Trucking

Under California law, drivers making their way through the Golden State are entitled to a 30-minute meal break for every five hours worked.

FMCSA Administrator Martinez and his officials listened to truck drivers and fleet owners as they asked for more flexibility in the hours of service. The usefulness of split sleeping and breaking up the mandatory 30 minute break were brought up most frequently.

Update: Latest labor action brings attention to drayage drivers as NFI says union is trying to “force” representation on drivers.

Discussions around the topic of autonomous trucks would not be complete without it addressing three main concerns – job security of drivers, data privacy, and liability issues.

“A well-spec’d long-hood conventional stands out in a crowd,” Kyle Cousins, vice president of operations of Fleenor Bros, said after receiving one of the first W990 model tractor from Kenworth.

On Thursday night at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Kenworth Truck Co. introduced its newest long-hood tractor, the W990.

The popular electronic logging device (ELD) exemption for agricultural haulers is up for renewal before Sept. 30, but it’s longer-term fate may hang with Congress’ ability to pass a budget – or at least a Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the government open beyond Sunday.

ATA chairman outline group’s legislative priorities for this year.

Total trailer net orders came in at over 38,000 units in August, representative of a 31 percent increase month-over-month and a staggering 142 percent increase year-over-year.

Volvo Trucks will introduce an all-electric truck in California next year before making them commercial available in North America in 2020, the company said.

Military members looking to become truck drivers may have an easier time in doing so as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has authorized states to waive the commercial learner’s permit (CLP) knowledge test and driving skills tests.

Germany has spent $580 billion towards renewable energy infrastructure, but still would fall woefully short of its emissions reduction goals of 2020. Andreas Kuhlmann, chairman of German Energy Agency explains why.

How good is the technology and powertrains on modern tractors? A group of journalists driving similarly spec’d Mack Anthem sleeper models, achieved over 8 mpg – even as high as 10.5 for one day – with the trucks on a three-day run from Asheville, NC, to New Orleans.

The two companies have reached a new milestone in their collaborative effort to create 150 women-owned businesses in transportation. The program announced that it had welcomed its 50th participant last week.

On September 22, 2018, Governor Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 1402 into law in the state of California following a hard-fought battle surrounding labor liability in ports, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.

The long-anticipated Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill is up for a vote and it does not include the controversial meal-and-rest break provision that the American Trucking Associations (ATA) and other industry forces were seeking.

The report on online transportation platforms does not draw any conclusions about why it’s happening, but it has plenty of data to back up that it is occurring.

The numbers look good but deteriorating service is tarnishing the traditional role of intermodal.

XPO already has an extensive tuition-free training program in-house. This move expands it out the front door.

Bernd Heid from McKinsey elaborated on the future of mobility, drawing instances of disruptions in the transportation industry and the need for adapting business models to market and regulatory requirements.

The scenario laid out by a leading energy economist is that the market needs a way to soften the blow of higher oil prices that would be spurred by the new environment rule.

Leaders from state departments of transportation across the country participated in a panel discussion about connected and automated vehicles, and the winding road to their ubiquitous adoption.

It also marks the sixth time in eight months NA Class 8 net orders topped 40,000 units, according to ACT Research.

The smartest minds on Wall Street use charting analytics to quickly identify and then track trends in multiple data sets. Why? Because it works. And now freight professionals are learning how to do the same. 

ZF, the German automaker has released innovative trucks that can load and unload at the warehouse and last-mile electric delivery vans with level 4 autonomy.

J.D. Power is forecasting more new truck deliveries in the coming months, but demand is still expected to outpace supply into the second quarter of 2019.

Hyundai is working on mass producing hydrogen fuel cell powered heavy-duty electric trucks, which would make an entry into the Swiss commercial market between 2019 and 2023.

Shareholders in Roadrunner would have the right to buy more shares, and if they don’t, the company’s preferred shareholder would step in.

With ELDs in nearly every truck, it was only a matter of time before insurance companies started to utilize the devices. Progressive is among the first, launching a new discount program for truckers that provide Progressive access to their ELD data.

Ford Trucks unveiled its new F-MAX tractor, boasting a high-performance engine with 500 PS, 2500 Nm and 400 kW of braking power. The tractor also has 6% higher fuel optimization over previous models, and delivers lower cost of ownership with 7% reduced maintenance costs.

A significant increase in the use of scrubbers would have an impact on the amount of middle distillates that the shipping sector needs to consume under IMO2020 rules.

Volvo Trucks enters the electromobility age with FE and FL Electric truck variants and Vera, a fully autonomous electric truck concept that could redefine transportation within logistics hubs.

