TDMST Weekly Round-Up 2024.11.09 is the trucking commentary on news affecting professional truck drivers for the week ending November 9, 2024, written by Vicki Simons.
I welcome your comments, thoughts and feedback on the items of your choice below.
1. Regarding politics – DC, politics – election, politics – states, prediction, tariffs, and veterans:
This week in the USA, the 2024 General Election was held.
In some circles, the races were extremely polarized and contentious.
Furthermore, there are some strongholds that insist that the outcomes of elections will not be known for some time.
In my home state of South Carolina, the state Constitution declares in Article II, Section 1: “All elections by the people shall be by secret ballot, but the ballots shall not be counted in
secret. …”
For this reason and for many years, I opposed the use of electronic voting machines that had no paper back-up and I insisted on using a paper ballot at each election.
Over time, the SC State Election Commission put in place a series of different kinds of voting machines, finally getting those that allow one to vote electronically and also print out a paper ballot that can be re-counted and audited later.
I served as a poll worker on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, and saw for myself the benefit of having certain electronic devices in place, especially when there was a record turn-out of voters in the precinct where I worked.
Knowing first-hand how the “old system” worked — with flipping through a hard copy printout of voters — I believe that it would have been impossible for the voters to have been processed in such a timely manner without the advantage of certain electronic devices in place.
That being said, in my opinion, in the 21st century, when one can know the balance of one’s financial accounts at the flick of a call or text, in my opinion, it is ridiculous not to have accurate results of elections within an hour or two of the close of polls.
Furthermore, readers of this weekly trucking commentary know that I stand firmly for freedom and liberty — and that I rarely publicly back any political candidate.
May all of my readers remember the principles upon which our nation was founded and stand by:
- the unalienable rights that our Creator endowed to us; and
- the freedoms and liberties that our Founders put in place.
There are 3 sections of political articles here.
Politics – DC
- Biden Rushing Study That Threatens to Slow Trump’s LNG Plans
- Fiscal 2025 Bills Top Congress’ End-of-Year Session
Politics – election
- 90% of truck drivers are voting in the presidential election this year, poll shows
- AP projects Trump the winner in Georgia
- AP projects Trump the winner in North Carolina
- ATA’s Spear hopeful Trump presidency again makes ‘trucking a priority’
- California governor calls special session in response to Trump’s re-election
- Check Call: The election special
- Donald Trump has been declared the winner of the 2024 presidential election. Here’s a look at his plans
- ELECTION 2024: FBI says bomb threats to several states come from Russian email domains, deemed non-credible
- ELECTION 2024: Hurricanes force relocation of some Florida voting spots
- Election eve; drivers surveyed on HOS; is supply chain AI overhyped? |
- Election to strongly impact freight economy
- Elections decide governor races in states from coast to coast
- Freight Industry Welcomes Trump’s White House Return
- Freight shareholders cheer election results
- Newsom Calls Lawmakers to Secure Climate Goals Against Trump
- Proposed Trump tax cuts expected to be a boon for freight
- Republicans take Senate majority with wins in Ohio and West Virginia
- Retail and CPG industries grapple with election results
- Top 10 trucking policies likely to be affected by Trump’s return
- Transportation issues settled on Election Day in at least eight states
- Truckers urge Trump to stop speed limiters, expand truck parking, and halt emissions mandates
- Trucking industry groups react hopefully to Trump win
- Trucking industry leaders, organizations react to Trump’s Victory
- Trucking organizations react to Trump’s second term as President
- Trucking orgs celebrate Trump’s victory, push legislative agenda
- Trump Victory Brings Risk of Tariffs
- Trump-Musk Alliance May Boost Tesla, Reshape Big Tech
- Trump’s potential impact on contractor rules, EPA and CARB
- Trump’s re-election sparks trucking reactions, as Canada hopes to work on trade priorities
- Trump’s Trade Playbook: The Earth was never flat, after all
- Trump’s Win Sets Off Race to Complete Chip Subsidy Deals
- UPDATE: 32 Georgia polling places received bomb threats
- Will President Trump make freight great again? |
- Will Trump boost freight rates?
