TDMST Weekly Round-Up 2024.03.16 is the trucking commentary on news affecting professional truck drivers for the week ending March 16, 2024, written by Vicki Simons.
We welcome your comments, thoughts and feedback on the items of your choice below.
1. Regarding fee, fines, idling, and low clearance:
Fees
Quote from the article in this section:
Paying to drive on roads is not a new concept, but new road pricing models are gaining traction. Today, more than 50 countries have a road pricing model in place and that number is expected to rise to 65 by 2025.
RUC is one of the latest pricing models under exploration. Today’s tolling model charges drivers a fee for each vehicle when entering a tunnel, crossing a bridge or entering a tollway. RUC, while often considered a new tolling form, is based on the number of miles driven rather than a single entry or exit point.
That being said, I do not know the difference between:
- “Road Usage Charging” (RUC); and
- (As defined for a long time on our glossary post) “Vehicle Miles Traveled” (VMT).
If anyone knows the difference, please comment through the form below. Thanks.
Fines
Previously, I probably surprised some folks when I stated that I was in favor of New York raising the penalty for truckers striking overpasses.
The reason for making that statement was so that truckers would understand the gravity of checking their routes to make sure that they would encounter no low clearances.
So it is with this situation in British Columbia that I applaud the powers-that-be for making the fine high enough to warrant attention and help prevent expensive bridge strikes.
Imagine for a moment that after a certain number of strikes, a bridge becomes so unstable that it becomes impassible.
At that point, folks who are traversing the bridge — as well as the road underneath it — are “inconvenienced” by having to shut down and replace the bridge.
So, if truckers will not take the time to consult a Motor Carriers Road Atlas (aka truckers atlas) for truck routes, they need to be prepared for huge consequences.
How else can governments protect taxpayers’ infrastructure?
- $100,000 fines, jail time proposed as carriers keep hitting bridges in British Columbia
- British Columbia proposes fine increases for infrastructure crashes
- Drivers who hit B.C. infrastructure could face $100,000 in fines, 18 months in prison
- Striking a bridge in British Columbia could now cost truckers $100,000
- Truckers in British Columbia who hit overpasses may get 18 months in prison
- Truckers who hit overpasses now face $100K fines and 18 month prison sentences, BC officials say
Idling
This is somewhat dated, but I list here ATRI’s compendium of current idling regulations by state.
Please be aware that idling regulations, ordinances, and laws change continually, so please stay current.
Low clearance
Another low clearance crash!
I am still awaiting the first submission of a Report a CMV GPS Low Clearance per the details on the post.
- Tractor-trailer gets stuck in downtown Portsmouth, Virginia, tunnel
- Truck driver wedged in tunnel “ignored” height restriction signs
2. Regarding alcohol, crashes, deaths, drugs, fatalities, fire, fraud, smuggling, theft, and violence:
Alcohol
While this involves the driver of a school bus, the application can be made to truck drivers.
- FMCSA orders school bus driver out of service for DUI crash with 19 students on board
- FMCSA: Former school bus driver ‘an imminent hazard’ after drunken crash
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.
- Accident leaves FedEx truck dangling over I-90 bridge in New York
- Big rig crashes off New York State Thruway overpass
- Fallen tree pins dump truck dangerously close to train tracks
- Four way stop confusion ends in devastating car vs. semi wreck
- French fry fiasco: Big rig flips in Missouri after intoxicated motorist cuts driver off
- Listen: Solving Trucking’s Rollover Dilemma
- Rig hauling oversize load flips in Oregon
- Speeding DUI car driver forces semi off the road, spilling 43K pounds of fries, sheriff says
- Truck driver rescued after plummeting into North Carolina river
- Trucker, clinging to rig’s gas tank in river, rescued after crash
- Wind turbine tower load wrecks on I-84 leaving “no alternate routes”
Deaths
We express our deep sympathy — and offer our condolences — to the families of those whose loved ones died in these crashes.
- Body left on median for four days after hit and run by semi truck
- Driver found dead in cab after two days
- Trucker commits suicide after allegedly holding up Michigan bank
Drugs
Never ever haul illegal drugs, no matter how large of an incentive you’ve been offered.
There have been times when I have wondered if a trucker innocently hauled illegal drugs — and wound up in legal trouble — and such a situation has arisen:
Innocent driver pays price for drug charges.
