Truck Driving Job News Archives

Congestion pricing lawsuit: New York trucking industry refuses to back down; vows to take fight ‘as far as we need to’

Dana Guthrie - December 31, 2024

NEW YORK — After a decision from the Honorable Judge Lewis Liman of the Southern District of New York (SDNY) to reject the Trucking Association of New York’s (TANY) motion for preliminary injunction against the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) Congestion Pricing Plan, TANY released a statement on behalf of its president, Kendra Hems. “(The Dec. 23) decision is a direct rejection of the wishes of the nearly two-thirds of New Yorkers who do not support implementing congestion pricing,” Hems said. “The fact is, it is unfortunate that we had to file this lawsuit in the first place. As we have said from the beginning, the disproportionate pricing structure unfairly targets trucking operators (4% of all NYC vehicle traffic) on a per-trip basis, while passenger vehicles (which constitute 87% of all NYC vehicle traffic) are only charged once per day. This burden—which is far heavier for the trucking industry than any other—will have significant downstream impacts on the entire economy.” In May, TANY filed a lawsuit against the MTA over the issue of raising tolls for drivers. In June, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul indefinitely delayed implementation of a plan to charge motorists big tolls to enter the core of Manhattan, just weeks before the nation’s first “congestion pricing” system was set to launch. The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of New York on May 30, argued that the congestion pricing policy unfairly targets trucking and logistics companies, which are charged far higher rates than passenger vehicles. Under the finalized plan, trucks would be subject to a charge of $24 or $36 per trip into the congestion zone below 60th Street in Manhattan, depending on their size, compared to just $15 per day for passenger vehicles. While the goal of the plan is ostensibly to reduce vehicle traffic during business hours, the MTA is also required to raise at least $1 billion per year with congestion pricing, per a legislative directive from Albany — meaning the agency is incentivized to maximize revenue by targeting those with inelastic schedules, like trucks. “…by not choosing to engage in negotiations with our industry and find a middle ground by introducing pricing parity with passenger vehicles, the MTA has subjected New Yorkers to the likelihood of a quality-of-life crisis in Manhattan—unstocked store shelves, the decimation of New York’s world-renowned restaurant industry, and a lack of immediate access to life saving medications. Especially amidst our ongoing affordability crisis, and with inflation ticking back up again, congestion pricing will be debilitating for the average New Yorker,” Hems said. New York will become the first U.S. city to join a handful globally with similar congestion pricing schemes, including London, Stockholm, Milan and Singapore, which is credited with pioneering the first such program in 1975. “We will continue to advocate for the needs of the communities we serve. As such, we will take this challenge as far as we need to,” Hems said.

Federal court reinstates Beneficial Ownership Information reporting requirements

Dana Guthrie - December 31, 2024

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) has notified its members and is working to alert others in the trucking industry that Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements have been reinstated by a federal court. “OOIDA has long opposed this requirement and continues to do so,” the group said. On Dec. 26, a federal appeals court reinstated a nationwide injunction halting enforcement of BOI reporting requirements, reversing an order the same court issued earlier that week. The Corporate Transparency Act requires most small businesses with 20 or fewer full-time employees to submit company information to the U.S. Treasury Department. Companies filed since January 1, 2024 generally have 90-days to file, but there are different deadlines depending on when the business started. BOI is imposed by the Act and enforced by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). To file beneficial ownership information, go to fincen.gov/boi. OOIDA members can also call the association for assistance at 800-444-5791.

Freight traffic slows down: ATA Truck Tonnage Index contracts 1.9% in November

Dana Guthrie - December 31, 2024

WASHINGTON — Trucking activity in the United States contracted in November, according to the American Trucking Associations’ advance, seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index, just the second decrease since July. “The frustratingly choppy freight environment continued in November,” said Bob Costello, ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. “Since hitting a low in January of this year, tonnage is up a total of 1.1%, but the path has been fraught with nice gains one month only to come back down the next. The good news is that the overall trend this year is up, albeit at a slow rate.” According to an ATA press release, in November, the ATA advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index equaled 112.5 compared with 114.6 in October. The index, which is based on 2015 as 100, was down 1% from the same month last year. The not seasonally adjusted index, which calculates raw changes in tonnage hauled, equaled 109.6 in November, 9.6% below October. The seasonally adjusted decrease follows a sequential 1.2% gain in October, which was unchanged from the November 19 press release. “Trucking serves as a barometer of the U.S. economy, representing 72.6% of tonnage carried by all modes of domestic freight transportation, including manufactured and retail goods,” the release said. “Trucks hauled 11.46 billion tons of freight in 2022. Motor carriers collected $940.8 billion, or 80.7% of total revenue earned by all transport modes.” Both indices are dominated by contract freight, as opposed to traditional spot market freight, according to the release. The tonnage index is calculated on surveys from its membership and has been doing so since the 1970s. This is a preliminary figure and subject to change in the final report issued around the fifth day of each month. The report includes month-to-month and year-over-year results, relevant economic comparisons, and key financial indicators.

Industry looks forward to a positive freight outlook for 2025 but uncertainties remain

