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ACT Research: Low trailer orders, high cancellations seen in January

COLUMBUS, Ind. — Weak freight rates continue to reduce carriers’ willingness to invest in equipment, resulting in low trailer orders and high cancellations in January, according to this month’s issue of ACT Research’s State of the Industry: U.S. Trailers report. January net orders, at 13,700 units, were nearly 43% lower year-over-year and 10,700 units below December. Total cancellations took a turn for the worse in January, jumping to 3.2% of the backlog from December’s elevated 1.7% rate. “Seasonally adjusted, January’s orders fell to 12,400 units from December’s 15,400 SA rate. On that basis, orders decreased 28% month-over-month,” said Jennifer McNealy, director of commercial vehicle market research and publications at ACT Research. “On a seasonally adjusted basis, dry van orders contracted 55% year-over-year, with reefers down 37%, and flats 34% lower compared to January 2023.” McNealy added that “digging down into cancellations, several markets led the way, including dry vans at 4.2% of backlog and lowbeds at 1.5%. Clearly, with markets swimming in capacity, no one needs a higher trailer-to-tractor ratio. Additionally, both tank categories reported high cancels this month, with liquid at 3.7% and bulk at 10.2%. We continue to believe recent oil price weakness may bear most of the culpability there.” Healthy economic performance is increasingly favoring freight, McNealy said, “but we are roughly balanced between the tail of an 18-month freight recession and the beginning of the next freight cycle, meaning limited capex available even with some dealers still challenged with more inventory than customers.”

USDOT vows to continue drive to prevent death on nation’s roads

WASHINGTON — State governors gathered at the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) headquarters in Washington Feb. 21 to show support for the department’s National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS) and encourage action towards safer roads for all. The event included an overview of data, personal stories, and examples of innovative steps states are taking toward zero roadway fatalities. During the event, the DOT released the 2024 NRSS Report; the original NRSS was released in January 2022. The DOT also announced the addition of 41 new “Allies in Action” — businesses and organizations across the nation that are working to support the NRSS in reversing the crisis on America’s roads. In the program’s two years of operation, the USDOT has received a total of 160 commitments. “In the two years since we launched the National Roadway Safety Strategy, the Biden-Harris administration has taken action to make roads safer, emergency responders more efficient, and vehicle safety technology stronger, contributing to six straight quarters of decreasing traffic deaths—but America still loses tens of thousands of lives on our roads every year, and we must do more,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “The updates we’re announcing today show that progress is possible, and we continue our call to action for all Americans to join with us and the partners who have already stepped up to save lives on our roadways.” The report provides an update on the USDOT’s efforts to address severe and fatal injuries on America’s roadways, details the department’s accomplishments related to addressing the NRSS actions in 2023 and identifies four new commitments to actions under the NRSS in calendar year 2024 and beyond. The most significant actions in 2023 include: Awarded $1.7 billion in funding to improve roadway safety at the local, regional and tribal levels through the Safe Streets and Roads for All discretionary grant program. Over 1,000 communities received funding, representing close to 70% of all Americans. Accelerated the deployment of new motor vehicle safety technologies through rulemaking for automatic emergency braking on all new passenger vehicles and heavy vehicles such as commercial trucks. Initiated an advance notice of proposed rulemaking for impaired-driving prevention technology standards to inform requirements that will deter behaviors such as alcohol-impaired driving. Updated key road safety regulations such as the new edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, and revised guidance to encourage states using federal-aid funds to use repaving and rehabilitation projects to improve safety for all road users. Expanded the use and support of the National Emergency Medical Services Information System by accepting data from all 50 states, two territories and the District of Columbia. Of the additional 41 supporters, 36 came from state and territory organizations, including transportation agencies and state highway safety offices. State agencies and offices, along with all Allies in Action, have committed to taking specific and tangible steps to actively reduce the number of deaths and severe injuries on America’s roads and streets. To achieve this, the plan is to expand the adoption of a Safe System Approach and a Zero Fatalities vision nationwide and transform how the nation thinks about road safety. Allies in Action spans multiple sectors, including health and safety advocates, the private sector, municipal and law enforcement organizations, and more. “The department won’t achieve zero deaths on our roadways alone, which is why involving stakeholders across the country, at every level of government, philanthropy, advocacy, and the private sector, is key,” said U.S. Transportation Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg. “The National Roadway Safety strategy is driving a cultural shift that treats roadway deaths as unacceptable and preventable. We have an incredible opportunity with President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which allows us to make a generational investment in America’s transportation network.” New voluntary commitments from Allies in Action include: 36 total state and territory submissions from their transportation agencies and highway safety offices will implement proven safety countermeasures, Complete Streets policies and plans, revisit policies around speed setting, and advance infrastructure improvements for vulnerable road users. Many states discussed a commitment to work zone and rural road safety enhancements as well as emergency notifications to alert roadway users of significant incidents and weather. States have also committed to engaging stakeholders to identify community highway safety concerns and solicit input on potential solutions, pursue cutting-edge data analytics that utilizes historical crash data, enforcement data, and various third-party, real-time data salets to see traffic safety data in a new way. They will also pursue outreach and education efforts related to speed management and rural-high-risk road safety improvement projects. States and territories that have made a commitment or are in the last stage of finalizing their commitment include: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Beyond Lucid Technologies (BLT) is dedicated to working with fleet operators — starting with ambulance and fire services — to ensure that when a crash occurs, first responders have critical clinical context about the vehicle’s occupants and can provide the most informed care possible. The company’s HALCYON Post-Crash Intelligence platform is being piloted in two states to demonstrate the value of post-crash care technology that provides critical information about who was likely involved in the crash such as the number of people and their critical health contexts. BLT aims to deploy this technology in additional states by mid-2024 to help Responders to a crash involving an ambulance or fire vehicle know the health context of those impacted. The Ford Fund continues to provide philanthropic funding to promote affordable, reliable and safe mobility. The centerpiece of its efforts to promote safer transportation for all is the “Driving Skills for Life” program in the U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific. Entering its 21st year in partnership with the Governors Highway Safety Association, this program invites newly licensed and permitted teenage drivers to go through various hands-on training exercises. In 2024, the Ford Fund will enhance its programming to include discussions around vulnerable road user safety, outreach to teen drivers without access to driving resources and training, and outreach to stakeholders around the Safe Systems Approach philosophies and messaging. The Ford Fund also provides grant funding to nonprofit organizations addressing roadway safety, emphasizing programs promoting safer conditions for vulnerable road users. In December 2023, the Ford Fund announced a $5 million investment in mobility solutions focused on addressing transportation insecurity in Ford’s hometown communities in Southeastern Michigan, Louisville, Kansas City, Chicago, Ohio, West Tennessee and Buffalo. Stellaris, the maker of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Maserati brand vehicles, is committed to enhancing safety for drivers, passengers, and all roadway users by raising awareness about vehicle safety recalls through public awareness campaigns and by taking steps to raise the repair rate for vehicles with open recalls — especially among underserved communities where repair rates are disproportionately lower, including communities of color, tribal nations, rural areas, low-income populations and military families. Throughout 2024, this will involve attending events at multiple military bases, participating in tribal nation traffic and health safety events, and collaborating directly with community leaders to create and deliver purpose-built communications for their communities. More specifically, Stellantis will conduct media buys in high-risk communities, triple door-to-door canvassing staff from 50 to 150 canvassers, expand canvassing from 29 to more than 70 metro markets, provide all U.S. military branches with digital and physical marketing content for distribution to service members, and engage tribal safety professionals to offer digital and physical safety materials to share with their communities. The National Center for Rural Road Safety will connect with and train rural practitioners across the country. Their signature training is the Road Safety Champion Program, a “Safety 101” certificate training for staff from transportation, public health, and law enforcement agencies who have an interest in roadway safety but are not safety experts. The Center will also promote rural traffic safety culture through its annual Rural Road Safety Awareness Week. Additionally, they will connect rural and tribal practitioners with the people, technical assistance, rural safety practices and resources, and federal funding opportunities they need to implement the Safe System Approach to get to Zero Fatalities and Serious Injuries. The DOT’s NRSS was launched in 2022 in response to the crisis of roadway deaths in America, which had been steadily rising since 2010 before surging in 2020. In a positive sign, the last six quarters have shown small decreases in traffic fatalities, according to preliminary data. The NRSS outlines a concrete set of actions the DOT has committed to and adopts a five-pronged approach that includes: Safer people Safer vehicles Safer speeds Safer roads Better post-crash care During the February event, the DOT announced $1.25 billion in funding available for the next round of its Safe Streets and Roads for All discretionary grant program. These competitive grants help cities, counties, tribes and metropolitan planning organizations create safety plans, demonstrate effective strategies and implement safety projects that prevent deaths and severe injuries on our nation’s roadways. For more information, click here (https://www.transportation.gov/grants/SS4A). For a complete list of NRSS Allies in Action, along with a message from Buttigieg, click here.

