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Autonomous trucks outpacing self-driving cars, will come to market sooner 7/26/2021 Friday Short Haul - Driver training, driver retention, Safe Trucks Act 7/23/2021 Association launches to take CDL driver training to high school students 7/21/2021 Queen of the Road winners named by REAL Women in Trucking 7/19/2021 Friday Short Haul -- Amazon expands fleet, Dollar General's sign-on bonus, Werner nuclear verdict appeal 7/16/2021 Operation Safe Driver Week is under way, ends July 17 7/14/2021 New blame being named for driver shortage 7/12/2021 Friday Short Haul - America's Road Team, sexual harassment webinar, Knight-Swift acquisition 7/9/2021 Analysis: One third of bridges across the nation are structurally deficient 7/7/2021 Truckers help bring a Vietnam memorial to communities across America 7/5/2021 Friday Short Haul - AB5 discussion, crash scam sentencing, Werner lawsuit 7/2/2021 Training Provider Registry website now taking registrations 6/30/2021 UK driver shortage has some calling for desperate measures 6/28/2021 Friday Short Haul - Minneapolis set to ban big rig parking, WIT Member of the Month 6/25/2021 CTA's challenge of California's AB5 on its way to the Supreme Court 6/23/2021 More guilty pleas in New Orleans staged crash scam ring investigation 6/21/2021 Friday Short Haul - DOT agenda, pay increases, Workforce Heroes, and TuSimple 6/18/2021 ATRI survey points to the need for a nationwide truck parking availability system 6/16/2021 Canada ELD mandate deadline was June 12; won't be enforced 6/14/2021 Friday Short Haul - Driver essay contest, safest fleets, JB Hunt's Waymo, ATA's climate change 6/11/2021 OOIDA aids CTA in its appeal of unfavorable AB5 ruling 6/9/2021 Little for truckers to like in newest highway bill 6/7/2021 Friday Short Haul - TuSimple watermelon run, Schneider diversity, pre-settlement claims 6/4/2021 Latest study released: 25 most-dangerous highways in America 6/2/2021 Survey seeks answers to what drivers want from carriers 5/31/2021 Friday Short Haul - Speed limiters, ATRI research agenda, Pallet shortage 5/28/2021 Some are asking the feds to take another look at twin-33 trailers 5/26/2021 Watch out for increased cargo theft over Memorial Day holiday 5/24/2021 Friday Short Haul - Woman in Logistics award, Brake Check Week, and truckers' COVID shots 5/21/2021 Sides lining up on re-introduced $5 million insurance minimum bill 5/19/2021 Supply chain is in crisis: Is a truck VMT tax the solution? 5/17/2021 Friday Short Haul - Break-away fifth wheel, HP partners with Embark, Texas lawsuit bill proceeds 5/14/2021 Three top carriers sign up for 6,775 TuSimple self-driving trucks 5/12/2021 Drivers come to the aid of crash victims, earn Highway Angel wings 5/10/2021 Friday Short Haul - WIT names finalists, DOL withdraws decision, seat belt enforcement 5/7/2021 Nation catching on to consequences of truck driver shortage 5/5/2021 Inspectors on the road for International Roadcheck this week 5/3/2021 Friday Short Haul - ADAS push, Fiji trucking, gas shortage, and AB 5 becomes law 4/30/2021 Truckers involved in one-third of work zone crashes 4/28/2021 Seven tips for drivers to boost their pay 4/26/2021 Friday Short Haul - Samsung's Safety Truck, insurance minumums increase, COVID shots for Canadian truckers 4/23/2021 TravelCenters names two as 2021 Citizen Drivers of the Year 4/21/2021 Truck Historical Society launches Hall of Fame to honor truckers 4/19/2021 Friday Short Haul - WIT Driver of the Year nominees, FMCSA admin, DRIVE-Safe Act 4/16/2021 League of Cities offers solution to truck parking problem 4/14/2021 Policy brief makes a strong case for commercializing rest areas 4/12/2021 Friday Short Haul - FMCSA's TeenZone, Safety blitz, and Knight-Swift pay increase 4/9/2021 States preparing for another spotted lanternfly season 4/7/2021 Carriers encouraged to hire more entry-level drivers 4/5/2021 Friday Short Haul - Embark AV interface, OOIDA letter, Crete pay 4/2/2021 Website ranks carriers by driver pay - Sysco at the top 3/31/2021 Opponents voice concerns about Amazon's Driveri surveillance system 3/29/2021 Friday Short Haul - Embark and ADOT, Livestock haulers, and truck parking 3/26/2021 WIT honors 73 "Top Women to Watch" 3/24/2021 TCA honors four new Highway Angels 3/22/2021 Friday Short Haul - Truck wings, miles traveled tax, left-lane laws 3/19/2021 Texas doing something about nuclear verdicts against truckers 3/17/2021 First autonomous vehicle program student to graduate this semester 3/15/2021 Friday Short Haul - U.S. Xpress report, DRIVE Safe Act, Illegals 3/12/2021 California's job-killing AB 5 about to go Federal 3/10/2021 Federal speed-limiter mandate up for discussion again 3/8/2021 Friday Short Haul - Florida's SafeDRIVE, hair test update, human smuggler caught with 41 aboard 3/5/2021 Senators propose legislation to promote women in the trucking industry 3/3/2021 Canada is firm on June 12 ELD mandate; but no devices are certified 3/1/2021 Friday Short Haul - Top truck bottlenecks, North Dakota road trains, TuSimple IPO 2/26/2021 Despite benefits, fleets are not embracing lightweighting 2/24/2021 ELD mandate drives telematic and technology consolidations 2/22/2021 Friday Short Haul - Truck stop closures, apprenticeship program, emissions tampering 2/19/2021 Still time to comment on FMCSA's proposed vision rule change 2/17/2021 Red-light and speed camera enforcement on states' legislative agendas 2/15/2021 Friday Short Haul - C.R. England files RICO lawsuit, riskiest states, Walmart bonus 2/12/2021 Controversy continues on under-21 driver pilot program proposal 2/10/2021 WIT honors January and February Women of the Month 2/8/2021 Friday Short Haul - International Roadcheck 2021, Nikola hydrogen deal, OOIDA wants truck stop vaccines 2/5/2021 OOIDA's Lewie Pugh on tap as House transportation committee witness 2/3/2021 Car drivers are schooled about truckers' blind spots 2/1/2021 Friday Short Haul - Human smuggling, DOL rescinds opinion, yard moves comments 1/29/2021 January Highway Angels get their 'wings' 1/27/2021 DOL opinion green lights carriers to implement safety requirements on contractor drivers 1/25/2021 Friday Short Haul - Protests, dark days ahead, TuSimple 1/22/2021 Proposal to hit up SoCal warehouses for truck emissions at their facilities 1/20/2021 Court says interstate drivers are not held to California's meal and rest break rules 1/18/2021 Friday Short Haul - ND's 80mph speed limit, FMCSA advisory committees, precedent-setting lawsuit 1/15/2021 Most states fail to measure up to safety advocate's recommendations 1/13/2021 Road train pilot program approved by North Dakota lawmakers 1/11/2021 Friday Short Haul - Best fleets to drive for in 2021, Feds' final worker status rule, yard jockeys need better training 1/8/2021 TruckPark and FuelMe partnership takes the worry out of parking and fueling 1/6/2021 Clearinghouse deadline, and new FMCSA guidance about yard moves 1/4/2021 2020 closes with probably one of the most bizarre truck crash lawsuits ever 1/1/2021 FMCSA adds underride guards to list of inspection items 12/30/2020 Ex-football player helping truckers get into shape 12/28/2020 Friday Short Haul - OOIDA's letter to Congress, J.B. Hunt's diversity project, major winter storm 12/25/2020 France imposes lockdown on truckers from Britain attempting to cross the channel 12/23/2020 DOT told to assess skills of employees able to meet automation challenge 12/21/2020 Friday Short Haul - New FMCSA final rule, U.S. Xpress MIT study, Triton-EV semi 12/18/2020 COVID blamed for backlog in holiday deliveries 12/16/2020 Rule requiring driver notification of traffic violations is on FMCSA chopping block 12/14/2020 Friday Short Haul - WIT Female Driver nominations, FMCSA HOS Q&A webinar, truckers handle 12/11/2020 House passes federal marijuana bill; won't affect truckers 12/9/2020 Predictive hiring assessments becoming popular recruiting tool. But will it cure turnover? 12/7/2020 Friday Short Haul -- ATA letters about vaccine, FMCSA emergency declaration, UPS steps up dry ice production 12/4/2020 WIT seeks to survey women about driving while pregnant 12/2/2020 Four more drivers join ranks of TCA's Highway Angels 11/30/2020 Friday Short Haul -- TCA's Fleet Safety awards, truck drivers' vaccine, Volvo electric semis 11/27/2020 AI technology is now playing a bigger role in driver-facing camera surveillance 11/25/2020 CDC releases lates COVID-19 guidelines for truckers 11/23/2020 Friday Short Haul - Daimler self-driving Freightliner, driver's ed students, StopTheTires cancelled 11/20/2020 FMCSA shoots down Washington State's more-stringent break rules for truckers 11/18/2020 Two awardees announced for WIT's 2020 Woman of Influence 11/16/2020 Friday Short Haul -- Trucking quilter, Tri-State bets $5,000, and CRST conquers dwell time 11/13/2020 Veterans Day StopTheTires2020 shutdown protest planned 11/11/2020 California voters approve Prop 22 to gain exemptions to AB-5 11/9/2020 Friday Short Haul - FMCSA Pocket Guide, Heartland pay raise, teen trucker comments 11/6/2020 U.S. Senator blasts FMCSA for lack of accountability and increased crashes 11/4/2020 Four-state coalition forms to alleviate I-10 corridor truck parking problem 11/2/2020 Friday Short Haul - Tyson's mirrorless trucks, Brake Safety Week results, 14-hour pilot program comments 10/30/2020 Driver shortage ranks highest in ATRI's latest truck industry survey 10/28/2020 FMCSA criticized for high number of CDL fraud incidences 10/26/2020 Friday Short Haul - Volvo electrics, EPA emission penalties, PA move over law 10/23/2020 Nuclear verdicts get carriers rethinking safety training programs 10/21/2020 SBTC denied request for HOS and ELD exemptions when pets are on board 10/19/2020 Friday Short Haul - Smuggled migrants, Prime settlement, USF Holland lawsuit, truck road damage 10/16/2020 Tank trailers get approved for an additional pulsating brake light 10/14/2020 TuSimple and Waymo go head to head on issues of AV trucking 10/12/2020 Friday Short Haul - Drivers can self-dispatch, driver pay on the increase, Hurrican Delta emergency 10/9/2020 Women in Trucking names Influential Women and top companies for women to work for 10/7/2020 When a social media presence could hurt a driver or carrier 10/5/2020 Friday Short Haul - Walmart buys Tesla semis, FMCSA drivers panel, Pronto.ai is denied request, and Jim Mullen moves to TuSimple 10/2/2020 Machine learning shared truck loads add efficient component to LTL shipping 9/30/2020 New HOS rules in effect Sept. 29; clearing confusion about the new rule changes 9/28/2020 Friday Short Haul -- Schneider's remote orientation, 14-hour rule change comments, license renawal extension, ATA's DOL response 9/25/2020 Feds come out with their own definition of independent contractor status 9/23/2020 Amazon casts around for freight haulers; FMCSA news for drivers 9/21/2020 Friday Short Haul - WIT photo contest, Teamsters challenge HOS, $1 billion for infrastructure 9/18/2020 Speeding was most-cited violation during Safe Driver Week 9/16/2020 Carriers, others, honor drivers during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week 9/14/2020 Friday Short Haul - FMCSA wildfire declaration, hair drug testing, shift plus load pay 9/11/2020 FMCSA looking to put under-21 drivers on interstate hauls 9/9/2020 New AB 5 bill specifically targets truckers for enforcement 9/7/2020 Friday Short Haul - AV test tracking tool, split-duty proposal comments, and mandatory hair testing 9/4/2020 FMCSA helps bankroll Trucking Fatigue Meter to fight driver drowsiness 9/2/2020 FMCSA looking at split-duty rule change; extending 14-hour day 8/31/2020 Friday Short Haul - Travel centers announce special offers for drivers in September 8/28/2020 Trucking landscape could look different after Nov. 3 8/26/2020 More indictments in New Orleans area accident insurance scams 8/24/2020 Friday Short Haul - North Dakota road trains, Brake Safety Week, drivers not returning to duty, opposition to Mexican truckers 8/21/2020 Platooning passes real-world tests; new company emerges as leader 8/19/2020 Helping victims of crashes earn drivers Highway Angel awards 8/17/2020 Friday Short Haul - Trucker's last ride, FMCSA extension, autonomous trucks 8/14/2020 Test vehicles did not fare well during AAA's driving assistance evaluations 8/12/2020 Spotted lanternfly sightings on the increase 8/10/2020 Friday Short Haul - JKC Trucking announcement, truck stop break-in, WIT top women businesses 8/7/2020 FMCSA reminds drivers of 'adverse conditions' exemptions to HOS rules 8/5/2020 SmartSense mitigates collision and 'sitting duck' situations 8/3/2020 Friday Short Haul - FBI ELD hacks warning, students hack trucks, OOIDA asks for HVUT suspension 7/31/2020 Women In Trucking announces 2020 photo contest 7/29/2020 California publishes major new freight plan 7/27/2020 Friday Short Haul - Love's requires masks, 10-million-mile driver, brake check blitz, and TuSimple truck incident 7/24/2020 COVID-19 gives the average trucker a chance to attend FMCSA safety summit 7/22/2020 Overdrive honors Small Fleet Champs 7/20/2020 Friday Short Haul - States push for electric semis, fewer student new-hires, troopers in a truck 7/17/2020 Nearly 300,000 drivers would lose jobs if hair testing was mandated 7/15/2020 Trucking Truth owner/founder gets 3-hour spot at Road Dog Trucking Radio 7/13/2020 Friday Short Haul - Operation Safe Driver Week, Canadian border, fuel cell semis hit the road 7/10/2020 Werner, DOE earn FMCSA ELD and HOS exemptions 7/8/2020 TuSimple announces its Autonomous Freight Network to expand driverless freight hauling throughout the nation 7/6/2020 Friday Short Haul - House passes Moving Forward Act, YRC gets a bailout, and trucking jobs on the increase 7/3/2020 Group pens letter objecting to proposed EV charging stations at highway rest areas 7/1/2020 Carriers' virus response gets kudos at TCA virtual meeting 6/29/2020 Friday Short Haul - Convoy brokerage, CLP waiver extended, $2 million amendment passed, two sentenced for CDL fraud 6/26/2020 Nuclear verdicts strangling trucking companies; not so, say lawsuit attorneys 6/24/2020 Eight carriers in lawsuit for not poaching other companies' drivers 6/22/2020 Friday Short Haul - Post-virus speeds return to normal, $2 million insurance minimum proposed, WIT looking to honor an influential woman 6/19/2020 FMCSA extends 3 COVID-related waiver declarations 6/17/2020 Truckers say they will refuse to enter cop-defunded cities 6/15/2020 Friday Short Haul - Truckers love guns, freight broker leader resigns, avoiding riots 6/12/2020 Cargo theft on the uptick during COVID-19 era 6/10/2020 California voters will get a chance to scrap AB 5 6/8/2020 Friday Short Haul - Prime crash verdict, Teamsters applaud INVEST Act, OOIDA opposes broker bond changes 6/5/2020 Dwell and detention times begin to decrease post-virus 6/3/2020 CRST fighting another battle over driver poaching 6/1/2020 Friday Short Haul - Driver shortage is over, Amazon's brokerage goes national, and lawyers are after carriers for nuclear verdicts 5/29/2020 Freight industry considering post-COVID-19 strategies 5/27/2020 FMCSA to consider increasing HOS for autonomous drivers 5/25/2020 Friday Short Haul - Trimble MAPS, rate of fatalities increase, Comcar bankruptcy, driver pay on the rise 5/22/2020 FMCSA: Long-awaited final HOS revisions announced 5/20/2020 2016 trucking documentary released to YouTube for public viewing 5/18/2020 Friday Short Haul - Reusing morgue reefers, ATRI research priorities, FMCSA HOS declaration 5/15/2020 WIT honors two women in the trucking industry 5/13/2020 Freight brokers push back against "price gouging" accusation 5/11/2020 Friday Short Haul - Tank truck revenues decline, former Arrow CEO gets early prison release, not-preventable crashes 5/8/2020 ATRI and OOIDF team up for comprehensive COVID-19/trucking survey 5/6/2020 U.S. military has unique needs for truck platooning 5/4/2020 Friday Short Haul - Truckers protest low rates, 1 million masks given to drivers, SecurSpace app finds parking 5/1/2020 WorkHound analyses what drivers think about the COVID-19 crisis 4/29/2020 Group pushes back on temporary increased weight limits 4/27/2020 Friday Short Haul - 'Thank God for truckers!' CA state senator proposes bill to suspend AB5, TA furloughs 3,000 workers 4/24/2020 Truckers say distracted driving is on the rise 4/22/2020 Trucking leaders think some recent changes might become permanent in the industry 4/20/2020 Friday Short Haul - "Your papers please," skills testing waiver, masks required in Canada 4/17/2020 Truckers report in on their treatment during these COVID-19 times 4/15/2020 FMCSA acts quickly to keep the new-driver pipeline flowing 4/13/2020 Friday Short Haul - Weight limits increase, food trucks not wanted in rest areas, FMCSA extends HOS exemptions 4/10/2020 Trucking industry concerned about state licensing agency closings 4/8/2020 California AB-5 advocates react to carriers' COVID-19 good deeds 4/6/2020 Friday Short Haul - Schneider's error, Change.org petition, Teamsters Canada demands 4/3/2020 Authors: 'Legacy' carriers ignore autonomous technology at their peril 4/1/2020 COVID-19 scare: State gun laws come under scrutiny 3/30/2020 Friday Short Haul - Inspection blitz postponed, COVID-19 webinar, FHA urges states to keep rest areas open, fewer cars means faster truck deliveries 3/27/2020 DOT and FMCSA issue COVID-19 responses 3/25/2020 Starsky Robotics calls it quits 3/23/2020 Friday Short Haul - Weigh station parking, rest areas reopen, HOS waiver expanded, freight prices increase 3/20/2020 Truck drivers mostly exempt from coronavirus lock downs 3/18/2020 HOS rules relaxed for COVID-19 relief effort 3/16/2020 Friday Short Haul - Western Express recovers from Tennessee tornado, driver involved in two accidents six minutes apart, another carrier quits 3/13/2020 Daimler's electric vehicles and autonomous trucks continue real-world testing 3/11/2020 Predictive technology increases driver safety, benefits carriers 3/9/2020 Friday Short Haul -- Coffee drinking drivers, Amazon coronavirus email, FMCSA safety summit 3/6/2020 AIRman introduces no-crank technology to landing gears 3/4/2020 Roadmaster shows how to reduce driver turnover 3/2/2020 Friday Short Haul - CBD users beware, 8,000 violations revealed in Clearinghouse, laptop theft lands Alabama trucker in prison 2/28/2020 Canada company offers easy access to spare trailers 2/26/2020 Roadcheck could result in temporarily higher freight rates 2/24/2020 Friday Short Haul - Self-driving yard trucks, Knight-Swift partners with Truckstop.com, Security guard shoots driver 2/21/2020 Training providers offer a diversity of options 2/19/2020 Idaho eases hemp transport prohibition; too late to help arrested drivers 2/17/2020 Friday Short Haul - Tennessee carrier quits, signs a carrier is going down, retaining drivers 2/14/2020 New phone app hopes to alleviate shipper waits 2/12/2020 Senate Transportation Committee gets an earful from trucking execs 2/10/2020 Friday Short Haul - Best fleets to drive for, FMCSA delays ELDT rule, Cold Carriers closes doors 2/7/2020 Baylor Trucking deals with consequences of ELD outage 2/3/2020 WIT announces first-ever Driver Ambassador, names February Member of the Month 2/3/2020 Friday Short Haul - ATA at White House USMCA signing, AB-5 fight continues, toughest jobs 1/31/2020 May dates announced for this year's roadside inspection blitz 1/29/2020 States work to toughen up left-lane-hogging laws 1/27/2020 Friday Short Haul - Pilot Flying J name change, CRST-Swift lawsuit, Schneider named innovator 1/24/2020 Seven drivers named as TCA's Highway Angels 1/22/2020 Travel advisories and restrictions announced for Midwest weekend storm 1/20/2020 Friday Short Haul - Senators demand GPS app updates, Jason's Law survey, ATA applauds USMCA, FMCSA's truck crash survey 1/17/2020 Research group recommends a national autonomous truck policy 1/15/2020 A glimpse into driving long-haul in China 1/13/2020 Friday Short Haul - Court blocks AB-5, SBTC vs. FMCSA, Can Opener Bridge 1/10/2020 Loses appeal: Walmart ordered to pony up $54 million to drivers 1/8/2020 WIT and Walmart seek nominations for Female Driver of the Year 1/6/2020 Friday Short Haul - Sweatshop on Wheels, judge exempts truckers from AB-5, Fleetwood closes doors 1/3/2020 Trucking Truth's top stories for 2019 1/1/2020 Random drug tests of drivers to double in 2020 12/30/2019 Friday Short Haul - New EV semi, tonnage down, turnover up, Grapevine fatality, runaway truck tires demolish car 12/27/2019 Trucking industry goes out of its way for Christmas charitable giving 12/25/2019 Fuel card provider hit with FTC lawsuit 12/23/2019 Friday Short Haul - Driver coercion, zero emissions, driver fatalities 12/20/2019 Hard enforcement for ELD compliance now in effect 12/18/2019 State CDL agencies get reprieve from drug & alcohol clearinghouse deadline 12/16/2019 Friday Short Haul - JB Hunt's Wreaths Across America, Plus.ai butter run, states look for zero emissions 12/13/2019 Carriers muster to pick up Celadon drivers, employees 12/11/2019 Will Amazon's pay-per-day plan influence the industry? 11/27/2019 Freight volume and rates downturn turns into a 'bloodbath' 11/25/2019 Friday Short Haul - Independent contractors getting booted out of CA, winter weather resources, ransomware attack 11/22/2019 Knowing when to say goodbye to an unprofitable shipper 11/20/2019 Schneider donates trucks; Congress considers women-driver-friendly bill 11/18/2019 Friday Short Haul - CTA files lawsuit against California, Highway Hero nominations sought, video of "Move Over" crash 11/15/2019 Tesla announces new electric Semi model 11/13/2019 Not everyone happy with potential FMCSA clearinghouse delay 11/11/2019 Friday Short Haul - AI taking driving jobs, CRV scam, Truckers protest AB-5, ELDs quit working 11/8/2019 Investigators cracking down on truck accident fraudulent lawsuits 11/6/2019 So you want to start your own trucking company? 11/4/2019 Friday Short Haul - FMCSA emergency exemptions, snow plows, FedEx employee bribery charges 11/1/2019 Human smuggling via big rigs on the increase 10/30/2019 Carriers, drivers look at ways to deal with California's AB-5 10/28/2019 Friday Short Haul - Millennials and trucking, Truckers Christmas Group, Navistar settlement 10/25/2019 Too many drivers still don't know to "Move Over" 10/23/2019 Are trucker strikes a thing of the past? 10/21/2019 Friday Short Haul - Passenger car drivers, spotted lanternfly, women drivers 10/18/2019 OOIDA makes final push for better HOS rules 10/16/2019 Car-truck crash fatalities continue to increase 10/14/2019 Friday Short Haul - Amazon's fleet of day cabs, legislator's disclosure, WTA petition 10/11/2019 ATA chief takes on truck-accident lawyers 10/9/2019 Lonely on the road? Get a furry friend 10/7/2019 Friday Short Haul - Lab-grown meat, fraudulent freight brokering, FMCSA HOS committee, FMCSA Clearinghouse 10/4/2019 UPS takes giant leap in its drone delivery program 10/2/2019 Female drivers are safer bet for trucking companies 9/30/2019 Friday Short Haul - Embark gets financing, FMCSA announces safety grants, Covenant exits Mexico routes, and trucking statistics 9/27/2019 Emissions standards battle heats up between the EPA and California 9/25/2019 Smog checks in the future for California truck drivers 9/23/2019 Friday Short Haul - Volvo Dynamic Steering, Meals for 18 Wheels, speeding crackdown, OOIDA opposes legislation 9/20/2019 Telematics could be insurance-premium-saving boon for fleets 9/18/2019 54 percent of survey respondents still not impressed with telematics technology 9/16/2019 Friday Short Haul - Walmart video, it's churn, not shortage, California's independent contractor bill, hemp drivers plea 9/13/2019 TCA honors three Highway Angels 9/11/2019 Now they're talking about "smart" trailers 9/9/2019 Friday Short Haul - Detention-time comments, truck orders decline, diesel fuel shortage 9/6/2019 Berkeley study says reducing independent truckers can alleviate climate change 9/4/2019 Clearing up concerns about the drug and alcohol clearinghouse 9/2/2019 Friday Short Haul - Hurricane Dorian, Speed limiter bill, Thank a Driver campaign 8/30/2019 Georgia jury awards $280 million for truck-driver-caused multi-fatality 8/28/2019 Friday Short Haul - New eCascadias, Top cities for truck driver jobs, Push against driverless trucks 8/23/2019 Decision on California drivers' employee/contractor status coming down to the wire 8/21/2019 UPS jumps on autonomous bandwagon with TuSimple investment 8/19/2019 FMCSA publishes proposed HOS rule changes 8/16/2019 Fleets, drivers coming to like automated manual transmissions 8/14/2019 CVSA asks for new truck crash study 8/12/2019 Friday Short Haul - HOS revisions delayed, AEB mandate proposed, Koch sued for sex discrimination 8/9/2019 Kodiak Robotics takes lead in autonomous truck industry race 8/7/2019 New York City combats rash of cyclist/truck clashes 8/5/2019 Friday Short Haul - CRST wins lawsuit, OOIDA opposes insurance hike, UPSNav 8/2/2019 Mechanics shortage equals driver shortage in intensity 7/31/2019 DOT announces almost 1$ billion in grants to fix infrastructure 7/29/2019 Friday Short Haul - DOL on sleeper pay, UPS drone delivery, Geowiz ELDs 7/26/2019 FMCSA takes a look at assault, harassment of female and minority drivers 7/24/2019 It's hot out there, what's a trucker to do? Can't idle. 7/22/2019 Friday Short Haul - Utah truck rollovers, aging truckers, lifetime CDL bans 7/19/2019 Truck-mounted LED billboards coming under fire 7/17/2019 Trucker 'drones on' with unique approach to teaching driving skills 7/15/2019 Friday Short Haul - Rhode Island tolls, human smuggling, contractor vs employee status 7/12/2019 ELD mandate deadline looming, many still not compliant 7/10/2019 New "boot" device being deployed to threaten Walmart overnighters 7/8/2019 Friday Short Haul - Prime Inc vs Amazon, mother fights HOS changes, truck drivers appreciation week 7/5/2019 Proper way to fly the American flag on your truck this Fourth of July 7/3/2019 Roundabouts are becoming popular; but are they best for trucks? 7/1/2019 Friday Short Haul - Skills test proposal, driver shortage, hemp sentencing, driverless trucks 6/28/2019 Experts warn of active wildland fire season 6/26/2019 More states signing on to enlist truckers against human trafficking 6/24/2019 Friday Short Haul - Shippers of Choice, insurance rates, wheel spikes, WIT award 6/21/2019 Freight numbers not holding up to 2018's highs 6/19/2019 Truck safety group urges purges of drug abuse drivers 6/17/2019 Friday Short Haul - Self-driving certificate, truck platooning, trade war stacking up cargo 6/14/2019 HOS waiver coming soon for fireworks haulers 6/12/2019 FMCSA takes a further look at detention time 6/10/2019 Friday Short Haul - Autonomous delivery, HOS rules changes, CDL retest 6/7/2019 Roadcheck 2019 in effect this week 6/5/2019 Hemp arrest prompts USDA memo 6/3/2019 Friday Short Haul - Waymo big rigs, Move over sting, Under-21 comments 5/31/2019 Severe weather prompts renewed emergency declaration 5/29/2019 Memorial Day holiday is prime time for cargo thefts 5/25/2019 Friday Short Haul - Hauling hemp, road rage fatality, new rules for autonomous vehicles 5/24/2019 Autonomous trucks on USPS test run 5/22/2019 Future era of cab-less trucks will be the end of HOS rules 5/20/2019 Friday Short Haul - FMCSA under-21 comments, Tesla autonomous car crash, 24,000 drivers sign contract with YRC 5/17/2019 Under-21 interstate drivers getting serious look by FMCSA 5/15/2019 Trucker Buddy program matches drivers with a classroom; everyone wins 5/13/2019 Friday Short Haul - Driver awarded $80 million, ODFL driver wins, loading dock black hole 5/10/2019 Storm breaks out from Rockies, slams into Midwest, South 5/8/2019 Capacity issues have shippers looking at private fleets 5/6/2019 Friday Short Haul - HOS rules, dark skies, Falcon drivers 5/3/2019 'Bug' permits now required for four eastern states 5/1/2019 Simulator use is catching on for schools, carriers 4/29/2019 Friday Short Haul - Thinking electric, Penske opens charging station, border crossing crisis, railroads taking trucking business 4/26/2019 ELDs might not be the panacea that was hoped for 4/24/2019 Truck drivers may soon see "phantoms" driving yard trucks 4/22/2019 Friday Short Haul - Nikola big rigs, WIT welcomes Peterbilt, Oregon crashes, Border crossings 4/19/2019 Carriers claim financial benefit of putting up drivers in hotels 4/17/2019 Uber's IPO application reveals interesting data about its freight brokerage business 4/15/2019 Friday Short Haul - CDL examiner arrested, tolls proposed for trucks, marijuana use on the rise 4/12/2019 Smart Load Board will get carriers the loads they need 4/10/2019 Huge lines and long wait times greet carriers at Mexico border 4/8/2019 Friday Short Haul - Marijuana, ATA campaign, personal conveyance rules 4/5/2019 Over-the-air downloads revolutionize parameter updates 4/3/2019 Don't get scammed by skimmers 4/1/2019 Friday Short Haul -- New Cascadias honored, motorist survey, U.S, Xpress awarded, rest stop parking 3/29/2019 Legislators address underride collisions, propose more underguards for trucks, trailers 3/27/2019 Motorists soon may encounter a different kind of truck convoy 3/25/2019 Friday Short Haul -- Women in Trucking, irate motorist, FMCSA eases HOS, Safe-Cap 3/22/2019 Recent survey shows cost of roadside repairs is rising 3/20/2019 FMCSA announces drug and alcohol clearinghouse website 3/18/2019 Friday Short Haul - Swift settlement, driver shortage myth, TCA Best Fleet award 3/15/2019 The hidden danger of looking but not seeing 3/13/2019 Accident scammers target trucks for financial payout 3/11/2019 Friday Short Haul - Snow on the roof, bypassing toll road, Waze under fire 3/8/2019 Retailers blame driver shortage for price increases 3/6/2019 Drivers' smartphones may be clue to road roughness 3/4/2019 Friday Short Haul -- Freight rates, HOS changes, tonnage reports 3/1/2019 New tax changes hit drivers hard 2/27/2019 FMCSA to implement under-21 interstate driver program for former military 2/25/2019 Friday Short Haul -- Connecticut tolls proposed, hydrogen fuel-cell trucks, cell phone use 2/22/2019 Congress committee looks at state of America's highways 2/20/2019 Number of cargo thefts is down; but dollar value about the same 2/18/2019 Friday Short Haul -- Crossing the border, CA sues FMCSA, Lobbying against larger trucks 2/15/2019 Detention - A problem still in search of a solution 2/13/2019 February Highway Angels honorees named 2/11/2019 Friday Short Haul -- C.R. England announces pay raises, eCommerce impact on trucking, TCA announces best fleets 2/8/2019 Is a guaranteed minimum pay the solution to the driver shortage? 2/6/2019 Long CDL testing wait times cost economy billions of dollars; not helping driver shortage 2/4/2019 Friday Short Haul -- Walmart hiring, Uber Freight App, Speed-limiter Law, America's Road Team 2/1/2019 Cranking -- The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly 1/30/2019 California survives challenge to its low-carbon fuel standards 1/28/2019 Friday Short Haul - Highway robbery ... autonomous trucks ... new trailers 1/25/2019 LithiumHub enters jump-starter market with Jumpbooster JP30 1/23/2019 2019 Looks Good For The Transportation Industry 1/21/2019 Raymond Burt named TMC Trainer of the Month for February 2018 3/28/2018 TMC Transportation Announces Recipient of Prestigious Wheel Master Award 3/7/2018 TMC Transportation Named The Home Depot’s Flatbed Carrier of the Year For Fourth Straight Year 2/28/2018 Pay Raises & New Peterbilts for PAM Drivers 2/26/2018 New DOT Drug Testing Rules Effective Jan 1, 2018 1/11/2018 Amtrak Derailment: Trucks Haul 270,000 Pound Locomotive Engine During Cleanup 12/21/2017 Pepsi Places Largest Order Yet For Tesla Electric Trucks 12/12/2017 Kavin Hallett named Trainer of the Month for October 2017 12/8/2017 Over 100,000 Truck Drivers Likely Have Undiagnosed Sleep Apnea And More Testing Is On The Way 8/10/2017 Drivers Share Their Best Tips, Tricks, And Secrets For Life On The Road 7/18/2017 Drivers Are Losing Money By Taking The Wrong Approach 7/13/2017 Truckers and Guns: What Is and Is Not Legal 7/6/2017 Preparing To Go Solo For The First Time? Experienced Drivers Share Their Best Advice 6/29/2017 The Truck Stop Survival Guide: Advice From Experienced Drivers 6/15/2017 The Worst Cities For Traffic In The U.S. For 2017 6/8/2017 We Ask Drivers How They Would Make The Logbook Rules Better 5/30/2017 Self Driving Trucks Are Not Coming Anytime Soon 5/25/2017

