Primary Feature Archives

NGO Energy Vision: Ditch old diesel trucks

Dana Guthrie - March 14, 2025

NEW YORK — The sustainability NGO Energy Vision is releasing a report assessing ways to replace heavy-duty diesel trucks built before 2013. “A Path to a Healthier America: Ditching Old Diesel Trucks,” focuses on replacing 130,000 heavy-duty diesel vehicles built before 2013 in 31 highly populated U.S. counties, including the 10 largest metro areas. “RNG is in the sweet spot for replacing the oldest, dirtiest diesel trucks,” said report author Michael Lerner, Energy Vision’s research and publications director. “They cost far less than EVs, perform better, and can have the greatest climate benefits. In heavy transport, the smart money should be on RNG.” Worst Air Emissions These trucks have the worst air emissions of all vehicles on U.S. roads, yet 2.4 million of them still operate nationwide, according to an Energy Vision press release. Diesel trucks emit carcinogenic particulates, nitrogen oxides, and other harmful chemicals which contribute to smog and acid rain, as well as high GHGs. Of the non-fossil fuel alternatives the report evaluated — battery electric vehicles, new diesel models running on renewable diesel (RD) made from vegetable oils and animal fats and compressed natural gas trucks running on renewable natural gas (RNG) made from organic wastes, RNG was the overall winner. “Electric trucks are by far the most expensive option for replacing diesel trucks, costing around $250,000 more,” Energy Vision said. “EV trucks have limited availability and haven’t performed as well as diesels. While their tailpipe emissions are zero, much of their electricity still comes from fossil fuels. They also emit non-exhaust particulate pollution from tire and road wear.” Other Study Findings The study found running newer, cleaner diesel engines on RD would yield 66% of the health benefits of switching to heavy-duty EVs, and up to 86% reduction in GHG emissions compared to fossil diesel without electric trucks’ big upfront costs, according to the study. Compressed natural gas trucks running on RNG are widely used, perform as well as diesels, and have potentially the lowest lifecycle GHG emissions of any option. While they cost $35,000–$75,000 more than new diesels, that cost differential is more than offset by lower fuel costs. Replacing 130,000 old diesel trucks with new RNG models would deliver 88% of the health benefits of electric trucks, annually preventing over 100 deaths, 230 hospital ER visits, and 660 asthma cases, saving $2 billion in healthcare costs, the study found. “The presentation is clear, the case is compelling, and the bottom line is clear,” said Philip J. Landrigan, MD, MSC, FAAP, Director of Boston College’s Program for Global Public Health and the Common Good. “This Energy Vision report tells us that we need to get older, highly polluting diesel trucks off our highways as quickly as possible. Thanks to this report, health professionals, policymakers and truck fleet operators now have the evidence they need to quantify diesel trucks’ impacts, assess their options, and take actions that improve the health of all Americans, and especially the health of our nation’s children.” View the full report here.

SBTC pushes for English language proficiency for all CDL drivers

Dana Guthrie - March 13, 2025

WASHINGTON — In the wake of President Donald Trump signing an executive order making English the official language in the U.S. on March 1, some trucking industry stakeholders are concerned about the lack of enforcement of a requirement that commercial drivers have a minimum proficiency in English. Trump’s order noted that while English will be the official language, the change will not “require or direct” any change in services provided by any agency. In a March 2 email to Larry Minor, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMSCA) associate administrator for policy, James Lamb, Small Business in Transportation’s (SBTC) president, stated: “If the agency’s policy is still to not place truck drivers who do not speak or read English out-of-service in accordance with the Department’s motor carrier safety regulations on qualifications to drive, we request you please change the policy back to placing such drivers out-of-service in the interest of public safety.” Minor acknowledged receipt of Lamb’s email on March 3, but made no comment. According to FMCSA guidelines, motor carriers are required to ensure that commercial drivers can “speak and read English satisfactorily to converse with the general public, understand traffic signs and signals, respond to official questions and make legible entries on reports and records.” In a June 2016 FMSCA memorandum, Lamb noted, FMSCA removed the requirement to place drivers out of service for English Language Proficiency (ELP) violations and changed the industry’s standard for determining non-compliance with the ELP requirements. SBTC Proposed Bill On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, the SBTC board voted to propose to Congress a new bill, “Standards Affirming Fluency in English (SAFE) Motor Carrier Act of 2025.” Part of the bill relates to proficiency in English. That section of the bill reads: “The states (shall be required) to test for English proficiency during Commercial Driver License (CDL) knowledge testing to confirm drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMV) can read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, to understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language, to respond to official inquiries, and to make entries on reports and records. This requirement shall not be waived by the Secretary and the Secretary shall require department enforcement personnel and the states to place out of service any CMV driver found to not be able to read or speak English while operating a CMV.” Tragedy Strikes In 2021, a Florida jury ruled that two trucking companies were complicit in the 2017 death of an 18-year-old honor student, awarding the family of the late Connor Dzion a total of $1 billion in damages. The driver reportedly could not read English, so the flashing electronic signs that were put up miles before the standstill, warning drivers to be prepared to stop, were not understood. While Dzion sat in his car waiting for the wreck to be cleared, a rig driven by Kahkashan Carrier Inc.’s Yadwinder Sangha of Canada slammed into a parked line of cars behind the initial wreck, pancaking Dzion’s sedan and causing his head to be crushed between Sangha’s grill and the car in front of him. Sangha was traveling with the cruise control at 70 mph, and the truck’s on-board data recorder showed he did not attempt to brake until one second before the fatal crash. Sangha was also looking at his phone instead of the road when he “steamrolled” into Dzion’s car. 2002 CDL Standards Audit Lamb is also asking for reconsideration of a request to re-audit FMCSA as a follow-up to the 2002 CDL Standards audit., according to a Feb. 17 e-mail to Chuck Ward, USDOT principal assistant inspector general for auditing and evaluation. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy was also copied on the e-mail request. In the 2002 audit, English proficiency is addressed as follows: “Federal standards related to English language proficiency for commercial drivers require clarification,” the audit said. “The Federal standard for motor carrier safety requires carriers to ensure that their commercial drivers are able to read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, understand highway and traffic signs, respond to official inquiries, and make reports and records. However, the Federal standard on CDL testing and licensing does not place any requirement on the states to test for language proficiency.” According to the audit, FMCSA guidance allows states to administer the CDL knowledge test in foreign languages. Eight of the 13 States visited allowed the use of interpreters for the knowledge tests, although various restrictions on their use were in place. Driving tests were also administered in a foreign language by bilingual examiners in 2 of the 13 states visited. “Given the variations and the previously noted condition on enforcing residency requirements, the current situation allows individuals to obtain CDLs in a state where the language requirements are different, and then return to their home state, where they may be able to exchange their CDLs without retesting,” the audit said. “We estimate that 123,000 CDLs are transferred annually. Establishing performance-oriented English proficiency standards and an agreed to testing protocol would discourage license shopping across states and establish consistent, nondiscriminatory practices nationwide. FMCSA announced it was considering a revision to the standard in 1997, but no draft or final standard has been issued.”