Analysts report ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ for freight rates 

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — According to most analysts, freight rates are due for a rebound. The problem is that nobody can agree on when it will happen. In the meantime, January happened. It’s typically a slow month after the rush of the holiday season, but this year the spot market received a boost from a spell of unusually cold weather. As retailers were restocking shelves and dealing with returns, cold weather closed some roads, creating a short-term shortage of available trucks and driving spot rates upward. Unfortunately, the effect was only temporary. The freight market is poised to get better, according to industry experts. DAT Freight and Analytics reported that rates rose for dry van, flatbed and refrigerated freight. The average rate for dry van loads reached just shy of $1.72 during the third week of January but by mid-February had declined to $1.60 per mile. Refrigerated rates rose as high as $2.13 on the average but dropped by 12 cents per mile a month later. Flatbed rates also fell, reaching $1.97 in January’s third week and falling to $1.60 in February. Truckstop.com reported that spot rates declined for all equipment types in the final week of January, ending up about where they were just before the Christmas rush last year. Total load activity declined 5.7% in the final week of the month, while total volume was down 10% compared with the same week of 2023. The cold January weather impacted some key economic indicators, according to Truckstop.com and FTR Intel. The Federal Reserve cited weather as a factor in declining industrial production. Housing starts fell 14.8% in January, the lowest level they have been at since August. Compared with December 2023 starts were down 0.7%. Multiple family starts suffered the most. The Cass Freight report summarize the market conditions perfectly with a headline of “Frozen Freight.” Compared to December, the January Cass Freight Index for Shipments declined 3.5%, about normal for the first month of the year. Compared with January 2023 however, the Index declined 7.6%. The Cass Freight Index for Expenditures fell even further, down 24.3% from January 2023 and down 4% from December. Over the full year of 2023, the Cass Shipments index fell 5.5% after rising 0.6% in 2022. Tim Denoyer, vice president and senior analyst at ACT Research, who writes the Cass report, said things could be improving soon. “It’s been over two years since the first year-over-year decline of this freight recession and with destocking playing out and goods consumption rising, the downturn is likely nearing its end,” he said. Denoyer pointed to increases in real disposable incomes and a strong labor market as positive signs indicating freight demand could improve in 2024. Cass reported that overall spending for shipping fell 19% in 2023 from 2022 levels. That’s a huge drop, but it’s important to note that spending rose 38% in 2021 and another 23% in 2022. FTR predicts that freight spending will decline another 16% in the first half of 2024, if normal seasonal patterns hold. As many trucking business owners can attest, operating costs have grown substantially in the past year. The U.S. Department of Labor reported that inflation rose by 7% in 2021 and another 6.5% in 2022. In 2023, while rates were falling inflation grew another 3.4%. Currently, freight rates sit about where they were in March 2020, before the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic began. Unfortunately, operating costs have not returned to 2020 levels and aren’t likely to ever do so. The federal funds rate that stood at 0.25% through 2021 has been raised to its current 5.5%. The cost of credit has risen dramatically for truckers. Financing costs for new or used equipment have risen, and credit card interest has gone up dramatically. More of each payment is going to satisfy interest charges and less to reducing the principal. Cass reports on multiple modes of shipping, including trucking, rail, pipeline, ship and air, using billing statistics compiled from its customer base. Trucking comprises about 75% of the shipping they report. The news at the fuel pump wasn’t good either, as average U.S. diesel prices began rising near the end of January, topping $4 per gallon the first week of February. The monthly Motive Economic Report is compiled using GPS data from in-truck devices and shows how often trucks equipped with Motive equipment visit retail warehouse locations for the top 50 retailers in the U.S. Motive reports that grocery and superstore retailers saw a 14.8% increase in visits in January compared to January 2023. Home improvement retailers experienced a 14% increase for the same period. The Motive report attributes the additional visits to “the return of more steady re-stocking patterns” compared with 2023, when many retailers were “destocking” to bring inventories in line with consumer demand. Motive also commented on the number of carrier registrations and revocations at the Department of Transportation. 3,707 carriers left the market in January, 20% fewer than in December. One reason for the decline might be that business owners who planned to close up shop may have wanted to do so before year end to avoid 2024 tax reporting requirements. New carrier registrations were up 22% in January over December 2023 numbers. Again, this may have been due to the changing of the year with owners waiting for the new year to start before registering. At any rate, the decline in carriers is good news for freight rates. As carriers exit the market, the supply of available trucks decreases. With the demand for trucks expected to grow, rates will begin rising again as trucking enters the positive side of the cycle. It’s looking like 2024 will be a better year for trucking, although conditions aren’t expected to improve quickly or by a large margin. Controlling costs and being selective about loads is still very much the tactic for survival.

