Goodbye to everybody !

LOVE’S ADDS CNG TO OKLAHOMA TRAVEL STOP

Professional drivers and motorists have a new compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling option in Guthrie, OK, Love’s Travel Stops announced. The Love’s Travel Stop in Guthrie, located on the east side of Interstate 35, Exit 157, is now offering Love’s Fast-Fill CNG for heavy-duty trucks and a CNG fueling option for motorists. Trillium CNG, part of the Love’s Family of Companies, will maintain the CNG fuel systems at the travel stop.

SURVEY DETAILS THE OBVIOUS: DETENTION IS A PROBLEM

3 to 4 hours at the dock is typical, more than half of truckers say
Nearly 63% of commercial truck drivers spend more than three hours at a shipper’s dock waiting for their vehicle to be loaded and unloaded, according to a recent survey by DAT Solutions.

A TRUCKER'S WISDOM FROM 5 MILLION MILES AND A HALF CENTURY ON THE ROAD

Schneider driver Bob Wyatt has driven for 51 years and logged almost 5 million miles - all without a preventable crash. Does he have sage advice to pass along to other drivers?

Yes and no.

ROUTE 66 BECOMING GREEN WITH CHARGING STATIONS, SOLAR PANELS

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Route 66, a highway made famous for attracting gas-guzzling Chevrolet Bel Airs traveling from Chicago to Los Angeles, is turning green.
The Mother Road is seeing a growing number of electric car charging stations along the 2,500-mile path, and some states are pushing for solar panels and electric buses.

FRANCE ATTACK ACTUALIZES FBI WARNINGS OF HEAVY TRUCKS AS TERROR WEAPONS

The suspect in the late Thursday terror attack in Nice, France, weaponized a straight truck in the Bastille Day attacks, materializing a fear held by the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security.

TRUCKING’S TOP ROOKIE CONTEST FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

Ten professional truck drivers have been chosen as finalists in the annual search for Trucking’s Top Rookie.

The winner of the award will be announced during ceremonies at the Great American Trucking Show in Dallas next month and will receive $10,000 and a package of prizes.

U.S. INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION UP 0.6 PERCENT IN JUNE

U.S. industrial production rose in June by the largest amount in 10 months, led by a strong rebound in auto production.
The Federal Reserve says industrial production increased 0.6 percent last month, the best showing since a similar gain last August. In May industrial production had fallen 0.3 percent.

41% OF NATION’S COMMERCIAL TRUCKS USE CLEAN DIESEL ENGINES

More than 40 percent of all medium- and heavy-duty diesel commercial trucks in operation in the United States — 4 million of 9.5 million diesel trucks — are now equipped with newer technology clean diesel engines, according to a new Diesel Technology Forum (DTF) analysis.

FTR’S TRUCKING CONDITIONS INDEX FOR MAY AT LOWEST LEVEL SINCE 2011

FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index (TCI) for May fell to its lowest level since 2011 at a reading of 1.69 — nearly five points lower than the previous month.
Negatively affecting truckers are lower freight rates and capacity utilization that has dropped below 95 percent. Looking forward, trucking companies could benefit from a reinstatement of the hours-of-service 34-hour restart conditions that have been batted around in the halls of Congress this summer.

STOOPS OFFERS CLIMATE CONTROLLED STRAIGHT TRUCK

Stoops Freightliner-Quality Trailer has developed a climate controlled straight truck called the Stoops Specialty Trucks Lite truck in response to customer demand.

TRUCK TURN TIMES FASTEST IN 2 YEARS AT LA, LONG BEACH PORTS

In the second quarter of 2016, trucks were able to pick up and deliver containers at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach more quickly than in any other quarter over the last two years, according to monthly data reported by marine terminals and compiled by PierPass Inc.

CLEAN DIESEL TRUCKS MAKE UP 42% OF CLASS 3-8

More than 40% of all medium- and heavy-duty diesel commercial trucks in operation in the United States – 4 million of 9.5 million diesel trucks – are now equipped with newer technology clean diesel engines, according to new Diesel Technology Forum (DTF) analysis of IHS Automotive vehicles in operation statistics.

