This is the TDMST Weekly Round-Up of news affecting professional truck drivers, written by Vicki Simons for the week ending July 4, 2020.
We welcome your comments, thoughts and feedback on the items of your choice below.
Happy July 4th!
July 4, 2020, is the 244th anniversary of the day when the Declaration of Independence was signed and adopted.
Since this is the July 4th holiday weekend, there are some things you need to be aware of:
Here are some recent articles about the increased potential for cargo theft over this holiday weekend:
On a positive note, you may read about a Truck stop [that plans] to serve free meals to military members on July 4.
There have been many articles in the news about the proposed trucker insurance increase to $2 million.
Recent articles on this topic and insurance in general (not necessarily in chronological order) include:
If this concerns you, please get in touch with your two U.S. Senators.
The most recent Hours of Service regulations proposal -- that is scheduled to go into effect in September -- is controversial.
Here are the most recent articles about this topic:
I wonder if the people and groups who now oppose the proposed Hours of Service regulations spoke up during the time that comments were being taken.
There have been many articles written and videos made about the protests taking place across the country and how those have been affecting truckers.
In these complex situations, truckers may be faced -- either on the roads or while stopped -- with mobs or individuals who want to:
For those who want some background on why these protests are taking place, I encourage you to:
Some people are calling for defunding police.
While I certainly disagree with police brutality and the problems associated with the emerging police state, we must:
Defunding the police is NOT the way to go.
In fact, some groups of police have sensed the animosity toward them and have refused to report for work!
Example: Blue Flu Reportedly Hitting NYC on July 4 After $1 BILLION Cut From NYPD Budget
We need to support our local police, not defund them or abolish them!
Here are some of the most recent articles about protests and protesters that affect truckers:
You may wish to follow this concentric circle method of protection, working from the outside in:
Speaking of self-defense devices, you may appreciate this article:
Trucker Lives Matter Founder Pleas With President For Action on Truckers' Right to Carry
Some in the trucking industry are in favor of the USMCA (United States Mexico Canada Agreement), but I am not in favor of it for the reasons cited here and here.
That being said, here are some of the most recent articles about this topic:
There's a difference between "machine learning" and turning over multi-faceted operations like driving a truck to a machine.
One recent article addressed "How machine learning improves the efficiency of freight operations."
Then there's this revelation (which made me smile):
Self-Driving Truck Engineer Makes Revealing Admission as Company Ramps up Testing.
Bearing in mind that 5G is dangerous, here are some of the most recent articles about autonomous trucks and AI (artificial intelligence):
I hate to say it, but it is only a matter of time before someone has an accident with a driverless, self-driving or autonomous truck -- and there will be a major lawsuit.
On another AI front, robots are being used in warehouses:
I'm going to separate some of these facets of trucking numbers.
Could this be because many people were stuck at home under quarantine, shut down, lock down, shelter-in-place, etc.?
Traffic fatalities down in first quarter of 2020
If so, will traffic-related fatalities rise again when those orders are lifted?
I read two articles this week (here and here) about a "coin shortage" (and the problems associated with that).
Then I read about how this is being addressed by one entity in the trucking industry that wants customers to donate to a group by "rounding up" their purchases.
Spare change: Pilot Co. helps vets while easing coin shortage
Please note that there are "round-up savings apps" that one can install on one's Smartphone.
If you have and use a round-up savings app on your Smartphone, would you please review the service?
Thanks.
Bear in mind that due to the panic over the coronavirus, many were laid off from their jobs in the trucking industry.
Still, here are some most recent articles about employment in the trucking industry:
I will believe that trucking is truly on the mend across the board when it recovers to -- or zooms past -- the place where it was "pre-COVID-19."
UCR enforcement scheduled to start July 1
A record "drug bust" happened at the Peace Bridge Port of Entry (the Canada-U.S. border), news articles of which include:
I have asked this question in the past and never received an answer:
Is it possible for a trucker to have illegal drugs on board his/her truck/trailer without knowing?
I could see that potentially happening if a trucker picked up a sealed trailer.
What other circumstances exist?
Please comment through the form below.
Other illegal moves made by truckers recently include:
Don't steal!
Don't endanger people's lives.
Keep your doors locked!
Here are some recent articles about COVID-19:
I am very much opposed to wearing face masks because they do not work to prevent becoming infected with coronavirus/COVID-19 and they endanger the wearers' health.
Still, here are a few recent articles on this topic:
Truck Drivers Facing Covid Discrimination - Refused Service at Restaurants
I'm going to break these up into sections, too.
TIA Offers Free Tire Safety Webinars
Trucking Group Slams FMCSA's Handling of Broker Investigation as "Dog and Pony Show"
Accountability factor: Program removes not preventable crashes from CSA
Truck driver safety isn't just a data point for fleets
FMCSA Boss Says No "Major Changes" Coming Despite President Trump's Urging
Toughest states for moving violation enforcement
What impact will this have on the trucking company -- and their competitors?
If you won a year's supply of DEF, how much money would that save you?
Please answer through the form below.
Thanks.
My husband Mike and I wish you -- and all professional truck drivers -- safe travels and lots of money saving opportunities on the road.
Return from TDMST Weekly Round-Up: 2020.07.04 to our TDMST Weekly Round-Up Trucking Commentary or our Truck Drivers Money Saving Tips home page.