Diesel averages remain flat, still above $4 a gallon nationally

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A week after hitting a $4 national average, diesel fuel prices are flat, according to the latest from the Energy Information Administration. The average price sits at $4.109 as of Feb. 19, the same price as it was on Feb. 22, when it rose to that level from $3.899 on Feb. 5. Some areas of the country saw declines. In New England, the average price dropped to $4.320 a gallon on Feb. 19, down from $4.350 on Feb. 12. The Midwest and Gulf Coast areas also saw declines at $4.010 and $3.844 per gallon, respectively. The highest prices in the nation are in California, where the average cost per gallon rose to $5.258 on Feb. 19, up from $5.250 on Feb. 12. California is the only state where diesel averages are above $5 per gallon.

Load posts decline by 18%, hitting a 7-week low, DAT reports

BEAVORTON, Ore. — The number of loads posted on DAT One continues to slide, falling 17.6% the week of Feb. 11 to 647,166. It was the fourth straight week of declines, according to a news release. The number of loads has fallen almost 47% since the third week of the year and was 60% lower year over year, DAT’s report notes. Looking at each equipment type, load posts for vans, reefers and flatbeds were the lowest week seven totals in at least eight years. The data shows: ▼  Van loads at 264,181, down 21.3% compared to the previous week and 61% lower year over year ▼  Reefer loads at 114,372, down 25.5% week over week and 61% lower year over year ▼  Flatbed loads at 268,613, down 9.3% week over week and 59% lower year over year Truck posts fell by 7.5% After a bump in week six, the number of trucks posted to DAT One decreased by 7.5% to 328,828, settling back in line with other weeks this year. Still, that’s down 21% year over year and 22% lower than the same week in 2020. The data shows: ▼  Van equipment at 218,356, down 6.4% and 20% lower year over year ▼  Reefer equipment at 58,988, down 11.1% and 29% lower year over year ▼  Flatbed equipment at 40,576, down 7.8% and 13% lower year over year Load-to-truck ratios edged lower for all three equipment types The average van, reefer and flatbed load-to-truck ratios were the lowest on record for week seven, reflecting weaker demand for truckload capacity on the spot market. The data shows: ▼  Vans at 1.2, down from 1.4 the previous week ▼  Reefers at 1.9, down from 2.3 the previous week ▼  Flatbeds at 6.5, down from 6.7 the previous week Benchmark rates continued to soften the week of Feb. 11; reefer spot rate dropped 9 cents The national benchmark van rate was $1.60 net fuel, down 5 cents. The broker-to-carrier rate was $2.08 (fuel: 48 cents), and the contract rate was $2.03 net fuel, down 2 cents. The reefer rate was $1.90 net fuel, down 9 cents. The broker-to-carrier rate was $2.42 (fuel: 52 cents), and the contract rate was $2.39 net fuel, down 2 cents. The flatbed rate was $1.93 net fuel, down 2 cents. The broker-to-carrier rate was $2.50 (fuel: 57 cents), and the contract rate was $2.52 net fuel, down 8 cents.

ACT Research: Class 8 tractor demand above replacement level in January

COLUMBUS, Ind. — Final January Class 8 net orders, at 27,125 units, were up 45% year-over-year, according to the latest information from ACT Research. Total Classes 5-7 orders were up 14% year-over-year at 19,954 units, as published in ACT Research’s latest State of the Industry: NA Classes 5-8 report. “U.S. Class 8 tractor orders surprised to an above-replacement level of 16,765 units, up 44% year-over-year,” according to Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president and senior analyst. “Seasonality is one component, but given the state of for-hire truckload rates, we continue to suspect private fleets as the primary driver behind US tractor demand. As well, the LTL segment remains a bright spot relative to TL and is likely also contributing. The US economy’s current strength doesn’t hurt either.” Medium duty build totaled 20,931 units, up 21% year-over-year. Inventories remain highly elevated, as medium duty bodybuilder labor challenges persist, totaling 85,330 units nominally, up 31% year-over-year, according to Vieth. Classes 5-7 retail sales remained strong at 19,950 units. “Class 8 build decreased 7.3% year-over-year to 26,926 units in January,” Vieth concluded. “Class 8 inventories rose 1,909 units month-over-month to 66,277 in January, up 14.3% year-over-year. Following December’s dash to get equipment finished ahead of regulations starting at the beginning of 2024, Class 8 retail sales totaled 24,500 units in January, up 2.9% year-over-year Amid the weakest period of the year for retail sales, and with still strong production, we continue to see risk in the potential for rapid inventory escalation in early 2024.”

ACT Research: Preliminary net trailer orders in January continue softening trend

COLUMBUS, Ind. — January’s preliminary net trailer orders decreased nominally from December to January, ACT Research says. At 13,700 units, orders were lower compared to last January, down nearly 43% year-over-year As we’re still in peak order season, seasonal adjustment (SA) lowers January’s tally moderately to 12,400 units. Final January results will be available later this month. This preliminary market estimate should be within +/-5% of the final order tally, according to ACT. “With the pent-up demand enjoyed by the industry during the past few years largely extinguished, a softer opening to 2024 meets expectations,” said Jennifer McNealy, director of market research and publications at ACT. Market Research & Publications at ACT Research. Net orders are being challenged by a backdrop of weak profitability for for-hire truckers, and anecdotal commentary from trailer manufacturers throughout the past several months have been indicating this slowing, as they have shared that orders are coming but not at the same rapid pace that they have the last few years, McNealy added. “This month’s results continue to support our thesis that when fleets don’t make money, their ability and/or willingness to purchase equipment is muted,” she said. “That said, the lower orders don’t indicate a catastrophic year in the offing, simply one that is on target to be less stellar than we’ve seen recently.” Another indicator being watched closely is cancellations, which oscillated above comfortable levels for most segments in January. While the industry’s largest segments are under pressure, some specialty segments have no available build slots until late in 2024 at the earliest, while others are in the three-month range.