I truly hope that this innocent trucker is vindicated and that true justice is done for him!
Here are other articles on this topic:
- $8.4 million worth of meth seized from truckload of celery, broccoli, & cauliflower
- CBP seize millions of dollars in meth from 18-wheeler at Otay Mesa Cargo Facility
- Congress Clears Fentanyl Response Bill
- Former trucker lands in prison after cops seize trailer full of narcotics
- Man jailed for involvement in drug ring that used semi to transport narcotics
- Trucking foundation mounts fentanyl awareness campaign with wraps
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 big rig carrying undocumented immigrants crashes into Texas cemetery
- 3 children and 2 adults die after school bus collides with semi in Illinois, authorities say
- Five dead in school bus vs. CMV crash in Illinois
- Illinois authorities identify 3 children, 2 drivers killed when school bus hit semi-truck
- Man using iPad while driving charged in Minnesota trucker’s death
- Pickup driver was learning English on iPad during crash that killed trucker: report
- Three killed in fiery crash at I-77 toll booth
- Truck driver accused of killing pregnant Amish woman due for hearing in Pennsylvania
- Trucker charged in man’s death after 2023 Louisiana pileup on I-55
- Two dead after semi truck full of migrants crashes into cemetery
Fire
Aside from arson, I wonder how many of these fires are due to the presence of electric vehicles?
- Fire destroys Minnesota trucking company’s headquarters, 8 semis
- Michigan man found guilty of setting fires to Swift trailers
- Michigan trucker found guilty of string of Swift trailer arson fires
- Michigan trucker guilty of setting Swift Transportation trailers on fire
- Minnesota trucking company burns to the ground
- Swift arson spree executed by trucker
- Trailer arsonist, CDL fraudsters and NHL bobblehead cargo thieves – WTT
Fraud
- How Trucking is Fighting Fuel Card Fraud — And What You Can Do
- Utah man sentenced in trucking bribery scheme
Smuggling
Never ever haul people made in the image of God as if they were cattle or cargo!
Theft
Do everything reasonable to help prevent theft from your person, your tractor, your trailer, or the freight on-board.
- Hockey team claims cargo theft in California after someone stole a load of bobbleheads
- Philadelphia thieves take off with load of bourbon as trucker sleeps
- Snoozing trucker’s load of seafood, bourbon pilfered in Philadelphia
Violence
- Gun jams on disgruntled trucking employee, saving life of shot cop
- Trucker guilty of arson for ‘maliciously’ torching multiple Swift Transportation trailers in California
3. Regarding health, parking, safety, truck stops, and trucker:
Health
Parking
- Semi-Stow opens new truck parking yard in Ohio
- Truck parking firm Semi-Stow opens new lot in Columbus, Ohio
- Truck parking is the focus of legislation in four states
- Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act adds co-sponsors
- Truckers filing lawsuit as area tries to “eradicate” them with ban on trucks
Safety
- Emerging technology drives improvement in fleet safety on the road
- Florida Trucking Association promoting road safety, awareness
- Physical safety of drivers becoming key focus in industry
- Q&A: Road-Aware’s Bullock on Ending Truck Rollovers, Downhill Runaway Trucks
- Take note of Florida Trucking Association’s new ‘Share the Road’ campaign
- TravelCenters of America to Focus on Improving Site Safety Standards
Truck stops
Trucker
4. Regarding business, exchange, human, lease, platooning, and tires:
Business
- 5 things to watch for at MATS: Beating fraud, sluggish markets…
- Challenger Motor Freight expands operations
- Hapag-Lloyd Warns of Further Earnings Decline in 2024
- Southeastern Freight Lines opens new facility in Bowling Green, Kentucky
- Tesla’s Next Major Growth Phase May Be Years Away
- Uber Freight Eyes Tenfold Boost in European Market by 2028
- Uber Freight surpasses $18B in freight under management worldwide
- Work Truck Solutions plans expanding into heavy-duty commercial truck market
Exchange
- Cummins’ $1.5 Billion Atmus Exchange Offer Attracts Traders
- Heavy Duty Trucking Exchange Event Open for Applications
Human
Lease
Platooning
Tires
- Anyline Showcases Tire Inspection App
- Aperia’s New Halo Connect i3 Offers Control Over Tires at All Wheel Positions
- Apollo Tires Expands Longhaul Commercial Vehicle Options
- Continental Sees 2-4% Rise in CV Replacement Tire Sales
- Goodyear Introduces RangeMax Regional Haul Tires
5. Regarding automation, autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles, emissions, and fuel:
Automation
“Automation” is related to, but different from “autonomous.”