EPA will ‘reconsider’ emissions standards for heavy-duty trucks, says Zeldin

Linda Garner-Bunch - March 12, 2025

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reconsidering the Biden-Harris administration’s greenhouse emissions standards that are set to go into effect for model-year 2027 and later heavy-duty trucks. The agency is also reconsidering regulations for passenger vehicles and light- and medium-duty vehicles. The announcement came Wednesday, March 12, in a press release from EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. In addition to imposing more than $700 billion in regulatory and compliance costs and making it difficult for Americans to buy safe, affordable cars, Zeldin said the standards would increase the overall cost of living. The EPA is also reevaluating other parts of the Biden-Harris “Clean Trucks Plan,” including the 2022 Heavy-Duty Nitrous Oxide rule, which “results in significant costs that will make the products our trucks deliver, like food and other household goods, more expensive.” Members of the trucking industry were quick to applaud Zeldin’s actions. AMERICAN TRUCKING ASSOCIATIONS (ATA) “We commend President Trump and EPA Administrator Zeldin for restoring common sense to our nation’s environmental laws and demonstrating bold leadership on this critical issue that affects not only the 8.5 million men and women who work in trucking, but all Americans,” said Chris Spear, president and CEO of the American Trucking Associations. “GHG3 in its current form is unachievable given the state of battery-electric technology and the sheer lack of charging infrastructure,” he continued, describing the rule as “an albatross for the trucking industry” because of the increased costs for motor carriers and supply chain disruptions that would ultimately increase consumer costs. Realistic, achievable standards and deadlines are vital to the reduction of pollution caused by heavy-duty trucks, Spear noted, pointing to progress made since the 1980s. “Sixty trucks today emit the same amount as one truck manufactured in 1988,” he said. “The trucking industry welcomes the resumption of this productive partnership with EPA,” Spear said. “Crafting a new national rule will prevent states like California from attempting to make an end run around the administration, creating a patchwork of impossible mandates that would jeopardize our economy.” CLEAN FREIGHT COALITION (CFC) A statement from the CFC also applauded the Trump administration’s actions and the EPA’s decision to reconsider emissions standards for commercial transport. “The trucking industry has made significant improvements on tailpipe emissions over the last several decades, and we will work with the (Trump) administration on reasonable and achievable solutions that continue to deliver cleaner commercial vehicles moving forward,” said Jim Mullen, executive director of the CFC. “We will also continue to advocate for a national regulatory framework that is technology neutral and achieves the greatest benefit for the environment without unnecessarily burdening the industry, the economy and all consumers of goods in our country,” he concluded. TRUCKLOAD CARRIERS ASSOCIATION (TCA) In an emailed statement, TCA voiced support for Zeldin’s reconsideration of the EPA’s Phase 3 final rule regarding greenhouse gas emissions standards for heavy-duty trucks and promise to review nitrogen oxides regulations. “TCA fully supports this reconsideration, recognizing the progress in advocating for practical and achievable emissions standards,” the statement noted. “As a founding member of the Clean Freight Coalition, TCA has worked diligently to ensure that federal emissions policies reflect real-world operational and economic considerations.” TCA’s statement pointed to the group’s support of efforts to withdraw the heavy-duty trucks emissions rule by Sen. Mark Crapo (R-ID) and Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) during the last Congressional session. “This reconsideration underscores the effectiveness of TCA’s advocacy and the collective efforts of the Clean Freight Coalition,” the statement said. “TCA remains committed to actively engaging in this process to ensure that emissions regulations strike a balance between environmental progress and the trucking industry’s operational realities.” OWNER-OPERATOR INDEPENDENT DRIVERS ASSOCIATION (OOIDA) Todd Spencer, president of OOIDA — an organization representing 150,000 small-business truckers — said the group welcomes the EPA’s decision to review emissions standards. “Small-business truckers make up 96% of trucking and could be regulated out of existence if the current standards were to be implemented,” he said. “Mom-and-pop trucking businesses would be suffocated by the sheer cost and operational challenges of effectively mandating zero emission trucks.” Spencer also noted that reliable, affordable commercial trucks are vital to the operations of the association’s members. “We have yet to see proof that electric CMVs (commercial motor vehicles) are a practical option for most trucking businesses considering the price tag and lack of charging infrastructure,” he said. Opposition to the EPA’s decision While members of the trucking industry have so far voiced support for rolling back greenhouse gas emissions and nitrous oxide rules, other groups were quick to dissent. Environmentalists and climate scientists call the endangerment finding a bedrock of U.S. law and say any attempt to undo it will have little chance of success, according to a report from The Associated Press. “In the face of overwhelming science, it’s impossible to think that the EPA could develop a contradictory finding that would stand up in court,” said David Doniger, a climate expert at the Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental group. University of Pennsylvania climate scientist Michael Mann called the EPA’s action “just the latest form of Republican climate denial. They can no longer deny climate change is happening, so instead they’re pretending it’s not a threat, despite the overwhelming scientific evidence that it is, perhaps, the greatest threat that we face today.” What’s next? The Associated Press report also offered insights into Zeldin’s plans. “We are driving a dagger through the heart of climate-change religion and ushering in America’s Golden Age,’’ Zeldin wrote in an essay in “The Wall Street Journal.” Zeldin believes the EPA’s actions will eliminate trillions of dollars in regulatory costs and “hidden taxes,” lowering the cost of living for American families and reducing prices for such essentials such as buying a car, heating your home and operating a business. “Our actions will also reignite American manufacturing, spreading economic benefits to communities,” he noted. “This isn’t about abandoning environmental protection — it’s about achieving it through innovation and not strangulation,” Zeldin wrote. “By reconsidering rules that throttled oil and gas production and unfairly targeted coal-fired power plants, we are ensuring that American energy remains clean, affordable, and reliable.” The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Canada and the EU swiftly retaliate against Trump’s steel and aluminum tariffs

The Associated Press - March 12, 2025

BRUSSELS — Major trade partners swiftly hit back at President Donald Trump’s increased tariffs on aluminum and steel imports, imposing stiff new taxes on U.S goods including products from textiles and water heaters to beef and bourbon. Canada, the largest steel supplier to the U.S., said Wednesday, March 12, it will place 25% reciprocal tariffs on steel products and also raise taxes on a host of items: tools, computers and servers, display monitors, sports equipment, and cast-iron products. Across the Atlantic, the European Union will raise tariffs on American beef, poultry, bourbon and motorcycles, bourbon, peanut butter and jeans. Combined, the new tariffs will cost companies billions of dollars — and further escalate the uncertainty in two of the world’s major trade partnerships. Companies will either take the losses and earn fewer profits, or, more likely, pass costs along to consumers in the form of higher prices. Prices will go up, in Europe and the United States, and jobs are at stake, said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. “We deeply regret this measure. Tariffs are taxes. They are bad for business, and even worse for consumers,” von der Leyen said. The EU duties aim for pressure points in the U.S. while minimizing additional damage to Europe. EU officials have made clear that the tariffs — taxes on imports — are aimed at products made in Republican-held states, such as beef and poultry from Kansas and Nebraska and wood products from Alabama and Georgia. The tariffs will also hit blue states such as Illinois, the No. 1 U.S. producer of soybeans, which are also on the list. Spirits producers have become collateral damage in the dispute over steel and aluminum. The EU move “is deeply disappointing and will severely undercut the successful efforts to rebuild U.S. spirits exports in EU countries,” said Chris Swonger, head of the Distilled Spirits Council. The EU is a major destination for U.S. whiskey, with exports surging 60% in the past three years after an earlier set of tariffs was suspended. Could there be an agreement that takes increasing tariffs off the table? Von der Leyen said in a statement that the EU “will always remain open to negotiation.” “We firmly believe that in a world fraught with geopolitical and economic uncertainties, it is not in our common interest to burden our economies with tariffs,” she said. The American Chamber of Commerce to the EU said the U.S. tariffs and EU countermeasures “will only harm jobs, prosperity and security on both sides of the Atlantic.” “The two sides must de-escalate and find a negotiated outcome urgently,” the chamber said Wednesday. What will actually happen? Trump slapped similar tariffs on EU steel and aluminum during his first term in office, which enraged European and other allies. The EU also imposed countermeasures in retaliation at the time, raising tariffs on U.S.-made motorcycles, bourbon, peanut butter and jeans, among other items. This time, the EU action will involve two steps. First on April 1, the commission will reimpose taxes that were in effect from 2018 and 2020, but which were suspended under the Biden administration. Then on April 13 come the additional duties targeting 18 billion euros ($19.6 billion) in U.S. exports to the bloc. EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič traveled to Washington last month in an effort to head off the tariffs, meeting with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and other top trade officials. He said on Wednesday that it became clear during the trip “that the EU is not the problem.” “I argued to avoid the unnecessary burden of measures and countermeasures, but you need a partner for that. You need both hands to clap,” Šefčovič told reporters at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. Canada is imposing, as of 12:01 a.m. Thursday 25% reciprocal tariffs on steel products worth $12.6 billion Canadian (US$8.7 billion) and aluminum products worth $3 billion Canadian (US$2 billion) as well as additional imported U.S. goods worth $14.2 billion Canadian ($9.9 billion) for a total of $29.8 billion (US$20.6 billion.) The list of additional products affected by counter-tariffs includes tools, computers and servers, display monitors, water heaters, sport equipment, and cast-iron products. These tariffs are in addition to Canada’s 25% counter tariffs on $30 billion Canadian (US$20.8 billion) of imports from the U.S. that were put in place on March 4 in response to other Trump tariffs that he’s delayed by a month. European steel companies brace for losses The EU could lose up to 3.7 million tons of steel exports, according to the European steel association Eurofer. The U.S. is the second-biggest export market for EU steel producers, representing 16% of the total EU steel exports. The EU estimates that annual trade volume between both sides stands at about $1.5 trillion, representing around 30% of global trade. While the bloc has a substantial export surplus in goods, it says that is partly offset by the U.S. surplus in the trade of services. By Lorne Cook, David McHugh and Rob Gillies, The Associated Press. McHugh reported from Frankfurt and Gillies from Toronto. Jill Lawless contributed to this report from London.