Sleep apnea, COPD are treatable safety hazards for truckers

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The typical truck driver is getting older. Unfortunately, a majority of drivers smoke, and it’s common for them to be overweight, too. All of those things can contribute to health issues, such as high blood pressure, heart failure, stroke and, increasingly common, pulmonary issues. These include obstructive sleep apnea and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Sleep apnea and COPD are names for different conditions, although they often occur together. Sleep apnea is a condition where you stop breathing while you’re sleeping. The stops are temporary, and you’ll eventually start breathing again. However, these episodes often occur with a sudden jerking or body movement that keeps you from falling into a state of restful, deep sleep. COPD refers to a whole group of conditions that can range from emphysema to bronchitis. These conditions can make breathing difficult even when you’re awake. Both conditions can prevent you from being rested and alert during your driving and working periods. In 2008, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration published the Large Truck Crash Causation Study indicating that fatigue was a factor in 13% of crashes involving large trucks. The crashes resulted in at least one fatality over the test period. The evidence for this conclusion often came from sources such as log books that couldn’t prove adequate rest. However, even adequate rest periods may not provide enough rest when sleep apnea or COPD are factors. Like other health issues, sleep apnea and COPD can develop gradually, making it more difficult to notice that something is wrong and to seek treatment. Since many drivers are away from home for days or weeks at a time, scheduling doctor visits for evaluation or treatment can be difficult. Time away from the road means loss of income for many, and who wants to spend their home time at medical facilities? Unfortunately, putting off diagnosis and treatment comes with increased risk of an event you might not recover from. Some people, for example, have multiple heart attacks, while others only get one. A fact of pulmonary issues is that your body can’t rest and rejuvenate itself without enough oxygen. Sleep apnea and COPD both deprive the lungs of oxygen, causing levels to fall in the bloodstream so that muscles, nerves and brain cells can’t be nourished properly. The result is that neither brain nor body function properly during waking hours. It’s more than a health issue. When your reaction and response times are slowed due to fatigue, the safety of others is at risk, too. You may have carefully planned your rest period and gotten plenty of sleep, but if you weren’t breathing properly, you most likely did not get enough rest. It’s important that you recognize the warning signs of sleep apnea and COPD so that you can get tested and, if necessary, treated before disaster happens. But it’s easy to put off for one more week on the road or whatever reason seems good. After all, nothing happened today. Diagnosis of sleep apnea and COPD often requires some testing. Common testing includes overnight oximetry, a test that measures blood oxygen levels while you sleep, arterial blood gas testing and sleep apnea testing, the “gold standard” used to detect apnea. Sleep apnea testing (polysomnography) usually occurs in a medical facility and measures breathing patterns, blood oxygen, body positions and stages of sleep, including periods of rapid-eye movement sleep, the deep restful period you need to be fully alert the next day. A home version of this test is sometimes used, depending on doctor requirements and patient condition. When sleep apnea or COPD is diagnosed, it can be treated in different ways. For COPD, bronchodilator inhalers are often prescribed along with other medications. For sleep apnea and often for COPD, machines that maintain positive airway pressure are often prescribed. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure or Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure machines are commonly prescribed and are effective at reducing episodes of waking or gasping for breath during sleep. In more severe cases of COPD, oxygen therapy may be prescribed. In cases where sleep apnea and COPD overlap, your doctor will decide if supplemental oxygen is necessary. In many cases, sleep apnea and COPD can’t be cured, but treatments can make a big difference in how much energy you’ll have during waking hours. More rest can result in greater alertness and faster response times while driving, increasing safety for everyone. If you fit in any of the categories commonly associated with sleep apnea and COPD (age, overweight, smoker), look for signs that you may need treatment. One of the first is complaints of frequent snoring from a spouse or someone else. If you have difficulty staying asleep or if you’re frequently sleepy during the daytime, it’s reasonable to suspect sleep apnea or COPD. Increased coughing is another symptom you may notice. There are actions that you can take to alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea even before you see your doctor. If you smoke, stop. Your heart and lungs will thank you. You’ll sleep better and have more energy. If you can lose weight it will also help. Eating sensibly on the road can be difficult and making time to exercise nearly impossible, but both can help you get to a more reasonable weight. It can be done if you’re serious about your health. Of course, sleeping well doesn’t help if you don’t schedule enough time for rest. If the work you’re doing prevents you from getting enough sleep, a change is in order. It may mean getting a different route or assignment from your company, or even changing companies. It’s like going downhill, if you do nothing, you’ll continue your descent. To change direction will take effort on you part. If you’re successful, you’ll improve your chances of living longer and you’ll be a safer driver, too.  

Trucker Bathroom Access Act gains new supporters

WASHINGTON —  Support for Trucker Bathroom Access Act is growing. On Tuesday, Feb. 13, Reps. Brian Babin, R-Texas, and Jefferson Van Drew, R-N.J., said they were on board with helping to ensure the measure passes through Congress and on to the president’s desk for final approval. The bipartisan bill, HR3869, would ensure truckers have access to restroom facilities when they are picking up or delivering cargo is receiving strong support from some members of the industry. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) said it “strongly supports” the proposal. “Over 70% of America’s freight is exclusively carried by trucks, yet every single day men and women truck drivers are forced to ‘hold it’ because they aren’t allowed access to the restroom when picking up or delivering freight,” said Todd Spencer, president and CEO of OOIDA. “OOIDA and our 150,000 members thank Representatives Nehls and Houlahan for showing tremendous leadership on this issue and we look forward to working with them and our coalition partners to get this commonsense, bipartisan legislation signed into law.” Ellen Voie, founder of the Women In Trucking Association, is also lending support. “As more women enter the trucking industry, the need for restroom access increases while access to facilities has decreased,” she said. “We applaud Rep. Nehls’ support to require shippers and receivers to offer our drivers this very basic need.” Nehls said he is “proud to reintroduce legislation that supports our nation’s truckers.” “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, facilities across the country have shut down their bathrooms which have caused essential employees, like our truckers, not to have access to use the restroom at work,” Nehls added. “Truckers are this nation’s backbone, and we owe them for the tireless contributions they continue to make to keep our country moving. I am glad to once again partner with Congresswoman Houlahan on this commonsense legislation to allow our nation’s truckers access to bathrooms while they are transporting goods on the road.” The legislation would: Require retailers, warehouses and other businesses to give truckers access to bathroom facilities when they are picking up cargo or making deliveries Not require businesses to construct new restrooms. It only requires that if a business has a restroom available to their customers or employees, truckers should have the same access Require the operators of ports and terminals to provide bathroom access to drayage drivers “Our economy depends on truck drivers, but we face perpetual challenges with recruitment and retention. One unique and unnecessary challenge these drivers face is lack of restroom access at delivery points while on the road. This is especially difficult for female drivers, which are a growing demographic of truckers who helped power our economic recovery from the pandemic,” said Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa. “I’m proud to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation to ensure every truck driver has the certainty that a restroom is accessible as they do their jobs. There’s no reason truckers shouldn’t have the same rights that other employees experience in their own workplaces.”

