Author: Trucker Talk Radio

The Impact of Supply and Demand on Trucking Slump The primary reason behind the trucking industry’s downturn can be traced to the fundamental economic principle of supply and demand. Economic Trends Affecting Demand Wider economic trends, such as increased activity in factories, retail, and construction, elevate the need for truck drivers. As more goods need transportation, there is a heightened requirement for both vehicles and drivers to facilitate movement. Response of Trucking Companies to Demand When demand surges, trucking companies often respond by purchasing additional trucks and hiring more drivers, banking on forthcoming profits. However, once the availability of trucks…

The Impact of Surveillance in the Workplace The coronavirus pandemic has initiated a significant rise in workplace surveillance that shows no signs of receding even after the crisis. Businesses are increasingly tracking their remote employees, often under the guise of security or productivity enhancement. In logistics, such as Amazon and UPS, surveillance tools are integrated into their operations, allowing employers to monitor workers extensively through easily accessible data like phone calls, texts, emails, and GPS locations. Historical Context of Worker Surveillance These intensive monitoring practices stem from a long-standing mistrust of workers, rooted deeply in a history that can be…

A look at fire damage caused to helmets the Gators used in Saturday night’s win at Mississippi State (Photo: Donna Doty/University Athletic Association) Incident Overview Last week in Mississippi, the Florida football team’s equipment truck faced a significant challenge, resulting in major damage. After the Gators secured a 13-6 victory over Mississippi State, their equipment manager, Mike Knowles, received alarming news upon landing back in Gainesville. Truck Fire Details The assistant equipment manager, Jeff McGrew, voiced the concerns many felt when he heard the news: “Oh no, that’s not good.” According to the driver, a blown rear tire likely sparked…

Insurance Provider Enhances Motor Truck Cargo Coverage MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio, April 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Progressive Insurance has introduced Cargo Plus, a new endorsement that broadens the Motor Truck Cargo coverage available to for-hire truckers and other qualifying customers. Motor Truck Cargo coverage provides protection when a trucker is legally responsible for damage to goods in their exclusive custody and control. The newly launched Cargo Plus endorsement enhances this coverage by including protections against issues such as moisture, rust, corrosion, driver mistakes, and temperature fluctuations for refrigerated loads for customers who also purchase Refrigeration Breakdown coverage. The Cargo Plus endorsement…

The CARB reversal has increased the responsibility of truck manufacturers to support California’s ongoing emission reduction efforts. (vitpho/Getty Images) CARB Withdraws Regulatory Proposal The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has retracted a regulatory proposal that would have mandated trucking companies to incrementally integrate zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) into their fleets, a move that has been positively received by industry leaders. Advanced Clean Fleets Rule Reconsidered This rule, known as the Advanced Clean Fleets Rule, aimed to enforce a phased implementation of ZEVs in specific truck and bus fleets across the state. In addition, California has proposed an Advanced Clean Trucks rule…

Yellow employs around 22,000 workers represented by the Teamsters. (Jim Allen/FreightWaves) Teamsters’ Concerns Over Yellow’s Financial Stability Last month, the Teamsters claimed that Yellow (NASDAQ: YELL), one of the largest trucking firms in the U.S., warned the union that it would run out of funds by August. To avert collapse, Yellow’s leadership indicated that Teamsters, representing about 22,000 Yellow employees, must agree to operational modifications previously sanctioned by the union. Teamsters General President’s Bold Response Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien responded decisively, stating, “Go ahead and shut down.” He expressed in a June 12 video that it was not the…

Material: Choose lightweight and breathable fabrics like cotton, straw, or light synthetic materials like nylon to enhance airflow and facilitate heat dissipation. Additionally, seek out materials such as polyester and nylon that offer quick-drying and sweat-wicking properties. With excellent breathability and moisture management, a summer hat’s fabric will help keep your head cool and your mind clear. Sun Protection: Opt for hats that feature wide brims, such as bucket hats, sun hats, and fedoras, to shield your face, neck, and ears from harmful UV radiation. Choose summer hats with a UPF rating of 30 or higher for optimal sun protection.…

Sign Up for TPR Today Subscribe to Texas Public Radio’s TPR Today newsletter for a daily roundup of our top stories delivered straight to your inbox each morning. Touch a Truck Event On Saturday, attendees of all ages had the opportunity to explore construction equipment at the “Touch a Truck” event, hosted by the San Antonio Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT). The event featured a towering 100 ft crane, various heavy machinery, TXDOT’s robot dog named “DOT,” a drone showcase, and the “rollover convincer” among other displays. A Memorable Experience for Kids One parent, Kyle Adams, attended the event with…

Intimidating Beginnings The sign read “Professional Drivers Only,” which felt a bit daunting. At a truck stop in Effingham, Illinois, I found gruff-looking individuals donning camo hats and intense gazes at the counter of the Iron Skillet Restaurant. Unexpected Conversations However, these long-haul truck drivers proved eager to share their experiences with a reporter. Their occupation is demanding and often isolating, and they readily opened up, revealing stories as if they were seldom asked by outsiders. As Greg Simmons, a 54-year-old driver from Hastings, Florida, expressed—his poignant statement became the headline of the article—“We’re throwaway people.” The Lives of Truck…

Trucking updates and briefs for Monday, May 16, 2022: FMCSA Informs Congress: Insurance Industry Hindering Increased Requirements This month, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) presented a report to Congress highlighting that the lack of transparency within the insurance industry is a key factor preventing the agency from backing an increase to the $750,000 liability insurance requirement for motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders. The report comes as part of a series of documents issued over nearly a decade, stemming from a mandate in the 2012 MAP-21 highway bill that required FMCSA to study the issue. FMCSA pointed out…