ECONOMIC WATCH: RETAIL SALES, INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION IMPROVE

A jump in retail sales and industrial output are just two of several economic indicators released Friday showing the economy is performing at least somewhat better, but there are still some lingering concerns.

The U.S. Commerce department reports a 0.6% jump in retail sales in June from the previous month, but that follows a downwardly revised 0.2% improvement in May that was first reported as 0.5% gain.

JUDGE APPROVES $13.5 MILLION SETTLEMENT FOR MISCLASSIFIED DRIVERS

Nearly four years of a court battle could be nearing a close for hundreds of drivers embroiled in a lawsuit against Exel Direct. A U.S. District Court judge in Northern California has approved of a preliminary settlement of $13.5 million to the plaintiffs for allegations of misclassification as independent contractors, according to court documents.

THREE INDIVIDUALS EARN CARNEGIE MEDALS FOR HELPING TRUCKERS

A registered nurse, a security officer and a youth pastor each received the prestigious Carnegie Medal for Heroism for risking their lives to save truckers who were involved in crashes.

Kelly Winters, 47, of Chapin, S.C., rescued truck driver Leslie Miller from a burning cab following a crash in Columbia, S.C., on May 27, 2015.

MICHIGAN GOVERNOR VETOES COST-SHARING ROADS BILL

As the state of Michigan prepares to collect more revenue at the fuel pump, the governor has vetoed a bill described as protecting local road funding.

The legislation calls for ending a requirement that the state’s largest cities cover some of the expense of local road work. Specifically, the state requires that cities with populations in excess of 25,000 must reimburse the Michigan Department of Transportation for a portion of road projects within their limits.

DAT SOLUTIONS: REEFER RATE TOPS $2

It was a hot week for refrigerated carriers.

The average spot truckload rate for reefer freight surged 5 cents to $2.02/mile during the week ending July 9 and topped $2 for the first time since October 2015, reported DAT Solutions, which operates the MembersEdge load board.

HEROIC TRUCKERS EPITOMIZE GOOD IN INDUSTRY

As a society, we often tend to focus on the negative. Instead of celebrating all the great things being done in our community, we spend much of our time complaining about the handful of problems. Instead of lauding all of the great police officers who put in long hours to make our communities safer, the headlines are stolen by the few bad apples who should never have become officers in the first place.

CERVUS EQUIPMENT HOSTS PETERBILT’S INNOVATION AND CLASS TOUR

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — Peterbilt’s Innovation and Class tour rolled into Cervus Equipment’s Mississauga location today, showcasing the company’s latest products.

The tour centers around a mobile display that lets customers get an up close look at the Paccar MX-11 and MX-13 engines, learn more about Peterbilt products and even try their hand at a driving simulator. The air-conditioned trailer offered a welcome reprieve from the heat outside, where a free barbecue lunch was served up and where Cervus reps mingled with customers.

US TRUCKING CONDITIONS WORSEN

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Trucking conditions in the US have deteriorated to their worst state since 2011, according to the latest FTR Trucking Conditions Index.

SPOT MARKET VOLUMES STEADY, BUT CAPACITY FLOODED WITH WESTERN TRUCKS

WOODBRIDGE, Ont. — Canadian spot market load volumes have been increasing month to month and are almost back to 2015 levels.

Claudia Milicevic, general manager, TransCore Link Logistics, provided customers attending the company’s annual golf tournament today, an overview of spot market freight volumes and trends. She said this June, there were an average of about 17,000 loads posted to the Loadlink load board each day, down from about 18,000 in June of last year and a peak of 22,000 per day in 2014.

EXAMINING THE BROKER-CARRIER RELATIONSHIP

TransCore panel explores payment terms, the potential effect of ELDs and whether there’s a future for small brokers

WOODBRIDGE, Ont. — Bringing together a large room full of freight brokers and carriers is always sure to create a lively dialogue, and that was exactly the case at the TransCore Link Logistics annual meeting and golf tournament held yesterday.

TRUCKING STUCK IN NEUTRAL AS INVENTORY-TO-SALES RATIOS REMAIN HIGH: FTR

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — High inventories and loosening capacity are making it difficult for transportation companies to raise rates.

Jonathan Starks, chief operating officer of FTR, explained during a State of Freight webinar today inventory cycles are one of the variables making it a challenging environment for carriers.

