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The TopMark Funding editorial team is made up of experienced equipment industry experts with deep knowledge of commercial trucking and heavy equipment markets. Our content is built on real-world industry experience and is designed to provide accurate, practical insights businesses can trust.

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CARB Announces Rebate

CARB Announces Electric Vehicle Rebates

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They say what goes for California, the most populous state in the nation and the one with the highest gross domestic product, goes for the rest of the nation. Recently, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has suffered court losses regarding their authority to prohibit certain trucks, but that is not enough to stop CARB from encouraging trucking companies to make the switch from diesel to alternative fuels. Now, CARB hopes to use a carrot rather than a stick–rewarding those who decide to change as opposed to punishing those who do not.

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Tesla to Ramp Up Semi Production

Tesla to Ramp Up Semi Production

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It has been a long time coming, but the moment may finally be here: Tesla has touted their electric-powered semi truck for about a decade at this point, and though there were some that could be seen here and there, mass production had not yet become official. As of April 29th, 2026, Tesla says that it is, and only approximately five months after its prior prediction.

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Port Imbalance Fee

Ports of New York and New Jersey Tighten Container Imbalance Fee

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It is no surprise that the United States currently imports more goods than it exports. This leads to more full containers coming in than going out. Because empty containers do not see an immediate economic gain, oftentimes shipping companies will wait before sending them across the ocean to get filled again. This causes logistical problems at ports, and so the Port of New York and Port of New Jersey are tightening the screws on the fee of keeping empty containers so that they may finally be shipped instead.

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Georgia DOT Plans Truck-Only Lanes on I-75

Georgia DOT Plans Truck-Only Lanes on I-75

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Traffic, one of the few things in the world that has universal revulsion. For truckers, it is doubly so: not only does it take longer to reach a destination, but because most truckers are paid on a per-mile basis, it impacts their paycheck. It is good news then that Georgia’s Department of Transportation (GDOT) is going ahead with work on what it calls the I-75 Commercial Vehicle Lanes (CVL) project.

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FMCSA DataQ

FMCSA Revises DataQ Requirements

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When it comes to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there are numerous databases, so you would not be penalized if you were not fully aware of DataQ, a database that describes itself as, “an FMCSA system that allows users to request and track a review of Federal and State data issued by FMCSA believed to be incomplete or incorrect.” Recently, the FMCSA made an announcement that they were revising how DataQ was going to work, and that states would have to comply to continue receiving funding.

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DAT Reports 2-Year High Spot Rates

DAT Reports 2-Year High Spot Rates

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Every once in a while, an article comes out from some journalist somewhere who mentions that the silver lining of inflation is higher wages. Anyone with a basic understanding in economics knows this is fallacious: what good are higher wages if everything costs more? So when DAT Freight & Analytics mentions that spot rates for truck hauling are at the highest they have been in two years, you may be skeptical to say that is due to recent fuel price increases due to conflict in Iran. While you would be partially correct, there is a real silver lining here where trucking companies and its drivers benefit immensely.

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Baltimore Considers Truck Parking Ban

Baltimore Considers Truck Parking Ban

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When it comes to the truck parking saga, there is always an update. 11 spots per truck going down to 10 spots per truck (estimated), an opening of a variety of spots from both the private and public sector, but worst of all is when we have to report municipalities trying to solve the symptoms of truck parking woes without addressing the underlying cause. The most recent city to take up this position: Baltimore, Maryland.

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Supreme Court Case Broader Implications

Supreme Court Case May Have Broader Trucking Implications

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In December 2017, a commercial vehicle rammed into a legally-parked truck at full speed, severely injuring occupant Shawn Montgomery. Needless to say, he sued the driver and the company he drove for, but he also sued the third-party brokerage firm that hired the transport company and driver, stating that the broker, C.H. Robinson, should have known better than to hire the trucking company in question. Is C.H. Robinson liable for damages? Different states have different answers, but an upcoming Supreme Court case may result in a unified federal decision.

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Transportation Secretary Duffy Speaks

Transportation Secretary Duffy Speaks at Mid-America Trucking Show

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Every year in Louisville, Kentucky, the Mid-America Trucking Show brings truckers and industry stakeholders from all across the country to participate in all things trucking related, whether its chowing down on some good food, admiring custom truck designs, or getting a sneak peak at the latest and greatest technology. Two guests of honor at the event were Sean Duffy, the Secretary of Transportation, and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Administrator Derek Barrs, who both went on to speak a few words about what they and the government were doing to make trucking life easier.

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ATA Asks Congress Nicely About Highway Bill Changes

ATA Asks Congress Nicely About Highway Bill Changes

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It is hard to believe that we are almost five years out from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, meaning that a new surface transportation Bill is going to have to come down the pipeline in order to keep our nation’s wheels spinning. The American Trucking Associations, a key industry stakeholder comprising every state trucking association, has some suggestions.

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Indiana May Plan Toll Road

Indiana May Plan Toll Road on I-70

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Dedicated readers may remember the Rhode Island toll case saga, the current step of which is whether or not it will go to the Supreme Court. With the current ruling being in favor of Rhode Island keeping the tolls in place, other states appear to be taking up the mantle, as the state of Indiana public records show a request from Governor Mike Braun applying for federal approval of making I-70 in Indiana a toll road.

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ATRI Bottlenecks 2026

ATRI Lists Most Bottlenecked Roads for 2026

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Do you like traffic? If you enjoy moving at a turtle’s pace with nothing to hear but blaring horns as drivers try to maneuver around one another, here are the top spots to visit in 2026 according to the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI). Of course, if you have disdain for the practice, knowing these locations can also be helpful in avoiding them.

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DOT Secretary Wants to Streamline State Projects

DOT Secretary Wants to Streamline State Projects

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Inflation. It hits every sector eventually, but currently seems to have hit construction the most. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) estimates that construction costs for road projects have increased by approximately 70% in the last five years. To that end, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy wants to get to work on making infrastructure projects quicker to build so that they do not fall victim to inflation.

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EPA Wants DEF Data

EPA Wants DEF Data

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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken a step back in terms of its raw enforcement ever since the transition to the second Trump Administration from President Joe Biden, but that does not mean the EPA is doing absolutely nothing to manage the environment. In an attempt to balance economic growth with environmental health, the EPA is demanding that original equipment manufacturers submit data on their Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system failures.

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States Consider English Language

States Consider English Language Proficiency Laws

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Until now, all of the hubbub regarding English language proficiency was on the federal level, with the federal government threatening to withhold funding should the state refuse to comply with federal standards. Now, some states, in line with the federal government, are taking a stand and implementing their own state laws regarding use of the English language.

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Class 8 Orders Skyrocket December 2025

Class 8 Orders Skyrocket in December 2025

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It has been a while since we have used that word in the title of an article, “skyrocket.” It was commonplace after the dog days of the COVID-19 Pandemic for the trucking industry to kick back into high gear as months upon months of demand came crashing to dealerships all at once. Now a similar instance has happened, for an entirely different reason, and the verb “skyrocket” is once again justified.

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National Defense Authorization Act

National Defense Authorization Act Would Give Truckers a Boost

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Christmas is just around the corner at the time of writing this, and to that end Congress is hoping to get one last major Bill into law before taking a break. It is a $900 billion policy Bill for the Pentagon and other military spending. Having already passed the House, it now goes to the Senate. Should it pass, there is a lot of wordage in the Bill that will help commercial drivers who work with the federal government.

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FMCSA Removes 3000 Training Providers from Registry

FMCSA Removes 3,000 CDL Training Providers from Registry

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A little under a month ago, we reported how the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) was cracking down on “CDL mills”, training providers who seem to focus on quantity over quality of truckers, in an effort to make the nation’s roads safer. That is exactly what happened in the last month, as the FMCSA has reduced the number of listed training providers on its registry.

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DRIVE Safe Act Puts

DRIVE Safe Act Participation Puts Trucker Shortage into Question

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If you have been paying attention to the trucking industry for any amount of time, chances are the phrase “trucker shortage” has hit your ears. Surely if the trucker shortage were real and fleets were desperate to get their hands on more drivers, there would be an increased demand for younger drivers to be able to cross state lines. The pilot program for under-21 interstate travel led to abysmal results, indicating that maybe fleets are not as strained for drivers as initially thought.

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New York State Bans Empty Trucks

New York State Bans Empty Trucks

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Upon reading the title of this article, you may think this counts as another crazy political power grab built to make the life of the average trucker harder, not unlike the congestion pricing rules that were to go into effect had the federal government not intervened. Rest assured, there is a good reason why the Empire State is prohibiting travel below a certain weight threshold.

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DOT_Threatens_Pennsvlvania

DOT Threatens Pennsylvania Over CDLs

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“Though Duffy has targeted California because it is the most populous state in the nation, home to about 11.5% of all people in the nation, Duffy hopes to expand into turning the screws on other states, a measure he has had difficulty implementing during the government shutdown but may now go into overdrive as Congress found a resolution that will last until the end of January 2026. Now that the government will be back in full force, Duffy’s department may just very well do that.”

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Clean Energy Stakeholders Petition

Clean Energy Stakeholders Petition for Transparent Subsidies

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Generally speaking, electric trucks are more energy efficient than diesel trucks, when comparing the amount of energy it takes to go a mile (effective miles per gallon is the commonly used metric to compare the apples of electricity to the oranges of diesel). With that said, there are many more factors in play when it comes to trucking companies making the decision to transition to electric. Perhaps the biggest one is price.

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FMCSA Targets So-Called “CDL Mills”

FMCSA Targets So-Called “CDL Mills”

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If you have been in the trucking industry for any amount of time, you have likely heard of the “trucker shortage”, the idea that there are not enough commercial drivers on the road to fulfill the transportation needs of the nation. It goes without saying that if this is the case, then surely having more truckers would help alleviate it, but the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) does not want to solve the trucker shortage by letting just anyone get behind the wheel of a big rig.

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CARB Sues Truck Manufacturers

CARB Sues Truck Manufacturers for Potential Contract Violation

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Contracts are an important part of society that keeps things going even when the unpredictable happens. This is why the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is unhappy with a set of four truck manufacturers who agreed to the “Clean Truck Partnership” in 2023 and have now, with a new presidential administration, given hints that they are planning on reneging on the deal.

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DOT Secretary Expands English Enforcement

DOT Secretary Expands English Enforcement

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In a cable interview with Fox News, Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy says that he is turning the screws even further on the trucking industry in regards to enforcing English proficiency as a rule of the road. First, it was going after the truck drivers themselves. Then, it was going after the states that enabled them. Now, the DOT is going one step further by holding shippers accountable if they willingly enter into a contract involving a driver who is not proficient at English.

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Pennsylvania to Perform Aggressive Driving Enforcement Blitz

Pennsylvania to Perform Aggressive Driving Enforcement Blitz

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When it comes to road safety, perhaps three of the biggest risks a driver can take to impact their driving ability are driving while intoxicated, exhausted, or angry. The third one is often overlooked, and because of that Pennsylvania announced that for the next few weeks it was going to be on the lookout for aggressive behaviors on the road and make them even angrier by dishing out citations.

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DOT to Withhold $40 Million in Funding from California

DOT to Withhold $40 Million in Funding from California

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The newest chapter in the California saga unfolds, as last we wrote about the ongoing battle between state and federal government, California was only one of a few states not complying with new regulations regarding issuance of non-domiciled CDLs. However, according to Sean Duffy of the Department of Transportation, California is the only state that is not enforcing the English language requirements on the road, and for every action there is an opposite reaction.

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ATA Writes to Congress Demanding Higher Safety Standards

ATA Writes to Congress Demanding Higher Safety Standards

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You have probably heard murmurs of a trucker shortage if you have been driving on the road for any time longer than two months, but should resolving any supposed lack of workforce come at a compromise of lowering safety standards? American Trucking Associations’ President and CEO Chris Spear wrote to Congress saying that the answer to that question is a resounding “no.”

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FMCSA NonDomiciled

FMCSA Targets Non-Domiciled CDLs

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The war between state and federal governments continue, as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration plans to tighten access to Non-Domiciles Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs), essentially the trucking equivalent of a green card for non-citizens. What does this have to do with state government? A good number of them come from one particular golden state.

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Trucking Tonnage Stays Steady

Trucking Tonnage Stays Steady

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The American Trucking Associations (ATA) tracks tonnage that travels through trucking. It provides the amount of weight being hauled in a given month using an easy-to-read index. The number has been relatively strong as of late, so let us talk about it. Details The trucking tonnage index is a simple formula: 100 is the total […]

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CARB Proposes Emergency Amendments to Defend Regulations

CARB Proposes Emergency Amendments to Defend Regulations

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The battle between the state of California and the federal government in regards to environmental regulations continues, with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) proposing what it calls “emergency amendments” to stop going forward with more regulations but still maintain those established during the Biden Administration from 2021-2024.

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FMCSA Plans Sleeper Berth Pilot Program

FMCSA Plans Sleeper Berth Pilot Program

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The life of a truck driver requires a lot of flexibility, something that regulations can, while intentions are good, get in the way of and make things more difficult for all. To that end, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has announced through the “Pro Trucker Package” two new pilot programs where they will test the effects of new regulations on a small subset of truckers, and, if the data looks good, implement it on the general populace to make trucker life easier to manage.

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FMCSA Revokes Three More ELDs

Trump Administration Vs. Trucking Regulations

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If you thought the first Trump Administration from 2017 was intense in cutting regulations, the second Trump Administration kicks it into hyperdrive. Like Argentina Prime Minister Javier Millei raising a chainsaw in defiance towards the red tape, Trump’s second Administration is ordered to slash 10 regulations for every new one added, a quintuple increase from his first term. Here are the current standings of some of the most contentious topics in the trucking industry, and where they stand as of late 2025.

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DOT Considers Fentanyl Testing

DOT Considers Fentanyl Testing

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It has been referred to as the silent killer. Fentanyl. Normally used in microdoses as an analgesic in hospitals, it has been used by druglords to stretch their supply of narcotics, often to lethal effect. The Department of Transportation (DOT) is now considering adding fentanyl to its list of tested drugs, as it is often described as being an order of magnitude stronger than morphine.

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Speed Limiter Regulation Officially Iced

Speed Limiter Regulation Officially Iced for Four Years Minimum

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The battle of regulations regarding speed regulators is a long-fought war, but those in opposition of it have received some reprieve, as the Department of Transportation (DOT) under the 47th President of the United States Donald Trump has announced that it will not be pursuing speed limiters for the foreseeable future.

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Freight Bridge Between USA and Mexico to Be Built

Freight Bridge Between USA and Mexico to Be Built

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Despite recent tensions between the United States and Mexico regarding various things such as tariffs, money transfer fees, and deportations, Mexico and the USA still remain strong business partners with one another. Millions of dollars worth of goods still travel between the border every day. To that end, the United States has given the green light to a project called Green Corridors, which would be a freight-only bridge connecting Mexico and Texas to cut down commute time for commercial vehicles to virtually zero.

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Trump Rolls Back ObamaEra Emissions Waiver

Trump Rolls Back Obama-Era Emissions Waiver

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One June 12th, 2025, 47th President of the United States Donald Trump signed an order that rules back a regulation from the Obama-era that gave states such as California more leeway in determining its own emission standards for vehicles, ranging from standard 4-wheel passenger vehicles used to commute to work to commercial vehicles that are work.

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Sean Duffy to Reduce Trucking Regulations

Sean Duffy to Reduce Trucking Regulations

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“My department is slashing duplicative and outdated regulations that are unnecessarily burdensome, waste taxpayer dollars, and fail to ensure safety,” Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said in an announcement on May 29th. “These are common-sense changes that will help us build a more efficient government that better reflects the needs of the American people. Big government has been a big failure.”

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FMCSA to Implement Two-Step Test in English Proficiency

FMCSA to Implement Two-Step Test in English Proficiency

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As we established in a previous article, President Donald Trump issued an Executive Order explicitly requiring the enforcement of a prior regulation saying that CDL-holders must understand English. To fulfill that Executive Order, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is planning to implement a test to make sure those who are questioned about their English fluency are able to talk the talk, so to speak.

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ATRI Proposes Alternative to Federal Excise Tax

ATRI Proposes Alternative to Federal Excise Tax

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The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has said on numerous occasions that the Federal Excise Tax (FET) is an inefficient system of collecting money that’s externalities cause it to not be worth the struggle, but seldom does the other side of the equation come into question: the shortfall in funding that removing the FET altogether would bring. ATRI has a solution.

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Sean Duffy Finalizes 76 Projects

Sean Duffy Finalizes 76 Projects

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We have written at great length about Biden-era infrastructure investments, and how things have changed (or in some cases, stayed the same) with the transition to the second Trump Administration. One such case is the lawsuit of sixteen states trying to get money from established funds. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy is working to get those infrastructure projects underway.

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Trump Administration Woke Emissions Regulations

Trump Administration to Repeal “Woke” Emissions Regulations

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When it comes to the trucking industry, it seems that the Trump Administration is taking an approach where actions speak louder than words. Rather than spending time focusing on the nitty-gritty finer details of the inner workings of the trucking industry, the administration of the 47th president is focused on getting goods from Point A to Point B.

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Derek Barrs Considered for FMCSA Administrator Position

Derek Barrs Considered for FMCSA Administrator Position

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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) saga continues, with the previous update to this being Adrienne Camire leaving the FMCSA without a trace.The 47th president has wasted no time finding the next FMCSA Acting Administrator, however, and has tapped a man by the name of Derek Barrs for the position.DetailsThe role of FMCSA Administrator […]

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Adrienne Camire to Lead FMCSA

Adrienne Camire to Lead FMCSA

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On March 7th President Trump appointed Adrienne Camire to be the Deputy Administrator and the Acting Administrator for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).Details“I am pleased to welcome Adrienne Camire as Acting Administrator of FMCSA,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy in a statement regarding Camire’s appointment. “Ms. Camire is a dedicated leader […]

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Federal Government Fights New York on Congestion Pricing

Federal Government Fights New York on Congestion Pricing

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Anyone who has spent an hour in Manhattan knows that it is crowded, which is part of the reason why the state of New York introduced congestion pricing to the lower part of the island. The Trump Administration is fighting back, rescinding previous approval from the prior administration and promising to see the other party in court.

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ATRIs 2025 Worst Truck Bottlenecks

ATRI’s 2025 Worst Truck Bottlenecks

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Traffic can often be seen as a necessary evil, as collisions are negatively correlated with the number of vehicles on the road. Sometimes, however, traffic jams can go too far, and that is what the American Trucking Research Institute (ATRI) tracks every year to find the biggest bottlenecks plaguing the trucking industry.MethodologyThe methodology follows that […]

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EPA Admin Submits Regulatory Rollbacks

EPA Admin Submits Regulatory Rollbacks

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Lee Zeldin, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has submitted waivers to pull back California’s approval for the Advanced Clean Truck and Omnibus NOx regulations that were established under the Biden Administration. How does submitting waivers to Congress actually stop those regulations rather than hurt it? Well, it is complicated.DetailsWe have covered both of […]

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FEMA Opens Service Applications to Truck Fleets

FEMA Opens Service Applications to Truck Fleets

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A hurricane hits North Carolina. A wildfire spreads through southern California. Now that the damage is done, it is time for recovery, something with which the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is all too familiar. To decrease support times in future emergencies that will invariably happen, FEMA is opening itself up to contracts to trucking […]

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New York Considering Reduction in Clean Trucks Regulation

New York Considering Reduction in Clean Trucks Regulation

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It is said that what goes for California eventually goes for the nation, and that seems to be the case with the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Advanced Clean Trucks rule, which required the ramping up of production and sales of zero-emission vehicles. Now that CARB has walked back its rule, other states are following […]

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Department of Energy Grants 68 Million in Charging Projects

Department of Energy Grants $68 Million in Charging Projects

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The new administration may have a philosophy of “drill, baby, drill”, but it does not consider electric vehicles to be completely off the table as an alternative to standard fossil fuels. To that end, the Department of Energy (DOE) is offering $68,000,000 in establishing charging stations for fully electric heavy-duty trucks across the nation.DetailsOne such […]

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California Abandons Advanced Clean Fleet Rule

California Abandons Advanced Clean Fleets Rule

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Unless you have been living under a rock for the past two years, you have heard about the California Air Resource Board (CARB) and their strong plans to make the trucking industry greener. No new diesel trucks by 2036. Illegal to operate a diesel truck by 2042. Well, drivers in or traveling through the Golden State can now rest easier, as CARB has decided to abandon these plans.