Customers in some cases can move back and forth between the rails and the roads, and how brokers deal with that was the subject of an IANA panel discussion.

Lower age threshold part of ongoing move to reduce emissions.

While things like bonuses and increased pay are already being employed to attract drivers, the shortage continues to worsen

FreightWaves spoke to ArcBest officers about Off Wall Street’s research report, which they said raised concerns about off-balance sheet liabilities related to pensions.

Jim Filter of Schneider says he’s seeing benefits from CSX paring back its footprint and focusing on a smaller range of lanes.

Cashflow Corner presented by TriumphPay …Factoring can be a great way for small businesses, especially trucking companies, to manage their cash flow effectively and not devote valuable time that can be better spent hauling the next load because you are chasing down a late payer.

A panel of experts from all sides of the market confronts the driver squeeze, and says productivity improvements could be like adding new drivers.

Parcel giant UPS announced today that it expects to hire about 100,000 seasonal employees to support the anticipated surge in package volume that will begin in November and continue through January 2019. 

Over the years, Punjabis have consolidated their stand as one of the most dominant trucking communities in India. Migration and a different rulebook seems to have little effect in making their presence felt in the U.S.

Retention, training, and the capacity crunch are undeniably hot button issues in 2018, and, in response, SmartDrive and FreightWaves collaborated to distribute a survey to uncover trends in driver incentive programs.  

XPO’s seasonal numbers are up 20% from last year. Those sorts of needs is why Amazon has a unique program for a unique group of people.

It may no longer be a hurricane, but Florence is still expected to exact a toll on the Carolinas and then further inland over the next several days as the slow-moving storm drops rain measured in feet rather than inches across a wide swath of area.

Project financing could lead to commercial testing of vehicles by 2020.

Volvo Trucks has unveiled its concept autonomous electric vehicle that it believes could help create a more efficient and cleaner transportation network, while acting as a complement to existing solutions.

The underlying science of glider kit emissions was the topic of a hearing on Thursday in Washington, although opponents of glider kits were not part of the panel.

Tight capacity and soaring spot rates have more customers looking at dedicated capacity for coming year.

Schneider National has a Crisis Communications Team that is responsible for planning the safety of employees, equipment and customer freight during hurricanes and other adverse weather situations. Here is some of what they have learned.

Beyond the Hours of Service rule that is under consideration for changes by the federal government, the introduction of the hard ELD rule has created several other less-publicized problems.

In partnership with Reliance Partners …One of the most important opportunities remains frequently overlooked when it comes to data: the human element.

Despite publicizing that hours-of-service (HOS) violations would be the focus of this year’s International Roadcheck, Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) annual June event resulted in 43.7% of all drivers placed out of service done so because of HOS violations.

Longer service week aimed at meeting e-commerce related demand

Trucking association sought to take one tool from state regulators for classifying drivers as contractors or full-time employees.

Bulk trailers, including walking floor and end dumps, are commonly used for cleanup following hurricanes. The timing of Florence could create a capacity issue in the southeast for ag products as owners of these types of trailers shift to cleanup efforts.

FEMA stands ready to address the aftermath of Hurricane Florence and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has now issued a “Regional Emergency Declaration” for 13 states and the District of Columbia as the southeast braces for the historic storm.

A lack of crews and a slowdown in system operations is squeezing intermodal capacity and shutting off an alternative for those looking to move away from trucks.

Most of the gains that helped customers came in the first 25 years after the Staggers Act that deregulated the system. Since then, the gains have not been in service.

With all the talk of the impact from Hurricane Florence as she comes ashore, likely in the Wilmington, NC, area on Thursday, much of the impact will take place for days and even weeks after the storm is long gone.

Hurricane season brings an increased risk to transportation energy in the United States, both from a supply and price perspective.

Cashflow Corner presented by TriumphPay …There may never be a better time to replace your current truck, and while It may not be a new one, a low mileage, high-quality used truck could also provide a big tax benefit.

The Freight Movement is in partnership with Arrive Logistics …In many ways, truckers are quietly excluded from the comfortable, modern lives that they make possible for us. As David Rivers found out, “Until you experience it, you don’t realize how significant the sacrifices are that drivers make.”

This is all part of the startup’s mission to help independent ecommerce businesses battle giants like Amazon.

One year after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan SELF DRIVE Act, House Energy and Commerce Committee leaders called on the Senate to advance automated vehicle legislation.

