessee Pilot
- Trucker cited in accident with 100-year-old motorist
- Trucking charity looking for trucker’s family after wreck with trooper
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?
- Deputy in fatal head-on crash with semi crossed center line, North Carolina troopers say
- Florida trooper, truck driver killed in crash
- Truck driver dies after semi truck flies off overpass
- Truck driver pleads guilty to homicide in the death of locksmith during payment dispute
- Truck driver, carrier face multiple charges after fatal buggy crash
- Two dead after plane crashes into vehicle on I-75 in Florida
Fraud
Engaging in fraud is wrong.
- Father and son co-drivers arrested for manipulating diesel pumps
- Ohio trucking company owner admits to overbilling, illegally consolidating loads, failing to deliver shipments
- Police arrest five for extorting trucking companies, other businesses
- Salt Lake Trucking Group found guilty of financial fraud against FedEx
Hijackings
Please be on your guard for situations that can lead up to this.
You may want to talk with your fleet manager, dispatcher, or safety director for specific guidance.
Theft
Do everything reasonable to protect yourself, your tractor, your trailer, and the load you’re hauling from being targeted for theft or violence.
- California governor rolls out plan to fight cargo, other thefts in Oakland
- Fleets, Suppliers Work to Curb Fuel Card Skimming
- Maine cops say Texas man damaged CMV, stole $780 worth of diesel from trucking company
Violence – mob
Please be on the lookout for — and if possible, avoid — mob situations.
Is it possible that self-defense will be useful in such situations?
- “Mob” attacks trucker during fuel delivery
- Police looking for ‘mob’ that attacked tanker truck driver in South Carolina
6. Regarding CSA score, homeless, inspections, legal, and out of service:
CSA score
Inspections
If you keep your rig and yourself in perpetual readiness for an inspection, you’ll never be caught off-guard.
Legal
Some of these situations may affect you.
- 14-year-old case that brought ABC test to New Jersey was just settled
- 900% more CHP troopers deployed to Oakland to combat cargo theft, traffic violations, violent crime
- B.C. fines carrier that hit Massey Tunnel roof $2,371
- Bribing FedEx employees made trucking company millions
- Coalition Sues CARB Over Emission Report Mandates
- New DOL rule on contractor/employee status: The legal perspective
- New Jersey passes bill to increase minimum insurance to $1.5M
- Ohio city settles with truck driver, former K-9 officer involved in July attack
- Ohio town to pay both trucker and cop after K-9 bit truck driver as he surrendered
- Sleepy’s drivers reach settlement after 14 years in court
- Truckers Sue Oregon for Excessive Taxation, Violating State Constitution
- Trucking companies sue to overturn suspension for repeatedly hitting B.C. overpasses
- Trucking company owners sentenced in ‘pay-to-play’ bribery scheme
- Trucking company sues to overturn suspension for six overpass strikes in two years
Out of service
Whether truckers are put out of service or the regulations are changing, please read and learn…
- Bull hauler placed out of service, 39 cattle seized by Wyoming sheriff over livestock brands
- CVSA’s out of service handbook now available; changes effective April 1
- Damaged covered bridge blamed on OOS box truck driver
- Trucking company files suit over “unreasonable” suspension
Smuggling?
According to the article in this section
Six migrants were found hiding under a sleeper mattress and inside of a locked cabinet inside of a semi truck cab over the weekend.
Now, did the trucker know about this?
I personally find it difficult to believe that he did not.
Never treat human beings made in the image of God like they are cattle or cargo!
7. Regarding maintenance, recalls, and trucking:
Maintenance
It’s always good to perform preventive maintenance on trucks of all sizes.
Recalls
If your tractor or trailer is under a recall, please have the work attended to as soon as possible.
- 47,000 Kenworth, Peterbilt trucks recalled for steering gear issue
- PACCAR recall affects certain Kenworth, Peterbilt models’ steering gear assemblies
- Paccar recalling more than 47,000 Peterbilt, Kenworth trucks
- Recall issued for 47K Kenworth, Peterbilt trucks
- Steering issue prompts big Kenworth, Peterbilt recall
Trucking
These articles cover a number of subjects.