- With Trump’s win, some women wonder: Will the US ever see a female president?
Politics – states
- Pothole damage is topic of legislation in two states
- Truck drivers would be affected by multiple Pennsylvania bills
- Truckloads and weights topics of new Wisconsin laws
Prediction
- The Great Freight Recession is officially over
- Weak Q3 numbers bear out Proficient Auto Logistics’ prediction
Tariffs
- Amazon top toy seller talks tariffs under Trump; RIP great freight recession |
- China is vulnerable to US tariffs. We should exploit this.
- Freight markets brace for impact of proposed tariffs
- Medical equipment makers call for more domestic production, tariffs
- Supply chain impact of incoming tariffs likely to vary from country to country
- Tariffs and retail prices: What consumers need to know
- Tariffs, regulations and taxes among key issues for retail on election day
- Tariffs, shifting supply chains take center stage at Houston maritime conference
Veterans
If you are a veteran who has served honorably according to your oath of office, I thank you for the service you have rendered.
Please note the third article in this section regarding a freebie that has been offered to veterans.
- Carrier partners with organization aiding veterans and first responders
- Essential Resources for Veterans Transitioning to Trucking Careers
- Pilot offers free meals to service members, families on Veterans Day
- Show your stripes, get rewarded: TEL offers veterans discounts for independent owner-operators
- Veterans wanted: Industry leaders identify top careers for veterans; transportation and logistics a natural fit
2. Regarding chain laws, roads, roads – ban, roads – NC/TN, traveling, stranded, and weather:
Chain laws
Roads
- Extra police patrols ordered in I-64 construction zone after three semi truck crashes in 24 hours
- Freeway shut down, one dead when vehicle is hurled into path of semi truck
- I-57 takes center stage: ARDOT to host event for official designation on Thursday
Roads – ban
Roads – NC/TN
- 40 Between N.C. and Tennessee Could Reopen by Jan. 1
- I-40 Between N.C. and Tennessee Could Reopen by Jan. 1
- I-40 in North Carolina to reopen to two-way traffic by January 1, officials say
- NCDOT says I-40 temporary fix expected by Jan. 1; expect slower speeds
- Roads reopen as hurricane recovery efforts continue
- Temporary I-40 fix could be open by Jan. 1 | Diesel truck availability prompts CARB ZEV change
- Two lanes of I-40 in North Carolina could reopen in January
Traveling
I have broken out this article specifically because it is an advisory, not an actual ban.
Stranded
Truckers who travel in the winter need to be prepared for being stranded on snow-covered roads.
I saw an article on Facebook today in which one experienced trucker said that he has never seen the amount of snow that has fallen in some areas.
Please be prepared according to the articles on this website.
Weather
- Biden declares major disaster area in southeast New Mexico due to historic flooding
- Hurricane Rafael could hit US later this week, but impacts unclear
- Hurricane Rafael forecast to miss US, giving battered coast a break
- North Carolina Deploys Surplus Goods to Aid Storm Recovery
- Officials say 1 of several New Jersey wildfires threatens 55 structures; no evacuations ordered
- Severe storms in Oklahoma injure at least 11, leave thousands without power
- Strong winds push wildfire through Southern California community, burning dozens of homes
- Western winter storm leaves thousands without power
- Wildfires keep coming in bone-dry New Jersey
- Winter storm shuts down numerous Colorado interstates and highways
3. Regarding crashes, drowsy driving, drugs, fatalities, fraud, 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.
- 1 person is critically injured as bus overturns on upstate New York highway
- Multiple big rig crashes bring 5 Freeway traffic to halt
- Rainy conditions send semi truck halfway off Dallas overpass
- Semi crash in Dallas results in lengthy highway closure
- Tanker truck wreck in South Los Angeles leaves trail of destruction; 1 dead and 2 injured
Drowsy driving
Please feel free to review my article:
Drowsy Driving: Dangers, Statistics, and No Substitutes
Drugs
Never ever haul or take illegal drugs.
