Welcome to the WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Newsletter presented by Truckstop. In this issue, inward dash cams penalize singing?; Flexport’s last supper and more.
The day the music died
Big brother — Amazon Delivery Service Partner (DSP) drivers on Reddit are furious over a new set of standards the company is imposing on them in regards to their inward facing dash cams.
According to a number of Redditors as well as drivers that I’ve confirmed with, Amazon is trying to crack down on distracted driving. Now, some of those partners are being warned that singing along with the radio will trigger the inward facing camera in their cab.
Why? A new update to their Netradyne systems has advanced the scope of how it detects eye and mouth movement.
Amazon’s website describes their DSP program as “an independent third-party business.” However, that level of independence is under question after these latest measures that are proving to be very unpopular.
Shake it off — Does anyone really believe that singing distracts drivers or is this a case of AI and surveillance overstepping its bounds? For me personally, hitting the high notes on a Whitney song energizes me and keeps me between the white lines.
I asked my network that is almost entirely composed of supply chain or supply chain adjacent followers what they thought about the issue. Over 94% of X users and 97% of LinkedIn users believe that drivers should be allowed to croon.
Here’s what some truckers had to say:
Ed Mapes – It helps us stay focused and awake.
New Trucker Mike – I rock, ska, and country my way all over the highways. Go ahead and try to stop me.
Sask Trucker – If Shania comes on I’m singing.
Winter – This is where a full face mask comes in handy.
Data – Opinions may be anecdotal, but there are studies that have looked at the relationship between music and distracted driving.
It was concluded that, in some indicators, listening to music has adverse effects on driving. However, in many indicators, music has a positive impact on improving driving safety. It is better to choose appropriate music for different driving conditions and to train the drivers about it. – National Library of Medicine
While there were some negative factors associated with music, the study found that, “Listening to music can enhance not only the driver’s driving quality but also their physiological performance. In particular, listening to music while driving is effective in controlling stress, calming emotions, and preventing driver drowsiness”
Sound off – While it probably isn’t likely that Amazon is specifically targeting singing, the end result is the same. What do you think? Should drivers be allowed to sing while behind the wheel? Email me.
Amazon denies they have asked their partners not to sing.
The last shipper
Controversy – Flexport’s Ryan Petersen posted his latest AI-generated artwork to X on Wednesday, and it hasn’t been well received by everyone. The image appears to show a number of Flexport executives and apostles celebrating the last supper.
“This dude really looked at the bad publicity around the Olympics Opening Ceremony and said ‘I gotta get my company in on that.’ – Logistorian on X
In July, the Olympic opening ceremony in Paris came under fire when a performance appeared to mock da Vinci’s famous painting “The Last Supper.” The artistic director of that said it was a misinterpretation, and instead they were referencing Dionysus, the Greek God of wine and festivity.
Not everyone accepted that answer, but Petersen’s piece is less ambiguous as it clearly shows Jesus levitating over the table.
The Judas Cradle – Many of the comments under the image have called it blasphemous or unnecessary. However, a few didn’t mind at all. Petersen may have even sold a few copies of his book, ‘The Big Ship and the Little Digger’ in the process.
What do you think? Was it a good use of AI or a misguided attempt at marketing? Email me.
Gear for the gals
Crop top – Head on over to WTTGear.com to get our latest merch! Use code WTTFans for 10% off.
WTT Friday
How Costco leveraged its supply chain to become the 3rd biggest retailer on Earth — Friday live at 12 p.m. Eastern, we’re joined by supply chain super consultant Brittain Ladd to talk about how Costco leveraged its supply chain to become the third largest retailer in the world. Nearly one third of Americans count themselves as members and the company is now expanding into East Asia. Ladd shares how Costco is using tech to scale the business even further.
MoLo co-founder and podcaster Andrew Silver returns to the show to talk about the state of the industry and lessons learned from his time in the trenches. We’ll also find out how he’s building his show The Freight Pod and what insights he’s gleaned from top leaders in freight.
Plus, headlines, weirdness and more.
Catch new shows live at noon EDT Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on FreightWaves LinkedIn, Facebook, X or YouTube, or on demand by looking up WHAT THE TRUCK?!? on your favorite podcast player and at 5 p.m. Eastern on SiriusXM’s Road Dog Trucking Channel 146.
Now on demand
The logistics of death
Rail strike decision “disastrous”; Trooper Ben’s rules of the road; freight magic
The rest of the noise
- Hazmat carrier sues Dali shipowners for negligence
- US-Mexico trade relations enter “uncharted territory,” expert says
- Supply chain sees unexpected impact from Canada rail ramp-up
- Former Polar Air Cargo executive receives 18-month jail sentence
- Kraft Heinz is using AI to make more autonomous supply-chain decisions
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Subscribe to the show
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Exit through the gift shop: WTTGear.com
Don’t be a stranger,
Dooner