Peterbilt moves forward with Bendix partnership

Bruce Guthrie - March 12, 2025

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — When Peterbilt hit the exhibition floor at the the American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) 2025 Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC) meeting, it did so with an offering of new technology in its model 579. That technology comes from a lasting partnership with Bendix. In an interview with thetrucker.com, Peterbilt’s Director of Product Marketing Jacob White gave some brief details on not only the truck itself, but why the features provided by Bendix are important. Lasting Partnership “We have been standard with the fusion system with Bendix for a very long time,” White said of the relationship between Peterbilt and Bendix that dates back to 2012. “We have got a long history of developing these systems and putting them into market and giving fleets what they need.” Peterbilt announced the availability of Bendix Fusion Stop & Auto-Go Advanced on the 579 earlier this week. Exclusive Features The new system uses a new forward-facing camera and upgraded software to enhance collision mitigation for both moving and stationary vehicles. It includes two new features: Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking (PAEB) and High Beam Assist. This Fusion system includes previously available technologies such as Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Active Cruise with Braking (ACB), and Lane Departure Warning (LDW). The system also prioritizes alerts to help minimize driver distraction. Available Models The Bendix Fusion Stop & Auto-Go Advanced is available with the PACCAR MX-11 and MX-13 engines paired with the TX-12 transmission or with the Cummins X15 engine paired with the Eaton Endurant 12-speed transmission. “The Model 579 is the most advanced Peterbilt on-highway tractor we’ve ever produced. Drivers prefer the 579 because of its driver comfort and safety features,” said Erik Johnson, assistant general manager, Sales and Marketing for Peterbilt. “With the addition of the Fusion™ Stop & Auto-Go Advanced system, the 579 becomes an even more compelling value proposition for our customers, delivering exceptional levels of safety, efficiency and performance.” The technology research does not stop. White hinted that more Artificial Intelligence should be on the way soon. “Our goal is to equip the driver with all the safety systems and information that they need, when they need it to pilot these rigs,” White said.

Ontario premier backs down on US electricity hikes, prompting Trump to halt doubling tariffs

The Associated Press - March 11, 2025

TORONTO — The premier of Canada’s most populous province said Tuesday, March 11, he was suspending the 25% surcharge that Ontario imposed earlier this week on electricity exports to the United States after speaking with the U.S. Commerce Secretary and agreeing to meet with him in Washington. Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick have agreed to meet on Thursday to “discuss a renewed” United States-Mexico-Canada-Agreement ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s April 2 reciprocal tariff deadline. “They call you and they hand over an olive branch, the worst thing I could do as premier of Ontario is ignore him and hang up the phone on him,” Ford said. As a result, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said later Tuesday that Trump pulled back on his doubling tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, even as the federal government still plans to place a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports starting Wednesday. Trump said he appreciated Ford suspending the surcharge on electricity exports. “There’s a very strong man in Canada who said he was going to charge a surcharge, or a tariff, on electricity coming into our country. He has called and said he’s not going to do that,” Trump said. “It would have been a very bad thing if he did. And he’s not going to do that. And I respect that.” Trump continued to call for Canada to become the 51st state, a position that has infuriated Canadians. Trump suggested he does not respect the border, saying it is an “artificial line that looks like it was done with a ruler.” Trump said earlier Tuesday that he would double his planned tariffs on steel and aluminum from 25% to 50% for Canada, escalating a trade war with the United States’ northern neighbor and showing an indifference to recent stock market turmoil and rising recession risks. Trump said on social media that the increase of the tariffs set to take effect on Wednesday is a response to the price increases that the provincial government of Ontario put on electricity sold to the United States. The U.S. president condemned the use of electricity “as a bargaining chip and threat,” saying in a separate social media post on Tuesday that Canada “will pay a financial price for this so big that it will be read about in History Books for many years to come!” Ford said Trump started this economic war against Canada. “It was unprovoked,” Ford said. “If a recession does happen it’s a self made recession made by one person. And one person only.” Ford had announced on Monday that his government was charging 25% more for electricity to 1.5 million American homes and businesses in response to Trump’s trade war. Incoming Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Tuesday that his government will keep the federal government’s unrelated first tranche of tariffs in place until Americans show respect and commit to free trade. A senior official in Carney’s camp said Carney will not be joining Ford in Washington for talks. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter. Carney, who will be sworn in as Justin Trudeau’s replacement in the coming days, said Trump’s latest steel and aluminum tariff threats are an attack on Canadian workers, families, and businesses. “My government will keep our tariffs on until the Americans show us respect and make credible, reliable commitments to free and fair trade,” Carney said. Carney is referring to Canada’s initial $30 billion Canadian (US$21 billion) worth of retaliatory tariffs that have already been applied on items like American orange juice, peanut butter, coffee, appliances, footwear, cosmetics, motorcycles and certain pulp and paper products. They were applied last week. Canadian officials are also planning retaliatory tariffs in response to Trump’s specific steel and aluminum tariffs if Trump goes ahead with those tariffs. “You can’t attack your number one customer, Canada, and not expect a response,” Ford said. “We responded and they came back. I’m a businessperson. I want to sit down and negotiate this and stop the bleeding.” By Rob Gillies, The Associated Press

