TDMST Weekly Round-Up 2024.07.06 is the trucking commentary on news affecting professional truck drivers for the week ending July 6, 2024, written by Vicki Simons.
I welcome your comments, thoughts and feedback on the items of your choice below.
1. Regarding ATRI, EPA, flood emergency, statistics, and X-ray:
ATRI
These articles cover some of the most recent research from the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI):
- ATRI Report: Cost of Operating a Truck Up 6.6% in 2023
- Continued lower parts and labor costs called ‘welcome news’ for trucking
- Maintenance Costs Fell in Q1, Report From Decisiv, TMC Finds
- Parts and labor costs continue downward trend in Q1 2024
- Parts and labor expenses continue to fall
- Truck Parts and Labor Costs Continue to Slide
EPA
Please bear in mind that — according to Article I, Section 8, of The Constitution of the United States — the Environmental Protection Agency is unconstitutional and its “duties” (according to the Tenth Amendment) need to be covered by the States or the people.
I find it laughable when one group of people supposedly looking out for the “public good” are at odds with another group supposedly looking out for the same thing!
- Congressional letter urges EPA rollback of Phase 3 GHG rule
- Congressional letter urges EPA rollback of Phase 3 GHG rule
- GM to Forfeit Emissions Credits in Settlement With EPA
- Lawmakers ask EPA to rescind heavy-duty emission rule
Flood emergency
Please remember to never drive any kind of vehicle across flood waters.
“Turn around, don’t drown” rings true.
- Additional counties added to Iowa flood emergency
- Nebraska latest state to enact flood emergency
- Video shows tanker truck swept up by floodwaters in New Mexico
Statistics
According to the first article in this section:
According to an [Ontario Provincial Police] OPP news release, 86% of the crashes were linked to poor behaviors on the part of non-commercial drivers. Commercial drivers were at-fault in the remaining 14% of the collisions.
I wonder when statistics for the same kind of crashes will be released in the USA. Hmm…
- 86% of non-commercial drivers at-fault in fatal crashes involving trucks this year, OPP says
- Police blame ‘non-commercial drivers’ in 86% of fatal crashes in Ontario this year
X-ray
According to the second article in this section:
In a media release, Laredo Sector Border Patrol announced the deployment of a Multi-Energy Portal (MEP), a Non-Intrusive Inspection device for commercial vehicles.
…
The system is able to scan more than 150 containers per hour in the typical flow of traffic at the checkpoint.
CBP employs an in-depth, layered enforcement strategy to stop illegal activity, including narcotics smuggling, at our borders.
I wonder if the technology is also able to detect the smuggling of human beings at the border. Hmm…
- Commercial vehicle X-ray inspection system now in use at I-35 checkpoint
- Customs and Border Patrol utilizing new inspection device
- X-ray equipment to scan commercial vehicles now at I-35 checkpoint
2. Regarding heat and weather:
Heat
First, while this move “sounds” compassionate, the Executive Branch of the federal government does not have the authority to make such “rules.”
Second, this sound like it would fall under the purview of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), but that is a unconstitutional federal agency as well (per Article I, Section 8, of The Constitution of the United States and needs to be addressed by the States or the people per the Tenth Amendment).
Third, please see this article on my website:
A Hot Truck: On Summer Heat, Truck Heat and Bake Oven Conditions.
Weather
Please be careful driving in extreme rain and high winds.
3. Regarding crashes, drugs, fatalities, fraud, smuggling, 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.
- Cop cruiser crushed by motorist during roadside CMV inspection
- Damages related to truck crashes topic of new state laws
- Dove Transportation sued by MassDOT for overpass strike
- Firefighters respond to wild commercial vehicle rollover
- Second person in Idaho crash dies
- Trucker airlifted to hospital after New Hampshire crash
Drugs
Never ever haul or take illegal drugs.
