TDMST Weekly Round-Up: 2022.03.05

This is the TDMST Weekly Round-Up of news affecting professional truck drivers, written by Vicki Simons for the week ending March 5, 2022.

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

1. Regarding COVID-19 and convoy:

COVID-19

If you read back through some of my TDMST Weekly Round-Up trucking commentaries over the last two years, you will find that I was convinced that this whole COVID-19 situation was a put-up job and that what people needed to focus on was boosting their God-given immune systems from the inside-out, instead of imposing on their bodies oxygen-reducing face masks and injecting into their bodies man-made substances.

You must decide if it is more important to maintain your bodily sovereignty or to bow down to those who wish to control your body through tyr@nn!c@l dictates.

Be watching for a shift in the narrative away from COVID-19 and towards other types of pathogens -- or infections that were caused the jabs.

Also, be watching out for financial repercussions as a result of these maneuvers.

• Briefly: FMCSA extends COVID-19 emergency declaration again
  
  
• COVID hours of service waiver extended through May
  
  
• Feds ditch interprovincial COVID-19 vaccine mandate for truckers
  
  
• FMCSA again extends 50 state HOS relief for COVID-19 supply haulers
  
  
• FMCSA emergency declaration set to surpass two-year mark
  
  
• FMCSA extends COVID-related hours of service, CDL declarations
  
  
• JUST IN: US Senate Passes Resolution to End Covid-19 National State of Emergency
  
  
• Mandate shot down: Supreme Court scuttles COVID-19 vaccinate requirement for workers
  
  
• Prospects for the COVID national emergency's HOS waiver
  
  

---

Convoy

It's interesting that there isn't much news -- even in the trucking publications -- about the convoy of trucks heading toward Washington, DC.

Please be careful not to get yourself trapped into a situation where you could be detained against your will and have your truck impounded or stolen from you.

• Before joining vaccine protests, weigh pros and cons, attorneys suggest
  
  
• Illinois State Police 'protecting right to peaceful protest' as trucker convoys roll through
  
  
• Plates seized from Freedom Convoy participants
  
  
• Reporter Claims Truck Stop Refused Service to Truckers in People's Convoy, TA-Petro Responds
  
  
• Trucking Group Declares 'Political War' on Lawmaker Who Wants to Seize Rigs From Convoying Truckers
  
  

 

2. Regarding Russia/Ukraine, supply chain, and oil:

Russia/Ukraine

In his March 3, 2022, column -- Ukraine Is Not A Victim -- Chuck Baldwin wrote:

As a political analyst and more importantly as a spiritually minded student of the Scriptures, I am absolutely convinced of this: When the major establishments all pounce on one subject, collectively decide who is a victim and who is a villain and beat the same drum every day over and over in total unison, the narrative that is being presented is one hundred percent upside down.

And right now the power establishments have decided to bewitch us with an anti-Russia, pro-Ukraine agenda. But as with all establishment propaganda, the narrative is a big, fat lie.

You may also wish to read news from a trustworthy site:
TheNewAmerican.com.

One resource I read indicated that this whole situation between Russia and the Ukraine could be a precursor to nucle@r w@r.

Truckers who are away from home for days, weeks, or months at a time need to prepare as best they can for unexpected outages and shortages.

Be those things as they may be, here are some of the most recent news articles about the situation regarding Russia and the Ukraine from trucking sources:

• American Trucking Industry Rallies Support Behind Ukrainian People
  
  
• Biden bans Russian aircraft from US airspace
  
  
• Coalition of U.S. trucking companies to send more than $350K in humanitarian aid to Ukraine
  
  
• CPG companies quickly halt operations in Ukraine
  
  
• Daimler Truck, AB Volvo sever Russian business ties
  
  
• Europe's Biggest Logistics Firms Halt Deliveries Into Russia
  
  
• Everest Transportation holds fast amid Ukrainian chaos
  
  
• How the war in Ukraine will impact trucking and logistics
  
  
• Landstar forecasts $100M truckload hit in March if Ukraine agencies shut down
  
  
• Landstar projects $100M truckload loss this month if Ukrainian agencies shut down
  
