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Truckstop: Van spot rates mixed, flatbed down in the latest week

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — The total broker-posted rate in the Truckstop system declined by the most in 11 weeks during the week ended April 26 (week 17) as flatbed spot rates dropped and dry van and refrigerated rates moved in oppositive directions. Dry van spot rates fell to their lowest level in nearly a year while refrigerated spot rates posted their sharpest gain since mid-January. Both moves were in keeping with seasonal expectations. Flatbed spot rates fell by the most in a week since early February. Total loads Total load activity declined 2.7% after decreasing 3% during the previous week. Total volume was down 9% from the same 2023 week and was more than 32% below the five-year average for the week. Total truck postings rose 3.8%, and the Market Demand Index — the ratio of load postings to truck postings in the system — declined to its lowest level in nine weeks. Total rates The total broker-posted rate declined about 3 cents to its lowest level in five weeks after ticking up a fraction of a cent during the prior week. Rates during the same 2023 week were essentially the same as the five-year average for the week, and rates last week were 4.6% below both. As we will continue to point out, spot rates are virtually certain to spike in mid-May due to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s International Roadcheck inspection event, which will sideline significant driver capacity in the overall truck freight market during the May 14-16 period of roadside inspection scrutiny. Dry van rates Dry van spot rates fell 3 cents, which is slightly less than the decrease in the previous week. After straight two weeks of being slightly higher year-over-year, rates were less than 1% below the same 2023 week and 7.5% below the five-year average. Dry van loads declined 3%, which is about the same as the decline in the previous week. Volume was about 16% below the same 2023 week and about 28% below the five-year average for the week. Refrigerated rates Refrigerated spot rates rose about 5 cents for the strongest increase since the third week of the year when winter weather led to a one-week spike. Rates were 1% above the same 2023 week but nearly 6% below the five-year average for the week. Refrigerated loads increased 2.6% after rising nearly 6% in the previous week. Volume was nearly 8% below the same 2023 week and about 32% below the five-year average for the week. Flatbed rates Flatbed spot rates fell 3.5 cents after rising 2 cents in the previous week. Rates were more than 6% below the same 2023 week and about 4% below the five-year average for the week. Flatbed loads fell 3.6% for the fifth straight decrease. Volume was more than 6% below the same week last year and nearly 38% below the five-year average for the week.

Texas funds will be used to help train truck drivers

AUSTIN, Texas — The state of Texas is making funds available to help train tractor-trailer drivers, among other in-demand occupations, as part of the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant program. According to a news release from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s office, the funds total $2,103,320 and have been awarded to seven schools in the Gulf Coast area by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). “Texas is the best state for business because of our diverse, highly skilled workforce,” Abbott said. “These grants will support career and technical training programs for young Texans in the Gulf Coast Area so they can obtain the skills needed to thrive in high-demand industries. I thank the Texas Workforce Commission for their ongoing partnership with schools across our state as we help prepare students to enter the workforce of the future.” The JET grants will support career and technical education (CTE) training programs by helping the schools purchase and install equipment to initially train more than 1,500 students for welding, registered nursing, truck driving and other careers. “Students in the Gulf Coast area have opportunities to prepare for the high-demand occupations of tomorrow,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “JET grants like the ones presented today help Texans learn the skills they need to succeed in the workforce.” TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza presented the awards at a recent ceremony attended by state and local officials, school staff and CTE students at Houston Community College. The JET grants supporting the trucking industry are going to the following schools: Houston Community College System — a $332,490 grant to train 558 students as heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers. Lee College — a $285,000 grant to train 100 students as heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers.

ATA Safety Management Council awards industry’s best

PHOENIX — The American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) Safety Management Council (SMC) has honored several distinguished fleets and industry leaders for their commitment to safety on the highway and in the workplace. “Safety is at the heart of our industry, and these carriers and professionals embody this principle consistently,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “I want to congratulate these valued members of our industry for their commitment to safety and professionalism.” The winners were recognized at ATA’s 2024 Safety, Security and Human Resources National Conference and Exhibition in Phoenix. Those receiving awards were: 2023 ATA National Safety Director of the Year: Steven Garrish, vice president of safety and compliance at Old Dominion Freight Line ATA President’s Trophy: Over 100 Million Miles, Pitt Ohio of Pittsburgh; Between 25 and 100 million miles, TCW Inc. of Nashville Under 25 Million Miles: J.W. Didado Electric of Akron, Ohio 2023 ATA National Driver of the Year: David Wolford, Continental Express 2023 Excellence in Safety: Arkansas Trucking Association “SMC is pleased to honor this year’s winners — all of whom play an important role in building our industry’s safety culture,” said SMC Executive Director Jacob Pierce. “Motor carriers, state association executives and our drivers do critical work in promoting and improving safety across our industry, and we thank them all for their commitment.”

Vehicles, including big rigs, will soon pay to enter busiest part of Manhattan

NEW YORK  — The start date for the $15 toll most drivers will be charged to enter Manhattan’s central business district will be June 30, transit officials said Friday. The fee will be $36 for trucks with trailers. Opponents say the fees are a burden on workers and will increase the prices of staple goods that are driven to the city by truck. Under the so-called congestion pricing plan, the fees will apply to most drivers who enter Manhattan south of 60th Street during daytime hours. Tolls will be higher for larger vehicles and lower for nighttime entries into the city as well as for motorcycles. The program, which was approved by the New York state Legislature in 2019, is supposed to raise $1 billion per year to fund public transportation for the city’s 4 million daily riders. “Ninety percent-plus of the people come to the congestion zone, the central business district, walking, biking and most of all taking mass transit,” Metropolitan Transportation Authority CEO Janno Lieber told WABC. “We are a mass transit city and we are going to make it even better to be in New York.” Supporters say that in addition to raising money for buses and subways, congestion pricing will reduce pollution be disincentivizing driving into Manhattan. Opponents say the fees will be a burden for commuters and will increase the prices of staple goods that are driven to the city by truck. The state of New Jersey has filed a lawsuit over the congestion pricing plan, will be the first such program in the United States. Lieber said he is “pretty optimistic” about how the New Jersey lawsuit will be resolved. Congestion pricing will start at 12:01 a.m. on June 30, Lieber said, so the first drivers will be charged the late-night fee of $3.75. The $15 toll will take effect at 9 a.m. Low-income drivers can apply for a congestion toll discount on the MTA website, and disabled people can apply for exemptions.

