The shortage of UK truck drivers, called HGV for “heavy goods vehicle” drivers, has gotten to the point where wholesalers and retailers are calling for the army to mobilize to alleviate the shortage.
Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, June 28, 2021
In this Friday Short Haul, the city of Minneapolis has begun the process of banning large trucks from parking within the city limits, and Women in Trucking announces its Member of the Month for June.
Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, June 25, 2021
In a terse one-paragraph order on Monday the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit shot down yet one more appeal by the California Trucking Association to try to halt California’s anti-trucking, independent contractor law from going into effect.
Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, June 23, 2021
The United States House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has released details about its newly introduced surface transportation reauthorization bill, known as the “Invest in America Act.” And, not surprisingly, lines are being drawn within the trucking industry among the usual players on both sides of the issue.
Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, June 7, 2021
One highway in Florida, Interstate 4, which runs between Tampa and Daytona Beach, has the dubious distinction of being the most dangerous highway in America – a distinction that the highway has earned year after year.
Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, June 2, 2021
CargoNet, the cargo theft prevention and recovery network, is warning truckers to be aware of a “significant threat to freight transportation” over the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. That threat focuses on cargo theft and hijackings, which increase measurably during this one particular holiday period.
Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, May 24, 2021
In this Friday Short Haul a startup has developed at break-away fifth wheel protecting tractors from trailer rollovers, HP has partnered with autonomous developer Embark, and the Texas bill protecting carriers from excessive lawsuits passes out of committee.
Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, May 14, 2021
It’s time to feature some more recipients of Truckload Carriers Association’s Highway Angel award program. Honors this time went to a driver who helped the victim of a semi hit-and-run crash, to a driver who came to the aid of a fellow truck driver after a crash, another driver who stopped to help a young woman whose car went into a ditch, and to twin brothers who helped rescue crash victims whose car had gone into a ravine.
Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, May 10, 2021
In this Friday Short Haul the FMCSA makes push for ADAS awareness, trucking in Fiji curing COVID, looming gas shortage due to lack of tank drivers, and California's AB 5 becomes law with removal of injunction protecting truckers.
Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, April 30, 2021
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is making a major push this week to alert the public about work zone safety. The agency is kicking off the beginning of the nation's yearly roadway repair and construction season with it annual program titled this year, "National Work Zone Awareness Week -- Drive Safe. Work Safe. Save Lives."
Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, April 28, 2021
In this Friday Short Haul what happened to Samsung's Safety Truck, another attempt to increase insurance minimums, and North Dakota to begin giving COVID shots to Canadian truckers.
Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, April 23, 2021
The lack of truck parking is a hot topic these days, with most solutions revolving around inducing government to allocate funding to build new parking spots. But advocates for more and safer truck parking are finding a new ally in an organization representing members who have an excess of empty parking spots that could be converted to truck use.
Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, April 14, 2021
While the ELD mandate's efficacy in improving safety by preventing commercial drivers from fudging the entries in their paper log books is still a controversial subject, what is dead certain is that the law of unintended consequences went into effect forcing more drivers than ever before to seek parking, often in unsafe locations without services.
Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, April 12, 2021
Industry watchers are becoming increasingly concerned about the privacy invasive tactics being employed by Amazon against its delivery drivers, and worry that if it spreads throughout the trucking industry it could have an impact on driver retention.
Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, March 29, 2021
In this Friday Short Haul ATRI releases report of the top 100 truck bottlenecks, North Dakota still considering road trains legislation, and TuSimple is the first self-driving truck innovator to announce a public stock offering.
Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, February 26, 2021
In this Friday Short Haul travel centers throughout the mid-west and south experience closures and outages due to the severe winter storm, President Trump's trucker-friendly apprenticeship program shut down, and EPA steps up efforts to end diesel emissions tampering.
Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, February 19, 2021
In this Friday Short Haul C.R. England files a RICO lawsuit against New Orleans area truck crash scammers, riskiest states and road segments are identified, and Walmart offers an $8,000 sign on bonus.
Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, February 12, 2021
The comment period for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's proposed pilot program allowing under-21 drivers to operate across state lines has long passed, and the agency hasn't made a final ruling implementing the program yet, but concerns are still being voiced – on both sides of the issue.
Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, February 10, 2021
Five drivers honored in January as Highway Angels by TCA and EpicVue for exemplary courtesy and courage in helping motorists in emergency situations.
Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, January 27, 2021
In this Friday Short Haul truckers can now take training in how to stay safe during protests, new administration means dark days ahead for small carriers, and two mega carriers invest in TuSimple's autonomous truck programs.
Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, January 22, 2021
In a breakthrough decision by the U.S. District Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, commercial motor carriers need not impose California's meal and rest break regulations on their interstate drivers operating within the state.
Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, January 18, 2021
In this Friday Short Haul OOIDA sends letter to Congress claiming COVID-relief bill does little to help truckers, J.B. Hunt partners with the University of Arkansas to develop inclusiveness and diversity in trucking, and a major winter storm hits the mid-West and moves on to the East.
Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, December 25, 2020
A new strain of the COVID virus that has arisen recently in Great Britain has made the island nation into a virtual "persona non gratis" among European countries. And thousands of truck drivers appear to be among the most-affected and vocal about being stranded at Britain's ports unable to cross over to the continent.
Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, December 23, 2020
The COVID virus has been blamed for a lot of things this year – deserved or not – and now online Christmas shoppers are being told to expect a delay in receiving their packages … and it's COVID's fault. To make matters worse, the emergency rollout of the COVID vaccine that is gearing up right now has taken precedence over Christmas gifts, creating a stackup all up and down the logistics supply chain from the nation's ports all the way to a Christmas shopper's front door.
Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, December 16, 2020
In this Friday Short Haul - ATA writes letters pushing for prioritizing vaccines for truckers, FMCSA extends HOS exemptions for vaccine deliveries, and UPS ramps up dry ice production for safe storage and transportation of frozen vaccines.
Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, December 4, 2020
Several commercial truck drivers have been named recently as Truckload Carriers Association's newest Highway Angels for showing exemplary courtesy and courage while on the job.
Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, November 30, 2020
Despite ongoing negative reactions from drivers and opposition from some organizations like the Teamsters Union, the latest innovation in driver assistance technology – machine vision and artificial intelligence – is continuing to make itself known inside a driver's cab.
Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, November 25, 2020
In reaction to the latest news about an alleged new outbreak of the COVID-19 virus the Centers for Disease Control has released new guidelines specifically for truck drivers and their carrier employers.
Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, November 23, 2020
Today, November 11, Veterans Day, is the day that a trucker strike group has chosen for a trial run national shutdown called StopTheTires2020 in protest of presidential candidate Joe Biden's Green New Deal platform; which would eliminate fracking, thus raising fuel prices.
Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, November 11, 2020
In most, if not virtually all, online listings for the top 10 or top 25 most unsafe roads in America the I-10 corridor across the southern states makes the list … sometimes even coming out at the top or near the top. Of interest to truckers, as well, is the lack of truck parking along the long stretches of desert landscapes which constitute the Western states portions of the Interstate.
Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, November 2, 2020
In a recent jury verdict that evoked superlatives among the trucking news media like "historic," "record," and "biggest ever," a Florida jury has awarded a motorcycle rider $411.7 million for injuries he received in an accident on westbound I-10 in Tallahassee, Florida.
Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, October 21, 2020
In this Friday Short Haul USA Truck announces a driver self-dispatch program, carriers are beginning to bump driver pay, and FMCSA announces an emergency declaration for southern states impacted by Hurricane Delta.
Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, October 9, 2020
In this Friday Short Haul the FMCSA issues extension of its wildfire-related emergency declaration, hair drug testing published for comments, and an Iowa carrier tries a new driver pay structure.
Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, September 11, 2020
Last week, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced it was starting a pilot program to test whether it would be feasible to offer drivers relief from the agency's hours of service regulation restricting driving to 14 hours from when they first came on duty.
Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, August 31, 2020
Stopping to aid motorists during horrific crashes earn truck drivers awards as Truckload Carriers Associations Highway Angels
Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, August 17, 2020
The state of Pennsylvania reports nearly a 500 percent increase in spotted lanternfly sightings, and has announced it has added two new counties to its quarantine list.
Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, August 10, 2020
In this Friday Short Haul JKC Trucking says no freight to 'defunded' cities, woman driver experiences sleeper break-in, and Women in Trucking honors top women-owned transportation businesses.
Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, August 7, 2020
Truck drivers are facing an increasing number of incidences of violence, as chronicled in a recent CDL Life article; with a marked increase recently because of out-of-control rioters. However, perhaps the most bizarre incident involving a trucker occurred last Saturday on the Florida Turnpike.
Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, August 5, 2020
SmartDrive, a leading innovator in video-based safety intelligence systems for trucks, has developed a patented technology for alerting drivers to situations where they might be speeding for conditions and where they might need help while parked in "sitting duck" situations.
Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, August 3, 2020
In this Friday Short Haul Love's announces mask requirement, John Christner driver hits 10-million safe miles mark, CVSA announced Brake Safety Week, and a TuSimple autonomous truck is involved in an incident on I-10.
Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, July 24, 2020
In this Friday Short Haul July 12-18 is set for inspection blitz, truck drivers must give contact info at Canadian border crossings, and Hyundai ships first 10 fuel cell trucks.
Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, July 10, 2020
Ironically, a truck driver's biggest defense against becoming infected during the COVID-19 virus threat is something that many drivers complain about while living on the road – often to the point of having to quit driving -- the self-quarantining and extreme social distancing that comes with the job … in other words, being lonely on the road.
Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, June 29, 2020
A vast majority of drivers responding to a CDL Life poll stomped down hard on the brakes and declared they will not enter cities that have defunded their police departments.
Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, June 15, 2020
In this Friday Short Haul FreightWaves finds that truckers love guns, freight broker leader steps down, and how to avoid injury from rioters.
Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, June 12, 2020
As every driver knows who enters a shipper/receiver's facility with anything but a drop-and-hook load a certain dwell time is to be expected. The bane of drivers, however, is when that dwell time turns into detention time. During the past few months of the virus crisis drivers said they were experiencing longer-than-normal detention times – sometimes 24 hours or more. But, now that the crisis has largely passed on in most locations, and panic buying has subsided, those detention times have begun to decrease.
Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, June 3, 2020
As the nation rebounds from the near-catastrophic, economy-killing, over-reaction to the COVID-19 virus, trucking industry leaders are beginning to look toward the future of the industry the rest of this year, and into the years to come.
Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, May 27, 2020
In this Friday Short Haul Trimble MAPS offers a free app to help driver find places to stop, the rate of fatal accidents increased during COVID-19 lockdowns, Comcar declares bankruptcy, and ATA study shows increase in driver pay, bonuses.
Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, May 22, 2020
In early November 2016, on the eve of when voters nationwide would be deciding on investments in transportation and infrastructure, film makers Jennifer Clymer and Marijane Miller debuted the screening of a trucking documentary that they hoped would help influence infrastructure funding.
Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, May 18, 2020
As the commercial truck transportation industry settles into its COVID-19 virus era new way of doing business the American Transportation Research Institute and the Owner-Operator Independent Driver Association Foundation have released the results of a survey from the industry on how the reaction to the pandemic has affected them.
Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, May 6, 2020
In this Friday Short Haul - Truckers protest low freight rates, FMCSA gives out 1 million masks to drivers, and the SecurSpace app finds parking spots for drivers.
Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, May 1, 2020
WorkHound, an online platform for drivers to anonymously provide feedback to their companies, has released its latest analysis of driver comments regarding the COVID-19 crisis. The study analyses comments from drivers in the April 1, 2020, through April 15, 2020, period, and has noted some significant changes in drivers' perceptions about the virus.
Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, April 29, 2020
Truckers have been getting a lot of love lately, but the industry is becoming concerned about the long-term effect of the reaction to the COVID-19 virus.
Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, April 20, 2020
In this Friday Short Haul states begin imposing intrusive measures on travelers, FMCSA issues another virus waiver declaration, and face coverings are now required to enter Canada.
Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, April 17, 2020
At a time when the public's awareness of the importance of the trucking industry in general, and truck drivers in particular, is at an all-time high because of the COVID-19 virus crisis, at least one industry leader has found an irony in the situation.
Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, April 15, 2020
In this Friday Short Haul states increase weight limits for essential freight, truck stops object to food trucks in rest areas, and FMCSA extends the HOS exemptions another month.
Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, April 10, 2020
In this Friday Short Haul Schneider admits mistake in distributing inadequate wipes to its drivers, a Change.org petition opens to aid truckers, and Teamsters Canada demands reopening of rest rooms and rest areas.
Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, April 3, 2020
Fear of COVID-19 panickers and of jails being emptied of prisoners has prompted the Small Business in Transportation Coalition to petition the U.S. Department of Transportation to enforce preemption of Federal gun regulations over state laws.
Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, March 30, 2020
In this Friday Short Haul the CVSA postpones May's International Roadcheck, register for a free COVID-19 webinar, FHA urges states to keep rest areas open, and fewer cars mean faster freight deliveries.
Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, March 27, 2020
The Federal government has issued new guidelines for truck drivers and employers over the past couple of days explaining how certain waivers might work during this period of reacting to the COVID-19 virus.
Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, March 25, 2020
In this Friday Short Haul states open up more truck parking during COVID-19 panic, FMCSA expands HOS waiver, and freight prices increase amid COVID-19 worries.
Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, March 20, 2020
Those of us who are pretty sick and tired of the "All coronavirus all the time" current news cycle are not going to find any relief in today's Trucking Truth News. But, unlike a lot of news going around about COVID-19 we actually have a positive slant for truck drivers.
Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, March 18, 2020
In this Friday Short Haul Western Express, Inc., of Tennessee digs out from tornado aftermath, a big rig driver is involved in two fatal crashes within six minutes, and another trucking firm quits due to rising insurance premiums.
Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, March 13, 2020
The Truckload Carriers Association has named seven drivers to its Highway Angels program, earning each of them a certificate, patch, lapel pin, and truck decals. Each of their employers also receives a certificate acknowledging their driver as a Highway Angel.
Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, January 22, 2020
This was an ugly weekend for drivers caught out in the major snow, sleet and ice storm in the Midwest. That same storm quickly moved into the Northeast causing highway closures and vehicle travel restrictions.
Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, January 20, 2020
In this Friday Short Haul Neuron EV introduces a new EV semi, ATA reports that November freight tonnage is down but driver turnover increases, a driver was found dead on the Grapevine, and runaway loose truck tires demolish a parked car.
Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, December 27, 2019
In this Friday Short Haul -- Fallout from California's AB-5 continues, winter weather resources, and Louisiana's ransomware attack affects trucking companies.
Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, November 22, 2019
In this Friday Short Haul the FMCSA declares emergency rules suspensions for wildfires and winter weather, Idaho transportation officials say to watch out for snow plows, and a FedEx employee is charged with receiving more than $1 million in bribes.
Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, November 1, 2019
In answer to the proposed new FMCSA hours of service rules, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association has given the FMCSA a 15-page letter to digest that is compiled from a survey conducted among some of the 160,000 members who collectively own and operate more than 240,000 individual heavy-duty trucks.
Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, October 16, 2019
American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear is fed up with exorbitant lawsuits against trucking companies and their drivers, and is asking trucking industry leaders to join him in lobbying Congress for tort reform legislation.
Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, October 9, 2019
It's time for Trucking Truth to again highlight some caring truck drivers who were honored last week by the Truckload Carriers Association as Highway Angels.
Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, September 11, 2019
In this Friday Short Haul, logistics aid organization mobiles for Hurricane Dorian, a speed limiter bill is "retired", and Pilot Flying J mounts "Thank a Driver" campaign
Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, August 30, 2019
CDL Life, a trucking news and entertainment website, underwent an experiment recently to illustrate the danger for truckers of anti-idling laws.
Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, July 22, 2019
The world watched in horror last year as some of America's worst wildfires in history took a record number of lives, cost billions of dollars in damages, destroyed one whole town, closed highways and disrupted commerce. Now government agencies responsible for predicting wildfire potential are saying the West Coast this year should be preparing for a repeat of last year's devastation.
Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, June 26, 2019
In response to the extreme weather, particularly flooding, that has continued to plague the central part of the United States, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has extended its Regional Emergency Declaration of March 19 to July 2.
Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, May 29, 2019
Like a visiting brother-in-law who doesn't realize he's overstayed his welcome, a giant "winter" storm is blowing through the Midwest this week bringing blizzard conditions with winds of 40-50 mph, record snowfall of 10-15 inches, and more flooding as warming weather melts off what this storm deposits.
Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, May 8, 2019
On March 5 both the United States Senate and House of Representatives introduced bills requiring trucking companies to install underguards on trucks and trailers that will prevent vehicles from riding underneath the truck or trailer in the event of a crash.
Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, March 27, 2019
In this week's Friday Short Haul we announce the WIT survey, learn why a motorist is irate at truckers, report FMCSA's easing of HOS for flood states, and announce a new ball cap for truckers.
Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, March 22, 2019
According to some industry spokesmen, trucking companies are performing more poorly in the area of unscheduled roadside repairs than they should be, resulting in higher overall maintenance costs and affecting their customer experience.
Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, March 20, 2019
In the Friday Short Haul for March 8 we see the results of failure to sweep snow off the roof, catch truckers bypassing a new toll road, and see what NYPD is up to concerning Google's Waze app.
Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, March 8, 2019
That America's roadways are a deteriorating mess is no surprise to anybody who has sat behind a wheel any time recently. But the problems of our nation's crumbling infrastructure go far beyond just the discomfort of a jarring ride. Simply put, our country's economic health demands that our roads get an upgrade.
Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, February 20, 2019
In a report recently released by SensiGuard Supply Chain Intelligence Center the number of cargo thefts were down by 19 percent across the United States last year, but the value of goods stolen is about the same.
Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, February 18, 2019
Since 1997, the TCA Highway Angels program has honored hundreds of professional drivers -- several every month -- for "the exemplary courtesy and courage they have shown others while on North America’s roadways." They announce the Feb. 1 honorees.
Dave Wickenhauser on Mon, February 11, 2019
A researcher with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries teamed up with researchers from North Carolina State University to put to the test something that most truck drivers do every day … sometimes several times a day. Their goal was to find out what is the safest, least injurious way to crank the landing gear on a trailer.
Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, January 30, 2019
In today's "Friday Short Haul" of news we discuss highway robbery in Mexico, will autonomous trucks replace drivers, and fleets of new trailers coming soon.
Dave Wickenhauser on Fri, January 25, 2019
A North Carolina startup that specializes in lithium battery technology is giving big-rig truck drivers the same portable jump-start capability enjoyed by car and light truck drivers.
Dave Wickenhauser on Wed, January 23, 2019
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