ATA’S EXEC COUNCIL HONORS UPS’ THOMAS WITH HALLADAY AWARD

The American Trucking Associations’ Trucking Association Executives Council has named Pat Thomas — the current ATA chairman and senior vice president for state government affairs at UPS — as the 17th recipient of the J.R. “Bob” Halladay Award.

SPOT REEFER RATE CLIMBS ABOVE $2

The average spot truckload rate for refrigerated freight surged 5 cents to $2.02/mile during the week ending July 9 and topped $2 for the first time since October 2015, reported DAT Solutions, which operates the DAT network of load boards.

CLASS 8 TRUCK DEMAND BEATS SUPPLY FOR A SECOND MONTH THIS YEAR

For the second time this year and only the fourth time in 19 months, the demand for Class 8 trucks rose faster than the supply, according to the most recent ACT For-Hire Trucking Index from ACT Research Co.

WABASH NATIONAL CORP. AWARDS $75,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS

Wabash National Corp. has awarded 20 recent high school graduates with scholarships that represent a total award of $75,000. Wabash National administered two scholarship programs for the 2016-17 academic year: one for Wabash National associates and another for the company’s supplier partners.

FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION SERVICES INDEX UP 0.2% DESPITE DIP IN TRUCKING

The Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI) — based on the amount of freight carried by the for-hire transportation industry — rose 0.2 percent in May from April, rising for a second consecutive month.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics’ (BTS), the May 2016 index level (121.8) was 28.6 percent above the April 2009 low during the most recent recession.
The level of freight shipments in May measured by the Freight TSI (121.8) was 1.5 percent below the all-time high level of 123.7 in December 2014. TSI records begin in 2000.

VETO OF TRUCK PLATOONING BILL A MISTAKE, SAYS INDUSTRY CONSULTANT

Missouri's governor confused self-driving systems in automobiles with platooning for commercial trucks, and his veto of a bill that would have allowed testing in the state was a mistake, a consultant involved in development of the technology told HDT.

NEW GOODYEAR TIRE TARGETS RUGGED MIXED-SERVICE APPLICATIONS

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has introduced its Armor Max Pro Grade MSD tire for hardworking construction, cement, dump and coal field trucks.

UNDERUTILIZED CAPACITY AMONG FACTORS PULLING DOWN TRUCKING CONDITIONS INDEX

Conditions for truckers continue to deteriorate, according to FTR, which reported that its May Trucking Conditions Index (TCI) has fallen to its lowest level since 2011. May’s 1.69 reading is nearly five points lower than April’s reading and capacity utilization has dropped below 95%.

LOVE’S ADDS CNG TO OKLAHOMA TRAVEL STOP

Professional drivers and motorists have a new compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling option in Guthrie, OK, Love’s Travel Stops announced. The Love’s Travel Stop in Guthrie, located on the east side of Interstate 35, Exit 157, is now offering Love’s Fast-Fill CNG for heavy-duty trucks and a CNG fueling option for motorists. Trillium CNG, part of the Love’s Family of Companies, will maintain the CNG fuel systems at the travel stop.

INTERNATIONAL ADDS PREDICTIVE CRUISE TO PROSTAR, LONESTAR MODELS

Navistar has announced that is now offering predictive cruise control technology on Class 8 ProStar and LoneStar models.

Predictive cruise uses “preinstalled GPS maps and the latest commercial route data to make adjustments to cruising speed without the need to pre-drive the route,” the company said.

ILLINOIS ROUTE 390 TOLLWAY NOW OPEN FOR BUSINESS

The first all-electronic toll road on the Illinois Tollway opened for business on July 5, according to an Illinois Tollway spokesperson. Tolls are in effect on the new Illinois Route 390 Tollway between Lake Street (U.S. Route 20) and Interstate 290.

New tolls in the Chicago area will be cashless only, with no toll booths or coin baskets. Motorists using the Illinois Route 390 Tollway must pay via I-PASS, online or mail. Drivers not using I-PASS and pay online in July will have an extended grace period to pay until July 31. Starting Aug. 1, a 7-day grace period will be applied.

MEDICATION FORM INVITING PROBLEMS, OOIDA SAYS

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration moved forward with its plan to implement a new information collection request and commercial motor vehicle driver medication form. The notice was published July 8 in the Federal Register.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association was one of the organizations to argue against the new form.

