Author: Trucker Talk Radio
“It’s a very different political environment for trucking,” Lydia Vieth said. (Bilanol/Getty Images) [Stay updated on transportation news: Subscribe to TTNews in your inbox.] The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is re-evaluating regulations, including the Greenhouse Gas Phase 3 rule, while inviting Congress to review the waivers allowing California to set its own emission standards. The trucking industry is now awaiting further developments. On March 12, the EPA announced 31 actions, including a review of the GHG3 rule as well as the 2009 endangerment finding that identified certain emissions as harmful to public health. This finding supported various emission regulations by…
The Challenges Faced by Truck Drivers The situation for truck drivers is dire, characterized by long working hours, inadequate social and financial benefits, and a lack of basic facilities relating to food and hygiene. Moreover, they endure extended periods away from their families. Raghuram Sharma emphasizes the urgent need for corrective measures to improve their circumstances. Essential Yet Overlooked Profession Truck drivers are often unsung heroes of the supply chain, serving as a crucial link in transporting everything from daily essentials to industrial goods. Their role is integral to modern life, yet they remain one of the most overlooked groups…
Maintaining tire health is vital, and automatic tire inflation systems (ATIS) have become a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of trailer upkeep. With high adoption rates among trailers, these systems play a key role in minimizing road failures and ensuring tire longevity. As technology advances, it’s worth reassessing the additional benefits these systems can provide beyond mere inflation. Complacency with Truck Tire Inflation Automatic tire inflation systems have been established for some time, and many fleets acknowledge their main advantage: addressing underinflated tires. Matt Wilson, General Manager of the Controls Business Unit at Hendrickson, notes that “this is the largest…
As the number of drivers and risks on the road increases, many carriers are reducing their capacity, leading to challenging times for the trucking industry. Current Insurance Market Challenges The trucking industry is facing extreme hardships in the insurance market, far more severe than typical fluctuations. Rates are climbing, markets are contracting, and insurers are becoming highly selective with their clients. Brokers report that many companies have struggled to renew their insurance programs this month, with some even closing due to these difficulties. The Impact of Rising Rates The insurance challenges are particularly pressing, as most trucking firms require extensive…
In partnership with: The trucking sector is actively lobbying to implement changes that critics argue will hinder the ability of crash victims to sue companies and restrict the compensation they can obtain. Over the past three years, this initiative has led to new legislation in seven states, including Texas and Florida, which have some of the highest rates of fatal truck accidents in the country. Industry representatives claim that these laws aim to reduce unwarranted lawsuits and exorbitant payouts. However, advocates for safety argue that these measures primarily protect trucking companies from legitimate accountability and discourage them from taking steps…
During a protest against lockdown measures and vaccine mandates, some truck drivers obstructed one of Queensland’s most trafficked highways, leading to significant delays throughout the morning. On Monday morning, two trucks were positioned across the southbound lanes of the M1 Motorway close to Reedy Creek. A banner reading, “Truckies keep Australia moving, not politicians,” was displayed prominently on the front of the trucks. Nearby supporters held additional signs, including one that stated they weren’t anti-vaccine but “pro-choice.” As traffic was backed up for several kilometers, protesters shifted their vehicles further south after learning that a horse in a trailer was…
Merritt Family Companies Acquire Magnum Trailer & Equipment The Merritt family of companies, which includes Merritt Aluminum Products and Merritt Trailers, has purchased Magnum Trailer & Equipment, a reputable company based in British Columbia, Canada. Magnum features three divisions: truck accessories, trailer manufacturing, and service. Strategic Vision and Benefits “This acquisition strengthens our strategic vision to provide the finest aluminum products available by merging the capabilities of both companies,” stated Taylor Merritt, CEO of Merritt Companies. “Our focus is on delivering greater value to our customers, fostering innovation, and upholding the shared values that contribute to our success.” Integration and…
LuckyTruck Introduces New Credit Card for Trucking Companies LuckyTruck is set to launch a credit card specifically designed for small trucking companies and their fleet managers. This will mark the company’s first foray into credit cards, as stated in a press release by LuckyTruck, an insurance and FinTech platform that caters to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the trucking sector. “Trucking is a crucial and capital-intensive sector of the U.S. economy,” remarked LuckyTruck CEO Julie Zimmer. “We aim to enhance cash flow for over a million small and medium-sized trucking businesses in the country.” The LuckyTruck Card is poised…
OAKLAND — Ongoing Supply Chain Disruptions The shipping industry is still grappling with supply chain challenges, which are set to intensify due to new emissions regulations that will ban tens of thousands of trucks in California. Trucks lined up at the Port of Oakland. CBS New Regulations Set to Take Effect In 2008, then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger enacted regulations aimed at reducing pollution from trucks and buses. This January 1st marks the implementation of a key rule that will outlaw diesel trucks with engines manufactured prior to 2010. Impact on Trucking Industry Sydney Vergis from the California Air Resources Board stated,…
A Life on the Road Joy Wiebe lived and died along the highway. She was an archetype of an American woman: a devoted wife, mother to three children, a lover of dogs, and a committed Christian. Yet, she stood out as one of the most relentless tanker drivers in the country, transporting essential fuel along the perilous ice road to Prudhoe Bay Oil Field, located at Alaska’s northernmost tip beyond the Arctic Circle. The new book “Mothertrucker” (Little A), authored by writing professor and friend Amy Butcher, reveals her story. The title refers to Wiebe’s Instagram handle, @alaskamothertrucker, where she…