Schneider honors nearly 200 drivers with safe driver awards

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Through this year’s annual recognition program, Schneider National Inc. is honoring nearly 200 drivers who have achieved exceptional safety-related career milestones. An April 25 statement from Schneider notes, “These responsible professionals exemplify safety excellence, serving thousands of customers across millions of miles without a single preventable accident.” Schneider’s annual recognition program celebrates drivers who have earned Million Mile Driver Awards, Consecutive Safe Driving Awards and earned induction into the company’s Haul of Fame. The Million Mile Driver Award is earned by Schneider drivers who have transported freight over 1 million miles and remained accident free. Safe miles accumulate annually based on shipment miles driven without preventable accidents. In 2023, 92 drivers either joined the ranks or reached a new milestone, including the five who reached the impressive mark of four million safe miles. This year, five drivers achieved a notable milestone: 4 million safe driving miles. To put this achievement into perspective: Together these four drivers have circumnavigated the globe more than 800 times. These accomplished drivers now join an exclusive group of only a dozen others who previously reached this significant milestone in the company’s history. Additionally, 82 drivers earned Schneider’s Consecutive Safe Driving Award by remaining accident-free for a milestone number of years. This award recognizes drivers who have reached at least 10 consecutive years without a preventable accident; the award is given for each five-year increment thereafter. Drivers who have accumulated 3 million safe driving miles or 20 consecutive years of safe driving without a preventable accident earn the exclusive honor of being added to Schneider’s Haul of Fame. To permanently honor the recipients, plaques with their names are installed on the Haul of Fame wall at Schneider’s corporate business center in Green Bay, Wisconsin. This year, 32 drivers met the criteria for the first time or had their plaques updated to reflect a higher-level award. “Whether they’re first-time award recipients or seasoned safe driving award winners, we appreciate each driver’s dedication to our values,” said Mark Rourke, president and CEO of Schneider. “In particular, we commend Jon Shackleford, Michael Barnette, Daniel Dailey, Curt Fields and Wayne Iovinella, who each achieved an astounding 4 million safe driving miles,” he said. “Drivers serve as ambassadors of both Schneider and the customers we represent, and these superstars represent excellence in action.” As of the end of 2023, nearly 1,000 of Schneiders active company drivers have earned either the Million Mile Driver Award or the Consecutive Safe Driving Award. For more information about Schneider’s safety initiatives, click here.

3 drivers honored as TCA’s 2024 Highway Angels of the Year

For the first time since the 1997 inception of the program in 1997, not just one, but three drivers were honored as the 2024 TCA Highway Angels of the Year. Each driver was selected because of their selfless acts of heroism and caring for others in times of crisis while on the road. TCA Highway Angel sponsors EpicVue and Northland Insurance introduced this year’s winners during the association’s annual convention in Nashville. This year’s TCA Highway Angels of the Year are: Tony Blunnie, Knight Transportation Blunnie was recognized for rescuing a driver who was trapped in her vehicle following a crash. He was able to extract her from the wreckage just moments before the vehicle was engulfed in flames. Dawna Jacobsen, Erb Transport When a boy on a snowmobile was struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross a snowy road in Northern Ontario, Canada, Jacobsen used her truck to shield the boy from further injury. Terry Reavis, Maverick Transportation LLC Reavis put his experience as a first responder to work, rescuing three children and providing aid to an injured woman after a pickup truck, which was driving erratically, T-boned an SUV. During the awards presentation, the drivers received a standing ovation from the audience. Each driver will receive a complimentary EpicVue satellite TV package that includes a 24-inch flat-screen TV, a DVR, and a one-year subscription to over 100 channels of DIRECTV programming, including premium channels such as HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, and the NFL Sunday Ticket. To find out more about the TCA Highway Angel program, which is sponsored by EpicVue, Northland Insurance, and DriverFacts, visit highwayangel.org. This article originally appeared in the May/June 2024 edition of Truckload Authority, the official publication of the Truckload Carriers Association.

TCA’s 2024 Professional Drivers of the Year working to make a difference in the industry

On March 26, during the closing banquet of Truckload 2024: Nashville, the Truckload Carriers Association, along with program sponsors Cummins Inc. and Love’s Travel Stops, announced the five winners of the 2024 TCA Professional Driver of the Year. This year’s program saw a record number of drivers nominated for the honor. The five winners are recognized as the best in class within the professional driver community. Each of these drivers has a compelling story to share. In addition, each one is committed to safety, demonstrates leadership both on and off the road, and has contributed significantly to the success of their companies, the trucking industry, and their communities. Each driver received $20,000 and standing ovations during the awards ceremony. “To be selected for this top honor, each of these professional drivers have truly set an example when it comes to safety, work ethic, and making a difference in their communities,” said Jon Archard, vice president of sales for Love’s. “These drivers represent a lot of the same core values we aspire to here at Love’s, and we’re excited to see what they’ll continue to accomplish.” This year’s top drivers are: Tim Chelette, Big G Express Rosalinda Tejada, Knight Transportation Howard Robinson, NFI Industries Clark Reed, Nussbaum Transportation James White, P&S Transportation “At Cummins we are incredibly proud to sponsor this competition to help highlight the drivers that are the heartbeat of this great industry,” said José Samperio, vice president and general manager-North America On Highway for Cummins. “These drivers represent the impact that they’ve had not only in their workspace but also to our economy and in our communities.” To find out more about the TCA Professional Driver of the Year Program, visit TCAProfessionalDriversoftheYear.com. This article originally appeared in the May/June 2024 edition of Truckload Authority, the official publication of the Truckload Carriers Association.