CVSA: FAST ACT REFORMS WILL ‘DRAMATICALLY’ IMPROVE TRUCK SAFETY

The new highway bill has many positives and some notable negatives for state trucking regulatory enforcement agencies, an agency representative told the Senate Commerce committee Tuesday, but all of the congressionally mandated changes, for better or worse, will require time to fully implement.

VNOMICS’ TRUE FUEL GETS APPROVAL FOR SECOND PATENT

Vnomics Corp. announced it has received notice that its second U.S. Patent for its True Fuel standalone fuel optimization solution has been approved.

SHORT ON CASH?

Being proactive with lenders can be the difference between survival and closure
It’s the old run-out-of-money before you run-out-of-month problem. We’ve all experienced a cash flow shortage in the course of owning a trucking operation. In fact, from time to time, a lot of business owners find they do not have the cash on hand to cover accounts payable. There’s always that sudden slowdown in freight, an abrupt increase in fuel costs, or that engine in-frame or transmission repair that wasn’t anticipated. The causes of cash shortages are as diverse and numerous as small trucking companies.

FINDING A NICHE: FREIGHT THAT FITS

There’s a quote attributed originally to a Roman philosopher, and it’s been borrowed and modified by generals, business gurus and football coaches ever since—and it absolutely applies to owner-operators and small-business truckers who haven’t yet found the lanes or the markets to make them as successful as they’d hoped to be.

SPOTLIGHT ON AN AMERICAN TRUCKER: HETZELS OVERLAND TRANSPORT

The primary focus of Hetzels Overland Transport is to be a small, family-owned trucking company that provides reputable customer service and a business where the employee still comes first. Beginning with a single truck in 1993, the company has grown to 20 tractors and 70 food-grade trailers. Hetzels currently runs 2010 International Pro Stars and 2006 9200is. Key employees include dispatchers Shane Harrison and Lee Doedtman and mechanic Devin Koester.

FINES TO TRUCKERS ON A VERMONT HIGHWAY INCREASED

If you travel through Vermont, be aware that fines have been increased on one of that state’s mountain highway popular with skiers.
A law passed recently by the Vermont House and Senate increases fines to truck drivers caught driving on a section of Vermont Route 108 through Smugglers’ Notch. The bill ups the fine for trucks going through Smugglers’ Notch to $1,000, and if a truck gets stuck and impedes traffic, it will be a $2,000 fine. For repeat offenders within a two-year period, the fines will be doubled.

CVSA: HIGHWAY BILL REFORMS WILL ‘DRAMATICALLY’ IMPROVE TRUCK SAFETY

The new highway bill has many positives and some notable negatives for state trucking regulatory enforcement agencies, an agency representative told the Senate Commerce committee Tuesday, but all of the congressionally mandated changes, for better or worse, will require time to fully implement.

VOLVO TRUCKS MAKES ONLINE PARTS PURCHASING EASIER FOR DRIVERS

Volvo Trucks North America has launched a new parts cross-reference feature for its online Select Part Store. The cross-reference tool is the first of its kind in the heavy-duty truck industry and will make it easier for customers to search for and buy parts online.

TRUCKERS JAMBOREE OPENS THURSDAY AT IOWA 80

Starting tomorrow, Thursday, July 14, Walcott, Iowa is going to be the place to be if you are a truck driver or simply love trucks.

MAY’S INTERMODAL COMPETITIVE INDEX SHOWS CHALLENGES

FTR’s newly introduced Intermodal Competitive Index (ICI) dropped 1.2 points in May to a reading of 3.5. This was the second straight decline, and it sits at the lowest level seen since last September.
The May reading shows the domestic intermodal sector is still experiencing somewhat difficult competitive conditions, but that the overall situation remains mildly favorable from an intermodal standpoint.

TRUCKING TEACHES STRONG WORK ETHIC, SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS SAY

Scott Jasek says his father’s career as a truck driver is what sparked his own passion for mechanics.

Jasek, the son of OOIDA Senior Member Paul Jasek of Flatonia, Texas, is the top winner of the 2016 Mary Johnston Scholarship Fund. He is majoring in manufacturing and mechanical engineering technology at Texas A&M University.