  
• No surprise: Data shows major e-commerce slowdown in Russia, Ukraine
  
  
• Russia sanctions cut both ways for air cargo
  
  
• Russian invasion of Ukraine hits global supply chains
  
  
• Russia-Ukraine conflict could lead to global e-commerce disruptions
  
  
• Russia-Ukraine developments: Commodity diesel prices take a breather
  
  
• Russia-Ukraine roundup: Another day of surging oil prices
  
  
• Russia-Ukraine roundup: Big surge in price of oil
  
  
• Russia-Ukraine War Exposes American Reliance on Foreign Oil
  
  
• Sanctions squeeze Russian carrier Volga-Dnepr, air cargo capacity
  
  
• Shell to Pull Out of Energy Investments in Russia
  
  
• Shipping isn't waiting for sanctions. It's refusing to move Russian cargo
  
  
• Shipping world stands with Ukraine
  
  
• Source: Landstar closes major Ukraine operation in wake of invasion
  
  
• Toyota, Honda Join Growing Retreat From Russia
  
  
• Trucking stakeholders step up to aid Ukraine
  
  
• Trucking, logistics companies unite to raise money for Ukrainians
  
  
• Ukraine crisis creates logistics headaches for air cargo, airlines
  
  
• Ukrainian conflict will lead to more supply chain woes
  
  
• US trucking company owner races to Ukrainian border to aid refugees
  
  

---

Supply chain

The supply chain will be impacted or disrupted any time there is a threat and attack on energy.

• DOT Report Offers Ideas to Ease Supply Chain
  
  
• Inventories clog supply chain again in February
  
  
• Supply chain challenges continue to restrain truck orders, analysts say
  
  
• The second Cold War is here -- and supply chains will be the front lines
  
  
• Toyota Idles All Japan Plants Due to Supplier System Outage
  
  
• U.S. supply chain review calls for truck parking, port upgrades, and more
  
  
• Viewpoint: Don't be fooled -- the supply chain is not getting better
  
  

---

Oil

According to Wikipedia, "West Texas Intermediate (WTI) can refer to a grade or a mix of crude oil, and/or the spot price, the futures price, or the assessed price for that oil; colloquially WTI usually refers to the price of the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) WTI Crude Oil futures contract or the contract itself."

• BP Exits Stake in Russian Oil, Gas Company Rosneft
  
  
• Nations Agree to Release 60 Million Barrels of Oil
  
  
• Nations agree to release 60M barrels of oil amid Russian war
  
  
• Oil surges above $100 a barrel, causing big spike in fuel costs
  
  
• US, Allies Discuss Oil Reserve Release of 60 Million Barrels
  
  
• WTI Tops $103 as Supply Fears Persist
  
  

 

3. Regarding accidents, weather, roads, and fatalities:

Accidents

Please review the articles listed below regarding trucking accidents and learn how to protect yourself from being involved in such a situation yourself.

I am appalled over how many truckers are plunging off bridges and overpasses these days.

What is going on that would cause such an uptick in this type of crash?

• 3 dead in crashes amid fog and smoke on I-95 in Florida
  
  
• Company blames driver's high speed for dramatic crash into river
  
  
• Driver OK after icy big rig crash
  
  
• Driver uninjured after tractor-trailer crashes off I-94 in Wisconsin
  
  
• I-80 west in Utah closed for multi-vehicle crash involving semis, trooper
  
  
• Multiple Truckers Involved in 30 Vehicle Pileup, One Person Dead
  
  
• Truck driver walks away from horrific crash
  
  
• Trucker Loses Control Before Scary Crash Down Snowy Bridge Embankment
  
  
• Trucker okay after being throw from wrecked rig
  
  
• Video shows big rig hauling U.S. mail plummeting off bridge into river
  
  
• Video shows tractor-trailer driving into frigid Massachusetts river
  
  

---

Weather

• "Extreme avalanche danger" closes Snoqualmie Pass until further notice
  
  
• Daily Infographic: Tips for truckers: How to weather a snow squall
  
  

---

Roads

• Officials urge truckers to observe road closure signs after excessive u-turns damage road signs, yards
  
  

---

Fatalities

Mike and I express our condolences to the families of all of those who died in traffic crashes.