According to the second article listed below:
Most electronic systems that take on some driving tasks for humans don’t adequately make sure drivers are paying attention, and they don’t issue strong enough warnings or take other actions to make drivers behave, according to an insurance industry study published Tuesday, March 12.
I find this very interesting, because it is as if people are expecting for the systems to make life easier for them are not simultaneously checking to make sure that the people don’t rely upon them too much!
That being said, where do we draw the line in the driving sector of life between these two mutually exclusive thoughts:
- either “it is the fault of the technology, which didn’t protect me from itself”;
- or “it is my personal responsibility for how I operate the vehicle”?
Please feel free to comment on this through the form below.
See these two articles here:
- IIHS Faults Automated Driving Systems on Driver Attention
- IIHS: Most automated driving systems don’t make sure drivers pay attention
Autonomous vehicles
In the strongest possible way, I 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.
- Aurora to showcase driverless trucks navigating advanced road scenarios at analyst and investor day
- Aurora’s driverless trucks show they are for real
- Forterra, Kalmar Partner on Autonomous Terminal Tractors
- Kalmar and Forterra Sign Autonomous Yard Tractor Agreement
- Kalmar, Forterra jointly developing autonomous terminal tractors
- Kalmar, Forterra sign joint development agreement for autonomous terminal tractor
- Kodiak Robotics and Martin-Brower Revolutionize Fast-Food Supply Chain with Autonomous Semis
- Navistar Partners With Plus on Hub-to-Hub Autonomous Trucks
- Navistar partners with Plus to bring autonomous trucks to US roads
- Navistar preparing to launch autonomous commercial truck pilot program
- Navistar testing Plus autonomous tech on U.S. roads
- Navistar, Plus set to launch autonomous program
- Self-driving truck platoons to haul freight between Ohio and Indiana later this year
- Traton, Plus Team up on Autonomous Trucks
Electric vehicles
Before you buy an all-electric Commercial Motor Vehicle, please do your due diligence.
- Biden administration rolls out power grid plan for electric trucks
- Biden Administration Unveils EV Freight Charging Plan
- Briefly: PITT OHIO adds 2 electric Freightliners to Cleveland fleet
- California gets another pot of money for ZEV and other cleaner trucks, courtesy of Volkswagen
- ChargePoint CEO Rick Wilmer Expects More EV Stations
- DTNA delivers first eM2 electric trucks
- Electric truck makers woo customers at Work Truck Show
- Electric vehicle operator Lime to use electric big rigs for its North American freight
- Feds share plan to create national electric semi freight corridors by 2040
- Freightliner Delivers First eM2 Electric Trucks to Fleet Customers
- Honda and Nissan to Partner on EVs, Intelligent Technology
- IMC investing in electric, hydrogen for fleet
- Mack Introduces Mobile BEV Charging System
- Mack Trucks introduces mobile off-grid charging system to test electric vehicles
- Nikola’s fuel-cell-electric Tre designed for the long haul
- ‘No charger? No problem,’ Mack says with mobile off-grid charging system
- Velociti, Dragonfly Energy deliver investment return with Lithium Power Systems
- Voltera Adds 19 Sites to Fleet Charging Portfolio
Emissions
- Biden administration rolls out plan for zero-emission infrastructure along freight corridors
- Cummins Inc. to pay $46 million to settle California emissions violations
- Cummins settles California emissions violations case
- New Federal Strategy to Develop Zero-Emission Infrastructure Along Freight Corridors
- U.S. releases national strategy to deploy zero-emission infrastructure for freight trucks
- White House lays out plan for zero-emission freight corridors
- White House plan calls for creation of zero-emmision freight corridors
- Zero-emission truck charging infrastructure plan released
Fuel
- As diesel settles into tight trading range, retail benchmark dips again
- Average US diesel prices see slight decline