FTR, Truckstop: Van spot rates continue to decline

Dana Guthrie - March 11, 2025

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Broker-posted spot market rates in the Truckstop system for dry van and refrigerated equipment declined slightly during the week ending March 7. “The decrease in refrigerated spot rates was mostly in line with expectations for that week of the year, at least over the past five years,” FTR said. “Dry van spot rates, however, have declined only three times during a comparable week dating back to at least 2008. Flatbed spot rates continued their steady climb and were at their highest level since July.” Total Spot Load Availability Total load activity inched up 1.0% to the highest level since May 2023, which had been the case in the previous week as well. Volume was 15% higher than in the same 2024 week but almost 28% below the five-year average for the week. Total truck postings fell 6.8%, and the Market Demand Index – the ratio of load postings to truck postings in the system – rose to its strongest level in eight weeks. Flatbed continued to drive the increase in the MDI. Total Spot Rates The total market broker-posted spot rate increased just under 2 cents for a fourth straight week-over-week increase, which had not occurred since March of last year. Total rates were practically flat y/y at down just 0.1%, but they were nearly 8% below the five-year average for the week. Rates excluding a calculated fuel surcharge were up nearly 4% y/y. During the current week (week 10) of the year, dry van rates usually fall while flatbed rates usually rise. Refrigerated rates have been less constant but have mostly fallen in recent years. Dry Van Spot Rates Dry van spot rates decreased 1.5 cents and have declined in seven of the past eight weeks. Rates were 0.4% above the same 2024 week but about 15% below the five-year average for the week. Rates excluding a calculated fuel surcharge were up close to 6% y/y. Dry van loads fell 6.7%. Volume was nearly 7% below the same 2024 week – a mirror image of the prior week’s positive comparison – and more than 45% below the five-year average. Refrigerated Spot Rates Refrigerated spot rates declined 1.3 cents and, like dry van rates, have fallen in seven of the past eight weeks. Rates were nearly 2% below the same 2024 week and close to 16% below the five-year average for the week. Rates excluding a calculated fuel surcharge were up about 2% y/y. Refrigerated loads eased 2.1%. Volume was less than 1% above the same 2024 week but about 46% below the five-year average. Flatbed Spot Rates Flatbed spot rates increased about 2 cents for a fourth straight gain. Rates were 1% below the same 2024 week and close to 7% below the five-year average for the week. Rates excluding a calculated fuel surcharge were up 2.4% y/y. Flatbed loads increased 5.4% to the highest level since July 2022. Volume was more than 28% above the same 2024 week but more than 18% below the five-year average.

Cummins transitions to Vehicle Health Intelligence

Dana Guthrie - March 11, 2025

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Platform Science and Cummins Inc. are partnering to introduce Vehicle Health Intelligence, the newest native Virtual Vehicle integration. Cummins Inc. will transition their Connected Solutions portal which enables fleets to seamlessly access a range of features and capabilities to the Virtual Vehicle platform, according to a press release. “We share Cummins’ commitment to optimizing engine health and performance and the launch of Vehicle Health Intelligence is an exciting milestone in empowering drivers and fleets to achieve this,” said Jake Fields, co-founder and CTO, Platform Science. “Cummins’ adoption of the Virtual Vehicle is strong validation of our platform as the most robust application ecosystem. We look forward to working with Cummins to enhance fleet performance by offering world-class remote diagnostics, engine data insights, and firmware over-the-air updates.” Streamlined Registration Cummins and Platform Science have developed a new, streamlined experience for registering for Connected Solutions. Users simply complete online registration with Virtual Vehicle, the data that is generated off of them, and the solutions that connect them, and then receive access to insights. “Cummins is transforming engine performance with cutting-edge digital solutions,” said Brad Sutton, executive director – Powertrain Engineering, Cummins Inc. “Our customers need prioritized, actionable insights for all their vehicles in one place, and the Virtual Vehicle portal is a key step toward that vision.” Intuitive Application According to joint press release, Virtual Vehicle is the premier application platform that enables an intuitive application ecosystem including solutions made by telematics providers, third-party developers, Vehicle OEMs, Tier 1 component OEMs and fleets themselves. Applications are available through the Virtual Vehicle portal which serves as a central hub where fleets can access real-time vehicle insights and optimize operations with integrated third-party solutions. “The Virtual Vehicle portal enables fleets to efficiently deploy, configure and update software across their vehicles—helping them maximize uptime and adapt to evolving business needs,” the release said.

TMC opens 2025 Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition

Bruce Guthrie - March 10, 2025

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tech and the trucking industry will be on display this week. The American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council opened on Monday TMC’s 2025 Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition in Nashville at the Music City Center. The Trucker Media Group will be on hand for the event. “The TMC Annual Meeting is among our most important of the year,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “From the sold-out exhibit hall to the scores of educational sessions and industry standard-setting task forces, this year’s gathering promises to be a major opportunity for industry leaders to chart a course to address critical issues like reducing emissions, deploying automation, and improving safety.” This year’s theme is “Advancing Technology Through Industry Engagement” and will feature TMC’s customary slate of educational sessions, task force meetings, technical sessions, and management sessions. Additionally, the Council’s Transportation Technology Exhibition trade show will showcase leading-edge technologies for fleet maintenance management. This year’s exhibit is sold-out, featuring 371 vendors—including 45 first-time exhibitors—spanning a 353,000 square-foot exhibit hall. “For nearly 70 years, TMC has worked to raise professional and technical standards for the trucking industry,” said TMC Executive Director Robert Braswell. “This annual meeting is an important part of that – not just to see what is available in the field on the exhibit hall floor – but to have the opportunity to discuss and learn about the latest advances in truck technology in our myriad of task forces and educational sessions. TMC leadership is committed to providing this experience for our members in a safe and responsible way.” This year TMC is holding sessions with a special emphasis in two special tracks: Back to Basics and Advanced Technology. Technical Sessions include: Regulatory Compliance Review: Catching Up with CARB; Effective Strategies for Presenting Maintenance Perspectives to the C-Suite; How Data Science Is Defining Today’s Software-defined Vehicles; TMC 101: Everything You Wanted to Know About How ATA’s Technology & Maintenance Council Works; and A special edition of TMC’s popular Shop Talk, focused on the need for standardizing the next generation tractor-trailer electrical interface. The event also features ride-along demonstrations by Stoneridge, Inc., and static displays by Aperia Technologies, Range Energy, Samsara, Tesla, and Terberg Taylor Americas. Also Volvo Trucks North America will unveil the all-new Volvo VNR “Building on the success of the Council’s 2024 Fall Meeting in Raleigh, N.C., last September, Council members are excited to gather for our largest event venue, and we’re pleased by the response to our 2025 Annual Meeting agenda,” said TMC General Chairman and Treasurer Amanda Schuier, maintenance director for Jetco Delivery. “We’re all very excited to collaborate in Nashville to help solve the pressing technical issues of the day and view the latest in truck technology.”

Firefighters knock down wind-driven brush fire on Long Island but risk remains with high winds

The Associated Press - March 10, 2025

NEW YORK (AP) — Firefighters in New York knocked down a dwindling brush fire in a wooded stretch of Long Island on Sunday as officials warned that high wind gusts could leave the region vulnerable to additional blazes. Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency a day earlier after four separate fires broke out across large swaths of Long Island’s Pine Barrens region, prompting closures to the highway and evacuations of a military base. As of Sunday, all visible flames had been knocked down, including the last remaining fire burning in the hamlet of Westhampton, according to Suffolk County Fire Coordinator Rudy Sunderman. He said at a Sunday news conference that crews were working on containment lines around the fire to prevent further spread. Authorities said the fire had not grown since early Sunday. Still, officials were cautious as wind gusts of up to 30 mph (48 kph) were expected Sunday, according to the National Weather Service. “We’re concerned because the winds are still blowing, that might spark up again,” said Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. Romaine thanked firefighters who worked through the night, adding that more than 80 volunteer fire departments battled the blaze, which burned about 600 acres (243 hectares). Two firefighters were hospitalized for injuries and released, according to Sunderman. The cause of the fire remained under investigation. Dozens of detectives were interviewing 911 callers and using drones. Suffolk County officials said earlier that the police department’s arson squad had initiated an investigation into the blaze, though there was no immediate evidence to suggest arson. “We’re going to get to the bottom of what happened,” said Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina. “At this time it’s too early to tell whether or not this fire started naturally or there’s some nefarious origin.” At least two commercial structures were damaged. Roughly 15 miles (24 kilometers) west, officials were monitoring a small brush fire along Sunrise Highway early Sunday, Brookhaven Town Supervisor Daniel J. Panico said. But there were no visible flames as of Sunday morning.