Truck Driving News, Interviews, And Happenings

The People, The Stories, and The News From The Highways Of America

Autonomous trucks outpacing self-driving cars, will come to market sooner

Industry observers are beginning to believe that self-driving big rigs are going to win the race to mass market before self-driving cars do.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, July 26, 2021

Friday Short Haul - Driver training, driver retention, Safe Trucks Act

In this Friday Short Haul, OOIDA goes off against poor entry-level driver training rules, DOL and FMCSA conflict fuels the driver retention problem, and the American Trucking Associations speaks in favor of the Safe Trucks Act.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, July 23, 2021

Association launches to take CDL driver training to high school students

Notwithstanding the debate about whether there really is a truck driver shortage, one non-profit organization launched just last week to help fill the driver pool from the next generation.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, July 21, 2021

Queen of the Road winners named by REAL Women in Trucking

REAL Women in Trucking, an organization that supports women drivers, will announce its 5th Annual Queen of the Road winners during an award ceremony on August 14 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, July 19, 2021

Friday Short Haul -- Amazon expands fleet, Dollar General's sign-on bonus, Werner nuclear verdict appeal

In this Friday Short Haul, Amazon is looking to almost triple the number of delivery partners to add to its fleet, Dollar General is opening thousands of new stores and needs more drivers, and Werner's appeal of the $89 million nuclear verdict is still on hold.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, July 16, 2021

Operation Safe Driver Week is under way, ends July 17

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s Safe Driver Week is under way, running from July 11 through July 17 throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, July 14, 2021

New blame being named for driver shortage

A new culprit has emerged in trucking-related news lately to blame for the truck driver shortage. Marijuana.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, July 12, 2021

Friday Short Haul - America's Road Team, sexual harassment webinar, Knight-Swift acquisition

In this Friday Short Haul the American Trucking Associations is looking for next year's America's Road Team members, Women in Trucking hosts a sexual harassment webinar for women drivers, and Knight-Swift acquires Dothan, Alabama's, AAA Cooper Transportation for $1.35 billion.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, July 9, 2021

Analysis: One third of bridges across the nation are structurally deficient

The ARTBA’s 2021 Bridge Conditions Report shows that more than one-third, or 220,000, of the nation’s 618,000 bridges need structural repair, rehabilitation work or replacement.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, July 7, 2021

Truckers help bring a Vietnam memorial to communities across America

The Truckload Carriers Association, often in Trucking Truth’s news pages for its Highway Angels program of honoring highway heroes, also partners with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund to transport a three-quarter scale replica of The Wall That Heals to communities across the United States.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, July 5, 2021

Friday Short Haul - AB5 discussion, crash scam sentencing, Werner lawsuit

In this Friday Short Haul, OOIDA discusses AB5, married couple sentenced for their parts in truck crash scam ring, and Werner denied motion to dismiss in a wage-related class-action lawsuit.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, July 2, 2021

Training Provider Registry website now taking registrations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is committing to the final stage of implementation of a new rule for driver training providers with its publication today of its Extension of Compliance Date for Entry-Level Driver Training in the Federal Register.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, June 30, 2021

UK driver shortage has some calling for desperate measures

The shortage of UK truck drivers, called HGV for “heavy goods vehicle” drivers, has gotten to the point where wholesalers and retailers are calling for the army to mobilize to alleviate the shortage.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, June 28, 2021