- Global Fuel Prices Are Surging With Supply Risks Ahead
- Weekly Fuel Report: March 12, 2024
- Weekly NTI Update: March 11, 2024
6. Regarding inspections, legal, and trucking:
Inspections
Legal
- Detroit trucker arrested in connection with woman’s murder, dismemberment
- FedEx pilots take harder line as contract dispute drags on
- Groups lose latest court attempt to block California’s AB5 from state’s trucking sector
- Louisiana trucker charged with negligent homicide in 168-vehicle pileup
- New Mexico woman convicted for involuntary manslaughter of trucker
- Seatbelt use can now be used as evidence in accident lawsuits in Indiana
- Ten States Ask Court to Invalidate SEC’s New Climate Rule
- Truck driver charged with murder after woman’s body found at South Dakota truck stop
- Truck driver turns himself in for “brake checking” school bus
- Trucker arrested on homicide charge following fatal 168 vehicle pileup on foggy I-55
- Trucker suspected of bank robbery dies after hours-long standoff at Illinois truck stop
- Trucker, a suspect in a Michigan bank robbery, dies during police standoff
- Yellow asks court to toss claims it failed to give layoff notifications
Trucking
- Longing for stability in freight
- Werner moves into the future with innovative vision, commitment to customers
- When to DNU brokers and carriers; why flatbed is king; reverse logistics – WTT
7. Regarding Convoy, economy, employment, inflation, pay, predatory towing, rates, scam, and taxes:
Convoy
This is a big legal tangle and I pray that all will be resolved in a manner that is just for everyone concerned.
- Convoy’s failure to pay truckers reaches federal court
- Convoy’s unpaid carriers signing back up to haul loads
Economy
- Class 8 truck orders saw gains in February 2024
- Class 8 Truck Sales Continue Downward Trend in February
- February brings slight relief to freight cycle’s ‘long bottom,’ Cass says
- ‘In like a lion, out like a lamb’ adage often holds true for month of March
- Medium-Duty Sales Hit Fourth Month of Gains in February
- Motive reports mixed signals in February’s US freight market
- OOIDA Foundation quarterly market report says certain changes likely
- Private fleets are driving Class 8 tractor pre-buys, ACT reports
- Trucking in Alaska is “the best” in 25 years despite freight recession
- US container imports robust in February; volume forecast dicier
- Used Class 8 retail see strong February numbers
Employment
- Canada creates ‘dedicated national team’ to address worker misclassification
- Federal court in Texas nixes NLRB rule on joint employee status
- Flock reports layoffs, path to profitability
- Illinois trucking company with 171 drivers files for bankruptcy
- Truck World offers recruitment opportunities to exhibitors
- Trucking jobs steady in February
- U.S. Department of Labor’s worker classification rule takes effect
Inflation
Pay
Predatory towing
- Florida Expected to Join Truckers in Fight Against Predatory Towing
- Florida Law to Crack Down on Predatory Towing
- Three trucking companies sue A-1’s Towing for $5 million
- Trucking Companies File $5 Million RICO Suit Against Towing Company
Rates
- Truckstop: Spot rates change little for the second straight week
- Will spot rates respond to rising demand? | FMCSA extends lease-purchase comments
Scam
According to the article linked in this section:
The New York State Thruway Authority said it recently learned of a SMS text message scam being presented as an attempt to collect Tolls on behalf of “NY Toll Services”.
The Thruway authority said, “Please be advised this is NOT an authorized communication from E-ZPass or the Toll Agencies associated with E-ZPass. We advise you NOT to access the website contained within the message if you should receive one.”
So, please be on your guard.
Taxes
8. Regarding parts, pollution, and recalls:
Parts
- NHTSA committee eyes trailer underride retrofit regs
- Official Offers to Help Carriers on Side Underride Guards
- Underride committee meeting derailed by motions
Pollution
Recalls
If your tractor or trailer is under a recall, please have the work done as soon as possible.