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FMCSA Denies Exemption for Driverless Trucks

DOT Releases Recap of Past Four Years

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With the Biden Administration in its final days and the second Trump presidency on the horizon, Biden’s Department of Transportation (DOT) released a list of its accomplishments to the American people so as not to be forgotten with whatever comes next.DetailsExecutive Order 14123 says that a White House Council on Supply Chain Resiliency must release […]

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Trucking Industry Sees Massive Holiday Season

Trucking Industry Sees Massive Holiday Season

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Merry Christmas from all of us at TopMark Funding! It seems as though Santa has left a present under the tree for the industry as a whole, as the National Retail Federation reports expectations of a record-shattering holiday season of deliveries. Details According to the National Retail Federation, sales by dollar are expected to be […]

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Connecticut Announces New Truck Parking

Connecticut Announces New Truck Parking

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In the latest update in the war on truck parking, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced that it is using state funding to build new parking spots across the Constitution State.DetailsCurrently in Connecticut, there are 420 public use commercial truck parking spots, a fraction of what is needed to sustain truckers traveling to and […]

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What Trumps Tariffs Mean for the Trucking Industry

What Trump’s Tariffs Mean for the Trucking Industry

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If you have been following even the slightest bit of political news, you have probably heard that Donald Trump is going to be placing tariffs on Canada, China, and Mexico. What does this mean? Quick Rundown on Tariffs A tariff is a tax imposed on imported goods to serve two purposes: additional revenue for the […]

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Biden Administration Races Against the Clock for Infrastructure Spending

Biden Administration Races Against the Clock for Infrastructure Spending

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As with Biden replacing Trump’s policies before him, Trump will be doing the same in kind to President Biden once his term ends, reverting as much as he can before implementing his own changes to how the country is run. Because it is much harder to stop a moving train when it starts, the Biden […]

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FMCSA Issues State of Emergency for Hurricane Milton

FMCSA Issues State of Emergency for Hurricane Milton

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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has declared a State of Emergency in Florida due to the damage caused by Hurricane Milton. Details Hurricane Milton has come and gone, but its lingering effects, the destruction left in its wake, still persists. To that end, the FMCSA is suspending some regulatory requirements from Parts 390-399 […]

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Texas_Town_Bans_Truck_Parking

Texas Town Bans Truck Parking

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College Station, Texas is the latest in the supposedly cool trend of “solving” the truck parking issue by making truck parking illegal. It will be interesting to see how it goes.Details“Enforcement was delayed until Oct. 1 to ensure a smooth transition and allow appropriate public notification and education through the city’s communication channels, signage, windshield […]

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Bureau of Industry and Security Proposes Foreign Component Ban

Bureau of Industry and Security Proposes Foreign Component Ban

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You may have heard recently in the news talks about potential tariffs, added costs to foreign goods to make them less capable of competing with their domestic counterparts, but what if the foreign goods were prohibited entirely? That is what the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) wants to do with […]

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The Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act

The Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act

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The Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act (TSSMA) is now in the congressional committee for the House of Representatives. Already it has received support from 150 different supply chain organizations to streamline business logistics in the American economy.DetailsNormally congressional bills are tens of thousands of words long, but not this Bill, at least in its current […]

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Biden-Harris Administration Announces CDL Training Grants

Biden-Harris Administration Announces CDL Training Grants

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The Biden-Harris Administration announced on September 20th plans to give $140 million in funding that will be given to states and training programs through the agency’s High Priority (HP) and Commercial Driver’s License Program Implementation (CDLPI) grants.DetailsThe grants are split with $88 million going to HP, and $55 million going to CDLPI.HP is not directly […]

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ATA Fights California Fleet Rule

ATA Fights California Fleet Rule

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Another day, another lawsuit in the name of fighting against potential governmental overreach. This time, it is the American Trucking Associations (ATA) versus California and the California Air Resources Board when it comes to a rule about the transition to electric fleets.DetailsChris Spear said in announcing the lawsuit:“ATA remains adamantly opposed to California’s ill-conceived, unattainable […]

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FMCSA Considers Changing Safety System

FMCSA Considers Changing Safety Rating System

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Jack Van Steenburg, the Assistant Administrator and Chief Safety Officer of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) during the Trump Administration, pointed out a very interesting statistic when speaking at the Heavy Duty Trucking Exchange: despite there being 750,000 motor carriers within the United States, only about 19,000 (or 3%) have gone through the […]

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Colorado Department of Transportation to Revise Speed Limit in Certain Areas

Colorado Department of Transportation to Revise Speed Limit in Certain Areas

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Active readers of trucking industry news may remember the story of Rogel Aguilera-Mederos, whose 2019 collision caused the death of four people and his sentence was reduced from 110 years to 10. Well, the general area where that collision happened is getting a speed limit reduction after another incident occurred recently.DetailsOn August 15th a truck […]

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CTA Abandons AB5 Fight

CTA Abandons AB-5 Fight

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After approximately four years of fighting in various court battles against AB-5’s ramifications on the trucking industry, the California Trucking Association (CTA) is throwing in the towel, but not without a concession from the state of California.DetailsCTA CEO Eric Sauer says that while his organization was unsuccessful in removing AB-5 from the trucking industry, “California […]

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Canada Supply Chain May Grind to Halt

Canada Supply Chain May Grind to Halt

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We seldom write about Canada, so when we do, there is a big enough news story to justify doing so.It seems the Teamsters union cannot come to agreements with Canadian National Railway Company and Canadian Pacific Kansas City, leading to potential events that put the nation’s economy at the risk of a significant slowdown.DetailsBoth sides […]

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Using a Quirk in Batteries to Improve Charging Infrastructure

Using a Quirk in Batteries to Improve Charging Infrastructure

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Batteries are weird. It is the reason why they have not really taken off as a form of power storage until recently (AA batteries, like the ones for a television remote, hold approximately four watt hours). Recent technological developments since the turn of the century have made them more and more practical for various uses, […]

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Clean Fuels Alliance America Sues EPA

Clean Fuels Alliance America Sues EPA

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Delaying regulations seems to be the norm in late 2024, with the EPA pushing biofuel volumes in its Renewable Fuel Standard program to 2026. Clean Fuels Alliance America, and association that advocates for the various fuel types that this would relate to, is now applying a lawsuit to the Environmental Protection Agency. Details Members of […]

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House Introduces 200 Million Parking Bill

House Introduces $200 Million Parking Bill

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Congress is working on drafting the funding and allocation for 2025, and part of that includes funding for the transportation industry, namely, $200 million in truck parking.Details“The committee expects DOT to continue working proactively with the private sector, states and metropolitan planning organizations to address this critical supply chain challenge, to encourage the use of […]

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Congress Fights to Block Department of Labor Rule

Congress Fights to Block Department of Labor Rule

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The United States federal government has the three branches interwoven to make sure that power remains fragmented. One such example is deliberations within the House of Representatives and a provision in a bill that would prohibit the Department of Labor (DOL) from implementing its contractor rule.DetailsThe contractor rule is similar to the AB-5 requirement in […]

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DOT Has No Plans to Change Marijuana Regulations

DOT Has No Plans to Change Marijuana Regulations

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The Biden Administration is working to move marijuana from a Schedule I (heroin) to a Schedule III (testosterone/steroids), but that does not mean that truckers will be able to partake, as clarified by Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigeig.DetailsThe American Trucking Associations (ATA) has been knocking on the DOT’s door asking how this change would impact […]

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Federal Regulators Hear About Predatory Towing

Federal Regulators Hear About Predatory Towing

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Towing companies are often pointed at as a major scapegoat in the trucking industry, but that reputation is not without warrant: predatory towing is perhaps the one thing everyone in the trucking industry despises, such as when they charge for two days when they pull it at 11:59 P.M. To that end, the Department of […]

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Senators Reveal REVEAL Act

Senators Reveal REVEAL Act

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A group of republican senators within Congress are suspicious of the Department of Energy and its system of calculations used to determine an electric vehicle’s miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe). After all, if they have an agenda to push electric vehicles onto the American populace, would they not have a vested interest in making the […]

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FMCSA Issues Safety Funding to All Fifty States

FMCSA Issues Safety Funding to All Fifty States

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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced on June 3rd 2024 that it will be providing $480 million in grant funding to promote vehicular safety, including commercial vehicles, to fifty-six different regions in America.DetailsThe recently announced Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program grant awards are the latest implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, signed into […]

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New Contender Enters Hydrogen Refueling Network Business

New Contender Enters Hydrogen Refueling Network Business

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It will be quite a while before we see hydrogen-powered trucks take the lead ahead of diesel, and the biggest contributor to this fact is the lack of a refueling network. While diesel has a station on nearly every corner, hydrogen refueling centers currently total lower than one hundred, as a conservative estimate. Much like […]

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Mississippi Cracks Down on Predatory Towing Practices

Mississippi Cracks Down on Predatory Towing Practices

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A new law passed by both parts of the state legislature and signed by the governor will be going into effect on July 1st for the Hospitality State, offering more hospitality to all drivers, truckers and passenger vehicles alike (though it is primarily aimed at commercial vehicles), by establishing regulations against predatory towing practices.DetailsSB2635 has […]

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First Commercial Hydrogen Fueling Station to Open in California

First Commercial Hydrogen Fueling Station to Open in California

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April is coming to an end, and with it, the day that FirstElement Fuel opens the world’s first ever commercial hydrogen fueling station approaches ever closer. Set to happen in May 2024, the station marks the beginning of hydrogen refueling infrastructure for the nation.DetailsThe location is set to be near the Port of Oakland, allowing […]

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Biden Administration Provides 1 5 Billion for ZeroEmission Trucks

Biden Administration Provides $1.5 Billion for Zero-Emission Trucks

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The Biden Administration announced in mid-March its plans to build electric corridors across the nation. Now it is putting its money where its mouth is, as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is offering $1.5 billion to various states and municipalities to accelerate the switch to zero-emission vehicles. Details The declaration of this grant money comes […]

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California_Trucking_Groups_Appeal_Latest_AB5_Decision

California Trucking Groups Appeal Latest AB-5 Decision

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Nobody can say that the American trucker is not resilient.You likely remember the previous episode of the California AB-5 saga, where Judge Roger Benitez, previously ruling an injunction against AB-5 for the trucking industry, ruled in favor of AB-5. In that article, we wrote:“Chances are, truckers in California will continue fighting against California’s AB-5 law […]

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Autonomous Vehicles Bill in Kentucky Becomes Law

Autonomous Vehicles Bill in Kentucky Becomes Law

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On April 5th, Governor Andy Beshear vetoed the “AN ACT relating to autonomous vehicles”, but the state House and Senate obtained enough votes each to override the veto, and as such the Bill to allow autonomous driving on Kentucky’s roadways will become a law.DetailsWhen Governor Beshear vetoed the Bill, he argued that there needed to […]

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Talks of More Strategic Petroleum Reserve Sales

Talks of More Strategic Petroleum Reserve Sales

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We at TopMark Funding love to report when gasoline and diesel prices are down, but right now things are looking a bit grim, especially here in California where requirements cause the prices of fuel to be even more expensive than in other parts of the nation. To that end, analysts are predicting another potential sell […]

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Oil Demand to Increase Until 2030 Researchers Claim

Oil Demand to Increase Until 2030, Researchers Claim

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(Play the video to listen to the article) Some of the biggest news in the trucking industry right now is the adoption of greener technologies such as electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, but the adoption rate of greener vehicles amongst the general populace has slowed down in recent years, despite consistently high gas and diesel prices. […]

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FMCSA Issues States of Emergency for Baltimore Bridge Collapse

FMCSA Issues State of Emergency for Baltimore Bridge Collapse

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You probably saw this coming from a mile away, but the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is declaring a State of Emergency in direct response to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. Details The Declaration provides relief from 49 CFR § 395.3 of federal regulations, which is the maximum driving […]

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Another Lawsuit Filed Against Californias Diesel Ban

Another Lawsuit Filed Against California’s Diesel Ban

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The American Free Enterprise Chamber of Commerce (AmFree Chamber) is joining in on the fun of suing the state of California for its regulations that will make it unlawful to drive a diesel-powered vehicle in the state by 2042.DetailsThe lawsuit was filed on April 1st, but it is certainly no joke.The legal arm of AmFree […]

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EPA Turns Screws on Environmental Regulations

EPA Turns Screws on Environmental Regulations

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Do you enjoy reading? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has just released a lengthy 1,155 page report about what it calls Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles – Phase 3.DetailsThe gist of the behemoth document is that it outlines the requirements for various vehicle builds and engine types that the EPA will require sales […]

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Baltimore Bridge Collapses

Baltimore Bridge Collapses

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Francis Scott Key is the writer of the national anthem, the Star Spangled Banner. An important figure in our nation’s history, it is only natural that he had a bridge named after him, located in Baltimore. Disaster struck at the Francis Scott Key Bridge, however, when at approximately 1:28 AM Eastern time on March 26th […]

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Judge Rules Against California AB5 Exemption

Judge Rules Against California AB-5 Trucking Exemption

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The newest chapter in the California AB-5 saga has been released, and it is unfortunately not looking good for the owner-operator.DetailsOn March 15th, California Judge Roger Benitez ruled against the California Trucking Association’s and Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association’s (OOIDA) latest request for injunction.Does the name sound familiar? If you have been following the AB-5 story, […]

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FHA Plans Electric Corridors

Clean Freight Coalition Estimates Cost of Electrification

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It has been almost a full year since we last wrote about the Clean Freight Coalition (CFC), but in that year they have been working in the background studying to determine how much money it would cost to transition the nation’s entire medium-duty and heavy-duty inventory from diesel to electricity. The number is not pretty.DetailsThe […]

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FHA Plans Electric Corridors

FHA Plans Electric Corridors

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It is no surprise to anyone working with both electric and diesel that the refueling network for the latter grossly outperforms the former, and as such operating a fully electric fleet is currently economically unviable. To that end, the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) is working to create corridors, specific highways that have guaranteed charging for […]

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Trucking on Mars

Trucking on Mars

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The year is 2819. The red planet has been completely terraformed and colonized as the second planet for humanity. After a shipment of the finest cheese comes from Switzerland, Earth by way of cargo ship, it must then go to its final destination on the fourth planet from the sun, and truckers are the way […]

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Congress Reviews Department of Labor Rule

Congress Reviews Department of Labor Rule

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You might remember how we wrote about the impending lawsuit coming from Louisiana regarding independent contractor classification and how it will have negative effects on the trucking industry, but the judicial branch is not the only check and balance impeding the Department of Labor. Now, Congress wants in on the action.DetailsRepresentative Kevin Kiley, a Republican […]

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Fully Autonomous Truck Yard Operational in Texas

Fully Autonomous Truck Yard Operational in Texas

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ISEE, a technology company researching automatic driving for commercial vehicles, has announced that it is working with an unnamed Fortune 100 customer in Texas and has a fully autonomous truck yard operating. What are the implications?DetailsWith 1.7 million square feet and 750 different trucking bays, the facility is able to buzz with work day or […]

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FMCSA to Revamp CLP to CDL Pipeline

FMCSA to Revamp CLP to CDL Pipeline

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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that, if passed, will loosen regulations on Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) holders as they transition to obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). That is a lot of acronyms, but the real potential problem is what effect this will have on […]

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ATRI Wants to Hear About Detention

ATRI Wants to Hear About Detention

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The number one reason everyone gets into the trucking industry is because they want to spend dozens upon dozens of unpaid hours every year waiting at loading bays before they can hit the open road. As such, we are flabbergasted that the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) plans to conduct research on the negative impacts […]

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Robin Hutcheson Steps Down from FMCSA Administrator

Robin Hutcheson Steps Down from FMCSA Administrator

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The role of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Administrator is looking more and more like a carousel all the time, as Robin Hutcheson announced that she is stepping down from the position.Details“It has been the most profound honor to serve in the Biden-Harris Administration, and I am grateful to President Biden for appointing me […]

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California to Lose Tax Revenue Over Diesel Ban

California to Lose Tax Revenue Over Diesel Ban

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It seems like when it comes to trucking under strict Californian regulations, truckers can never seem to get a break. It seems their ban on operation of diesel vehicles by 2042 will have reverberating effects, as the decreased tax revenue from gasoline and diesel fuel taxes will lead to worse road conditions.DetailsThe news comes from […]

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Department of Labor Plans to Move Toward AB-5 Style Law

Department of Labor Plans to Move Toward AB-5-Style Law

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Readers who have been following trucking news for a while now are fully aware of California’s Assembly Bill 5: originally intended to curb “gig economy” jobs like DoorDash, it is now used to curb driving under the Authority of another carrier.A similar rule has been entered into the Federal Register, and unless things change, the […]

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Some States Decry Autonomous Trucking Others Embrace It

Some States Decry Autonomous Trucking, Others Embrace It

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The Department of Transportation and the larger federal government as a whole have left the concept of autonomous vehicles, trucks included, to be a states rights issue. As a direct result, states have differing opinions on the up-and-coming technology.Texas Embraces ItTexas has had legislation on the books supporting autonomous trucking since 2017, but now it […]

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21 States Sue Biden Administration Over Emission Regulations

21 States Sue Biden Administration Over Emission Regulations

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A coalition of 21 different states has banded together to sue the Biden Administration over the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) latest rules regarding truck emissions. They say that the Biden Administration has overstepped its constitutional powers.DetailsThe states that are joining in this lawsuit are:Kentucky (Where the lawsuit is taking place)AlabamaAlaskaArkansasFloridaIdahoIndianaIowaKansasMississippiMontanaNebraskaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaUtahVirginiaWest VirginiaWyomingThe plaintiffs […]

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Vivek_Ramaswamy_Speaks_at_Worlds_Largest_Truckstop

Vivek Ramaswamy Speaks at World’s Largest Truckstop

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The 2024 Republican presidential candidate who is also a billionaire spoke at the World’s Largest Truckstop in Iowa to talk about what he would do regarding regulations within the trucking industry.Was our description of the candidate not apt enough to properly discern? To be more specific: it was Vivek Ramaswamy.DetailsThe Republican hopeful on his campaign […]

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Walmart to Install Electric Charging Network

Walmart to Install Electric Charging Network

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Walmart is the largest retailer in the United States, and soon may become the owner of the largest private network of electric charging stations in the nation as well.DetailsCurrently, Walmart has 1,300 charging stations at 280 locations, but that means that there are approximately 4,420 Walmart stores that do not have any charging stations. Vishel […]

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CARB to Hold Off on Enforcement of 2024 Regulation

CARB to Hold Off on Enforcement of 2024 Regulation

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The California Air Resources Board (CARB) continues to be the star of the news within the trucking industry, as it has sent a letter to the California Trucking Association (CTA) that it will not be pursuing enforcement of the Advanced Clean Fleets Regulation until the Environmental Protection Agency rules on its validity. Details The Advanced […]

