Author: Trucker Talk Radio
Investigation into Rising Fire Engine Costs by US Lawmakers U.S. lawmakers are investigating the skyrocketing prices and extended wait times for fire engines affecting fire departments nationwide, with a particular focus on the potential role of private equity firms in the situation. This bipartisan probe led by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Jim Banks (R-Ind.) was instigated by numerous fire departments reporting significant delays in delivery, defective parts, and rising costs. The cost of ladder trucks has surged from $750,000–$900,000 in the mid-2010s to around $2 million today, while pumper trucks often exceed $1 million. Consequences of Delays and Increased…
F. A. Alba/Shutterstock The film “The Ice Road,” starring Liam Neeson as a truck driver navigating perilous ice roads in Winnipeg, earned positive reviews when it debuted on Netflix in June 2021. This film highlights an industry that has long been the focus of the reality TV series “Ice Road Truckers,” which premiered years earlier and has since brought attention to the real-world ice road trucking profession. Similar to “Deadliest Catch,” which chronicles the dangerous lives of crab fishers in Alaska, “Ice Road Truckers” delves into a risky and frequently overlooked occupation. Audiences become familiar with the series’ main personalities,…
The military’s pet transportation allowance went into effect on January 1, 2024. Initially approved in 2022 as part of the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, the Defense Department postponed its implementation until this year due to budget limitations. However, the program has now launched! So, what does this mean for pet owners? This allows for reimbursement of certain costs associated with transporting one dog or cat when you receive permanent change of station (PCS) orders. This development is particularly significant for families with pets, especially during overseas relocations. Our family’s numerous moves—with pets—ranged from Hawaii to Australia, back to the…
Concerns Over Proposed Rule on Low-Value Imports WASHINGTON — According to the American Trucking Associations (ATA), the Trump administration’s proposed rule regarding the customs processing of low-value imports presents risks that could impact billions of dollars in revenue generated for motor carriers. In comments submitted to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Kaitlyn Holmecki, ATA’s senior manager for international trade and security policy, expressed that the Entry of Low-Value Shipment rule—affecting shipments of $800 or less from Canada and Mexico—will necessitate significant capital investment by CBP to accurately determine a shipment’s eligibility for special tax exemptions. Holmecki further pointed out…
New Infrastructure Program Expected to Create Millions of Trucking Jobs LOS ANGELES, Calif., July 9, 2021 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Federal government’s newly suggested infrastructure initiative is anticipated to generate almost 3 million additional commercial truck driving positions. In response to this surge in employment prospects, platforms like TruckDriverJobs411.com, the pioneering free trucking jobs board, are working diligently to address the escalating demand for drivers. Owned and operated by Western Truck Insurance Services, Inc., TruckDriverJobs411.com has recently revamped its job board to facilitate efficient job matching for drivers and owner-operators. This remarkable increase in the demand for truck drivers comes…
Frank and Stephanie Rebelo have ventured to 40 countries together in the last nine years, sharing their adventures through their joint Instagram account, which showcases selfies from locations like the sand dunes of Dubai and the Brazilian coast. However, the Rebelo couple isn’t comprised of social media influencers or travel photographers; they are truck drivers. Known collectively as The Trucking Couple, they boast around 30,000 followers across Instagram and YouTube. The Rebelo’s belong to a growing group of truckers who drive alongside their spouses. Team drivers can travel twice as far as a solo driver, earning over $100,000 annually. With…
Ontario Tow Truck Operators Call for Insurance Premium Reductions Tow truck operators in Ontario are advocating for lower monthly commercial auto insurance premiums due to a significant decrease in road traffic caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in drivers being less active. Recently, major insurers like Aviva Canada and Intact Financial Corp. announced financial relief initiatives for customers operating commercial vehicles. These programs include premium rebates, adjustments to coverage limits, and flexible payment options. However, many policies stipulate that vehicles must be parked for at least 30 days to qualify for rebate credits, a requirement that towing companies argue is…
The heavy-duty trucking sector is experiencing a new wave of regulatory changes that may alter operations, compliance methods, and financial strategies for fleets. A recent analysis by Commercial Truck Trader examined multiple proposed and evolving regulations that truck purchasers and fleet managers should closely monitor. Modifications to Hours of Service Regulations Recent updates to the Hours of Service (HOS) regulations are designed to provide drivers with increased flexibility. Drivers can now take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving, as opposed to the previous requirement of 6 hours, and they have the option to split their 10-hour off-duty periods.…
By Michelle Rafter, Next Avenue Contributor (Editor’s Note: This story is part of a partnership between Chasing the Dream and Next Avenue.) A New Journey for a Veteran Bryant Walker, a resident of Los Angeles, embarked on a new career path as a truck driver at an age when many seasoned truckers contemplate retirement. Last summer, at the age of 51, he stepped away from a 30-year career in office telecommunications to follow his childhood aspiration of navigating the open roads in an 18-wheeler. Getting Started In the past year, Walker obtained his commercial driver’s license, used his savings to…
Highway Heroes Campaign Reaches Kalamboli, Maharashtra The collaborative initiative between TV9 Network and Shriram Finance, known as the Highway Heroes campaign, arrived in Kalamboli, Maharashtra. On the second day of the event, hundreds of truck drivers took part in a complimentary, government-certified training program. The campaign also featured a health camp offering free medical checkups, in addition to sessions on financial literacy, cyber security, and prevention of tuberculosis (TB). Highway Heroes campaign arrives in Kalamboli, Maharashtra. New Delhi: The second day of the Highway Heroes Campaign organized by TV9 Network and Shriram Finance in Kalamboli was marked by enthusiasm as…