Author: Trucker Talk Radio
What Is Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU)? Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU) refers to an outdated term in international trade where the seller is responsible for ensuring that goods are delivered safely to a specified destination. The seller covers all shipping expenses and assumes all risks involved during transit. Upon arrival at the designated location, the buyer is required to handle and pay for import duties as well as any additional transportation costs. In contrast, Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) signifies that the seller must handle all duties, import clearances, and taxes. Key Takeaways DDU signifies the seller’s obligation to deliver goods safely,…
Introduction to the New Independent Driver Classification Rule The newly implemented independent driver classification rule in 2024 is creating considerable uncertainty in the trucking sector, impacting businesses such as American Cargo Enterprise based in Newark, NJ. This regulation changes the classification of owner-operators, potentially designating them as employees and leading to significant implications for operational expenses and legal standings. Shifts in Employment Classification In March 2024, the trucking industry experienced a crucial transformation with the rollout of this independent driver rule. This regulation alters the classification guidelines for trucking businesses, making it possible for a large number of drivers to…
Record Job Losses in Trucking Sector In April, about 88,300 truck drivers were laid off, marking the largest monthly decline in trucking jobs on record, based on data from January 1990. This significant drop eliminated all job gains in the trucking industry from the past five and a half years, reverting employment levels to those seen in November 2014. The broader job market also faced severe challenges, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on May 8. A staggering 20.5 million jobs were lost nationwide in April, a figure 25 times greater than the most substantial decline during the…
Tragic Death of Truck Driver at Goshen Plant GOSHEN — A truck driver lost his life during a delivery at Lippert Components after being struck by a massive 5,000-pound bundle of steel. The deceased, Milos Jovanovic, 36, hailing from Naperville, Illinois, was employed by a Chicago-based trucking company, according to Polly Hoover, a public information officer for the Goshen Police Department, who spoke to The Tribune on February 6. Police confirmed that he was fatally injured when the heavy steel tubing fell on him. The incident occurred at Plant 45 on February 5 during the offloading of steel from Jovanovic’s…
Komatsu Tests World’s First Hydrogen Combustion Dump Truck Komatsu has announced the initiation of tests on “the world’s first large dump truck equipped with a hydrogen combustion engine.” Testing at Komatsu’s Facility The HD785 rigid-frame truck has been retrofitted with the internal combustion engine technology and is currently undergoing “proof-of-concept tests” at Komatsu’s Ibaraki Plant in Japan, as reported on February 19. The truck has a payload capacity of 92 metric tons, while its diesel equivalent generates 1,200 horsepower. Innovative Development Goals According to Komatsu, “This marks the world’s first attempt to equip a large dump truck with a hydrogen…
Ontario Trucking Association Responds to Driver Shortage with Foreign Workers Proposal The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) has highlighted a critical shortage of truck drivers in Ontario, proposing that the solution lies in bringing in foreign workers. According to the OTA, the long-haul trucking profession is not appealing to locals, which is contributing to the labor shortfall. Opposition from Teamsters Canada Teamsters Canada, the nation’s largest transportation union, disagrees with the OTA’s proposal, arguing that trucking companies should prioritize enhancing working conditions and increasing wages that have been stagnant for nearly 35 years. François Laporte, the president of Teamsters Canada, stated,…
Challenges in Talent Acquisition and Retention The failure to attract and retain top talent, which ranks eighth among risks, is a considerable challenge for the industry, distinct from the broader workforce shortage, ranked fifth. Many respondents from the sector have noted a shortage of skilled personnel, which can be attributed to two main factors: the loss of experienced workers to other industries offering better pay and working conditions, and the impact of the pandemic, as many employees reevaluate their work-life balance. These issues have also spurred unionization movements among transportation professionals. Risks from Social Media Transparency Human factors can present…
Over 100 container truck drivers participated in a rolling convoy through British Columbia’s Lower Mainland on Sunday, protesting new licensing regulations they believe will negatively impact smaller companies that transport goods to and from the Port of Vancouver. With their horns blaring and banners displayed, the trucks began their journey from Delta, B.C., heading towards the port entrance in East Vancouver. This demonstration was initiated by the Port Transport Association (PTA), representing trucking firms that collectively hold around half of the 1,600 licenses at Canada’s busiest port. The protest was prompted by a recent report from the Office of the…
The Trucking Law section on Overdrive is a monthly feature where we address frequently asked questions from truckers and owner-operators, consulting with legal professionals. In this edition, Dr. Alex Underwood discusses how drivers can return to work even after significant life changes. You can explore all installments of Trucking Law through this link. A person may be able to qualify for a Skill Performance Evaluation if their physical condition is fixed and non-progressive, such as an amputated limb. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has made significant strides in recognizing that drivers with certain disabilities can be safe behind…
Unique Life Experience A truck driver from Los Angeles, known only as Tank, is sharing insights into his distinctive sex life, highlighting that many of his partners have found his condition intriguing. Understanding Diphallia Tank was born with diphallia, a rare genetic condition where a male has two penises. According to the National Institutes of Health, this abnormality is highly uncommon, impacting fewer than 1,000 men and boys in the U.S. Early Life Challenges In a candid interview with Soft White Underbelly, Tank recounted his challenging youth, revealing that he was incarcerated for manslaughter at 12 years old. He remained…