Author: Trucker Talk Radio

Acquisition of Magnum Trailer & Equipment FORT LUPTON, Colo., May 10, 2025 /CNW/ — The Merritt family of companies, including Merritt Aluminum Products and Merritt Trailers, is excited to announce the acquisition of Magnum Trailer & Equipment. This well-respected company, located in British Columbia, Canada, operates in three main areas: Truck Accessories, Trailer Manufacturing, and Service. Merritt Companies, the parent company of Merritt Aluminum Products and Merritt Trailers, acquires Magnum Trailer & Equipment from Abbotsford, BC, Canada in May 2025. Integration of Product Lines Magnum Trailer & Equipment’s Truck Accessories division is renowned for its durable aluminum moose guards and…

Read More

Note: This meeting is accessible to all members of the ATA Moving and Storage Conference. MSC Unpacked: Independent Movers Committee Education Series – Harnessing Captive Insurance Webinar Overview: We invite you to participate in the upcoming MSC Unpacked: Independent Movers Educational Webinar on Wednesday, May 28, at 1:00 PM EST. Moderated by Justin Hart, Chairman of the ATA-MSC Independent Movers Committee and Owner of Just-In Time Moving, this enlightening webinar is specifically crafted for ATA Moving and Storage Conference members, aimed at exploring the benefits of captive insurance. This session is set to significantly impact your business, featuring insights from…

Read More

The Loneliness of Truck Drivers: Addressing Mental Health Challenges Truck drivers often spend long hours alone in their cabs, facing isolation during long-haul journeys that may require overnight stays. This solitary lifestyle, relying heavily on internal strength, can have serious repercussions on their well-being. Men’s Health Week 2025: A Call to Action Men’s Health Week in the UK is set for 9-15 June 2025, organized by the Men’s Health Forum to highlight preventable health issues and encourage men to seek help. This year’s focus aims to promote discussions on mental health in various organizations and workplaces. Support for Truck Drivers…

Read More

At ACT Expo 2025, the message underscored was that achieving zero emissions is a gradual process, akin to a relay race rather than a sprint, with internal combustion engines (ICE) still playing an important role. This was particularly relevant for heavy-duty truck managers who are formulating decarbonization strategies aimed at emission reduction while ensuring operational uptime and profitability. Mathias Carlbaum, the International President and CEO, highlighted that ICE trucks, especially those utilizing biodiesel or renewable fuels, continue to be crucial for short-term decarbonization efforts. “Decarbonization is a journey that cannot be achieved in just one or two years,” Carlbaum stated.…

Read More

New Headquarters Announcement CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Daimler Truck Financial Services USA (DTFS), part of Daimler Truck North America, will set up its U.S. headquarters in Charlotte, creating 276 jobs in Mecklenburg County, as announced by Gov. Josh Stein on Tuesday. Investment and Facility Details The company will invest over $7.8 million into a new facility that will bring together operations from Michigan and Texas into a 60,000-square-foot location in the Ballantyne area. This site will handle administrative, human resources, and financial functions. Government Support “I am excited to welcome Daimler Truck Financial Services USA to North Carolina,” stated Stein. “North…

Read More

Pilot Study Highlights Health Issues Among Truck Drivers NEW DELHI: A pilot initiative aimed at identifying challenges faced by truck drivers across six states—Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu—revealed that more than half of the surveyed drivers have vision impairments. Additionally, over 44% were found to have a borderline or above Body Mass Index (BMI), and approximately 57% showed elevated blood pressure levels. Over the last year, “Project Abhay” screened a total of 50,713 truck drivers. This project was developed by the Centre for Rural Development & Technology (CRDT) of IIT-Delhi in collaboration with Foresight Foundation…

Read More

(AP Photo/Eckehard Schulz) Bridge Assessment and Closures The Illinois Tollway is currently enforcing lane and ramp closures to prioritize public safety while engineers examine the Illinois Route 83 Bridge that spans the Reagan Memorial Tollway I-88. Expect traffic delays in the vicinity. Incident Details According to authorities from the Illinois State Police, a construction excavator being towed by a truck/trailer struck the underside of the Illinois Route 83 Bridge while heading westbound on I-88 just after 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27. Active Closures The tollway has initiated the following closures: The ramp from westbound I-88 to southbound Illinois Route…

Read More

Understanding the Risks of Moving Relocating can be both challenging and costly, even if everything goes smoothly. If you encounter an accident while using a rental moving van or trailer, not only could your belongings get damaged, but you might also be responsible for repairing the rental vehicle. Coverage Options from Rental Companies Much like rental car services, companies such as U-Haul promote purchasing insurance through them to relieve customers of financial liability for damage to the rental vehicle. However, the nature of renting a truck or trailer differs significantly from renting a standard car. Standard Coverages May Not Apply…

Read More

Summary of Legislation: Last week, Colorado Governor Jared Polis enacted a law permitting individuals as young as 18 to operate commercial vehicles for interstate transportation. However, this change is contingent on federal approval, as current regulations bar 18-21 year-olds from driving Class 8 trucks across state lines. Industry Backing: The trucking sector is in favor of this new law. Jay Hicks, who represents the Colorado Motor Carriers Association and the Western States Transportation Alliance, expressed support during his testimony on February 5. The American Trucking Associations has also advocated for a federal policy update. Addressing Driver Shortage: According to State…

Read More

Gerard*, who has been in trucking for five years, began to notice changes in himself. Key Points: Suicide is the second leading cause of death among truck drivers under 39 years. Many drivers feel unable to express mental health issues. Researcher Elizabeth Prichard states the industry’s effects on drivers are more significant than previously thought. Working 16-hour shifts, weighing 142 kg, and coping with two divorces, Gerard mentioned that his mental health has deteriorated badly. He remarked, “Broken marriages and a miserable existence on the road, along with years away from home,” contributed to his mental decline. When he tried…

Read More