RoadFlex is working to help fleets eliminate fuel theft, fraud

NEW YORK — Fleet expense management firm RoadFlex has launched an artificial intelligence-powered program that company officials say delivers comprehensive fuel risk management and fuel tracking capabilities, saving fleet operators an average of 11% in fuel spend annually. It’s called the Proactive Fuel Risk Management Platform. “Fuel theft, fuel fraud and fuel card misuse are common in the transportation industry,” stated a news release from RoadFlex. “According to the Shell Fraud Matters report, over 86% of fleet managers believe there is fraud in their fleets. This often accounts for between 10-15% of a fleet’s fuel costs, which can be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. This challenge is often exacerbated by outdated technology solutions, poor spending controls and lack of visibility into real-time fleet expenses.” Even though large incumbent companies currently serve fleet-operating companies with fuel cards, these do not effectively address fuel risk management. In recent years, fleets have increasingly demanded enhanced card controls and more comprehensive fraud prevention features. RoadFlex’s new technology combines real-time vehicle telematics data with transaction data to eliminate fuel fraud and fuel theft, the news release notes. RoadFlex’s software platform grants fleet managers full visibility into every purchase and customizable spending controls for different employees and job needs. It authorizes purchases by verifying that the card is used by the correct employee and for the correct vehicle and blocks suspicious transactions and flags them for review — all in real time. For example, the fleet director of a commercial utility services company could receive an alert if a driver is trying to purchase $100 more of fuel than he’s allowed to in a day, automatically decline a transaction if the purchase is too far away from the vehicle location, or automatically decline a purchase if the driver added non-fuel items to a transaction at Shell or Exxon gas station. Led by veterans from the fleet telematics industry, RoadFlex works with thousands of businesses that operate fleets and field personnel such as trucking companies, utilities, pest control, HVAC, construction and last-mile delivery. “With the RoadFlex platform, our customers get real time 360-view of their fuel spend per vehicle and driver,” said Rush Akin, chief revenue officer at RoadFlex. “We enable fleets to become more data-connected through seamless integrations with fleet management software, accounting tools, and telematics solutions. This facilitates the streamlining of financial operations through comprehensive fuel risk management, savings automation, and real-time fleet analytics.”

Building broker relationships is key to success for owner-operators

As an owner-operator, once you’ve purchased your truck there are several ways to use it to produce income. The safest — and least expensive, in most cases — way is to lease the truck to a carrier. However, many owner-operators choose to get their own authority (permission from the government to operate a trucking business). Doing this usually means more work for the owner, but having your own authority could result in more independence and, perhaps, greater income. Operating under your own authority means you’ll be responsible for most of the tasks a carrier would provide — including finding your own freight to haul. Large carriers have salespeople to acquire and manage customer accounts and customer service staff to manage the operational relationship. If you’re planning to book your own loads, here’s some advice. Find a broker. Owner-operators must either arrange for their own contracts with customers or work with the “spot” market, and that often means dealing with one or more brokers. Shippers use brokers to schedule their outgoing loads for a variety of reasons. Sometimes a carrier they’ve contracted with can’t handle all the available freight and they need help. Sometimes the shipper doesn’t ship enough to attract a carrier. Sometimes rate fluctuations make it beneficial to use a broker that might find a cheaper rate. Often, the shipper isn’t large enough to hire a shipping staff who knows trucking details like rates, transit times and paperwork. A broker will find a carrier to haul the load, manage pickup and delivery, handle the details of insurance and legality, and investigate the carrier’s record, among other tasks. While some owner-operators prefer to run all or most of their loads for a trusted broker, while others depend on load boards to find and secure loads. Using load boards instead of a single broker can provide a greater variety of loads, rates and other variables — but it generally means dealing with more than one broker. Load boards often provide tools independent operators can use to evaluate broker performance and even to warn other truckers of problems they’ve encountered. Many load boards offer tools that let users determine average rates to or from an area; this information may help you negotiate a better rate or help you decide whether to accept a load to a particular area. The largest load board is DAT Freight and Analytics, and another large board is Truckstop.com; both offer tools to help owner-operators decipher the market, in addition to training tools. Other load boards are offered by factors and other businesses. Apps like TruckerPath also offer this service; in fact, an internet search for “load board apps” will turn up a number of options. In addition, some trucking companies often offer logistics services, which are basically load brokerages. Doing this allows companies to find other carriers to haul loads that don’t fit into their usual lanes in addition to acquiring loads for their own trucks. Some of these carriers post on the load boards you may already use. Build relationships. Any broker will have conditions for doing business with you — for instance, the amount of insurance you carry or how long you’ve been in business. Some brokers deal only with certain types of equipment or have age requirements, while others look more closely at CSA scores and driving records. When you deal with a broker for the first time, you’ll need to send them a copy of your authority, certificate of insurance and other documents. The next time you haul for that broker, you shouldn’t have to send the paperwork again. As an owner-op, taking the time and effort to get to know a broker — and let them get to know you — can pay off in the long run. A broker that’s familiar with the lanes you run and knows you’ve provided quality service in the past will be happy to deal with you. In fact, they may even get to the point of calling you before posting the load. In addition, if you’ve established a relationship with a particular broker, you’ll have an idea of how far you can push in rate negotiations, and you might receive higher consideration for the next load. Keep this in mind: The broker wants to please their customer, so reaching out to someone who’s known for providing reliable, courteous service is a smart move. Some brokers ask operators to download a specific app on their phones that allows the driver’s location to be tracked. This allows the broker and the customer to keep up with the progress of the load and see the quality of the service you’re providing. Some drivers invest in a second phone just for business to accommodate requests like this. You can always uninstall the app later, unless it’s one you use frequently. It’s a fact of life that some people aren’t easy to deal with. Brokers and drivers alike can tell stories about the ones who have been cranky or unreasonable. In this situation, your best bet is to be as cooperative as you can while standing up for your own interests. Being transparent about the rate you need and asking the broker to do the same will go a long way toward building a relationship. When things go wrong, take a minute before calling the broker to complain. Brokers are commonly accused of being dishonest — but there are times they’re surprised to find things customers didn’t tell them. On top of that, customers don’t always know the conditions you’ll face at the delivery point. It’s OK to express your frustration, but accusing the broker of lying or failing to inform you of something won’t motivate them to pay you faster or to get you another load. Remember, it’s a business — but businesses often revolve around personal relationships. Also keep in mind that the ratio of available loads and available trucks can either harm or help your rate negotiation. If the broker has 50 trucks vying for the one load leaving the city that day, you’ll have to accept a lower rate if you want the load. Most load boards can help you determine how many trucks are bidding for a load, along with average rates. In a nutshell, if you plan to rely on brokers for your revenue stream, it’s vital to build relationships, know the market and provide excellent service.