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United States to Develop Hydrogen Hubs

United States to Develop Hydrogen Hubs

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The federal government wants to make the transition to cleaner fuels now, rather than later, and to that extent is providing $7 billion in funding to establish ten regional hydrogen hubs: power plants where the fuel source will be generated. The result may just help the trucking industry make numerous years worth of progress for […]

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Iowa and Wyoming to Receive Parking Funding

Iowa and Wyoming Receive Parking Funding

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We at TopMark Funding love to hear about more parking spots, so we are excited to report that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is earmarking money to give to the Iowa Department of Transportation and Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) in the pursuit of more public parking spaces for commercial trucks.DetailsThe funding comes from […]

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Japanese Cargo Van Manufacturer Innovates Future Deliveries

Japanese Cargo Van Manufacturer Innovates Future Deliveries

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Commercial vehicles haul approximately 70% of the nation’s freight and are invaluable when it comes to emergencies such as hurricanes and earthquakes that cut off vital infrastructure, requiring the delivery of important supplies such as blankets, drinking water, and petroleum fuels, but HW Electro, a Japanese car maker, has thought of a new thing its […]

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Washington Bridge in Rhode Island Undergoes Emergency Repairs

Washington Bridge in Rhode Island Undergoes Emergency Repairs

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It started off as an expansion project to expand the Washington Bridge in Providence, Rhode Island on the I-95. While the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) hoped to keep the bridge fully open during the construction project, an unfortunate discovery is going to cause traffic to approach a standstill.DetailsWhile hammering at reconstruction on the […]

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Indiana to Spend $600 Million on Truck Parking Spots

Indiana to Spend $600 Million on Truck Parking Spots

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Very recently, we wrote about the increased enforcement against illegal truck parking in Greenwood, Indiana, wherein we said:“With some forms of government working to alleviate the problem of truck parking (such as Arizona) and others (like Greenwood) fighting only the symptoms, it will be interesting to see how things turn out in the years to […]

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NHTSA to Require Impairment Checking Technology

NHTSA to Require Impairment Checking Technology

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On Tuesday, December 12th, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced plans that it is working on creating standards for technology to check if the drivers of passenger vehicles are intoxicated or otherwise impaired before the car can move normally.DetailsThe device is required as a part of the massive Infrastructure Investment and Jobs […]

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USDOT Announces 1.5Billion in Grants

USDOT Announces $1.5 Billion in Grants

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On November 30th Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttgieg announced that, through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) initiative, the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) is offering up to $1.5 billion in federal grant money to improve infrastructure and fortify the supply chain for 2024. Details “Across the country, I have seen […]

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Connectiut Ignores Californias Advanced Clean Truck Regulation

Connecticut Ignores California’s Advanced Clean Truck Regulation

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The timing is impeccable how around the same time that we published an article regarding states that are following in California’s footsteps in promoting green energy commercial vehicles by standing against fossil fuel vehicles such as diesel that Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont withdrew proposed regulations that would have banned fossil fuel vehicles in the Constitution […]

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Other States Follow Californias Advanced Clean Truck Regulation

Other States Follow California’s Advanced Clean Truck Regulation

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It is often said that where California goes, so does the nation. That seems to be the case with the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and their Advanced Clean Truck Regulation, which requires truck manufacturers to start selling a specific percentage of their trucks as zero-emission vehicles in 2024, with the percentage slowly increasing until […]

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Calexico Border Crossing to Expand

Calexico Border Crossing to Expand

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On November 15th, officials from California, the United States federal government, and Mexico convened in Calexico to cut the ribbon on a General Services Administration (GSA) project that would expand the bridge there.DetailsThe Calexico East Land Port of Entry, the formal name for the bridge, connects Calexico, California with Mexicali, Mexico. It is located approximately […]

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Highway Construction Costs Skyrocket

Highway Construction Costs Skyrocket

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Inflation is everywhere; that much is obvious. But one place that it appears to be hitting stronger than in other areas is the cost of repairing and building new roads for the nation’s lifeblood: highways.DetailsThe Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has what it calls the National Highway Construction Cost Index (NHCCI), which you can see a […]

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Mack Strike Ends

Mack Strike Ends

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There were a lot of strikes in the news these past few months, so we kept our eyes on this story while it unfolded but refrained from writing about it until it resolved. Well, here we are, the United Auto Workers (UAW) has reached a bargaining agreement with Mack Trucks.DetailsAfter a thirty-nine day strike, the […]

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Kentucky Issues State of Emergency for Wildfire

Kentucky Issues State of Emergency for Wildfire

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In the first instance since the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) had updated the rules regarding States of Emergency, Governor Andy Beshar of Kentucky has signed off on one that applies to truckers.DetailsThe entire Declaration can be read on the relevant webpage. It starts by mentioning drought that is causing wildfires to emerge statewide, […]

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I10 Fire Update

I-10 Fire Update

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We wrote yesterday about the fire that took place under a bridge along Interstate 10 in Los Angeles. Now, more details have unfolded.Those DetailsIn his latest statement regarding the I-10 closure, California Governor Gavin Newsom reports that investigators have determined that the fire of wooden pallets was caused by arson, meaning that someone did it […]

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Ode to the Veteran Trucker

Ode to the Veteran Trucker

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Veteran’s Day has come and gone, and unfortunately for us fell on a weekend this year, so we did not publish an article to celebrate, but we hope that publishing one now is timely enough to pay our respects to these warriors-turned-road-warriors.DetailsAccording to the United States Census Bureau, five percent of the nation’s workforce comprises […]

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Biden Administration Grants 82.6 Million for 46 States

Biden Administration Grants $82.6 Million for 46 States

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One of the few line items that are generally bipartisan for federal spending is infrastructure, such as roads. It is a good thing that on October 27th, the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) has announced spending plans for 46 different states in the nation and Puerto Rico in an effort to increase road safety.Details“Whether […]

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California to Create New Database on Trucks

California to Create Database on Trucks

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It seems the California Air Resources Board (CARB) simply cannot stop regulating the trucking industry. Stemming from a state bill from 2019, CARB is now collecting data on non-gasoline trucks, buses, and other heavy-duty vehicles.DetailsThis mandate applies to all trucks that perform business in California, regardless of whether or not the truck and its fleet’s […]

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Pennsylvania to Adopt California Emissions Standards

Pennsylvania to Adopt California Emissions Standards

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Trucking news has been alight with worry ever since California announced its eventual diesel truck ban, including with the California Truckers Association’s plan to sue the California Air Resources Board. But while some people oppose the new regulations, others are welcoming them with open arms, such as the state of Pennsylvania.DetailsThe move to ban diesel […]

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ATRI Estimates Cost of Traffic

ATRI Estimates Cost of Traffic

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Clearly, the best part of being a trucker is no doubt spending time in traffic. Nothing is more enjoyable than watching vehicles heading the other direction on the highway zooming by as you fight painstakingly for every inch!The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) decided to estimate the cost of traffic to the economy in 2021, […]

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ATRI Releases Top Trucking Industry Concerns for 2023

ATRI Releases Top Trucking Industry Concerns 2023

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Not too long ago, we informed you that the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) was conducting survey research about the biggest issues plaguing the trucking industry. Now, the results have been released and to quote James Carville, “It’s the economy, stupid.”MethodologyThe way by which they accumulated their data is the same as last year’s survey: […]

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CTA Sues CARB

CTA Sues CARB

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You might remember the defense that the California Trucking Association (CTA) and other industry stakeholders used when first fighting against California AB-5, that being, it butts against the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act (F4A) of 1994, dealing in interstate commerce. While the AB-5 case did not make it to a Supreme Court hearing, that is […]

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Used Truck Auction Rates Fluctuate in August 2023

Used Truck Auction Rates Fluctuate in August 2023

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In an unexpected turn of events, J.D. Valuation Services reports that model years at the auction decreased in value if they were newer and increased if they were older. It is quite the interesting phenomenon.August 2023 Used Auction NumbersModel year 2021: $63,375. This is a decrease of $599 (0.9%) from July.2020: $59,543, a drop of […]

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Trucking_Employment_Drops_then_Levels_Off_in_August_and_September_2023

Trucking Employment Drops Then Levels Off in August and September 2023

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It appears that the numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) have been going every-which-way in the past few months. Here are the preliminary numbers for those two months, circa October 2023.Employment NumbersWe last reported that July 2023 employment was 1,604,300. This has since been updated so that the final number is 1,600,900.August 2023’s […]

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FMCSA to Revise Emergency Rules

FMCSA to Revise Emergency Rules

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We write about State of Emergency Declarations all the time here at TopMark Funding, but it seems the number of them and to what extent they cover are about to decrease, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).DetailsOn October 10th, the FMCSA released a Final Rule that is set to reduce the number […]

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California Governor Vetoes Autonomous Truck Ban

California Governor Vetoes Autonomous Truck Ban

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In a surprising move, California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed Assembly Bill 316, which would require autonomous vehicles to have a capable driver on alert at all times, effectively making it no longer autonomous.DetailsWe wrote about this earlier in September 2023. The California government works a lot like the United States’ legislative branch, where if […]

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FMCSA in Trouble with Another Agency

FMCSA in Trouble with Another Agency

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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is finding itself under fire from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), saying that the agency dealing with commercial vehicle safety needs to set better standards in handling complaints.DetailsThe full report, which you can read on the GAO’s relevant webpage, spans sixty pages, but the entire debacle can be […]

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More Tropical Storms Bring More Emergency Declarations

More Tropical Storms Bring More Emergency Declarations

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The East Coast really is getting a hard time this hurricane season. The number of states near the Atlantic Ocean that have declared a State of Emergency in response to watery winds has increased from seven to ten.MarylandMaryland is worried about general nasty weather, including “inland flooding and isolated tornadoes”, and to that extent the […]

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Emergency Declaration Waivers for Hurricane Lee

Emergency Declaration Waivers for Hurricane Lee

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More hurricane news! This time, the hurricane is hitting the northeast, and some states are already declaring emergencies to be ahead of the curve, before Lee hits land as a category five hurricane.MaineMaine’s State of Emergency Declaration, which you can read on the relevant FMCSA webpage, does not directly pertain to truckers. Instead, it is […]

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Used Truck Auction Rates Mostly Drop for July 2023

Used Truck Auction Rates Mostly Drop for July 2023

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J.D. Valuation Services has given another update on the prices that used Class 8 vehicles are going for at auction. For the most part, the data is to be expected: as vehicles get older, their value decreases. One model year, however, has bucked that trend.July 2023 NumbersModel year 2021: $63,974, which is $12,420 (16.3%) lower […]

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Department of Transportation Announces Truck Parking Grants

Department of Transportation Announces Truck Parking Grants

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If you have been a part of the trucking industry for any length of time, you are no doubt aware about the parking problem: the dearth of legal parking spots for commercial vehicles that cause truckers to spend over an hour finding a spot, or worse, parking in illegal and unsafe locations. Congress has introduced […]

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MoDOT Intentionally Explodes Bridge

MoDOT Intentionally Explodes Bridge

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If you are in the mood to watch some good old fashioned destruction, the fine folks over at the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) have you covered.DetailsOn September 10th, MoDOT set off explosives on the supports of the Rocheport Bridge, causing it to collapse. The bridge is located near Columbia, Missouri and takes the I-70 […]

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California AB316 May Ban Autonomous Trucks

California AB-316 May Ban Autonomous Trucks

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We still have a long way to go before commercial vehicles become fully autonomous and remove the human driver entirely from the equation, but that is not stopping California from getting ahead of the curve by…trying to limit it? Yes, the state normally known for technological innovation is now trying to legislate autonomous trucks away […]

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ATR Wants to Hear Your Top 2023 Trucking Issues

ATRI Wants to Hear Your Top 2023 Trucking Issues

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The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), which provides the industry with various types of helpful information, is now collecting data from industry stakeholders about their biggest concerns for the future of trucking to compile in their annual report.DetailsThis is the nineteenth time that the ATRI is doing its Top Industry Issues Survey. If you would […]

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Autonomous Truck Stop Opens in Georgia

Autonomous Truck Stop Opens in Georgia

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Are you ready for the future? It is still numerous decades away, but that is not stopping Kodiak Robotics from forming a partnership with the Pilot Company to create a station that will support autonomous vehicles.DetailsThe new station is located on a standard truck stop in Villa Rica, Georgia. The planned uses for it include […]

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Section 179 Deduction 2023

Section 179 Deduction 2023

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,000,000 in trucks, has a 25% average tax rate, and generates 0,000 in income for the year, the maximum your business can claim in deductions is 0,000. Fortunately, the additional 0,000 in deductions can be carried over to the next year. Software must have non-exclusive use. Purchasing tax preparation software from a retailer is eligible […]

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FMCSA to Reconsider California and Washington Break Rules

FMCSA to Reconsider California and Washington Break Rules

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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), one of the leading regulators of the trucking industry, said that California’s and Washington’s rules regarding breaks did not apply to truckers. They are instead under the jurisdiction of federal regulations. This declaration happened in 2018 during the Trump Administration, and as such the current establishment is heavily […]

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Sacramento Airport to Get Electric Charging Depot

Sacramento Airport to Get Electric Charging Depot

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Sacramento is a stone’s throw away from our headquarters in Roseville, California, so we are excited to hear and to report that the Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is getting an infrastructure investment that will help bring electric trucks one step closer to becoming the mainstream form of trucking fuel.DetailsWattEV, a company from Long Beach, is […]

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Truck Sales for April May and June 2023 Remain_Steady

Truck Sales for April, May, and June 2023 Remain Steady

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Remember when we used to provide you with updates regarding the number of truck orders for each month? There are two reasons why we have been lingering in reporting this for the past quarter. The first is that there may be a difference between the preliminary numbers and the final numbers reported for the month, […]

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Yellow Declares Bankruptcy

Yellow Declares Bankruptcy

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We had written about how Yellow has been going through some turmoil lately, how there were threats of a union strike from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) and how it was averted when Central States granted clemency for Yellow. Because the issue had to do with Yellow being unable to meet some of its […]

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International Roadcheck 2023 Results

International Roadcheck 2023 Results

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The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) International Roadcheck 2023 has come and gone during the May 16th-18th. This is what they found.ResultsIn total, almost 60,000 vehicles were inspected in the three days. That is roughly the same that it was last year, at approximately thirteen per minute.116,669 violations were found, meaning on average every inspection […]

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Traffic Fatalities on the Decline

Traffic Fatalities on the Decline

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) believes its compiled statistics for the start of 2023 brings some good news for the future of traveling on the road, not just for 4-wheelers, but for trucking as well.DetailsNHTSA estimates that in the first quarter of 2023, there were 9,330 traffic fatalities. In a vacuum this may […]

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Truck Manufacturers Reach Agreement with CARB

Truck Manufacturers Reach Agreement with CARB

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You may remember how we have been reporting that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is placing some of the strictest truck emission regulations in the entire world. Now, CARB has reached an agreement with other truck manufacturers under the banner of the Clean Truck Partnership.DetailsMembers of the new Clean Truck Partnership include:CarbFordNavistarPACCARVolvo Group North […]

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Trucking Stakeholders Oppose Labor Secretary Nomination

Trucking Stakeholders Oppose Labor Secretary Nomination

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As of the time of writing, Julie Su is going through the nomination process to become the Secretary of the Department of Labor, where she will lead numerous faucets of government such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Her nomination has been a tumultuous one, with many trucking industry organizations voicing dissent against making her […]

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Trucking_Suffers_from_Bad_Passwords

Trucking Suffers from Bad Passwords

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NordPass, one of the largest cybersecurity firms on the planet, has released data regarding its transportation clients’ passwords. No specific data was given out, but the general consensus is that you all really need to work on your passwords.DetailsAccording to NordPass, here are the most common passwords used in the transportation industry:[Company Name]password123456[Company’s email domain].comaaron431[Company […]

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New Government Website Shows Infrastructure Investment

New Government Website Shows Infrastructure Investment

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If there is one issue that unites (almost) all Americans, it is investment in infrastructure such as our roads. The Biden Administration has released a website that is intended to track just that.DetailsThe website, located at “invest.gov”, is now available for the public to see how the government says that it is spending your taxpayer […]

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FMCSA Wants to End COVID19 CDL Waiver

FMCSA Wants to End COVID-19 CDL Waiver

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The primary State of Emergency exemption from the COVID-19 pandemic, the one regarding waiving hours-of-service requirements within reason, has long since passed, but its smaller brother, a waiver that enables some third-party CDL skill tests examiners to also conduct CDL knowledge tests, is still ongoing. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) wants to stop […]

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Trucking Jobs Experience Slight Uptick in May 2023

Trucking Jobs Experience Slight Uptick in May 2023

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Another month, another update regarding the trucking industry job numbers, courtesy of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).May 2023 NumbersInitial estimate for May 2023 is 1,609,200.Revised number for April 2023 is 1,608,600. This is a slight decrease from the initial estimation of 1,612,500.Final employment count for March 2023 is 1,607,600. Last month it was estimated […]

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Congress Votes for EPA Rollback

Congress Votes for EPA Rollback

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On Tuesday May 23rd, the House of Representatives voted 221 to 203 in favor of revoking the Environmental Protection Agency’s recently listed Heavy Duty Truck Rule. With the Senate recently voting similarly, albeit with a slimmer majority, it now goes across Joe Biden’s desk.DetailsRecently, the EPA has listed two standards, one for 2027 and another […]

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CTA and OOIDA Prepare New Battle_Against_AB5

CTA and OOIDA Prepare New Battle Against AB-5

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AB-5, a law regarding the classification of workers depending on a variety of standards, may be the law of the land in the most populous state, California, but that is not stopping the trucking industry from challenging it from applying to the industry. Now, the California Trucking Association (CTA) and Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) […]

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Will AEB Regulation Come to Trucking

Will AEB Regulation Come to Trucking?