FEDEX FREIGHT SIMPLIFIES LTL SHIPPING WITH THE NEW FREIGHT BOX

FedEx Freight announces the launch of the FedEx Freight box in the U.S. This new flat-rate freight box option makes transporting less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments simple, with improved flexibility, increased security, and best of all — no freight classification.

MERITOR HELPS TRAIN SERVICE DOG FOR DISABLED VETERAN

Meritor Inc. has announced a new addition to its team — a 9-week-old German shepherd puppy named Bull, who will one day be a service dog for a disabled Michigan veteran. The Meritor Trust Fund has donated $20,000 to sponsor the dog’s training.

DIESEL PRICE DIPS AGAIN BUT, AGAIN, NOT BY MUCH

Petroleum demand projected to remain flat through 2040, EIA says
National average retail prices for both diesel and gasoline continued to decline this week, according to data tracked by the Energy Information Administration (EIA), with the agency also projecting that U.S. demand for petroleum will “remain flat” for the next quarter century in part due to rising fuel economy standards for motor vehicles.

CALTRANS TRYING OUT SIGN UPDATES TO EASE I-80 TRAFFIC IN SAN FRANCISCO AREA

BERKELEY, Calif. — Caltrans tested a new system in Berkeley, California, last week to help keep traffic moving on Interstate 80, according to ABC News/San Francisco, Oakland.
Called the I-80 SMART Corridor Project, it’s designed to improve traffic in one of the most congested areas in the Bay Area.

USAT LOGISTICS MAKES ORGANIZATIONAL MOVES, STRENGTHENS TEAM

VAN BUREN, Ark. — USAT Logistics, a division of USA Truck Inc. headquartered in Van Buren, Arkansas, has announced a number of key organizational changes to that it believes will position USAT Logistics for growth.

U.S. FUEL PRICES CONTINUE TO DECLINE

Petroleum demand projected to remain flat through 2040, EIA says.
National average retail prices for both diesel and gasoline continued to decline this week, according to data tracked by the Energy Information Administration (EIA), with the agency also projecting that U.S. demand for petroleum will “remain flat” for the next quarter century in part due to rising fuel economy standards for motor vehicles.

ILLINOIS OKS NEW TOLL BRIDGE TO LINK I-80 TO CENTERPOINT INTERMODAL FACILITY

CHICAGO — Illinois has given the OK to a new toll bridge linking Interstate 80 to the CenterPoint intermodal facility in Joliet and Elwood, the Chicago Tribune reports.
The Houbolt Road bridge agreement, announced Monday, is designed to relieve traffic congestion on local roads and fuel continued growth for the booming truck and train transportation hub, officials said.

ASA ELECTRONICS RELEASES REAR SENSOR SYSTEM

ASA Electronics’ released its new Voyager CVRPS14 Rear Sensor System for drivers of medium and large vehicles. According to the company, this system comprises four, independent rear sensors spaced evenly along the back of a vehicle.

WERNER ENROLLS 5,000TH VETERAN IN ITS APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

OMAHA, Neb. — Werner Enterprises has enrolled the 5,000th veteran in its Professional Truck Driver Apprenticeship Program.
Charles Doster, from Cordele, Georgia, is the 5,000th veteran to use his or her GI Bill benefits to enroll in Werner’s apprenticeship program.

SURVEY: MOST MICHIGAN RESIDENTS OPPOSE PROPOSED TRUCKER REGS

A survey by MichiganAutoLaw.com finds that only 13% of Michigan residents approve of the trucking industries' request to allow drivers to work 82 hours a week.

The results from a recent survey show that the majority of Michigan residents want stricter rules governing the trucking industry. According to the survey, only 13% approve of the trucking industries' request of allowing drivers to work 82 hours a week. More than 71% believe the HOS (hours of service) should be reduced.

MACK, VOLVO ADD CROSS-REFERENCE TOOL TO SELECT PART STORES

Mack Trucks and Volvo Trucks North America recently launched a new parts cross-reference feature for their online Select Part Stores. The Select Part Store is an e-commerce platform that offers customers the experience of visiting a parts counter with the convenience of online ordering.