These 5 strategies can help truck drivers combat stress

April is National Stress Awareness Month. I’d like to set aside some time to acknowledge and address that quiet hitchhiker that often shares the cab of your truck — stress. Dealing with this often-overlooked aspect of overall health is important for anyone, and it is crucial for professional truck drivers. We all need a little help to help keep us calm and trucking on. Here are five simple strategies to help you kick stress to the curb! Practice mindful breathing. Have you ever noticed how your breathing becomes shallow when stressed? Well, let’s flip that. Take a few minutes each day to practice mindful breathing. Deep, slow breaths can help reduce your heart rate, promoting a sense of calm. This simple yet effective strategy can be used anytime, anywhere. Pick healthy eats for peaceful beats. Stress eating is a battle we all fight. When we’re stressed, it’s easy to reach for sugary, fatty “comfort” foods. Instead, make it a point to choose healthy snacks, like protein and fiber-rich foods. (Bonus: These will also help you fight a growing waistline as you age.) Remember, a well-nourished body is better equipped to handle stress. Move, even if it’s just a little bit. Even a small amount of physical activity can be a tremendous stress reliever. Stretching during a truck stop pit stop or a doing some simple yoga stretches in and around your vehicle can help release stress. Disconnect to reconnect. Take control of your down time. Choose to engage in relaxing activities that you enjoy, whether it’s listening to music, reading or simply watching the evening sky. Disconnecting from the pressures for a bit can help you reconnect with your peace of mind. Make each day a journey of gratitude. End each day by recalling at least one positive event or thing you’re grateful for. Expressing gratitude can help shift your focus from the stressors in your life to the blessings, paving the way for positive emotions. Remember, my dear friends on the highway, managing stress isn’t a destination: It’s an ongoing journey. And while life may not always be smooth sailing, these strategies can be like calming roadside vistas, easing your ride. Let’s pledge to buckle up not just for safety, but also for stressbusting! Happy, healthy hauls to all!

Better days ahead: Reports show freight market is slowly improving

March did not see much change to current freight conditions as shipment numbers and rates continued to bounce along the bottom. One indicator, published by Cass Information Systems, showed that U.S. freight spending surged 38% in 2021 and rose another 23% in 2022. It then reversed direction, falling by 19% in 2023 — and is expected to fall another 14% in the first half of 2024. Cass knows something about freight spending, since they handle the bill paying and other functions for numerous clients in the U.S. The March Cass Freight Index for Shipments fell by 0.2% in March from February’s index (2.3% when adjusted for seasonality). At the same time, the Cass Freight Index for Expenditures showed a rise of 0.1% over February but was still down 18.5% from March 2023. The Cass indexes cover multiple modes of transportation including truck, rail, ship, air and pipeline; about 75% of the information is derived from truck shipments. The March 26 collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore won’t figure into total freight statistics in a large way, as container shipping is diverted to other East Coast ports. Much of Baltimore’s shipping, however, is “roll-on/roll-off” operations for vehicles and machinery — and a greater need for flatbed trucks to move these products has resulted in higher spot rates. While crews work to open freight channels to Baltimore ports, predictions are that the port will be closed to container traffic through at least May. The bridge itself will take years to rebuild. Some container traffic may move to the Norfolk, Virginia, port or possibly the port in Wilmington, Delaware, but other East Coast ports are possible alternatives. Watch for rate increases for container and warehouse pickups. An FTR Intel release in early April noted that the Institute for Supply Management’s Manufacturing Index posted a positive number for the first time in 17 months. Increased manufacturing bodes well for freight markets as manufacturers look to ship their products. Additionally, the production component of the Index showed strength, as did new orders. Imports factor into the numbers, too, and March imports were strong. Employment numbers were also strong in March, an indication that employers are increasing staff. That’s another factor that bodes well for trucking. Motive’s Monthly Economic Report for April began with the news that new carrier registrations surged while revocations slowed, indicating a growth in capacity for trucking. The report claims that gains in retail demand and increased consumer confidence are helping slow the contraction for the trucking industry. Motive has been predicting that the freight market will be “more carrier friendly” by the second half of the year. The issue here is capacity. Typically, the number of trucks available for hauling freight grows with the demand. When truckers can make money, more trucks are sold. But the biggest reason for the continued low rates is that there are simply too many trucks. The slowing of the contraction in the trucking industry is good news — but only if the trend doesn’t reverse too quickly to allow rates to rise. A key factor in the Motive report is the number of trucks visiting warehouses of the Top 50 U.S. retailers, as measured by GPS data. The more truck visits, the more freight is moving. Motive reports that March 2024 visits to those retailers jumped 3.9% from February and 3.9% over March 2023 numbers. Department stores, electronics retailers and clothiers experienced an 18.2% increase in visits from March a year ago. The biggest gain was in home improvement centers, which went up 20.5%. If customers are making home improvements and buying new appliances, the benefit to the trucking industry will be great. Motive predicts that increased warehouse visits will continue, and that 2024 will end at 25-30% higher than 2023. The company forecasts that spot rates will improve later in the year and increased consumer demand will continue. This month, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) released its Short-Term Energy Outlook. The EIA is the statistical and analytical agency within the U.S. Department of Energy. The agency predicts that Brent crude oil prices will increase from last year’s $82 per barrel to $89 this year, primarily due to increased global consumption. Barrel prices are expected to drop by $2 for 2025. While no one wants to see an increase, the amount predicted signifies stability in the market. If prices for diesel fuel remain relatively stable, trucking businesses can more accurately predict their fuel costs, even if those numbers haven’t returned to the lower levels of years ago. The EIA is expecting hotter summer temperatures and an increased demand for electricity. That’s bad news for carriers that are investing in electric vehicles, especially in areas where the grid isn’t equipped to handle extra charging stations. Oil prices are highly susceptible to world events, and tensions in the Middle East can still play a part. Weather events can also impact crude oil prices. While the EIA predicts stability, it’s important to remember that such predictions do not include possible catastrophic events. Finally, DAT Freight and Analytics reported that spot rates for both dry van and refrigerated are down from the March average, while flatbed rates have climbed a few cents. With summer getting closer, building activity should increase and rates should rise with the increased freight levels. Analysts are still predicting that 2024 will see the trucking market climb out of the freight recession it has endured for more than a year now — but that climb won’t be a fast one. Still, any relief in rates will certainly be welcome.

Carriers, drivers can now use Relay to pay for weighs at CAT Scale locations

ATLANTA — There are many expenses for truck drivers and carriers while their rigs are out on the road. Having proper weight measurements is one of them, but getting those figures isn’t free. Enter Relay Payments, the fintech company that bills itself as a model for modernizing payments for the trucking and logistics industries. They have launched an integration to their service that enables carriers and drivers to use their Relay accounts in the Weigh My Truck app from CAT Scale. “We’re committed to being a fully digital, end-to-end payments provider for trucking,” said Emily Neuman, Relay’s executive vice president of operations. “Integrating with some of the most popular options to pay for scales allows drivers to use Relay to pay for all over-the-road expenses, while easily monitoring their cash flow. We have thousands of customers who now use Relay for fuel, unloading, broker, and scale payments.” The integration allows drivers to use Relay to pay for scales at more than 2,200 locations, providing nationwide coverage. Relay Payments officials say that truckers and carriers benefit from this service by being able to leverage existing Relay accounts to consolidate fuel, lumper, scales, cash and other over-the-road transactions, and to unify reporting and simplify back-office management. “We are pleased that Relay Payments customers can now use their account for Weigh My Truck transactions and realize the significant time savings it offers,” said Heather DeBaillie, vice president of operations and marketing for CAT Scale.