Friday Short Haul - Minneapolis set to ban big rig parking, WIT Member of the Month

In this Friday Short Haul, the city of Minneapolis has begun the process of banning large trucks from parking within the city limits, and Women in Trucking announces its Member of the Month for June.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, June 25, 2021

CTA's challenge of California's AB5 on its way to the Supreme Court

In a terse one-paragraph order on Monday the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit shot down yet one more appeal by the California Trucking Association to try to halt California’s anti-trucking, independent contractor law from going into effect.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, June 23, 2021

More guilty pleas in New Orleans staged crash scam ring investigation

Authorities prosecuting suspects charged in the truck-accident insurance scams in the New Orleans area that had been in operation since about 2015 continue to rack up guilty pleas – to date, another eight have pled guilty recently, bringing the total to 22 out of the 33 who have been indicted.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, June 21, 2021

Friday Short Haul - DOT agenda, pay increases, Workforce Heroes, and TuSimple

In this Friday Short Haul, U.S. DOT announces its spring regulatory agenda, more carriers offer pay increases, Workforce Heroes toured Iowa high schools, and TuSimple announces expansion to Florida.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, June 18, 2021

ATRI survey points to the need for a nationwide truck parking availability system

Results of an American Transportation Research Institute survey of truck parking availability systems in use by truckers points to the need for more accurate systems and the standardization of these systems across state lines.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, June 16, 2021

Canada ELD mandate deadline was June 12; won't be enforced

Canadian news media is celebrating the arrival of the June 12 deadline for all commercial trucks traveling between Canadian provinces to be equipped with electronic logging devices. However, the reality for the Canadian trucking industry is that the impact of the June 12 deadline for ELD compliance was barely noticeable – hardly even qualifying as a “soft” deadline.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, June 14, 2021

Friday Short Haul - Driver essay contest, safest fleets, JB Hunt's Waymo, ATA's climate change

In this Friday Short Haul, a trucking essay contest is announced, safest fleet finalists are named, JB Hunt joins Waymo in a pilot program, and ATA goes all in for climate change.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, June 11, 2021

OOIDA aids CTA in its appeal of unfavorable AB5 ruling

The California Trucking Association, almost alone in its fight to preserve the livelihood of hundreds of thousands of California’s independent truckers, hopes to earn an AB5 appeal hearing in front of the entire slate of judges presiding over the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, June 9, 2021

Little for truckers to like in newest highway bill

The United States House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has released details about its newly introduced surface transportation reauthorization bill, known as the “Invest in America Act.” And, not surprisingly, lines are being drawn within the trucking industry among the usual players on both sides of the issue.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, June 7, 2021

Friday Short Haul - TuSimple watermelon run, Schneider diversity, pre-settlement claims

In this Friday Short Haul, TuSimple stages a watermelon run to prove self-driving viability, Schneider earns a spot on Forbes's top companies for diversity, and a pre-settlement company expects an uptick in summer accidents.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, June 4, 2021

Latest study released: 25 most-dangerous highways in America

One highway in Florida, Interstate 4, which runs between Tampa and Daytona Beach, has the dubious distinction of being the most dangerous highway in America – a distinction that the highway has earned year after year.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, June 2, 2021

Survey seeks answers to what drivers want from carriers

In trying to understand the dynamics of the driver-shortage, driver-recruitment, driver-retention paradigm a survey conducted by the Conversion Interactive Agency and Professional Driver Agency went right to the source -- they took a survey of commercial drivers.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, May 31, 2021

Friday Short Haul - Speed limiters, ATRI research agenda, Pallet shortage

In this Friday Short Haul, a bill is introduced in the House to mandate speed limiters for large trucks, ATRI announces this year's research priorities, and a shortages of pallets adds to supply chain woes.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, May 28, 2021

Some are asking the feds to take another look at twin-33 trailers

The capacity crunch and driver shortage have got some proponents calling again for the United States Congress to revive efforts to raise the federal limit on trailer size – specifically to allow twin 33-foot trailers across the breadth of the country.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, May 26, 2021

Watch out for increased cargo theft over Memorial Day holiday

CargoNet, the cargo theft prevention and recovery network, is warning truckers to be aware of a “significant threat to freight transportation” over the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. That threat focuses on cargo theft and hijackings, which increase measurably during this one particular holiday period.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, May 24, 2021

Friday Short Haul - Woman in Logistics award, Brake Check Week, and truckers' COVID shots

In this Friday Short Haul, Women In Trucking announces winner of they Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award, CVSA announces upcoming Brake Check Week, and more states offering to give COVID shots to Canadian truckers.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, May 21, 2021

Sides lining up on re-introduced $5 million insurance minimum bill

Details of the re-introduced Insurance Act bill that proposes increasing the minimum insurance requirement for commercial trucks to nearly $5 million are not available, but the bill is drawing a considerable amount of comments on both sides of the issue.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, May 19, 2021

Supply chain is in crisis: Is a truck VMT tax the solution?

Speaking before the Senate Subcommittee on Surface Transportation last week, American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear said the pressures on the supply chain are “fast approaching crisis levels,” and that Congress needs to take immediate action to “ensure our economic recovery is not derailed by further disruptions.”

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, May 17, 2021

Friday Short Haul - Break-away fifth wheel, HP partners with Embark, Texas lawsuit bill proceeds

In this Friday Short Haul a startup has developed at break-away fifth wheel protecting tractors from trailer rollovers, HP has partnered with autonomous developer Embark, and the Texas bill protecting carriers from excessive lawsuits passes out of committee.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, May 14, 2021

Three top carriers sign up for 6,775 TuSimple self-driving trucks

Several of the biggest names in the American trucking industry have signed up ahead of time to receive TuSimple’s first rollout of its Level 4 self-driving International LT Series trucks.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, May 12, 2021

Drivers come to the aid of crash victims, earn Highway Angel wings

It’s time to feature some more recipients of Truckload Carriers Association’s Highway Angel award program. Honors this time went to a driver who helped the victim of a semi hit-and-run crash, to a driver who came to the aid of a fellow truck driver after a crash, another driver who stopped to help a young woman whose car went into a ditch, and to twin brothers who helped rescue crash victims whose car had gone into a ravine.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, May 10, 2021

Friday Short Haul - WIT names finalists, DOL withdraws decision, seat belt enforcement

In this Friday Short Haul, Women in Trucking names finalists in its Distinguished Women in Logistics Award, the DOL deals a blow to truckers hoping for relief from California's AB5, and an FMCSA official asks for stricter seat belt enforcement.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, May 7, 2021

Nation catching on to consequences of truck driver shortage

In searching for “what’s news” for our mid-week Trucking Truth news article it was hard to miss the number of headlines about the truck driver shortage that dominate today’s media. And, it’s remarkable because the headlines aren’t coming from the usual truck industry media sources. It appears the rest of the nation is catching on to how important truck drivers are to the economy and what the consequences are when there aren’t enough drivers to man the big rigs that deliver consumer goods.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, May 5, 2021

Inspectors on the road for International Roadcheck this week

The CVSA 2021 International Roadcheck inspection blitz begins tomorrow, May 4, and finishes on Thursday, May 6. The inspection blitz is an annual program of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance where inspectors in the United States, Canada and Mexico will be looking for critical commercial vehicle violations.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, May 3, 2021

Friday Short Haul - ADAS push, Fiji trucking, gas shortage, and AB 5 becomes law

In this Friday Short Haul the FMCSA makes push for ADAS awareness, trucking in Fiji curing COVID, looming gas shortage due to lack of tank drivers, and California's AB 5 becomes law with removal of injunction protecting truckers.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, April 30, 2021

Truckers involved in one-third of work zone crashes

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is making a major push this week to alert the public about work zone safety. The agency is kicking off the beginning of the nation's yearly roadway repair and construction season with it annual program titled this year, "National Work Zone Awareness Week -- Drive Safe. Work Safe. Save Lives."

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, April 28, 2021

Seven tips for drivers to boost their pay

Jake Peters, a writer at DriveTeks, posted a comprehensive article at CDL Life last Friday on "How to make more money as a truck driver." The gist of the article is that although truck drivers enjoy job security in this current era of driver shortages, many might feel that they aren't reaching their salary goals. Peters offers several tips to get those drivers going in the right direction, salary-wise.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, April 26, 2021

Friday Short Haul - Samsung's Safety Truck, insurance minumums increase, COVID shots for Canadian truckers

In this Friday Short Haul what happened to Samsung's Safety Truck, another attempt to increase insurance minimums, and North Dakota to begin giving COVID shots to Canadian truckers.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, April 23, 2021

TravelCenters names two as 2021 Citizen Drivers of the Year

Having driven a combined nearly six million accident-free miles over a total of 73 years on the road two professional drivers have been named as TravelCenters of America's eighth annual Citizen Driver Award honorees.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, April 21, 2021

Truck Historical Society launches Hall of Fame to honor truckers

Over the past 50 years the American Truck Historical Society has grown to be the world's largest non-profit society dedicated to preserving the history of trucks and the trucking industry. Internationally, the society has nearly 20,000 members in 100 chapters spanning 23 countries, and all of the 50 American states. Now, as announced by the society last Thursday, the society has launched the American Trucking and Industry Hall of Fame as a central location to showcase trucking industry awards recognizing industry leaders and icons.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, April 19, 2021

Friday Short Haul - WIT Driver of the Year nominees, FMCSA admin, DRIVE-Safe Act

In this Friday Short Haul, WIT narrows choice down to three for their 2021 Driver of the Year awards, Joshi tapped for FMCSA top job, and 117 industry organizations lobby for under-21 drivers.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, April 16, 2021

League of Cities offers solution to truck parking problem

The lack of truck parking is a hot topic these days, with most solutions revolving around inducing government to allocate funding to build new parking spots. But advocates for more and safer truck parking are finding a new ally in an organization representing members who have an excess of empty parking spots that could be converted to truck use.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, April 14, 2021

Policy brief makes a strong case for commercializing rest areas

While the ELD mandate's efficacy in improving safety by preventing commercial drivers from fudging the entries in their paper log books is still a controversial subject, what is dead certain is that the law of unintended consequences went into effect forcing more drivers than ever before to seek parking, often in unsafe locations without services.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, April 12, 2021

Friday Short Haul - FMCSA's TeenZone, Safety blitz, and Knight-Swift pay increase

In this Friday Short Haul FMCSA rolls out a new truck awareness resource for teens, less than a month until next safety inspection blitz, and Knight-Swift announces a new pay increase.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, April 9, 2021

States preparing for another spotted lanternfly season

It's spotted lanternfly season again, and ag officials believe this one is going to be whopper. Pennsylvania now has 34 counties officially in the state's spotted lanternfly quarantine zone, and officials are urging travelers to be extra cautious because of an expected larger hatch this spring.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, April 7, 2021

Carriers encouraged to hire more entry-level drivers

Trucking companies will have to start casting around in some non-traditional waters for available drivers. Many support the FMCSA proposed program to allow under-21 drivers to operate commercial vehicles across state lines as a way to mitigate the driver shortage.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, April 5, 2021

Friday Short Haul - Embark AV interface, OOIDA letter, Crete pay

In this Friday Short Haul Embark announces a universal interface for four major makes of truck, OOIDA pens letter to the U.S. Senate about truck parking, about truck size and weight, and funding, and Crete increases driver pay.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, April 2, 2021

Website ranks carriers by driver pay - Sysco at the top

A recent article at TruckDriversSalary.com with salary statistics from 2020 shows that Walmart has been displaced from its coveted number one spot by the major food distributor Sysco – though the difference of only a little over $1,000 is nearly negligible for that level of annual pay range.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, March 31, 2021

Opponents voice concerns about Amazon's Driveri surveillance system

Industry watchers are becoming increasingly concerned about the privacy invasive tactics being employed by Amazon against its delivery drivers, and worry that if it spreads throughout the trucking industry it could have an impact on driver retention.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, March 29, 2021

Friday Short Haul - Embark and ADOT, Livestock haulers, and truck parking

In this Friday Short Haul, Embark signs MOU with Arizona Department of Transportation, proposed bill would allow more HOS flexibility for livestock and ag haulers, and a U.S. Senate committee hears about the truck parking crisis.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, March 26, 2021

WIT honors 73 "Top Women to Watch"

In a "particularly difficult, stressful year," Women in Trucking Association has amassed a record number of women who are honored in WIT's fourth annual list of Top Women to Watch in Transportation.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, March 24, 2021

TCA honors four new Highway Angels

Here are the latest commercial drivers to receive their Highway Angel wings from Truckload Carriers Association.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, March 22, 2021

Friday Short Haul - Truck wings, miles traveled tax, left-lane laws

In this Friday Short Haul and innovative wing design saves significant fuel, huge cost of a proposed vehicle miles traveled tax, and states looking at amending left-lane laws.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, March 19, 2021

Texas doing something about nuclear verdicts against truckers

Texas State Legislatures have introduced House Bill 19 and companion Senate Bill 207 that they hope would put an end to nuclear verdicts against trucking companies that were not at fault. The gist of the bill is that plaintiffs in crashes involving commercial carriers in Texas would have to prove the carrier was grossly negligent in order to extract a large verdict from them as the result of a trial.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, March 17, 2021

First autonomous vehicle program student to graduate this semester

When Rick Pena graduates from Pima Community College at the end of this current semester he will have earned a certificate from the Autonomous Vehicle Driver & Operations Specialist Certificate Program, and will hold the title of autonomous vehicle driver and operations specialist.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, March 15, 2021

Friday Short Haul - U.S. Xpress report, DRIVE Safe Act, Illegals

In this Friday Short Haul U.S. Xpress pushes for $2 million minimum insurance, the ATA applauds introduction of the DRIVE Safe act to put under-21 drivers into interstate commerce, and illegals stream across the border in semi trucks.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, March 12, 2021

California's job-killing AB 5 about to go Federal

Introduced by U.S. Rep Robert Cortez Scott (D-Virginia), H.R. 842 builds on California's AB 5 in order to institute the ABC test for all companies across the United States that hire gig workers and independent contractors. Some 212 representatives have signed on as co-sponsors.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, March 10, 2021

Federal speed-limiter mandate up for discussion again

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Associated has entered the fray in the newly resurrected effort to propose a mandated Federal speed-limiter law.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, March 8, 2021

Friday Short Haul - Florida's SafeDRIVE, hair test update, human smuggler caught with 41 aboard

In this Friday Short Haul Florida Highway Patrol "sneaks up" on distracted drivers with a big rig truck, there is no final hair test rule yet, and an unlicensed Mexican driver caught trying to smuggle 41 illegal immigrants across the border.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, March 5, 2021

Senators propose legislation to promote women in the trucking industry

A bi-partisan team of United States Senators has come together to reintroduce the Promoting Women in Trucking Workforce Act. They are proposing legislation to support women in the trucking industry, and for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to establish a Women in Trucking Advisory Board.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, March 3, 2021

Canada is firm on June 12 ELD mandate; but no devices are certified

Having settled into compliance and routine use of mandated electronic logging devices U.S. commercial carriers that transport into Canada will have to go through the process all over again. Only, this time it will be much more complicated.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, March 1, 2021

Friday Short Haul - Top truck bottlenecks, North Dakota road trains, TuSimple IPO

In this Friday Short Haul ATRI releases report of the top 100 truck bottlenecks, North Dakota still considering road trains legislation, and TuSimple is the first self-driving truck innovator to announce a public stock offering.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, February 26, 2021

Despite benefits, fleets are not embracing lightweighting

While tractors and the loads they haul continue to get heavier, commercial carriers have not fully embraced the lightweighting concept, resulting in costs of lightweight components for those who do want to employ lightweighting to remain high, but it also impacts carriers' bottom line.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, February 24, 2021

ELD mandate drives telematic and technology consolidations

The electronic logging device mandate that went into effect last year opened the door for many small telematics and technology innovators to develop the next killer product that they hoped would be making an appearance in every single truck on the nation's roads.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, February 22, 2021

Friday Short Haul - Truck stop closures, apprenticeship program, emissions tampering

In this Friday Short Haul travel centers throughout the mid-west and south experience closures and outages due to the severe winter storm, President Trump's trucker-friendly apprenticeship program shut down, and EPA steps up efforts to end diesel emissions tampering.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, February 19, 2021

Still time to comment on FMCSA's proposed vision rule change

Unless the FMCSA receives a significant number of comments in the near future opposing its impaired vision proposed ruling -- and there has been no significant opposition so far -- soon drivers will not have to gain an exemption to drive with a vision impairment in one eye.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, February 17, 2021

Red-light and speed camera enforcement on states' legislative agendas

Land Line, the online news source for the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, has released its update of what state legislatures are considering this year regarding red-light and speed camera ticket enforcement.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, February 15, 2021

Friday Short Haul - C.R. England files RICO lawsuit, riskiest states, Walmart bonus

In this Friday Short Haul C.R. England files a RICO lawsuit against New Orleans area truck crash scammers, riskiest states and road segments are identified, and Walmart offers an $8,000 sign on bonus.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, February 12, 2021

Controversy continues on under-21 driver pilot program proposal

The comment period for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's proposed pilot program allowing under-21 drivers to operate across state lines has long passed, and the agency hasn't made a final ruling implementing the program yet, but concerns are still being voiced – on both sides of the issue.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, February 10, 2021

WIT honors January and February Women of the Month

Every month, Women in Trucking Association recognizes one member for its Member of the Month program. This year's two honorees, so far, are Claudia Rodriguez as Member of the Month of February, and Karen Noel as Member of the Month for January.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, February 8, 2021

Friday Short Haul - International Roadcheck 2021, Nikola hydrogen deal, OOIDA wants truck stop vaccines

In this Friday Short Haul CVSA announces 2021 inspection blitz, Nikola cuts a deal giving it a hydrogen production boost for its fuel-cell-powered semis, and OOIDA lobbies CDC for COVID vaccines at truck stops.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, February 5, 2021

OOIDA's Lewie Pugh on tap as House transportation committee witness

Outspoken advocate for truckers, Lewie Pugh with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, is expected to drop some more of his infamous "truth bombs," as one of six witnesses testifying before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee this Thursday.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, February 3, 2021

Car drivers are schooled about truckers' blind spots

A January article at Trucks.com highlighted the statistical fact that trucking is one of the deadliest occupations. Among the ideas brought forth trying to reduce the number of accidents that contribute to that statistic is to implement blind spot alert technologies.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, February 1, 2021

Friday Short Haul - Human smuggling, DOL rescinds opinion, yard moves comments

In this Friday Short Haul Texas border officials see upswing in human smuggling attempts, the DOL rescinds an earlier trucker-friendly opinion, and comments come in about the FMCSA's yard moves clarification.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, January 29, 2021

January Highway Angels get their 'wings'

Five drivers honored in January as Highway Angels by TCA and EpicVue for exemplary courtesy and courage in helping motorists in emergency situations.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, January 27, 2021

DOL opinion green lights carriers to implement safety requirements on contractor drivers

With all the attention being given to independent contractor driver status among trucking firms, and in light of the U.S. Department of Labor recently releasing a rule on that issue, the question has arisen whether a carrier can require their contracted drivers to implement safety measures and still allow those drivers to maintain their non-employee status.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, January 25, 2021

Friday Short Haul - Protests, dark days ahead, TuSimple

In this Friday Short Haul truckers can now take training in how to stay safe during protests, new administration means dark days ahead for small carriers, and two mega carriers invest in TuSimple's autonomous truck programs.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, January 22, 2021

Proposal to hit up SoCal warehouses for truck emissions at their facilities

In their seemingly never-ending march down the road to cripple the state's economy California regulators are proposing a new rule to make warehouse owners and operators responsible for the exhaust emitted by the trucks that service the warehouses.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, January 20, 2021

Court says interstate drivers are not held to California's meal and rest break rules

In a breakthrough decision by the U.S. District Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, commercial motor carriers need not impose California's meal and rest break regulations on their interstate drivers operating within the state.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, January 18, 2021

Friday Short Haul - ND's 80mph speed limit, FMCSA advisory committees, precedent-setting lawsuit

In this Friday Short Haul North Dakota proposes an 80 mph speed limit, FMCSA announces its 2021 advisory committees, and a Sixth Circuit Court opinion slashes a truck crash lawsuit attorney's argument.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, January 15, 2021

Most states fail to measure up to safety advocate's recommendations

The Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety have released its 18th annual Roadmap of State Highway Safety Laws and the China virus has taken one more hit in the blame game for helping to give 2020 a "substantial uptick in the fatality rate." In her preamble to the report, Advocate's President Catherine Chase remarked that, "In 2020, emptier roads turned into racetracks, impaired and distracted driving was reported as more widespread, protections like seat belt use appear to have dipped, and the traffic fatality rate spiked. In 2021, let’s change this picture."

