TDMST Weekly Round-Up: 2021.04.24

This is the TDMST Weekly Round-Up of news affecting professional truck drivers, written by Vicki Simons for the week ending April 24, 2021.

We welcome your comments, thoughts and feedback on the items of your choice below.

 

1. Regarding inspections and insurance:

Inspections

Truck drivers should maintain their trucks to such an extent that they are ready for an inspection at any time.

Given that Roadcheck is coming up in a couple of weeks, you may wish to review these pages from our site:

• Captain of the Ship Policy and Unsafe Working Conditions
  
  
• Out of Service Truck: Trucker Stages a Showdown
  
  
• Whistle Blowing Truckers: STAA Law on Retaliation, Vindication
  
  
• Semi Truck Repair: Tips on Semi Repair for Frugal Truckers
  
  
• CVSA Roadcheck Can Be Expensive for Truckers
  
  
• Money Down the Drain During CVSA Brake Inspection
  
  

Additionally, here are some of the most recent articles about truck inspections:

• Georgia inspects nearly 800 trucks in three day blitz, hundreds of citations issued
  
  
• International Roadcheck is scheduled for first week in May
  
  
• WATCH: Seasoned driver has one serious piece of advice for drivers looking to "breeze through" Roadcheck
  
  
• Will your vehicle lighting pass a Roadcheck inspection?
  
  

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Insurance

If you feel that the laws or regulations regarding truck insurance require or must not require any changes, please contact your elected officials, especially on the federal level (Representatives and Senators).

• Bill that could cause minimum insurance requirements for truckers to skyrocket is reintroduced
  
  
• Coalition Ramps Up Pressure on Congress to Impose Huge Insurance Hike on Truckers
  
  
• Insurance Act back and as poisonous as ever
  
  
• Insurance basics: Selecting the right auto liability policy
  
  
• Significant liability insurance hike floated again in Congress
  
  

 

2. Regarding employment, pay, earn more, savings and economy:

Employment

• Jobless Claims Fall to Pandemic Low as Economy Accelerates
  
  

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Pay

• 10 countries where truckers make the most money
  
  

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Earn More

• How to make more money as a truck driver
  
  

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Savings

• Daily Infographic: Maximizing Trailer Utilization
  
  
• Proven trailer reefer strategies save cold cash
  
  

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Economy

• March Truck Tonnage Falls 9.5% Year-Over-Year
  
  
• New era of shipping: E-commerce, climate change and data analytics
  
  
• Shippers Conditions hit low point of pandemic in February, FTR reports
  
  
• Shippers facing toughest conditions of pandemic
  
  
• Truck tonnage takes 'surprise' dip in March
  
  

 

3. Regarding accidents, tarping, near miss, and Tesla:

Accidents

Please review the types of accidents that truckers have had recently and endeavor never to get into the same set-up.

• Historic Delaware bridge damaged when trucker tried to cross
  
  
• Man crushed while helping guide semi truck into tight spot
  
  
• One Person Dead, Dozens More Injured in Rash of Whiteout Pileups in Wisconsin
  
  
• Tarping trucker struck by motorist with sun in their eyes
  
  
• Truck Driver and Passenger Killed When Big Rig Crashes Into Bridge Support Beam
  
  
• Trucker Crushed to Death While Trying to Secure Load Along Turnpike Shoulder
  
  
• Trucker killed on Turner Turnpike after load he was hauling fell on him
  
  
• Two semi trucks crushed beneath collapsed pedestrian bridge
  
  
• Video: tractor-trailer & snowplow collide in 48-vehicle crash on I-41
  
  
• VIDEO: Truck's dangerous pass forces cars off the road
  
  
• WATCH: Driver leaps into cab of runaway truck in the nick of time
  
  

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Tarping

Among the accidents listed above was one involving a flatbed driver who was crushed to death while he was securing his load.

Here's a useful article for flatbed-hauling truckers.

• WATCH: A useful tarp trick for all you rookie flatbedders out there
  
  

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Near miss

I have no way of knowing for sure whether or not the motorist (non-trucker) in this "near miss" accident was wearing a face mask.

