Author: Trucker Talk Radio

Boardroom Encounter Recently, the Metropolitan Transit Authority (M.T.A.) held a public board meeting in their Madison Avenue headquarters. Members from various committees listened attentively as Mark Shotkin, a member of the public, addressed them. He complimented several members on their attire before expressing his concerns about the unsightly garbage and graffiti on transit platforms and trains. Nancy Shevell’s Presence At the meeting, Nancy Shevell, the bus committee chair, appeared confident in a stylish outfit. With a decade’s experience on the M.T.A. board under four governors, she seemed comfortable in the room. Although she is now engaged to Sir Paul McCartney…

New FMCSA Rule Enhances Financial Responsibilities for Freight Brokers The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has implemented a new rule aimed at strengthening financial responsibility requirements to combat dishonest freight brokers. On November 16, 2023, the FMCSA released the “Broker and Freight Forwarder Financial Responsibility” Final Rule, designed to offer better protection for truckers against brokers who do not fulfill payment obligations. The FMCSA stated, “This rule aims to mitigate the impact of broker or trustee non-payment of claims. Brokers who neglect or refuse to pay carriers for legitimate services rendered risk having their operating authority suspended, hindering their…

A Louisiana-based trucking company has initiated a federal lawsuit against the Department of Labor (DOL) regarding its recently established rule that alters the classification of independent contractors. Frisard’s Transportation, a family-run trucking firm from Louisiana, is contesting the DOL’s final rule in a federal court. The lawsuit claims that the DOL’s reclassification of independent contractors is arbitrary and exceeds the authority granted to the department by law. Updated Independent Contractor Rule In January, the DOL released its final rule, titled “Employee or Independent Contractor Classification Under the Fair Labor Standards Act.” This new regulation employs a six-factor “economic reality test”…

Freightliner Advocating for Trucking Careers Freightliner is encouraging its Team Run Smart ambassadors to promote careers in trucking. The Daimler Trucks North America division believes that education can attract and retain the much-needed new drivers. Currently, the average age of a commercial truck driver is 55 years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Unfortunately, many young individuals shy away from professional driving due to low salaries and extended periods away from home. The American Trucking Associations forecasts that the industry might face a shortage of 175,000 drivers by 2026. “We appreciate Freightliner’s willingness to highlight career opportunities for…

CCJ Innovators highlights carriers and fleets that have creatively tackled challenges in the trucking industry. If you know of an innovative carrier, please reach out to CCJ Chief Editor Jason Cannon at [email protected] or call 800-633-5953. Eric Weed engages in a workout routine in a truck stop parking lot, capturing videos of his fitness journey with his Melton truck and flatbed trailer in the background. “Most of my content focuses on fitness and health,” Weed shared. “I love creating videos that offer value, whether it’s about meals, workouts on the road, or mindset. I aim to make the process simpler.”…

The Des Moines, Iowa store event features a special offer allowing customers to obtain a complimentary Monster Jam® event ticket. DES MOINES, Iowa, March 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Northern Tool + Equipment is excited to introduce the exhilarating atmosphere of Monster Jam® to the Des Moines area. On Thursday, April 10, visitors can witness the thrill firsthand as a celebrated Monster Jam® truck will be on display outside Northern Tool + Equipment, along with a crew member from the event. This family-friendly gathering will be conducted outdoors or inside a trailer, depending on weather conditions, and is scheduled to welcome…

We spoke with the man Tina Fey describes as “one of the all-time great weirdos” ahead of his standup performance at Helium Comedy Club this week. Subscribe to our weekly roundup of events and updates in Philly’s arts and entertainment scene. Judah Friedlander | Photo by Yoko Haraoka About Judah Friedlander Judah Friedlander is best recognized for his role as the carefree skit writer Frank Rossitano on the comedy series 30 Rock. His unique look—characterized by glasses, unshaven features, and a trucker hat featuring various quirky messages—has become his trademark. Friedlander has also adapted his appearance for roles in notable…

According to an analysis by McKinsey, the rollout of autonomous vehicles (AVs), which promise to lower shipping costs and mitigate driver shortages, is likely to be postponed by another year. Major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) remain committed to autonomous trucking and are investing in the deployment of these vehicles in the latter half of this decade. Factors Supporting Autonomous Trucking AVs have the potential to tackle several challenges in the trucking industry. One major issue is the chronic shortage of drivers, with over 80,000 vacancies in the US alone, a number expected to double by 2030. The age of truck…

Uncertainty Amid New Contractor Rule for American Cargo Enterprise American Cargo Enterprise, based in Newark, New Jersey, faces challenges due to a newly introduced independent contractor rule, leading to significant uncertainty and complications in the transition process. The recent classification regulation suggests that owner-operators may now be regarded as employees, according to President Kevin Persaud’s comments to Trucking Dive. While the company is optimistic that ongoing lawsuits could overturn the federal regulation enacted on March 11, preparations are being made for a challenging adjustment. Persaud pointed out that converting drivers to employee status could increase costs by 30% to 40%,…

A man with a mild gait impairment due to cerebral palsy was denied entry into an interstate trucking company’s driver-training program. Although he held a Department of Transportation learner’s permit, company officials were concerned about his ability to operate a clutch correctly. He filed a lawsuit under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and received $90,000 in damages. In a different instance, a tractor-trailer driver training school was exonerated for rejecting a candidate with profound hearing loss. A federal district court ruled that accommodating this disability would fundamentally change the school’s program, and the applicant’s inability to communicate with the…