9 Los Angeles firefighters injured after rig’s fuel tank explodes

LOS ANGELES — A burning truck’s fuel tank exploded early Thursday while Los Angeles firefighters were trying to battle the blaze, injuring nine of them, including two critically, fire officials said. All nine were rushed to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and were stabilized, said Dr. Molly Dean, a trauma surgeon. One of the critical patients had to be intubated and was transferred to a burn unit at Los Angeles General Medical Center. Of the other injured, four suffered moderate injuries and three had minor injuries, said Capt. Erik Scott. a fire spokesperson. “Essentially, we had a mass casualty incident, tragically, of or own members,” Scott said. In TV news helicopter video, discarded firefighting gear could be seen at the site where the injured crew members were initially treated. The explosion occurred six minutes after firefighters arrived on the scene. The vehicle was the tractor portion of a big rig and was fueled by compressed natural gas carried in two 100-gallon tanks, one of which exploded, Scott said. “That explosion was significant,” he said. “The ball of flame was as high as these telephone poles, and it actually did explode one of the transformers nearby.” The truck was completely destroyed, and firefighters stayed well back as a small flame continued to burn in the mangled wreckage, the helicopter footage showed. Scott said the second fuel tank was “still off-gassing and therefore there’s a minor threat.” The driver had stepped away from the truck to call 911 and was not injured. After the explosion, some 160 firefighters responded. The blast occurred adjacent to an industrial area separated from a neighborhood by a wide street and a rail line. Wilmington is 18 miles south of downtown, near the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. No homes were in danger, Scott said, though a large perimeter was set up after the explosion, and some 160 firefighters responded. “Today is a day, I think, where all of us can take a moment to recognize how intrinsically dangerous firefighting can be,” said fire Chief Kristin Crowley. She said her department would review their response. “This team is highly trained, and it will look at every single aspect of this incident and gather the opportunities for improvement and lessons learned,” she said.

January cold snap leads to spot-market surge, DAT reports

BEAVERTON, Ore. — According to the latest report from DAT Freight and Analytics, which operates the DAT One online freight marketplace and DAT iQ data analytics service, January spot freight volumes were pushed to all-time highs due to a winter-related bump in demand for truckload capacity. All three equipment types in the DAT Truckload Volume Index (TVI), a measure of loads moved in a month, increased compared to December: Van TVI: 250, up 11% month-over-month and 6% higher year-over-year Refrigerated TVI: 206, up 14% month-over-month and 1% year-over-year Flatbed TVI: 232, up 11% month-over-month and 6% year-over-year “Winter weather increased the need for trucks at a time when shippers were moving holiday returns and springtime retail goods through supply chains, and for-hire carriers were rejecting a higher percentage of contracted loads,” said Ken Adamo, DAT chief of analytics. “This was not a case of freight volumes sustainably trending higher. Barring some other disruptive event, we expect demand for truckload capacity to meet seasonal expectations during the months ahead.” Weather drove demand for trucks Load-to-truck ratios, which measure the number of loads posted to the DAT One marketplace relative to the number of trucks, increased for all three equipment types: Van ratio: 2.7, up from 1.9 in December Reefer ratio: 4.1, up from 2.6 Flatbed ratio: 8.3, up from 5.1 Ratios peaked in the middle of the month when a snap of winter weather snarled transportation across much of the country and pushed more loads to the spot market. They fell as conditions normalized and closed the month in line with December averages. Low ratios signal weak negotiating power for truckload carriers. Changes in the ratio often signal impending changes in rates. Reefer rates jumped Demand for trucks on the spot market pushed broker-to-carrier rates higher. The van rate was $2.14 per mile, up 4 cents compared to December, while the reefer rate jumped 10 cents to $2.57 a mile. The flatbed rate rose 6 cents to $2.47 a mile. Year-over-year, average spot rates were down 24 cents for vans, 21 cents for reefers, and 29 cents for flatbeds. Line-haul rates, which subtract an amount equal to an average fuel surcharge, strengthened further: Line-haul van rate: $1.71 per mile, up 6 cents compared to December Line-haul reefer rate: $2.10 a mile, up 12 cents Line-haul flatbed rate: $1.95, up 8 cents Last month’s rates were substantially higher than in January 2020, before the supply chain disruptions of the pandemic. At that time, the benchmark van line-haul rate was $1.57 per mile, the reefer rate was $1.91 a mile, and the flatbed rate was $1.81 a mile. Demand for spot reefer equipment increases during cold snaps as shippers look for ways to protect van freight from freezing. Rates for contracted van and reefer freight were unchanged month-over-month. DAT’s benchmark contract van rate was $2.49 a mile, and the reefer rate was $2.57. The flatbed rate declined 4 cents to $3.10, the lowest monthly average since May 2021. The gap between spot and contract rates narrowed compared to December. It was 35 cents for van freight, down 4 cents; 31 cents for reefer loads, down 10 cents; and 63 cents for flatbeds, also down 10 cents.

Average US diesel price rises above $4 a gallon

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Truck drivers across the nation are paying more for a gallon of diesel than they were a week ago. The average price for a gallon of diesel has risen above $4 a gallon for the first time since Dec. 4, 2023, according to the Energy Information Administration. The price sits at $4.109 per gallon as of Feb. 12, up from $3.899 per gallon on Feb. 5 and $3.867 per gallon on Jan. 29. Prices were up across the nation, with the highest average in California at $5.250 per gallon. The lowest price is along the Gulf Coast at $3.865 per gallon, according to the EIA. Global stocks of diesel and other middle distillates are below normal and prices could start to rise quickly if the industrial economies of North America and Western Europe emerge from their lingering recession in 2024, according to Reuters.    

Spot rates’ slide continues in the latest week, according to Truckstop

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Total broker-posted spot rates in the Truckstop system declined for the third straight week during the week ended Feb. 9 (week 6) as rates fell in all equipment types. Dry van saw the sharpest drop, producing the lowest weekly spot rate since the week before Thanksgiving, according to a news release. Refrigerated’s decrease was the smallest of the past three weeks but still substantial. Flatbed rates declined for a second straight week. The weather-related spike in week 3 may still be distorting weekly patterns, however. Total loads Total load activity declined 3.7% after decreasing nearly 6% during the previous week. Total volume was nearly 13% below the same 2023 week and almost 35% below the five-year average. Truck postings ticked up 0.2%, and the total Market Demand Index — the ratio of loads to trucks — declined to its lowest level since the final week of 2023. Total rates The total broker-posted rate declined 3 cents after decreasing more than 4 cents in the prior week. Rates were about 7% below the same 2023 week and more than 5% below the five-year average. Even with the declines, total rates were less negative y/y than they were during any week between August 2022 and the third week of this year. Dry van rates Dry van spot rates dropped just over 10 cents after falling nearly 5 cents during the previous week. Rates were more than 3% below the same week last year and more than 9% below the five-year average. Dry van loads fell 14.6% after declining nearly 11% during the prior week. Volume was more than 17% below the same 2023 week and nearly 38% below the five-year average for the week. Refrigerated rates Refrigerated spot rates fell more than 8 cents after dropping more than 12 cents during the prior week. Rates, which were at their lowest level since mid-December, were about 4% below the same 2023 week and nearly 9% below the five-year average. Refrigerated loads fell 10.8% after declining by about the same degree during the previous week. Volume was about 13% below the same week last year and nearly 39% below the five-year average. Flatbed rates Flatbed spot rates declined more than 2 cents after decreasing 3.5 cents in the previous week. Rates, which had not fallen in consecutive weeks since November, were nearly 9% below the same week last year and about 4% below the five-year average. Flatbed loads rose 8.3% after easing 0.4% during the prior week. Volume was nearly 9% below the same 2023 week and almost 36% below the five-year average for the week.