Cliff Abbott - December 30, 2024

November saw declines in truckload volumes, according to information received from DAT Freight and Analytics — but with sound reason. “Shippers moved so much freight into the U.S. earlier this year, ahead of potential tariffs and port strikes, that we didn’t see the volumes we might expect in November,” said Ken Adamo, DAT’s chief of analytics. President-elect Donald J. Trump has threatened tariffs on goods from several countries, including Canada and Mexico, but actual implementation won’t happen until after the Jan. 20 presidential inauguration. Both Canada and Mexico are attempting to comply with Trump’s demands to tighten border security, which could cause Trump to relent on tariff threats. The port strikes Adamo refers to were settled, at least temporarily. Earlier in the fall, ports along the U.S. East and Gulf coasts that are administered by the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX), were under threat of a strike by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), the largest maritime worker’s union in North America. Many businesses ordered extra inventory in August and September in anticipation of the strikes, which were expected to cause massive disruptions in the U.S. economy. The two sides came to a tentative agreement after just three days and the ports reopened, but the settlement is effective only until Jan. 15, 2025 — when another strike looms. Freight rates saw some improvement. Freight rates were, overall, slightly better in November, according to DAT. Dry van spot rates, on average, remained at $2.02 per mile, identical to October rates, but have since climbed in December. Refrigerated rates were up by six cents to $2.45 in November, while flatbed rates dropped by four cents to $2.42 per mile. The $2.45 refrigerated spot rate was the highest average since January. Overall, rates are up about 5% compared to November of 2023. On the contract side, rates didn’t change much from October. Contract van rates were down eleven cents from November 2023, refrigerated rates were down by eighteen cents and flatbed down eleven cents. However, DAT’s New Rate Differential (NRD), which measures changes in the contract market, was positive for the third consecutive month. That means that new contracts being entered are better than old contracts that are expiring. Private fleets have impacted the freight market. ACT Research’s For-Hire Trucking Index for Volumes was in positive territory for the second consecutive month in November. “The U.S. economy remains resilient, and freight volumes are growing,” the release noted. ACT’s Capacity Index came in at 50, indicating a balance between the supply of available trucks and the demand for them. The release also pointed to the expansion of private fleets as a key factor in slowing freight rate recovery. Private fleets have been in the news for most of 2024 as product manufacturers continue to buy trucks. Proctor & Gamble, for example, had no private fleet when it began purchasing trucks in 2019. Today, the fleet accounts for over 800 drivers. The freight handled by those 800 drivers is no longer available to for-hire carriers — and P&G certainly isn’t the only private fleet. The Cass Freight Index for Shipments showed a 2.8% seasonally adjusted gain in November, while the index for expenditures grew by 3.1%. More freight, and more income for hauling it, are positive signs for the trucking industry. The Cass report also focuses on the increase in private fleets as a drag on the for-hire market. The release predicts that the total Freight Index decline for 2024 will be about 4%, while private fleets have grown roughly 5%. These factors could impact freight volumes and rates. While rates are generally predicted to grow slowly in 2025, there are several factors that could impact freight volumes and rates. One is inflation, which typically grows when a new administration takes over the U.S. government. The Federal Reserve board on Dec. 18 announced another .25 point cut to its key interest rate, an indication that inflation is slowing. The group also announced it expects to cut rates twice more in 2025, rather than the four cuts previously expected. If the rate cuts aren’t enough to curb inflation, as some analysts predict, the economy could suffer. A second factor that could drive inflation and reduce freight volumes is the threat of tariffs. If Trump imposes tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico, as he has threatened, imports could be slowed and the cost of products will rise. Trump has used threats of tariffs in the past as a tool to gain concessions from other countries, which may be a component of his current threats. The threat of a port strike looms once again. The largest near-term headwind to the freight market may be the looming threat of Jan. 15 port strikes. More than half of the nation’s imports flow through the East and Gulf coast ports. The ILA and USMX settled some issues during the three-day October stoppage when the USMX agreed to pay and benefits increases, but other issues remain. One of those issues is modernization. U.S. ports have been classified as “inefficient” compared with ports in other parts of the world. The World Bank Group claims that ports in other countries are 40% more productive than U.S. ports; in fact, no U.S. ports are listed among the world’s Top 50. Increased use of automation would help them become more efficient, but at the cost of jobs. The ILA is insisting that plans to modernize U.S. ports be eliminated, claiming that U.S. port efficiency ratings are skewed by customs clearance and extensive safety and security protocols mandated by U.S. law. On December 12, president-elect Trump met with ILA Executive Vice Presidents Harold J. and Dennis A. Daggett at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort. After the meeting, Trump posted to Truth Social, “There has been a lot of discussion having to do with ‘automation’ on United States docks. I’ve studied automation and know just about everything there is to know about it. The amount of money saved is nowhere near the distress, hurt and harm it causes for American Workers, in this case, our Longshoremen.” In September, JP Morgan Chase estimated that an ILA strike would cost the economy $3.8 to $4.5 billion per day. That cost will be even higher in January. With a determined ILA and a sympathetic incoming U.S. president, it’s looking like a strike will occur, and it likely won’t be resolved quickly. Meanwhile, the trucking industry does what it always does: Transport cargo across the continent as quickly and safely as possible.

Transportation regs tighten: Civil penalty amounts increase for all commercial modes