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, January 13, 2021

Road train pilot program approved by North Dakota lawmakers

A proposal to open up North Dakota roads to Australian-like "road trains" has been approved by the state's legislature for a pilot program.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, January 11, 2021

Friday Short Haul - Best fleets to drive for in 2021, Feds' final worker status rule, yard jockeys need better training

In this Friday Short Haul TCA announces the top 20 best fleets to drive for in 2021, the U.S. Dept. of Labor publishes its final rule on employee and independent worker status, and ATS says yard jockeys need more training.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, January 8, 2021

TruckPark and FuelMe partnership takes the worry out of parking and fueling

For truckers the pairing of a service where a dispatcher finds and assigns a reserved parking space for them, and also calls up a mobile tanker to fuel them while they rest would be a marriage made in heaven. And that, indeed, is the concept dreamed up by two transportation industry companies that have been individually serving truckers on the road.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, January 6, 2021

Clearinghouse deadline, and new FMCSA guidance about yard moves

A hard deadline looms for carriers and owner-operators to register and make their first query with the FMCSA's Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. That deadline is tomorrow, January 5. And FMCSA proposes new guidance defining yard-moves for HOS purposes.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, January 4, 2021

2020 closes with probably one of the most bizarre truck crash lawsuits ever

This is a truck vs. car accident case that lasted for years in the courts that defies understanding, much less the ability to explain, but we'll do our best because the bizarre nature of the story is worth it.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, January 1, 2021

FMCSA adds underride guards to list of inspection items

Some 68 years after first being mandated for heavy trucks, and about 53 years after notoriously featuring in a famous actress' death, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is proposing a new rule requiring that rear underride guards must be examined as part of a truck's annual inspection.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, December 30, 2020

Ex-football player helping truckers get into shape

The statistics are alarming. And they don't paint a healthy picture for the trucking industry … speaking of the health of truck drivers, that is. According to a Corporate Wellness Magazine online article, truck drivers as a group are in trouble, health-wise.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, December 28, 2020

Friday Short Haul - OOIDA's letter to Congress, J.B. Hunt's diversity project, major winter storm

In this Friday Short Haul OOIDA sends letter to Congress claiming COVID-relief bill does little to help truckers, J.B. Hunt partners with the University of Arkansas to develop inclusiveness and diversity in trucking, and a major winter storm hits the mid-West and moves on to the East.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, December 25, 2020

France imposes lockdown on truckers from Britain attempting to cross the channel

A new strain of the COVID virus that has arisen recently in Great Britain has made the island nation into a virtual "persona non gratis" among European countries. And thousands of truck drivers appear to be among the most-affected and vocal about being stranded at Britain's ports unable to cross over to the continent.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, December 23, 2020

DOT told to assess skills of employees able to meet automation challenge

In a 38-page report released Friday by the U.S. Government Accountability Office the conclusion was that the U.S. Department of Transportation and its three main administrations do not have the skilled staff necessary to oversee the growing automation technology that is taking place in the trucking industry.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, December 21, 2020

Friday Short Haul - New FMCSA final rule, U.S. Xpress MIT study, Triton-EV semi

In this Friday Short Haul FMCSA announces a new rule allowing driving trainers to also administer the skills test, U.S. Xpress partners with MIT for an HOS study, and Triton-EV debuts a new hydrogen/electric semi.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, December 18, 2020

COVID blamed for backlog in holiday deliveries

The COVID virus has been blamed for a lot of things this year – deserved or not – and now online Christmas shoppers are being told to expect a delay in receiving their packages … and it's COVID's fault. To make matters worse, the emergency rollout of the COVID vaccine that is gearing up right now has taken precedence over Christmas gifts, creating a stackup all up and down the logistics supply chain from the nation's ports all the way to a Christmas shopper's front door.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, December 16, 2020

Rule requiring driver notification of traffic violations is on FMCSA chopping block

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is addressing an issue that came up for a proposed change in 1994 and 1997, and was rejected both times then, but that looks likely to finally be resolved soon, primarily due to an improvement in computer connectivity technology that makes the change feasible.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, December 14, 2020

Friday Short Haul - WIT Female Driver nominations, FMCSA HOS Q&A webinar, truckers handle

In this Friday Short Haul Women in Trucking opens nominations for Female Driver of the Year 2021, FMCSA taking registrations for an HOS Q&A webinar, and Oregon State University students come up with a better handle.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, December 11, 2020

House passes federal marijuana bill; won't affect truckers

Last Friday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the MORE Act, enabling a Federal-level decriminalization of marijuana.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, December 9, 2020

Predictive hiring assessments becoming popular recruiting tool. But will it cure turnover?

It's not exactly a trade secret that trucking companies want their recruiters to find them the best, most-qualified drivers. After all, it's in everybody's best interest for a carrier's drivers to be able to safely and efficiently move freight from Point A to Point B. To find drivers who are the best fit for their trucking firms -- meaning qualified drivers who will stay with them longer -- recruiters are now turning to a hiring practice called predictive hiring – hiring based on the results of a behavior assessment test.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, December 7, 2020

Friday Short Haul -- ATA letters about vaccine, FMCSA emergency declaration, UPS steps up dry ice production

In this Friday Short Haul - ATA writes letters pushing for prioritizing vaccines for truckers, FMCSA extends HOS exemptions for vaccine deliveries, and UPS ramps up dry ice production for safe storage and transportation of frozen vaccines.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, December 4, 2020

WIT seeks to survey women about driving while pregnant

A question that a daughter posed to her trucking industry dad has led to a joint study between her and CarriersEdge and Women in Trucking on the issue of prenatal health and safety for women truck drivers.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, December 2, 2020

Four more drivers join ranks of TCA's Highway Angels

Several commercial truck drivers have been named recently as Truckload Carriers Association's newest Highway Angels for showing exemplary courtesy and courage while on the job.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, November 30, 2020

Friday Short Haul -- TCA's Fleet Safety awards, truck drivers' vaccine, Volvo electric semis

In this Friday Short Haul TCA announces division finalists for its Fleet Safety Awards, CDC puts truck drivers on short list for COVID-19 vaccine, and Volvo will take orders for its electric semi beginning December 3.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, November 27, 2020

AI technology is now playing a bigger role in driver-facing camera surveillance

Despite ongoing negative reactions from drivers and opposition from some organizations like the Teamsters Union, the latest innovation in driver assistance technology – machine vision and artificial intelligence – is continuing to make itself known inside a driver's cab.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, November 25, 2020

CDC releases lates COVID-19 guidelines for truckers

In reaction to the latest news about an alleged new outbreak of the COVID-19 virus the Centers for Disease Control has released new guidelines specifically for truck drivers and their carrier employers.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, November 23, 2020

Friday Short Haul - Daimler self-driving Freightliner, driver's ed students, StopTheTires cancelled

In this Friday Short Haul take a Daimler self-driving Freightliner tour, high school driver's ed student learn about big rigs, and StopTheTires2020 is officially cancelled.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, November 20, 2020

FMCSA shoots down Washington State's more-stringent break rules for truckers

Almost immediately after the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ruled two years ago to preempt California's meal and rest break laws for drivers of commercial vehicles the Washington Truckers Associations brought forth its own petition asking the FMCSA to extend the same preemption status to Washington State drivers.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, November 18, 2020

Two awardees announced for WIT's 2020 Woman of Influence

Women in Trucking Association, along with Freightliner Trucks, announced the 2020 Influential Woman in Trucking award recipient during the WIT Accelerate Virtual Conference & Expo, which concluded on Friday. This year, however, the Influential Woman award went to two candidates, as judging of the six finalists came down to a tie for the top scorers.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, November 16, 2020

Friday Short Haul -- Trucking quilter, Tri-State bets $5,000, and CRST conquers dwell time

In this Friday Short Haul includes a trucking quilter, a Tri-State Motors $5,000 bet that new drivers can beat their former pay, and how CRST has conquered dwell time for the first and last mile of hauling freight.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, November 13, 2020

Veterans Day StopTheTires2020 shutdown protest planned

Today, November 11, Veterans Day, is the day that a trucker strike group has chosen for a trial run national shutdown called StopTheTires2020 in protest of presidential candidate Joe Biden's Green New Deal platform; which would eliminate fracking, thus raising fuel prices.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, November 11, 2020

California voters approve Prop 22 to gain exemptions to AB-5

While the rest of the world awaits a final count of legal, legitimate votes in several battleground states that will determine who occupies the White House for the next four years the results are in that California voters handily gave the California State Legislature a beat-down with passage of Proposition 22.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, November 9, 2020

Friday Short Haul - FMCSA Pocket Guide, Heartland pay raise, teen trucker comments

In this Friday Short Haul the FMCSA has published its 2020 Pocket Guide to Large Truck and Bus Statistics, Heartland Express announces driver pay increase, and the comment period on FMCSA's teen driver proposal ends on Monday.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, November 6, 2020

U.S. Senator blasts FMCSA for lack of accountability and increased crashes

Hard on the heels of a recent criticism of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Office of the Inspector General comes a tersely worded letter from a U.S. Senator from Massachusetts charging the FMCSA with allowing "trucking companies across the United States to operate with minimal to no federal accountability."

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, November 4, 2020

Four-state coalition forms to alleviate I-10 corridor truck parking problem

In most, if not virtually all, online listings for the top 10 or top 25 most unsafe roads in America the I-10 corridor across the southern states makes the list … sometimes even coming out at the top or near the top. Of interest to truckers, as well, is the lack of truck parking along the long stretches of desert landscapes which constitute the Western states portions of the Interstate.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, November 2, 2020

Friday Short Haul - Tyson's mirrorless trucks, Brake Safety Week results, 14-hour pilot program comments

In this Friday Short Haul Tyson tries out removing rear view and side mirrors, one in eight trucks go out of service during Brake Safety Week inspections, and a coalition of producers and distributors lobby in favor of FMCSA's split 14-hour pilot program proposal.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, October 30, 2020

Driver shortage ranks highest in ATRI's latest truck industry survey

The driver shortage, driver compensation, and truck parking ranked in the top three concerns among drivers, carriers and other trucking industry stakeholders in the just-released American Transportation Research Institute's survey titled "Critical Issues in the Trucking Industry – 2020."

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, October 28, 2020

FMCSA criticized for high number of CDL fraud incidences

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Office of the Inspector General issued its annual report card on agencies under its purview, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration got a mild rebuke for the number of CDL frauds that occurred under its watch during the past four years.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, October 26, 2020

Friday Short Haul - Volvo electrics, EPA emission penalties, PA move over law

In this Friday Short Haul Volvo receives nearly $22 million grant to provide electric semis, EPA fines carriers for California emissions violations, and Pennsylvania upgrades its Steer Clear law to a Move Over law.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, October 23, 2020

Nuclear verdicts get carriers rethinking safety training programs

In a recent jury verdict that evoked superlatives among the trucking news media like "historic," "record," and "biggest ever," a Florida jury has awarded a motorcycle rider $411.7 million for injuries he received in an accident on westbound I-10 in Tallahassee, Florida.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, October 21, 2020

SBTC denied request for HOS and ELD exemptions when pets are on board

Last Friday the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration published its ruling denying the Small Business in Transportation Coalition's request to allow drivers traveling with domestic animals – in other words, pets – an exemption from the ELD mandate, and to allow for additional hours of driving and a longer work shift.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, October 19, 2020

Friday Short Haul - Smuggled migrants, Prime settlement, USF Holland lawsuit, truck road damage

In this Friday Short Haul a trucker was caught smuggling 100 migrants across a Texas border, confusion over Prime's settlement, USF Holland sued, and trucks do proportionally more road damage.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, October 16, 2020

Tank trailers get approved for an additional pulsating brake light

Responding to the National Tank Truck Carriers Inc's application for approval to add a pulsating amber or red brake light to rear of tank trucks in addition to the steady-burning regular brake light, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has granted a 5-year exemption beginning October 8.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, October 14, 2020

TuSimple and Waymo go head to head on issues of AV trucking

Autonomous trucking principals Xiaodi Hou of TuSimple and Boris Sofman of Waymo agreed on some major issues they have faced in their AV development, but disagreed on a fundamental issue of how to overcome the differences that self-driving trucks might encounter between highway driving and street-level driving.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, October 12, 2020

Friday Short Haul - Drivers can self-dispatch, driver pay on the increase, Hurrican Delta emergency

In this Friday Short Haul USA Truck announces a driver self-dispatch program, carriers are beginning to bump driver pay, and FMCSA announces an emergency declaration for southern states impacted by Hurricane Delta.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, October 9, 2020

Women in Trucking names Influential Women and top companies for women to work for

Last June Women in Trucking with Freightliner Trucks opened nominations for the 2020 version of their Influential Women in Trucking award. Today, WIT and Freightliner announce the six finalists from among the many nominations who they believe exemplify women as female role models and trailblazers in the trucking industry.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, October 7, 2020

When a social media presence could hurt a driver or carrier

One question that drivers should be constantly asking … even long before a lawsuit situation develops, after an accident for example … is what am I doing now that is going to be used against me big time if I am sued?"

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, October 5, 2020

Friday Short Haul - Walmart buys Tesla semis, FMCSA drivers panel, Pronto.ai is denied request, and Jim Mullen moves to TuSimple

In this Friday Short Haul Walmart buys 130 Tesla semis -- to start, FMCSA opens the drivers advisory panel for applications, Pronto.ai is denied an HOS exemption request, and Jim Mullen formerly of FMCSA takes job at TuSimple.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, October 2, 2020

Machine learning shared truck loads add efficient component to LTL shipping

Truck load and less than truck load (LTL) are common trucking industry terms that have been around for awhile. But there's a fairly new "truck load" term that is beginning to find its way into the industry's compendium of jargon, and that is STL, standing for shared truck load.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, September 30, 2020

New HOS rules in effect Sept. 29; clearing confusion about the new rule changes

September 29, tomorrow, is a much-anticipated big day. No, not because of the presidential debate between President Trump and Joe Biden that is scheduled for 9 pm Eastern … well, that too … but because the long-awaited new hours of service rules go into effect.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, September 28, 2020

Friday Short Haul -- Schneider's remote orientation, 14-hour rule change comments, license renawal extension, ATA's DOL response

In this Friday Short Haul Schneider announces remote new-driver orientation, comments come in for FMCSA's 14-hour rule proposal, FMCSA extends CDL license renewal waiver, and ATA endorses the DOL's employee status review.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, September 25, 2020

Feds come out with their own definition of independent contractor status

A major new player has joined the independent contractor fray that was created when California legislators passed Assembly Bill 5 last year mandating a strict definition of employee-contractor status that virtually eliminated independent contractor work for huge segments of the economy.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, September 23, 2020

Amazon casts around for freight haulers; FMCSA news for drivers

As freight demand grows, especially in anticipation of an early holiday sales season, Amazon is finding itself losing its owner-operator line-haul drivers to the spot market, and is needing to find capacity elsewhere. And FMCSA creates a drivers advisory panel, and reminds owner-operators to register for the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, September 21, 2020

Friday Short Haul - WIT photo contest, Teamsters challenge HOS, $1 billion for infrastructure

In this Friday Short Haul WIT announces photo contest winners, Teamsters and other safety groups challenge FMCSA's new HOS rules, and $1 billion is added to states' infrastructure funding.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, September 18, 2020

Speeding was most-cited violation during Safe Driver Week

While we await the compilation of results from International Road Check, which ran from September 9 to September 11 this year, it might be instructive to review the recently released results of Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's Operation Safe Driver Week that was conducted earlier this summer.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, September 16, 2020

Carriers, others, honor drivers during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week

As part of its celebration of truck drivers during the 2020 National Truck Driver Week the American Trucking Associations has teamed up with Peterson Manufacturing to award 10 professional truck drivers $1,000 each for hardships they have undergone during the virus pandemic.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, September 14, 2020

Friday Short Haul - FMCSA wildfire declaration, hair drug testing, shift plus load pay

In this Friday Short Haul the FMCSA issues extension of its wildfire-related emergency declaration, hair drug testing published for comments, and an Iowa carrier tries a new driver pay structure.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, September 11, 2020

FMCSA looking to put under-21 drivers on interstate hauls

After examining 1,118 comments from last year's announcement of an under-21 commercial driver pilot program the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced on Friday a new pilot program testing the feasibility of allowing 18 through 20-year-old drivers to operate large commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, September 9, 2020

New AB 5 bill specifically targets truckers for enforcement

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law on Friday a State Assembly bill that carves out more exemptions to Assembly Bill 5, commonly known as the independent contractor law, that went into effect this year. Unfortunately for California trucking companies and contract drivers, however, the changes brought by Assembly Bill 2257 do not help California independent contractor drivers, but instead double down on keeping them under the original AB 5 enforcement umbrella.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, September 7, 2020

