The Hidden Perils of Untrained Truck Drivers on Our Roads
In a controversial move, Covenant Transportation Group recently received approval for a CDL exemption, sparking heated debates among truckers and industry experts. This exemption allows certain drivers to operate commercial vehicles without meeting the standard Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) requirements. While the company argues this will help address the driver shortage, it raises significant concerns…
Upcoming October 2024 Rulemaking: How Broker Transparency Enforcement Will Affect Truckers
The ongoing issue of broker transparency and the enforcement of 49 CFR 371.3 significantly impacts truckers, particularly owner-operators and small business truckers. This regulation requires brokers to maintain detailed transaction records and provide access to these records to motor carriers. However, the lack of stringent enforcement has left many truckers vulnerable to unfair practices by…
Legal Battle Over Biden’s Independent Contractor Rule Moves Forward
The ongoing legal and political battle over the Biden administration’s independent contractor rule has reached a critical juncture. The rule, which was finalized in January 2024 and took effect on March 11, 2024, aims to provide clearer guidelines for classifying workers as employees or independent contractors under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). However, it…
The Rising Tide of Nuclear Verdicts: Implications for the Trucking Industry
The trucking industry has been grappling with the increasing frequency and magnitude of nuclear verdicts, which are jury awards exceeding $10 million. These verdicts not only pose significant financial risks but also highlight systemic issues within the industry and the legal landscape. Recent high-profile cases against Werner Enterprises, Schneider National, and CH Robinson illustrate the…
DOT Awards $1.8B for Freight Projects and Other Transportation Work
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has made a substantial investment in the nation’s infrastructure, awarding $1.8 billion for various freight projects and other essential transportation work. This funding aims to enhance the efficiency and safety of freight movement across the country, benefiting the trucking industry and the wider economy. Key Allocations and Projects Several…
Get Ready for CVSA’s Operation Safe Driver Week 2024: What Truck Drivers Need to Know
From July 7 to 13, 2024, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) will conduct its annual Operation Safe Driver Week across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. This initiative aims to enhance road safety by focusing on reducing unsafe driving behaviors through a combination of enforcement and education. Focus Areas for 2024 This year’s Operation Safe…
Combatting Cargo Theft: New Bill Introduced to Protect Truckers and the Supply Chain
Cargo theft is a growing problem in the U.S., with losses amounting to $15 billion to $30 billion annually. Recently, California Congressman David G. Valadao introduced the Safeguarding our Supply Chains Act to address this issue. This bill aims to stop rampant theft in supply chains by enhancing law enforcement collaboration, tracking theft trends, and…
Predatory Towing Practices: A Trucker’s Nightmare
Truck owners have a lot to handle on the road, from ensuring timely deliveries to maintaining their rigs. One issue that often catches truckers off guard is predatory towing. This practice, characterized by unscrupulous tactics and exorbitant fees, has become a significant concern within the trucking community. What is Predatory Towing? Predatory towing refers to…
The Legal and Ethical Implications of Double Brokering in the Freight Industry
In the intricate world of freight logistics, double brokering has emerged as a significant problem, raising questions about legality and ethical conduct. This deceptive practice, often cloaked in the guise of legitimate operations, can cause substantial financial and operational disruptions within the industry. What is Double Brokering? Double brokering occurs when a broker books a…
OOIDA Sues EPA Over Zero-Carbon Regulation: What It Means for Truck Drivers
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) recently made headlines by filing a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This legal battle is rooted in the EPA’s new zero-carbon regulation, aimed at drastically reducing emissions from the trucking industry. But what does this mean for truck drivers? Let’s break it down. Understanding the EPA’s Zero-Carbon…
Combating Freight Fraud: New Legislative Measures and Increased Penalties
In the ever-evolving landscape of freight and logistics, fraud remains a persistent challenge, affecting carriers, brokers, and shippers alike. Recent developments in the U.S. Congress and enforcement actions highlight a renewed focus on combating this issue. This blog post will delve into two significant updates: a new bill introduced by House lawmakers aimed at curbing…
17 States Sue to Block California’s Advanced Clean Fleets Rule
A coalition of 17 states has filed a lawsuit to halt California’s Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) rule, which aims for a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) fleet by the mid-2040s. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, names Steven Cliff, executive officer of the California Air Resources Board (CARB), as…
Bolstering Trust and Security: FMCSA’s New Initiative to Combat Registration Fraud
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has launched a dedicated Registration Fraud Team to tackle the persistent issue of registration fraud within the trucking industry. This proactive move aims to assist victims and implement preventive measures to enhance the integrity of the registration system. Fraudulent activities not only undermine operational legitimacy but also lead…
Navigating Election Year Challenges: A Close-Up on Small Trucker Priorities
As the election year progresses, the cacophony of political debates often sidelines critical issues impacting small truckers. Among these are the persistent challenges of inadequate truck parking and the pressing need for accessible restroom facilities at work sites. These concerns, while vital to the well-being and efficiency of truckers, are frequently overlooked as legislative focus…
Shifting Gears: How New EPA Emissions Standards Impact the Trucking Industry
The trucking industry stands on the brink of a major transformation, driven by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) latest move to introduce stringent emissions standards for trucks and buses. This initiative, part of a broader strategy to combat climate change, aims to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of one of the transportation…
Navigating the Owner-Operator Contractor Classification Maze: A Legislative Perspective
In recent months, the trucking industry has found itself amidst a whirlwind of legislative changes and regulatory debates. Two recent developments have sparked significant discussion and concern among trucking professionals: the House Committee’s passage of a resolution aiming to repeal a rule instituted by the Biden Department of Labor (DOL) regarding contractors,…
Revolutionizing Roadways: The MOVE Act and Its Impact on Truck Weight Limits
In an era where supply chain resilience has become a focal point of national interest, the introduction of the Modernizing Oversize Vehicle Exemptions (MOVE) Act signals a pivotal shift in federal transportation policy. Spearheaded by U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson and Jim Costa, this bipartisan initiative seeks to empower states with greater autonomy to manage truck…
Navigating the Road Ahead: Understanding Hours of Service Regulations for Truck Drivers
The world of commercial trucking is the backbone of the American economy, ensuring that goods and services reach their destinations across the nation. However, the safety of these operations is paramount, not only for the drivers themselves but also for other road users. Central to this safety initiative are the Hours of Service (HOS) regulations,…
Cracking Down on Fraud: How New FMCSA Regulations Are Changing the Game for Trucking Brokers
In an industry that’s as vast and vital as trucking, the role of brokers is crucial. They act as the middlemen, connecting trucking companies with clients needing to ship goods. However, this space has not been without its challenges, particularly concerning fraud. Recognizing the need for stricter oversight, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)…
New Jersey Shakes Up Trucking Insurance: What You Need to Know
Imagine you’re running a trucking company. You’ve got big trucks rumbling across the country, carrying everything from apples to zebra-print couches. Running these trucks isn’t cheap, and there are three big costs you always have to deal with: fuel (because trucks are thirsty!), maintenance (because things break), and insurance (because accidents happen). Now, New Jersey…