Dana Guthrie - December 30, 2024

WASHINGTON — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have announced a number of changes to civil penalty amounts which are effective immediately in a post to the Federal Register. “This rule implements the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990 (FCPIAA), Public Law 101–410, as amended by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 (2015 Act), Public Law 114–74, 129 Stat. 599, codified at 28 U.S.C. 2461 note,” the rule said. “The FCPIAA and the 2015 Act require Federal agencies to adjust minimum and maximum civil penalty amounts to preserve their deterrent impact. The 2015 Act amended the formula and frequency of the adjustments. It required an initial catch-up adjustment in the form of an interim final rule, followed by annual adjustments of civil penalty amounts using a statutorily mandated formula. Section 4(b)(2) of the 2015 Act specifically directs that the annual adjustment be accomplished through final rule without notice and comment. This rule is effective immediately.” The new fines for commercial trucking include: Out-of-service order (operation of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) by driver): $2,364 Out-of-service order (requiring or permitting operation of CMV by driver): $23,647 Out-of-service order (operation by driver of CMV or intermodal equipment that was placed out of service): $2,364 Out-of-service order (requiring or permitting operation of CMV or intermodal equipment that was placed out of service): $23,647 Out-of-service order (failure to return written certification of correction): $1,182 Out-of-service order (failure to cease operations as ordered): $34,116 Out-of-service order (operating in violation of order): $29,980 Out-of-service order (conducting operations during suspension or revocation for failure to pay penalties): $19,246 Conducting operations during suspension or revocation: $29,980 Record keeping — maximum penalty per day: $1,584 Record keeping — maximum total penalty: $15,846 Knowing falsification of records: $15,846 Non-record keeping violations: $19,246 Non-record keeping violations by drivers: $4,812 Commercial driver’s license (CDL) violations: $7,155 Employer violations pertaining to knowingly allowing, authorizing employee violations of out-of-service order (minimum penalty): $7,155 Employer violations pertaining to knowingly allowing, authorizing employee violations of out-of-service order (maximum penalty): $39,615 Special penalties pertaining to railroad–highway grade crossing violations: $20,537 Violations of Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMRs) and Safety Permitting Regulations (transportation or shipment of hazardous materials): $102,348 Violations of Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMRs) and Safety Permitting Regulations (training) — minimum penalty: $617 Violations of Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMRs) and Safety Permitting Regulations (packaging or container): $102,348 Violations of Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMRs) and Safety Permitting Regulations (compliance with FMCSRs): $102,348 Violations of Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMRs) and Safety Permitting Regulations (death, serious illness, severe injury to persons; destruction of property): $238,809 Operating after being declared unfit by assignment of a final ‘‘unsatisfactory’’ safety rating (generally): $34,116 Operating after being declared unfit by assignment of a final ‘‘unsatisfactory’’ safety rating (hazardous materials) — maximum penalty: $102,348 Operating after being declared unfit by assignment of a final ‘‘unsatisfactory’’ safety rating (hazardous materials) — maximum penalty if death, serious illness, severe injury to persons; destruction of property: $238,809 Violations of the commercial regulations (CRs) (property carriers): $13,676 Violations of the CRs (brokers): $13,676 Violations of the CRs (foreign motor carriers, foreign motor private carriers): $13,676 Violations of the operating authority requirement (foreign motor carriers, foreign motor private carriers) — maximum penalty for intentional violation: $18,766 Violations of the operating authority requirement (foreign motor carriers, foreign motor private carriers)—maximum penalty for a pattern of intentional violations: $46,918 Violations of the CRs (motor carrier or broker for transportation of hazardous wastes) — minimum penalty: $27,293 Violations of the CRs (motor carrier or broker for transportation of hazardous wastes) — maximum penalty: $54,585 Violations of the CRs (household goods (HHG) carrier or freight forwarder, or their receiver or trustee): $2,052 Violation of the CRs (weight of HHG shipment, charging for services) — minimum penalty for first violation: $4,109 Violation of the CRs (weight of HHG shipment, charging for services) — minimum penalty for subsequent violation: $10,269 Tariff violations: $205,375 Additional tariff violations (rebates or concessions) — first violation: $410 Additional tariff violations (rebates or concessions) — subsequent violations: $513 Tariff violations (freight forwarders) — maximum penalty for first violation: $1,028 Tariff violations (freight forwarders) — maximum penalty for subsequent violations: $4,109 Service from freight forwarder at less than rate in effect — maximum penalty for first violations: $1,028 Service from freight forwarder at less than rate in effect — maximum penalty for subsequent violations: $4,109 Knowingly and willfully fails to deliver or unload HHG at destination: $20,537 HHG broker estimate before entering into an agreement with a motor carrier: $15,846 HHG transportation or broker services — registration requirement: $39,615

Peterbilt recognized as a 2025 Military Friendly Employer

Dana Guthrie - December 26, 2024

DENTON, Texas — Peterbilt has been designated as a 2025 Military Friendly Employer (MFE), demonstrating its long-standing support of veterans, active-duty service members and military families. “It is an honor to receive the Military Friendly Employer designation,” said Jason Skoog, Peterbilt general manager and PACCAR vice president. “We value the service and experience of the military community by investing in their careers and providing them with a supportive workplace.” According to a company press release, the recognition is awarded to companies with a strong commitment to supporting the military community and fostering an inclusive workplace by Military Friendly, a ratings entity that evaluates organizations on their policies and resources for recruiting and retaining veterans. “Peterbilt fosters a strong sense of community to support veterans and active-duty service members internally and externally starting with its Veterans Employee Resource Group,” the company said. “This group serves as a platform for connection and engagement. The company focuses on creating meaningful recognition and celebratory opportunities to acknowledge the service and commitment of service members. Peterbilt also actively engages with organizations that honor and champion the military community like Wreaths Across America and RecruitMilitary.” The release also noted that Peterbilt was identified as an organization that leads the way in recruiting, retaining and advancing military veterans and service members transitioning from the military. The company’s effective programs and practices met the Military Friendly qualification standards to earn the MFE designation To explore career opportunities for veterans and military service members at Peterbilt, visit peterbilt.com/careers/veterans.

Awards and accolades: NCI names October and November’s top drivers

Dana Guthrie - December 26, 2024

IRVING, Texas — Porfirio Martinez of Garden City, Kan. was named October Driver of the Month for National Carriers Inc. and Jason White of El Paso, Texas earned the honor for November. According to a company press release, Martinez began driving as an owner-operator for the “Elite” fleet in June of 2006. “My wife Emma and I have lived in Garden City most of our lives. I worked on a hay farm before earning a Commercial Driver License,” Martinez said. “I have five brothers who all have driven for National Carriers. In 2006, I bought my own truck and joined them. I love what I do; I like working with cattle. The most enjoyable thing about my job is the people I work with, because we all get along. NCI said that Martinez is reliable, respectful and communicates well. “Co-workers report he has always been someone that is easy to talk to,” said Gillermo Torres, livestock dispatcher. “Every time he is asked to help, he never complains and always goes above and beyond for National Carriers. Whether an accident, road construction, traffic jam, or a minimal thing like excessive wind preventing safe travel, Porfirio will communicate through emails or call directly to update us on any situation that will be a conflict to loading or unloading on time. This allows our staff to update the feed yards or National Beef to let them know he will be running late.” White returned to NCI in January 2023 following a brief stint driving elsewhere. After 22 years, he retired from serving in the U.S. Marine Corps and began his driving career. “Before exiting the armed forces, I was offered the opportunity to earn a CDL license through the military,” White said. “As a youngster I road with my cousin who drove truck. After that experience I thought I would enjoy the lifestyle. He is now in management at National Carriers and invited me to join the company once I was qualified. All NCI expects a driver to do is what all drivers are expected to do. In return, they provide current model trucks keeping repair and breakdowns at a minimum.” The recognition includes a bonus of $1000 and each winner is now a finalist for Driver of the Year recognition which includes a $10,000 award.