- California supplier pleads guilty to trafficking meth
- Customs officers find 1,455 pounds of marijuana in tractor-trailer
- Marijuana reclassification takes center stage in House committee hearing
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized marijuana worth millions
- USDOT clarifies marijuana testing requirements should remain intact regardless of reclassification
Fatalities
I express my deep sympathy — and offer my 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 when truck leaves highway, strikes house in Texas
- Four killed after big rig plows through previous crash site on I-95
- Motorist killed after crashing under tractor trailer parked on shoulder of Florida interstate
- Multi-vehicle accident in Florida involving semi-truck leaves 4 dead
- Truck driver dead after crashing into home in Texas
- Trucker crushed to death between tandem trailers in mall parking lot
Fraud
Never attempt to deceive, misrepresent something, intentionally pervert the truth, or pretend to be someone else for the purpose of trying to get something valuable.
Smuggling
Never ever transport people made in the image of God as if they were cattle or cargo — no matter how big a “payoff” you’ve been offered.
Theft
Never take something that doesn’t belong to you, unless you have permission.
In our day, there are many types of surveillance cameras, so be on guard!
- Beware of increased cargo theft risk around July 4
- Cargo theft to surpass record in U.S. during July 4 holiday week: CargoNet
- Fatherhood on the road; tracking cargo theft; nearshoring heats up |
- FreightWaves Infographics: California congressman proposes bill to tackle cargo theft
- Insider warns about cargo theft over holiday weekend
- Long July Fourth holiday period is prime time for cargo theft increase
- Strategic cargo theft costing carriers, brokers millions in freight in Q1
- Warning: Holiday week boosts cargo theft danger | Tow-fee comments extended
Violence
How can violence be prevented against a trucker sitting in his/her truck?
Please comment through the form below.
- After brake checking multiple semis, suspect shoots trucker on Indiana interstate
- Florida man arrested on charges of shooting Walmart delivery drone
- Man arrested for shooting at big rig on I-70 in Indiana
4. Regarding autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles, emissions, fuel, green, and hydrogen:
Autonomous vehicles
I most definitely 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 my readers to help us stay current on the topic.
- California again advances anti-autonomous truck bill | Maintenance, labor costs falling
- Dueling approaches to AI in autonomous trucking
- Perspective: Autonomous Trucking Is Not a Race
- States eye limits on autonomous trucks
Electric vehicles
Before you buy an all-electric Commercial Motor Vehicle, please do your due diligence by asking some questions and getting answers.
- Chinese Firms Eye Morocco to Cash In on US EV Subsidies
- How to Optimize the Battery Performance of Electric Trucks
- ITD Industries receives government funding for electric trailer
- Martin Brower expands VNR electric fleet to help advance McDonald’s global net zero GHG emissions goals
- Northvolt Might Slow Battery Projects Due to EV Slump
- Polestar Plans Cuts as EV Tariffs Deepen Loss
- Renault Vows to Lower EV Battery Costs 20% With New Process
- The Economics of Commercial Fleet Electrification: Balancing Cost and Sustainability
- Under the Hood of BAE’s Electric Demo Truck
- White Paper: How to Get the Most Value Out of Class 8 EV Trucks Today
Emissions
This is of concern to those truckers who carry a forklift on the backs of their trucks.
Fuel
- Diesel Benchmark Up for Third Straight Week, but Demand Figures Look Weak
- Diesel benchmark up third straight week, but demand figures look weak
- Diesel Price Increases 4.4¢ in Third Consecutive Climb
- Diesel prices rise for second straight week
- FBX Report: July 02, 2024
- FTR reports numbers slightly up
- FTR reports orders decline sharply
- Walmart Canada puts hydrogen fuel cell trucks on the road
- Weekly Fuel Report: July 02, 2024
- Weekly NTI Update: July 01, 2024
Green
Some people would say that the focus on “green” things elevates the “needs” of Planet Earth over those who inhabit it.
While good stewardship of the earth is implied in Genesis 1 and 2 in the Bible, I am concerned when one’s concern for the earth:
- not only borders on idolatry,
- but becomes worship for anything or anyone other than our Creator (see Exodus 20:3-6).
Just saying.
- $47 billion in charging infrastructure needed by 2040 as Canada pushes for greener trucks
- Shippers don’t care about trucking’s green transformation
Hydrogen
According to the interviewee in the video in the second article in this section, “hydrogen [is] an inefficient way to convert electricity into motion.”
I would like to see a side-by-side comparison of the efficiencies — with all of the steps involved — in powering vehicles (commercial motor vehicles included) by any and all means available.