USAT LOGISTICS MAKES ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGES

USAT Logistics, a division of USA Truck Inc., has announced a number of organizational changes that it believes will position the company for growth.

Matt Lacy, who joined USA Truck as Dallas branch manager in 2012, has been named director of regional network for USAT Logistics and will oversee the development and market strategies of USAT’s nine regional sales and operations centers.

TOUGHER SLEDDING FOR INTERMODAL

Tighter truck capacity, however, would provide a boost, says FTR.
The new intermodal competitive index (ICI) crafted by research firm FTR dropped 1.2 points in May to a reading of 3.5 – the second straight decline for the index, reflecting “somewhat difficult competitive conditions” for the domestic intermodal segment.

SHOP PRODUCTIVITY AND OSHA TRAVEL THE SAME ROAD

There are many things you can do to keep OSHA happy. But the first thing you need to do is to keep yourself, your employees, boss or owner happy.

The first thing you many want to do is take a camera around the shop with you and take a couple hundred pictures. That’s not hard today with a digital camera. Then, once you take those pictures, create a slideshow, and you will see that you have plenty to do.

ROADONE INTERMODALOGISTICS WELCOMES AMOROSE

RoadOne IntermodaLogistics announced Adam Amorose has joined the company as vice president of safety.

PLAYING DIRTY: AMTS AND AUTOMATICS MAKE SERIOUS MOVES INTO VOCATIONAL FLEETS

Well, if you're an Old School, Manual Gearbox kinda driver disgusted by the infusion of automatic and automated transmission into long-haul fleets, there's always vocational, right? Because everyone knows that automated manual, and fully-automatic transmissions will never be able to cut it in the rough-and-tumble world of mixers, dumps and other construction or vocational applications.

RECORD360 LAUNCHES CLAIMS MANAGEMENT PLATFORM

Record360 announced it officially released its claims management platform. “The addition of the platform will allow for a more seamless integration of Record360’s photo/video vehicle condition capture capabilities with the necessary work that follows damage claims,” the company said.

JOHN VARNER TO JOIN HUTCHENS INDUSTRIES

Hutchens Industries announced a new addition to its sales team. John Varner has joined the company as regional manager of their northeast territory.

NTEA REDESIGNS WEBSITE

NTEA – The Association for the Work Truck Industry recently updated ntea.com to streamline the user experience and provide a responsive layout. The platform upgrade is specifically designed to elevate the look and feel of the site and simplify navigation, according to NTEA.

WHY WOULDN’T YOU?

It can be difficult for fleets to measure fuel economy gains in the 0.5% to 1.5% range. And that is the range they can expect to see if they switch from 15W-40 engine lubricant to low-viscosity 5W/10W-30 lubricants.

LATEST THREE STICKING POINTS TO CONSIDER: WHY (OR WHY NOT) VIDEO?

Points to ponder: The Federal Highway Administration is studying frequent freight standstill on America's roads. It's often a tangled infrastructure out there riddled with distracted driving, as multiple law enforcement agencies across the U.S. have attested.

ONTARIO INTRODUCES CANADA’S FIRST ENTRY-LEVEL DRIVER TRAINING PROGRAM

The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) introduced mandatory entry-level training for new commercial Class A truck drivers. A Class A license is required to drive a commercial motor vehicle towing a trailer exceeding 4,600 kg (10,141 lbs).

GLOBAL NG FUEL STATIONS EXPECTED TO APPROACH 39,300 BY 2026

A new report from Navigant Research examines the global market for the deployment of natural gas (NG) refueling infrastructure, including an analysis of key deployment factors, with forecasts segmented by compressed NG (CNG) and liquefied NG (LNG), through 2026.

WERNER ENROLLS ITS 5,000TH VETERAN APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM MEMBER

Werner Enterprises, a premier transportation and logistics provider, said it has enrolled the 5,000th veteran in its Professional Truck Driver Apprenticeship Program.

NOT YOUR FAULT, DRIVER? FMCSA LOOKS FOR 'DOABLE' WAY TO SCORE CRASHES

Demonstration program would narrow scope to determine 'non-preventable'
Faced with persistent pressure from truckers—and a recent nudge from Congress—the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is set to launch its latest attempt to incorporate crash preventability into the way it compiles and assesses trucking company performance data.