Friday Short Haul - AV test tracking tool, split-duty proposal comments, and mandatory hair testing

In this Friday Short Haul DOT creates a website for the public to track AV testing, the split-duty proposal comment period is open for comments, and mandatory hair testing is nearing the public review and comment stage.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, September 4, 2020

FMCSA helps bankroll Trucking Fatigue Meter to fight driver drowsiness

The FMCSA's research and analysis department has helped to fund with just over $1 million a program created by Pulsar Infomatics to monitor and act on driver fatigue in near real time. Called the Trucking Fatigue Meter, Pulsar's program integrates with 90 percent of existing electronic logging devices and analyzes statistics using those streams of trucking data to evaluate a driver's condition and "provide actionable feedback in near real-time"

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, September 2, 2020

FMCSA looking at split-duty rule change; extending 14-hour day

Last week, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced it was starting a pilot program to test whether it would be feasible to offer drivers relief from the agency's hours of service regulation restricting driving to 14 hours from when they first came on duty.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, August 31, 2020

Friday Short Haul - Travel centers announce special offers for drivers in September

In this Friday Short Haul Travel Centers of America, Pilot Company and Love's Travel Stops all announce driver specials to celebrate National Driver Appreciation Week, and the whole month of September.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, August 28, 2020

Trucking landscape could look different after Nov. 3

The importance of this year's general election to the nation's health -- in many regards -- cannot be overstated. But, as drivers and others with a stake in the trucking industry we should recognize that there are also some dramatic implications for the transportation sector as well.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, August 26, 2020

More indictments in New Orleans area accident insurance scams

Several participants in a truck-accident insurance scheme that made the New Orleans area notorious for the scam have pleaded guilty – including the man that has been dubbed in news reports as the ringleader of the group.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, August 24, 2020

Friday Short Haul - North Dakota road trains, Brake Safety Week, drivers not returning to duty, opposition to Mexican truckers

In this Friday Short Haul North Dakota is looking into allowing road trains on its highways, Brake Safety Week begins August 23, large number of drug and alcohol violators are not returning to duty, and OOIDA and Teamsters right joint letter opposing Mexican truckers.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, August 21, 2020

Platooning passes real-world tests; new company emerges as leader

Passenger car drivers who happened to be on I-84 recently between Portland, Oregon, and Nampa, Idaho, might have found themselves griping about "those dang trucks" driving too close together – forcing them to have to pass two trucks at a time instead of just the one.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, August 19, 2020

Helping victims of crashes earn drivers Highway Angel awards

Stopping to aid motorists during horrific crashes earn truck drivers awards as Truckload Carriers Associations Highway Angels

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, August 17, 2020

Friday Short Haul - Trucker's last ride, FMCSA extension, autonomous trucks

In this Friday Short Haul a dying trucker gets his wish for a last ride in a truck, FMCSA extends HOS exemptions, and fully autonomous trucks won't be on the highways any time soon.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, August 14, 2020

Test vehicles did not fare well during AAA's driving assistance evaluations

The trucking industry's venture into full-on autonomous Class 8 trucks – TuSimple being a prime working example -- is well beyond the driver assistance technology offered in passenger vehicles, but a recently released study conducted by the American Automobile Association on vehicles employing active driver assistance lends itself to urging caution about the safety of the technology.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, August 12, 2020

Spotted lanternfly sightings on the increase

The state of Pennsylvania reports nearly a 500 percent increase in spotted lanternfly sightings, and has announced it has added two new counties to its quarantine list.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, August 10, 2020

Friday Short Haul - JKC Trucking announcement, truck stop break-in, WIT top women businesses

In this Friday Short Haul JKC Trucking says no freight to 'defunded' cities, woman driver experiences sleeper break-in, and Women in Trucking honors top women-owned transportation businesses.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, August 7, 2020

FMCSA reminds drivers of 'adverse conditions' exemptions to HOS rules

Truck drivers are facing an increasing number of incidences of violence, as chronicled in a recent CDL Life article; with a marked increase recently because of out-of-control rioters. However, perhaps the most bizarre incident involving a trucker occurred last Saturday on the Florida Turnpike.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, August 5, 2020

SmartSense mitigates collision and 'sitting duck' situations

SmartDrive, a leading innovator in video-based safety intelligence systems for trucks, has developed a patented technology for alerting drivers to situations where they might be speeding for conditions and where they might need help while parked in "sitting duck" situations.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, August 3, 2020

Friday Short Haul - FBI ELD hacks warning, students hack trucks, OOIDA asks for HVUT suspension

In this Friday Short Haul the FBI sends out a notice warning about hacker attacks against trucks' ELDs, college students study how to hack trucks, and OOIDA writes a letter to Congress asking them to suspend the HVUT.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, July 31, 2020

Women In Trucking announces 2020 photo contest

Women in Trucking Association, with the co-sponsorship of Hudson Insurance Group, is sponsoring their 2020 sixth-annual "I Heart Trucking" photo contest. Theme for this year's contest is, appropriately, HERoes of the Highway.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, July 29, 2020

California publishes major new freight plan

As yet another response to the Federal Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act passed in 2015 the State of California has published a massive document to update the state's freight planning. Titled, "California Freight Mobility Plan 2020," the 326-page document was released by the California State Transportation Agency, known as Caltrans, to comply with a FAST Act requirement for states to provide state freight plans and update them every five years to be able to qualify for National Highway Freight program funding.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, July 27, 2020

Friday Short Haul - Love's requires masks, 10-million-mile driver, brake check blitz, and TuSimple truck incident

In this Friday Short Haul Love's announces mask requirement, John Christner driver hits 10-million safe miles mark, CVSA announced Brake Safety Week, and a TuSimple autonomous truck is involved in an incident on I-10.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, July 24, 2020

COVID-19 gives the average trucker a chance to attend FMCSA safety summit

In reaction to the COVID-19 virus, FMCSA is hosting its Trucking Safety Summit in August and making it available as a virtual meeting, free and open to anybody who wishes to register and participate via a digital device.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, July 22, 2020

Overdrive honors Small Fleet Champs

At a time when so many carriers are in financial trouble, and reading news about smaller fleets you'll encounter terms like, "bankruptcy," "layoffs," and "closing doors," there are still some smaller carriers that have not only survived this tumultuous year but have apparently thrived. Overdrive online has decided to honor those successful small fleets with its first ever contest to find the Small Fleet Champ for 2020.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, July 20, 2020

Friday Short Haul - States push for electric semis, fewer student new-hires, troopers in a truck

In this Friday Short Haul states sign a memorandum to push for electric semis, carriers find a smaller pool of student new hires, and troopers ride with truckers to spot unsafe drivers.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, July 17, 2020

Nearly 300,000 drivers would lose jobs if hair testing was mandated

Nearly one-tenth of all truck drivers currently plying America's highways would be pulled off the road if the more-conclusive hair testing for drug use was mandated in addition to, or in place of, the currently mandated urine test.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, July 15, 2020

Trucking Truth owner/founder gets 3-hour spot at Road Dog Trucking Radio

Thousands of truck drivers say they owe the success of their ventures into trucking to the training and encouragement that they got from a trucking-oriented website called TruckingTruth.com. Much of their success can be attributed to the unrelenting positive attitude of the site's owner/founder Brett Aquila, who has imbued the site throughout with expressions of encouragement, fierce personal responsibility, humility, the importance of admitting mistakes, and having the desire to learn.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, July 13, 2020

Friday Short Haul - Operation Safe Driver Week, Canadian border, fuel cell semis hit the road

In this Friday Short Haul July 12-18 is set for inspection blitz, truck drivers must give contact info at Canadian border crossings, and Hyundai ships first 10 fuel cell trucks.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, July 10, 2020

Werner, DOE earn FMCSA ELD and HOS exemptions

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced the agency has granted two exemptions for commercial carriers meeting specific conditions. Both notices were published in the Federal Register this week.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, July 8, 2020

TuSimple announces its Autonomous Freight Network to expand driverless freight hauling throughout the nation

TuSimple, an early autonomous Class 8 innovator, has leapfrogged all the other autonomous truck innovators by announcing on July 1 the launching of what they call "the world's first Autonomous Freight Network."

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, July 6, 2020

Friday Short Haul - House passes Moving Forward Act, YRC gets a bailout, and trucking jobs on the increase

In this Friday Short Haul, the suspence comes to an end as the House passes the Moving Forward Act, YRC Worldwide gets a huge government bailout, and trucking jobs are coming back.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, July 3, 2020

Group pens letter objecting to proposed EV charging stations at highway rest areas

Representatives of the nation's truck stops and travel plazas, convenience stores and gasoline marketers have joined together to send a letter to the U.S. Congress opposing the Moving Forward Act.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, July 1, 2020

Carriers' virus response gets kudos at TCA virtual meeting

Ironically, a truck driver's biggest defense against becoming infected during the COVID-19 virus threat is something that many drivers complain about while living on the road – often to the point of having to quit driving -- the self-quarantining and extreme social distancing that comes with the job … in other words, being lonely on the road.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, June 29, 2020

Friday Short Haul - Convoy brokerage, CLP waiver extended, $2 million amendment passed, two sentenced for CDL fraud

In this Friday Short Haul Convoy steps up its game to capture more freight business, FMCSA extends CLP waiver, the $2 million minimum insurance coverage amendment is passed, and CDL examiner and trucking school owner are sentenced for CDL fraud conspiracy.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, June 26, 2020

Nuclear verdicts strangling trucking companies; not so, say lawsuit attorneys

"Nuclear" verdicts, monetary awards against trucking firms that are $1 million to $10 million or greater, have been making the news lately, and that's why the American Transportation Research Institute underwent an extensive study to quantify the number and size of awards, and to find out why the litigation landscape has changed so much to bring about these verdicts.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, June 24, 2020

Eight carriers in lawsuit for not poaching other companies' drivers

In a lawsuit that belongs in the "damned if you do, damned if you don't" category, CRST and seven other mega carriers are defending against a lawsuit by job-seeking drivers who complain that the carriers don't hire them as drivers even though they are still under contract to other carriers.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, June 22, 2020

Friday Short Haul - Post-virus speeds return to normal, $2 million insurance minimum proposed, WIT looking to honor an influential woman

In this Friday Short Haul - Speeds return to normal post-virus, Congress mulls a $2 million minimum for truckers' insurance, and Women in Trucking looking to honor an influential woman.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, June 19, 2020

FMCSA extends 3 COVID-related waiver declarations

Because the declaration of the national emergency due to the virus crisis is still in effect, the FMCSA recently announced several extensions of previous emergency waivers and declarations.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, June 17, 2020

Truckers say they will refuse to enter cop-defunded cities

A vast majority of drivers responding to a CDL Life poll stomped down hard on the brakes and declared they will not enter cities that have defunded their police departments.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, June 15, 2020

Friday Short Haul - Truckers love guns, freight broker leader resigns, avoiding riots

In this Friday Short Haul FreightWaves finds that truckers love guns, freight broker leader steps down, and how to avoid injury from rioters.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, June 12, 2020

Cargo theft on the uptick during COVID-19 era

Cargo thefts appear to be on the rise in the first quarter of 2020 compared to the same period last year, and at least one cargo theft security company has attributed the cause of increased cargo criminal activity to COVID-19 circumstances.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, June 10, 2020

California voters will get a chance to scrap AB 5

Two citizen-driven measures are working their way through legal channels that would give California voters the chance to thwart the will of state legislators in their desire to throttle California's gig and independent contractor economy by enforcing the recently enacted AB 5, the independent contractor law.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, June 8, 2020

Friday Short Haul - Prime crash verdict, Teamsters applaud INVEST Act, OOIDA opposes broker bond changes

In this Friday Short Haul Prime escapes a potentially nuclear verdict, Teamsters applaud legislation that might undo recent HOS changes, and OOIDA opposes efforts to give brokers exemption from posting a $75,000 bond.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, June 5, 2020

Dwell and detention times begin to decrease post-virus

As every driver knows who enters a shipper/receiver's facility with anything but a drop-and-hook load a certain dwell time is to be expected. The bane of drivers, however, is when that dwell time turns into detention time. During the past few months of the virus crisis drivers said they were experiencing longer-than-normal detention times – sometimes 24 hours or more. But, now that the crisis has largely passed on in most locations, and panic buying has subsided, those detention times have begun to decrease.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, June 3, 2020

CRST fighting another battle over driver poaching

On the heels of CRST Expedited's successful lawsuit against Swift Transportation, claiming damages because Swift allegedly poached its trained drivers, CRST had filed a similar lawsuit against TransAm Trucking in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa on the same poaching charges.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, June 1, 2020

Friday Short Haul - Driver shortage is over, Amazon's brokerage goes national, and lawyers are after carriers for nuclear verdicts

In this Friday Short Haul the driver shortage appears to be over - for now, Amazon announces its freight brokerage is going nationwide, and lawyers are learning how to extract "nuclear" verdicts from carriers.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, May 29, 2020

Freight industry considering post-COVID-19 strategies

As the nation rebounds from the near-catastrophic, economy-killing, over-reaction to the COVID-19 virus, trucking industry leaders are beginning to look toward the future of the industry the rest of this year, and into the years to come.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, May 27, 2020

FMCSA to consider increasing HOS for autonomous drivers

The time for completely unattended autonomous freight hauling via Class 8 trucks is still somewhere down the road, but because self-driving vehicle innovators are stuck with regulations requiring a "driver" (and sometimes an engineer as well) to accompany the vehicles on each trip they are beginning to ask for hours of service exemptions for those attendees.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, May 25, 2020

Friday Short Haul - Trimble MAPS, rate of fatalities increase, Comcar bankruptcy, driver pay on the rise

In this Friday Short Haul Trimble MAPS offers a free app to help driver find places to stop, the rate of fatal accidents increased during COVID-19 lockdowns, Comcar declares bankruptcy, and ATA study shows increase in driver pay, bonuses.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, May 22, 2020

FMCSA: Long-awaited final HOS revisions announced

Two years after first announcing its proposal to revise hours of service regulations for drivers of commercial vehicles, and after receiving thousands of comments from drivers and members of the public, the Department of Transportation released last Thursday its final decision regarding new HOS rules.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, May 20, 2020

2016 trucking documentary released to YouTube for public viewing

In early November 2016, on the eve of when voters nationwide would be deciding on investments in transportation and infrastructure, film makers Jennifer Clymer and Marijane Miller debuted the screening of a trucking documentary that they hoped would help influence infrastructure funding.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, May 18, 2020

Friday Short Haul - Reusing morgue reefers, ATRI research priorities, FMCSA HOS declaration

In this Friday Short Haul the FDA offers guidelines in cleaning and disinfecting reefers that were used as temporary COVID-19 morgues, ATRI announces 2020 research priorities, and FMCSA extends again the HOS emergency declaration.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, May 15, 2020

WIT honors two women in the trucking industry

Sue Spero, president of Carrier Services of Tennessee, Inc., has been recognized for her many achievements in the trucking industry by being named as Women In Trucking's Distinguished Woman In Logistics for 2020. And Emily Soloby, WIT's Member of the Month for May, currently co-owns and helps run the AAA School of Trucking, with two locations in Pennsylvania, but she has taken an unbelievable path to get there.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, May 13, 2020

Freight brokers push back against "price gouging" accusation

As reported recently in a Trucking Truth news article freight brokers are taking the brunt of truck drivers' anger at dramatically declining rates, but now brokers are pushing back against the accusation that they are price-gouging those drivers.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, May 11, 2020

Friday Short Haul - Tank truck revenues decline, former Arrow CEO gets early prison release, not-preventable crashes

In this Friday Short Haul - Tank truckers suffer COVID-19 revenue decrease, former Arrow Trucking CEO gets an early prison release, and FMCSA offers to strike non-preventable crashes from fleets' and drivers' records.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, May 8, 2020

ATRI and OOIDF team up for comprehensive COVID-19/trucking survey

As the commercial truck transportation industry settles into its COVID-19 virus era new way of doing business the American Transportation Research Institute and the Owner-Operator Independent Driver Association Foundation have released the results of a survey from the industry on how the reaction to the pandemic has affected them.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, May 6, 2020

U.S. military has unique needs for truck platooning

The United States military has been keeping pace with the commercial trucking industry in developing platooning technology, often employing virtually identical mechanical and electronic components to accomplish their purposes. But the design specifications to meet the needs for the two couldn't be farther apart.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, May 4, 2020

Friday Short Haul - Truckers protest low rates, 1 million masks given to drivers, SecurSpace app finds parking

In this Friday Short Haul - Truckers protest low freight rates, FMCSA gives out 1 million masks to drivers, and the SecurSpace app finds parking spots for drivers.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, May 1, 2020

WorkHound analyses what drivers think about the COVID-19 crisis

WorkHound, an online platform for drivers to anonymously provide feedback to their companies, has released its latest analysis of driver comments regarding the COVID-19 crisis. The study analyses comments from drivers in the April 1, 2020, through April 15, 2020, period, and has noted some significant changes in drivers' perceptions about the virus.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, April 29, 2020

Group pushes back on temporary increased weight limits

In the wake of states' efforts to keep an adequate flow of virus-related essential materials moving along America's highways by granting temporary waivers on weight limits, an organization that opposes bigger trucks has written a letter to the nation's state governors reminding them to return to normal weight limits once the crisis is over.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, April 27, 2020

Friday Short Haul - 'Thank God for truckers!' CA state senator proposes bill to suspend AB5, TA furloughs 3,000 workers

In this Friday Short Haul truckers meet at White House for heroes reception, California state senator tries to undo AB5, and TA furloughs more than 3,000 employees.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, April 24, 2020

Truckers say distracted driving is on the rise

Netradyne, a company that produces camera and artificial intelligence-based technology focusing on driver safety, has released findings of a survey of drivers' opinions about driver distractions and AI technology. The bottom line is that the majority of drivers agree that distracted driving is on the rise, but also that "it's the other guy" who is to blame.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, April 22, 2020

Trucking leaders think some recent changes might become permanent in the industry

Truckers have been getting a lot of love lately, but the industry is becoming concerned about the long-term effect of the reaction to the COVID-19 virus.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, April 20, 2020

Friday Short Haul - "Your papers please," skills testing waiver, masks required in Canada

In this Friday Short Haul states begin imposing intrusive measures on travelers, FMCSA issues another virus waiver declaration, and face coverings are now required to enter Canada.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, April 17, 2020

Truckers report in on their treatment during these COVID-19 times

At a time when the public's awareness of the importance of the trucking industry in general, and truck drivers in particular, is at an all-time high because of the COVID-19 virus crisis, at least one industry leader has found an irony in the situation.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, April 15, 2020

FMCSA acts quickly to keep the new-driver pipeline flowing

Just days after a coalition representing commercial drivers licensing schools, trucking companies and shippers sent a letter to federal and state officials trying to persuade them to keep state drivers license agencies open the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced it would temporarily allow CDL skills test examiners to also administer the written CDL tests.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, April 13, 2020