Major winter storm set to wallop Northeast

HARTFORD, Conn. — Parts of the Northeast were preparing Monday for a coastal storm that was expected to pack high winds and dump a foot or more of snow in some areas, leading to school closures, warnings against road travel and the possible disruption of flights. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania has issued commercial motor vehicle bans in certain areas because of the storm. The nation’s largest school system in New York City said it was switching to remote learning and closing its buildings Tuesday because of the impending storm. “With several inches of snow, poor visibility on the roads, and possible coastal flooding heading our way, New Yorkers should prepare in advance of tomorrow’s storm and take the necessary precautions to remain safe,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement. “If you do not have to be on the roads tomorrow, please stay home.” Some of the highest snowfall totals were forecast for the northern suburbs of New York City and southwestern Connecticut, where 12 to 15 inches (30 to 38 centimeters) were possible, according to the National Weather Service. Wind gusts could hit 60 mph (100 kph) off the Massachusetts coast and 40 mph in interior parts of southern New England. “It will make for a messy commute tomorrow morning,” Christina Speciale, a meteorologist for the weather service in Albany, New York, said Monday. “This is a fast-moving storm, so things should be cleared out by tomorrow afternoon.” Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey told all non-essential Executive Branch employees to not report to work Tuesday. Boston schools were closing and a parking ban was in effect. Similar closures and bans were put in place in other cities and towns. Emergency officials had equipment in place to help keep roads clear. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said the city’s homeless shelters would remain open. “With the arrival of our first major snowstorm this winter, city teams are prepared to clear our roadways and respond to any emergencies during the storm,” Wu said. Healey warned of downed power lines and coastal flooding, saying the heaviest snow would be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Let’s be smart and not too glib about things,” Healey told reporters. “We haven’t seen big storms in some time but the teams are predicting that this is going to be a real storm.” Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee signed an executive order shuttering state government offices on Tuesday and banning tractor-trailer travel on all interstates and state roads beginning at midnight. McKee said he issued the tractor-trailer ban in coordination with Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York. Transportation officials in Pennsylvania warned against unnecessary travel and said vehicle restrictions would go into effect early Tuesday on the Pennsylvania Turnpike and other major roads. The city of Scranton said City Hall would be closed Tuesday, a public meeting on stormwater projects was cancelled, and parking downtown was banned to allow for rapid plowing of streets. Airports in the region asked travelers to check with their airlines in case of cancellations and delays. Power companies said they were preparing to respond to possible outages that could occur because of trees and branches falling onto electricity lines. “The hazardous conditions can also make travel challenging for our crews, so we’re staging extra staff and equipment across the state to ensure we’re ready to respond as quickly as possible,” said Steve Sullivan, Eversource’s president of Connecticut electric operations. The storm was expected to bring a mixed bag of weather to New Jersey. Most of the north and center of the state was expecting 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 centimeters) of snow, more in some spots. Rain was expected elsewhere in the state, with around an inch of snow possible toward the end of the storm if temperatures turned cold enough. The rain was forecast to start late Monday then turn to snow in northern areas early Tuesday. Officials said travel would be treacherous in north Jersey. On Monday afternoon, dozens of shoppers loaded snow shovels and bags of ice melt into their cars at a Lowe’s Home Improvement Store in Stony Brook, New York, where up to 10 inches of snow was forecast. “I’m just trying to make sure I’m prepared early,” said Mark Richardson, 29, as he unloaded a yellow shovel into the back of his SUV. “This will be the first big snowfall this year. All I have to do is get to the highway and I’m fine.” Richardson, an ironworker, said he plans to shovel his driveway early Tuesday morning and try to make it to his regular commuter train into New York City. At a news conference, New York City officials said that despite the snow predictions, they had no plans to relocate people from several large, heated tent shelter complexes built for thousands of homeless migrants. “Those structures are designed to handle inclement weather,” said the city’s emergency management commissioner, Zachary Iscol. He said the city wasn’t expecting the type of strong winds or coastal flooding that prompted the evacuation of one of the tent shelters last month. In the South, flood watches covered much of Alabama and parts of central Georgia on Monday. Up to 5 inches of rain was expected in parts of Georgia and Alabama, the National Weather Service warned. Thunderstorms were rolling through both states Monday, and the rough weather also extended into the Florida panhandle.

2024 Class 8 production, sales forecast bumped up

COLUMBUS, Ind. — After essentially holding the line on the forecast since last July, ACT Research pushes 2024 Class 8 production and sales expectations up in February, as published in the latest release of the North American Commercial Vehicle OUTLOOK. “In addition to an improving economic outlook, the decision to boost the forecast, despite near-term inventory risks, reflects the industry’s ability to more aggressively sell into Mexico and export markets, while maintaining strength in domestic vocational,” according to Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president and senior analyst. “The 2024 market is atypically bifurcated: considerable strength remaining in US and Canadian vocational markets and Mexico helps offset otherwise weak demand in US and Canadian tractor markets, LTL excluded.” With more time-sensitive manufacturing loads to haul, pent-up demand and a strong peso, the forecast anticipates Mexico-bound Class 8 production will rise considerably in 2024, Vieth said. Vieth concluded, “We think the economy’s cooperation, plus the OEMs’ desire to ensure supply-chain integrity by making sure the industry’s labor supply remains largely intact through 2024, adds upside to our higher forecast. While we view upside as more likely than down, we remain concerned that the largest piece of the North American market, US for-hire truckload, is unlikely to be helpful in driving volume this year.”

Treacherous travel conditions reported in Texas Panhandle, central Oklahoma, eastern New Mexico

LUBBOCK, Texas — The remnants of a slow-moving atmospheric river storm that pummeled California last week delivered the first notable snowfall of the season across eastern New Mexico, with the National Weather Service warning Sunday of snowpacked and icy roads as the system headed toward the Texas Panhandle and central Oklahoma. A winter storm advisory was issued for eastern New Mexico, including the city of Roswell. The National Weather Service in Albuquerque said temperatures were in the mid-30s, which is up to 25 degrees below normal. “Hopefully it will diminish by sunset,” Jennifer Shoemake, a meteorologist for the weather service in Albuquerque, said Sunday. She said the storm system appeared to be headed next to the Texas Panhandle and central Oklahoma, where warnings were already in effect. The National Weather Service forecast up to 8 inches of snow Sunday in the west Texas city of Lubbock, with 1.3 inches already on the ground in Amarillo in the Texas Panhandle. The storms stem from a slow-moving system that first hit California early Wednesday. It moved out after days of wind, record rain and heavy snowfall that caused power outages, street flooding and hundreds of destructive mudslides around Los Angeles. It also dumped 3 feet of snow over three days in northern Arizona before tracking east on Friday and making its way Saturday into New Mexico. Shoemake said Albuquerque got up to 4 inches of snow Saturday, with the adjacent mountains getting anywhere between 6 inches and 9 inches. “Likely some decent skiing conditions,” Shoemake said. She was right. In Albuquerque, Sandia Peak Ski Area has opened up for the first time since 2022 with access to top-to-bottom skiing across 300 acres on all 35 trails. “It’s like we are in the clouds up there,” snowboarder Jovanni Orozco told Albuquerque TV station KOB. “Literally, it is like low you can’t even see nothing and then the snow just covers your goggles, but it’s fun!” The Arizona Snowbowl ski resort north of Flagstaff got 55 inches from the recent storms, bringing its snowfall total to 140 inches this season. All lifts and trails at the ski area were open Sunday. National Park officials closed the Bandelier National Monument near Los Alamos, New Mexico on Saturday afternoon due to worsening weather, but it was reopened Sunday after snow removal operations.

