Author: Trucker Talk Radio

New Legislation Tackles Staged Accidents, Fraudulent Claims, and Financing Arlington, Virginia – The American Trucking Associations has expressed its support for the newly introduced Highway Accident Fairness Act of 2021, spearheaded by Representatives Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) and Garret Graves (R-LA-6). The legislation aims to alleviate the financial strain on trucking companies by addressing fraudulent insurance claims arising from staged accidents. “We are grateful to Reps. Cuellar and Graves for proposing this sensible legislation aimed at combating the widespread abuse of lawsuits targeting the trucking sector. Staged accidents, third-party litigation funding, and excessive jury awards are transforming civil justice into a…

Opposition to Proposed CDL Testing Changes WASHINGTON — Regulators faced significant pushback from truck owner-operators and safety advocates over a proposal aimed at simplifying the process for testing and hiring new drivers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has proposed a rule titled “Increased Flexibility for Testing and for Drivers after Passing the Skills Test,” which would relax existing regulations surrounding commercial driver’s license (CDL) testing. The changes that FMCSA published for public comment in February follow temporary waivers and exemptions introduced during and after the pandemic, as well as a petition from the American Trucking Associations (ATA) made…

Community Colleges to Train Truck Drivers through DOT Grants As part of a continuing grant initiative, the Department of Transportation (DOT) is collaborating with community colleges to train truck drivers across the nation. Credit: George Rose / Contributor / Getty Images News / Getty Images This latest round of DOT grants is specifically aimed at training veterans and their spouses for careers in the trucking sector. The U.S. has increasingly faced a shortage of truck drivers in recent years. To address this shortage, the DOT is allocating millions of dollars to educational institutions to equip veterans with skills for the…

Top Truck Driver Recognized in Pennsylvania CAMP HILL — Arthur Gerber, a truck driver from New Wilmington, has achieved a remarkable milestone by driving 3 million accident-free miles and has been honored as the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association Driver of the Year. Gerber, who works with Ward Transport and Logistics, has been a professional driver since 1984. Throughout his extensive career, he has not been involved in any traffic accidents, a testament to his driving skill and dedication. His impressive record of safety has made him a standout figure in the trucking industry, showcasing the importance of safety and professionalism…

Highlights of Q4 for Specialty Equipment Distributors: Custom Truck One Source (NYSE:CTOS) As the Q4 earnings season concludes, it’s time to assess the top and bottom performers within the specialty equipment distributors sector, including Custom Truck One Source (NYSE:CTOS) and its competitors. Traditionally, specialty equipment distributors have excelled in providing a wide array of products and expertise in niche areas such as single-use packaging or specialized lighting. Over the last decade, there has been a noticeable shift towards more automated industrial machinery, enhancing efficiency and allowing for valuable data collection. Distributors that adapt to these trends may capture market share…

The Case of Philip “Buckie” Barlow The complete account of a truck driver found deceased in a creek after being reported missing in 2019 has surfaced as part of a true crime documentary series. Disappearance Reported Philip “Buckie” Barlow, a 61-year-old truck driver, was reported missing by his long-time girlfriend, Mary, when he failed to arrive at his job at Hillside Trucking at 1 a.m. on May 29, 2019, in Tunnelton, West Virginia. According to a Facebook post by Hillside Trucking, “Philip spoke with his girlfriend before heading to work around 11:30 p.m. He was packing his gear and filling…

Commercial tow truck insurance is designed to safeguard businesses that earn revenue by towing disabled vehicles. This guide will provide towing business owners and contractors with essential information regarding the acquisition of tow truck insurance, including coverage details, policy structures, insurance rates, and tips for comparing providers. Top Tow Truck Insurance Providers Before diving into specifics about how this insurance functions and what factors to consider, here’s a brief overview of some top-rated insurance providers in the towing industry: Progressive Ranked #1 in Tow Truck Insurance Best Overall Liberty Mutual Ranked #2 in Tow Truck Insurance Runner-Up Prime Ranked #3…

The Treasury Department building in Washington. (Patrick Semansky/Associated Press) [Stay informed on transportation developments: Subscribe to TTNews.] Owners of small trucking companies may find themselves among the many limited liability company (LLC) owners across the U.S. who could face significant fines and potential prison sentences if they do not comply with a new U.S. Treasury Department regulation. This law, which came into effect on January 1, aims to prevent money laundering, tax evasion, and other financial crimes. The newly mandated documentation, known as beneficial ownership information reports, is now required for LLCs by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). This…

Mass Layoffs in the Trucking Industry Following Bankruptcy COBB COUNTY, Ga. — A significant number of workers in the trucking sector have lost their jobs, particularly drivers in the metro Atlanta area, after a prominent company declared bankruptcy. Reginald Taylor, who recently returned to Cobb County after completing a long haul, was informed that his latest trip would be his last. He shared his feelings with Channel 2’s Berndt Petersen, expressing sadness and disappointment, stating, “Celadon has been good to me, and I’m sure many drivers feel the same way.” Celadon, an Indiana-based trucking firm, previously reported revenues of $1…

Breaking Stereotypes: The Pretty Girl Trucker When envisioning a truck driver, a 23-year-old woman likely doesn’t come to mind. However, Kodi (@whitegirl.kodi) challenges this stereotype as the “Pretty Girl Trucker.” Women in Trucking “Society usually associates truck drivers with men, but women have been in the trucking industry for years, and we perform just as well as men,” Kodi asserts. A New Path After Tragedy Following her brother’s untimely death, Kodi sought a new direction to transform her grief into something constructive. Her father introduced her to trucking, which she saw as an excellent career opportunity. “As soon as I…