• Deaths from vehicle crashes up in 2020, down for large trucks
  
  
• New Report Reveals Slightly Fewer Truckers and Motorists Killed in Large Truck Crashes
  
  
• Report: Nearly 39,000 Lives Lost in Traffic Crashes in 2020
  
  
• Three dead in fiery 17 vehicle pileup on Florida interstate
  
  
• Traffic Crashes Rise But Large Truck Fatalities Fall Slightly
  
  
• Truck driver killed after big rig crashes off overpass, Washington troopers say
  
  
• Truck-involved crash deaths dip despite overall traffic fatalities increase | I-75 closure this weekend
  
  
• Truck-involved crash fatalities drop as overall traffic deaths rise
  
  
• Two dead after semi truck smashes into overpass
  
  

 

4. Regarding economy, buying, tolls, rates, surcharge, and UCR fee:

Economy

• ACT Research: U.S. trailer orders open 2022 low; OEMs carefully managing order acceptance
  
  
• February Class 8 Orders Mirror Weak Production Levels
  
  
• February Class 8 truck orders: 'You can't always get what you want'
  
  
• How Freight Volumes Get Suppressed Despite Strong Demand
  
  
• January Class 8 Retail Prices for Used Trucks Soar to New High
  
  
• New truck sales flat, masking the true story
  
  
• Supply Chain Uncertainty Leads OEMs to Carefully Control Class 8 Orders
  
  
• Surging ahead: Number of new trucking companies shattering records
  
  
• Surging Inventories Bolster Freight Economy
  
  

---

Buying

• 7 Tips for Buying a Work Truck During an Inventory Shortage
  
  

---

Tolls

• TCA supports ATA's effort to battle truck-only tolls
  
  

---

Rates

• Brokers Expect Rising Contract Rates for 2022
  
  
• Tender volumes slump as current contract rates find solid footing
  
  

---

Surcharge

• Parcel shippers to feel more fuel surcharge pain
  
  

---

UCR fee

• OOIDA opposes UCR fee proposal
  
  

 

5. Regarding inflation, pay, and consumers:

Inflation

• IT'S WORSE THAN I THOUGHT
  
  
• Viewpoint: As inflation continues, now is the time to optimize e-commerce shipping
  
  

---

Pay

We do not necessarily endorse any of the trucking companies listed in this section as potential employers.

• More Carriers Announce Driver Pay Raises
  
  
• Omaha trucking company announces driver pay increase
  
  

---

Consumers

• Customer Pushback Dislodges a Price Rollback from Rivian
  
  
• Rivian Cancels Price Hikes for Existing Customers After Outcry
  
  

 

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

Autonomous vehicles

I oppose with every fiber of my being the operation of driverless, self-driving, or autonomous commercial motor vehicles on the roads with the motoring public, but I share these articles as a courtesy to help you stay current with the topic:

• Embark partners with Alterra to open autonomous truck transfer points
  
  
• Embark Partners with Real Estate Group to Advance Autonomous Fleet Nationwide
  
  
• Innovator Sahdev is driven by autonomous trucking solutions
  
  
• Report highlights role of intellectual property in autonomous vehicle industry
  
  
• Waymo, Cruise Set Pace in Electrifying Autonomous Vehicles
  
  
• Will Autonomous Trucks Create a Boom in Trucking Jobs?
  
  

---

Electric vehicles

• Lordstown Motors faces multiple hurdles to produce electric pickup
  
  
• Navistar Unveils EV-Related Next Experience Trailer
  
  
• Peterbilt EV models eligible for up to $150K CARB HVIP voucher
  
  
• Plugged in: Total cost of ownership will likely drive adoption of electric Class 8 vehicles
  
  
• Solar-powered electric truck stop company WattEV adds 3 new advisory board members
  
  
• Texas Carrier Orders 50 Hyliion Hypertruck ERX Trucks
  
  
• Viewpoint: New spending, rules prioritize EV adoption
  
  
• Workhorse to Retire Troubled Flagship Electric Delivery Van
  
  

---

Fuel

Some of the increase in fuel prices is due to inflation (and the faulty policies of politicians) and some is due to the activities of those who are supplying oil for fuel.