- 116,000 Peterbilt and Kenworth trucks recalled for crash concerns
- More than 116K Kenworth, Peterbilt trucks recalled
- PACCAR issues recall affecting more than 116K trucks
9. Regarding border, ports, roads, and weather:
Border
- Borderlands Mexico: Nearshoring boom brings more production closer to US
- Borderlands Mexico: US-Mexico trade in January totaled $64.5B
- Check Call: Mexico rises to the top
- Daily Infographic: Borderlands Mexico: Mexican ports’ cargo volumes surge in January
Ports
- Georgia invests $6M in Port of Brunswick improvement project
- Port Leaders Seek Reprieve From Permitting Snarls
Roads
One of the questions I have about self-driving trucks is how they would know when a road is closed to truck traffic. Hmm…
- A critical Rhode Island bridge will need to be demolished and replaced
- Colorado DOT closing several highways due to winter storm
- Federal funding aims to reconnect communities affected by past road construction
- I-64 bridge closed to traffic on March 8
- Parts of I-70 Closed to Trucks After Colorado Snowstorm
- Sherman Minton Bridge reopens to traffic
- Troopers are ‘sick of these f***in’ truck drivers’ on I-20 in Louisiana
- Truck across the Mackinac Bridge? Expect delays by repaving project
- Westbound portion of closed I-195 bridge in Rhode Island will have to be replaced
Weather
- Colorado issues truck travel restrictions due to snowstorm
- Major storm dumps feet of snow in parts of Colorado, parts of I-70 shut down
- Seven NYC bridges ban empty trailers Monday
- Wicked weather wreaks havoc across wide swath of US
10. Regarding CARB, delivery, FMCSA, politics, and USPS:
CARB
- CARB pushes ‘smog check’ deadline to 2025
- CARB requirements for Clean Truck Check on-board diagnostics coming soon
Delivery
- Do we really need another retail subscription service?
- How Trucking Companies Can Find Opportunities in Delivery
- Walmart Launches Express On-Demand Early-Morning Delivery
FMCSA
- FMCSA holds online truck leasing task force meeting March 21 at MATS
- White House Fiscal 2025 Budget Includes $964M for FMCSA
Politics
- Biden Enacts Fiscal 2024 DOT Bill
- Bill would give states new power to waive truck weight limits
- Colorado DOT updates variable speed limit signs
- Feds doling out $1.2B in funds to decrease air pollution in transportation industry
- Left lane use revisions are a topic of a Colorado truck bill
- Navigating New Waters: The Impact of FMC’s Billing Rule on Shippers and Drayage Truckers
- Spending bill re-tools under-21 pilot rules
USPS
- Hundreds of truckers wait in long lines at Georgia USPS distribution center
- U.S. Postal Service lacks oversight of contracted trucker safety, report finds
- USPS Adds Security Features to Many Mail Collection Boxes
11. Regarding technology and training:
Technology
- AI Promises Faster Oil Drilling and More US Crude Supply
- Best Trucking Accounting Software 2024
- Best Trucking Invoicing Software for Growing Carriers
- Daily Infographic: Navigating Uncertainty: How Technology Can Help Fleets Thrive in Challenging Times
- DAT outage under investigation
- FreightTech Friday: Heale incentivizes complete, accurate data sharing
- How NAPA Transportation’s custom app improves driver training
- Intangles Launches AI-Powered DPF Management System
- Navigating Volatility: Advanced Analytics in Transportation
- New TMS Designed for Tanker Fleets
- Phillips Connect, Noregon Team up to Combine Trailer Data for Better Maintenance
- Photo Gallery: The BelugaST delivers satellite for rocket launch
- PortPro Launches TMS for Drayage Carriers and Brokers
- QuikQ leverages technology to fight fraud at the pump
- Tennessee adding weigh-in-motion technology
- Tennessee to add Weigh-In-Motion tech at nearly 30 sites statewide
- TrueTMS Introduces TrueLiquid Software for Tanker Fleets
Training
- Congress strengthens truck driver apprenticeship program
- Mentorship Programs Help Truck Drivers Adjust to Daily Life
- Paving the way for trucking’s next generation
- Spending Bill Provision Could Get Younger Driver Pilot Program in Gear
- TCA announces the Elevate Young Leadership Program Class of 2024 inductees
12. Regarding awards and recognition:
Awards
We congratulate every trucker whose skill leads him or her to receive recognition or an award from his/her company (and others).
- Fleet Advantage team member, executives garner awards
- Maverick Transportation honors 2 long-time truck drivers
- Nomination period open for annual CVSA driver excellence award
Recognition
We appreciate those who help out professional truck drivers!
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: 2024.03.16 to our TDMST Weekly Round-Up Trucking Commentary or our Truck Drivers Money Saving Tips home page.