Josh Giesbrecht: Get to know the driver behind the Trucker Josh vlog series

Even as a child, Josh Giesbrecht knew his future lay on the open road. He can’t remember a time when he didn’t love trucks and the idea of traveling from one end of his native Canada to the other. “This is what I always knew I was going to be doing, ever since I was a kid and went on the road with my dad in the summer between school seasons,” he said. “It was just a given to me that this is what I was going to do. “I got my regular driver’s license at 16 and I immediately got a job delivering pizza in Winnipeg,” he continued. “At 18, you can get your CDL — we call it a Class 1 in Manitoba — and as soon as I could, I got that and I got to trucking.” In the 17 years that followed, Giesbrecht achieved his dream and then some, having touched all the Canadian provinces and U.S. states reachable by truck. The endless journey has racked up a million accident-free miles and counting. That million-mile record is impressive enough for anyone, but another aspect of his trucking career is what has made him a recognizable face to people around the world. For 12 of his 17 years as a professional driver, Giesbrecht has steadily built a worldwide audience through his vlog persona, Trucker Josh. Through that medium, he shares the joys — and sometimes the perils — of the job he’s chosen and the life he loves. “(The vlog) started because I wanted to show people who weren’t in the industry what I actually do out here,” Giesbrecht said. “A lot of times, I’d go to a party or go to some friend’s house and people would ask, ‘What do you do for a living?’ I’d say, ‘I’m a truck driver,’ and they’d give me that look, like, ‘Oh, you’re JUST a truck driver. That’s easy. All you do is hold the steering wheel all day.’ “Well, actually, I’ll show you what I do!” he said. Thus, vlogging became a regular activity for Giesbrecht, chronicling his life as an over-the-road driver for Keystone Western. As Trucker Josh, he quickly discovered that telling tales from the road came almost as naturally as his day job of driving. “I’ve always enjoyed the camera. I’ve always enjoyed sharing stuff,” he said. “I’ve never had any second thoughts about that. I’ve had a very good audience over the years. I haven’t had any instances where I felt uncomfortable or threatened — although some people are a little TOO friendly.” Over the past 12 years, Giesbrecht has grown his audience to 300,000 to 500,000 views per month — or, at this writing, nearly 55 million lifetime views. Part of what has driven his popularity is the authenticity he brings to each vlog, whether he’s speaking in wonderment about the scenery or sharing his feelings about deeper topics that he knows all truckers face. “Some things weren’t really topics that I wanted to talk about,” he said of the Trucker Josh vlog content. “I guess no one really wants to talk about when they’re down,” he said. “I really love what I do, so I wasn’t showing the hard parts of leaving home, or the struggles in a marriage you go through, or other things that got too personal with the audience.” He quickly realized that his audience wanted to see and hear the whole story about life as a trucker. “I started to get feedback from people, ‘You’re hyping (the job) up. You’re making it all sound amazing, but this is also true, and this is also true in the industry,’” he explained. “I took that to mean maybe I should be at least addressing these other things so new drivers don’t come in and think it’s going to be just amazing every day,” he said. “When they hit those issues and they have those struggles, I don’t want them to think, ‘Oh, it works for Trucker Josh; why is it not working for me?’ I’ve learned I can show them I’ve dealt with those same things too, just like you. I just push through it.” One thing that has set Giesbrecht apart from the field has been his willingness to bring viewers into his personal life when it’s appropriate. His wife, Brittany, and young son, Theo, show up in episodes here and there, which further humanizes Trucker Josh for his audience. “Britt has always been very supportive. She’s actually more open than I am about sharing,” he said. “Since we’ve had our kid, we’ve had a lot of discussions about, ‘Where is that line? What do we share with the internet, especially when it comes to our son?’ “This is different,” he continued. “We realized, ‘It’s not me. It’s not you. This is a kid who doesn’t know what’s going on yet, and he’s going to be going to school and people are going to know who he is because of something Daddy did.’” The 12 years on the internet have brought changes, both to Giesbrecht the driver and Trucker Josh the program. On the driver side, he’s scaled back to a dedicated route that helps him have more home time to spend with his family. On the program side, he’s had to adjust to the loss of one of the vlog’s brightest co-stars, his dog Diesel, who has recently stepped into retirement. “Probably 99% of my viewers tuned in to see Diesel. They loved him,” he said. “It’s a shame I can’t have him in the truck. He’s an old guy now, and he can’t get in the truck anymore. He was definitely the star of the show. He’s now living his best retired life at home, getting pampered every day.” As for the future, Giesbrecht sees no end in sight, either as a driver or for the Trucker Josh program. Even after a dozen years, he’s still energized by finding out about drivers who joined the industry specifically because of what they’ve seen on his vlogs, as well as drivers for whom the road is made a little less lonely when away from loved ones. “I want it to be a storyline that continues through my whole life. I’d like to keep doing this as long as I live,” he said. “That would be great to have my whole adult life documented, something that can be put somewhere into a time capsule and future generations down the line can have it to look back on. “Who knows, maybe in 200 years — if they’re still watching videos at that time — they can see how one of their ancestors lived 200 years ago! I think that would be pretty cool,” he continued. In recognition of Giesbrecht’s contributions to the trucking industry, he was inducted into the Howes Hall of Fame in March 2024. The announcement was made during the Mid-America Trucking Show, held in Louisville, Kentucky. “There are people who have grown up watching Josh that are now becoming drivers themselves. There are others who get to live vicariously through him, traveling to places they may never have the chance to visit on their own,” said Rob Howes, president of Howes. “Many are inspired by his commitment to positivity and his endless search to find the good in every situation, for his dedication to trucking, and for offering a personal and candid view into the life of a trucker,” Howes continued. “Howes is proud to welcome trucker Josh into the House Hall of Fame. For Giesbrecht, it’s not about fame. He simply wants to make a difference in the lives of others. “I want (Trucker Josh) to be a positive influence for other people in the industry,” he shared. “When they’re so alone on the road all the time, they can watch the videos, wherever they are, and know they’re not the only ones going through what they’re going through. “We all have our unique struggles but if they can see someone else is going through the same thing they are, they’re not by themselves. Some days are good, some days are bad but we’re all out here together,” he concluded.