- Over $2.1 million in cocaine seized from tractor-trailer at Texas border checkpoint
- Truck busted at border attempting to smuggle drugs
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?
- 4 dead, 17 hurt after semi truck plows into standstill traffic
- 4 dead, 17 injured in fiery tractor-trailer crash in Michigan
- Driver killed after tripping while trying to stop rolling rig
- Motorist dead after colliding with parked semi at Indiana rest area
- Police in Michigan say 4 killed, 17 injured after semitruck crashes into vehicles stuck in traffic
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.
- Bookkeeper who embezzled from Iowa trucking company gets 2 years
- Election 2024: US lawmakers who support initiatives to fight freight fraud
- Federal cybersecurity official say there’s no evidence of widespread fraud in Pennsylvania
- Fighting freight fraud: A playbook to combat holiday theft
- FMCSA to use identity verification to combat fraud in trucking
- Man charged for using dead business partner’s info to obtain trucking company COVID loans
Theft
Never take something that doesn’t belong to you unless you have permission from the owner.
With as much surveillance equipment in place in the 21st century, it’s only a matter of time before the thieves are apprehended.
- Cargo theft attempt busted in progress
- Cargo theft rings target loads in Chicago
- Cargo theft spikes in Chicago; LA holiday increase expected
- Cops in southern California interrupt cargo theft in progress; arrest 7
- Pickup driver just loads bobtail onto his trailer and takes it
- Ramp thieves caught after fleeing southeast Texas Petro
- Seven men arrested for stealing $23k of vacuums from parked semi
Violence
It is never right to perpetrate violence upon someone in an unprovoked manner.
All perpetrators of violence must be dealt with in a just legal manner.
- Man is charged in highway shootings in and around North Carolina’s capital
- Man who robbed & murdered trucker after luring him on dating app sentenced to life without parole
- Motorist claims self-defense in fatal shooting of truck driver on Tennessee interstate
4. Regarding autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles, emissions, fuel, hydrogen, and oil:
Autonomous vehicles
With every fiber of my being, I oppose the operation of self-driving, autonomous, 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.
- Lyft Teams With Mobileye in Series of Autonomous Deals
- States Prepare Rules for Autonomous Vehicles
- Third-party validation: Table stakes for driverless trucking
Electric vehicles
Before you buy an all-electric Commercial Motor Vehicle, please do your due diligence by asking some questions and getting answers.
- 4-state coalition gets nearly $250M for I-95 electric truck chargers
- EV Growth Expected to Slow Further Under Trump
- Financial Troubles Hit Electric Fleet Vehicle Startup Canoo
- GM Recalls Chevy Bolts from 2020–2022 Over Battery Fire Risk
- Hapag-Lloyd bets big on green newbuilds
- Here’s What a Trump Presidency Means for EVs, Oil
- Lion losses widen
- Toyota Criticizes US Push for Rapid EV Adoption
Emissions
- Back in the Game: Modern ICEs will play vital role in the future of zero emissions
- Cleaning up confusion: An introduction to heavy-duty emissions regulations
- Pair Charged With Smuggling Truck Emission Override Systems
Fuel
- Diesel futures market up and down, but benchmark retail price falls
- Diesel Price Drops 3.7¢ to $3.536 a Gallon
- Diesel prices continue the trend — by sticking to no trend
- Diesel prices, rates down in the last week
- Discover The Suite of Lower Carbon Fuels From Chevron
- Engine Technology Forum Calls on Legislators to Recognize Renewable Diesel
- Fuel Prices Continue Steady Decline Across U.S.