Authorities: Armed man shot by Secret Service near White House while Trump out of town

The Associated Press - March 9, 2025

WASHINGTON — An armed man believed to be traveling from Indiana was shot by U.S. Secret Service agents near the White House after a confrontation early Sunday, according to authorities. No one else was injured in the shooting that happened around midnight about a block from the White House, according to a Secret Service statement. President Donald Trump was in Florida at the time of the shooting. The Secret Service received information from local police about an alleged “suicidal individual” who was traveling from Indiana and found the man’s car and a person matching his description nearby. “As officers approached, the individual brandished a firearm and an armed confrontation ensued, during which shots were fired by our personnel,” the Secret Service said in a statement. The man was hospitalized. The Secret Service said his condition was “unknown.” The Metropolitan Police Department will investigate because the shooting involved law enforcement officers. A message left Sunday for the police department wasn’t immediately returned.

Mexican cartel leader’s son is sentenced to life in prison for role in major drug trafficking plot

The Associated Press - March 9, 2025

WASHINGTON (AP) — The son of a Mexican drug cartel boss was sentenced Friday to life in prison for helping his father run one of the country’s largest and most violent narcotics trafficking organizations. Rubén Oseguera, known as El Menchito, is the son of fugitive Jalisco New Generation cartel boss Nemesio Oseguera. The son served as the CJNG cartel’s second-in-command for seven years before his extradition to the U.S. in February 2020. The younger Oseguera faced a maximum sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum of 40 years in prison when U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell sentenced him in Washington, D.C. One of the 35-year-old Oseguera’s defense attorneys asked for a 40-year prison sentence, noting his client was only 14 when he was recruited to join his family’s drug trafficking operation. “You weren’t a child when you were committing all these crimes, and you won’t be sentenced as a child here,” the judge told Oseguera. Oseguera ordered the killings of at least 100 people, personally killed at least six people and ordered subordinates to shoot down a Mexican military helicopter, killing at least nine people, in May 2015, according to prosecutors. “This defendant helped build Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion into a brutal terrorist organization that pumps poison onto our streets and commits horrific acts of violence,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement. Howell also ordered Oseguera to forfeit over $6 billion in proceeds from the cartel’s drug trafficking. Oseguera declined to address the court before the judge imposed his sentence. He briefly conferred with his attorney before he was led out of the courtroom. Howell said Oseguera deserved to be called a “drug kingpin.” “Your criminal actions are among the most serious that our drug laws are designed to address,” Howell told him. In September, a federal jury convicted Oseguera of conspiring to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine for U.S. importation and using a firearm in a drug conspiracy. Justice Department prosecutor Jonathan Hornok called Oseguera a “mass murderer” as he recommended sentencing him to two life sentences — one for each count of conviction. In 2015, he killed five bound men who owed him money by slashing their throats with a knife, then asked for a clean shirt, according to prosecutors. Days later, they said, Oseguera shot and killed one of his drivers when the man did not repark a vehicle quickly enough. The helicopter that Oseguera ordered to be shot down was pursuing him and his father, who remains at large. A reward of up to $15 million has been offered for information leading to the father’s arrest or conviction. Jurors heard testimony that the younger Oseguera was personally responsible for trafficking cocaine and producing methamphetamine in total amounts worth over $12 billion. “Simply put, this is a historically severe drug offense,” prosecutors wrote in a court filing. Oseguera initially signed a plea agreement with the government but ultimately elected to go to trial instead. Defense attorney Anthony Colombo said Oseguera grew up in “an unstable environment wrought with violence and corruption.” “Mr. Oseguera is as much as anyone both a product and a victim of that environment,” Colombo wrote.

FMCSA names Adrienne Camire as acting administrator

Dana Guthrie - March 7, 2025

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is announcing the Presidential appointment of Adrienne Camire as deputy administrator and acting administrator of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). “I am pleased to welcome Adrienne Camire as Acting Administrator of FMCSA,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy. “Ms. Camire is a dedicated leader who brings executive experience, vision, and a strong commitment to safety. I have no doubt FMCSA will continue to make our roads safer and keep America moving under her leadership.” Previous Service Camire previously served as Chief Counsel for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) during President Trump’s first term, where she oversaw all legal services related to FHWA’s management of the Federal-aid highway program. Ms. Camire has over 20 years of legal, regulatory and compliance experience within the private and academic sectors. “Thank you to President Trump and Secretary Duffy for their confidence in me to serve in this role,” Camire said. “I am honored to lead FMCSA in its mission to prevent commercial motor vehicle crashes, fatalities, and injuries on our Nation’s roads. I look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to advance our shared safety goals,” Camire earned a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from Brandeis University and a J.D. from Suffolk University Law School.