NAPFTDS conference rolls into Reno

RENO, Nev. — The National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools (NAPFTDS) kicked off its 2024 annual conference this morning in Reno, Nevada — “The Biggest Little City in the World.” This year marks the association’s 34th annual conference. About 120 attendees from 70 member schools gathered for the event, which continues through Wednesday, April 24, and features informative sessions in addition to association business meetings. “NAPFTDS is excited to be in Reno, Nevada. This is a new area for our annual conference, and it will be exciting to see what Reno holds for us and to see the sights,” said Martin Garsee, executive director of NAPFTDS. “The agenda has a great lineup of speakers that will share information that will help you better understand the industry and keep us up to date on activity in the trucking industry.” Wednesday’s activities began with a defensive security training session, followed by an official welcome from NAPFTDS President Lorie Latigo. In addition to an update on the activities of the Truckload Carriers Association, presented by Dave Heller, the group’s vice president of safety and government affairs, the afternoon is set aside for NAPFTDS business, vendor recognition and presentations, and a 6 p.m. reception to welcome attendees. Tuesday’s sessions include presentations from FASTPORT, the American Trucking Associations, the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, the Commercial Vehicle Training Association and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The event is set to wrap up Wednesday after an FMCSA Update, a discussion on concerns in the training industry and a final board meeting. NAPFTDS is a membership trade organization with a goal of providing resources for publicly funded truck driving schools.

NFI’s SheDrives sisterhood provides sense of community, safety for women in trucking

CONTENT SPONSORED BY NFI INDUSTRIES Women in the trucking industry have long sought out each other for both support and advice. With that unique experience in mind, NFI Industries, in collaboration with the Women In Trucking Association (WIT), established the SheDrives community to highlight NFI’s women drivers. The group provides a safe space for women in the industry to rely on each other while encouraging others to seek jobs in trucking. “The women drivers wanted a community where they could talk to one another, offer advice and just in general, have a community among themselves,” said Marie J., regional transport manager for NFI. “That’s how we started the SheDrives community.” Beginning in the South Jersey area, the SheDrives community has spread across the country and is now a robust organization for women. In addition to the SheDrives YouTube video series, the group offers a private Facebook group, workshops and meetings — all with the goal of discussing ideas to bring more women into the industry and being a support tool to guide one another. “It’s a fantastic program,” Marie said. “It started out with a video trying to encourage women to drive trucks.” After that initial video, Marie says, she and several of NFI’s female drivers attended a WIT event. “On the way back from that event, they were so excited about having a community of women drivers,” she shared. “We started talking about what women wanted to see and share.” One of the most important aspects of the community addresses the safety concerns that are unique to women in the industry. “Women wanted to be able to tell each other, ‘Hey, that truck stop in that location is a very bad place to go. Don’t go there. Or, this customer will not allow you to use the bathroom, so be careful if you have to go there,’’ Marie said. “Talking about things from a woman’s point of view.” According to Marie, most people in the industry do not understand or stop to think about some of the issues that are unique to women, such as safety concerns or dealing with menstruation on the road. With that in mind, some of the topics the women share also include self-defense techniques, how to handle family issues while on the road, and how to help those experiencing challenges such as breast cancer and domestic violence. “Beyond those topics, women also like to share the fun side of being in the community,” Marie said. “They will share pictures of their new haircut or their nails they just got done. Largely, it’s just supporting each other.” For more information, check out NFI’s SheDrives community on YouTube. To see more NFI SheDrives stories, click here.

Safety Series: Are you ready for International Roadcheck 2024?

Let’s face it: No driver enjoys being stopped and going through a Department of Transportation (DOT) inspection. However, those inspections help ensure that truck owners and drivers stay on top of equipment maintenance and repair that could very well save lives. In addition to the mechanical aspects of an inspection, drivers must be prepared to present required documents and records, such as their commercial driver’s license (CDL), ELDs, medical evaluation certificates and more. While some in the industry may question the reasoning behind inspection blitzes like the Commercial Vehicle Training Alliance’s (CVSA) yearly International Roadcheck — which is scheduled for May 14-16 this year — the results of the inspections would appear to justify the need for the event. During the 2023 Roadcheck, a total of 59,429 vehicles were inspected. Of those, 19% were placed out of service (OOS) because of a critical defect. That means that, on average, nearly 1 out of every 5 commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) was taken off the road because of safety violations. On top of that, 3,256 drivers were placed OOS for having at least one qualifying violation. Be aware of Roadcheck dates, focus areas It’s important to note that the International Roadcheck is never a surprise for drivers or fleet operators; the CVSA publicizes the dates well ahead of time, and the focus areas of the event are released at least a month before the inspection dates. Trucking publications across North America, including The Trucker, work to get the word out to those in the industry. While the International Roadcheck is a useful tool to help keep drivers safe on the road, keep in mind that the violation stats released following the event don’t accurately reflect the trucking industry as a whole. That’s because different jurisdictions use different methods of selecting which trucks and drivers to inspect. Some look for older equipment that’s messy or appears not to be well cared for. Some target certain types of trucking, such as log or waste haulers. In addition, the numbers include buses and straight trucks in addition with Class 8 tractors and trailers. The selection process isn’t purely random, but the numbers are often reported as if they represent all of trucking. Be prepared If you’ll be on the road during this year’s Roadcheck, there’s a chance you’ll be one of the “lucky” drivers who gets selected for some personal attention. It’s a good idea to be prepared. As far as your vehicle goes, if you’re performing proper pre- and post-trip inspections, there should be few surprises. If you can hear air leaking from a line, the inspector will hear it, too. Oil and other fluid leaks will be seen. Tire tread will be measured, and that rust streaming from lug nuts will get a closer look. Anything that’s obvious to your eye will most likely be found by an inspector. If you haven’t routinely checked springs and air bags, along with their mounting components or steering linkage, it’s a good idea to give them a look before Roadcheck. Obviously, lights, belts, hoses and other items that can show wear need checking. Tires should be thoroughly inspected for tread depth and sidewall damage, and any dual tires that are mismatched changed out. Brakes that aren’t adjusted properly are a popular item on the inspection tour. If a slack adjuster is out of adjustment, you can actually receive two violations — one for a brake out of adjustment and another for having an automatic adjuster that isn’t working properly. If your truck is due for service or needs to go into the shop for any reason, it’s a good idea to have brake adjustment checked. The inspector will also check brake shoe or pad depth and the condition of drums or discs. What to expect While there are eight levels of inspection, most inspections during International Roadcheck will be of the Level I variety — the full inspection of both vehicle and driver. Both Level I and Level III inspections include a check of the driver’s credentials. While it sounds simple — just make sure your CDL is up to date and close at hand — there are other considerations. In many states, a driver’s CDL can be suspended for failure to pay child support or other court-ordered fees. CDLs can be downgraded by states if current medical information isn’t on file. Hazardous materials endorsements may be rescinded if TWIC cards expire, or if renewal testing isn’t completed. Often, states mail notices of these actions to the driver’s address on record, and it’s possible the driver isn’t aware the CDL is no longer valid. If there’s any reason to suspect your license may be impacted, go ahead and check. Most states let drivers request a motor vehicle report (MVR). It may cost a few dollars, but it’s a good way to make sure your CDL is good to go — before you hand it to an inspector. Each driver’s Medical Examiner’s Certificate should be on file with the state that issued the CDL. However, it never hurts to have a copy in the truck, just in case. The Skill Performance Evaluation Certificate is another document drivers frequently don’t have in their possession. Of course, your record-of-duty status needs to be up to date, along with any vehicle inspection reports you’ve used to write up deficiencies. Permit books may be inspected, too. Registration and IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement) documents, plus permits for any specific states must be up to date. Finally … don’t forget your seat belt. Just making sure you have it on when you speak to an inspector may not be enough. Weigh stations and inspection facilities have cameras that catch a lot of details. In fact, not wearing your seat belt could be the reason you are selected for inspection. 2024 focus areas This year’s Roadcheck is scheduled for May 14-16, and the focus areas are drug and alcohol possession and use and tractor and trailer protection valves. For the drug and alcohol part, you’ll be observed for signs of being under the influence, and your truck and trailer may be checked. A query will be conducted with the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. If you have not registered with the Clearinghouse, it’s a good idea to get that done now. If you’ve failed a drug or alcohol test in the past four years, it’s likely that the record of the test and your return-to-duty (RTD) program will be in the files. If you tested positive and did not go through the RTD process, that will show up, too. During the vehicle inspection, you may be asked to disconnect the gladhands from the trailer, allowing air to escape until the tractor and trailer protection valves pop out. Air lines from the tractor and gladhand seals will be given particular attention. Carry extra seals, just in case. If everything goes well, you’ll win a new CVSA inspection decal, as more than 14,000 vehicles and drivers did in last year’s inspection.