2 in Audi dead after head-on collision with FedEx 18-wheeler

MANCHESTER, Conn. — Two women in an Audi that was traveling the wrong way on Interstate 84 on the morning of Feb. 10 east of Manchester, Connecticutt, were killed after the vehicle hit a FedEx tractor-trailer head on, police said. Connecticutt State Police said 44-year-old Brenda Mendrell, of Hartford, Connecticutt, was driving the Audi westbound in the eastbound lanes of the highway near exit 61 around 4:30 a.m. State police said she crashed into the FedEx truck in the right lane, then hit another truck in the center lane. Mendrell and her passenger, identified as 44-year-old Jermyra Cortes, also of Hartford, were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the truck in the center lane was taken to an area hospital with minor injuries, according to police, while the FedEx driver was uninjured. The investigation is ongoing.

Ohio city settles with truck driver, former K-9 officer involved in July attack

COLUMBUS, Ohio — A central Ohio city agreed this week to a settlement with a former K-9 officer and a truck driver involved in an attack last year, video of which garnered national attention and raised questions about the use of dogs to apprehend suspects. Records shared with The Associated Press by the city of Circleville show it will pay Jadarrius Rose $225,000 after he suffered bites from a dog that was part of the Circleville Police Department’s canine unit July 4. Rose signed the settlement documents on Jan. 8. Kenneth Abbarno, Rose’s attorney, said the settlement is a step towards accountability but the effects of the attack on the 24-year-old will stay with him. “What happened to Jadarrius can never be remedied,” Abbarno said. “This has permanently altered how he’s going to encounter law enforcement for the rest of his life.” Additional records signed Thursday by former officer Ryan Speakman, the dog’s handler, show that the city also agreed to pay him $40,000. Under the settlement, records relating to Speakman’s termination will be removed from his personnel file, he will submit a voluntary letter of resignation effective last July and he will be able to purchase Serg, the Belgian Malinois who bit Rose, from the city for $1. The city will also provide Speakman with a “neutral” letter of reference detailing his dates of employment, his position at the department and his pay rate at the time of his resignation, according to records. The city of Circleville did not respond to messages seeking comment on the settlements but shared the records via email. Speakman was placed on leave and then fired from the force after the agency said he “did not meet the standards and expectations we hold for our police officers.” Also as part of the settlement, the Ohio Patrolman’s Benevolent Association must withdraw a grievance the union filed arguing that he was fired without sufficient grounds. The union which has represented Speakman, did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment. Speakman is scheduled to have an arbitration hearing Feb. 21. During Rose’s arrest near Circleville, recorded by police body cameras, Speakman let the dog maul Rose while he was on his knees with his hands in the air, as state troopers shouted for him to restrain the animal. Rose, then 23, of Memphis, Tennessee, required hospital treatment. A police report said the chase on Ohio Route 35 began because Rose’s truck appeared to be missing a mudflap and he did not stop for an inspection. Police have alleged that Rose initially refused to get out of the truck and later defied instructions to get on the ground. While the dog was on Rose, a trooper yelled: “Get the dog off of him!” Rose, in visible pain, said “Get it off! Please! Please!” before the attack ended. Audio recordings indicate that Ross told a 911 dispatcher the officers pursuing him were “trying to kill” him and he did not feel safe pulling over. He also said he was confused about why the officers were trying to stop him and why they had guns drawn after he briefly stopped before driving away. The dispatcher told Rose to stop and to comply with officers, and that they were not trying to harm him.

