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04/27/24 - Rough Terrain Lift Truck Market To Reach USD 86.8 Billion By 2032 | DataHorizzon Research

Fastertruck News - 04/27/24 - 06:11:13am - Growing expansion in the construction industry pushes forward industry development. The rapid expansion of the global construction and infrastructure sectors is a pivotal driving force behind the ...

04/27/24 - 10 Things That Make The Tesla Semi Truck Better Than Traditional Long-Haul Trucks

Fastertruck News - 04/27/24 - 01:06:53am - The Tesla Semi has certainly drawn its fair share of attention, but is it warranted? And could it be the death of traditional long-haul trucks?

04/26/24 - Land Line Now, April 26, 2024

Fastertruck News - 04/26/24 - 11:33:31pm -

The OOIDA Foundation’s market report shows a freight market still trying to shake off what weighs it down. But there are positive signs. Also, with the advent of LEDs, you can do all kinds of things with lights that were never possible before. Bryan Martin offers some examples. And we’ll explain what you need to do in order to prep for this year’s CVSA Roadcheck.

0:00 – Newscast 

10:22 – Some positive signs in the freight market

24:59 – The wonderous things you can do with LEDs

40:23 – What you need to do to prep for Roadcheck

04/26/24 - DAT iQ Live: DAT's Data Analytics team examines current freight market conditions: Ep. 290

Fastertruck News - 04/26/24 - 10:19:10pm -

Join DAT iQ Live Tuesdays 10 am EST. #DATiQ

Our analytics team provides weekly freight market updates on supply and demand, pricing, plus a detailed look at DAT iQ forecasting models and how they're reacting to the current business climate.

Find DAT iQ Freight Market Updates on DAT's website here: https://bit.ly/3VwgHUK
Listen to Freightvine: https://bit.ly/3yixf95

Topics:
Market Dynamics
Spot Rate Trends
Forecast Model Discussion
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Learn more on How DAT can help you navigate the uncertainties of freight: https://bit.ly/3nbvYul

Email Questions to: Askiq@dat.com

We're looking to learn more about our DAT iQ Market Update viewers so we can make future episodes more helpful. Please tell us in this 1-minute survey and we’ll use your responses to improve the information we share with you: https://bit.ly/3HFnTXh

04/26/24 - High School Teacher Honored for Truck-Driving Curriculum

Fastertruck News - 04/26/24 - 10:04:22pm - Dave Dein, who has been leading an effort to get truck-driver education into high schools, was named the 2025 California Association of Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year.

04/26/24 - Best fleets practice ‘ruthless reflection’ to make their company a place people want to work

Fastertruck News - 04/26/24 - 10:00:53pm -

Running a trucking company is hard work, especially in the current economic climate. While some carriers are struggling — or even shutting their doors — others appear to be thriving, and they have no shortage of qualified drivers.

What’s the secret?

During the 2024 Best Fleets to Drive For education and awards conference, presented by CarriersEdge and held April 8-9 at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, North Carolina, motor carrier executives and recruiters had a chance to find out.

In a session titled “Building Workplace Culture: A Deep Dive into What Best Fleets are Doing,” Jane Jazrawy, CEO of Carriers Edge, began by defining “workplace culture.”

“Culture is not a fixed object. Your workplace is an organization — and organizations are like living entities,” she said. “Your company is pushed and pulled by your driving team, your office team, your customers, your management and sometimes investors.”

A business could be viewed as a garden, she said.

“Things sometimes grow when they’re not supposed to,” she explained. “When that happens, you can do some weeding or replanting in your business. You make small corrections, introduce new programs and make sure that things are moving in the right direction.

Jazrawy is something of an expert when it comes to the practices of some of the top fleets in North America. CarriersEdge has hosted the Best Fleets to Drive For competition for 15 years, accumulating information from carriers and their drivers about what makes a carrier one that drivers want to work for. The annual competition is open to carriers that have at least 10 tractors and their own operating authority. The hitch? Carriers must be nominated by their drivers to be eligible.

For carriers that want to keep their drivers and other employees satisfied, she said, the key to keeping drivers, or any employees, satisfied, she says, is “ruthless reflection.”

What does that mean? It means that every year, a carrier should take a brutally honest look at what is done for the drivers.

Carriers that are nominated for recognition in Best Fleets to Drive For complete a 100-question self-evaluation and then participate in an interview, where leaders are sometimes asked unsettling questions, Jazrawy said.