Job Resources: Defensive driving skills are critical for professional truckers

While it may seem strange to find a story about defensive driving under the heading of “Job Resources,” it actually makes complete sense when you think about it. After all, a driver’s safety record is a critical item on most motor carriers’ list of qualifications. The best drivers count their driving skills as one of their most important resources — and it’s a resource that individuals can control. This is one area where you can work to improve your skills at little to no cost — and you don’t have to be actively driving to do so. You can find time to research and study best practices while waiting to load or unload, for your vehicle to be repaired or for your next dispatch. The most important factor in driving defensively is your mindset, in particular, your system of values. Plenty of drivers can repeat all the safety cliches and rattle off the Five Keys of the Smith System, but it takes commitment to put those things into action every mile. It’s easy to let safety take a back seat to another priority, such as trying to make up time when you’re behind schedule. The safest drivers don’t allow themselves to get in a hurry when things aren’t going well. Those anxious customers and authoritarian fleet managers are not in your truck, and they don’t have the knowledge of your current situation that you do. Drivers who are under stress might find it tempting to drive faster or make frequent lane changes, or even to follow another vehicle too closely in an effort to arrive on time. By setting boundaries for yourself and not allowing others to dictate the way you drive, you can keep your risk of an accident as low as possible — and you’ll enjoy your workday more, too. Every truck driver knows that many accidents involving small vehicles and trucks are caused by the driver of the smaller vehicle. While this is not always the case, you’ll often hear trucks talk about “those pesky four-wheelers.” The reality, however, is that those four-wheelers are driven by people. It might be your spouse/partner, your parents, your kids — someone you know and love drives a four-wheeler. Another reality is that some of the people behind the wheels of those four-wheelers (and even some other truckers) don’t have your level of driving skill or your commitment to safety. By watching out for them and making decisions that keep you and your vehicle out of accidents, you can help protect everyone. Defensive driving must be about more than defending yourself; the goal is to help other motorists get home safely too. Here’s an example. Changing lanes often has a ripple effect. Vehicles behind you may also change lanes, trying to get to the fastest lane or to set themselves up for an upcoming exit. When you change lanes, others do too — and some may not be as careful as you are. Your lane change may not be the direct cause of an accident that occurs behind you, but your actions may have contributed to the chain effect. Some lane changes are necessary, of course. Frequent lane changes, however, add to the risk of accidents and usually don’t save much time in the long run. Turning in front of other vehicles, assuming they’ll see you and slow down or stop is another action that often results in an accident. Sometimes, they DON’T see you. Maybe it’s their fault; perhaps they were looking at a phone or yelling at the kids or whatever — but that doesn’t matter much when the ambulance arrives. The amount of travel time you saved by not waiting for a safer opportunity to make that turn won’t matter, either. By thinking of what other motorists might do, right or wrong, you can make safer driving decisions. Many drivers have been exposed to safety training at various points in their careers. Some receive training in CDL schools or during an orientation class when joining a new carrier. For some, it’s an orientation or two every year, going back a long time. Some drivers receive regular safety training during monthly or quarterly meetings. But drivers who don’t work for a carrier or work for one with a poor or nonexistent training program can still receive at least some training. An internet search for “commercial vehicle safety training” or “defensive driving” returns an assortment of providers of online video training. There are a host of free training videos available on YouTube, some put out by well-known and reputable industry sources such as J.J. Keller. The National Safety Council, the originator of defensive driving courses, offers online training at a reasonable cost. One company, Safety as a Service, offers free training videos to carriers that employ five or fewer drivers. The videos aren’t lengthy and cover multiple safety topics. Other training providers market subscription services to larger carriers, but it’s worth a phone call or email to find out if their products are available to owner-operators or solo drivers. The best courses offer a certificate of completion for your records. If you paid for the training, a receipt also helps show your participation. Even without proof, however, a simple log of videos you’ve reviewed, including the date, time and URL (internet address) of the video is better than no record at all. Having a record of safety training, even if you’re running a one-truck outfit, can provide benefits. A record of training might provide an assist in negotiations with your insurance company. If you’re called into court to argue a citation or defend yourself in a civil action, that record of training helps show you make a conscious effort to keep your safety and defensive driving skills well-honed. Some shippers and brokers check CSA scores and safety records when selecting a carrier, so safety training can be beneficial here as well. But even if you don’t gain any of those benefits, you’ll still benefit. By taking advantage of opportunities to increase your safety knowledge — or just refresh training you’ve already received — you’ll help make sure your driving skills are as good as they can be. And that’s a benefit to everyone you share the road with.