ACT Research: For-hire market takes small step towards balance

Dana Guthrie - December 24, 2024

COLUMBUS, Ind. – The latest release of ACT’s For-Hire Trucking Index continues to suggest growth is making its way into the for-hire market. The Volume Index decreased 4.9 points in November to 52.0, seasonally adjusted (SA), from 56.9 in October. “The spike last month was likely caused by a surge in demand following hurricanes and the brief ILA port strike, but overall, the US economy remains resilient, and freight volumes are growing,”said Carter Vieth, Research Associate at ACT Research. “Consumers continue to buoy the economy, and for the first time in six quarters, retailers’ inventories are starting to outpace sales after considerable destocking. The looming ILA strike in January and threat of tariffs are likely to pull freight forward, but opaqueness regarding the timing and scale of tariffs may reduce the amount of pre-tariff shipping. While the retail sector is healthy, interest rate sensitive sectors like manufacturing and construction are sluggish. Continued tight financial conditions are likely to slow some volume improvement.” The Capacity Index rose 0.3 points m/m to 50.0 in November, from 49.7 in October. “After two years of weak profitability, for-hire carriers aren’t in the position to add significant new capacity,” Vieth said. “Given the current volume and rate environment, we would anticipate for-hire capacity additions to remain at replacement levels, leaving the index at around current levels.” The Supply-Demand Balance grew more slowly in November to 52.0 (SA), from 57.2 in October, as freight volumes decreased and fleet capacity inched higher. “Private fleet expansion, which is not captured in this indicator, has resulted in a longer period with the market close to balance than in past cycles. Disinflation and lower interest rates will support the consumer outlook, as rising goods demand and a turning inventory cycle have resulted in improved import volumes. Private fleets are handling an increased share of volumes, which has been the sticking point keeping the for-hire market from turning up. A slowdown in private fleet growth is necessary for further improvement in the for-hire market balance,” Vieth said.

TCA asks public to vote on Highway Angels of the Year

Dana Guthrie - December 24, 2024

Today marks the opening of public voting for the prestigious TCA Highway Angels of the Year award and the organization has posted has of the finalists stories to and can cast a a vote. According to the TCA, the annual awards program will take place at TCA’s 2025 Annual Convention this March 15 – 18 in Phoenix, Ariz. and will recognize three professional truck drivers who have demonstrated exceptional courage and courtesy on the nation’s roadways. This year, five outstanding finalists have been selected, and the public is invited to cast their votes to determine the top three drivers who will be crowned TCA Highway Angels of the Year. Andrew Inlow, Maverick Transportation Inc. Jason Corino, Melton Truck Lines. Michael Dorsey, Mercer Transportation Co. Joseph Carroll, Elgin Motor Freight. Daljit Sohi, Triple Eight Transport Inc. The TCA would also like to express its thanks to program Presenting Sponsor, EpicVue, and Supporting Sponsors, DriverFacts and Northland Insurance. To read each Highway Angel Story and place your vote, click here.

BTS: Long-term trend emerging in North American freight trucking

Bruce Guthrie - December 23, 2024

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics North American freight data, a long-term trend is emerging between U.S., Canada, and Mexico freight trucking. A Bureau of Transportation Statistics report provides the data behind these trends in North American freight flows, highlighting changes since 2017 in the volume and value of truck traffic between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. BTS Border Crossing data reveals that, starting in 2017, the trajectory of incoming trucks from Canada and Mexico began to diverge. Since 2000, the number of trucks from Canada have been decreasing while in contrast the number of trucks from Mexico have increased. From 2000 to 2023, the number of trucks from Canada decreased 21.6% from 7,048,128 to 5,526,056 while trucks from Mexico increased 62.6% from 4,525,579 to 7,356,659. Collectively, the data indicate a shift in North American cross-border trucking. The data shows Mexican freight flows are growing faster than Canada. This trend reflects changes in manufacturing, trade patterns, and supply chains in the North American freight market From 2019 to 2023, the number of commercial trucks entering the U.S. from Mexico rose 14.2% from 6,440,255 to 7,356,659 while trucks from Canada fell 2.7% from 5,681,155 to 5,526,056. In terms of dollar value of truck freight, BTS TransBorder data shows a similar trend. Since the pandemic in 2021, the value of freight flows carried by truck with Mexico have increased while simultaneously decreasing with Canada. From April 2020 to October 2024, the value of U.S. freight flows with Canada by truck increased 86.4% from $17.8 billion to $33.1 billion while the same measure of freight flows with Mexico increased 166.3% from $20.8 billion to $55.3 billion. For a detailed breakdown of the composition of commodities by mode and geographic detail, please see recent BTS data spotlight report titled Transportation Commodity Brief: U.S. Freight Flows with Canada and Mexico in Transportation Commodities. From a geographic perspective, the land border port at Detroit handled 1,562,531 incoming trucks in 2023, slightly increasing by 1.4% from 1,541,294 trucks in 2019 for the first time since the pandemic. Commercial truck activity along the Southern land border continued to show robust growth. Laredo, which is the largest gateway for trucking in North America, handled nearly 3 million incoming trucks in 2023 that represented a 24.2% growth from 2019.

Expeditors recognizes Averitt with Provider of the Year award

Dana Guthrie - December 23, 2024

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. — Expeditors has recognized Averitt for its outstanding partnership and dedication to service excellence with its Provider of the Year award. “Partnering with Averitt Dedicated has ensured a consistent quality of service within the area’s local pickup and delivery operation,” said Bobby Blanton, manager of cartage for the Americas at Expeditors. According to a company press release, the award highlights the success of a collaboration that began in July 2023, when Averitt launched a dedicated solution to support Expeditors’ operations in Memphis. “The partnership has flourished due to the shared values and cultural alignment between the two companies,” the release said. “Averitt’s dedicated services have played a key role in guaranteeing seamless local pickup and delivery within Expeditors’ district operations.”