Friday Short Haul - Weight limits increase, food trucks not wanted in rest areas, FMCSA extends HOS exemptions

In this Friday Short Haul states increase weight limits for essential freight, truck stops object to food trucks in rest areas, and FMCSA extends the HOS exemptions another month.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, April 10, 2020

Trucking industry concerned about state licensing agency closings

To forestall the cutting off of the vital supply chain of new drivers the nation's largest association of commercial driving schools has led a coalition of major corporations, associations and commercial driving schools to persuade federal and state officials to open their licensing offices to continue to offer CLP and CDL services.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, April 8, 2020

California AB-5 advocates react to carriers' COVID-19 good deeds

California's commercial carriers, already embroiled in the fight over the new AB-5 law that challenges their use of independent contractors, have now found themselves caught in a "no good deed goes unpunished" catch-22 because of their benevolence in offering COVID-19 assistance to those contractors.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, April 6, 2020

Friday Short Haul - Schneider's error, Change.org petition, Teamsters Canada demands

In this Friday Short Haul Schneider admits mistake in distributing inadequate wipes to its drivers, a Change.org petition opens to aid truckers, and Teamsters Canada demands reopening of rest rooms and rest areas.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, April 3, 2020

Authors: 'Legacy' carriers ignore autonomous technology at their peril

In an article at Automotive World the authors say that trucking industry participants ignore new autonomous vehicle technologies at their peril, predicting that within a relatively short time frame, within the next 15 years, forward-thinking larger carriers will have between 20 percent and 40 percent of their fleets as Level 4 autonomous Class 8 trucks.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, April 1, 2020

COVID-19 scare: State gun laws come under scrutiny

Fear of COVID-19 panickers and of jails being emptied of prisoners has prompted the Small Business in Transportation Coalition to petition the U.S. Department of Transportation to enforce preemption of Federal gun regulations over state laws.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, March 30, 2020

Friday Short Haul - Inspection blitz postponed, COVID-19 webinar, FHA urges states to keep rest areas open, fewer cars means faster truck deliveries

In this Friday Short Haul the CVSA postpones May's International Roadcheck, register for a free COVID-19 webinar, FHA urges states to keep rest areas open, and fewer cars mean faster freight deliveries.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, March 27, 2020

DOT and FMCSA issue COVID-19 responses

The Federal government has issued new guidelines for truck drivers and employers over the past couple of days explaining how certain waivers might work during this period of reacting to the COVID-19 virus.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, March 25, 2020

Starsky Robotics calls it quits

Investor money going to other autonomous vehicle startups instead of to his company, and a downturn in freight rates, is the reason given by Starsky Robotics co-founder Stefan Seltz-Axmacher for ending Starsky’s experiment with remote-driven trucks.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, March 23, 2020

Friday Short Haul - Weigh station parking, rest areas reopen, HOS waiver expanded, freight prices increase

In this Friday Short Haul states open up more truck parking during COVID-19 panic, FMCSA expands HOS waiver, and freight prices increase amid COVID-19 worries.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, March 20, 2020

Truck drivers mostly exempt from coronavirus lock downs

Those of us who are pretty sick and tired of the "All coronavirus all the time" current news cycle are not going to find any relief in today's Trucking Truth News. But, unlike a lot of news going around about COVID-19 we actually have a positive slant for truck drivers.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, March 18, 2020

HOS rules relaxed for COVID-19 relief effort

On Friday, in answer to President Trump's declaration of a national emergency over the COVID-19 outbreak, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has announced a nationwide exemption to hours of service rules for truckers transporting essential supplies, equipment and persons in support of relief efforts.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, March 16, 2020

Friday Short Haul - Western Express recovers from Tennessee tornado, driver involved in two accidents six minutes apart, another carrier quits

In this Friday Short Haul Western Express, Inc., of Tennessee digs out from tornado aftermath, a big rig driver is involved in two fatal crashes within six minutes, and another trucking firm quits due to rising insurance premiums.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, March 13, 2020

Daimler's electric vehicles and autonomous trucks continue real-world testing

Daimler Trucks North America has announced a late 2021 market launch of its heavy duty Freightliner eCascadia and its lighter eM2 electric commercial trucks. Both electric trucks are currently undergoing real-world customer testing, mostly in the Los Angeles basin area.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, March 11, 2020

Predictive technology increases driver safety, benefits carriers

As commercial carriers acquire more telematics capabilities it was only a matter of time before someone came along and offered a way to integrate all of that information into a way to track, coach and train drivers, even to the point of making decisions about letting a driver go.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, March 9, 2020

Friday Short Haul -- Coffee drinking drivers, Amazon coronavirus email, FMCSA safety summit

In this Friday Short Haul a UK research study finds a correlation between high-caffeine consumption and crashes, Amazon tells its drivers to stay home if they feel sick, and the FMCSA holds a trucking safety summit.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, March 6, 2020

AIRman introduces no-crank technology to landing gears

A company out of Michigan unveiled last week a 15-pound device that can be retrofitted to just about any existing trailer landing gear mechanism that takes all of the work and strain out of retracting or lowering a landing gear.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, March 4, 2020

Roadmaster shows how to reduce driver turnover

While many carriers are faced with high turnover and struggle with ways to overcome it one company has put the whole issue to rest – and reaped rewards for its efforts.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, March 2, 2020

Friday Short Haul - CBD users beware, 8,000 violations revealed in Clearinghouse, laptop theft lands Alabama trucker in prison

In this Friday Short Haul DOT lays out CBD info, FMCSA finds 8,000 violations in first weeks of Clearinghouse, and laptop theft lands an Alabama trucker in prison.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, February 28, 2020

Canada company offers easy access to spare trailers

Taking a page from the ride-sharing playbook a Canada company offers the same kind of service for truckers to have access to trailers. The company, vHub, has announced its desire to expand its services globally, beginning with the United States.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, February 26, 2020

Roadcheck could result in temporarily higher freight rates

A watermelon association convention might not be the first thing that comes to a trucker's mind in looking for insight into his profession, but a speaker at the February 21 National Watermelon Association convention offered an interesting take on several aspects of the industry.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, February 24, 2020

Friday Short Haul - Self-driving yard trucks, Knight-Swift partners with Truckstop.com, Security guard shoots driver

In this Friday Short Haul a company moves forward with autonomous, electric yard trucks, Knight-Swift partners with Truckstop.com for load brokering, and a TA security guard shoots a driver who was parked in a reserved spot.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, February 21, 2020

Training providers offer a diversity of options

With competition to recruit new drivers still fierce despite the declining freight numbers third-party training providers are touting their systems for getting new-hires up to speed and driving safely as efficiently as possible.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, February 19, 2020

Idaho eases hemp transport prohibition; too late to help arrested drivers

Despite a November 2019 executive order by Idaho Governor Brad Little temporarily allowing transportation of industrial hemp through the state of Idaho, actions taken against three truckers discovered transporting hemp earlier in 2019 still stand.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, February 17, 2020

Friday Short Haul - Tennessee carrier quits, signs a carrier is going down, retaining drivers

In this Friday Short Haul, Tennessee's Howard Baer's Inc calls is quits, signs a carrier might be on the verge of closing, and five ways carriers should consider attracting and retaining drivers.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, February 14, 2020

New phone app hopes to alleviate shipper waits

To help alleviate the pain of long wait times at shippers a mobile app developer company called Truckerd-In has created an app that they hope will get accepted by drivers and shippers alike that allows drivers to communicate with shippers via their smart phones rather than by in-person and standing in lines.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, February 12, 2020

Senate Transportation Committee gets an earful from trucking execs

The United States Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Transportation and Safety invited testimony from trucking representatives on February 4 to allow them to sound off with their opinions on the U.S. trucking industry … and committee members got an earful.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, February 10, 2020

Friday Short Haul - Best fleets to drive for, FMCSA delays ELDT rule, Cold Carriers closes doors

In this Friday Short Haul TCA announces top 20 fleets to drive for, FMCSA delays implementation of its ELDT rule, and Cold Carriers Logistics closes its doors to bankruptcy.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, February 7, 2020

WIT announces first-ever Driver Ambassador, names February Member of the Month

Kellylynn McLaughlin, a driver and training engineer for Schneider National, has been named as Women In Trucking Association's first ambassador in its just-launched Driver Ambassador program.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, February 3, 2020

Baylor Trucking deals with consequences of ELD outage

While Baylor Trucking is not one of the Big 10 in the commercial carrier lineup the recent ELD outage experienced by the 240-truck fleet illustrates the numerous issues that can arise when a company is fully converted to ELD and telematics technology and that technology fails.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, February 3, 2020

Friday Short Haul - ATA at White House USMCA signing, AB-5 fight continues, toughest jobs

In this Friday Short Haul ATA attends White House signing of the USMCA, AB-5 to be challenged in 9th Circuit Court, and most physically demanding jobs are ranked.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, January 31, 2020

May dates announced for this year's roadside inspection blitz

Drivers and their compliance with driver requirements will be the focus of this year's International Roadcheck when the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance will conduct an vastly increased number of inspections over a 72-hour period in May.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, January 29, 2020

States work to toughen up left-lane-hogging laws

There appears to be a growing movement among state legislatures now to address the issue of lane blocking.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, January 27, 2020

Friday Short Haul - Pilot Flying J name change, CRST-Swift lawsuit, Schneider named innovator

In this Friday Short Haul Pilot Flying J announces a name change to Pilot Corporation, CRST and Swift continue to battle it out in appeals court, and Schneider wins a 2020 BIG Innovation Award.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, January 24, 2020

Seven drivers named as TCA's Highway Angels

The Truckload Carriers Association has named seven drivers to its Highway Angels program, earning each of them a certificate, patch, lapel pin, and truck decals. Each of their employers also receives a certificate acknowledging their driver as a Highway Angel.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, January 22, 2020

Travel advisories and restrictions announced for Midwest weekend storm

This was an ugly weekend for drivers caught out in the major snow, sleet and ice storm in the Midwest. That same storm quickly moved into the Northeast causing highway closures and vehicle travel restrictions.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, January 20, 2020

Friday Short Haul - Senators demand GPS app updates, Jason's Law survey, ATA applauds USMCA, FMCSA's truck crash survey

In this Friday Short Haul U.S. Senators demand smart phone map apps update with truck-specific information, FHWA to study truck parking, ATA applauds the USMCA trade agreement passage, and FMCSA conducts a truck crash survey.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, January 17, 2020

Research group recommends a national autonomous truck policy

So far, 35 states have some form of a policy regarding testing of autonomous vehicles on their highways. And some 50 cities have seen pilot tests of autonomous vehicles on their roads, or are planning to allow testing in the near future. But following the results of research on autonomous vehicles by the American Transportation Research Institute, autonomous semi truck innovators are hoping that Congress will step up and propose legislation tying separate state and local AV regulations into one national policy.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, January 15, 2020

A glimpse into driving long-haul in China

Departing a little bit from our usual fare at Trucking Truth News this article in the South China Morning Post about truck drivers in mainland China caught our eye for the similarities with driver complaints in America, but also with the different difficulties that drivers in China are faced with.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, January 13, 2020

Friday Short Haul - Court blocks AB-5, SBTC vs. FMCSA, Can Opener Bridge

In this Friday Short Haul another court rules against California's AB-5, a truckers' coalition takes on FMCSA, and Can Opener Bridge continues to entertain.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, January 10, 2020

Loses appeal: Walmart ordered to pony up $54 million to drivers

In a decision on January 6 that could have far-reaching consequences for every carrier operating in California, a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower court's ruling granting Walmart's California drivers lost wages for time spent on their 10-hour layover break while they are responsible for their truck.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, January 8, 2020

WIT and Walmart seek nominations for Female Driver of the Year

Women in Trucking and Walmart have joined together to find a deserving female driver for their first-ever Female Driver of the Year award. This driver will then be presented the award at the March 27 Mid America Trucking Show's Salute to Women Behind the Wheel.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, January 6, 2020

Friday Short Haul - Sweatshop on Wheels, judge exempts truckers from AB-5, Fleetwood closes doors

In this Friday Short Haul, Sweatshop on Wheels video, a Federal District Court judge exempts truckers from AB-5, and another carriers closes its doors.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, January 3, 2020

Trucking Truth's top stories for 2019

Not surprisingly, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration dominated the news that directly impacts commercial truck drivers. In fact, five of the 10 articles in this, albeit subjective, selection of the top stories on Trucking Truth in 2019, were the result of activity out of the offices of that regulatory agency.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, January 1, 2020

Random drug tests of drivers to double in 2020

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is invoking an almost two-decades old provision and will require carriers to double the number of random drug tests they perform on their drivers next year.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, December 30, 2019

Friday Short Haul - New EV semi, tonnage down, turnover up, Grapevine fatality, runaway truck tires demolish car

In this Friday Short Haul Neuron EV introduces a new EV semi, ATA reports that November freight tonnage is down but driver turnover increases, a driver was found dead on the Grapevine, and runaway loose truck tires demolish a parked car.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, December 27, 2019

Trucking industry goes out of its way for Christmas charitable giving

The Federal Motor Carriers Safety Association hard deadline for enforcement of the electronic logging device mandate took a dark turn today as a major carrier was put out of service for 10 hours just as millions were supposed to be receiving special deliveries.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, December 25, 2019

Fuel card provider hit with FTC lawsuit

The Federal Trade Commission has filed a lawsuit against FleetCor, a multi-billion dollar company that provides fuel card services to businesses.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, December 23, 2019

Friday Short Haul - Driver coercion, zero emissions, driver fatalities

In this Friday Short Haul a Congressman from Texas takes the FMCSA to task for ineffective enforcement of driver coercion, CARB pushes for zero emissions, and truck driving is highest rating for occupational fatalities.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, December 20, 2019

Hard enforcement for ELD compliance now in effect

Yesterday, Tuesday, December 17, is the day that law enforcement ended any kind of reprieve for truckers found to be driving without a fully compliant electronic logging device … in other words, no more grandfather, no more exceptions.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, December 18, 2019

State CDL agencies get reprieve from drug & alcohol clearinghouse deadline

State commercial licensing agencies get a three-year reprieve from the mandatory compliance with the new Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse mandate that goes into effect on January 6, 2020.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, December 16, 2019

Friday Short Haul - JB Hunt's Wreaths Across America, Plus.ai butter run, states look for zero emissions

In this Friday Short Haul J.B. Hunt participates in Wreaths Across America, a self-driving truck makes a cross-country butter run, and states sign on to a zero emission goal for big rig trucks.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, December 13, 2019

Carriers muster to pick up Celadon drivers, employees

From among the stories of driver abandonment and hardship resulting from the largest truckload carrier bankruptcy in American history there are emerging heart-warming human-interest stories of just what it means to be a part of the truck driver community, where drivers take care of each other.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, December 11, 2019

Will Amazon's pay-per-day plan influence the industry?

Amazon is taking a revolutionary approach to paying drivers who will be hauling their cargo … changing the way drivers have been paid since about the 1930s. Amazon has been using a method for the past couple of years to pay drivers by the day, eschewing the almost century-long method of paying drivers by the mile.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, November 27, 2019

Freight volume and rates downturn turns into a 'bloodbath'

There is no question that freight is down from the heydays during 2018 when commercial carriers were scrambling to find extra capacity, and experiencing a driver shortage with their need to put men and women behind the wheel to haul that expanded freight volume.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, November 25, 2019

Friday Short Haul - Independent contractors getting booted out of CA, winter weather resources, ransomware attack

In this Friday Short Haul -- Fallout from California's AB-5 continues, winter weather resources, and Louisiana's ransomware attack affects trucking companies.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, November 22, 2019

Knowing when to say goodbye to an unprofitable shipper

One would think that commercial carriers would want all the shipping customers they could handle, and would do anything to hang on to them. And, statistically, more than half of fleets surveyed by CCJ say they rarely give shipping customers the old heave ho. But that leaves the other nearly half of all carriers who are constantly evaluating the profitability of continuing with certain shippers.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, November 20, 2019

Schneider donates trucks; Congress considers women-driver-friendly bill

With the driver shortage in view, and having an eye toward attracting prospective new drivers to its company, Schneider National, Inc., announced it is donating 10 used Schneider tractors to CDL training programs at four community and technical colleges. And two U.S. senators introduced a bill last week that would create a "Women of Trucking" advisory board reporting to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, November 18, 2019

Friday Short Haul - CTA files lawsuit against California, Highway Hero nominations sought, video of "Move Over" crash

In this Friday Short Haul the CTA files a lawsuit against California's AB-5, Highway Heroes seek nominations, and Iowa DOT posts a "Move Over" crash video.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, November 15, 2019

Tesla announces new electric Semi model

Two years after rolling out a prototype Class 8 electric semi truck, appropriately named "Tesla Semi," Tesla will unveil this week a new version that incorporates autonomous features. While some Tesla Semis have been spotted on America's roads, full production will not begin for another year or so.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, November 13, 2019

Not everyone happy with potential FMCSA clearinghouse delay

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's considering whether to delay implementation of one leg of the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse, originally set for full enforcement on January 6, 2020, has created a bit of drama in the trucking industry.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, November 11, 2019

Friday Short Haul - AI taking driving jobs, CRV scam, Truckers protest AB-5, ELDs quit working

In this Friday Short Haul PBS examines AI and it's eventual effect on drivers' jobs, truckers are arrested for a CRV scam, truckers protest AB-5, and ELD quit working for thousands of drivers.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, November 8, 2019

Investigators cracking down on truck accident fraudulent lawsuits

Trucking Truth News has reported recently on several high-dollar truck accident lawsuit settlements, with several of the high-profile lawsuits originating in the New Orleans area; which has been hard hit by what, for all intents and purposes, appear to be a rash of fraudulent lawsuits. That pattern of seeming insurance fraud has come to the attention of the United States District Attorney's Office investigators, and federal judges presiding over several Louisiana truck accident cases have put those cases on hold pending investigations into the "victims'" alleged fraudulent practices.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, November 6, 2019

So you want to start your own trucking company?