However, it is a fact that the decreased oxygen and increased carbon dioxide being breathed in while one is wearing a face mask decreases the face mask wearer's cognitive function compared to what it would be if no mask was worn.

That being said, be on the lookout for "stunts" like this.

I also congratulate the trucker for his safe, evasive actions.

• VIDEO: Trucker comes mere inches from smashing too-slow motorist
  
  

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Tesla

Please also see the related section on autonomous vehicles listed below.

• NHTSA, NTSB Probe Fatal Tesla Crash With No Driver
  
  
• No One Was Behind The Wheel in Fiery Tesla Crash Killing Two Men, Investigators Say
  
  
• Self-driving tech still promising despite fatal Tesla crash in TX
  
  

 

4. Regarding operations, most wanted, and credentials:

Operations

• Pennsylvania nears snow and ice removal revision
  
  

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Most wanted

• Trucking organizations weigh in on NTSB's 2021 'Most Wanted' list
  
  

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Credentials

• Daily Infographic: Temporary Permits vs. Permanent Credentials
  
  

 

5. Regarding carbon, emissions, and infrastructure:

Carbon

Please review my summary of carbon and organic chemistry in my March 27, 2021, issue of TDMST Weekly Round-Up.

I stated, in part, "the quest to have a 'carbon tax' is, in effect, a tax against humanity and other organic life forms."

• FreightWaves Carbon Intelligence: New tools to monitor carbon footprint
  
  
• Loadsmart uses optimization tool to reduce customers' carbon footprint
  
  
• Preview: Net-Zero Carbon Summit, April 22
  
  
• ShipBob offers carbon offsets for e-commerce brands through Pachama
  
  
• SuperTruck 3: DOE announces $162 million in funding to decarbonize vehicles
  
  

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Emissions

There's been a huge push in transportation circles to lower one's "carbon footprint" and the "emissions" from what might be called "conventional, thermal vehicles" (those that burn fuel, including gasoline and diesel).

This resource states, "while no greenhouse gas emissions directly come from EVs [electric vehicles], they run on electricity that is, in large part, still produced from fossil fuels in many parts of the world. Energy is also used to manufacture the vehicle – and, in particular, the battery."

Please bear in mind that in order to keep operating, electric vehicles must be recharged.

The big, surprising, and paralyzing winter freeze that took place across Texas -- about which I wrote in my February 20, 2021, issue of TDMST Weekly Round-Up -- goes to prove that electric vehicles are not foolproof.

But then again, neither are fuel-burning vehicles that must have fuel to continue operating.

Until there is some environmentally-friendly device that allows electric vehicles to "self-charge" -- perhaps through solar power or an on-board ability to purify hydrogen out of the air -- there will always be issues regarding energy usage and emissions.

Please also see the section below about electric vehicles.

• Biden administration moves on stricter emissions standards
  
  
• Biden Calls for Fourth Industrial Revolution to Close Climate Summit
  
  
• Biden Pledges 52% Cut in Fossil Fuel Emissions by 2030
  
  
• Biden to Pledge Halving Greenhouse Gases by 2030
  
  
• Biden to Restore California's Ability to Set Pollution Rules
  
  
• Challenges of Running an Eco-Friendly Fleet (and How to Overcome Them)
  
  
• Daily Infographic: Greenhouse Gas Emissions Cycle
  
  
• EPA Provides Updates on Emissions Standards, SmartWay Activities
  
  
• Strict rules key to sustainable transportation, climate policy expert says
  
  

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Infrastructure

• Biden's $2T Infrastructure Plan Does NOT Include Money For Truck Parking, Trucking Groups Sound Off
  
  
• Republicans Counter Biden With $568 Billion Infrastructure Plan
  
  

 

6. Regarding autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles, and fuel:

Autonomous vehicles

I am adamantly opposed to self-driving, driverless, or autonomous vehicles -- and share these articles only as a courtesy to help you stay up-to-date about this technology.

• FMCSA automated trucks project headed to White House
  
  
• FMCSA Goes Full Speed Ahead on Project to Promote Self-Driving Trucks
  
  
• Self-Driving Truck Company Promising to 'Remove Drivers' Rakes in $1.1 BILLION in IPO
  
  

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Electric vehicles

Please see the section above regarding emissions.