DAT’s November report reveals softening truckload volumes

Dana Guthrie - December 23, 2024

BEAVERTON, Ore. — After gaining momentum throughout the year, last month’s spot truckload freight volumes retreated to their lowest point since January, according to DAT Freight & Analytics, which operates the DAT One freight marketplace and DAT iQ data analytics service. According to a DAT press release, the DAT Truckload Volume Index (TVI) declined for all three equipment categories compared to October: Van TVI: 246, down 18% Refrigerated TVI: 204, down 11% Flatbed TVI: 242, down 23% The release noted that the TVI was higher year over year only for reefer freight, up 7% compared to November 2023. The van and flatbed TVI were down 1% and 5%, respectively. “Shippers moved so much freight into the U.S. earlier this year, ahead of potential tariffs and port strikes, that we didn’t see the volumes we might expect in November,” said Ken Adamo, DAT chief of analytics. “The exception was reefer freight. The late Thanksgiving gave grocers a few extra shipping days for fresh and frozen goods.” Spot reefer rate strengthened ahead of the holiday The national average spot rate for reefer freight increased 6 cents to $2.45 a mile, the most since January. The van rate was unchanged at $2.02, and the flatbed rate fell 5 cents to $2.37. The van linehaul rate averaged $1.64 a mile, up 1 cent compared to October. The reefer rate was $2.04, up 7 cents, and the flatbed rate slipped 3 cents to $1.93. Rates are about 5% higher year over year. Contract rates dipped but showed signs of strength National average contract rates changed little last month: Contract van rate: $2.40 per mile, down 1 cents but 11 cents lower year over year Contract reefer rate: $2.74 a mile, unchanged and down 18 cents year over year Contract flatbed rate: $3.03 a mile, down 1 cent and 11 cents lower than last year According to the release, at 0.3%, the DAT iQ New Rate Differential (NRD) for van freight was above zero for the third month in a row for the first time since Spring 2022. The NRD measures changes in the contract market by comparing rates entering the market to those exiting; a positive NRD signals a tightening market and higher rates for shippers. “The NRD suggests that truckload pricing for contract freight is moving higher,” Adamo said. “We don’t expect bold changes quickly, but all indications point to steady rate growth into the first half of 2025.”

Schneider drivers “Live with Purpose” by participating in Wreaths Across America

Dana Guthrie - December 21, 2024

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Schneider National Inc. is continuing to demonstrate its support for veterans as four of its drivers will participated in this year’s Wreaths Across America (WAA) Honor Fleet, delivering wreaths to national cemeteries across the country. For Schneider associates having military experience, this opportunity holds special significance. Among this year’s participating drivers is Patrice Cook, a U.S. Army veteran and one of Schneider’s Ride of Pride drivers, who is once again joining the prestigious Escort to Arlington, which began on December 7. The Escort is traveling down the East Coast, promoting WAA’s mission through public events at memorials and other locations, culminating in a ceremony that was held at Arlington National Cemetery on Dec. 14, Wreaths Across America Day. “Each year, participating in this event is a profound honor,” Cook said. “Bringing wreaths to national cemeteries to honor those who have sacrificed their lives is deeply moving. Being part of the Escort to Arlington and witnessing the support and patriotism of onlookers along the route is incredibly heartwarming. At each stop, we meet people who share their stories and express their gratitude. It’s a reminder of the impact and importance of our mission, and it fills me with pride and humility to be part of such a meaningful tradition.” According to a company media release, Schneider is a responsible company that believes in making a difference in the communities in which its associates live, work and travel – and creating opportunities for them to get personally involved. That’s why, since 2008, driver associates have been delivering wreaths to honor fallen heroes, offering them a meaningful way to give back. With 13% of Schneider associates having military experience. The 2024 WAA theme, “Live with Purpose,” deeply resonates with Schneider associates and reflects their commitment to service. More specifically, the participating drivers shared what this theme means to them. “‘Live with Purpose’ means making a positive impact on our future,” Cook said. “As a Ride of Pride driver, I support my fellow veterans by attending events at care homes, hospitals and other locations that offer support.” Jeff Waggoner, a U.S. Army veteran and Ride of Pride driver since 2022, added, “To me, ‘Live with Purpose’ is about doing what you enjoy and finding fulfillment. Driving the Ride of Pride truck honors those who have served, and it’s rewarding to help other veterans. WAA isn’t just for veterans or drivers; anyone can contribute by volunteering, setting out wreaths or donating.” Bobby Brown, a U.S. Army veteran who has been with Schneider for over 33 years, said, “When I hear ‘Live with Purpose,’ I think of ‘Drive with Purpose’—what I do every day at Schneider. This route is especially important to me, having served in the Army and with many family members in the military. If there’s one load to do in a year, it’s this one.” Doug Huber, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and driver for Schneider’s Van Truckload offering, shares, “Remembrance is so important to honor fallen or missing veterans and also for all those who are currently serving in our military. I am proud to be part of WAA to do that. Additionally, ‘Live with Purpose’ means to me to reach out to those with a frown and brighten their day somehow, each and every day.” WAA started over 30 years ago and has evolved into a year-long mission to remember, honor and teach the values of freedom and sacrifice. Schneider has played a long-standing role in this important initiative to reinforce the company’s commitment to operating responsibly, living with purpose and honoring those who have served our country, according to the release.