- Low carbon fuels in the spotlight as California’s Air Board and Energy Commission set to review policies and update guidance
- Why TTP is Suing the EPA to Embrace Biofuels for Heavy Trucks – Guest Voices
Hydrogen
- FRA Awards $96.5M to Hydrogen Rail Projects in Three States
- Public-Private Partnerships Propel Hydrogen Infrastructure
Oil
5. Regarding AB5, CARB, legal, and Tesla:
AB5
CARB
Legal
- Logging truck company and driver hit with $141 million verdict in multi-vehicle crash
- Racehorse owners sue trucking company and driver for $3 million after crash that killed multiple thoroughbreds
- Truck driver charged after load of industrial paper rolls shifted, toppling semi, Virginia troopers say
- Trucking groups and others take renewed stab at tort reform in Texas
Tesla
6. Regarding brokers, business, insurance, recalls, and shut down:
Brokers
- Broker transparency rulemaking still in the works: FMCSA
- Do carriers deserve blame for getting double brokered?
- FMCSA eyes delay of rule cracking down on broker/freight forwarder financial responsibility
- FMCSA looks to delay rule aimed at brokers who ‘do not intend to pay’ carriers
- FMCSA pushes back compliance date on rule to crack down on freight brokers who don’t pay
- Proposed delay latest setback for broker reform
Business
- Buying vs Leasing Commercial Trucks: What’s Best for Your Business?
- Fleets earnings in Q3 2024: Resilient fleets shine through in soft market
- Streamlined operations mean better customer relationships
- Trucker Stats™ Improve Your Trucking Business
- Used truck values continue downward trend
Insurance
- Cybersecurity insurance a must-have for trucking companies
- What is cargo insurance and why does it matter?
Recalls
- 60,000+ Mack units recalled due to potential safety hazard
- Bendix ECU recall affects Mack and International trucks
- More than 126,000 Volvo trucks subject to recall; issue with ECU
- Volvo, Mack Recall Nearly 190,000 Trucks With Faulty ECU Software
Shut down
- Family-owned Canadian carrier shutters operations after 76 years
- Family-run trucking company ceases operations after 76 years, per reports
- Miami trucking company, 5 affiliates file for bankruptcy
7. Regarding economy and efficiency:
Economy
- ACT Research, FTR report Class 8 orders down in October
- Canada Braces for Economic Disruption
- Class 8 Truck Orders Decline 5% in October
- Fed Cuts Rates Again to Support Economic Growth
- GXO Logistics sees ‘more normal’ freight market returning
- Transportation pricing jumps in October, sentiment survey finds
- Truck orders dip in October, but tight capacity could boost rates
- U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index reveals decline in truck volume and spend, but at slower pace
- With trailer orders down, Wabash National gets negative outlook at S&P
Efficiency
8. Regarding downgrade and employment:
Downgrade
Employment
- Get Ready for the Event of the Year in Driver Recruitment and Retention!
- H-2B truck drivers needed due to high turnover rates?
- Nissan Cuts 9,000 Jobs as Its Vehicles Fail to Sell
- Truck Transportation Job Numbers in October Remain Steady Despite Market Challenges
- Trucking jobs stabilize with expectations of strong peak season
- Unlocking efficiency: How dedicated fleets drive success
9. Regarding inspections, operations, ports, safety, securement, and testing:
Inspections
If you keep yourself and your rig in perpetual readiness for an inspection, you’ll never be caught off-guard.
- Kentucky state police part of FMCSA’s 3-day enforcement effort
- Kentucky troopers plan three day commercial vehicle crackdown
- Nearly 4,000 Inspections of Vehicles Transporting Hazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods Conducted Over Five Days – CVSA — Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance
Operations
Readers of my trucking commentaries know that I regularly recognize those who helped their fellow human beings in a time of need.
The first article in this section addresses the reverse.
What is your opinion about stopping to help a trucker who overturned his/her rig, even if it was his/her own fault?
Does it depend on where the crash took place?
Please feel free to comment through the form below.
