Author: Trucker Talk Radio

Editor’s note: This article has been updated By: Susie C. SpearSource: News & Record, Greensboro, N.C. (TNS) Incident Overview In Eden, North Carolina, the driver of a city-owned dump truck has been charged after fatally striking four utility workers and injuring three others on April 24. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol, which is leading the investigation, reported that Michael Ray Vernon was operating the vehicle without a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL). License Details Authorities have not yet clarified why Vernon’s CDL was invalid or when it was last issued. Typically, CDLs issued in North Carolina are valid for…

The self-employed truck driver Niclas Nordström found himself snowbound on Sweden’s E22 motorway for 20 hours on Wednesday and Thursday, describing it as the most severe weather he has faced in his three-decade career. Nordström, who has operated his own freight business since the 1990s, said he mistakenly thought the traffic would have cleared when he entered the E22 on Wednesday. His error, shared by about 1,000 other drivers, became apparent when he got stuck near Linderöd around 1:45 PM. “I assumed the police would have redirected the traffic since the cause of the congestion had happened earlier, but I…

The Department of Transportation noted that the deregulatory initiative aims to eliminate, modify, or withdraw onerous regulations that do not contribute to safety. (Wyoming Department of Transportation) [Stay updated on transportation news: Subscribe to TTNews.] The Department of Transportation (DOT) is looking to revise or eliminate approximately two dozen federal trucking regulations. While many of these changes are minor, some are considered outdated or unnecessarily burdensome for truck drivers. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated during a May 29 announcement, “My department is cutting redundant and outdated regulations that are unduly burdensome, waste taxpayer money, and fail to ensure safety. These…

Ethical Considerations The study’s data were anonymized before being provided to the authors by the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS). The research design was approved by the Institute Review Board (IRB) of Yonsei University Health System in Seoul, Korea (IRB number: Y-2017-0100). Since this data was derived from the secondary NHIS database, informed consent was not required. Data Collection Data spanning from 2002 to 2015 were extracted from the Korean NHIS database. The NHIS offers mandatory public health insurance that covers medical services, including national health, medical aid, and long-term care insurance for all Korean citizens. Almost the entire Korean…

Fleets are continually embracing new technologies and evolving operational demands. In response, Peterbilt is enhancing its product development approach for both highway and vocational segments. During a recent meeting, executives detailed how design enhancements, powertrain diversification, and intelligent integrations are influencing both current and future models, all while solidifying the company’s standing in critical markets. “Specifically, in the Class 8 segment, we attained a remarkable 15.3% market share last year, which is an impressive achievement. Our medium duty market share also rose by 1.3%, reaching 9%,” said Jake Montero, general manager of Peterbilt and PACCAR vice president. “We captured 21.2%…

Earlier this year, the Department of Labor issued a definitive rule clarifying the distinction between employees and independent contractors under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This rule is crucial because it dictates eligibility for FLSA benefits; employees are entitled to overtime and minimum wage, while independent contractors do not have these guarantees. However, the classification of independent contractors has broader implications beyond just the FLSA and notably affects the transportation sector. This rule is particularly significant as it serves as the first interpretive guide for classifying under the FLSA. Background: A History of FLSA Classification Before May 2024, there…

Truck Driver Shortage and Personal Struggles Career Shift Due to Debt Michael Gary, burdened with over $50,000 in student loans, dropped out of college in 2012 and began working as a truck driver. He explained that this job helped him manage his expenses, especially since he could save money by living in his truck for extended periods. Impact on Personal Life Despite the financial benefits, the trucking job took a toll on his personal life. Gary found himself away from home for weeks, which strained his relationships. His irregular work schedule made it difficult to focus on his health; he…

While the concept of decarbonization often brings to mind electric vehicles and renewable solutions, diesel engines continue to play a pivotal role in this transition. As fleets aim to reduce emissions, it’s crucial to understand that advancements do not solely rely on electrification. Diesel remains the backbone of the heavy-duty trucking sector, showcasing its adaptability and contribution to sustainability. Volvo Trucks’ Diesel Engines Leading Emission Reductions In an interview at ACT Expo, Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America, underscored the relevance of diesel. He stated, “Advanced Clean Transport encompasses more than just electric trucks; it also includes more…

The legislation aims to enhance enforcement for vehicles weighing between 10,001 and 26,000 pounds, ensuring state laws align with federal regulations under the interstate compact. (Wirestock/Getty Images) Oregon’s Democratic Governor, Tina Kotek, has approved a new law targeting the state’s escalating issues with truckers avoiding weight scales, unauthorized household goods movers, and accidents involving medium-duty trucks. The legislation is designed to broaden enforcement measures to cover vehicles weighing 10,001 to 26,000 pounds, facilitating compliance with federal laws as outlined in the interstate compact. Carla Phelps, administrator of the Commerce and Compliance Division at the Oregon Department of Transportation, informed the…

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE CO. (WOLF) — A local commercial driver’s license (CDL) training center is emphasizing the urgent need for new truck drivers due to a nationwide shortage in the industry. Frank Tunis, the CDL Program Director at Fortis Institute, attributes this shortage to an aging workforce and the growing demand for drivers driven by the rise of e-commerce. “With expectations for Amazon packages to arrive at customers’ doorsteps by the next day, there’s a pressing need for drivers. Drones aren’t yet handling deliveries, so we still rely on human drivers,” Tunis noted. Bringing over 40 years of experience in truck…