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If you have watched television in the last decade or so, there is a pretty good chance you have seen a commercial regarding automatic emergency brakes (AEB) in 4-wheel cars.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fAGGlVhRUkYou may even have the feature in your own car. Is it possible that it will become a standard requirement on heavy-duty trucks? All indicators point […]

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AntiSpeed Limiter Bill Introduced to Congress

Anti-Speed Limiter Bill Introduced to Congress

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When it comes to speed limiters, it is the same old song and dance. Regulators from the executive branch of the United States government want them, and industry stakeholders hate them. A new bill introduced into a Committee in Congress may cause the legislative branch to exert some power on its brother.DetailsThe Deregulating Restrictions on […]

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ATRI Announces Research Projects for 2023

ATRI Announces Research Projects for 2023

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The American Transportation Research Institute (ARTI) is a nonprofit that conducts research to obtain information that may better the trucking industry. On May 5th, the ATRI’s board reviewed and approved research topics that ATRI’s Research Advisory Committee said needed observation. This is what they plan to study for the rest of 2023.Truck ParkingWith truck parking […]

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Hyundai to Bring Fuel Cell Trucks to United States

Hyundai to Bring Fuel Cell Trucks to United States Market

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The race for green energy trucking is a worldwide phenomenon, and South Korean manufacturing company Hyundai is one of the global contenders that is now hoping to get its foot in the door within the United States market with its new fuel cell trucks.DetailsOn Tuesday, May 2nd, Hyundai Motor Company announced that it would be […]

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Trucker Path Determines Worst Region for Truck Parking

Trucker Path Determines Worst Region for Truck Parking

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When a private application on a smartphone takes your private data, sometimes it is not to sell you more products through advertisements. Sometimes, the data can be used to discover valuable information to solve problems. This is what the developers behind Trucker Path, a company designed around solving problems for the trucking industry, have decided […]

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California Goes Beyond the Pale with Emission Regulations

California Goes Beyond the Pale with Emission Regulations

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Go big or go home, right?We have written before about how the California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced plans to require half of new trucks to be fully electric when 2035 comes around, but recent changes make that ambitious benchmark appear tame in comparison.DetailsNow, CARB has voted unanimously in favor of stricter regulations.By 2036, all […]

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Truck Stops Offering Deals on Inspections

Truck Stops Offering Deals on Inspections

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With the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) upcoming International Roadcheck, some travel stations that also offer maintenance are hoping to cash in on the event by offering their repair services to fleets and truckers.Love’s Travel StopsAs of the time of publishing, Love’s Truck Care is offering a free TirePass service (tire inflation and inspection) with […]

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California Considers Driverless Truck Ban

California Considers Driverless Truck Ban

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The most populated state in the nation, California always seems to be in the news when it comes to the trucking industry. Usually it involves regulations that make trucking harder, but depending on how you look at this one, it could easily be seen as something beneficial to drivers.DetailsCalifornia’s legislative system works similarly to the […]

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Industry Stakeholders Sound off on Environmental Regulations

Industry Stakeholders Sound off on Environmental Regulations

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The trucking industry is no stranger to being a scapegoat for pollution, what with the stereotype of the big diesel truck shooting out plumes of smoke with every tire rotation, so the Biden-Harris administration is both taking drastic steps itself to curb emissions, while also authorizing states such as California to go even further beyond. […]

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ATRI Wants Truckers Opinions on Marijuana

ATRI Wants Truckers Opinions on Marijuana

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The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) is once again asking truckers for their opinions, this time on a more controversial topic: the use of legalized marijuana while having a trucking career. Details The survey is not asking if drivers should be allowed to drive while under the influence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, the compound in marijuana […]

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Kodiak Creates Simple Solution to an Autonomous Problem

Kodiak Creates Simple Solution to an Autonomous Problem

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Before we start seeing fully autonomous trucks buzzing around on the nation’s highways, there are dozens, if not hundreds, of hurdles that the technology will have to overcome. One of them is the maintenance of the hardware systems that tell the self-driving truck where everything is. Kodiak Robotics, a startup trying to be the first […]

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Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act Reaches House

Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act Reaches House

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In December, we wrote about how the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act was gaining momentum within the United States Senate, but also mentioned that it was only the first step to actually getting any legislation done, as it would need to go through the House of Representatives as well. That is happening now.DetailsThe Truck Parking […]

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Clean Freight Coalition Founded

Clean Freight Coalition Founded

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It is no surprise to anyone that federal regulations are becoming stricter and stricter in regards to emissions from the transportation industry, especially regarding Class 8 trucks. While nobody is against cleaner air, some trucking industry stakeholders believe a more modest approach to the problem is the key to balancing economic and environmental interests. Out […]

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The Ultimate Guide To Choosing The Right Dump Truck

The Ultimate Guide To Choosing The Right Dump Truck

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Dump trucks come in all different shapes and sizes, axle requirements, engine types, body styles, materials, and even your dump truck’s transmission are all factors that need to be considered. Luckily, this article breaks it all down for you, starting with, what is a dump truck?  In this article, we will cover the different parts […]

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KnightSwift Purchases US Express

Knight-Swift to Purchase U.S. Xpress

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In what might be the largest business deal in the trucking industry that we will see this decade, Knight-Swift, one of the largest fleets in the nation, has decided to purchase U.S. Xpress, a smaller but still significantly large truck fleet, to the tune of $800 million.Acquisition DetailsKnight-Swift is acquiring the smaller company in the […]

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California Tests Light Autonomous Trucks Leaves Class 8 on Shelf

California Tests Light Autonomous Trucks, Leaves Class 8 on Shelf

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In many ways, TopMark Funding’s home state of California is ahead of the curve, such as with stringent engine bans. However, there is one area of interest that California is lagging behind upon when compared to other states such as Arizona and Texas, and that is that it currently forbids the testing of larger vehicles.DetailsThe […]

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Driverwyze to Add Pennsylvania to Bypass System

Driverwyze to Add Pennsylvania to Bypass System

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Driverwyze, a company that works with the Department of Transportation and other enforcement agencies on the road, is adding Pennsylvania to the list of states that it serves for bypassing weigh stations for truckers.DetailsDriverwyze’s PreClear system enables drivers, either through ELD, tablet, or phone, to skip weigh stations and other inspection stations in a legal […]

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Avia Outlines Regulatory Reccomendations

AVIA Outlines Regulatory Recommendations

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The Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association (AVIA), knowing that the federal government is going to regulate them eventually, has taken a proactive approach to its problem by outlining suggestions on what it thinks the government can do to help autonomous technology flourish while keeping people safe.DetailsYou can read the entire 12 page document at the relevant […]

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FMCSA Closes Clearinghouse Loophole

FMCSA Closes Clearinghouse Loophole

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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse is the system by which the federal government tracks commercial drivers’ use of mind-altering drugs, and, should their licenses be revoked, how far along in the steps the driver is in being able to return to service. However, there was a loophole that a […]

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CVSA Updates OutofService HoursofService Rules

CVSA Updates Out-of-Service Hours-of-Service Rules

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The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) is revising its rules regarding hours-of-service (HoS) violations that lead to out-of-service (OoS) declarations. In doing this, the CVSA hopes to allow more truckers on the road without compromising safety.Cooking the BooksDriving beyond the standard HoS does not normally lead to an OoS violation, it is the proven act […]

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Republican Senators Fight Against EPA Truck Rule

Republican Senators Fight Against EPA Truck Rule

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Remember when we talked about the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards regarding trucks in model years 2027 and beyond? Well now there are senators seeking to overturn the rulings. EPA Rule Details and Opposition As a quick reminder, some of the changes for 2027 models and beyond include: Warranties for trucks must be increased from […]

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ATA TMCs 2023 TTE Starts February 27th

ATA TMC’s 2023 TTE Starts February 27th

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We know that the title has plenty of acronyms, so allow us to elaborate. The American Trucking Association (ATA) has a Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC) which will be hosting its annual meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition (TTE) on February 27th.Transportation Technology Exhibition DetailsThe event will run for four days at the Orange County Convention […]

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FMCSA Revoking ELDs Shows Flaws in Current System

FMCSA Revoking ELDs Shows Flaws in Current System

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In the last two weeks the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has revoked three Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) of their certification status. Drivers who had one of these three types of ELDs are required to use paper logs until they can obtain a suitable replacement. This situation highlights a serious issue in the ELD […]

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Labor Unions Advocate in California Against Autonomous Vehicles

Labor Unions Advocate in California Against Autonomous Vehicles

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Autonomous trucks are still numerous decades away from fully replacing the human driver, but that has not stopped labor unions representing truckers in California from petitioning the state Legislature to put in regulations that protect California’s truckers from becoming displaced by the technology.Autonomous AutomobileCalifornia already has set rules in place regarding self-driving vehicles that weigh […]

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Court Rules Over Intermodal Chassis Choice Case

Court Rules Over Intermodal Chassis Choice Case

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Since August 2020, there has been an ongoing lawsuit between the American Trucking Associations’ Intermodal Motor Carriers Conference (IMCC) and numerous ocean carrier equipment organizations over the required use of specified intermodal chassises rather than truckers any chassis that fits specifications. Recently, a Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) administrative law judge ruled that this practice was […]

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What a truck of the future may look like: fully electric and fully autonomous.

FMCSA Asks for Public Opinion on Autonomous Trucks

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Autonomous trucks are no doubt still far into the future, but that has not stopped the Federal Motor Safety Administration (FMCSA) from preparing to regulate them. They have announced a Supplemental Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (SANPRM) where they request public feedback on how self-driving trucks should be regulated as they become more common.DetailsThe SANPRM […]

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Auction_Rates_Decrease_on_Used_Trucks_in_December_2022

Auction Rates Decrease on Used Trucks in December 2022

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J.D. Valuation Services is happy to report that the data they have collected show used Class 8 trucks are continuing their market correction from the highs earlier in the year and in 2021.December 2022 NumbersUsually one or two model years will go against the general trend as with what happened in November 2022, but the […]

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Trailer Sales for both November and December 2022 Beat Prior Year

Trailer Sales for both November and December 2022 Beat Prior Year

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Can we interest you in a double feature? The trucking industry has lately been firing on all cylinders, and trailer sales have not been an exception to the rule. Unlike the rest of the trucking industry, December saw an acceleration of trailer sales. ACT Research has the numbers.November and December 2022 Trailer SalesAccording to ACT […]

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Analysts Predict Truck Part Prices to Rise Slower

Analysts Predict Truck Part Prices to Rise Slower

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On January 16th there was an event called the Heavy Duty Aftermarket Dialogue (HDAD) conference in Texas. HDAD describes itself on its website as, “an outlook conference specifically directed toward the heavy duty aftermarket supplier industry.” One of the presenters there was MacKay & Company, which is similar to FTR and ACT Research but focusing […]

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Trucking Jobs Increase in December 2022

Trucking Jobs Increase in December 2022

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The trucking industry has been hard at work these last few months due to the holiday season. As a direct result, fleets were scrambling to get more bodies into their trucks. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has the numbers.December 2022 NumbersDecember 2022’s preliminary estimate stands at 1,601,500. This is either the third or fourth […]

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BTS Releases 2020 Transportation Statistics Annual Report

BTS Releases 2020 Transportation Statistics Annual Report

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2020 was certainly a special year. A recently released report from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) can give us some insight into how the year that most people stayed home impacted the trucking industry.Facts & FiguresThe entire document is over 230 pages long and covers many various aspects of the transportation industry, including freight […]

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Kodiak Robotics Trains Autonomous Trucks for Emergencies

Kodiak Robotics Trains Autonomous Trucks for Emergencies

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There are dozens upon dozens of different obstacles that autonomous trucking needs to overcome before it can become a reality and replace humans behind the wheel. One that is seldom talked about is what happens during a vehicle malfunction. A robotics start-up called Kodiak Robotics is hoping to program an autonomous truck that can handle […]

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Federal_Government_to_Revamp_Ports_of_Entry

Federal Government to Revamp Ports of Entry

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The General Services Administration (GSA) has announced its plans of using $3.4 billion from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 on ports of entry. The money will be spent on fifty projects in eleven states to revitalize the infrastructure of international commerce, with both our northern and southern neighbors.DetailsThere are fifty total projects […]

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Auction_Prices_Have_Slight_Rise_in_November_2022

Auction Prices Have Slight Rise in November 2022

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J.D. Valuation Services has reported the average auction prices for used Class 8 trucks in November 2022. It is what we had anticipated the month prior: the intersection of supply and demand determining price is still the king of economics.November 2022 DetailsModel year 2020: $96,350: an increase of $7,325 (8.2%) from the month prior.2019: $77,767; […]

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The_AB5_Legal_Battle_Continues

The AB-5 Legal Battle Continues

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You might remember the entire debacle regarding California’s AB-5 bill, intended to prevent the misclassification of workers, and how it applies to independent owner-operators driving under the Authority of another carrier. While the case is mostly settled for trucking companies within California’s borders, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association is fighting to have it not apply […]

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Where_Are_Truckers_Parking

Where Are Truckers Parking?

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We have written about the truck parking problem for quite some time now, but there is a question that we have not really addressed. If there really are eleven trucks for each designated truck parking spot in the nation, where are truckers stopping to get rest? One tech company sought to find out. Details Lytx […]

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Class_8_Truck_Sales_Still_Going_Strong_as_of_November_2022

Class 8 Truck Sales Still Going Strong as of November 2022

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November’s truck month sales are a repeat episode of October’s: the count is high, much higher than the 2021 equivalent, but has decreased from the month prior. ACT and FTR have the numbers!November 2022 NumbersACT has preliminary orders at 33,000 while FTR reports 34,300. While this is lower than October’s estimate of 43,200, it is […]

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Truck_Parking_Bill_Introduced_in_Senate

Truck Parking Bill Introduced in Senate

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On December 1st, two senators from both sides of the political aisles introduced the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act. Should it be passed into law, it would enable $755 million of investment spending into public truck parking spaces. Details The phenomenon of truck parking demand exceeding supply is nothing new. Some city governments are taking […]

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Trucking_Jobs_Once_Again_Break_Records_in_November_2022

Trucking Jobs Once Again Break Records in November 2022

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Every month the Bureau of Labor Statistics updates its estimates for job numbers in various industries for the past three months. Here is what is going on in NAICS 484: the trucking industry.November 2022 NumbersThe preliminary employment count for November 2022 is 1,601,300. A new record for the industry!The initial revision for October 2022 is […]

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Freight_Rates_Take_Minor_Hit_November_2022

Freight Rates Take Minor Hit November 2022

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The quiet before the storm of the holiday season.Freight rates have encountered another slight decrease similar to what happened in October. Here are the DAT numbers.November 2022 NumbersDry van decreased another four cents to $2.38 per mile.Flatbed, like the month prior, dropped four cents. It is now averaging $2.83 per mile.Reefer rates stood stagnant at […]

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Trailer_Orders_Increase_Drastically_in_October_2022

Trailer Orders Increase Drastically in October 2022

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Much like with the truck sales numbers we have been seeing in the past few months, trailer sales are going through a renaissance at the moment, as supply chain issues that have been plaguing the trucking industry for numerous months are finally starting to clear up. ACT Research and FTR have the numbers!October 2022 NumbersACT […]

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SecondHighest_Truck_Orders_for_the_Year_in_October_2022

Second-Highest Truck Orders for the Year in October 2022

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The month prior, September, was a record-breaking month for truck sales within the industry, so it was hardly feasible that October would be able to top it. While it predictably did not, it still outperformed the rest of the year by a wide margin. FTR has the numbers!October 2022 Sales NumbersFTR pins the preliminary net […]

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Used_Auction_Rates_Dip_Lower_for_October_2022

Used Auction Rates Dip Lower for October 2022

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Chris Visser of J.D. Valuation Services calls the previous month of auctions for used Class 8 trucks to be a “market correction.” Based on the average prices that we had seen at the beginning of the year, we are inclined to agree with him.October 2022 NumbersModel year 2021: $151,905; $4,253 (2.9%) higher than September.2020: $122,088, […]

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CALSTART_Launches_ZETI_Tool

CALSTART Launches ZETI Tool

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CALSTART is a non-profit nationwide organization hoping to help revolutionize the trucking industry through technological advancements in energy. To that end, they have created an online program called the Zero-Emission Technology Inventory (ZETI) Data Explorer. It is a cool tool that can help you, the truck driver/fleet owner, compare and contrast the specifications of current […]

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Sleep Disorders Affect Truck Drivers Nationwide

Sleep Disorders Affect Truck Drivers Nationwide

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What’s New? According to the CDC, 70 million Americans suffer from some sort of sleep-related disorder. Roughly 80 sleep disorders have been noted and the most common amongst truck drivers is obstructed sleep apnea.  OSA is the most widespread sleep disorder in truck drivers according to Rodolfo Giacoman,  fatigue management program specialist for Commercial Vehicle […]

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One Rail Union Accepts Railroad Terms

One Rail Union Accepts Railroad Terms

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What’s New? On Saturday, November 5, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union members approved the terms of the deal presented by the railroad. If you’ll recall, on July 15, President Joe Biden blocked a freight railroad strike in Omaha, Nebraska. This strike would disrupt the already fragile supply chain by delaying the […]

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Auction_Rates_Slightly_Lower_on_Average_in_September_2022

Auction Rates Slightly Lower on Average in September 2022

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J.D. Valuation Services reports that while some used truck models increased in value at auction and others decreased over the month of September, the decreases were larger than the increases and created a net drop in used auction rates for the month.September 2022 NumbersModel year 2021: $147,458 (No comparison to August)2020: $89,336, a decrease of […]

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Rail Unions Reject Tentative Deal, Reinstating Strike Risk

Rail Unions Reject Tentative Deal, Reinstating Strike Risk

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Background On July 15, President Joe Biden blocked a freight railroad strike in Omaha, Nebraska. This strike would disrupt the fragile supply chain by delaying the shipment of goods for at least 60 days. To combat this, President Biden appointed a board of arbitrators, the Presidential Emergency Board, to help the dispute with contract building […]

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DOT_Posts_Significant_Rulemaking_Report_for_2023

DOT Posts Significant Rulemaking Report for 2023

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The Department of Transportation’s latest Significant Rulemaking Report shows various actions it wants to implement in governing safety on the road.  Speed Limiters on the Table The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) wants to continue considering applying speed limiters to trucks with electronic control units. FMCSA Administrator Robin Hutcheson knows how grossly unpopular the […]

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Biden_to_Release_More_from_Stategic_Petroleum_Reserve

Biden to Release More from Strategic Petroleum Reserve

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Coming hot off the heels of the news of OPEC Plus slashing oil production by two million barrels of oil per day, Joseph Biden announced that he will once again be tapping into the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to help alleviate prices. Details The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is a well of crude oil near the Gulf […]

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Oklahoma_Announces_State_of_Emergency_in_Response_to_Drought

Oklahoma Announces State of Emergency in Response to Drought

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The water distribution problem continues. As recovery from Hurricane Ian happens in the easternmost states, other states are suffering from a lack of water. The latest to join the trend is Oklahoma, upon which the governor has declared a State of Emergency.Hey, Hay!The typical Declaration is all about hours-of-service exemptions provided the driver does not […]

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CVSA_Hazamat_Blitz_2022

CVSA Hazmat Blitz 2022

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The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) is no stranger to having inspections on commercial vehicles for safety purposes, lest we forget the International Roadcheck that happened earlier this year. As it turns out, they have done another one, this time, the Hazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods Road Blitz.DetailsIf this is your first time hearing about this event […]

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Crossing_the_Country_on_Electricity

Crossing the Country on Electricity

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As we know, one of the major problems impeding trucking replacing diesel with electricity is the fact that it takes significantly longer to refuel. This asks the question of how far electric commercial motor vehicle technology has to go before it stands even a chance against replacing diesel as the leading form of heavy-duty trucking. […]

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Freight_Rates_Take_Slight_Decline_in_September_2022

Freight Rates Take Slight Decline in September 2022

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The trucking industry is composed of numerous facets that all interconnect with one another. While it would be nice to say everything in the trucking industry is sunshine and roses all of the time, that is simply not the case and while most of the industry can be thriving, good news in some aspects of the trucking industry can sometimes lead to less favorable news in others. Case in point: freight rates taking a slight dip in the last month.