Probably to no great surprise to attendees in the room, American Trucking Associations’ Chief Economist Bob Costello painted a very positive picture of the current and near-term freight environment during the ATA’s 2nd Annual Economic Summit last week in Washington, DC.

The orders suspend rules regarding everything from registration to length, width, weight, load and HOS.

Latest update from the National Hurricane Center sees the storm reaching major hurricane status later today.

The truckload carrier is offering the Full Ride program to both recruit new drivers and retain the ones they have, paying full tuition at online Ashford.

A new piece of legislation means that such declarations by the governor won’t be necessary to ease weight limits in the future.

America is taking a week to celebrate its truckers: it’s National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. Thank you, drivers, for all that you do to keep our country moving despite all the obstacles in your way.

Speaking at the American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) 2nd Annual Economic Summit on Thursday in Washington, DC, ATA President & CEO Chris Spear touted the accomplishments of the association but told attendees now is not the time to become complacent.

In today’s pickup: J.B. Hunt and marijuana testing; a court case about something that doesn’t exist; another FMCSA listening session

Mode’s relations with asset-based firms will be critical for its survival, says ex-Hub Group principal Brian Bowers.

The United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth District sided with a truck manufacturer in a products-liability case claiming an alternative truck design would have prevented serious injuries obtained when a 19-year-old women crashed into the side of the vehicle.

J.B. Hunt has a zero tolerance policy toward testing positive for marijuana and uses hair testing to back it up. Will that hold up as legalization spreads?

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act offers owner-operators more savings.

The monthly numbers of ACT and FTR on class 8 builds set new records; a Goldman Sachs report tries to measure the number of scrubbers that will be used for meeting IMO2020 standards.

For gay, lesbian, transgender and black truck drivers, life on the road can be a comfort and provide a level of safety and security, in part because of the way the trucking community has accepted them.

A Norfolk Southern executive suggested that the company’s management will have a lot to talk about on its next quarterly earnings call.

Transportation network Lanehub recently announced Backhaul Assist, a feature that will allow shippers utilizing private fleets or dedicated contract carriers to market available capacity to other shippers.  

Coverage of three companies were launched with a “buy” rating, while three of them got “hold” ratings.

Cashflow Corner presented by TriumphPay …It doesn’t matter if you believe the driver shortage is real or not, if you need a driver, you need a driver. So how do you get one?

Drones may someday soon become a primary delivery method of last-mile, but they likely won’t be the only solution, as flexibility in methods will be key to successful delivery.

A Florida trucking company is responsible for the equipment of three colleges getting to away games. It wants to boost that number to 10.

Hub Group was looking at alternatives for Mode Transportation

Maersk is taking notice of the coming regulation that will impact the quality of the fuel burned on ships, and has the potential to kick back into the diesel fuel market. Also: an underride decision, a revealing quote out of China.

ELDs are one part of the overall telematics picture that fleets can utilize to greater efficiency, according to a new survey of fleets.

With a vision of bringing “trucks, trailers and goods online,” KeepTruckin continues to innovate and invest in technologies that improve the lives of drivers.

Technology firms aim to ease process of managing multiple carriers in regional markets.

North American trading bloc seeks rewrite with auto industry facing brunt of changes.

For many truckers, their vehicles are their pride and joy. Each year at the Great American Trucking Show, they get a chance to show off their creations during the Pride & Polish competition.

CVTA member schools could train more students, but lack of finances both for tuition assistance and for states to employ testers is causing students to bypass truck driving as a career choice

It’s no surprise that truck drivers who travel during peak times face slower average speeds and that more flexible HOS regulations could not only speed those travel times, but also would not impact the miles drivers cover in a day, according to ATRI.

The digital platform is designed to match warehouse space and fulfillment services with small and medium-sized companies working to get online orders out fast.

John Henry, director of sales for ZED Connect, explained to FreightWaves how the evolution of the company is developing to deliver vehicle data solutions centered around what its parent company Cummins knows best – engines.

Mexico will enact a law regulating truck drivers’ hours of service this week. It is the first law of its kind in Mexico, as driving time has never been managed on the federal level before.

Cashflow Corner presented by TriumphPay …Regular budget forecasting can help businesses better manage their cash flow and help identify potential revenue problems.

U.S. Xpress placed an automated robocall to a driver, seeking to recruit him to join their company. The result? A lawsuit in federal court.

Peak shipping season is just starting and experts see no let up in freight demand.

Joe DeLorenzo, director of the Office of Enforcement and Compliance for FMCSA, went through some of the common problems the agency is seeing since the ELD mandate went into effect, and there have been plenty.