Stevens Transport driver wins Kenworth T680 Truck though Hiring Our Heroes program

Dana Guthrie - December 20, 2024

WASHINGTON — For the ninth consecutive year, Kenworth teamed with Fastport and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes program to find America’s top rookie military veteran who made the successful transition into a civilian truck driving career. Distinguished Army veteran Cory Troxell, who drives for Stevens Transport, received this year’s “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” award during a recent special ceremony at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. where crowds gathered to see the Kenworth T680 parked outside. “I honestly thought after coming out of the military that you fade away,” Troxell said. “No one thinks about you anymore; you’re done. But this is proof that’s not true. Thank you for giving me this opportunity and for actually doing something for Veterans that I didn’t think was possible.” Troxell was born into service with his grandfather, father, and uncle serving with distinguished careers in the Army. Motivated by a strong sense of family pride, service, and patriotism following 9/11, Cory enlisted in the Army in 2004. In 2009, Cory was severely wounded in an enemy IED attack, eventually earning him the Purple Heart. He continued to serve until his retirement in 2024. Drawing similarities to his decision to join the Army, he chose to drive trucks, a career path already cut by his family. To help him continue in the trucking profession, Troxell was awarded the Kenworth T680, equipped with a 76-inch sleeper and the PACCAR Powertrain featuring the PACCAR MX-13 engine, PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission and PACCAR DX-40 tandem rear axles. “It was a privilege to hand over the keys to the Kenworth T680 to a veteran who exemplifies commitment and courage,” said Cara Howes, Kenworth assistant director of marketing. “On behalf of Kenworth and our dedicated employees, we extend our gratitude for his service to our nation and our best wishes for a prosperous future in the trucking industry.” The Kenworth T680 features a Diamond VIT interior in slate gray with madrona accents and includes the latest in driver amenities. Both the driver and passenger seats are GT703 leather seats that are fully heated and cooled. The 76-inch sleeper includes space for a microwave and TV, a factory-installed fridge, and a rotating work table. The T680 also includes the latest in driver assistance systems, including Kenworth’s Digital Mirrors, Bendix Fusion Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop and Auto Go, and Lane Keeping Assist with Torque Assisted Steering. “The dedication and resilience of our veteran finalists are nothing short of inspiring,” said Eric Eversole, president of Hiring Our Heroes. “They remind us of the enduring values that make America a leader in opportunity and innovation and the boundless potential that awaits those who transition from military service to meaningful careers.” Under the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence program, all finalists participated in the Washington, D.C. awards ceremony where their military service was honored. The first runner-up, Douglas Couch/U.S. Navy (E-5)/Roehl Transport., was awarded a $10,000 prize, and finalists Billy Taylor/U.S. Coast Guard (E-7)/Werner Enterprises and Shawn Haley/U.S. Marine Corps (E-4)/Veriha Trucking LLC received $5,000 each. “Cory’s outstanding military career and continued excellence as a professional truck driver highlight the strength and determination veterans bring to the trucking industry. He represents the best of what this program aims to achieve, and we are confident he will inspire and pave the way for others in the military community to find success in this field,” said Brad Bentley, president of Fastport.

Drivewyze’s Smart Roadways Service now provides virtual messaging to truck drivers in California, Michigan and Nevada

Dana Guthrie - December 20, 2024

PLANO, Texas — Drivewyze, a Fleetworthy company, has expanded its Smart Roadways service with in-cab “virtual alerts” for those driving through California, Michigan and Nevada. “When a participating state sees a problem that a commercial driver is about to drive through, they can let them know through a timely short message,” said Brian Mofford, Drivewyze’s vice president of Government Experience. “Being aware of what’s ahead is a core component of the program and it will help drivers become safer.” According to a company press release, twenty states now utilize Smart Roadways services, which extend the reach of state safety and enforcement messaging directly to commercial truck drivers. Virtual messaging and traffic slowdown alerts are offered to the entire trucking industry free of charge through Drivewyze Free. This allows fleets and drivers — using telematics devices, smartphones, or tablets — to receive an essential set of in-cab safety alerts and advisories in advance of potentially risky areas on the roadway. “Digital messaging direct to commercial drivers is another way our motor carrier officers are working to increase traffic safety and reduce traffic crashes and injuries on Michigan roads,” said Patrick Morris of the Michigan State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division. “We plan to use this messaging tool before peak holiday travel times or when there are particular driving hazards we want drivers to be aware of.” In Nevada, “virtual alerts will help drivers navigate diverse terrain and challenging driving conditions,” said Nevada Highway Patrol Lieutenant Tappan Cornmesser. “Coupled with our position as a major transportation corridor, initiatives like this are essential. With increased truck traffic and vital interstates running coast-to-coast, these real-time in-cab messages will help prevent crashes and improve safety for all drivers.” Cornmesser noted that targeted notifications for snowstorms, chain controls and high wind advisories, particularly in areas like Reno, Carson City and Tahoe, will keep drivers informed during harsh conditions. Over Thanksgiving, California began sending safety alert messages through the Smart Roadways platform. In a press release the California Highway Patrol issued prior to the holiday, it stated: “Our top priority is the safety of everyone traveling this Thanksgiving,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “By leveraging innovative tools like Electronic Logging Devices to communicate directly with commercial drivers, we can provide timely alerts and help prevent crashes before they happen.” The release noted that while Drivewyze Free includes access to agency-sponsored real-time traffic slowdown alerts and other alerts and advisories generated in partnership with select state transportation and enforcement agencies, it also offers core message sets, including Drivewyze-sponsored alerts and advisories for High-Rollover risk areas, Low Bridges, and Mountain alerts (steep grade ahead; chain-up/brake check stations; and runaway ramps).

FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index for October reflects a more balanced market

Dana Guthrie - December 20, 2024

Bloomington, Ind. — FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index for October improved to 0.49 from -2.47 in September, indicating improved conditions for carriers. Stronger utilization, lower capital costs, and less challenging freight rates were the main factors. “FTR’s outlook for the trucking market has not changed significantly since last month,” said Avery Vise, FTR vice president of trucking. “Our forecast for freight volume next year is a bit weaker than it was previously, but we also have tightened our capacity assumption a bit based on preliminary government data regarding trucking employment. We still anticipate a modest increase in freight rates that might be just strong enough to disappoint both carriers and shippers. Tariffs on goods imported from Mexico and Canada announced by President-elect Trump could yield some volatility in truck freight demand, but volume likely would balance out over the course of 2025.” FTR still expects the Trucking Conditions Index by the second quarter of next year to be consistently positive through at least 2026. According to an FTR press release, details of the October TCI are found in the December issue of FTR’s Trucking Update, published on November 26. Additional commentary includes a discussion regarding the impact and uncertainty of possible new tariff activity on the supply chain and business decision making. The Trucking Update includes data and analysis on load volumes, the capacity environment, rates, and the economy. The TCI tracks the changes representing five major conditions in the U.S. truck market. These conditions are: freight volumes, freight rates, fleet capacity, fuel prices, and financing costs. The individual metrics are combined into a single index indicating the industry’s overall health. A positive score represents good, optimistic conditions. Conversely, a negative score represents bad, pessimistic conditions. Readings near zero are consistent with a neutral operating environment, and double-digit readings in either direction suggest significant operating changes are likely.