- Not a single trucker stops for driver that flipped after taking ramp WAY too fast
- Running on Ice: Reducing pharma waste with ‘coolers on steroids’
- Semi trucks jackknife on I-40 in icy AZ pile-up
Ports
- B.C. ports shuttered as lockout takes hold in latest labor dispute
- British Columbia ports face shutdown in labor contract dispute
- Capacity at Burns Harbor Port to double
- Dockworker Lockout Begins at Canada’s Largest Ports
- East Coast port contract talks to resume
- Lockout looms in Montreal port labor dispute
- Lockout stalls more container ships outside western Canada ports
- Montreal port calls on Trudeau to end strike
- Montreal port employers pressure striking union
- Montreal Port Employers Pressure Striking Union with Salary Suspension
- Montreal Port Seeks Trudeau’s Help to End Dockworker Strike
- MSC adds Florida port call
- Port of Houston Gets $3M EPA Grant for Climate Planning
- Port of Mobile enters fourth phase of $104M container terminal expansion
Safety
- Don’t let safety go up in smoke: Trucking industry faces conundrum as legalization of cannabis becomes more common
- How A Former Truck Driver Built a Safety Culture at A. Duie Pyle
- Safety enforcement event set for Nov. 18-20 in Kentucky
- Safety first: Volvo rolls out recall for over 126,000 vehicles
- Stakeholders concerned over deteriorating safety, compliance standards in Ontario
- Virginia Tech Transportation Institute receives FMCSA safety grants
- Volvo Debuts Global Truck Safety System
Securement
Testing
- DOT finalizes changes to oral fluid drug testing procedures
- Feds aim to fix concerns regarding oral fluid testing
- New Jersey Gets $2M FMCSA Grant to Start Mobile CDL Testing
10. Regarding lottery, pay, and per diem:
Lottery
Let’s hope that the trucker who won this money has the financial discipline to spend it, invest it, or give it away wisely.
Pay
- Increasing Driver Pay: A Solution to the Truck Driver Shortage?
- K & B Transportation offers several different driver pay, home time options
Per diem
Please document everything you need it in order to make any kind of financial claim.
11. Regarding supply chain and technology:
Supply chain
- Migrating supply chains out of China about national security, not just economics
- N.Y. to Give $21.6M for Dairy Supply Chain, Milk Tankers
Technology
- Dash cam shows semi truck sideswiping brand new police vehicle in North Carolina
- Iowa traffic cams catch big rig lane change that clips car and sends it spinning
- Keeping truckers in the truck
- Mack Announces 200,000 Connected Trucks on the Road
- Mack Trucks reaches 200,000 connected Class 8 vehicle milestone
- Mars Auto looks to automate Class 8 trucks for $7K
- NHTSA to study how drivers react to crash avoidance tech
- TSA proposes new cybersecurity rule for some railroads, other transit systems
- Video captures close call for trucker after crane knocks container off stack
- Weighing the Pros and Cons of Telematics In Trucking For Fleet Operations
- Werner Enterprises’ proactive approach to cybersecurity
12. Regarding awards – voting, charity, and recognition:
Awards – voting
I find this interesting, that folks would be able to vote for someone to get a trucking award.
- Driving for excellence: Cast your vote in the Transition Trucking Awards to honor veterans in trucking
- Transition Trucking award voting continues through Veterans Day
- Transition Trucking opens vote to public
Charity
I recognize and thank those who have a spirit of giving to others.
- Pilot’s pilot plan: Giving back to those who gave so much
- Texas Sheriff’s Office uses semi trucks to deliver disaster relief and Christmas cheer
- Truckers gather to pass out holiday turkeys to families in need
Recognition
I recognize those who helped their fellow human beings in a time of need.
- Cement truck attempts to put out trucker’s brake fire with truck hose
- How one act of bravery changed lives: A TCA Highway Angel story of heroism in the face of deadly danger
- Humble hero: Maverick’s Terry Reavis says his heroic actions were ‘what anyone would have done’
- Locals plow roadway for chain-less trucker to back up in the snow
- TCA names ABF Freight trucker Highway Angel for aiding woman driver
- Trucker risks personal safety to rescue couple in Florida hurricane
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: 2024.11.09 to our TDMST Weekly Round-Up Trucking Commentary or our Truck Drivers Money Saving Tips home page.