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EarthShattering_Class_8_Sales_in_September_2022

Earth-Shattering Class 8 Sales in September 2022

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When demand outpaces supply for an extended period of time, it is like a shaken bottle of soda. Eventually, it is going to erupt. According to the preliminary numbers provided by FTR, that is exactly what happened in September.September 2022 NumbersFTR estimates the sales for September 2022 to be 56,500 units. That is:169% more than […]

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Georgia_Department_of_Transportation_Closes_Lanes_on_I285

Georgia Department of Transportation Closes Lanes on I-285

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Truckers traveling through Georgia, including if they are hauling relief supplies related to Hurricane Ian, might want to plan their route further ahead, as the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is closing lanes on the I-285 within the greater Atlanta area for numerous months.DetailsMaintaining infrastructure to avoid catastrophe is important. Doing so, however, has a […]

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Eight_States_HoursofService_Waived_in_Response_to_Hurricane_Ian

Eight States’ Hours-of-Service Waived in Response to Hurricane Ian

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There appears to always be some weather phenomenon going on somewhere in the fifty states that comprise this country. This time, the topic of interest is Hurricane Ian, the second major hurricane of this year’s hurricane season. In response to it, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has declared a State of Emergency to […]

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Florida_Has_State_of_Emergency_Regarding_Tropical_Depression

Florida has State of Emergency Regarding Tropical Depression

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Tropical Depression Nine was spotted approximately 1,000 miles southeast of Florida on September 23rd, 2022, and the Sunshine State is expecting it to brush up against its shores. In a direct proactive response, Governor Ron DeSantis is issuing a State of Emergency that is fourteen sections long and is far longer than any typical Declaration […]

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Rhode_Island_Truck_Tolls_Defeated_in_Court

Rhode Island Truck Tolls Defeated in Court

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Truckers traveling along I-95 and other highways through Rhode Island have been paying tolls targeted towards them since 2018, but the U.S. District Court says that this must go on no longer.DetailsSince RhodeWork’s initial planning in 2015 the state has implemented twelve toll booth locations, with a thirteenth along the way had the U.S. District […]

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Florida_to_Provide_Funding_to_Trucking_Schools

Florida to Provide Funding to Trucking Schools

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America can always use more unsung heroes of the road. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis agrees with the sentiment, and on September 15th the governor granted $8.2 million dollars to five community colleges to boost their vocational trucking programs.DetailsFlorida is hoping that the one-time payment of $8.2 million will increase the number of truckers these five […]

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Robin_Hutcheson_Is_Now_the_FMCSA_Administrator

Robin Hutcheson Is Now the FMCSA Administrator

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Months after it was first put into motion, the Senate vote for Robin Hutcheson to become the first FMCSA Administrator since October 2019 has completed. Robin Hutcheson is now the FMCSA Administrator.DetailsIt has been almost three years since Ray Martinez left the position in October 2019. Since then, numerous Acting Administrators have held down the […]

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CVSA_Posts_International_Roadcheck_Results

CVSA Posts International Roadcheck 2022 Results

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International Roadcheck 2022 was a little over four months ago, and now the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance has published its findings of the 72-hour inspection blitz across the North American continent.ResultsThe CVSA performed 59,026 inspections over 72 hours, or over thirteen per minute.Mexico continues to reign supreme of the three countries in terms of out-of-service […]

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Truck_Safety_Coalition_Lists_Deadliest_States_for_Trucking

Truck Safety Coalition Lists Deadliest States for Trucking

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On September 19th the Truck Safety Coalition released a document listing the number of fatalities for each state, both by total number and by population. Here are those results.MethodologyThe Truck Safety Coalition compiled data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on truck crash fatalities in 2020, the latest data, and compared it to […]

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FMCSA_to_Research_Truckers_Using_Autonomous_Technology

FMCSA to Research Truckers Using Autonomous Technology

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It is widely considered that the most dangerous part of a Class 8 truck is the driver behind the wheel. If he or she is not actively paying attention, catastrophic damage can occur. Autonomous trucking technology is slowly getting better, but long before trucks ever become fully automatic, they will become easier to handle but […]

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FMCSA_Extends_COVID19_Waivers_Another_Three_Months

FMCSA Extends COVID-19 Waivers Another Three Months

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While the State of Emergency regarding hours-of-service and COVID-19 has been extended only forty-five days, its sister declaration regarding the handling of Commercial Learner’s Permits (CPLs) has been extended the typical ninety days.DetailsUnder normal circumstances, a CLP driver needs to have a driver with a CDL riding shotgun for the duration of training. With coronavirus […]

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Biden-Harris Administration Founds WOTAB

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“Women are significantly underrepresented in the trucking industry, holding only 24 percent of all transportation jobs,” FMCSA Deputy Administrator Robin Hutcheson once said in a statement. The Biden-Harris administration is interested in making the industry more representative of the population as a whole, and is founding the Women of Trucking Advisory Board (WOTAB).DetailsWOTAB’s inaugural committee […]

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American_Transportation_Research_Institute_Wants_Your_Opinion

American Transportation Research Institute Wants Your Opinion

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It is that time of year again. Do you love telling people your opinion? If you do, the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) wants to know what your greatest priorities are regarding current trends within the trucking industry.DetailsThe survey can be found on the ATRI’s survey webpage. For its methodology, the survey gives you twenty-eight […]

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Trailer_Sales_June_2022_Update_and_July_2022

Trailer Sales: June 2022 Update and July 2022

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The trucking industry is always changing, and the research organizations are always revising their numbers. As such, we wanted to give you an update not only for July’s sales numbers, but also a change to what happened in June. June Numbers Increase In a previous article we reported that trailer sales for June 2022 were […]

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AB5_Applies_to_California_Trucking_For_Now

AB-5 Applies to California Trucking, For Now

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The day has finally come.The federal district court that initially placed the injunction against California Assembly Bill 5 for trucking, at the behest of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, has removed that injunction as of August 29th. The California Trucking Association is not giving up!Timeline of EventsCalifornia’s Assembly Bill 5 became law at the […]

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Railroad_Strikes_May_Exacerbate_Truck_Capacity_ATA_Exclaims

Railroad Strikes May Exacerbate Truck Capacity, ATA Exclaims

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We have written about railroad strikes before, but we have not yet discussed in detail to what extent it would impact the trucking industry. Chris Spear of the American Trucking Associations (ATA) has an idea of what it would be. Details Trucking and railroad are invariably intertwined: oftentimes a railroad will cover the majority of […]

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Trucking_Jobs_Increase_a_Notch_for_August_2022

Trucking Jobs Increase a Notch for August 2022

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The trucking industry continues to roll on, with more drivers on the road than ever. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has posted updates. August 2022 Employment Numbers The first preliminary numbers for August 2022 pins the count at 1,595,500. July 2022’s second preliminary pegs the number at 1,594,700. This is a decrease of 300 from […]

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West_Coast_Suffers_Drought_Rest_Floods

West Coast Suffers Drought; Rest, Floods

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The United States is suffering from a water distribution problem this summer: while the west coast cannot get enough water, the east coast is experiencing torrential downpour. As of the start of September seven states are undergoing States of Emergencies regarding water, be it a dearth or an abundance.AlaskaAlaska is the largest state in the […]

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Freight_Rates_Let_Off_Steam_in_August_2022

Freight Rates Let Off Steam in August 2022

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The temperature across the nation is not the only thing that is white-hot right now, freight rates have been experiencing similar extremes these last handful of months. Like the weather of the year, it appears that the rates are starting to cool down.August 2022 Freight RatesDry van decreased eleven cents to $2.53 per mile.Flatbed decreased […]

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Could Coronavirus Have Helped Solve the Parking Problem?

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Facemasks. Social distancing. Lockdowns. The list of the ramifications that this tiny crown-headed virus has caused the world is extensive. However, it forcing the world to become significantly more technological may work in the trucking industry’s favor. My Kingdom for a Spot If you have driven a truck for longer than a week, you understand […]

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Used_Trucks_Became_Cheaper_in_July_2022

Used Trucks Became Cheaper in July 2022

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Another month, another round of used Class 8 auction rates from our friends at J.D. Valuation Services. In this case, the downward trend mostly continues as four out of five model years saw prices decline in varying levels of intensity.July 2022 NumbersModel year 2021: $145,278. A decrease of $8,611 (5.6%) from June.2020: $116,840, a $5,839 […]

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CaliforniaTesla_Lawsuit_Sets_Autonomous_Trucking_Back_Slightly

California-Tesla Lawsuit Sets Autonomous Trucking Back Slightly

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When you think of Tesla Motors, there are two features that you think about: the long range by electric vehicle standards, and the autonomous driving features. The California Department of Motor Vehicles is putting an ax to the latter.DetailsCalifornia’s DMV is suing Tesla Motors, filing with the Office of Administrative Hearings to say that Tesla […]

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FMCSA_to_Give_$44_Million_to_State_CDL_Programs

FMCSA to Give $44 Million to State CDL Programs

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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, as a part of last year’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, is giving away $44 million in grants to different state CDL training programs. If you are a fleet hoping to get more drivers in your trucks, here is what you need to know.Details“FMCSA’s core mission is safety, and […]

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Kentucky_and_West_Virginia_Issue_Emergencies_for_Torrential_Flooding

Kentucky & West Virginia Issue Emergencies for Torrential Flooding

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Here at TopMark Funding’s headquarters near the capital of the sun-drenched California, we are suffering from a tremendous drought that has left us wondering where all the water has gone. It appears we finally have our answer: it is hitting Kentucky and West Virginia with great force. So much so, that the governors of both […]

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Ports_of_California_Resumes_Normal_Operation

Ports of California Resumes Normal Operation

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In today’s world, the news moves quickly. We reported recently about how the AB-5 protests in the port of Oakland, Long Beach, and Los Angeles were subject to blockage due to protests against California’s Assembly Bill 5, which would outlaw the owner-operator model except under specific circumstances. At this point in time, however, things have […]

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Minnesota_Declares_State_of_Emergency_for_Petroleum_Fuels

Minnesota Declares State of Emergency for Petroleum Fuels

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Truckers helping truckers!On July 15, 2022, Jim Walz, the Governor of Minnesota, issued a declaration suspending the hours-of-service regulations in regards to the hauling of various petroleum-based fuels.DetailsThe entire problem is a logistics Catch-22, as truckers needing to haul fuels such as diesel and gasoline need diesel to haul them. Governor Walz hopes that by […]

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Trailer_Orders_Dip_Modestly_for_June_2022

Trailer Orders Dip Modestly for June 2022

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Industry experts state that there’s an annual trend for trailer sales in that they usually bottom out in June. This year is no different as June 2022 is the weakest month for sales thus far, however, there is a silver lining to the news, according to ACT Research and FTR.June 2022 DetailsFreight Transportation Research pins […]

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Cummins_to_Manufacture_FuelAgnostic_Engines

Cummins to Manufacture Fuel-Agnostic Engines

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In an effort to combat multiple problems plaguing the trucking industry (emissions, maintenance, etc.), Cummins is planning to bring to market fuel-agnostic engines.DetailsContrary to the name, the engines believe that fuel exists, and each engine will take a particular type of fuel, so a lazy driver cannot pour renewable natural gas into a diesel engine.What […]

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California_Truckers_Protest_AB5

California Truckers Protest AB-5

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Following the Supreme Court of the United States declining to hear the case regarding AB-5 and how it applies to the truckers of California, truckers in California have taken to the streets to voice their concerns via protesting.DetailsStarting July 13th and still going at the time of the writing of this article, approximately 100 truckers […]

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Trucking_Jobs_Lurch_Forward_for_June_2022

Trucking Jobs Lurch Forward for June 2022

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Another month, another update from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). As with previous months, the streak of job growth within the trucking industry continues, and the industry reaches a new all-time high.June 2022 NumbersThe initial posting for June 2022 is 1,589,500 jobs.The updated number for May 2022 is 1,585,200, which is a 3,900 increase […]

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FMCSA_Extends_Baby_Formula_Shortage_Declaration

FMCSA Extends Baby Formula Shortage Declaration

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It appears as though COVID-19 is not the only State of Emergency that needed to be extended, as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has updated its Declaration regarding the hauling of materials used in the production of baby formula.DetailsThe events started in February, when an Abbott plant in Michigan that produces baby formula shut […]

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Used_Truck_Auction_Prices_Tumble_in_June_2022

Used Truck Auction Prices Tumble in June 2022

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It is fair to say that the used truck market has become a buyer’s market, as, according to J.D. Valuation Services, average prices across the board decreased double-digit points in June.June 2022 DetailsModel year 2021: $153,889. As this is the first month J.D. Valuation Services has tracked for model year 2021, there is no gain […]

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The_Business_to_Business_Exemption_for_AB5

The Business to Business Exemption for AB-5

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With the United States Supreme Court declining to hear CTA v. Becerra, the AB-5 law is expected to apply to truckers within California imminently. Aside from passing all three sections of the ABC test, there is another, lesser known exemption to the AB-5 rule that may allow California truckers to continue operating under the Authority […]

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Freight_Rates_Decrease_a_Sliver_in_June_2022

Freight Rates Decrease a Sliver in June 2022

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Another month, another update from DAT Freight and Analytics. In spite of everything going on in the world right now, freight rates have appeared to stabilize somewhat for the previous month.The NumbersAverage dry van rates were $2.69, a two cent decrease.Average flatbed rates were $3.44, a one cent decrease from before.Average reefer rates were $3.05, […]

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Supreme_Court_Declines_to_Hear_AB

Supreme Court Declines to Hear AB-5 Case

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The Supreme Court has announced in an end-of-term orders list that it will not be reviewing CTA v. Becerra, making the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals verdict the official law of California.DetailsJudge Roger Benitez issued an injunction against the AB-5 law roughly two years ago, saying that the AB-5 law, when placed on the trucking […]

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Montana_Declares_State_of_Emergency_Due_to_Flooding

Montana Declares State of Emergency Due to Flooding

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Rev up those engines, truckers! Montana needs our help in providing relief from flooding.DetailsOn June 10th, the National Weather Services announced a Flood Watch for Montana. The National Weather Services was right to issue that statement, as some counties in the Treasure State experienced four inches of rain in that single day. Acting Governor Kristen […]

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Biden_Calls_on_Congress_to_Suspend_Fuel_Tax

Biden Calls on Congress to Suspend Fuel Tax

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As the national average for diesel fuel exceeds five dollars per gallon, President Joseph Robinette Biden Junior is calling on Congress to suspend the fuel tax for three months to help alleviate fuel prices. Details The federal fuel tax on diesel is about 24.4 cents per gallon. The money is used for the Highway Trust […]

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How To Get Equipment Financing 

How To Get Equipment Financing 

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What is equipment financing? Equipment financing is an assist-based loan type for small businesses. It was designed to aid in the purchasing of machinery and the necessary equipment needed to run your business. The loan can assist in the purchase of anything from a cargo van to commercial vehicles to other types of commercial trucks. […]

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Robin Hutcheson Has Confirmation Hearing

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Robin Hutcheson, the next person in line to become the Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, has had her confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate. Here are the events that transpired.DetailsThere were a multitude of topics discussed during the confirmation hearing, but perhaps none as important as the purported “driver shortage” and the […]

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Flatbed_reigns_Supreme_for_May_2022

Flatbed Reigns Supreme for May 2022

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DAT Freight and Analytics continues to report unprecedented times: flatbed hauling is the king of the road. With May 2022, the throne has only become higher. May 2022 Numbers Dry van hauling was $2.71, an eight cent decrease from April 2022. Flatbed increased by three cents going from $3.42 to $3.45. Reefer transportation decreased eight […]

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Trucking_Jobs_Leap_in_May_2022

Trucking Jobs Leap in May 2022

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The trucking industry continues its winning streak, with another month of all-time high employment. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has the numbers.May 2022 NumbersThe initial posting for May 2022 is 1,581,300.The revised count for April 2022 is 1,568,000. This is an increase of 3,900 jobs.March 2022’s final number is 1,554,000. From the last estimate, […]

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Auction_Rates_Mostly_Slide_in_May_2022

Auction Rates Mostly Slide in May 2022

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We all knew this day would eventually come, it was just a matter of “when”, not “if”. Well, the time has finally arrived, and auction rates for used big rigs are starting to make trucks more affordable for the average fleet. J.D. Valuation Services has the numbers!May 2022 NumbersAccording to J.D. Valuation Services, no 2021 […]

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Ocean_Shipping_Reform_Act_of_2022_Passes_Congress

Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 Passes Congress

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In a move that Chris Spear of the American Trucking Associations (ATA) has called “a long time coming”, the House of Representatives has passed the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022. Now, it heads to Joe Biden’s desk for signature.Bill DetailsThe Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 hopes to stop what Chris Spear of the […]

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Truck_orders_Decrease_without_Worry_in_May_2022

Truck Orders Decrease without Worry in May 2022

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Class 8 sales have decreased slightly in May 2022, according to Freight Transportation Research (FTR), but FTR’s vice president of commercial vehicles Don Ake says he is not concerned about the slight lull in sales. Here are the numbers, and the reasoning.May 2022 Numbers and DetailsFTR pins the number of big rig sales in May […]

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FMCSA_Updates_Driver_Qualification_Rules

FMCSA Updates Driver Qualification File Rules

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In recent times the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has made changes to commercial driver qualification filing rules. While each individual change did not justify an article on its own, combined they add up into something larger. Here are the changes that have been made in 2022 thus far.Road Test Certificate InformationAs of March […]

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CARB_Regulation_Goes_to_Court

CARB Regulation Goes to Court

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The Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA) is suing the California Air Resources Board (CARB) regarding a regulation that is due to go into effect in January 2024.DetailsOn December 22nd, 2021, CARB established the Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Omnibus Regulation, which places higher emission status on heavy-duty trucks sold in California. It was set to […]

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Will_the_Supreme_Court_Hear_the_AB5_Case

Will the Supreme Court Hear the AB-5 Case?