• ACT study projects sales of commercial electric trucks to pass 300,000 mark by 2040
  
  
• Battery-Electric Vehicle Service May Extend to Independent Shops
  
  
• Biden makes trucks part of electric vehicle charging-station plan
  
  
• Buttigieg punts on 'rethinking' Postal Service truck contract
  
  
• Daimler celebrates opening of Electric Island
  
  
• Dealers Prepping for the Inevitable Shift Toward Electric Vehicle Service
  
  
• DTNA Opens Site for Fueling EVs
  
  
• Electric vehicles and maritime efficiency -- Transmission
  
  
• First-of-its-kind 'Electric Island' charging station for heavy-duty trucks now open in Portland, Oregon
  
  
• Five ways to keep electrical systems working
  
  
• Hub Group Begins Electric Truck Fleet Pilot
  
  
• NZCS chat recap: 'Not everything can be electrified'
  
  
• Truck-focused Electric Island charging site opens in Portland, Oregon
  
  
• Volvo, Mack open electric truck training academy
  
  

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Fuel

• Diesel Dips Half a Cent to $3.124 a Gallon
  
  
• Electric, hybrid vehicles topic of bills in eight statehouses Land Line
  
  
• Fourth week in a row that DOE/EIA diesel price drops
  
  
• How can trucks reduce fuel consumption?
  
  
• Is Amazon getting into the renewable natural gas business?
  
  
• Love's partners with ag giant Cargill on renewable diesel venture
  
  
• Love's, Cargill team up to produce, market high-performance renewable diesel fuel
  
  
• New truck stop and CNG-power push coming at Port of Savannah
  
  
• Nikola, TA-Petro to build first two hydrogen fueling stations for heavy trucks
  
  
• Renewable fuel requirements threaten to play bigger role in diesel price
  
  
• Reports show diesel prices continue to fall
  
  
• Shell Lubricants' Starship 2.0 will hit the highway in May to demonstrate fuel-efficient tech
  
  
• Travel Centers of America creates alternative energy unit
  
  
• TravelCenters of America and Nikola plan California hydrogen stations
  
  

 

7. Regarding parking, protests, violence, and self-defense:

Parking

Since underwriting the cost of truck parking is not something authorized on the federal level under the Constitution of the United States, I believe that private business or individual states need to provide truck parking.

If you feel strongly about this topic, please contact your elected officials.

• I-80 travel to be impacted as WYDOT works on 200 new truck parking spots
  
  
• Not in my backyard! Truck parking's NIMBY risk
  
  
• OOIDA urges Buttigieg to include truck parking in infrastructure bill
  
  
• Residents unwilling to proceed with truck parking plan even after officials recognize "we have not adequately provided parking for trucks"
  
  
• Truckers urge Biden to address dangerous shortage of safe truck parking
  
  

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Protests

These articles cover what states are doing regarding preventing or punishing protests on roads.

• New Florida Law Increases Penalties For Highway Protesters, Protects Drivers Acting in Self-Defense
  
  
• Newly signed Florida law cracks down on highway protesters, protects drivers acting in self-defense
  
  
• Oklahoma bill signed into law to protect drivers who strike protesters
  
  
• Oklahoma governor signs bill to crack down on protesters who block roadways
  
  

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Violence

Please do what is reasonable to avoid violence and protect yourself and your rig.

In our day when law enforcement and justice seem to be a bit upside down, be aware that your actions may have serious consequences.

• Big Rig Mobbed in Downtown Streets of Minneapolis Following Chauvin Verdict
  
  
• Driver upset about condition of his truck arrested for allegedly threatening to shoot boss
  
  
• Gunman in FedEx Ground Mass Shooting Identified, President Biden Urges Action on Guns
  
  
• Multiple videos show semi truck engulfed by protesters in Minneapolis after Chauvin verdict
  
  
• Police investigate vehicles damaged from rocks, concrete thrown off bridge
  
  
• Trucker who stabbed fellow driver during parking dispute sentenced to prison
  
  

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Self-defense

I would like to have your feedback on this device.

Do you think it is a good thing?

Would you like to use this device or something like it?

Please comment through the form below. Thanks.