Trucking associtions urge states to defer Advanced Clean Truck rules

Dana Guthrie - December 20, 2024

In a strongly worded letter to a number of governors and a governor-elect, trucking industry leaders are expressing their concern regarding the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rules. The group’s concern is that many in the industry stand to lose everything if the concerns are not addressed and that if President-elect Trump reverses course, despite being a strong opponent of ACT in his previous term in office, the industry could face catastrophic impacts. The letter was jointly issued and signed by Gregory Fulton, president/CEO, Colorado Motor Carriers Association; Kendra Hems, president, Trucking Association of New York; Kevin Weeks, executive director, Trucking Association of Massachusetts; Jana Jarvis, president/CEO, Oregon Trucking Association; Jennifer Blazovic, interim executive director, New Jersey Motor Truck Association; Christopher Maxwell, president/CEO, Rhode Island Trucking Association; Johnny R. Johnson, managing director, New Mexico Trucking Association and Sheri Call, president/CEO, Washington Trucking Association. The letter in full reads: “Dear Governors Polis, Healey, Murphy, Lujan Grisham, Hochul, Kotek, McKee, Inslee and Governor-Elect Ferguson: “On behalf of the trucking industry in each of your respective states, we are writing to express our collective concerns with the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rules, which are set to take effect at the beginning of 2025 and 2027. “In your letter to the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association on November 8, 2024, you cite the important role ACT plays in our states’ plans to achieve our greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals and the threat of climate change. “To be clear, we fully support these goals, and the trucking industry has worked collaboratively with government partners across the country for years to reduce the emissions from heavyduty trucks. In fact, 60 trucks today equal the output of one in 1988, and, since the implementation of clean diesel technology in 1974, pollutants have been reduced by 99 percent. These reductions are in part due to the trucking industry’s partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SmartWay program. The SmartWay program is a publicprivate partnership with the shared goal of reducing overall emissions and greenhouse gases, cutting fuel use, and improving freight sustainability. Our associations and many of our members voluntarily became partners in the SmartWay program and have worked closely with the EPA since the program was launched in 2004. The program has been an outstanding success as SmartWay companies have avoided emitting170 million metric tons of CO2, 2.8 million short tons of NOx, and 115,000 short tons of PM, which helps protect the environment and keep Americans healthy. “The damage that our industry will incur by implementing ACT on its current rushed timeline will curtail these critical efforts as clean diesel truck availability will become limited, keeping older, heavier polluting trucks on the road. It will also lead to the inevitable loss in jobs and businesses. Rather, we encourage your states to look at an alternative approach, similar to the SmartWay program, which is a voluntary program with a proven record of success and widely supported by the industry. We are asking that the ACT date for implementation be deferred in order to ensure that our dealers and trucking companies are not unduly harmed, and to provide for an opportunity to work together to find a solution that works toward our state’s environmental goals. “The situation on the ground has changed since ACT was adopted. The extended recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic diminished resources for manufacturers, dealers, and operators alike. The entire supply chain shifted to prioritize essential services and investments. While our industry can adapt and comply with reasonable regulations, ACT has already significantly impacted dealer operations well ahead of the official start date. “From the West Coast to the East Coast, economic and structural limitations severely limit the American trucking industry. By and large, interstate electric infrastructure is completely lacking. Take New York for example, since ACT’s passage in 2021, not a single publicly available charging station has been built for medium and heavy-duty vehicle charging statewide. And while truck operators in Washington, California, and Oregon appreciate the continued attempt to secure federal funding for an EV truck charging corridor along Interstate 5, the reality is that it will take years to complete. We need this infrastructure now. “We are also cognizant of a changing political environment. As ACT rules were initially pursued, they met a strong opponent in President Donald Trump’s administration—which passed a 2019 resolution effectively removing California’s legal authority to set vehicle emissions rules and set zero-emission vehicle mandates. By all indications, with President Trump’s history of comments and regulations regarding emissions and electric vehicles, it is within reason to believe his administration will renew his, since lapsed, 2019 resolution and ultimately pull the Clean Air Act waiver from the Environmental Protection Agency. David Heller, Senior VP of Government Affairs for the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), has already indicated that national groups are prepared to discuss emissions regulations with a new Trump presidency. “If the Trump administration is only going to reverse course, is it worth the collateral damage of trying to implement these ill-timed and likely fatal regulations? Rather, we stand ready to have meaningful conversations on actions the industry can take today to immediately reduce emissions. “Trucks are the backbone of our nation’s economy. Communities across the country depend largely on trucks to move their goods. A census bureau report found that, in 2017, the latest year with available data, trucks transported 71.6% of all goods in the United States. This equates to $10.4 trillion. In other words, trucking is the largest single mode form of goods transportation by a longshot. When the trucking industry suffers, so to do all the sectors of the economy that rely on it. Access to critical goods, medicines, and care devices are at-risk. Major infrastructure projects and essential municipal services will be delayed. Even clean energy projects—from solar to wind—won’t move forward without trucks. None of this happens without trucks. “Right now, dealers across the country are struggling to find a way to navigate this situation. Many will not survive the economic impact of these rules. Many will shut down after being in business for generations. Many will cut jobs. Many will lose everything. “At our core, the greater American trucking industry supports the goals of ACT. We are not pushing back because we’re opposed to sustainable change. It is possible to work together to develop a commonsense solution which supports each of our states’ business and environmental goals. “Once we ensure “business-as-usual” for truck operators, dealers, and manufacturers and a true commitment to a shared approach to reducing emissions, then we can take meaningful steps towards getting more electric trucks on the road. Collectively, we welcome the opportunity to sit down to discuss this situation, but let us be clear, we are running out of time.”