The mission of Trucking Truth is to help prospective new drivers make important decisions about starting their driving careers – like, which training/licensing method is best, and which are the best companies to begin driving for, among others. And, while many independent-minded new drivers initially believe they would be happier going on their own as owner-operators, Trucking Truth generally discourages new drivers from taking that route.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, November 4, 2019

Friday Short Haul - FMCSA emergency exemptions, snow plows, FedEx employee bribery charges

In this Friday Short Haul the FMCSA declares emergency rules suspensions for wildfires and winter weather, Idaho transportation officials say to watch out for snow plows, and a FedEx employee is charged with receiving more than $1 million in bribes.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, November 1, 2019

Human smuggling via big rigs on the increase

United States Custom and Border Patrol agents say that increased security at the U.S. border with Mexico is resulting in more migrants taking the risk of being transported via semi trailers – sometimes with deadly consequences.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, October 30, 2019

Carriers, drivers look at ways to deal with California's AB-5

As the dust settles on the recently passed new California independent contractor law motor carrier companies and independent drivers are scrambling to make sense of the law and to decide what to do about it.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, October 28, 2019

Friday Short Haul - Millennials and trucking, Truckers Christmas Group, Navistar settlement

In this Friday Short Haul simulator training should encourage millennial recruitment, Truckers Christmas Group ramps up, four fleets unhappy with Navistar settlement.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, October 25, 2019

Too many drivers still don't know to "Move Over"

It's probably safe to say that all truck drivers are aware that each of the 50 states has a "Move Over" law. However, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it seems that 71 percent of other drivers haven't got the memo, and whoosh by dangerously close to law enforcement personnel, emergency vehicles and tow trucks.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, October 23, 2019

Are trucker strikes a thing of the past?

America's 1.8 million truck drivers haul some 71 percent of this country's freight, amounting to an $800 billion dollar chunk of the economy. So, the question remains: Why don't truck drivers wield this supposed influence and strike nationally, ending their grievances and bettering their situation?

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, October 21, 2019

Friday Short Haul - Passenger car drivers, spotted lanternfly, women drivers

In this Friday Short Haul passenger car drivers think they are safer drivers than truck drivers, the spotted lanternfly still on the move, and women drivers enjoy the equal pay of truck driving.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, October 18, 2019

OOIDA makes final push for better HOS rules

In answer to the proposed new FMCSA hours of service rules, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association has given the FMCSA a 15-page letter to digest that is compiled from a survey conducted among some of the 160,000 members who collectively own and operate more than 240,000 individual heavy-duty trucks.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, October 16, 2019

Car-truck crash fatalities continue to increase

Over the past several years, the number of large trucks on our roadways has continued to increase. Along with the growing number of miles driven by truckers has come an overall increase in crash rates and truck-related crash deaths.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, October 14, 2019

Friday Short Haul - Amazon's fleet of day cabs, legislator's disclosure, WTA petition

In this Friday Short Haul Amazon orders a fleet of new day cabs, a legislator is under fire for lack of disclosure with trucking insurance bill, and a Washington trucking group petitions the FMCSA.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, October 11, 2019

ATA chief takes on truck-accident lawyers

American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear is fed up with exorbitant lawsuits against trucking companies and their drivers, and is asking trucking industry leaders to join him in lobbying Congress for tort reform legislation.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, October 9, 2019

Lonely on the road? Get a furry friend

"In trucking, 20 pounds can make all the difference." That's the catchy phrase headlining the top of the Mutts4Trucks website announcing a new campaign pairing truck drivers with dog companions.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, October 7, 2019

Friday Short Haul - Lab-grown meat, fraudulent freight brokering, FMCSA HOS committee, FMCSA Clearinghouse

In this Friday Short Haul: Is the sky falling for ag haulers? Man pleads guilty to fraudulent freight brokering, FMCSA committee discusses HOS changes, FMCSA opens the Clearinghouse to registrations.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, October 4, 2019

UPS takes giant leap in its drone delivery program

Edging out its competition in the race for commercial drone deliveries, the drone subsidiary for UPS became the first in the field to receive Part 135 Standard certification from the United States Federal Aviation Administration.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, October 2, 2019

Female drivers are safer bet for trucking companies

Besides filling drivers' seats, carriers are benefiting from an added bonus by hiring women – it appears that they are safer drivers than their male counterparts in most categories.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, September 30, 2019

Friday Short Haul - Embark gets financing, FMCSA announces safety grants, Covenant exits Mexico routes, and trucking statistics

In this Friday Short Haul Embark expands and adds LA and Phoenix hubs, FMCSA announces safety grants, Covenant exits Mexico routes, and some interesting trucking stats.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, September 27, 2019

Emissions standards battle heats up between the EPA and California

In a looming battle between Federal supremacy and States' rights reminiscent of the Obama administration campaign against the State of Arizona a few years ago, but on opposite ends of the ideological political spectrum, the Trump administration has all but declared war on the State of California.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, September 25, 2019

Smog checks in the future for California truck drivers

As if California truckers didn't have enough to worry about with the signing of the independent contractors law by Governor Gavin Newsom on Wednesday, a proposed new law that mostly flew under the radar got signed into effect by him on Friday that requires smog testing on heavy-duty diesel trucks.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, September 23, 2019

Friday Short Haul - Volvo Dynamic Steering, Meals for 18 Wheels, speeding crackdown, OOIDA opposes legislation

In this Friday Short Haul Volvo introduces its dynamic steering, Meals for 18 Wheels seeks volunteers, trucks nabbed in speeding crackdown, OOIDA opposes trucking legislation.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, September 20, 2019

Telematics could be insurance-premium-saving boon for fleets

Continuing Trucking Truth's unofficial series on telematics and other advanced technologies in the trucking industry we take a look at how the insurance industry is reacting to this new dynamic, and how that interest by insurers benefits carriers.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, September 18, 2019

54 percent of survey respondents still not impressed with telematics technology

Despite its many advantages, a significant number of fleets don't intend to implement new telematics technology beyond what is required by the electronic logging device mandate – which has a final full-compliance deadline of December 16 of this year.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, September 16, 2019

Friday Short Haul - Walmart video, it's churn, not shortage, California's independent contractor bill, hemp drivers plea

In this Friday Short Haul Walmart promotes a Driver Appreciation Week video, expert says it is churn, not driver shortage, California passes an independent contractor bill, and hemp drivers accept pleas.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, September 13, 2019

TCA honors three Highway Angels

It's time for Trucking Truth to again highlight some caring truck drivers who were honored last week by the Truckload Carriers Association as Highway Angels.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, September 11, 2019

Now they're talking about "smart" trailers

While Class 8 tractors are getting smarter, and even learning to drive themselves -- and getting all of the media attention – there's one other element in the trucking supply chain that is getting a boost in smarts as well, but still riding relatively under the radar.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, September 9, 2019

Friday Short Haul - Detention-time comments, truck orders decline, diesel fuel shortage

In this Friday Short Haul FMCSA deadline for comments coming up, truck orders are on the decline, and new maritime law will affect diesel fuel price and availability.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, September 6, 2019

Berkeley study says reducing independent truckers can alleviate climate change

A recent ruling by the National Labor Relations Board not only kicks the teeth out of the independent contractor/employee controversy, but sets the stage for some major head-butting with California authorities if that state's latest attempt to force employee status on independent truck drivers is successful.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, September 4, 2019

Clearing up concerns about the drug and alcohol clearinghouse

In March of this year Trucking Truth ran a comprehensive article about FMCSA's new drug and alcohol clearinghouse. As the time to allow registering with the new clearinghouse approaches this fall, questions and concerns have begun to surface.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, September 2, 2019

Friday Short Haul - Hurricane Dorian, Speed limiter bill, Thank a Driver campaign

In this Friday Short Haul, logistics aid organization mobiles for Hurricane Dorian, a speed limiter bill is "retired", and Pilot Flying J mounts "Thank a Driver" campaign

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, August 30, 2019

Georgia jury awards $280 million for truck-driver-caused multi-fatality

After a weeklong trial wrought with emotion that ended on August 23, a Muscogee County, Georgia, jury awarded more than a quarter of a billion dollars to the family of one of the women killed in a five-person fatal accident when a driver for Schnitzer Southeast crossed the centerline and hit the family's SUV head on.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, August 28, 2019

Friday Short Haul - New eCascadias, Top cities for truck driver jobs, Push against driverless trucks

In this Friday Short Haul Freightliner delivers two all-electric Class A trucks, a study finds top cities for truck driver jobs, and a Missouri State legislator drafts a bill regulating autonomous trucks.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, August 23, 2019

Decision on California drivers' employee/contractor status coming down to the wire

The effects of last year's California Supreme Court ruling against Dynamex Operations West, Inc., continue to reverberate through the halls of California's state legislative bodies with the ultimate result that California will no longer recognize a truck driver's status as an independent contractor.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, August 21, 2019

UPS jumps on autonomous bandwagon with TuSimple investment

TuSimple, the San Diego-based company that also has operations in China, announces that United Parcel Service has made arrangements with them to test the viability of using autonomously-driven tractor trailers to haul packages within its UPS network.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, August 19, 2019

FMCSA publishes proposed HOS rule changes

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has finally published its long-anticipated notice of proposed rulemaking on changes to hours of service for commercial motor vehicle drivers.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, August 16, 2019

Fleets, drivers coming to like automated manual transmissions

Today, beginning drivers and grizzled veterans alike will appreciate that there is a new technology called AMT, automated manual transmission, that is becoming increasingly integrated into commercial fleets as well as driving schools' lesson trucks.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, August 14, 2019

CVSA asks for new truck crash study

Citing frustration by truck industry decision makers in having to use crash data that is almost two decades old, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance is asking the U.S. Senate to add to the 2020 transportation bill funding for a new study of commercial vehicle crashes.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, August 12, 2019

Friday Short Haul - HOS revisions delayed, AEB mandate proposed, Koch sued for sex discrimination

Friday Short Haul - HOS revisions are still under OMB review, Legislators introduce an AEB bill for trucks, and Koch & Sons is sued for sex discrimination.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, August 9, 2019

Kodiak Robotics takes lead in autonomous truck industry race

Kodiak Robotics, Inc., another startup in the autonomous trucking industry, this one being only 16 months old, claims a first with its commercial freight business hauling middle-mile highway routes in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, August 7, 2019

New York City combats rash of cyclist/truck clashes

City of New York spokespeople, fed up with an increase in cyclist fatalities involving large trucks, are calling for the New York Police Department to target oversize trucks, and especially trucks driving outside of designated routes.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, August 5, 2019

Friday Short Haul - CRST wins lawsuit, OOIDA opposes insurance hike, UPSNav

In this Friday Short Haul CRST awarded $15.5 lawsuit against Swift, OOIDA opposes legislation hiking insurance rates, and UPS has an in-house navigation system that saves millions a year.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, August 2, 2019

Mechanics shortage equals driver shortage in intensity

While the big rig driver shortage has been getting all the press these days, there's another truck industry-related labor shortage that has been flying under the radar – diesel mechanics and technicians.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, July 31, 2019

DOT announces almost 1$ billion in grants to fix infrastructure

Infrastructure projects in 19 states are proposed to receive $856 million in grants from the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America program, Elaine Chao, Secretary of the Department of Transportation, announced last week.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, July 29, 2019

Friday Short Haul - DOL on sleeper pay, UPS drone delivery, Geowiz ELDs

In this Friday Short Haul the DOL writes an opinion on sleeper berth pay, UPS set for nationwide drone deliveries, and Geowiz offers no-fee, FMCSA-compliant ELD logging.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, July 26, 2019

FMCSA takes a look at assault, harassment of female and minority drivers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration released a notice into the Federal Register yesterday announcing the agency will be undergoing an investigation to "understand the prevalence, seriousness, and nature of the problem of harassment and assaults against truckers."

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, July 24, 2019

It's hot out there, what's a trucker to do? Can't idle.

CDL Life, a trucking news and entertainment website, underwent an experiment recently to illustrate the danger for truckers of anti-idling laws.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, July 22, 2019

Friday Short Haul - Utah truck rollovers, aging truckers, lifetime CDL bans

In this Friday Short Haul Utah experiences a rash of truck rollovers, new truck designers consider aging driver population, FMCSA permanently bans human-trafficking drivers.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, July 19, 2019

Truck-mounted LED billboards coming under fire

The city of Key West might be the first in a wave of jurisdictions nationwide to severely regulate or outright ban LED advertising trucks.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, July 17, 2019

Trucker 'drones on' with unique approach to teaching driving skills

We all know that for learning truck driving skills nothing beats being in the driver's seat with a qualified instructor sitting in the passenger seat. And while there are a number of YouTube videos offering instruction as a second-best choice, none have the thoroughness and realism of those produced by YouTuber David Crowley of My Trucking Skills. He has taken his instructional technique to a higher level – literally.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, July 15, 2019

Friday Short Haul - Rhode Island tolls, human smuggling, contractor vs employee status

In this Friday Short Haul Rhode Island rakes in big bucks with truck tolls, man guilty of sneaking illegal aliens onto trucks, and California Senate considers contractor driver law.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, July 12, 2019

ELD mandate deadline looming, many still not compliant

With the hard deadline for ELD compliance looming ever closer, and with no more extensions or grandfathering to be counted on, a significant portion of commercial carriers industry wide have yet to install the devices in their fleets.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, July 10, 2019

New "boot" device being deployed to threaten Walmart overnighters

A relatively new "boot" device, combined with draconian Walmart parking enforcement, is becoming the nemesis of truck drivers wishing for nothing more than a quiet, uninterrupted night's sleep.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, July 8, 2019

Friday Short Haul - Prime Inc vs Amazon, mother fights HOS changes, truck drivers appreciation week

In this Friday Short Haul Prime Inc files complaint against Amazon, a mother challenges proposed HOS rules changes, ATA announced driver appreciation week.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, July 5, 2019

Proper way to fly the American flag on your truck this Fourth of July

If you find yourself on the road this Fourth of July, like many truck drivers do, you might be wanting to display your American pride by flying the American flag on your truck. But don't be too quick to mount that flag any which way without considering what is the legal, ethical and respectful way to do it.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, July 3, 2019

Roundabouts are becoming popular; but are they best for trucks?

Roundabouts: They're either a boon to traffic efficiency or a truck driver's worst nightmare. Which is it?

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, July 1, 2019

Friday Short Haul - Skills test proposal, driver shortage, hemp sentencing, driverless trucks

In this Friday Short Haul FMCSA proposes new rule regarding skills testing, a study looks at the driver shortage, Idaho postpones hemp sentencing, and Starksky remote pilots a big rig on Florida highway.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, June 28, 2019

Experts warn of active wildland fire season

The world watched in horror last year as some of America's worst wildfires in history took a record number of lives, cost billions of dollars in damages, destroyed one whole town, closed highways and disrupted commerce. Now government agencies responsible for predicting wildfire potential are saying the West Coast this year should be preparing for a repeat of last year's devastation.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, June 26, 2019

More states signing on to enlist truckers against human trafficking

In truck driver lore it was common for truckers to be thought of as Knights of the Road. That sobriquet might not be so common these days, but drivers are increasingly being enlisted to aid damsels in distress by spotting and reporting instances of human trafficking.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, June 24, 2019

Friday Short Haul - Shippers of Choice, insurance rates, wheel spikes, WIT award

In this Friday Short Haul top shippers are named, insurance rates increase, wheel spikes are questioned and Women in Trucking seeks candidates.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, June 21, 2019

Freight numbers not holding up to 2018's highs

The $800 billion U. S. trucking industry, considered by many insiders to be the canary in the coal mine in regard to the health of the nation's economy, is getting some worried glances by some of those insiders. According to recent figures, freight rates and loads on the spot market, were down by 62.6 percent in May compared to previous years' May numbers.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, June 19, 2019

Truck safety group urges purges of drug abuse drivers

In a move that might at first glance appear to be counter-intuitive in light of the driver shortage, a trucking group is calling for the purging of at least 300,000 drivers -- but their main concern is public safety, as this is the number of drivers they estimate are un-caught illicit drug abusers.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, June 17, 2019

Friday Short Haul - Self-driving certificate, truck platooning, trade war stacking up cargo

In this Friday Short Haul a community college offers a first-ever self-driving driver certificate, engineers look at truck platooning, and SoCal ports are stacked up with cargo.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, June 14, 2019

HOS waiver coming soon for fireworks haulers

A specific segment of the trucking industry is just two weeks away from enjoying the benefit of a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration waiver mandating the use of electronic logging devices and observance of the 14-hour rule.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, June 12, 2019

FMCSA takes a further look at detention time

Driver detention time is coming under the scrutiny of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and drivers and other interested parties are being asked to submit comments regarding this important area of the truck freight-hauling industry.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, June 10, 2019

Friday Short Haul - Autonomous delivery, HOS rules changes, CDL retest

In this Friday Short Haul Boxbot steps up the game with autonomous last-mile deliveries, FMCSA updates HOS rules changes progress, hundreds forced to retake CDL tests.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, June 7, 2019

Roadcheck 2019 in effect this week

During the annual compliance event called International Roadcheck 2019 being conducted Tuesday through Thursday this week commercial vehicle drivers throughout North America will find themselves undergoing Level I inspections – at the rate of nearly four trucks every minute during the 72-hour period.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, June 5, 2019

Hemp arrest prompts USDA memo

In response to the large amount of publicity given to a truck driver being arrested in Idaho for legally transporting a hemp load the United States Department of Agriculture released a statement last week clarifying that hemp is no longer subject to the Controlled Substance Act and thus can be legally transported.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, June 3, 2019

Friday Short Haul - Waymo big rigs, Move over sting, Under-21 comments

In this Friday Short Haul Waymo announces Phoenix test of self-driving big rigs, Iowa troopers conduct a "move over" sting, and comments continue for FMCSA's under-21 pilot program proposal.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, May 31, 2019

Severe weather prompts renewed emergency declaration

In response to the extreme weather, particularly flooding, that has continued to plague the central part of the United States, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has extended its Regional Emergency Declaration of March 19 to July 2.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, May 29, 2019

Memorial Day holiday is prime time for cargo thefts

Memorial Day weekend is something to look forward to for a large segment of the United States population, including truck drivers, but it's that time that drivers are away from their trucks and their loads that makes Memorial Day weekend prime time for cargo thieves.

Dave Wickenhauser on Sat, May 25, 2019

Friday Short Haul - Hauling hemp, road rage fatality, new rules for autonomous vehicles

In this Friday Short Haul a driver is arrested for hauling hemp, carriers lose a $26.5 million lawsuit, and FMCSA is looking at new rules for autonomous vehicles.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, May 24, 2019

Autonomous trucks on USPS test run

TuSimple, a San Diego-based self-driving truck company, announced on Tuesday that the United States Postal Service will be a test bed for a first-ever, long-haul regular delivery route across state lines.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, May 22, 2019

Future era of cab-less trucks will be the end of HOS rules

A Swedish company named Einride that defines itself as, "The intelligent movement company -- part commercial enterprise, part revolutionary movement," says it is "bent on a complete transformation of the transportation industry." And May 15 marked a milestone in that company's mission as it is the day the first cab-less electric truck was allowed to drive on a public road.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, May 20, 2019

Friday Short Haul - FMCSA under-21 comments, Tesla autonomous car crash, 24,000 drivers sign contract with YRC

In this Friday Short Haul FMCSA's under-21 comments open with a bang, a Tesla crashes under autopilot, and 24,000 drivers sign contract with YRC

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, May 17, 2019

Under-21 interstate drivers getting serious look by FMCSA

After running a pilot program for the last 10 months allowing under-21-year-old drivers with military experience to drive big rigs interstate, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced this week it is seeking public comment on potentially opening up interstate highways to non-military drivers 18 through 20 years old as well.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, May 15, 2019

Trucker Buddy program matches drivers with a classroom; everyone wins

Five of the professional commercial drivers who were announced earlier this year as American Trucking Associations' American Road Team for 2019-2020 have something unique in common. They are all active members of the Trucking Buddy International organization.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, May 13, 2019

Friday Short Haul - Driver awarded $80 million, ODFL driver wins, loading dock black hole

In this Friday Short Haul a Texas driver was awarded $80 million settlement, an Old Dominion driver won SC contest, and industry leaders talk about a loading dock "black hole."