Trucking instructor honored as California Teacher of the Year by ACTE

PATTERSON, Calif. — In recognition of his work to promote the trucking industry and provide training and education to a new generation, Dave Dein has been named California’s 2025 Teacher of the Year by the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE). Dein, who is the truck driving coordinator and instructor for Patterson High School, developed a high school level program that has been replicated at schools throughout the nation. In addition, Dein is a co-founder of the Next Generation in Trucking Association, a nonprofit organization that awards scholarships to students looking to attend truck driving schools across the country and works with schools to create and implement truck driving programs like the one Dein created at Patterson High School. According to the Next Generation website, Dein, along with co-founder Linsey Trent, created the organization to “promote trucking as a positive career field; to create and partner with career technical education (CTE) programs at secondary and postsecondary institutions; and encourage the training of young people in the trucking industry by connecting them to training and employment opportunities.” Dein will be one of five teachers competing for the national title of Teacher of the Year, which will be awarded during the ACTE Vision Conference later this year. “Being chosen as the 2025 California ACTE Teacher of the Year was such an honor,” said Dein. “As I was presented with the award at this year’s Educating for Careers Conference in Sacramento, it became extremely evident that it was covered with the fingerprints of those who greatly impacted me and allowed me to stand here on this stage. I share this award with all those who have made a lasting imprint on my life.” Dein’s passion for sharing his love of the road has inspired many people to join the trucking and supply chain and logistics pipeline. Before becoming a high school instructor, Dein discovered a love for trucking. In the 1990s, he earned funds for college by driving for Morning Star Trucking. Since then, he has driven for the company during summer break and donated his earnings to the Next Generation in Trucking Association. When Morning Star learned that he would be donating his salary to the non-profit, they decided to match his earnings and make a donation as well. Dein also spent a decade working as a summer instructor for Faith Logistics, a nonprofit that works to help former inmates to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and job placement. When he started the truck driving program at Patterson High School seven years ago, it was one of the nation’s first high school-level truck driving programs. Since then, Dein has been featured by countless local and national media, including Fox & Friends, the Bobby Bones Show, Channel 13, Business Insider and NPR. “Dave Dein has worked tirelessly to train the next generation of America’s commercial drivers,” said Mark Allen, president and CEO of the International Foodservice Distributors Association. “His passion for America’s youth will help ensure a supply of well-trained, qualified drivers can enter the profession that moves 70% of the nation’s freight. This is a well-deserved recognition for Dave and his vision for America’s commercial drivers.”

Some Penske Truck Rental workers seek votes to remove IAM Union officials

WASHINGTON — Employees of Penske Truck Rental have submitted petitions seeking votes to remove International Association of Machinists (IAM) union officials from power at Penske locations in the Minneapolis and Nashville. Penske employees Kyle Fulkerson and David Saylor filed the petitions at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) with free legal aid from the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation, according to a news release. The NLRB is the federal agency responsible for enforcing federal labor law, which includes administering elections to install (or certify) and remove (or decertify) unions. Fulkerson, acting on behalf of the Minnesota employees, and Saylor, acting on behalf of the Tennessee employees, both filed petitions containing signatures from a majority of their coworkers, clearly exceeding the 30% support threshold needed to trigger a decertification vote under NLRB rules, the news release notes. Because Minnesota lacks Right to Work protections for its private sector workers, IAM union officials have maintained contracts with Penske management that require Fulkerson and his coworkers to pay union dues or fees as a condition of keeping their jobs. As for Saylor and his coworkers in Right to Work Tennessee, IAM union officials are forbidden from enforcing a contract that mandates union membership and dues payments, according to the news release. In both Right to Work and non-Right to Work states, union officials in a unionized workplace are empowered by federal law to impose a union contract on all employees in the work unit, including those who oppose the union. A successful decertification vote strips union officials of both their forced-dues and monopoly bargaining powers. “Transportation and trucking employees across the country are realizing that monopoly union control is frequently harmful. While workers’ right to vote out union bosses they oppose is vital in every state, it’s especially important in forced-dues states like Minnesota, where union bosses can force workers to pay for ‘representation’ they don’t agree with,” said National Right to Work Foundation President Mark Mix. “It’s outrageous this current Administration is intent on paring back this right just to give union officials more tools to expand their coffers and their coercive influence over workers.”

CVSA asks FMCSA to change inspection report reqs

WASHINGTON — The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) is petitioning the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to remove a requirement that motor carriers return inspection reports to the issuing agency. Collin B. Mooney, Executive Director of the CVSA, made the request to FMCSA Deputy Administrator Sue Lawless in a letter dated April 2. Currently, Title 49 CFR § 396.9(d)(3) requires that motor carriers and intermodal equipment providers return inspection reports to the issuing agency within 15 days of issuance, certifying that all necessary repairs have been made. In its petition, the CVSA is asking that the regulation be amended so that the carrier is required to keep a copy of the inspection report at the principal place of business or where the vehicle is housed for one year. The issuing agency still would have the option to require the carrier or equipment provider to return the completed roadside inspection form. “According to FMCSA’s Analysis and Information Online database, in 2023, states issued 2,937,535 inspection reports, of which 1,666,282 included a violation(s),” the CVSA’s petition letter states. “Motor carriers were required to sign and return those 1,666,282 inspection reports to the issuing agency. CVSA’s Policy and Regulatory Affairs Committee received an Issue/Request for Action from the North Carolina State Highway Police, asking that the Alliance consider petitioning FMCSA to remove the requirement that motor carriers return signed inspection reports certifying that the necessary repairs have been conducted.” Mooney further states in his letter to the FMCSA that ” While the regulations require the motor carrier sign and return the inspection report, there is no corresponding requirement that the issuing agency do anything with the returned form. As such, the majority of jurisdictions simply file the forms away or dispose of them, without taking any additional action that would benefit or improve safety. In some instances, the motor carrier is faxing or mailing a physical copy of the form to the issuing agency, which must then scan the form for digital record keeping or file the form with physical files.” Further, Mooney writes, “the state jurisdictions have access to Query Central to view past inspections, should they need to for enforcement purposes, making this requirement antiquated and redundant. Removing this requirement would eliminate an unnecessary administrative burden on both the motor carriers and the state agencies who receive them, with no reduction in safety, as, is noted above, most jurisdictions do not use the forms for any purpose once they are returned.”