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It has been over a year since the Ninth Circuit has ruled in favor of California’s AB-5 law. The California Trucking Association had appealed to the United Supreme Court, and the injunction has stayed in place ever since. Could the Supreme Court hold a hearing regarding the case before its current Term ends?DetailsThere are four […]

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FMCSA_Extends_COVID19_Waiver_Another_3_Months

FMCSA Extends COVID-19 Waiver Another Three Months

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When the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced changes to the COVID-19 State of Emergency within less than a month of its expiration, it raised the notion that it would be extended again. Now, we know for sure that it has.DetailsThis extension is brought to you by Robin Hutcheson, current Deputy Administrator of the […]

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Trailer_Sales_Show_Growing_Pains_for_April_2022

Trailer Sales Show Growing Pains for April 2022

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2022 has been an interesting time for trucking industry assets, as high demand but low supply has everyone scrambling to get their hands on what they can get. ACT Research has the sales numbers for April 2022 net trailer orders.April 2022 NumbersACT Research estimates the sales of trailer orders to be 19,614. While this is […]

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Truck_Sales_Have_Small_Dip_for_April_2022

Truck Sales Have Small Dip for April 2022

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Trucking orders lulled for the month, as manufacturers continue to keep a tight backlog and prevent new orders from being added due to demand outpacing supply. ACT Research and FTR have the numbers!April 2022 NumbersACT Research pegs the sales at 15,800; FTR, 15,400. The two organizations, as usual, are very close with their approximations.These sales […]

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Trucking_Auction_Market_Stabilizes_in_April_2022

Trucking Auction Market Stabilizes in April 2022

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April was a great month for those in the market to buy a used big rig to increase their fleet, as, for the most part, the auction market eased up during that month. J.D. Valuation Services has the numbers.April 2022 Auction AveragesModel year 2020: $153,580; a $5,920 (3.7%) decrease from March.2019: $112,785; $4,962 (4.2%) decrease.2018: […]

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North_Dakota_Issues_State_of_Emergency_for_Cold_Snap

North Dakota Issues State of Emergency for Cold Snap

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North Dakota is having issues with extremely cold weather within its borders. As a result, Governor Doug Burgum has declared a State of Emergency to help save North Dakota’s agricultural industry.DetailsThe Declaration is not unlike a similar one performed by Florida three months ago to save its agricultural commodities, except whereas Florida grows citrus fruits, […]

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FMCSA_Amends_Coronavirus_Emergency_Declaration

FMCSA Amends Coronavirus Emergency Declaration

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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has extended the COVID-19 State of Emergency exemptions numerous times, but this specific instance of touching it is a unique one. While the Declaration is being modified to include new items to be hauled under it, it is not being extended, for the time being.DetailsOn May 13th, Robin […]

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FMCSA Puts Speed Limiters Back on the Table

FMCSA Puts Speed Limiters Back on the Table

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Speed limiters are a touchy subject amongst drivers within the United States, but that is not going to stop federal regulators from making them required.The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has recently announced that it plans to publish a supplemental notice to a 2016 proposed rule requiring speed limiters on heavy-duty trucks.DetailsThe idea of […]

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Trucking Jobs Jump for April 2022

Trucking Jobs Jump for April 2022

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Another month, another round of statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Unfortunately, with all the news going on in the trucking industry, we accidentally skipped March 2022’s job count update. This article will cover both months.March 2022 NumbersHere is a brief summary of what happened in March’s update:March 2022 data says 1,550,800 jobs.Comparing […]

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NTEA_Commercial_Vehicle_Upfitting_Summit_Starts_September_13th

NTEA Commercial Vehicle Upfitting Summit Starts September 13th

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The National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) is changing gears, pun intended. They are changing the name of their annual convention from the Truck Product Conference to the Commercial Vehicle Upfitting Summit, and it will be taking place September 13-14th, 2022 in Sandusky, Ohio.DetailsIn a time where global supply shortages are requiring fleets to get every […]

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Norfolk Southern’s Unique Way to Increase Efficiency

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It should be no surprise to anyone that COVID-19 and the resulting uptick in pent-up demand, combined with the demand for better working conditions since the work from home movement began, has caused a global supply chain shortage. One such example of blockage is at intermodal points between boat, railroad, and truck. Norfolk Southern, a […]

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Pennsylvania_Introduces_Truck_Driver_Restroom_Access_Act

Pennsylvania Introduces Truck Driver Restroom Access Act

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Everyone’s favorite part of being a truck driver, and the main reason for getting into the business in the first place, is waiting for pickup and dropoff. Oftentimes, these wait times are unpaid, but the state of Pennsylvania is working to make these arduous hours a little more manageable by requiring restroom access. Say hello […]

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Auction_Rates_Mostly_Rise_for_March_2022

Auction Rates Mostly Drop for March 2022

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Auction rates in the current global supply shortage are always interesting to check. With new trucks having a hard time staying on the lot, the industry turns to used vehicles to fulfill asset needs. J.D. Valuation Services has the numbers.March 2022 NumbersFor all years except the most recent listed, 2020, prices decreased.Model Year 2021: No […]

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Trailer_Sales_Break_Record_in_March_2022

Trailer Sales Break Record in March 2022

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If you have been following trucking industry news for the past year, you might be familiar with the term “global supply chain shortage.” Simply put, it has been plastered on articles across the internet, including our own. However, March 2022’s trailer sales have bucked this trend. FTR and ACT Research have the numbers.March 2022 NumbersACT […]

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Kentucky_Declares_State_of_Emergency_Regarding_Severe_Weather

Kentucky Declares State of Emergency Regarding Severe Weather

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Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has announced that a State of Emergency exists within the Bluegrass State, and is lifting trucking regulations regarding just that to provide aid to needy citizens.DetailsThe declaration cites a need due to:TornadoesSevere thunderstormsFlash floodsDamaging windsAs a direct result of the nasty weather, the governor is suspending some hours-of-service regulations and regulations […]

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Truck_Orders_Follow_Pattern_in_March_2022

Truck Orders Follow Pattern in March 2022

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ACT Research and FTR will often vary their estimates for truck sales by a difference of a few hundred each month, with the correct answer presumably somewhere in the middle. With recent events in the trucking industry, their jobs have become significantly easier. This is evident by the numbers the two organizations have found for […]

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Texas_Delegates_Increased_Border_Security_to_Mexico

Texas Delegates Increased Border Security to Mexico

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Approximately a week after Governor Greg Abbott initiated increased scrutiny inspections at the border between Texas and Mexico, he has reneged the order at the border. The inspections will still take place, just with a more efficient method than using state troopers placed at the border and forming a queue.DetailsGovernor Greg Abbott first lifted the […]

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Biden_Nominates_Hutcheson_for_FMCSA_Administrator

Biden Nominates Hutcheson for FMCSA Administrator

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With Meera Joshi departing to work back in New York City, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is once again in need of someone to lead it. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttgieg had suggested one of his closest assistants, Robin Hutcheson, for the job. Now, Biden has officially nominated her for the position.DetailsBefore working […]

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Increased_Security_at_Border_Causes_Truck_Traffic

Increased Security at Border Causes Truck Traffic

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It seems the global supply chain is always in the news these days. Whether it is a backlog of cargo carriers at the Los Angeles/Long Beach ports, vaccination requirements at the US-Canadian border, or the latest development happening at the border of Texas and Mexico. Governor Greg Abbott has recently announced efforts to increase inspection […]

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House_of_Representatives_Introduces_SSCTTDI_Act

House of Representatives Introduces SSCTTDI Act

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How is that for a name?It is no surprise to anyone that supply chain problems are causing shortages in the economy. The House of Representatives is hoping to help remedy this through the power of tax incentives, namely the Strengthening Supply Chains Through Truck Driver Incentives (SSCTTDI) Act.DetailsWere SSCTTDI to be signed into law, it […]

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California_Air_Resources_Board_to_Prohibit_Pre2010_Engines_in_2023

California Air Resources Board to Prohibit Pre-2010 Engines in 2023

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We have written at great length about how a better method to resolve air pollution would be to enact regulations that peter out older engines rather than forcing new engines to continuously provide breakthroughs in efficiency, and it seems that California may be doing just that. Details The California Air Resources Board (CARB) enacted a […]

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Freight_Rates_Move_Unexpectedly_in_March_2022

Freight Rates Move Unexpectedly in March 2022

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It is safe to say we live in unprecedented times. Coronavirus, supply chain shortages, the war over in the Ukraine, and oil shortages. With all of the inane things we have experienced since the start of the decade, hopefully the changes in freight rates will seem less crazy in comparison.March 2022 NumbersAccording to DAT:Dry van […]

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Biden_Announces_Sale_of_Strategic_Petroleum_Reserve

Biden Announces Sale of Strategic Petroleum Reserve Oil

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It should be no surprise to anyone at this point that gas and diesel prices are at historic highs, due in part to the Ukraine-Russian conflict and the resulting oil embargo. With people across the country struggling to pay the new prices, the Biden Administration has announced that it will be adding its own supply […]

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DOT_Raises_Fines_for_Regulation_Violations

DOT Raises Fines for Regulation Violations

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A little inflation of around 2% is a good thing; such inflation encourages people to actually use their money rather than hide it under a mattress. Inflation rates above 9 percent, however, are a little more worrisome. The DOT’s recent final rule is a strong example of why.DetailsThe Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements […]

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Different makes and models industrial grade professional big rigs semi trucks standing in row on the truck stop parking lot.

Truck Sales Follow Production Levels for February 2022

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At this point it is the same old story: global supply chain shortages leading to trucks being produced at a rate that does not match demand. FTR and ACT Research have the numbers.February 2022 NumbersFTR pins the sales at 21,100; ACT Research, 21,000. This is perhaps the closest the two research organizations have been in […]

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Hydrogen_for_Trucks_Act_Discussed_in_Congress

Hydrogen for Trucks Act Discussed in Congress

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S.3806, the Hydrogen for Trucks Act, has been introduced into the United States Senate, with a similarly-named bill, H.R.7064, being introduced into the House of Representatives. Here is what the twin bills becoming law would detail.DetailsCongress’ official website has the wording for both bills on the appropriate webpages, for the House of Representatives and the […]

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Texas_Judge_Reinstates_TrumpEra_Independent_Contractor_Status

Texas Judge Reinstates Trump-Era Independent Contractor Status

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The California AB-5 saga has not come to a close yet, as what the Supreme Court will do with it remains a mystery, but other challenges to the independent contractor/employee dynamic are still in motion. One such case is the Department of Labor redefining the term “independent contractor” shortly after the Biden Administration came into […]

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Trucking_Industry_Gains_Auxiliary_Jobsin_February_2022

Trucking Industry Gains Auxiliary Jobs in February 2022

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When we report the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) job numbers, we usually do the sum of all jobs in the trucking industry. February was an interesting month that takes a lot more nuance, so prepare for an explanation of what the BLS has to report.February 2022 NumbersComparing apples to apples, the employment counts posted […]

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Average_Auction_Rates_Went_Everywhere_in_February_2022

Average Auction Rates Went Everywhere in February 2022

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Which is a less stable used truck market, one where all of the model years travel in the same direction of double-digit percentage increases, or one where all of them travel in unpredictable directions independent of one another? We ask because that is what J.D. Valuation Services found in used truck auction rates at the […]

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EPA_Considers_New_Emission_Standards_for_Big_Rigs

EPA Considers New Emission Standards for Big Rigs

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On March 7th the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unveiled its latest proposal for heavy-duty truck and engine standards to reduce emissions. Details The proposal is the first step in the EPA’s “Clean Trucks Plan.” While the proposed standards are still subject to public scrutiny before becoming official regulation, we can use them to see the […]

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FMCSA_Extends_COVID19_Declaration_to_June_1st

FMCSA Extends COVID-19 Declaration to June 1st

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At this point, it is a little difficult to keep track of how many times this emergency waiver has been extended. As the country almost enters its third year of two weeks to flatten the curve, the Federal Motor Safety Carrier Administration is not backing down from fighting the virus, directly and indirectly.DetailsThe new extension […]

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Freight_Rates_Go_Every_Which_Way_for_February_2022

Freight Rates Go Every Which Way for February 2022

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With another month behind us in this global supply chain shortage, it is time to see where freight prices per mile line up. DAT Freight & Analytics has the numbers!February 2022 RatesThe average national rates for each form of hauling was as follows:Dry van was $3.10 per mile, the same as it was in January.Flatbed […]

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International_Roadcheck_2022_Starts_May_17th

International Roadcheck 2022 Starts May 17th

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The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s International Roadcheck is set to happen again this year. It is a 72-hour marathon of inspections for commercial trucks and trailers in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Here is what this year will entail.DetailsThe theme for this year’s International Roadcheck is wheel ends. While this includes brakes, which were […]

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Truck Sales Stagnate in January 2022

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What had happened to the trailer market in January 2022 also happened to the new Class 8 market. With no new trucks in reserves, they are rolling off the production lot and going straight to work. FTR’s and ACT Research’s numbers are below. January 2022 Numbers The twin research organizations are very close in their […]

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Florida_Issues_State_of_Emergency_in_Regards_to_Cold_Snap

Florida Issues State of Emergency in Regards to Cold Snap

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From January 28th to the 30th, Florida experienced exceptionally cold temperatures across the state. This has compelled Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to declare a State of Emergency. Unlike the cold snaps in Texas for the past two years, the objective with this waiver is to not save lives, but to save the agricultural industry and […]

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Trailer Sales Match Previous Month for January 2022

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It is no secret that trucking companies are snapping up trailers as fast as they can be created. As such, an anomaly in the industry has happened where sales have reached an equilibrium point. FTR has the numbers.January 2022 Sales NumbersFreight Transportation Research has the estimated number of trailer sales for January pinned at around […]

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Auction_Prices_End_Year_on_Mixed_Note_for_December_2021

Auction Prices End Year on Mixed Note for December 2021

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J.D. Valuation Services has released the average auction prices for December 2021. The numbers, while on average lower than the month prior, show just how far trucking has come in the last twelve months.The NumbersWhen December comes around, most fleets that want trucks to make holiday deliveries have already obtained them (if they can), so […]

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Canadian Government Uses Emergency Powers on Truck Blockade

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The latest chapter in the Freedom Convoy/Blockade saga has made an interesting turn.On February 14th, Justin Trudeau announced that he was invoking the Emergencies Act of 1988, the first time it will be invoked since first it became law. This has lasting ramifications for truckers.Emergencies ActEstablished almost 25 years ago, Canada’s Emergencies Act gives the […]

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Freight Rates Continued to Break Records in January 2022

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The coronavirus pandemic keeps on giving. What once was a source of anguish for truckers with massive layoffs across the industry is now causing demand for logistical services to exceed supply, and the rate per mile for all three forms of primary freight have risen yet again, exceeding last month’s new record. DAT Freight & […]

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American Freedom Convoy May Be Coming

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NoticeThis article was initially written before the Superbowl. Talks are now of the convoy starting March 4th.With all of the buzz surrounding the Freedom Convoy and Blockade in Canada, there is word going around of American truck drivers following in their tracks. Could a Freedom Convoy from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. help lift restrictions […]

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Trucking Employment Hits All-Time High in January 2022

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We wrote last month about how we were cautiously optimistic about the trucking industry getting more workers than it did before the start of the coronavirus pandemic. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has updated its numbers, and it says that not only are we above pre-pandemic numbers, but trucking is also at the highest employment […]

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Freedom_Convoy_Turns_Into_Border_Blockade

Freedom Convoy Turns Into Border Blockade

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We last wrote about the Canada vaccinations with news of the Freedom Convoy, but it appears that that is now over. The protestors have taken a different direction with their protesting now that they have finished traveling from Vancouver to Ottawa, and are protesting in the Canadian way: through passive resistance. Details You might remember […]

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Canadian Truckers Rally “Freedom Convoy” Against Mandated Vaccinations

Canadian Truckers Rally “Freedom Convoy” Against Mandated Vaccinations

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Starting on Sunday the 23rd and will probably be over by the time you read this, truck drivers in Canada protested vaccine mandates (including one involving crossing the United States border) by having a convoy travel from Vancouver to Ottawa, the capitol. It is over 40 miles long. Details We have talked about our northern […]

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Entry-Level Driver Training: 10 Things You Need to Know

Entry-Level Driver Training: 10 Things You Need to Know

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Soon, a new rule will go into effect to improve entry-level driver training (ELDT). Here are the things you should know about this program so that you do not get blindsided by changes happening in the trucking industry.1. It parallels obtaining a standard driver’s license.Like obtaining a normal driver’s license for a 4-wheeler, the new […]

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Used Truck Auction Prices Skyrocketed in November 2021

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We at TopMark Funding try to use the word “skyrocket” sparingly, only for the craziest of circumstances in the trucking industry. We believe J.D. Valuation Services’ numbers for used Class 8 truck auction rates is a perfect example of when to use the word, and when you see the numbers we think you will agree.The […]

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$5.3 Billion Allocated for Nation’s Bridges This Year

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Infrastructure spending is perhaps the one form of government spending that all aisles can agree to. With billions upon billions of people and items needing to travel from point A to point B, infrastructure investment certainly pays dividends. Now, the federal government is allocating tons of money for bridges, in what the United States Department […]

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Robin-Hutcheson

Robin Hutcheson to Become New FMCSA Acting Administrator

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The position of Acting Administrator for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has been traded off like a hot potato for the past few years. Whether it is a change in leadership from the Department of Transportation or the resignation of the Administrator moving to greener pastures, the slot is having a hard time […]

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Construction_Material_Prices_Rose_in_December_2021

Construction Material Prices Rose in 2021

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TopMark Funding does not just specialize in financing for trucks and trailers, we also specialize in other forms of business equipment. As such, we will continue to provide you with the latest in the trucking industry, and the construction industry as well. For our first article, let us state the obvious: construction materials rose in […]

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Trailer Sales Decrease Slightly for December 2021

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Comparable to Class 8 truck sales, trailer sales for the entirety of 2021 were larger than they were in 2019. Unlike the other half of the tractor-trailer combo, the numbers for 2021 were lower than 2020. FTR has the numbers.December 2021 NumbersFreight Transportation Research estimates the order numbers for trailers to be 26,500 in December […]

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Canada_to_Reject_Unvaccinated_Truckers

Canada to Reject Unvaccinated Truckers

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The United States Supreme Court may have recently declared the vaccine mandate to be an overstep by OSHA, but when it comes to international affairs, things get a little bit more complicated and the battle over vaccine mandates continues. Truckers traveling to the Great White North will need to provide proof of vaccination in order […]

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Supreme_Court_Rules_Against_Vaccine_Mandate

Supreme Court Rules Against Vaccine Mandate

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The United States Supreme Court declared on January 13th that a stay on the vaccine mandate prevails, making the requirement for businesses with 100 or more employees to have their employees vaccinated or undergo weekly coronavirus testing unenforceable.DetailsThe Court ruled 6-3.“Although Congress has indisputably given OSHA the power to regulate occupational dangers, it has not […]

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Trucking_Employment_Experiences_Incremental_Growth_in_December_2021

Trucking Employment Experiences Incremental Growth in December 2021

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Here we are at the end of another year. When looking at the entire year as a whole, the trucking industry has made great strides in recovering from the mass layoffs from the start of the coronavirus pandemic. When looking just at December, however, the numbers are slightly lackluster. Here is what the Bureau of […]

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TopMark Funding’s Year in Review 2021

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2021 has been a slightly hectic year. How has yours been? Our predictions mostly came true, most notably the Tesla Semi being delayed another year. The trucking industry has been through a lot this past year; here is a recap. Unlike our last Year in Review where we talked about the biggest articles of the […]

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Sixth_Circuit_Reinstates_Vaccine_Mandate

Sixth Circuit Reinstates Vaccine Mandate

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Just when we think we are in the clear, they pull us back in.The Six Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that the coronavirus vaccine mandate from OSHA is constitutional, contradicting and removing the stay from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.DetailsYou may be inclined to believe that the higher numbered court has higher power […]

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Top_Economist_Believes_Trucking_Industry_Will_Surge

Top Economist Believes Trucking Industry Will Surge

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Donald Broughton, principal and managing partner of Broughton Capital, most notable for predicting in 2007 that an economic recession was just around the corner, has said at the Commercial Carrier Journal’s Solutions Summit in Arizona that the supply shortages holding back the trucking industry are the only thing between it and an economic boom.A Broughton […]

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Vaccine_Mandate_Threatens_USCanada_Commerce

Vaccine Mandates Threaten US-Canada Commerce

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It is the same song and dance we have been hearing about for roughly the past year, since vaccines were first available. However, with it potentially impacting the United States shipping relations to Canada, vaccine mandates may once again throw a wrench into the supply chain. Details Beginning in early January 2022, the United States […]

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User_Truck_Auction_Prices_Continue_Climb_in_November_2021

Used Truck Auction Prices Continue Climb in October 2021

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J.D. Valuation Services has listed its numbers for used Class 8 auctions in October. The numbers will not be surprising to anyone who has been paying attention to the trucking industry this past year, as a reduced supply and increased demand mean higher prices. Unlike the month prior, where some model years appreciated and others […]

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FMCSA_Grants_Exemption_to_Canadian_Drivers_Due_to_Flooding

FMCSA Grants Exemption to Canadian Drivers Due to Flooding

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It is no surprise that due to the adjacent proximity of Canada to the United States that it is one of our greatest partners in commerce. So much so that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) wants to give assistance to drivers in the Great White North in a time of unprecedented rainfall.DetailsThe entire […]

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Truck Sales in November 2021 Show Supply Chain Strain

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It appears the supply chain shortages of everything from rubber to aluminum is starting to take its toll on the trucking industry, as the number of new Class 8 truck orders for November 2021 were, for lack of a better word, weak.November 2021 NumbersACT Research pins the number at 9,800 units, while FTR is a […]

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Trucking_Jobs_Jump_Again_in_November_2021

Trucking Jobs Jump Again in November 2021

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The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has updated its webpage listing the employment numbers for NAICS 484, the trucking industry. Here are the numbers for the past three months.November 2021 NumbersThe numbers posted for November 2021 are:1,521,300 for the initial preliminary count of November 2021.1,515,700 for the revised preliminary employment count of October 2021, a […]

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Freight_Rate_Average_Hits_AllTime_High_in_November

