Author: Trucker Talk Radio

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is set to retract a pivotal scientific determination this week that has supported U.S. climate policies and the government’s capacity to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. The White House declared that on Thursday, President Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin will officially withdraw the 2009 endangerment finding from the Obama administration. Zeldin has previously asserted that eliminating the Endangerment Finding and its associated regulations could remove over $1 trillion in “hidden taxes” affecting American businesses and families. The Trump administration initiated the repeal of the Endangerment Finding last July, which has enabled presidential administrations since 2009…

Healthy Trucking Fleet of the Year Award Presented to Celadon Group The inaugural Healthy Trucking Fleet of the Year award, a joint initiative between FusionHealth and Navistar, was awarded to Celadon Group at their headquarters in Indianapolis. Recognizing Excellence in Health and Wellness This award celebrates trucking companies that effectively incorporate health and wellness programs into their operations, enhancing the overall well-being of their driver workforce. Challenges of Maintaining Health on the Road “Drivers are the backbone of the industry, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle while on long hauls can be challenging,” remarks Chelle Pfiffner, vice president of strategic employer…

In a recent episode of HDT Talks Trucking, Leah Shaver, president and CEO of the National Transportation Institute, questions traditional perceptions regarding women in the trucking industry, both on the road and in management roles. Shaver’s organization has conducted a survey to understand the obstacles women face in trucking. She shares her insights on how motor carriers can tackle these issues in her discussion with HDT Editor and Associate Publisher Deborah Lockridge. She emphasizes the importance of addressing the specific challenges for working mothers, suggesting the need for innovative childcare solutions and a fundamental change to the training programs for…

Panelists (from left) Joseph Richley of Kenan Advantage Group, Jack Legler, Mike Dorfman, Clayton Cavell, and Andrew Roth discuss AVs and the future of trucking insurance. (Anneliese Mahoney/Transport Topics) March 1, 2023 10:25 AM, EST Impact of Autonomous Vehicles on Trucking Insurance ORLANDO, Fla. — A recent panel of experts held on February 28 during the Technology & Maintenance Council Annual Meeting highlighted the significant implications of autonomous vehicle (AV) technology on trucking insurance. Gradual Technology Adoption Mike Dorfman, COO at Koffie Financial, noted that emerging technologies first appear in large fleets before gradually reaching owner-operators over a decade. He…

The shift toward zero-emission trucks is expected to be challenging, especially with the EPA’s low-NOx regulations set to take effect in 2027. This article explores how the trucking industry is navigating these hurdles. Trucking Industry at a Crossroads The trucking sector is at a critical juncture. In the next year or so, fleets must decide whether to embrace new propulsion systems beyond diesel or go with new diesel trucks featuring advanced emissions-control technologies. New NOx reduction mandates from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), announced late last year, will become effective starting in 2026 for heavy-duty trucks from model year 2027.…

Meet Chris Hahn and His Furry Co-Pilot Chris Hahn affectionately refers to his furry companion as “a bundle of joy,” especially when the ferret is asleep for around 18 hours a day. However, during the remaining six hours, Hahn describes Four Sox, affectionately known as “Lilshit,” as resembling “a toddler on meth.” A Culinary Journey on the Road Originally from New Orleans, Hahn transitioned into the trucking industry after a 14-year career as a chef. Now an owner-operator, he spends much of his time on the road but still enjoys cooking. He has equipped his 2008 Kenworth T660 studio sleeper…

Kenworth Truck Co. Seminar Announcement Kenworth Truck Co. will present the latest updates regarding its Class 6 and Class 7 vehicles during a seminar focused on chassis updates. This event is set for Tuesday, March 6, from 3 to 4:15 p.m. at the Indiana Convention Center and RCA Dome in Indianapolis. Event Details The seminar is scheduled alongside The Work Truck Show, which is organized by the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA). Attendees can expect to receive information on medium-duty product advancements, including the new 2007 Paccar PX-6 and PX-8 engines, as well as updates for body builders. Expertise Available…

One effective method for trucking companies to lower insurance expenses is to recruit skilled drivers and emphasize safety compliance. by Danny Sellers, Insurance Office of America January 2, 2024 The ongoing driver shortage in the trucking sector has prompted some companies to relax their hiring standards, bringing in less experienced drivers to fill vacant roles. Such practices can elevate risk levels for these firms, leading to increased insurance rates. From a risk management viewpoint, employing skilled drivers is crucial for keeping the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) safety scores low. Lower scores translate to reduced insurance premiums, making it…

Is that driver an employee or an owner-operator? New complex rules from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) lay out a multi-factor framework for assessing whether a worker qualifies as an independent contractor. The U.S. Department of Labor’s final regulations regarding driver classification raise the essential question: is the truck driver an employee or an owner-operator? The DOL’s latest rule details six factors to consider in this distinction, applying a multi-faceted approach to worker classification. Published in the Federal Register on January 10, the DOL revised its Wage and Hour Division regulations concerning the definition of employee versus independent contractor…

Old Dominion Honors Harold Hyde with Prestigious Award THOMASVILLE, N.C. — Harold Hyde, a pickup and delivery driver from Nashville, Tennessee, has been awarded the 2020 John Yowell OD Family Spirit Award by Old Dominion Freight Line Inc. This annual recognition highlights his exceptional bravery, heroism, and unwavering commitment to helping others. In August 2019, while driving on McCrory Lane in Davidson County, Tennessee, Hyde noticed vehicles swerving to avoid an object in the roadway. Upon closer inspection, he discovered that the object was a 4-year-old boy. Without pause, Hyde maneuvered his Old Dominion tractor-trailer across both lanes to block…