- Daily Infographic: Pros and cons: Is flatbed trucking worth it?
- Transportation prices grow for first time in 19 months, survey says
- Trucking’s 2024 recovery is threatened by Red Sea trouble
- White Paper: State of the Industry — February 2024
8. Regarding pay, rates, repay, and tolls:
Pay
These articles may be instructive regarding trucker pay.
- Daily Infographic: Highest trucking salaries per city
- Driver Poll: Are companies placing greater emphasis on competitive pay and benefits to attract and retain talent?
- Goodyear Tire plant ordered to pay $4M in back pay to Mexican workers
Rates
- Did the spot market see its shadow? – WTT
- Economic Trucking Trends: Class 8 orders rise to start year, spot rates settle
- FreightWaves SONAR and e2open partner to empower shippers with real-time rate visibility
- Moving nitroglycerin in totes for $1.69/mile? Sure, broker says
- Spot rates in Truckstop’s system fall further in the latest week
Repay
I was glad to read about this!
- Bankrupt trucking company Yellow repays controversial $700 million COVID loan
- Bankrupt Yellow repays principal, interest on COVID loan
- Bankrupt Yellow Trucking Pays Off $700 Million Pandemic Loan, Stiffs Teamsters
- Bankrupt Yellow Trucking Pays Off $700 Million Pandemic Loan, Stiffs Teamsters
- Yellow pays back $700M CARES Act loan
- Yellow Repays $700M COVID-Era Treasury Loan Plus Interest
Tolls
If a road is slated for being converted to a toll road, please contact the powers that be to express your opinion.
- Bestpass announces new integrated feature with Geotab
- Bestpass Integrates Toll Data with Geotab??
- Bestpass, Geotab collaborate on toll-telematic integration
- PrePass Tolls
- Toll road in Raleigh, N.C., adding 10 miles in Phase 2 of project
9. Regarding politics, regulations, and regulations – air:
Politics
- Lane filtering rules pursued in five state legislatures
- Left lane use truck rule revisions a topic at statehouses
- Oregon legislation would fix tax disparity for large trucks
Regulations
- FMCSA Releases New Medical Examiner’s Handbook
- Republican Lawmakers Target FHWA Rule
- Truckers concerned over proposed CDL requirement changes
Regulations – air
- Air quality standards can affect trucking industry
- Biden sets tighter standards for deadly soot pollution from tailpipes, smokestacks
- EPA Tightens Standards for Soot From Tailpipes, Smokestacks
10. Regarding roads, routing, and technology:
Roads
- Many sites beneath LA’s I-10 have failed safety inspections, Caltrans says
- Washington Bridge closure, traffic causing Providence to “fall apart”
Routing
Always use a truckers atlas to route yourself and do not rely upon non-CMV-specific GPS units!
Technology
- C.H. Robinson Automates Touchless Appointments
- Cyber threats evolve daily
- Daily Infographic: Helpful apps for truckers
- Nikola adopts what3words mapping
- OTR Solutions acquires back-office automation platform Epay Manager
- Robinson unwraps truckload appointment scheduling software
- Technology ‘Smart’ Convoy Startup Left Owner-Operators in Financial Ditch
- Uber Freight Launches Scheduling API with Pilot Program
- Uber Freight Unveils Pilot for New Scheduling API
11. Regarding weather and worst drivers:
Weather
If it is possible, stay current with weather so that you are not involved in a bad situation.
- Rare February twister sends semi-trailer flying across Wisconsin field
- Second atmospheric river churns through California, flooding roads
- Storms dump heavy snowfall in northern Arizona, shutting major interstates
- Video shows wind gust toppling a big rig on a California interstate
Worst drivers
12. Regarding recognition:
Recognition
We recognize those truckers who helped their fellow human beings in a time of need.
Thanks, y’all!
- Decker Truck Line’s Timothy Olden honored as TCA Highway Angel
- OOIDA member earns Highway Angel honor for a second time
- TCA names ABF driver a Highway Angel; for efforts at truck fire scene
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: 2024.02.10 to our TDMST Weekly Round-Up Trucking Commentary or our Truck Drivers Money Saving Tips home page.