NOW IT’S POSSIBLE TO CHEW YOUR COFFEE. YES, CHEW

There are two kinds of people in this world:

Coffee drinkers
Sad, sad people who don’t know the singular joy of cuddling with a hot mug and the bracing feel of caffeine making their lives worth living.
Now it’s possible there is a third: people who chew their coffee. Yes, you read that correctly; the coffee is called Go Cubes.

Each Go Cube contains about 50 milligrams of caffeine, about the same as half a cup of coffee. Makers say they have created Go Cubes so they don’t also pack the jitteriness that may accompany your favorite cup. (See the complete contents of Go Cubes.)
BY Truckers News Staff

http://www.compasstruckrental.com/

FORD INTRODUCES NEW 2017 F-SERIES SUPER DUTY

Ford released its all-new 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty pickup with class-exclusive driver-assist technologies.

DASH CAM OF THE WEEK: COMING AND GOING

At the risk of being preachy, we preface this Dash Cam of the Week with a Biblical admonition: “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.”

KENWORTH ADDS MEDIUM-DUTY CABOVER BODY BUILDER MANUAL, VIDEO

The latest Kenworth Medium-Duty Cabover Body Builder Manual and new Kenworth cabover video are now available.

PILOT FLYING J & SPEEDWAY JOIN FORCES IN THE SOUTHEAST

Pilot Flying J and Speedway have entered into a joint venture consisting of 120 travel plazas, primarily in the Southeast United States.

“Overdrive” Senior Editor Todd Dills recently attended a special event and wrote:

There are two kinds of people in this world:

U.S. XPRESS DRIVERS RECEIVE MILITARY-THEMED TRUCKS

“Overdrive” Senior Editor Todd Dills recently attended a special event and wrote:

TRUCKSTOP.COM EARNS FROST & SULLIVAN COMPANY OF THE YEAR AWARD

Truckstop.com has been honored with the Frost & Sullivan Company of the Year Award in Online Freight Aggregation.

DAT SOLUTIONS: EARLY JULY SPOT TRUCKLOAD VOLUME UP BY 10%

The number of loads on the spot truckload market jumped 10 percent during the week ending July 2 as shippers rushed to move freight before the end of the quarter and the start of the July 4 weekend, reported DAT Solutions, which operates the DAT network of load boards.

FTR REPORTS CLASS 8 TRUCK ORDERS FOR JUNE REMAIN DEPRESSED

Indiana-based FTR reports preliminary Class 8 net orders for June at 13,000 units, which is 8 percent below May and minus-34 percent year over year.
June 2016 order activity was the lowest monthly total since July 2012 and the worst June since 2009. FTR expects Class 8 orders to remain tepid through the summer months. All OEM’s were equally impacted by slow order intake.

ATA LAUDS FMCSA LAUNCH OF A NON-PREVENTABLE TRUCK CRASH PROGRAM

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) Thursday expressed its gratitude that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will be launching a pilot program to allow carriers to have non-preventable crashes stricken from their record.

CLASS 8 ORDERS FOR JUNE REMAIN DEPRESSED

Preliminary reports from ACT Research and FTR depict that commercial vehicle orders are the lowest they have been in four years.

DRIVER TURNOVER AT TRUCKLOAD CARRIERS FALLS IN FIRST QUARTER

American Trucking Assns. reports that truck driver turnover at truckload fleets fell in the first quarter of 2016.

KENWORTH T680 76-IN SLEEPER INCLUDES PRE-WIRE FOR EPICVUE TV

New Kenworth T680 76-inch sleepers are now available with a Kenworth factory-installed, in-cab satellite TV pre-wire option to support EpicVue satellite television subscription service.

YOUR JULY 7 PRE-TRIP: CHARGES DROPPED AGAINST CARRIER IN FATAL GA CRASH

Here are five things worth knowing today:

1. Charges dropped against carrier involved in fatal Georgia crash

NO MATTER THE COST OF FUEL, NEW TRUCKS CAN STILL OFFER SAVINGS

Fleets fret a good deal about the cost of fuel, and understandably so — it's one of their biggest and most variable business costs. But regardless of whether diesel prices stay low or even were to spike suddenly, new power units can still save you money.