Freight Rate Average Hits All-Time High in November 2021

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Supply shortages, coronavirus, and the holiday season combine to bring us the highest freight rates per mile ever recorded by the DAT. Details Dry van shipping increased seven cents, to $2.93. Flatbed logistics actually decreased a bit, going from $3.07 to $3.03. Reefer hauling skyrocketed, rising 17 cents to $3.44. The average increased six cents […]

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OOIDA_Writes_to_Buttigieg_About_Truck_Parking

OOIDA Writes to Buttigieg About Truck Parking

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The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act may not have had money earmarked for truck parking, but the battle to increase commercial truck parking spots is not over just yet.Todd Spencer, president and CEO of OOIDA, has written a letter to Pete Buttigieg, Secretary of the Department of Transportation, to ask for more parking spots.Much Ado […]

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FMCSA_Extends_COVID19_Declaration_Another_Three_Months

FMCSA Extends COVID-19 Declaration Another Three Months

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We wrote at the start of September that it was anyone’s guess as to if the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) would extend the hours-of-service suspension for hauling in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic. We now have our answer: yes, it is being extended.DetailsThe extension was announced on November 29th, just a few days […]

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Class_8_Orders_Recede_for_October_2021

Class 8 Orders Recede for October 2021

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This information has been out for a while now, but between port backlogs, infrastructure bills, and vaccine mandate news, it has been on the backburner. Backburner may be an appropriate description for the current state of the Class 8 market as well, as supply chain constraints are causing order numbers to fall and preorders to […]

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Rear_Guardrails_Added_to_Annual_Inspection

Rear Guardrails Added to Annual Inspection

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The news in the trucking industry has been so hectic this November, we simply could not keep ahead of it.Recently, rear impact trailer guardrails have been added as a requirement for annual FMCSA inspections.DetailsThe change is to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s 396 section, which deals with all things inspection and maintenance. Failure to […]

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Trucking Continues Job Recovery in October 2021

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Slowly but surely, the trucking industry is showing signs of recovering from the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has posted its monthly update for employment count in the trucking industry.October 2021 NumbersThe numbers posted for October 2021 are as follows:The initial preliminary count for October 2021 is […]

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Fifth_Circuit_Stops_Vaccine_Mandate_for_Now

Fifth Circuit Stops Vaccine Mandate, for Now

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The news is updating faster than we can keep up!Not but a few days after the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) posted its vaccine mandate is it halted by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, at least for the time being.DetailsOpposition of the vaccine mandate comes from various organizations and groups, including seven states:UtahLouisianaKansasTexasSouth […]

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OSHA_Posts_Vaccine_Mandate_Trucking_Not_Exempt

OSHA Posts Vaccine Mandate, Trucking Not Exempt

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The Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced on November 4th an emergency temporary standard (ETS) regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Truckers are not going to be pleased.DetailsThere are five major points to the ETS.The following rules apply to businesses that are not exempt and have 100 or more employees.Employees of these companies […]

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Pete_Buttigieg_Breaks_Silence_on_Port_Backlog

Pete Buttigieg Breaks Silence on Port Backlog

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Pete Buttigieg, Secretary of Transportation, has spoken with Chris Wallace on Halloween, in what is most likely his first public appearance since he had taken paternity leave. He spoke with Chris about climate change, inflation, electric vehicles, and tax credits, but what everyone is interested in hearing about is the greatest logistics disaster since the […]

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ATA_Reports_Trucker_Shortage_80000_Strong

ATA Reports Trucker Shortage 80,000 Strong

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The American Trucking Association (ATA) released a report on October 25th, 2021 detailing the current situation of the so-called “trucker shortage”. This number is based on the difference in total employment and the number that would be needed to meet freight demand, including a certain backlog at twin Californian ports that has been making the […]

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California Governor Addresses Port Buildup Via Executive Order

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Joe Biden may have announced an increase in port operations, but ships are arriving faster than they are leaving, at a slow but ever evident rate. With California being the state with the highest gross domestic product in the nation, its governor Gavin Newsom wants to further accelerate the emptying of ships, and to that […]

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United_Carrier_Registration_What_You_Need_to_Know

Unified Carrier Registration: What You Need to Know

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Trucking, like many industries in life, comes with a lot of paperwork. The Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) is one of these. This guide should help make understanding the UCR easier, since you no doubt have plenty of things already on your mind!What is the UCR?The Unified Carrier Registration system is the product of a collaboration […]

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YRC_Worldwide_Faces_House_Probe_Over_COVID

YRC Worldwide Faces House Probe Over COVID-19 Loans

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We wrote around fifteen months ago about how YRC Worldwide received a $700 million cash infusion to help survive the COVID-19 pandemic. Democrats in the House of Representatives now want to investigate the circumstances regarding that loan, saying that under the Trump Administration that some foul play may have been involved.DetailsThe Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and […]

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Job_Numbers_Have_Modest_Jump_for_September_2021

Jobs Numbers Have Modest Jump for September 2021

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The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has posted the employment count for the Truck Transportation subsector in regards to September 2021. Here are the results.NumbersThe initial preliminary count for September 2021 is 1,502,900 jobs.Revised August numbers are 1,500,400. This is an increase of 1,900 from the first estimate.Final July employment is at 1,494,400. This is […]

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Biden_Announces_Increase_in_Port_Operations

Biden Announces Increase in Port Operations

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On October 13th, Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. announced that the Port of Los Angeles will commence 24/7 operations for the foreseeable future.DetailsThe news comes after the Port of Long Beach announced that they would be incurring 24/7 operations to help clear the backlog of ships and containers. The two ports, brothers to one another, handle […]

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New_FMCSA_Clearinghouse_Requirement_Starts_November_8th

New FMCSA Clearinghouse Requirement Starts November 8th

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Come November 8th, getting a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) will be ever so slightly cumbersome.The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will require state driver’s licensing agencies to check the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse before issuing, renewing, or upgrading a trucker’s CDL.The ProcessFew would argue against keeping drunk or otherwise intoxicated drivers off the road. […]

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Rate_Average_Hits_Record_High_in_September_2021

Rate Average Hits Record High in September 2021

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Maybe it is inflation. Perhaps it is the increased demand for goods delivered by trucks as brought upon by the COVID-19 pandemic. Maybe it is the dearth of truckers available to work. Whatever the case, the rate per mile on trucking continues to rise. DAT has the numbers.September 2021 NumbersDry van increased eight cents per […]

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Class_8_Truck_Sales_Streak_Ends_in_September_2021

Class 8 Truck Sales Streak Ends in September 2021

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Trailer sales ended their streak of consistently outperforming the same time last year in June. Growth is never infinite, and as such the truck sales streak, three months later, has finally ended. September 2021 Numbers ACT Research pegs the number of Class 8 truck sales at 27,400. FTR pins the sales number at 28,400. This […]

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Truck-Sales-Continue-Hot-Streak

J.D. Power Average Auction Rates, January 2021 to August 2021

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Since around June 2020, the trucking industry has been on fire. Since around the start of 2021, truck prices have been rising to reflect just that. As component shortages and intense demand ravage the new truck market, the used truck market is also starting to feel the strain as fleets gobble up whatever vehicles they […]

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Trucking_in_Popular_Media

Trucking in Popular Media

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Trucking has been a part of American life since the 1970s. If you are a trucker too busy on the road to watch the newest episodes of your favorite shows, here are some examples of trucking that you can look at while off-duty to see an outsider’s perspective. The Simpsons: Maximum Homerdrive (1999) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJTkoIPDIXk The […]

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2021_Advanced_Clean_Transportation_Expo_Vehicles

2021 Advanced Clean Transportation Expo Vehicles

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The Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo happened near the start of September. Normally we write about the trucking industry, but we provide business financing for all types of equipment, equipment that the ACT Expo had in spades that makes us excited for the future. From conventional day cabs to commercial cargo bikes, here is the […]

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Biden_Administration_Considers_Defense_Production_Act

Biden Administration Considers Defense Production Act

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If you have been in the trucking industry for as long as we have, you are aware that prices on trucks, new and used, are going through the roof. Skyrocketing prices are attributed to global shortages of various components such as rubber and aluminum, but most notably the semiconductor (chip) shortage. In the 21st century, […]

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Delaware_Nourthbound_I95_Off_Limits_to_Truckers

Delaware Northbound I-95 Off Limits to Truckers

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Truckers heading north on one of America’s most populous interstate highways may find themselves out of luck for the foreseeable future, as the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) announced on September 21st that tractor-trailers are barred from using the northbound lanes through a construction zone in Wilmington.DetailsThe announcement comes as a reaction from observing approximately […]

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House_Omits_Truck_Parking_from_Budget

House Omits Truck Parking from Budget

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The House of Representatives appears to be much less interested in spending money than the Senate. While the Senate passed a bill authorizing $1 trillion in spending for infrastructure, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure put forth its portion of the 2022 Budget Reconciliation Bill. It has $60 billion set for infrastructure and carbon […]

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Will_a_Vaccine_Mandate_Upend_the_Trucking_Industry

Will a Vaccine Mandate Upend the Trucking Industry?

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The trucking industry is none too happy about Biden’s proposed vaccine mandate for private companies with more than 100 employees. This mandate would require all employees for a trucking company, from the drivers to any mechanics or recruiters, to either be fully vaccinated or take a weekly, uncomfortable test to confirm negative results. Lawsuits are […]

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Coronavirus_Death_Risk_in_Truckers

Coronavirus Death Risk in Truckers

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In our last article, we ended by saying that diet and exercise were key factors in reducing the chances of death whilst infected with coronavirus. It got us thinking: were a trucker to contract the virus, how much trouble would they be in? Here are our findings, with the receipts. COVID-19 Details The United Kingdom’s […]

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Trucking_Industry_Shows_Disdain_to_Biden_Vaccine_Requirement

Trucking Industry Shows Disdain to Biden Vaccine Requirement

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Joseph R. Biden announced on Thursday that the United States was going to take stronger steps towards combating the coronavirus by making the vaccine a requirement. The announcement has not been popular. Details The Department of Labor declared new regulations to be added soon, requiring all employers with 100 or more workers to either vaccinate […]

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2022_Reservations_Mean_Truck_Sales_for_August_2021

2022 Reservations Mean Truck Sales for August 2021

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With Original Equipment Manufacturers now allowing orders for deliveries set in 2022, the floodgates have opened. August 2021 was one of the best months of the year for Class 8 truck orders.DetailsFTR has the net number estimated at 39,400. ACT estimates orders at 36,900. Whatever the actual number is, both research companies are confident that […]

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Trucking_Jobs_Leap_for_August_2021

Trucking Jobs Leap for August 2021

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The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is often updating its preliminary numbers before it releases its final answer. We have compiled the changes so that you do not have to. Simply put, things are looking positive for the trucking industry.August 2021 NumbersThe numbers for August are as follows:August 2021: 1,498,500 (preliminary).July 2021: 1,493,100 (preliminary, 1,300 […]

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More_States_Claim_Hurricane_Ida_Emergency

More States Claim Hurricane Ida Emergency

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The interesting thing about news in contrast with government is that news moves fast while government moves slowly. In the past few days, more states have entered the fold of declaring a state of emergency due to Hurricane Ida, bringing the total number to seven. Details The first declarations were covered previously, so we will […]

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NTEA_Cancels_Conference_but_not_for_the_Reason_You_Expect

NTEA Cancels Conference, but not for the Reason You Expect

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Things might finally be returning to normal, as an event in the trucking industry was canceled for a reason other than COVID-19. NTEA The National Trucking Equipment Association (NTEA) has decided to cancel its 2021 Truck Product Conference. Usually at these events, industry leaders show off technological upgrades such as making the truck chassis slightly […]

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New_York_Declares_Emergency_for_Tropical_Storm_Henri

New York Declares Emergency for Tropical Storm Henri

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Governor Andrew Cuomo may be on his way out the door due to resigning amidst sexual harassment allegations, but that is not stopping Mother Nature from threatening havoc. By the time you read this, Tropical Storm Henri should have hit the New York shore. Experts have Henri pinned at a tropical storm of wind speeds […]

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FTR_Cancels_September_Conference_Amidst_Coronavirus_Concerns

FTR Cancels September Conference Amidst Coronavirus Concerns

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In what we hope is the last time an event is canceled due to COVID-19, Freight Transportation Research (FTR) has announced that it has canceled its 2021 FTR Transportation Conference in hopes of reducing transmission of coronavirus.DetailsFTR is most notable for its monthly approximations of truck and trailer sales for each month, but they perform […]

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Biden_Signs_Executive_Order_on_Truck_Emissions

Biden Signs Executive Order on Truck Emissions

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On August 5th, Joseph Robinette Biden Junior signed “Executive Order on Strengthening American Leadership in Clean Cars and Trucks.“ It instructs various entities within the executive branch such as the Department of Transportation and Environmental Protection Agency to work towards better emission standards on all vehicles, especially heavy-duty trucks and their engines.The Executive Order has […]

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Trucking_Jobs_Rise_for_July_2021

Trucking Jobs Rise for July 2021

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The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has updated the numbers for the trucking industry yet again. The numbers, while mostly preliminary, are looking good.The NumbersEvery month, the BLS updates the data for the last three months. They make a new preliminary estimate, revise an older preliminary, and solidify the final number for three months back.With […]

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CVSA_International_Roadcheck_2021_Statistics

CVSA International Roadcheck 2021 Statistics

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The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) International Roadcheck for 2021 was May 4-6th (though we erroneously reported it as 5-7th earlier this year). Now, they have released the statistics to the public. How does it compare to the International Roadcheck nine months prior? CVSA International Roadcheck Statistics There is a lot of data published. Below […]

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I40_Bridge_Reopened_for_Public_Use

I-40 Bridge Reopened for Public Use

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The I-40 Hernando de Soto Bridge, closed in May and diverted in June, is set to be reopened for travel across and under it by the time you can read this article.DetailsThe Hernando de Soto Bridge, connecting Memphis, Tennessee and Arkansas, closed down in mid-May when inspectors from the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) found […]

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Joe Biden Speaks at Mack Trucks Plant

Joe Biden Speaks at Mack Trucks Plant

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On Wednesday, July 28th, Joe Biden flew into Pennsylvania to check out the Mack Trucks Plant in Lehigh Valley. While there he gave an approximately 30-minute speech. Things he discussed included: Creating 600,000 jobs per month since he was in office. The importance of the COVID-19 vaccine. The importance of the United States government buying […]

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Minneapolis_Unique_Solution_to_the_Parking_Crisis

Minneapolis’ Unique Solution to the Parking Crisis

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58% of truck drivers are willing to admit to performing unauthorized parking at least three times per week. Minneapolis’ city council has devised a law that will probably make the citizens and tourists of Minneapolis very happy, but will make truck drivers furious.The LawOn Friday, July 23rd, the city council voted 12-1 for a truck […]

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Senate_Bill_Introduced_to_Repeal_Federal_Excise_Tax

Senate Bill Introduced to Repeal Federal Excise Tax

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Some causes are worth continuously fighting for. On the 22nd of July, Senator Todd Young (R-IN) introduced bill S.2435 co-sponsored by Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) to repeal the Federal Excise Tax (FET) on new heavy-duty truck purchases. This is not the first time that the FET has been under scrutiny, but with senators behind it, […]

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Hyzon_Motors_Goes_Public_Stock_for_Sale

Hyzon Motors Goes Public; Stock for Sale

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Hyzon Motors joins other trucking technology companies such as Nikola Motor Company, Hyliion, and TuSimple by allowing the common man to buy ownership in the company. Here is a summary of the venture and how it became public.DetailsHyzon (a portmanteau of “hydrogen” and “horizon”) Motors started as a part of Horizon Fuel Cells back in […]

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Regulation_Leaders_Meet_to_Discuss_Trucking_Employment

Regulation Leaders Meet to Discuss Trucking Employment

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On Thursday July 8th, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Labor Secretary Marty Walsh, and Deputy Administrator Meera Joshi of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) hosted a roundtable to discuss trucking employment. Trucking Employment: Retention Versus Recruitment The “shortage” (the economic law of supply and demand impacting market rates and therefore carriers paying a premium […]

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Hours-of-Service Suspended for Hurricane Elsa

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It should be no surprise to members in the trucking industry that whenever an “event” happens, regulators relieve some pressure to allow drivers to get their job done more quickly. In just the past eighteen months we have had hours-of-service exemptions for: Novel coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) nationwide. Wildfires along the western coast. Cold snap for states […]

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Preliminary Job Numbers Skyrocket in June

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Here we are at the end of another month, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has updated its numbers for the trucking industry yet again. If the preliminary numbers are accurate, then the trucking industry continues to be on a roll.The NumbersThe numbers released in July are:June 2021: 1,486,500 (preliminary).May 2021: 1,480,100 (preliminary, 400 […]

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ARDOT Mitigates I-40 Bridge Closure

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It has been about a month and a half since the Hernando de Soto Bridge closed connecting Arkansas and Tennessee over the Mississippi River. While repairs are still underway, the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) is using some tricks of the trade to reduce the impact this closure has on the trucking industry.Traffic ControlHow much […]

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Hours-of-Service Exemption Extended to August 31st

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Another quarter, another announcement regarding the pandemic. The FMCSA has announced another extension to the hours-of-service (HOS) exemption for the hauling of goods related to the coronavirus state of emergency. Details The declaration can be read in its entirety via the FMCSA’s website. It follows the standard procedure for the exemption, with no modifications or […]

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The DOT Wants to Boost Equity

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On January 20th, 2021, Joe Biden signed an Executive Order. It is named, “Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government”, otherwise known as the Equity E.O. The order tells regulators of various departments to focus on boosting equity in the community. The Department of Transportation (DOT) wants your input on […]

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California Air Resources Board Says Biodiesel is King

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Correction: An earlier version of this article stated that biodiesel and renewable diesel created emissions at a rate 1/3rd of electricity. This is incorrect. The correct metric is that biodiesel and renewable diesel are responsible for 3x more metric ton credits from greenhouse gas reduction than electricity is, based on the Low Carbon Fuel Standard […]

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April 2021: Trailer Sales Shatter Same Time Last Year

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ACT Research has published the results of trailer sales for April 2021, and the numbers when compared to the fourth month last year, when the coronavirus pandemic was in full force, can be succinctly described by this GIF:In short, the numbers are exploding!The NumbersLooking at the transition from March to April, you may be inclined […]

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DOT Allows Overweight Hauling of Fuels

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One of the quickest ways to get a headache is to research the overlap between federal and state regulations and governments. We hope to save you a headache by explaining in layman’s terms to the best of our ability what the federal government’s second declaration (the first being the hours-of-service-suspension) means. Overweight Hauling on Interstate […]

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April 2021: Flatbed Rates Jump, Others Waver

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Historically, reefer trailer hauling has been the most revenue-generating form of freight, and it is not hard to see why. Running a reefer requires additional diesel to keep cargo at adequate temperatures, an expense that factors into the price per mile for the freight. We live in unusual times, however, and for at least a […]

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National Work Zone Awareness Week Is April 26th-30th

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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is attempting to bring awareness to driving extra cautiously in work zones, especially in the time of the coronavirus pandemic where such injuries have been exacerbated.Cone ZoneAn average person may be inclined to believe that COVID-19 has reduced injuries on the road. The truth is that with fewer […]

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TuSimple Goes Public, Stock for Sale

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We have written about TuSimple a few times before. Now they are increasing the stakes of their plans for autonomous trucking by having an Initial Public Offering (IPO) and allowing people to take ownership in the company. The Details TuSimple had its IPO on April 15th, of which it raised about $1 billion in additional […]

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Reefer Trailers

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What is a reefer trailer A reefer trailer, short for “refrigerated trailer,” is a type of trailer designed for freight transport that requires temperature-controlled conditions. These trailers are equipped with a built-in refrigeration unit to keep the cargo at a specified temperature, whether cool or frozen, throughout transport. Reefer trailers are often used for transporting […]

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March 2021: Trucking Industry Continues to Rock

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For a majority of the past year, we have been writing about how the pent up demand for trucking services due to the coronavirus pandemic has caused the trucking industry to rebound with terms such as “on fire” and “skyrocket on top of a skyrocket”. Frankly, we are running out of terms to describe how well the trucking industry is performing right now. Exploding? Volcanic?