FMCSA removes two more devices from the list of registered ELDs

Dana Guthrie - December 19, 2024

WASHINGTON — Motor carriers and drivers using Mountain ELD and XELD devices have 60 days to replace them with compliant ELDs after the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) removed them from the list of registered ELDs. According to an FMCSA press release, on Wednesday, the FMCSA removed the following ELDs from the list of registered ELDs due to the providers’ failure to meet the minimum requirements established in 49 CFR part 395, subpart B, appendix A. Mountain ELD – Model number MT01, ELD Identifier MTIA01, ELD Provider Alaska Safety Inc. XELD – Model number GSIPTH, ELD Identifier AT3103, ELD Provider XELD. According to the release, the above ELDs now appear on FMCSA’s Revoked Devices list. Motor carriers and drivers who use the ELDs listed above must take the following actions: Discontinue using the revoked ELDs and revert to paper logs or logging software to record required hours of service data. Replace the revoked ELDs with compliant ELDs from the Registered Devices list before Feb. 9, 2025. Motor carriers and drivers who continue to use the revoked ELDs listed above on or after Feb. 9 will be in violation of 49 CFR 395.8(a)(1)—“No record of duty status,” and drivers will be placed out-of-service in accordance with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) OOS Criteria. According to the release, if the ELD providers correct all identified deficiencies for their devices, FMCSA will place the ELDs back on the Registered Devices list and inform the industry and the field of the update. However, FMCSA strongly encourages motor carriers to take the actions listed above now to avoid compliance issues in the event that these deficiencies are not addressed by the ELD providers.

The Road to Success: CarriersEdge releases comprehensive training course for new owner operators

Dana Guthrie - December 19, 2024

NEWMARKET, Ontario, Dec. 17, 2024 – CarriersEdge has released a new business training course for new and aspiring owner operators. According to Jane Jazrawy, CarriersEdge CEO, the company identified the need for an owner operator training course through customer requests and observations through the annual Best Fleets to Drive For program that CarriersEdge produces. “What we’ve found is that while many fleets work with independent contractors or offer lease-purchase programs, there is a lack of resources available in the industry for these fleets to help educate drivers on what they need to know before and after they start their own business,” Jazrawy said. “Unfortunately, many new owner operators see their business fail, often due to business management and planning challenges. This course helps fill that void by providing company drivers and owner operators with essential information to help them understand business risks, how to mitigate them, and the steps they need to take to position them for success.” According to a company media release, the course, “Owner Operator Business Skills,” was created to educate current company drivers about skills and information they need to start their own business. The course is also a valuable resource for commercial drivers who have recently transitioned to becoming owner operators, providing insights into what it takes to run a successful trucking business. “Owner Operator Business Skills” is available to CarriersEdge customers at no extra charge as part of the company’s subscription service. Individuals can also purchase this course without a subscription by visiting the CarriersEdge website – www.carriersedge.com. To create this course, CarriersEdge leveraged information from successful owner operators, management from fleets with lease-purchase programs, and other industry experts. CarriersEdge also conducted its own extensive research to develop this comprehensive owner operators course. The new course provides guidance on how to select and finance equipment, details on various registrations and compliance requirements, best practices for managing vehicle maintenance, and more. It also covers common problems owner operators face when starting a business, how to avoid them, and how to navigate current industry challenges such as freight fraud and cybersecurity. Following the completion of “Owner Operator Business Skills,” people will be able to: Determine the skills needed to be a successful owner operator Describe how to prepare a business plan and budget Explain how to calculate business expenses Describe ways to minimize business expenses The release also noted that in addition to this new course, CarriersEdge has nearly 200 courses available through its monthly subscription package, with new and updated titles added regularly. Courses are offered as full-length orientation, short refresher and remedial titles, and as standalone knowledge tests.

A $108.8 Billion wake-up call: Trucking’s annual congestion costs soar

Dana Guthrie - December 18, 2024

WASHINGTON — Traffic congestion on U.S. highways added $108.8 billion in costs to the trucking industry in 2022 according to the latest Cost of Congestion study published by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI). This finding, part of ATRI’s ongoing highway performance measurement research, marks a new record-high national congestion cost, according to an ATRI press release. “With rising costs putting pressure on businesses and consumers alike, minimizing delays caused by congestion is more important than ever,” said Frank Granieri, A. Duie Pyle COO of Supply Chain Solutions. “Addressing these challenges requires a shared commitment to modernize our infrastructure and strengthen the backbone of our economy: resilient and efficient supply chains.” According to the release, ATRI utilized a variety of data sources, including its substantial truck GPS database and Operational Costs benchmarks, to calculate the impacts of trucking delays on major U.S. roadways. The total hours of congestion decreased slightly in 2022 from record 2021 highs due to a softening freight market, but the cost of operating a truck during this period increased at a much greater rate. As a result, the overall cost of congestion increased by 15.0 percent year-over-year. This level of delay is equivalent to more than 430,000 commercial truck drivers sitting idle for one work year and an average cost of $7,588 for every registered combination truck. In addition to the national findings, ATRI’s analysis also documented state and metropolitan delays and related cost impacts. The top 10 states each experienced costs of more than $8 billion, led by Texas ($9.17B), California ($8.77B), and Florida ($8.44B). Combined, the top 10 states ultimately account for more than half (52%) of trucking’s congestion costs nationwide. Additionally, the metropolitan areas with the highest congestion costs included New York City ($6.68B), Miami ($3.20B), and Chicago ($3.14B). ATRI’s analysis also found that the trucking industry wasted over 6.4 billion gallons of diesel fuel in 2022 due to congestion, resulting in additional fuel costs of $32.1 billion, the release said. A copy of this report is available on ATRI’s website here.