SPOT LOADS SPIKED AHEAD OF HOLIDAY, DAT REPORTS

The number of loads on the spot truckload market jumped 10% during the week ending July 2 as shippers rushed to move freight before the end of the quarter and the start of the July 4 weekend, reports DAT Solutions, which operates the DAT network of load boards.

COUNTING THE SPACES: HOW HARD CAN IT BE?

Knowing if a truck parking lot is full should be easy, but it isn't.

APPEALS COURT BACKS DRIVERS IN $2 MILLION CELADON JUDGMENT

Truckload giant Celadon, which has a history of adding trucks, drivers, and customers through strategic “asset purchases” of other carriers, will have to pay more than $2 million in back wages and benefits to displaced workers from a 2008 deal.

TRUCKING'S $9.5 BILLION INVESTMENT IN SAFETY PAYS OFF, ATA REPORTS

The trucking industry invests at least $9.5 billion in safety annually, according to a new report by American Trucking Associations.

DRIVER TURNOVER RATE FELL IN FIRST QUARTER, ATA REPORTS

Truck driver turnover at truckload fleets fell in the first quarter of 2016, according to the latest update from the American Trucking Assns.

OOIDA MEMBER'S FARM TRACTOR ECLIPSES 100 MPH

OOIDA Life Member Jack Donohue set out to run his farm tractor at 100 mph. On June 18, the former NASCAR driver achieved that goal.
Donohue is said to have set a world record after getting his 1952 8N Ford Tractor up to 101.16 mph. The speed eclipses Donohue’s previous mark of 96.3 mph, which he set at Wilmington in 2015.

SLEEP APNEA COMMENT PERIOD ENTERS FINAL DAYS

Many truck drivers have utilized a 30-day extension to speak out on a potential sleep apnea regulation.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and Federal Railroad Administration published the advanced notice of public rulemaking in the Federal Register on March 10, seeking information regarding the evaluation of safety sensitive personnel for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea.

DIESEL DROPS 0.3 CENTS THIS WEEK

After steadily increasing all spring, diesel prices have been steady so far this summer—although they're holding at the highest level of the year.

TRUCKER PATH INTRODUCES FACEBOOK-BASED CHATBOT

Trucker Path released its Trucker Path Bro, the industry’s first freight chatbot. With Trucker Path Bro, truckers can get the latest updates on parking availability, weigh stations, and other nearby facilities.

NHTSA CLAIMS TRAFFIC DEATHS SHOW SHARP 7.7% INCREASE IN 2015

Preliminary information released late last week by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows a 7.7 percent increase in motor vehicle traffic deaths in 2015.

MACK TRUCKS LAUDED FOR 2 DECADES OF BACKING WASTE MANAGEMENT

2016

Mack Trucks was honored by the Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) for its long-standing support of the organization’s work in funding research for sustainable waste management practices.

ATA: TURNOVER DROPS 13% AT LARGE FLEETS, 1% AT SMALLER CARRIERS

ARLINGTON, Va. — Today, American Trucking Associations said that truck driver turnover at truckload fleets fell in the first quarter of 2016.
“While still fairly high, the decline in turnover is reflective of the softening in the freight economy during the first quarter,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello.

FTR EXPLORES KEY TRUCKING’S KEY ISSUES DURING JULY 14 WEBINAR

The upcoming July 14 webinar from FTR is a complimentary industry event that will take a look at some of the major issues that will impact transportation costs and demand over the next year.

KENWORTH ADDS IN-CAB SATELLITE TV PACKAGE FOR T680 SLEEPER

Kenworth has added a factory-installed, in-cab satellite TV pre-wire option for new T680 76-inch sleepers to support the EpicVue satellite television subscription service.

LARGE TRUCKLOAD FLEETS SEE 13% DROP IN TURNOVER

Driver turnover at large truckload fleets fell by a significant amount in the first quarter of 2016, according to American Trucking Associations.

SPOT TRUCKLOAD FREIGHT RATES POST WEEKLY, MONTHLY GAINS

Rates on the spot truckload freight market either moved higher or remained the same for the week ending June 2. The number of loads jumped 10% while shippers rushed to move freight before the end of the quarter and the start of the July 4 weekend, according to DAT Solutions and its network of load boards.