Author: Trucker Talk Radio

Live Coverage of the Ottawa Protests OTTAWA — A scene emerged that felt distinctly Canadian, even though it echoed the tumultuous atmosphere associated with the Trump era in America. At an intersection that had turned into a chaotic gathering, with the stately Parliament buildings surrounded by signs declaring “fake news,” “the Great Resist,” and “Covid red pill,” a middle-aged individual named Johnny Rowe stood on a median last weekend, equipped with an amplifier and offering a warm welcome. “Welcome to Ottawa,” he addressed the throngs parading down the street, many chanting “freedom.” “Thank you for being here.” Government’s Response to…

Former drivers and employees of Tony’s Express claim that financial mismanagement by new owner John Ohle caused the collapse of the 70-year-old trucking company. Tony’s Express, based in Fontana, California, ceased operations on March 28 after Ohle and others sent multiple text messages beginning on March 24, notifying employees that trucking would be halted the following day “due to a truck insurance issue.” In a subsequent message dated March 25, Ohle stated that the company was “still troubleshooting our current insurance issue and require that all employees remain off” the next day. Employees were never called back to work. Two…

This summary of the fireside chat comes from FreightWaves’ Enterprise Fleet Summit held on Wednesday. FIRESIDE CHAT TOPIC: Regulations Impacting Large Fleets SESSION OVERVIEW: P. Sean Garney, Co-Director of Scopelitis Transportation Consulting, offers insights into the current regulatory environment and forecasts for large fleets in the coming year. INSIGHTFUL QUOTES FROM P. Sean Garney: “The outcome of the election could significantly influence whether we see movement on the speed limiter rulemaking. However, it’s unlikely that an acting administrator will announce an implementation of speed limiters soon.” “There exists a considerable number of companies that may unknowingly employ drivers who are…

Impact of COVID-19 on Employment The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States resulted in job losses for millions, especially among women who found themselves balancing caregiving for elderly parents, managing remote learning for their children, and other responsibilities at home. Opportunities in Male-Dominated Industries One year later, significant progress has been made in restoring jobs across various sectors typically associated with male workers, presenting enhanced career opportunities for women. Industries such as trucking, transportation, automotive, and aerospace, which have historically been male-dominated, are now encouraging female participation. Shifts in Employment Dynamics Conversely, sectors like hospitality, travel, and…

Lifesaving Health Initiatives Halted Globally In response to the Trump administration’s three-month suspension of foreign aid and work orders, critical health initiatives and medical research projects worldwide have come to a standstill. Impact on Uganda’s Malaria Control Efforts In Uganda, the National Malaria Control Program has been forced to cease its insecticide spraying in local homes and has halted the distribution of bed nets for vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and young children, according to Dr. Jimmy Opigo, the program’s director. Disruption of Medical Supply Chains in Zambia In Zambia, essential medical supplies—such as medications to prevent hemorrhages in pregnant…

Following Fleet Equipment’s exclusive preview of the Q3 2024 truck parts and labor cost analysis, a recent report from the American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council in collaboration with Decisiv Inc. indicates a decrease in parts and labor costs during the fourth quarter of 2024. After witnessing a rise in the third quarter of 2024, which followed three consecutive quarterly declines, the combined parts and labor expenses fell by 1.6%, as reported in the latest Decisiv/TMC North American Service Event Benchmark Report. The decline in costs for Q4 compared to the previous quarter is linked to the usual reduction…

The 12th Annual 3.21 Run for Down Syndrome is happening on the Lehigh Parkway this Saturday, April 19, 2025. The event will run from 8 a.m. when setup begins until 12 noon when cleanup is completed, with Eastern PA Down overseeing activities in between. Click here to read more… The recent fundraising effort, led by Chris Martin and Martin Guitar, has successfully raised $26,231,833. These funds will help over 200,000 individuals by improving Education, Healthy Aging, and Community Stability in the region. Click here to read more… Prepare yourself for an exciting and memorable night! The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce,…

Government Actions Against Truckers Protesting Vaccine Mandates The Canadian government has issued a warning that it will freeze the bank accounts and suspend the vehicle insurance of truck drivers who persist in blockading roads in protest of vaccine mandates. This declaration comes as the country enacts a national emergency to address the resulting traffic issues. At a press conference on Monday, Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland stated, “This is about following the money. This is about stopping the financing of these illegal blockades.” She emphasized the government’s intention to halt any financial transactions connected to the protests. Freeland announced,…

WASHINGTON — Trucking firms, independent contractors, and owner-operators are likely to face increased scrutiny of their operations due to various executive orders from the Trump administration focused on tightening measures against illegal immigration. According to Hadeel Abouhasira, a business immigration attorney at Holland & Knight, these new regulations could significantly impact trucking businesses, potentially leading to elevated costs. FREIGHTWAVES: How will the new executive orders affect the trucking industry? ABOUHASIRA: The primary concern for the trucking sector revolves around executive orders relating to cross-border trucking involving travel between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. The executive orders for the National Emergency…

Since its inception in 2014, over 8,000 employees at Amazon Canada have engaged in the company’s Career Choice program, with transportation emerging as the most favored area of training. The program encompasses five major fields of study: transportation, IT, mechanical systems, industrial systems, and other unspecified disciplines, with transportation—especially truck driving training—being the leading choice for participants in Canada. CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) programs represent more than half of all enrollments, addressing the ongoing labor shortage in the trucking sector and the notably low percentage of female drivers, according to Tammy Thieman, the global director of Amazon Career Choice. The…