• California Pump Prices Hit Records
  
  
• Chevron to Acquire Renewable Fuel Producer REG
  
  
• Crazy eight: DOE/EIA price up almost 5 cents, 8th straight increase
  
  
• Despite conditions, OPEC sticks with plan
  
  
• Diesel Rises 4.9¢ to $4.104 a Gallon
  
  
• Energy analyst warns of soaring diesel prices
  
  
• National diesel price average jumps nearly 5 cents
  
  
• Surging diesel prices, lag in fuel surcharges starting to raise concern
  
  
• Will diesel fuel prices go up with Russia's invasion of Ukraine?
  
  

---

Theft

I watched the video embedded in this article and it certainly appears to be "theft" of some kind to me.

I encourage truckers to keep their eyes wide open on this.

• VIDEO: Trucker just might be getting ripped off at the pump
  
  

---

Fuel savings

• How truckers can save on fuel costs
  
  

 

7. Regarding drugs, clearinghouse, testing, and health:

Drugs

Regarding the March 2, 2022, article -- "Trucker claims he doesn't know how 6 duffel bags of cocaine got into his storage compartment" (subtitle: "His alibi is that he was away from his truck in the bathroom of a truck stop for about a half hour.") -- I made this lengthy post on our TruckDriversMoneySavingTips Facebook page:

According to the article linked below, a truck driver was caught attempting to transport six duffel bags full of cocaine into Canada late last week, but told police that he did not know how the cocaine got into the storage compartment of his trailer.
There are 5 obvious questions to ask on an investigation on this:
1. Did the trucker have any drug paraphernalia anywhere in his rig (which would point to potential personal use)?
2. Did the trucker test positive for any drugs (assuming he was screened for them)?
3. Is there any surveillance video footage showing what happened all during the time the trucker was away from his truck?
4. Have drugs been smuggled from the shipper or someone at the shipper's location in the past?
5. Have drugs been delivered to the receiver or someone at the receiver's location in the past?
Without knowing more about this situation, it seems plausible that the trucker was made an unknowing mule for transporting drugs, but why would someone plant drugs on a truck without knowing where the truck was going?
Additional thought: Assuming this was a sleeper berth tractor, if the trucker had had a portable toilet in it, he might not have been away from his rig at the time the drugs were supposedly planted.
What are your thoughts on this?
Please comment below.

Here are some other articles about drugs in the trucking industry this week:

• $2.5 million worth of cocaine seized from semi at checkpoint
  
  
• $2.9 million of meth disguised as onions seized; Mexican trucker busted at border
  
  
• Border agents seize millions of dollars in narcotics from big rigs
  
  
• Mexican Trucker Busted Despite 'Clever and Unusual' Attempt to Smuggle $3 MILLION in Drugs
  
  
• Mexican trucker's "clever attempt" at smuggling $3M in meth packages had 'an unusual level of detail'
  
  
• Truck driver charged after 265kg of drugs seized at Ontario border crossing
  
  
• Trucker Arriving From Mexico Arrested in $2.5 MILLION Cocaine Smuggling Bust
  
  

---

Clearinghouse

• FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse Impacting Truck Driver Shortage -- Employment Screening Resources
  
  

---

Testing

Regarding this "oral fluid" testing possibility, the first article linked below states this at the very bottom:

"USDOT is accepting public comment on the oral fluid testing proposal for 30 days after the NPRM is published in the Federal Register. To submit your comment at that time, you can visit http://www.regulations.gov and search for Docket No. DOT-OST-2021-0093."

I took the liberty of looking up that Docket number and found this:

Federal Register :: Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs: Addition of Oral Fluid Specimen Testing for Drugs

If you feel strongly about this, please write up and submit your comments before the deadline.