OOIDA fights predatory towing in Missouri

Dana Guthrie - March 7, 2025

JOPLIN, Mo. — The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association is fighting against predatory towing practices in Missouri. On Tuesday, OOIDA executive vice president Lewie Pugh testified before the Missouri Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee. “When you’re a small business trucker, that truck is your life,” Pugh said. “It feeds your family. It clothes your kids. It takes care of everything. Predatory Towing Practices Bills, HB745 and SB516, aim to address longstanding issues with predatory towing practices. These bills, introduced by Sen. Justin Brown (R-Rolla) and Rep. Dave Griffith (R-Jefferson City), propose critical reforms. They would grant the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) the authority to regulate nonconsensual towing procedures for commercial vehicles. “96% of all trucking companies out here are small business truckers, 20 trucks or less,” Pugh said. “Trucking is a very, very, very tight profit margin business. I tell people it’s a penny saved business, not a money made business. Kind of like farming. There’s lots and lots of people who control everything about it.” Real World Scenario “When something like this happens to you as a small business trucker, your life’s pretty much devastated because your equipment you’ve spent $150,000 to $250,000 for is now damaged,” Pugh said. “You’re trying to get it back. There’s a lot of good towing companies out here, but you get unscrupulous ones who put egregious storage fees that you cannot even afford to get your equipment back to get it somewhere to get it fixed in the first place. Pugh said that they only way you can pay the fees is to get your equipment back and get back out on the road so that money can be made. If the truck was in an accident with a non-commercial vehicle and it was not the truckers fault, the cars are not insured enough to even touch the nonconsensual towing fees. Free Market “I’m a free market guy and I believe in a free market society, but I also believe we all have a right to have someone to go to when we’ve been wronged,” Pugh said. “For too long in the state of Missouri there’s nobody to go to when you get one of these bills. I personally know of a tow that happened to a friend of mine and he was charged double the price for the equipment that was sent out there. If he would have called that tower and had them come out there and done something personally. Twice the price they doubled on the equipment. That’s not right. Again, there’s lots of good towers out there. That’s not what this is about. Everybody deserves some kind of protection.” Rep. Michael Burton told the committee that he also believes in a free market but is not sure the proposed legislation falls in line with that. Freedom of Choice Burton asked why the industry cannot let the market work itself out. “There are companies that are doing wrong by the way they are charging people to tow trucks,” Burton said. “Doesn’t that open up an availability for someone else to start a company to do it?” Pugh said the problem with that is choice. “It would if this were my trucking company that called and got the tower,” Pugh said. “If I have an accident or whatever happens, I’m not calling the tower. I’m forced to use this tower. I don’t have any choice in the matter. That’s the problem here. It’s not really a free market when I don’t get to choose. It’s just this is who your using and then I get stuck with paying whatever the bill is they decide to charge.” Burton asked if there could be an exemption written into the bill just for when an accident has occurred. “That’s where these nonconsensual tows come into play,” Pugh said. “When there’s an accident…If I have a broken down truck or something like that, I call the towing company and negotiate the rate…these are times when you don’t have that opportunity. These are usually, if not always, an accident type situation.” “I’m sure there’s been trucks out there that have been left on the side of the road where they didn’t do that and there’s still a nonconsensual tow,” Burton said. “I agree with you that most of them are probably from accidents, but I think that we need to let the free market reign in a lot of ways. I believe the gentleman is coming from a good place, but I still have problems with this. We have price gouging when it comes to all kinds of things. We have price gouging when it comes to food. Two nights ago I had a $60 steak. I don’t think it was worth $60. I’m not going to come before a board and plead my case or anything. But I do appreciate you coming in here and giving your testimony.” Highlights of the Legislation Establishing a 7-member Towing and Recovery Review Board, with one member representing independent owner-operator truck drivers. Creating a complaint filing and adjudication process to address violations by towing companies. Regulating the release of vehicles when fees are disputed. Prohibiting per-pound charges for nonconsensual tows. Allowing commercial vehicle owners or operators to request a specific towing company, with law enforcement required to honor these requests except under certain conditions. Prohibit towing companies from performing nonconsensual tows if they violate the law. Parking Problems Rep. Don Mayhew asked Pugh for an example of nonconsensual towing. Pugh spoke about the lack of parking and how trucks can be booted or towed against the drivers will leaving them with astronomical bills that are not their fault. He noted that this has happened when drivers are asleep in their trucks. “If a driver parks somewhere that’s well marked, well that’s on them,” Pugh said. “That’s a whole other conversation. There’s only one safe parking place for every 11 trucks in this country right now. Trucks just get stuck parking everywhere unfortunately.” Mayhew added that to him, a situation like that could be considered theft. “I don’t disagree,” Pugh said. “For me and my organization, we would be all for adding that to the bill for sure. We’ve been fighting this for six years and we want to get this to the finish line.” “I never even realized that someone would even attempt that, but anybody will try anything,” Mayhew said. “I will talk to the bill sponsor to see if there’s something we could add to tray and alleviate that situation too.” Bad Operators Rep. Steve Butz asked if OOIDA keeps a list of bad operators known for predatory towing practices. “If they call in and we know about it we will [help],” Pugh said. “Our organization does try to work with some of our members who have a bad bill and try to be an intermediary and help them get them down to a realistic amount.” Butz suggested that if there’s a pattern with a handful of operators OOIDA should get that information out to all its members and the public. Nonconsensual Towing Reasons While accidents are the leading cause of nonconsensual towing, Rep. Carolyn Caton noted that there can be other factors. Caton, a former trucking manager, noted that weather and “acts of God” can lead to towing where there is no fault to the driver. “This bill isn’t going to fix everything, but it’s a start,” Caton said. “Is that what I’m understanding? It’s a good start toward an endline.” Pugh agreed that it will not fix everything, but it will make a huge difference. “I think you will be shocked at how much it will fix,” Pugh said. “I’ve been involved with other states that have passed these kinds of rules. It seems like once the rule is passed, the problem just sort of goes away.” Success in other States Rep. Kemp Strickler asked Pugh for examples of other states who have practices in place to prevent predatory towing. According to Pugh, Arkansas, Maryland and Tennessee are just a few of the states that have addressed the issue with legislation, with Tennessee being the best model at addressing the issue. The committee did not vote on the bill. Missouri truck drivers are encouraged to reach out to their legislators to voice their opinion on the legislation.

Legislators seek to guarantee overtime pay for truckers

Dana Guthrie - March 6, 2025

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Edward J. Markey, along with U.S. Representatives Mark Takano and Jeff Van Drew are introducing bipartisan, bicameral legislation to ensure that truckers are compensated fairly for the hours that they are on the clock, including overtime. “America’s truck drivers are on the frontlines of our economy, enduring long hours away from home, and all too often, unpaid wait times at congested ports and warehouses. Unfortunately, truck drivers have been excluded from overtime pay protections for decades,” Padilla said. “If truckers are forced to wait while on the job, they should be paid. This is not just a matter of fairness; it’s a matter of public safety. Experienced truckers are safer truckers, and better compensation and overtime pay will help more of them stay in the profession.” Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act The Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act would repeal the motor carrier provision of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, which excludes many truckers from overtime protections enjoyed by other workers. “Truck drivers are the engines of our economy, making sure that our supply chain keeps moving at full speed, and yet they are denied the fundamental worker protection of overtime,” Markey said. “The Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act would reverse this injustice and ensure that truck drivers are paid their due.” In response to an Executive Order by former President Biden, USDOT issued a Freight and Logistics Supply Chain Assessment in February 2022, which highlights high turnover rates and compensation issues in the trucking industry. Among its recommendations, the Department called on Congress to repeal the motor carrier provision of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to allow truckers to earn fair overtime pay. Truckers Vital to American Way of Life “Truckers are vital for our supply chain, manufacturing, and the American way of life,” Takano said. “It is unfair that they are singled out as somehow unworthy of overtime pay. This legislation will help right that wrong and make sure they are fairly compensated for the hours they work. I am proud to partner with Congressman Van Drew and Senator Padilla to build up workers and guarantee more money in their paychecks.” According to Van Drew, without truckers, the supply chain would collapse. “Truck drivers keep our supply chain moving, often working long, exhausting hours to make sure goods get where they need to go,” Van Drew said. “But right now, they are not guaranteed overtime pay like most other workers. It is just not right. The Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act is a simple fix—it ensures that truckers are fairly compensated for the extra hours they put in. These men and women do critical work, and it’s time we make sure their pay reflects that.” Teamsters Back Legislation “The exclusion of truck drivers from federal overtime protections must come to an end,” said Sean M. O’Brian Teamsters general president. “The Teamsters Union is proud to support the Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act, which will right the decades long wrong that serves only to harm drivers to the benefit of their employers.” Truckers are the Backbone of the Economy “America’s truckers are the backbone of our economy, keeping goods moving and ensuring our supply chain stays strong,” said Todd Spencer, Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association president. “Yet, despite their essential role, trucking remains one of the few professions in America denied guaranteed overtime pay. It’s long past time the hard work of the men and women behind the wheel are fairly compensated. By discounting a trucker’s time, ‘big trucking’ has driven wages downward, treating truckers as disposable rather than the skilled professionals they are. We appreciate Representative Van Drew, Representative Takano, and Senator Padilla for championing the bipartisan GOT Truckers Act, which will right this wrong by securing overtime pay. This legislation is an investment in truckers, road safety, and the strength of America’s supply chain.” In addition to Senators Padilla and Markey, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal, Elizabeth Warren, and Ron Wyden. The full text of the bill can be found here.

First alternate: What’s the most viable replacement for traditional diesel fuel?