Also, I would like to know if the interviewee has any kind of conflicts of interest regarding transportation and types of fuel/energy/power.
- Q&A: Hydrogen Infrastructure Funding with Calstart
- Video: The Darker Side of Hydrogen as a Truck Fuel
5. Regarding business, containers, lease purchase, refrigeration, and truck parts:
Business
- Controlling fuel costs key to owner-operators’ survival
- Default Risks Rising for Truck Parts Maker Accuride
- Did These IFTA/IRP Recordkeeping Changes Slide Under Your Radar?
- From Drive-Thrus to Highways: Understanding Dynamic Truck Pricing
- Trucking fleets should plan for a 2027 pre-buy
Containers
Lease purchase
Refrigeration
- 5 Tips for More Efficient Refrigeration of Cargo
- Refrigerated spot rates dip in an otherwise strong week
- Trends in Truck Transport Refrigeration Units
Truck parts
6. Regarding technology and troopers riding:
Technology
- Biden Provides $504 Million to Support 12 Technology Hubs
- Dash cam shows CMV driver taking evasive action to save motorcyclist in Minneapolis
- Dash cam shows what led to truck driver’s impaired driving and open container charges
- Enhance your Fleet Operations with Omnitracs Driver Workflow Solutions
- FleetUp, RoadFlex partnering with integration software
- MODE Global teams up with Trucker Tools to elevate freight tracking and visibility
- Protecting trucks from cyberattacks through legacy maintenance software
- Samsara offers AI-enabled safety features and IoT solutions for operational efficiency
- Save Costs With AI-Powered, Data-Driven Predictive Maintenance
- Transflo acquires telematics assets of RMJ Technologies
- Transflo adds to its technology portfolio, acquires RMJ Technologies’ telematics assets
- Transflo celebrates 10 years of Transflo Mobile+
- Why carriers should embrace EDI
Troopers riding
- Wisconsin troopers get a ride-along in the name of safety
- Wisconsin troopers to ride with truckers to spot distracted drivers
7. Regarding economy, employment, pay, and tolls:
Economy
- ECONOMIC TRUCKING TRENDS: Class 8 orders, reefer rates weaken, but overall market continues slow recovery
- Ford F-Series Pickup Sales Fall
- FTR’s Shippers Conditions Index improved again in April to a reading of 3.0
- Preliminary Class 8 truck orders return to expected levels
- Shippers’ conditions remain positive, but expected to decline
- Transportation capacity in June: No growth for first time in over 2 years
- US New Vehicle Sales Rise Year-Over-Year in Q2 — Barely
- US Trade Deficit Widens to Largest Since 2022
- Used truck prices lower in weakened freight market; Class 8 sales slow for third month
- Weathering the storm: Capacity slowly eroding but not fast enough to change the freight market
Employment
- C.H. Robinson slashes over 50% of US sales team, sources say
- Driver Poll: Which benefit would you rank the highest in your job search?
- HEROES FOR HIRE: Military veterans bring valuable skills to jobs in the civilian sector
- Idaho Offers Alerts to Carriers of Driver Record Changes
- Minor decline in truck transportation jobs reported for June
- More than 500 to be laid off as UPS shuts down Baltimore warehouse through late 2025
- The explosive episode; C.H. Robinson layoffs; war on detention |
- UPS plans to close Baltimore facility, lay off 540 workers
Pay
- Most truck drivers expect to make the same or money this year versus last
- US, Mexican truckers unite to protest low wages, poor working conditions
Tolls
8. Regarding events, parking, and towing:
Events
- Iowa 80 Truck Stop celebrates 60th anniversary with Cornpatch Cadillac cake
- Iowa 80 Truckstop to celebrate 60th anniversary during 2024 Jamboree
- The Walcott Truckers Jamboree is just days away — here’s what you need to know
Parking
- Love’s has started numbering truck parking spots. Here’s why.