• DOT eyes plan to allow oral fluid drug testing to 'help combat employee cheating'
  
  
• DOT okay oral truck driver drug testing
  
  
• DOT Proposes Adding Oral Fluid for Drug Testing
  
  
• DOT proposes oral fluid drug testing method
  
  
• DOT Proposes Oral-Fluid Testing for Drugs
  
  
• DOT to consider oral drug testing option for trucking
  
  
• U.S. DOT plans to allow oral fluid as drug testing method
  
  

---

Health

Please do your own due diligence -- and feel free to consult with your physician -- regarding starting or maintaining any health procedure.

• A Seasoned Truck Driver Opened Up About the Severe Health Problems That Come With the Job: 'You Can't Truly Fathom What It's Done to You'
  
  
• Digital Trucking Fitness Workouts Hit Transfix Dashboards in March
  
  
• These effective, on-the-road exercises don't require special gear
  
  

 

8. Regarding transfers, distractions, and audit:

Transfers

• Preventing fires and explosions during fuel transfers
  
  

---

Distractions

• Curbing driver distraction - Taking the Hire Road
  
  

---

Audit

• 5 red flags that can trigger an IFTA audit
  
  

 

9. Regarding inspections and Jake brake:

Inspections

• Three day I-95 CMV enforcement blitz starts March 1
  
  

---

Jake brake

• Police kick off multi-week 'unmuffled engine braking' blitz in Oregon town
  
  

 

10. Regarding employment, MVR, and ports:

Employment

• Decreasing turnover and attracting more drivers in a trucker shortage
  
  
• Driver shortage not caused by low pay, says ITA president
  
  
• Job Growth More Than Forecast in February, ADP Data Shows
  
  

---

MVR

• How To Use MVRs To Get Drivers Back on Track
  
  

---

Ports

• Port of Savannah plans to boost container capacity by 60%
  
  
• Transportation Insight launches Beon for 'port-to-porch' services
  
  

 

11. Regarding technology, aerodynamics, APU, and power:

Technology

• Daily Infographic: Pedestrian crash avoidance systems cut crashes -- but not in the dark
  
  
• Data pirates: Experts say cybercrime is 'off the radar' for many in trucking
  
  
• Dude, where's my stuff!? Talking about tracking with Ryan Rogers
  
  
• More trucking fleets using AI in predictive maintenance
  
  
• Omnitracs, Platform Science ELDs Certified in Canada - Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)
  
  
• Routing guides are going digital
  
  
• Toyota to Resume Japan Production After Supplier Cyberattack
  
  
• Trucker temporarily placed out of service due to ID system glitch
  
  

---

Aerodynamics

• NextGen EkoStinger Fairing Boosts Fuel Savings
  
  

---

APU

• Which is a better APU power source? Tell us what do you think
  
  Personally, I think that a diesel-powered APU is better, since it does not rely on battery power.
  
  What do you think?
  
  Please comment through the form below.
  
  

---

Power

• Put Your Idling and Battery Woes on the Backburner
  
  
• Safer, Cleaner Power for your Reefer
  
  
• Which is a better APU power source? Tell us what do you think
  
  

 

12. Regarding awards:

Congratulations to all professional truck drivers who have been recognized for their skill!

We also recognize those who helped out their fellow human beings in a time of need.

• Best Dedicated driver praised for aiding a motorist in need
  
  
• Canadian trucker named Highway Angel for helping spinout victims
  
  
• Driver spotlight: TMAF recognizes members of the trucking industry who are dedicated to safety, service
  
  
• Highway Angels | March-April 2022
  
  
• Lytx honors drivers coaches for their safety records
  
  
• Owner-operator award finalist Gene Houchin
  
  
• This year's Highway Angel of the Year chosen by the public
  
  
• Trucker rescues injured, wrecked fellow driver from perilous snowstorm situation
  
  

 

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: 2022.03.05 to our TDMST Weekly Round-Up Trucking Commentary or our Truck Drivers Money Saving Tips home page.

---

---

Recommended Trucker Accessories

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

---

---