Bruce Guthrie - March 6, 2025

The long-term future of emission standards is still up in the air after President Donald Trump’s election to the Oval Office, but the trucking industry continues to work toward better efficiency and lower emissions. And while the emissions mandates that were looming over the entire vehicle industry have been stopped — at least for now — there’s no denying that viable, more eco-friendly alternatives are needed. While battery electric motors have been the primary focus of manufacturers and government agencies, renewable diesel, hydrogen and natural gas are also on the radar. With that in mind, it’s a great time to check out alternatives to traditional diesel fuel. ICE technology evolving Strides are being made in the field of internal combustion engines (ICEs) powered by alternative fuels. In an unveiling by Cummins executives in August 2024, the Cummins X15 engine was touted as a platform that would be a force for alternative fuels. The X15 series has three models — including one for advanced diesel, natural gas and hydrogen. The goal is to achieve peak performance over the long haul, which includes increased fuel economy, lower emissions and more time on the road. “I think a lot of what we are trying to do … is improve the overall CO2 performance of the engine, make the engine lighter,” said Tom Marsh, who serves as Cummins VPI leader for the X15. “Improve in all of those areas, but at the same time, maintain the robustness of the product, but also adopt the global platforms.” Field testing shows promising results In July 2024, Allison Transmission announced a partnership with Cummins to test and validate the new Cummins X15N 15-liter natural gas engine paired with the Allison 4000 Series fully automatic transmission. Sandman, a bulk-cement hauling fleet based in San Jose, California, successfully completed over 50,000 miles of vehicle testing in the field and reported significant improvements in fuel efficiency and performance. According to press reports, the test vehicle — a Peterbilt tractor equipped with the X15N engine and Allison 4000 series transmission — demonstrated “impressive” performance and productivity. Victor Landaverde, fleet manager for Sandman, describes the 50,000-mile field testing of the natural gas-powered tractors as “flawless,” noting that the company’s drivers haul 80,000-pound loads through stop-and-go traffic between San Jose and San Francisco multiple times each day. He also says the fleet of more than 100 trucks achieved “excellent” fuel efficiency. “As the industry continues to evaluate electric vehicle technology and works to overcome the hurdles facing this technology adoption, more customers are expected to adopt alternative fuel engines as a solution to meet increasing emissions stringencies,” Landaverde said. Alternative fuel infrastructure progresses Infrastructure for natural gas is also starting to emerge with Clean Energy as its leader. In 2024, Clean Energy Fuels Corp. announced a significant increase in its renewable natural gas (RNG) footprint as it opened two additional stations in San Bernadino and Perris, both in Southern California. “There’s a growing realization that the other much-hyped technologies aren’t living up to their promises of availability, fueling infrastructure or cost of ownership,” said Chad Lindholm, senior vice president at Clean Energy. “The RNG solution is here and now, providing fleets with incredible emissions reductions affordably.” Clean Energy manages more than 600 stations throughout the U.S. and Canada, 200 of which provide tractor-trailer access. In addition, travel stops — including Loves, Travel Centers of America, Pilot and others — are working to integrate alternative fuels into their sites. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), hydrogen, when used in a fuel cell to provide electricity, is a zero tailpipe emissions alternative fuel produced from diverse energy sources. Currently, drivers of light-duty fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) can fuel up at retail stations in less than five minutes and obtain a driving range of more than 300 miles. Research and commercial efforts are under way to expand the limited hydrogen fueling infrastructure and increase the production of FCEVs in the freight industry. While battery-electric fuel cells may be the future of freight, that future is not now, say most stakeholders in the trucking industry. The tried-and-true ICE remains king, and innovations in fuel and engine production are making it more eco-friendly as well. This story was published in the March/April 2025 edition of Truckload Authority magazine, the official publication of the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA).

Truck driver in crash that killed 7 farmworkers in Oregon is sentenced to 48 years

The Associated Press - March 6, 2025

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — A truck driver who killed seven farmworkers when he crashed into a parked van on Interstate 5 in Oregon was sentenced on Tuesday to nearly 50 years in prison. Marion County Circuit Court Judge Daniel Wren sentenced Lincoln Smith to 48 years and 3 months, Oregon Public Broadcasting reported. He was convicted in February on seven counts of second-degree manslaughter and three counts of assault, as well as reckless driving. Jurors acquitted the 54-year-old Californian of driving under the influence of intoxicants. Testifying at trial, Smith said the effects of drugs he took the night before the crash had worn off and he nodded off at the wheel. Traces of methamphetamine, fentanyl and morphine were found in his blood after the crash. The crash, one of the state’s deadliest, happened in May 2023. Smith’s semitruck ran into a van carrying 11 farmworkers that was parked on the side of I-5 near Albany, in an agricultural area of the Willamette Valley. The victims were identified as Juan Carlos Leyva-Carrillo, 37; Gabriel Juarez-Tovilla, 58; Alejandra Espinoza-Carpio, 39; Eduardo Lopez-Lopez, 31; Luis Enrique Gomez-Reyes, 30; Alejandro Jimenez-Hernandez, 36; and Josue Garcia-Garcia, 30. Smith apologized in court, saying that if he could trade his life for any of the victims’ lives, he would, KGW-TV reported. Albany is about 70 miles (110 kilometers) south of Portland. I-5 is the main north-south interstate on the West Coast.

ATA strongly opposes Teamsters backed Faster Labor Contracts Act

Dana Guthrie - March 5, 2025

WASHINGTON — On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) led a bipartisan group of colleagues in introducing new, Teamsters-endorsed legislation to speed up first contracts for new unions. The Faster Labor Contracts Act aims to prevent employers from stalling union contract negotiations — requiring talks to begin within 10 days. It would amend the National Labor Relations Act to create a clear timetable to securing a first union contract. The bill is being cosponsored by Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) as well as three Democrats — Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) “The status quo hurts workers,” said Senator Hawley. “Despite exercising their legal—and moral—right to bargain collectively, workers are often prevented from enjoying the benefits of the union they voted to form when mega-corporations drag their feet, slow-walk contract negotiations and try to erode support for the union. It’s wrong. We need real labor reform that puts workers first. I’m proud to introduce bipartisan and Teamsters-endorsed legislation that does just that.” American Trucking Associations Strongly Opposes the Act “Since 1980, union membership has plummeted from over 20 percent of the nation’s total workforce to less than ten percent today,” said Chris Spear, ATA president, CEO. “This legislation was written at the behest of union bosses who put their interests before the hardworking [people] they represent. And now they’re asking Congress to help save their padded lifestyle. For 90 years, the National Labor Relations Act has survived these self-serving coups for one reason alone: It works. Everyone has a seat at the table, including American workers. To that end, the American Trucking Associations along with its thousands of medium and small members outright oppose this bill and will make certain it stands zero chance of ever becoming law.” Teamsters: Legislation would Force Employers to Bargain Fairly, Timely and in Good Faith “Greedy corporations will stop at nothing to keep workers from getting a fair first contract,” said Sean O’Brien Teamsters General President Their playbook is simple: stall, delay, and drag out negotiations to deny workers from securing the wages and conditions they deserve “Teamsters are proud to support the Faster Labor Contracts Act — real labor law reform that forces employers to bargain in good faith and holds them accountable when they don’t.” Bipartisan Support “Americans deserve fair wages, safe workplaces, and good benefits in exchange for their hard work—and forming a union helps workers fight for fairness in their workplace,” said Senator Booker. “Workers who vote to join a union have the right to form that union quickly, instead of facing years of delays from big corporations. This bipartisan bill would ensure that workers are able to have their voices heard and more quickly enjoy the benefits of forming a union instead of facing uncertainty and prolonged stalling tactics.” According to Senator Peters, the bill is a step in the right direction. It would help crack down on union busting tactics so workers can fight for the wages and benefits they deserve, without interference and attempts to delay the process. Faster Labor Contract Act The Faster Labor Contracts Act would: Amend the National Labor Relations Act to require that after workers have voted to form a union, employers must begin negotiating with the new union within 10 days. Provide that if no agreement is reached within 90 days, the dispute will be referred to mediation. Stipulate that if mediation fails within 30 days, or additional periods agreed upon by the parties, the dispute will be referred to binding arbitration to secure an initial contract. Commission a Government Accountability Office report on average workplace time-to-contract one year after enactment. “When unions thrive, working families thrive,” said Senator Merkley. “Our bipartisan effort is an important step forward to support hardworking Americans by making it easier to form a union, leading to better wages and benefits for all workers. Senator Hawley and I will do all we can to advance this common-sense reform to benefit workers nationwide.” To view the bill in full, click here.