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Joe Biden’s Infrastructure Plan and How it Impacts Truckers

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On March 31st, the office of Joe Biden released the details for the American Jobs Plan. The entire infrastructure plan press release clocks in at almost 12,000 words. Reading it is a time-consuming project, but if you want to, you can view it on the fact sheet webpage. For those who have better things to […]

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February_2021_Trailer_Sales_Far_Exceed_Same_Time_Last_Year

February 2021: Trailer Sales Far Exceed Same Time Last Year

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Listen to this article Similar to the trailer sales in January, February trailer purchases decreased when compared to the month prior, but are extraordinarily higher than they were at the same time last year. ACT Research has compiled and reported the numbers. Trailer Sales Numbers February 2021’s trailer sales totaled approximately 24,000 units. This is […]

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The PRO Act of 2021

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You might remember last year a bill called the Protecting Right to Organize (PRO) Act made it through the House of Representatives, but died either in the senate or on the president’s desk. It is making a comeback, and with Democrats in control of the house, senate, and presidency, it may just become law. History […]

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American Society of Civil Engineers Says Roads Are D-Grade

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It only takes hitting one pothole on the road to understand that United States roads are an infrastructure investment that nearly everyone supports. But with such bipartisan approval, roads continue to remain in states of disrepair. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) grades different aspects of infrastructure in the United States, ranging from aviation […]

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ATRI Releases List of Worst Trucking Bottlenecks

ATRI Releases List of Worst Trucking Bottlenecks

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The American Transport Research Institute (ATRI), known for its annual trucking surveys, has released its list for the worst trucking bottlenecks in 2020. The Department of Transportation hopes to use the information to better allocate spending dollars to critically-needed infrastructure. Here are the details and results of the endeavor. Methodology ATRI collected and compiled GPS […]

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January_2021_Trailer_Sales_Follow_Truck_Sales_Footsteps

January 2021: Trailer Sales Follow Truck Sales’ Footsteps

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It is probably a surprise to nobody that truck sales for any given month has a similar pattern as trailer sales, namely that as truck sales increase, trailer sales tend to increase as well. Last month’s truck sales yielded positive or negative results depending on the angle it was approached; trailer sales did the same. […]

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Department of Labor Changes Direction on Sleeper Berth Pay

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Not a direct order of Biden but instead implemented by people he approved within the Department of Labor, the regulations regarding off-time pay is shifting back to what it was before the Trump administration. Off-Time Pay Should drivers traveling across the country be compensated for their downtime, considering they are never truly off when on […]

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Biden Reverses Trump’s Executive Order 13801

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On February 17th, Biden continued his streak of changing gears from his predecessor by rescinding Executive Order 13801. As you can imagine from reading about it here, this impacts the trucking industry. Here is what Executive Order 13801 entailed and what Biden is doing to replace it.Executive Order 13801Hoping to bolster the use of such […]

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Peterbilt_579

The New Peterbilt 579

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Recently, the folks over at PACCAR unveiled their newest upgrade to their 579 line of Class 8 trucks, aptly called “The New Model 579”. Peterbilt is hoping to innovate and change the way that truckers perform their jobs. Here is what Peterbilt touts as changes from the previous model. Aerodynamics While Peterbilt advertises eleven key […]

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January_2021_Truck_Orders_Down_from_Last_Year

January 2021: Truck Sales Down, but Also Up

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ACT and FTR differ on their numbers for Class 8 truck sales by a few hundred each month, but their general messages are the same. This prior month’s message being that the trucking industry is cooling off from the holiday season, but still shows promise of being on fire.The NumbersACT has sales for January set […]

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January_2021_Flatbed_Rates_Rise_Others_Stumble

January 2021: Flatbed Rates Rise, Others Stumble

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In tandem with the previous two months of freight data, one form of freight deviates in direction from the others. This month, however, two dropped while only one rose.The DataOf the three forms of freight, the largest change happened with dry vans, dropping nine cents to have its rate the lowest since August. It is […]

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Biden’s First 100 Days and How it May Affect Trucking

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A few days after election day, we were hesitant to officially call for Biden’s election victory due to numerous fraud allegations and lawsuits for the time between election day and inauguration day. But, all of that is behind the country and by the time you read this, Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. should be sworn in […]

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PACCAR Parts Releases Universal Electric Charging Station

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One problem facing electric vehicles is different plugs and outlets for charging depending on the vehicle. PACCAR Parts wants to alleviate this problem for drivers, even if they are not direct customers of PACCAR brands such as Kenworth and Peterbilt.Universal ChargingWhether you have started making the transition to electric commercial vehicles or plan to do […]

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DOT Secretary Elaine Chao Announces Resignation

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Secretary of the Department of Transportation Elaine Chao has announced that she will be resigning from her position, effective January 11th. This marks the end of the second-longest cabinet holding behind Mike Pence himself: Elaine Chao started January 31st, 2016. Details Elaine Chao cites the storming of the U.S. Capitol as her reason for not […]

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December_2020_Reefer_rates_Stumble_Others_Rise

December 2020: Reefer Rates Stumble, Others Rise

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For November, we wrote how flatbeds had their average per-mile rate reduced while the other two forms of freight increased. Poetically, it is now the refrigerated trailer to have its turn to reduce in rate.The DataWhile the numbers do not increase with the same intensity as they did in the middle of 2020, they do […]

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TopMark Funding’s Top 12 Trucking Articles of 2020

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Unless your name is Jeff Bezos or Elon Musk, there is a pretty good chance this was not your year. From a potential World War III in January, to the COVID-19 pandemic that started in March and is still going today, to the summer protests and blocked highways, this year had it all. We want […]

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November_2020_Trailer_Sales_Drop_but_Are_Still_High

November 2020: Trailer Sales Drop, but Are Still High

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In the last trailer sales article, we left with this prediction: “…we believe that the pent-up demand for goods, combined with the holiday season, will lead to equal or greater trailer sales in November.” It appears we were wrong this time. October sales had an average estimate of 55,350. For the month of November 2020, […]

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November_2020_New_Truck_Sales_Continues_Streak

November 2020: New Truck Sales Continues Streak

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Freight Transportation Research Associates (FTR) released their data on new Class 8 truck sales for November 2020 on December 2nd. We predicted the numbers would stagnate and be approximately equal to those found in October, at around 40,100. To say the very least, we were wrong. The Data FTR reports preliminary data that says that […]

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November_2020_Early_Trucking_Numbers_Suggest_Strong_Growth

November 2020: Early Trucking Numbers Suggest Strong Growth

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The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) releases two statistics each month: one is the preliminary numbers (estimate) for the month prior, and the other is a more accurate count for three months prior. The solid numbers for September came in with November’s preliminaries, and while the former is essentially what the BLS has suspected, the […]

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Truckers on High Priority List for COVID-19 Vaccines

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As the coronavirus vaccines are finalized and become ready for distribution, the question remains as to who gets the first round of doses. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), an arm of the CDC, recently reached a nearly-unanimous vote on Monday approving a three step plan for vaccine distribution:Phase 1a: Healthcare workers and residents […]

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November_2020_Flatbed_Rates_Stumble_Others_Rise

November 2020: Flatbed Rates Stumble, Others Rise

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Growth cannot last forever. After a long run of consistently rising freight rates, it appears flatbed rates are the first of the three to have a month lower than the previous month.Not to worry, however, as the flatbed rates only dropped one cent, so while flatbeds stumble, they are not tumbling down an impossible to […]

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Nikola Motor and GM Sign Memorandum of Understanding

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Nikola Motors Corporation has been through the wringer in the past few months, but there is at least one company that still holds faith in them, General Motors. GM, who swapped shared with Nikola in the early summer, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the fledgling technology company, to show intention to use […]

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Outbound_Tender_Volume_Index_Hits_AllTime_High

Outbound Tender Volume Index Hits All-Time High

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What do you get when you combine pushed back demand from the coronavirus pandemic with the demand of Black Friday? You get the highest demand for truckload shipments in recent history. Since FreightWaves created the Outbound Tender Volume Index (OTVI), it is at the highest it has ever been.OTVIFreightWaves describes outbound tender as:“…a load offer […]

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Coronavirus_Vaccine_Exacerbates_Strained_Reefer_Capacity

Coronavirus Vaccine Exacerbates Strained Reefer Capacity

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The COVID-19 vaccine seems to be a rousing success, as companies developing them tout a 90-95% efficacy rate in testing. We have already written about one of the difficulties of distribution of the vaccine: keeping the vaccines cold. In that article, we lightly scratched on another problem that deserves more attention: the demand for reefer […]

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Renewable Natural Gas Trucks Break Through Zero Emissions Barrier

Renewable Natural Gas Trucks Break Through Zero Emissions Barrier

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Savvy readers of our articles may recall from late June that we wrote about Hyliion and their plans for the Hypertruck. Hyliion hoped to have their Hypertruck be negative emissions through the use of renewable natural gas (RNG). While the Hypertruck is not released yet, there is tangible proof now that their goal is attainable.Driving […]

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AB-5: Truckers Are Down, but not Out

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On November 19th, the California Court of Appeals reversed the court decision in People v. Cal Cartage Transportation Express, LLC. In short, the appeals court ruled that the “ABC” test that comprises the heart of AB-5 is not in contradiction with federal law and as such is not overridden by it. The California Court In […]

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Can_the_Trucking_Industry_Defeat_Coronavirus

Can the Trucking Industry Defeat Coronavirus?

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If the coronavirus pandemic were a war, truckers would be the front line infantry, going out into the field to give people the supplies they need to either stay healthy (sanitizers and face masks), or to stay quarantined (food and entertainment supplies). With two different COVID-19 vaccines both showing a minimum 90% efficacy rate, it […]

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October_2020_Trailer_Sales_Have_Consecutive_Record

October 2020: Trailer Sales Have Consecutive Record

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“September’s rank as third-best month in industry history was short-lived, as October activity now takes that title,” Frank Maly, director CV Transportation Analysis and Research at ACT Research, said.As we predicted back in October, the trailer sales for that month were higher than those of September, by only a few thousand. A 6% increase, more […]

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Cummins, Navistar, and Werner Enterprises to Develop Hydrogen Truck

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Cummins and Navistar go together like garlic and onions. They recently extended their eighty-year partnership even further. Now the two companies hope to work together in the race to get a hydrogen fuel cell heavy-duty truck to market.DetailsThe Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) wants to actively promote the development […]

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Traton_to_Purchase_Navistar_for_3point7_Billion

Traton to Purchase Navistar for $3.7 Billion

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We did not want to write about this Traton-Navistar deal as it was in progress, but it appears that the negotiations have been finalized. Traton, subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, is purchasing Navistar in its entirety.DetailsBefore the buyout agreement, Traton owned 16.7% of all common shares in Navistar, meaning that their purchase was not a […]

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FMCSA to Conduct Autonomous Truck Opinion Surveys

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Unless all the election news has pushed older information out of your brain, you may remember that the FMCSA spoke at an ATA virtual conference about many topics, one of which was working to make self-driving commercial vehicles as safe as possible. But beyond safety, there are many more uncertainties to autonomous trucks. Will they […]

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California Clean

October 2020: New Truck Sales Increase. Again!

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Freight Transportation Research Associates (FTR) has released its latest wave of sales information regarding new Class 8 trucks. While not a two-year high, October 2018 was higher, the numbers improving upon Septembers’ victory for the trucking industry is still phenomenal.The DataNew truck sales totaled approximately 40,100 for October, according to FTR. This is an 83% […]

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Brokers and Small Carriers Butt Heads, with FMCSA Referee

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On October 28th, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration held another virtual conference, this time regarding broker regulations. In attendance were representatives from the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA), Owner-Operator Independent Driver Association (OOIDA), and the Small Business in Transportation Coalition (SBTC). As you can imagine, the TIA wants fewer regulations, and the OOIDA and SBTC […]

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ATRI Releases 2020 Trucking Issues Survey Results

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The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) released the results of its 2020 survey asking stakeholders in the trucking industry their thoughts on things that impact the trucking industry. Their report is a very insightful 26-page behemoth of knowledge, but for our reading base, primarily of truckers who would rather spend more time on the road […]

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Traton_and_Hino_Team_up_for_Alternative_Fuel

Traton and Hino Team up for Alternative Fuel

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It seems like for the trucking industry in 2020, everyone is working together with everyone else. Yesterday was an article about partnerships in the development of autonomous trucking, and now there is more news in the sphere of green fuels: Traton SE and Hino Motors Limited have signed an agreement to work on battery-electric and […]

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FMCSA_Speaks_at_Virtual_Conference

FMCSA Speaks at Virtual Conference

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On October 23rd, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Deputy Administrator Wiley Deck spoke at the American Trucking Association’s (ATA) virtual version of its Management Conference and Exhibition. The event was turned into a virtual one this year, due to the coronavirus pandemic. Here is what he spoke about. Under 21 Drivers With the trucking industry […]

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Department_of_Labor_Hopes_to_Clarify_Independent_Contractor_Status_for_Truckers

Department of Labor to Clarify Independent Contractor Status

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When a truck driver hears about laws and regulations determining the difference between an independent contractor and employee, the first thing that may come to mind is California AB-5, one of the strictest standards in the nation for determining employee eligibility. At the federal level, however, the Department of Labor (DOL) wants to revise their […]

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Can_Our_Infrastructure_Support_Electric_Trucks

Can Our Infrastructure Support Electric Trucks?

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When it comes to electric vehicles overall, even beyond electric heavy-duty trucks, two major problems impede mass production and adoption: range and refueling. We have written extensively about the first one, and automotive and tech companies work around the clock to increase the number of miles an electric truck gets on a single charge. The […]

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September-2020-Trailer-Sales-Nearly-Break-Record

September 2020: Trailer Sales Nearly Break Record

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Freight Transportation Research (FTR) has been tracking trailer sales for a very long time. It means a lot when September 2020 was the third-highest month for trailer sales since they started keeping track. The Details August’s trailer sales, according to FTR, were about 28,700. Now, for September, trailer sales reached 52,000, according to preliminary numbers. […]

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September_2020_New_Truck_Sales_Hit_Almost_TwoYear_High

September 2020: New Truck Sales Hit Almost Two-Year High

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According to Freight Transportation Research Associates (FTR), around 20,500 new trucks were sold in the month of August. Now the September numbers are in, and if you have been following the truck sales for the past few months, it should not surprise you. The Data New trucks sold for September according to FTR totaled 32,000. […]

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Western_Star_Unveils_49X_Truck_Features

Western Star Unveils 49X Truck: Features

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Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), the parent company of Western Star, has officially revealed the company’s latest vocational truck. The company considers it the natural evolution of the 4900 series of work trucks.“We know the 4900 is a great product, but we also know that it doesn’t bring the best of technology to the customer,” […]

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FMCSA_Extends_Other_Exemptions_Until_2021

FMCSA Extends Other Exemptions Until 2021

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If you have been following the news regarding the coronavirus pandemic, you may remember two things:The hours-of-service exemption was extended until the end of 2020.Other exemptions, such as the CDL renewal, CPL renewal, and medical certification renewal, were provided.On September 18th, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) combined the two and made it so […]

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FMCSA_Denies_Longer_HoursofService_for_SelfDriving_Tech

FMCSA Denies Longer Hours-of-Service for Self-Driving Tech

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In late April 2020, a tech company by the name of Pronto.ai petitioned the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, asking that its motor carrier customers get an additional two hours of driving each day thanks to the driving assistance their technology provides. You can probably tell from the title of this article where that petition […]

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Tesla_Announces_Semi_Battery_Upgrade

Tesla Announces Semi Battery Upgrade

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On September 22nd, 2020, Tesla shareholders gathered in Fremont, California to hear the latest from Elon Musk and Tesla Senior Vice President of Powertrain and Energy Drew Baglino. Sitting in their cars to social distance in the era of COVID-19, shareholders learned the latest technological advancements to Tesla’s vehicles. The most interesting of which is […]

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When_Is_it_Time_to_Swap_a_Truck

When Is it Time to Swap a Truck?

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Trading upward does not necessarily have to entail purchasing a newly manufactured truck right off the factory lines. Sometimes, a swap can be as easy as getting the same make and model, just increasing the year. Some thrifty companies that would rather own their trucks than lease will own used trucks until they are ready […]

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FMCSA_Announces_New_Committee_Through_MCSAC

FMCSA Announces New Committee Through MCSAC

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The United States government is a complicated system. In a short summary relating to truckers, the president appoints the Secretary of the Department of Transportation, who then manages the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It is a tall building where it may feel as though the limit of trucker input is voting for the […]

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FMCSA_Changes_Hours

FMCSA Changes Hours-of-Service Soon: What to Know

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On September 29th, truckers will breathe a sigh of relief as FMCSA hours-of-service regulations are loosened and allow more leeway to the driver. If you have been delivering for the many various State of Emergencies that have plagued 2020, you may have forgotten what the changes to the hours-of-service regulations entail. Here is a refresher […]

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Proposed_Hours_of_Service_Revisions_Taken_to_Court

Proposed Hours-of-Service Revisions Taken to Court

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It seems as though every trucking industry change is taken to court at some time or another. This time, it is a change that most truckers are looking forward to: the changes in hours-of-service regulations. Intended to provide added flexibility to a trucker’s daily work, the hours-of-service changes are being challenged by safety groups arguing […]

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August_Trailer_Sales_Skyrocket_is_an_Understatement

August Trailer Sales: “Skyrocket” is an Understatement

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Either in spite of, or because of, all the crazy events happening in 2020, trailer sales for the recent months have been going up, up, up. We at TopMark Funding wrote in an article for July trailer sales, saying, “It will be interesting to see where August stands on the scale.” That data is officially […]

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Preliminary_Job_Numbers_Suggest_Trucking_Industry_Is_Healing

Preliminary Job Numbers Suggest Trucking Industry Is Healing

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Another month has gone by since we last reported on the coronavirus pandemic affecting job numbers. Although the pandemic appears to not have an end in sight, society as a whole has become acclimated to the pandemic, and things are returning slightly back to normal. Some people are going back to work (albeit working from […]

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COVID-19 State of Emergency Extended to End of Year

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Every month for a while now, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has been extending the State of Emergency by another month. The FMCSA has decided to take a more proactive approach, and as of September 11th the State of Emergency has been extended until the end of the year. The Details You can […]

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Nikola_Motor_Company_Goes_Public_Stock_for_Sale

General Motors and Nikola Corporation Partner Up

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We at TopMark Funding have talked about Nikola Corporation going public and how you can become a part-owner in the fledgling company. Now, it seems General Motors wants a piece of the action. The companies have announced plans to become part-owners of one another. The Details The companies became part-owners of one another by swapping […]

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California state flag flying in front of capital building

California AB-5 Law Hits 9th Circuit of Appeals

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We at TopMark Funding have written about the AB-5 bill before. In the last article covering the bill, we talked about how U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez issued a preliminary junction against it, meaning that until the lawsuit between the State of California and the California Trucking Association (CTA) is resolved, the default position is […]

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