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, May 10, 2019

Storm breaks out from Rockies, slams into Midwest, South

Like a visiting brother-in-law who doesn't realize he's overstayed his welcome, a giant "winter" storm is blowing through the Midwest this week bringing blizzard conditions with winds of 40-50 mph, record snowfall of 10-15 inches, and more flooding as warming weather melts off what this storm deposits.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, May 8, 2019

Capacity issues have shippers looking at private fleets

With the ongoing driver shortage and the capacity problems that the shortage creates for shippers truck industry watchers are seeing an increase in manufacturers and retailers starting up their own private fleets – or signing with carriers for a dedicated operation.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, May 6, 2019

Friday Short Haul - HOS rules, dark skies, Falcon drivers

In this Friday Short Haul FMCSA announces HOS rules report date, locals protest proposed new Love's, and Falcon drivers get hired.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, May 3, 2019

'Bug' permits now required for four eastern states

Truck drivers normally give little notice of bugs in the areas they drive through except for having to deal with the occasional bug swarms dirtying up their windshields. But beginning today truckers delivering or picking up loads in certain counties of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Virginia need to know they could face severe penalties for not carrying a Spotted Lanternfly Permit.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, May 1, 2019

Simulator use is catching on for schools, carriers

Training simulators have been in use for aviation and military purposes for some time, but these training devices are now catching on in truck driving schools across the country.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, April 29, 2019

Friday Short Haul - Thinking electric, Penske opens charging station, border crossing crisis, railroads taking trucking business

In this Friday Short Haul we hear a recommendation to think about electric trucks, Penske opens an electric charging station, prices might increase because of the border crossing crisis, and railroads are taking business away from trucking companies.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, April 26, 2019

ELDs might not be the panacea that was hoped for

Now, into its second year of full mandatory use, there are concerns in the industry that not only have ELDs not reduced accidents, but that the devices are causing some to question whether the wall of separation between independent contractor and employee status is disappearing.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, April 24, 2019

Truck drivers may soon see "phantoms" driving yard trucks

Truck drivers arriving at a distribution center in the very near future could be greeted by the sight of yard trucks running around the facility as usual -- hooking, unhooking, pulling trailers and hitting docks – but with one major difference … all that without a human being behind the wheel.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, April 22, 2019

Friday Short Haul - Nikola big rigs, WIT welcomes Peterbilt, Oregon crashes, Border crossings

In this Friday Short Haul Nikola announces new big rigs, WIT welcomes Peterbilt to Gold Level, we learn about Oregon crash numbers, and update border crossing issues

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, April 19, 2019

Carriers claim financial benefit of putting up drivers in hotels

A number of trucking companies lately are reaping the financial benefits of putting their drivers up in hotels overnight rather than having them spend the night in sleeper cabs.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, April 17, 2019

Uber's IPO application reveals interesting data about its freight brokerage business

Uber, the ride-hailing giant that gives taxi companies headaches has set its sights on competing against the top players in the freight brokerage business.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, April 15, 2019

Friday Short Haul - CDL examiner arrested, tolls proposed for trucks, marijuana use on the rise

In this Friday Short Haul we hear about a CDL examiner arrested, learn about a new toll recommendation, and discover marijuana testing for more positives

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, April 12, 2019

Smart Load Board will get carriers the loads they need

With electronic logging devices now mandatory and enforced, and with more than half of American trucking companies in its customer base, a relatively new technology company called KeepTruckin is now entering the load board field with a new app called Smart Load Board.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, April 10, 2019

Huge lines and long wait times greet carriers at Mexico border

Trucking companies and U.S. manufacturers breathed a collective sign of relief late last week when President Trump backed off from his threat of closing the southern border. But problems still remain for cross-border truckers as they face increasingly longer lines and wait times to get across.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, April 8, 2019

Friday Short Haul - Marijuana, ATA campaign, personal conveyance rules

In this Friday Short Haul we discuss how state laws concerning marijuana affect truck drivers, learn about a new ATA campaign against crumbling road infrastructure, and hear FMCSA explain personal conveyance rules.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, April 5, 2019

Over-the-air downloads revolutionize parameter updates

Volvo Trucks has upped the ante in electronic connectivity with its new Parameter Plus Package addon to its existing Remote Programming feature; which now allows over-the-air updates to a large number of functions, all within the time a driver takes to eat a meal.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, April 3, 2019

Don't get scammed by skimmers

Fuel pump scammers are busy, but there are ways to avoid being a victim of card-skimmers.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, April 1, 2019

Friday Short Haul -- New Cascadias honored, motorist survey, U.S, Xpress awarded, rest stop parking

In this Friday Short Haul we look at the new semi-autonomous Freightliner Cascadias, see the results of a motorist survey about truckers, learn about a U.S. Xpress award, and view the rollout of new technology that helps drivers find parking spots.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, March 29, 2019

Legislators address underride collisions, propose more underguards for trucks, trailers

On March 5 both the United States Senate and House of Representatives introduced bills requiring trucking companies to install underguards on trucks and trailers that will prevent vehicles from riding underneath the truck or trailer in the event of a crash.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, March 27, 2019

Motorists soon may encounter a different kind of truck convoy

The "It's a convoy!" of lore and ballad is morphing into an entirely new concept for truck transportation on America's highways. But, it's doubtful that movies and songs will spring forth in honor of what motorists may soon be encountering along this country's interstates.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, March 25, 2019

Friday Short Haul -- Women in Trucking, irate motorist, FMCSA eases HOS, Safe-Cap

In this week's Friday Short Haul we announce the WIT survey, learn why a motorist is irate at truckers, report FMCSA's easing of HOS for flood states, and announce a new ball cap for truckers.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, March 22, 2019

Recent survey shows cost of roadside repairs is rising

According to some industry spokesmen, trucking companies are performing more poorly in the area of unscheduled roadside repairs than they should be, resulting in higher overall maintenance costs and affecting their customer experience.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, March 20, 2019

FMCSA announces drug and alcohol clearinghouse website

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced in a news release on March 14 that a new website is available for persons wanting more information about the soon-to-be-implemented mandatory new drug and alcohol clearinghouse program for drivers.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, March 18, 2019

Friday Short Haul - Swift settlement, driver shortage myth, TCA Best Fleet award

In this week's Friday Short Haul we report on the $100 million Prime-Swift settlement, see why Barron's thinks the driver shortage is a myth, and announce the TCA Best Fleet to Drive For award.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, March 15, 2019

The hidden danger of looking but not seeing

Distraction is the nemesis of anyone trying to observe safe driving practices. We all know that. Cellphones, GPSs, ELDs, lane-change warnings, etc., all contribute to taking away a truck driver's attention while on the road. But what many don't realize is that the problem goes much deeper than being distracted by gadgets and such. There is actually a science behind this, and it has a name – inattentional blindness.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, March 13, 2019

Accident scammers target trucks for financial payout

A spate of fake accident claims against commercial vehicles in the New Orleans area highlights a growing problem for trucking companies.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, March 11, 2019

Friday Short Haul - Snow on the roof, bypassing toll road, Waze under fire

In the Friday Short Haul for March 8 we see the results of failure to sweep snow off the roof, catch truckers bypassing a new toll road, and see what NYPD is up to concerning Google's Waze app.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, March 8, 2019

Retailers blame driver shortage for price increases

At what point is the American public going to stand up and take notice of the truck driver shortage? According to spokespeople for the retail industry, that time is right about now.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, March 6, 2019

Drivers' smartphones may be clue to road roughness

Researchers at MIT have found a way to turn a driver's lowly smartphone into a tool that they tout as being able to reduce fuel consumption by 5 to 10 percent, monitor tire pressure and even monitor wheel alignment.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, March 4, 2019

Friday Short Haul -- Freight rates, HOS changes, tonnage reports

In this Friday Short Haul we look at possible changes in the way freight rates are calculated, find out about new HOS rules possibly coming soon, and get January's tonnage report.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, March 1, 2019

New tax changes hit drivers hard

Fleet drivers, like a lot of other company workers who have un-reimbursed expenses, and whose income is reported on a W-2, can no longer deduct their daily expenses of meals, cell-phones or other common expenses used in doing their jobs that were deductible until this year's new tax laws went into effect; which results in decreased refunds this year.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, February 27, 2019

FMCSA to implement under-21 interstate driver program for former military

Late last year the FMCSA announced their Under 21 Military CDL Pilot Program, allowing carriers to put drivers under 21 to work driving outside of their home states.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, February 25, 2019

Friday Short Haul -- Connecticut tolls proposed, hydrogen fuel-cell trucks, cell phone use

In this Friday Short Haul we see why Connecticut trucking companies are riled, we look at what's happening with hydrogen fuel-cell trucks, and discover the roads with the worst cell phone use.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, February 22, 2019

Congress committee looks at state of America's highways

That America's roadways are a deteriorating mess is no surprise to anybody who has sat behind a wheel any time recently. But the problems of our nation's crumbling infrastructure go far beyond just the discomfort of a jarring ride. Simply put, our country's economic health demands that our roads get an upgrade.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, February 20, 2019

Number of cargo thefts is down; but dollar value about the same

In a report recently released by SensiGuard Supply Chain Intelligence Center the number of cargo thefts were down by 19 percent across the United States last year, but the value of goods stolen is about the same.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, February 18, 2019

Friday Short Haul -- Crossing the border, CA sues FMCSA, Lobbying against larger trucks

In this Friday Short Haul we look at a successful program to improve the safety of trucks crossing over from Mexico, report on the State of California suing FMCSA over meal and rest-break rules, and follow opponents as they lobby against larger truck-trailer combinations.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, February 15, 2019

Detention - A problem still in search of a solution

Detention, the on-duty but not-driving time a driver spends waiting at a shipper or receiver, is a necessary evil in the trucking industry, but the consensus among drivers is that there should be compensation to the driver for his or her non-driving, on-duty time.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, February 13, 2019

February Highway Angels honorees named

Since 1997, the TCA Highway Angels program has honored hundreds of professional drivers -- several every month -- for "the exemplary courtesy and courage they have shown others while on North America’s roadways." They announce the Feb. 1 honorees.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, February 11, 2019

Friday Short Haul -- C.R. England announces pay raises, eCommerce impact on trucking, TCA announces best fleets

In this Friday's Short Haul we report on C.R. England's driver pay raises, the effect that eCommerce has on the trucking industry, and announce TCA's Best Fleets to Drive For.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, February 8, 2019

Is a guaranteed minimum pay the solution to the driver shortage?

In the ongoing effort to alleviate the driver shortage trucking companies are beginning to consider a new strategy to entice new drivers – they are taking a hard look at their reasoning behind sign-on bonuses. They are asking whether they should ditch them entirely in favor of offering guaranteed pay.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, February 6, 2019

Long CDL testing wait times cost economy billions of dollars; not helping driver shortage

The trucking industry is looking at a new tactic in the battle to alleviate the ongoing driver shortage problem. The problem, according to a recent release from the Commercial Vehicle Training Association is that long delays in some states' CDL testing programs are resulting in almost a quarter million potential drivers annually having to delay their entrance into the driving workforce … or, they give up entirely and take other jobs.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, February 4, 2019

Friday Short Haul -- Walmart hiring, Uber Freight App, Speed-limiter Law, America's Road Team

In this Friday Short Haul we discuss Walmart's hiring and salaries, Uber's new Facilities Ratings app, a proposed speed-limiter law, and introduce members of this year's America's Road Team.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, February 1, 2019

Cranking -- The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

A researcher with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries teamed up with researchers from North Carolina State University to put to the test something that most truck drivers do every day … sometimes several times a day. Their goal was to find out what is the safest, least injurious way to crank the landing gear on a trailer.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, January 30, 2019

California survives challenge to its low-carbon fuel standards

Appeals against California's low-carbon fuel standard by transportation industry interests failed this month at the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals level. Judges in the case stood on their belief that the state legislature reasoning behind the stricter California standard was concern that climate change, and particularly global warming, presented a risk to California.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, January 28, 2019

Friday Short Haul - Highway robbery ... autonomous trucks ... new trailers

In today's "Friday Short Haul" of news we discuss highway robbery in Mexico, will autonomous trucks replace drivers, and fleets of new trailers coming soon.

Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, January 25, 2019

LithiumHub enters jump-starter market with Jumpbooster JP30

A North Carolina startup that specializes in lithium battery technology is giving big-rig truck drivers the same portable jump-start capability enjoyed by car and light truck drivers.

Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, January 23, 2019

2019 Looks Good For The Transportation Industry

Despite an economic decline in some sectors in 2018, particularly in December, the transportation industry continues to show economic expansion.

Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, January 21, 2019

Raymond Burt named TMC Trainer of the Month for February 2018

Raymond Burt was named the Trainer of the Month for February 2018 at TMC Transportation.

Brett Aquila on Wed, March 28, 2018

TMC Transportation Announces Recipient of Prestigious Wheel Master Award

TMC Transportation is pleased to introduce Herb House as our 2017 Wheel Master. The annual Wheel Master award is the highest driver honor given at TMC, and Herb’s hard work and dedication to his Black and Chrome family over the past 25 years has earned him this notable distinction.

Brett Aquila on Wed, March 7, 2018

TMC Transportation Named The Home Depot’s Flatbed Carrier of the Year For Fourth Straight Year

TMC Transportation has been named The Home Depot’s Flatbed Carrier of the Year for 2017, making it four years in a row of earning this distinction.

Brett Aquila on Wed, February 28, 2018

Pay Raises & New Peterbilts for PAM Drivers

A big pay raise and new Peterbilts have been rolled out to both solo and team drivers for PAM Transport allowing drivers to make $10,000 - $15,000 more per year.

Brett Aquila on Mon, February 26, 2018

New DOT Drug Testing Rules Effective Jan 1, 2018

The DOT has announced that their drug testing program will require testing for four semi-synthetic opioids beginning Jan. 1, 2018.

Brett Aquila on Thu, January 11, 2018

Amtrak Derailment: Trucks Haul 270,000 Pound Locomotive Engine During Cleanup

After an Amtrak derailment, a tractor trailer hauled away the 270,000 pound Amtrak engine which landed on the roadway after the crash.

Brett Aquila on Thu, December 21, 2017

Pepsi Places Largest Order Yet For Tesla Electric Trucks

PepsiCo has reserved 100 electric trucks from Tesla Motors in the largest electric truck order yet from any company.

Brett Aquila on Tue, December 12, 2017

Kavin Hallett named Trainer of the Month for October 2017

Kavin started working at TMC in August of 2010 and became a trainer during his fifth year with the company. He was interested in the training position early on, but made the decision to wait a little longer before taking on the role. “I wanted to make sure I had the ‘TMC way’ of doing things down before I started training,” says Kavin.

Brett Aquila on Fri, December 8, 2017

Over 100,000 Truck Drivers Likely Have Undiagnosed Sleep Apnea And More Testing Is On The Way

Over 100,000 truck drivers likely have undiagnosed sleep apnea and more testing is on the way. Sleep apnea is going to be a big issue in trucking and more and more drivers will be tested as testing procedures become less expensive and lawsuits from accidents become more prevalent.

Brett Aquila on Thu, August 10, 2017

Drivers Share Their Best Tips, Tricks, And Secrets For Life On The Road

Once a driver has been on the road for a while they learn a ton of great tips, tricks, and secrets of the trade that help make life so much easier. Well now they're sharing them with you! Our drivers share their best tips to make your life easier on the road. If only you had known these all along!

Brett Aquila on Tue, July 18, 2017

Drivers Are Losing Money By Taking The Wrong Approach

Sometimes truck drivers are their own worst enemy, and often times they don't realize it. Why aren't you getting the miles you should be? Why are other drivers getting special favors you're not? Worst of all, you're an experienced driver so why aren't your paychecks up there at the highest level? If you don't take the right approach to your job and the people you're working with you're going to suffer with poor miles and lousy paychecks. It's time to take a step back and figure out where you're going wrong.

Brett Aquila on Thu, July 13, 2017

Truckers and Guns: What Is and Is Not Legal

Many CDL drivers find themselves venturing through or delivering loads in neighborhoods where a bit of personal protection sounds reasonable. But it can be difficult to know when it is and is not legal to carry a firearm on your person or in your cab. Unfortunately, there are many legal layers to be parsed – federal, state, and local – and there is no one, single, universal answer. That said, here is are some broad guidelines that should help truckers in most scenarios.

Adam H. Rosenblum, Esq. on Thu, July 6, 2017

Preparing To Go Solo For The First Time? Experienced Drivers Share Their Best Advice

Going solo is one of the scariest yet most exciting times in a driver's career. You're thrilled to be joining the big leagues and to have your own truck, but at the same time the training wheels are off and it's time to learn how to figure things out on your own. We asked experienced drivers for their best advice and we received a ton of it. Don't go out there by yourself without reading this first!

Brett Aquila on Thu, June 29, 2017

The Truck Stop Survival Guide: Advice From Experienced Drivers

What do new drivers need to know about truck stops? Experienced truck drivers share their insights on the do's and dont's of the truck stops. How to stay safe, get sleep, and act right.

Patrick Netzel on Thu, June 15, 2017

The Worst Cities For Traffic In The U.S. For 2017

Anybody who travels back and forth to a "regular" job, or gets out at all, really, in a large metropolitan area will inevitably spend some time contemplating and lamenting the sometimes glacial pace of their commute. But just how much time do American drivers actually spend growing old in their cars in heavily congested areas?

Patrick Netzel on Thu, June 8, 2017

We Ask Drivers How They Would Make The Logbook Rules Better

Recently, we had a discussion with experienced drivers on what changes they would make to the hours-of-service rules that all interstate CDL license holders are bound by.

Patrick Netzel on Tue, May 30, 2017

Self Driving Trucks Are Not Coming Anytime Soon

They say self-driving vehicles are on the way. They're right around the corner. I say they're full of baloney. It's a bunch of noise from a bunch of clowns looking for attention, and here's why....

Brett Aquila on Thu, May 25, 2017

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