• Retired police officer introduces pepper-spray invention to keep truckers safe
  
  

 

8. Regarding recalls, definitions, repairs, and corrosion:

Recalls

• 18K trucks recalled for defect that could cause loss of steering
  
  
• Daimler Trucks recalling nearly 18,000 trucks for steering issue
  
  
• Getting the message? Daimler recalls 19,000 trucks despite no complaints
  
  
• Mack Recalls Trucks Over Increased Crash Risk Due to Possible Rear Suspension and ESC Failure
  
  
• NHTSA issues recall on more than 1,400 International trucks, 566 Mack trucks
  
  

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Definitions

• What is operating ratio?
  
  

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Repairs

• 24-Hour Repair Becomes the Standard
  
  

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Corrosion

• Task Forces Set Sights on Controlling Corrosion
  
  

 

9. Regarding drugs, smuggling, legal, and speed:

Drugs

Never ever haul illegal drugs, no matter how much money you are promised.

• Border agents find $4.3 MILLION worth of meth in pickle shipment
  
  
• Nearly 160 pounds of cocaine seized at Canada-US border
  
  
• Nearly 30 pounds of cocaine discovered amongst trucker's belongings
  
  
• Trucker Busted Smuggling $4.5 MILLION in Meth Concealed in Load of 'Funky Pickles'
  
  

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Smuggling

Never ever treat humans like cattle.

• Border Patrol intercepts big rig with 149 people locked inside
  
  
• U.S. Trucker Arrested After 149 People Discovered Locked Inside Semi-Trailer
  
  
• US Border Patrol agents discover nearly 150 people locked in commercial tractor-trailer
  
  

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Legal

• Democrats Take Another Big Step Forward In Quest to Pass Controversial PRO Act
  
  
• Ticket quotas under review in seven statehouses State Land Line
  
  

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Speed

• Former chief tribal judge sentenced for illegal truck driver speeding ticket scam
  
  
• Speed Limiter Mandate, Insurance Hike And More Expected To Be In Upcoming Highway Bill
  
  

 

10. Regarding VMT, wait, and fatigue:

VMT

These articles address Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) and related tax.

• Analysts Warn of 'Damaging Backlash' If Congress Imposes Trucks-Only Mileage Tax
  
  
• Congress Considers Mileage Tax Based On Your Income Level or Type of Vehicle You Drive
  
  
• Oregon Considers Making VMT Fee Mandatory
  
  

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Wait

• Baton's Andrus partnership: A lesson in effectively addressing dwell time
  
  

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Fatigue

In order to adequately address fatigue, one must also take into account the Hours of Service regulations and availability of truck parking.

• How Ontario's general trucking sector can address driver fatigue among professional drivers
  
  

 

11. Regarding technology:

• 5 signs a trucking company has been hacked
  
  
• Connected truck telematics systems deliver deeper maintenance insights
  
  
• Why fleets should prioritize camera evidence for safety
  
  

 

12. Congratulations!

We congratulate and recognize:

• all "Citizen Drivers";
  
  
• each "Driver of the Year" finalist and winner; and
  
  
• each achiever of a major trucking safety milestone.
  
  

Citizen Drivers

• Both Citizen Driver honorees are OOIDA members OOIDA Member
  
  
• Two truckers named Citizen Drivers by Travel Centers of America
  
  
• Werner, Carter Express drivers named TA-Petro Citizen Drivers
  
  

Driver of the Year

• Trucker of 40 years named 2020 Missouri Driver of the Year
  
  
• Women In Trucking announces finalists for 2021 Driver of the Year
  
  

Safety Award

• Yellow Corp. honors 2020 safety million-milers
  
  

Thank you, one and all, for your service!

 

My husband Mike and I wish you -- and all professional truck drivers -- safe travels and lots of money saving opportunities on the road.

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Return from TDMST Weekly Round-Up: 2021.04.24 to our TDMST Weekly Round-Up Trucking Commentary or our Truck Drivers Money Saving Tips home page.

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Recommended Trucker Accessories

• Portable Toilet
  
  
• Cold Food Storage Device
  
  
• Appliances to Cook in Your Truck
  
  
• Powering Your Appliances
  
  
• Navigation Tools
  
  
• Communication Tools

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