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The Daily Dash: Chao steps down; safety groups concerned about HOS exemption

A worker classification rule yet to go into effect could be scrapped by the Biden administration

The events of Wednesday in Washington, D.C., have led to several resignations among Trump administration officials, but none are bigger than Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, who submitted her registration Thursday.

The Daily Dash is a quick look at what is happening in the freight ecosystem. In today’s edition, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao has submitted her resignation, citing the events in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. Plus, a worker classification rule could be scrapped before it goes into effect, and safety groups are concerned about an hours-of-service exemption being considered for agricultural haulers.

Chao steps down

The events of Wednesday in Washington, D.C., have led to several resignations among Trump administration officials, but none are bigger than Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, who submitted her registration Thursday.

John Gallagher has more: DOT chief Elaine Chao to resign

Worker classification rule could be shelved

A federal rule published by the Department of Labor regarding the classification of workers may be a quick victim of a Biden administration putting some late Trump administration rules on the shelf.


John Kingston explains why the Teamsters are confident: New federal rule on worker classification may not see light of day

HOS exemption concerns safety groups

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance and other truck safety groups have warned federal regulators that relaxing hours-of-service rules for ag haulers threatens safety by exposing more drivers to fatigue.

John Gallagher explains why they are concerned: Safety groups rail against HOS exemption for ag truckers

Manufacturers take a stand

Business groups condemned President Donald Trump for stoking supporters to attack the U.S. Capitol Wednesday and lawmakers for going along with the president’s debunked conspiracy claims about election fraud.


Eric Kulisch has their statements: Business groups condemn Trump-led insurrection, election fraud claims

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Fraley & Schilling acquires KBT Enterprises

Seko Logistics under new ownership

Volvo Trucks’ Mexico exit raises concerns for carriers


Did you miss this?

Twenty carriers in North America have been recognized for creating the best workplace experience for truck drivers in the annual TCA/CarriersEdge Best Fleets to Drive For survey.

Brian Straight has the complete list: 20 carriers named as 2021 Best Fleets to Drive For

Hammer down, everyone,

Brian Straight

Managing Editor

Click for more FreightWaves articles by Brian Straight.

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Brian Straight

Brian Straight leads FreightWaves' Modern Shipper brand as Managing Editor. A journalism graduate of the University of Rhode Island, he has covered everything from a presidential election, to professional sports and Little League baseball, and for more than 10 years has covered trucking and logistics. Before joining FreightWaves, he was previously responsible for the editorial quality and production of Fleet Owner magazine and fleetowner.com. Brian lives in Connecticut with his wife and two kids and spends his time coaching his son’s baseball team, golfing with his daughter, and pursuing his never-ending quest to become a professional bowler. You can reach him at bstraight@freightwaves.com.