Albuquerque, New Mexico, has nation’s worst drivers, new study says

DALLAS — Cutting other people off. Failing to use a turn signal. Honking excessively. These and other activities can quickly identify a bad driver. And bad drivers are not only annoying, they can cause deadly accidents. Fatal car accidents are increasing across the country, with the number climbing by nearly 10% from 2020 to 2022. To determine which cities have the worst drivers, Forbes Advisor compared the 50 most populated U.S. cities across five key metrics. Forbes’ analysis identifies the cities where drivers engage in the most hazardous behavior that threatens public safety. Below are the results of the study. 1. Albuquerque, New Mexico Albuquerque’s score: 100 out of 100 Albuquerque is the most dangerous city in America to drive in, with high incidents of fatal car accidents, drunk drivers and distracted drivers. Albuquerque has the highest number of fatal car accidents involving a distracted driver (5.42 per 100,000 city residents). It ranks third highest for the total number of fatal car accidents (17.11 per 100,000 city residents). Albuquerque reports the third highest number of people killed in fatal crashes (18.11 per 100,000 city residents). The city holds the fifth-highest spot for the number of fatal car accidents involving speeding (5.56 per 100,000 city residents). Albuquerque also has the sixth highest number of fatal car accidents involving a drunk driver (4.67 per 100,000 city residents). 2. Memphis, Tennessee Memphis’ score: 98.51 out of 100 Memphis trails closely behind Albuquerque for dangerous driving behavior. Its key statistics include: Memphis has the highest total number of fatal car accidents (​​24.18 per 100,000 city residents). It has the highest number of fatal car accidents involving a drunk driver (7.5 per 100,000 city residents). Memphis reports the highest number of people killed in fatal crashes (25.96 per 100,000 city residents). It ranks eighth highest for fatal car accidents involving a distracted driver (1.35 per 100,000 city residents). 3. Detroit, Michigan Detroit’s score: 94.97 out of 100 Detroit has a high number of fatal car crash victims. The city ranked second highest in these metrics: The total number of fatal car accidents (19.76 per 100,000 city residents). The number of fatal car accidents involving a drunk driver (6.54 per 100,000 city residents). The number of fatal car accidents involving speeding (6.8 per 100,000 city residents). The number of people killed in fatal crashes (21.47 per 100,000 city residents). 4. Tucson, Arizona Tucson’s score: 93.02 out of 100 Tucson’s roads have many dangerous drivers, and the city ranked poorly in the following categories: Tucson ranks fourth highest for the total number of fatal car accidents (16.21 per 100,000 city residents). It also ranks fourth highest for the number of people killed in fatal crashes (17.02 per 100,000 city residents). Tucson has the sixth highest number of fatal car accidents involving speeding (4.94 per 100,000 city residents). The city holds the 10th highest spot for the number of fatal car accidents involving a drunk driver (4.35 per 100,000 city residents). Tucson reports the 10th highest number of fatal car accidents involving a distracted driver (1.1 per 100,000 city residents). 5. Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City’s score: 91.19 out of 100 Out of all cities analyzed, Kansas City has the highest number of fatal car accidents involving speeding (7.07 per 100,000 city residents): Kansas City ranks fourth highest for its number of fatal car accidents involving a drunk driver (5.34 per 100,000 city residents). It has the fifth highest total number of fatal car accidents (15.71 per 100,000 city residents). Kansas City reports the fifth highest number of people killed in fatal crashes (16.85 per 100,000 city residents). 6. Dallas, Texas Dallas’ score: 90.97 out of 100 Dallas follows closely behind Kansas City, scoring just 0.22 points lower in our ranking index. The city also: Has the third highest number of fatal car accidents involving a drunk driver (6.25 per 100,000 city residents). Ranks fourth highest for its number of fatal car accidents involving speeding (5.69 per 100,000 city residents). Reports the seventh highest total number of fatal car accidents (14.61 per 100,000 city residents). Has the seventh highest number of people killed in fatal crashes (15.77 per 100,000 city residents). 7. Louisville, Kentucky Louisville’s score: 83.88 out of 100 Louisville isn’t just home to the Kentucky Derby — it’s also home to some of the worst drivers in America: Louisville reports the fifth highest number of fatal car accidents involving a distracted driver (1.47 per 100,000 city residents). It has the ninth highest total number of fatal car accidents (14.25 per 100,000 city residents). Louisville ranks 10th highest for the number of people killed in fatal crashes (14.99 per 100,000 city residents). 8. Phoenix, Arizona Phoenix’s score: 80.65 out of 100 Phoenix is the second-most dangerous city for drivers in Arizona, behind Tucson: Phoenix has the 10th highest number of fatal car accidents involving speeding (3.86 per 100,000 city residents). Phoenix ranks 11th highest for the total number of fatal car accidents (13.85 per 100,000 city residents). It also ranks 11th highest for the number of people killed in fatal crashes (14.59 per 100,000 city residents). 9. Fort Worth, Texas Fort Worth’s score: 78.03 out of 100 Fort Worth is another Texas city with some of the worst drivers in the country, just three spots behind Dallas: Fort Worth reports the fifth highest number of fatal car accidents involving a drunk driver (4.7 per 100,000 city residents). It has the 11th highest number of fatal car accidents involving a distracted driver (0.92 per 100,000 city residents). The city also has the 12th highest number of fatal car accidents involving speeding (3.68 per 100,000 city residents). 10. Tampa, Florida Tampa’s score: 77.13 out of 100 Coming in 10th place for cities with the worst drivers is Tampa. Its key metrics include: Tampa reports the eighth highest total number of fatal car accidents (14.47 per 100,000 city residents). The city has the ninth highest number of people killed in fatal crashes (15.42 per 100,000 city residents). Tampa also has the 14th highest number of fatal car accidents involving a distracted driver (0.75 per 100,000 city residents).  

USDOT supports protections for truckers against predatory towing

WASHINGTON — The federal government is working to shield truck drivers from predatory towing fees. On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) expressed strong support for trucker protections against these costly fees in a comment filed on the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) proposed rule banning junk fees. FMCSA’s comment notes that predatory towing junk fees “significantly increase costs for commercial motor vehicle owners and operators.” The comment also offers support for the proposed ban on hidden and misleading fees and urges the FTC to consider additional restrictions against the types of unnecessary and excessive mandatory junk fees plaguing truckers. “When a truck driver’s vehicle is towed, they can’t earn a living until they get it back — leaving them vulnerable to predatory junk fees from towing companies,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “We support FTC’s efforts to stand up for truckers by acting to ban junk fees and prevent predatory towing fees that can cause significant financial harm.” Towing can occur at the request of the trucker after a breakdown, or at the request of law enforcement or a property owner if the vehicle has been parked illegally. In either case, towing causes substantial distress for truckers who are unable to earn a livelihood until they can regain access to their vehicle, a news release states. “Once their vehicle has been towed, truckers are in a very vulnerable position and highly susceptible to predation,” according to the news release. “FMCSA is concerned that predatory towing companies can and do use their possession of the vehicle as leverage to prey upon truckers who are in no position to push back.” While there are a wide range of predatory tactics associated with towing, a number of them center on the mandatory or otherwise unavoidable fees that towing companies charge. FMCSA’s comment outlines several potentially unfair or deceptive fee practices used by predatory towers. These include hiding fees until the tow is completed, charging for unnecessary or worthless services and imposing an excessive number of fees for excessive amounts. These predatory fees can add up to thousands of dollars for truckers. In October, the FTC proposed a ban on junk fees that would prohibit businesses from charging hidden and bogus junk fees by requiring them to include all mandatory fees when quoting a price. “FMCSA believes that predatory towing fee practices fall within the purview of FTC’s proposed rule, which would greatly benefit truckers if finalized,” the news release states. In its comment to the FTC, FMCSA expresses strong support for the “important protections and offers suggestions for additional restrictions that would further help protect truckers from predatory towing junk fees.” These suggestions include:  Ban junk fees for unnecessary goods or services — FMCSA suggests adding a provision that prohibits companies from charging any fee for an ancillary good or service that has no value, costs nothing extra to provide, or that reasonably would be assumed to be included in the upfront price of the good or service. For example, towing companies often charge “equipment fees” for using equipment that they already own and use routinely to provide the towing service. Prohibit or restrict excessive junk fee practices — FMCSA encourages the FTC to consider prohibiting or imposing restrictions on excessive fee practices. These practices include charging an excessive number of fees, charging excessive amounts for a fee, or charging variable fees for fixed costs. The provision on excessive fees could focus on consumers who have little to no ability to avoid, negotiate, decline, anticipate, or limit the number or cost of the fees, or consumers who are vulnerable, in distress, or otherwise limited in choice by their circumstances. Treat each illegal junk fee as a violation — FMCSA suggests that the final rule treat each illegal junk fee as a separate violation and that the rule expressly prohibit companies from charging or collecting mandatory fees that are not appropriately disclosed, are not included in the total price, and/or cannot be fully calculated upfront. “Predatory towing negatively impacts consumers, including commercial motor vehicle drivers and trucking companies,” said FMCSA Acting Deputy Administrator Sue Lawless. “It is detrimental to the overall health of the trucking industry, and it’s time to end excessive rates, surcharges and other unfair fees associated with predatory towing.”