Powerful US storms kill 2 and bring threats from critical fire weather to blizzard conditions

The Associated Press - March 5, 2025

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Powerful storms killed two people in Mississippi, tore the roofs off an apartment building and a nursing home in a small town in Oklahoma and threatened more communities across the nation Tuesday with wide-ranging weather. The large storm system also brought blinding dust storms to the Southwest, blizzards with whiteout conditions to the Midwest and fears of wildfires elsewhere. In Irving, Texas, a tornado with winds up to 110 mph (177 kph) struck, while another touched down in the 16,000-resident city of Ada, Oklahoma, according to preliminary information from the National Weather Service. There were also two tornadoes in Louisiana’s northern Caddo Parish and at least five in eastern Oklahoma. High winds forced some changes to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, which moved up and shortened the two biggest parades to wrap them up before the bad weather moved in. The weather didn’t stop Shalaska Jones and her 2-year-old daughter from waving at passing Mardi Gras floats and hoping to catch one of the coveted coconuts thrown to the crowd. “We was coming out, rain, sleet or snow,” Jones said. The alarming weather could be one of the first big tests for the National Weather Service after hundreds of forecasters were fired last week as part of President Donald Trump’s moves to slash the size of the federal government. Former employees said the firing of meteorologists who make crucial local forecasts nationwide could put lives at risk, though it was too soon to know the impact on forecasts and warnings for this storm. Deaths from storms in Mississippi Two people died due to the severe weather, Gov. Tate Reeves posted on the social platform X, without going into detail. WAPT-TV reported that one person died from a falling power line in Madison County, while a driver in the same county was killed by a tree falling on his car. Hundreds of thousands left without power Storms that swept through Texas and Oklahoma brought high winds and rain, overturning tractor-trailers and damaging roofs. More than 178,000 customers were without power in Texas, about 23,000 in Louisiana, another 18,000 in Mississippi, about 88,000 in Alabama, more than 16,000 in Oklahoma and more than 23,000 in Tennessee, according to PowerOutage.us. More outages were expected as a line of storms raced across Mississippi and Louisiana and headed for Alabama, producing gusts of 70 mph (113 kph), the weather service said. Strong winds lead to fires and damage in Texas In San Antonio, high winds caused at least two grass fires that damaged several structures and prompted officials to order mandatory evacuations in two areas south of the city. One fire prompted officials to call for the evacuation of about 30 homes, San Antonio Fire Chief Valerie Frausto told reporters. By late Tuesday afternoon, the Texas A&M Forest Service was responding to 13 active wildfires across the state, service spokesperson Adam Turner said. In North Texas, strong thunderstorms with gusts over 70 mph (113 kph) damaged apartments, schools and RVs. At the Las Haciendas Apartments in Irving, northwest of Dallas, winds blew out windows and damaged brick siding along the walls of a building. Power was knocked out to several Irving schools. In Plano, north of Dallas, winds tore off parts of a high school’s metal roof. In Parker County, west of Fort Worth, at least three RV trailers were overturned by strong winds. Central Plains and Midwest brace for blizzard conditions Blizzard conditions were forecast that could make travel treacherous. Schools will be closed Wednesday in several southern Minnesota districts with 5 to 11 inches (about 13 to 28 centimeters) of snow expected. More concerning were winds forecasted to gust over 50 mph (80 kph) and stay high. The National Weather Service in the Twin Cities said on X Tuesday night that travel was not advised over a large portion of southern Minnesota. “It’s tough to find a @MnDOT road camera that isn’t covered in ice or blocked completely by blowing snow,” the post said. South Dakota was expected to receive up to 5 inches (12.7 centimeters) of snow in some areas, and by Tuesday evening, high winds had already deteriorated road conditions. Jay Jones, who works at Love’s Truck Stop in Sioux Falls, said he saw garbage cans flying around as winds gusted around 50 mph (80.5 kph). Parts of Interstate 29 heading north to North Dakota were shut down. “It looks really bad out there,” Jones said, adding that he walked to work and would have to “have to tough it out” on his way home. In Des Moines, Iowa, gusts up to 65 mph (105 kph) were expected Tuesday night — a rare occurrence, forecasters said. Strong winds and snowfall were making travel hazardous Tuesday night in eastern Nebraska, according to the National Weather Service. Part of Interstate 80 was temporarily closed and the agency recommended staying off the roads if possible. Nationwide, more than 500 flights were canceled, according to FlightAware.com, which tracks delays and cancellations. Airports in Dallas canceled the most flights. Severe weather threatens during Mardi Gras New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick ordered parade-goers to not bring umbrellas, tents or “anything that could fly in the wind and cause mayhem.” In neighboring Jefferson Parish, officials canceled planned parades due to anticipated high winds and thunderstorms. Even with winds sweeping through New Orleans, the city’s festive Bourbon Street was packed with revelers clad in purple, gold and yellow, shouting for bead necklaces tossed from balconies. Ashley Luna and her aunt danced and skipped down the street holding beverages beneath the darkening sky, unconcerned about the evening’s prospects. “The weather can always change. I’m not really worried about it,” Luna said. “I am just going with the flow.” Martin reported from Atlanta. Associated Press writers Sean Murphy in Oklahoma City; Sara Cline in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Juan Lozano in Houston; Jamie Stengle in Dallas; Julio Cortez in Irving, Texas; Sarah Raza in Minneapolis; Jack Brook in New Orleans; Haya Panjwani in Washington, D.C.; Susan Montoya Bryan in Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Lisa Baumann in Bellingham, Washington, contributed.

Trump tariffs: ATA issues warning

Dana Guthrie - March 4, 2025

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s promise to impose tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China was fulfilled on Tuesday. The American Trucking Association issued a statement regarding its position on the new tariffs. “Truckers live in every state and community throughout our country, said Chris Spear, ATA president and CEO. “We have seen firsthand the devastating effects of fentanyl and the humanitarian crisis caused by unchecked illegal immigration. President Trump has rightfully placed an emphasis on tackling these challenges, and the trucking industry is committed to being a part of the solution. That is why we are raising public awareness and supporting legislation to remove deadly fentanyl from our streets, backing efforts to increase the security and efficiency of our borders, and training our workforce to recognize and report instances of human trafficking.” Unintended Consequences of Tariffs “As we work to make our communities stronger and safer, we must also avoid unintended consequences that could exacerbate another one of Americans’ top concerns: the high prices for goods and groceries,” Spear said. “With the success of USMCA and the growing trend of nearshoring, the North American supply chain has become highly integrated and supports millions of jobs.” According to Spear, imposing border taxes on the country’s largest and most important trading partners will undo this progress and raise costs for consumers. Hardworking Truckers to Pay the Price “The 100,000 full-time hardworking truckers hauling 85% of the surface trade in goods with Mexico and 67% of the goods traded with Canada will bear a direct and disproportionate impact,” Spear said. “Not only will tariffs reduce cross-border freight, but they will also increase operational costs. The price tag of a new truck could rise by up to $35,000, amounting to a $2 billion annual tax and putting new equipment out of reach for small carriers. “The longer tariffs last, the greater the pain for truckers as well as the families and businesses we serve. The Trump Administration knows our industry well and understands how vital trucking is to our economy and supply chain. President Trump proved his dealmaking skills during his first term by negotiating the USMCA. To prevent unnecessary economic pain, the trucking industry urges all parties to come to the table once again to swiftly reach a new agreement.”