- Ohio opens rest area with 41 truck parking spaces
- Survey seeks input on British Columbia rest areas
- TA Express with 75 truck parking spots open for business in Texas
- US House Bill Includes $200M for Truck Parking
- US House bill includes $200M for truck parking
- Utah recreation area closed during construction
Towing
- FMCSA extends comment period on truck towing reform
- FMCSA to accept comments on towing fees through Aug. 1
- Tow truck drivers now need a certificate to operate in Ontario
9. Regarding CVSA, inspections, insurance, safety, and shut down:
CVSA
- CVSA tees up Operation Safe Driver for next week
- Major North American CMV driver blitz starts Sunday
- Reminder: CVSA’s Operation Safe Driver Week to be held July 7-13
- ‘Trooper in a Truck’ blitz taking place in Wisconsin next week
Inspections
- Ontario’s DriveOn program to change how MVIS facilities conduct inspections
- Texas to abolish non-commercial vehicle inspection requirements
Insurance
Safety
- Challenger Motor Freight wins fleet safety, best fleet to drive for awards
- Lion Force Transport’s safety investments drive growth and efficiency
- Wisconsin State Patrol partners with Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association to elevate focus on safe driving
Shut down
- California trucking co. ordered to cease operations following Colorado crash that killed one
- Carrier shut down after fatal crash, violations | ‘Super load’ a slow-go through Ohio July 8
- FMCSA orders CA trucking company shut down after crash, violations
- FMCSA shuts down carrier after fatal crash, violations
10. Regarding bridge strike, collapse, and roads:
Bridge strike
According to the article in this section:
A trucker is facing charges after his oversized load struck an overpass in Medina County, Ohio, last week.
…
The overpass sustained significant damage due to the bridge strike.
…
Johnson has been charged with reckless operation, a permit violation, and over dimension, the Ohio State Highway Patrol said.
What the article does not say is who is going to be required to pay for repairs to the bridge. Hmm…
Collapse
Articles in this section cover more than the Francis Scott Key bridge.
- Minnesota officials say little can be done to stop possible bridge collapse.
- New Baltimore Bridge Could Have Higher Clearance
- NTSB report cites unsecured gas tank to blame for crash in I-95 bridge collapse
- White House Seeks Funds for Baltimore Bridge Repairs
Roads
- Alberta, Saskatchewan to add passing lanes on Highway 17
- DOT awards $1.8B for freight projects, other transportation work
- FreightTech Friday: Japan’s proposed conveyor-belt highway
- Ohio opens SmartLane on Interstate 275 in Cincinnati
- Work on I-465 will disrupt traffic near Indianapolis for rest of the month
11. Regarding consequences and legal:
Consequences
Regarding the content in the first and third articles listed below, I have a question:
If a business owner can be held accountable for lying to a federal agency, why aren’t elected officials and others being held responsible for lying to Congress and the American people?
Just saying.
- Fleet owner faces 5 years in prison for lying to FMCSA
- New York motor carrier owner found guilty of conspiracy and fraud
- Trucking company owner convicted of making false statements to FMCSA
Legal
- Averting nuclear disaster: Trucking industry fights back against company-killing lawsuits
- Deputies conduct ‘out of this world’ traffic stop on I-44 in Missouri
- Georgia’s new trucking accident law: A step backward for public safety
- Independent contractor classification still murky under new DOL rule
- Supreme Court ‘Chevron deference,’ ‘Comer Post’ decisions: Trucking impact
- Supreme Court rules that North Dakota truck stop can sue over debit card fees
- Trucking co. owner accused of purchasing stolen diesel at a deep discount
- US Chamber Files Amicus Brief in Werner Verdict
12. Regarding awards and recognition:
Awards
I congratulate every professional truck driver who has achieved a level of proficiency and skill on the job!
I also encourage truckers who have great records to enter competitions of this sort.
- 15 finalists selected for the Relay Payments Haul of Fame contest
- Jenson named as DMC Insurance Driver of the Year
- Nomination period for Mike Russell Trucking Industry Image Award now open
- Relay announces 15 finalists for this year’s Haul of Fame recognition
- Walmart trucker wins annual Arkansas driving skills competition
Recognition
I recognize those within the trucking industry who helped their fellow human beings in a time of need.
- Canadian driver honored for coming to the aid of a fellow trucker
- Elgin Motor Freight driver Carrol named TCA Highway Angel for rescuing trapped trucker
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: 2024.07.06 to our TDMST Weekly Round-Up Trucking Commentary or our Truck Drivers Money Saving Tips home page.