“You get a report, and you look at the driver survey responses. And instead of saying, ‘We can’t do that!’ you say, ‘How can we do this better?’ You do this every year,” she said. “You make small, incremental improvements that help your company culture to be more driver-centric.

“When you don’t look back and take a hard look at what you’ve done and where you’ve been, you can’t move forward — and you can’t get better,” she said. “This is true for individual companies, and it’s true for the entire industry.”

Jazrawy says the Best Fleets questionnaire is a great tool to help carriers take a close look at their practices.

“It’s an opportunity to get your people together and talk about what you do,” she said, noting that this process can help leaders identify and break down silos that can prevent drivers from expressing what they do (or don’t) like about a company’s practices.

The Best Fleets to Drive For program is available for carriers with at least 10 tractors and their own authority. The process begins with a driver nomination, followed by a questionnaire for carrier management, followed by driver surveys to determine if the perceptions of drivers and management are on the same page.

This year, 117 nominations were received for the Best Fleets to Drive For program, leading to 72 carrier interviews and more than 5,000 completed driver surveys. Jazrawy says responses in the driver surveys are key.

“Drivers will tell you what they think in any way possible,” Jazrawy said. “If you give them a form to fill out, they will tell you all kinds of stuff that has nothing to do with the questions. They will let you know.”

For example, one question asks drivers whether their carrier has a good coaching and mentoring program. Between 2019 to 2024, the number of drivers expressing dissatisfaction with their companies’ coaching and mentoring programs have decreased, indicating that those programs have improved in quality.

However, another question, which asks drivers if they believe their company cares about their opinions, didn’t fare as well.

“That satisfaction level is going down,” Jazrawy said. “It’s kind of like (the drivers are thinking), ‘We’re not too sure about that.”‘

Making sure employees are engaged and feel like they have a voice is important. Some carriers do a great job of using social media to attract new drivers — but don’t put the same effort into engaging with current drivers and employees, she noted.

As expected, pay is always a hot topic among driver survey respondents, and job perks like paid time off, bonuses and retirement benefits are also important to drivers.

The driver population continues to get older with many drivers working past retirement age. Surveys have shown that only a small percentage of drivers participate in carrier retirement programs, leaving many to retire solely on Social Security or the Canada Pension Plan for their retirement income. As a result, many drivers continue to work for as long as they are physically able.

It’s critical that younger drivers enter the market to fill gaps as older drivers do retire. One demographic that Jazrawy is excited about is owner-operators in the 21-30 age group.

“That under-30 group is moving; you are getting contractors under 30 — and I think that’s really exciting,” she said. “There are a lot of young people who want to have their own business, and they think trucking is a good place to do it.

“That’s a great way to bring people in,” she continued. “I think it’s good to have young people in trucking period, but I think it’s really interesting that they’re coming into the contractor side of things.”

Driver scorecards was another topic, with Jazrawy saying she believes the CSA scorecard has prompted many carriers to create scoring systems of their own. While scorecards can help improve driver performance, unfortunately, some carriers don’t take the time to sit down with drivers to explain them. Some treat them like a report card, simply providing it to the driver, while others work with drivers to provide training and improve scores.

Ultimately, she says, the Best Fleets to Drive For process can help carriers work more closely with their drivers and better understand their views.

In addition, each company must take an honest look at the way employees, particularly drivers, are treated.

“The better companies we have in trucking, the better the industry is going to be,” she concluded.

04/26/24 - Labor Deal Signing Bonuses Dampen Record Allison Sales

Fastertruck News - 04/26/24 - 09:39:07pm -

Signing bonuses linked to a labor contract ratified by United Auto Workers members in January hurt profits at Allison Transmission Holdings in the first quarter of 2024.

04/26/24 - Ontario’s towing industry struggles under new regulations: PTAO cites gaps, unfair practices

Fastertruck News - 04/26/24 - 09:03:01pm - It has been nearly five months since Ontario introduced new legislation regulating the towing industry. The Professional Towing Association of Ontario ...

04/26/24 - Trucking company owner admits to fraud, reincarnated carrier scheme

Fastertruck News - 04/26/24 - 08:51:45pm -

A Georgia trucking company owner pleaded guilty to charges related to CARES Act fraud and falsifying records.

On April 11, 2024, Georgia resident Roderick Billingslea pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of falsification of records in a federal investigation, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General (DOT-OIG).

Authorities say that Billingslea made false statements to the Small Business Administration (SBA) in order to receive CARES Act funding. DOT-OIG says that Billingslea received $564,363 in funding through fraudulent means.

Additionally, officials say that Billingslea knowingly made false statements to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) on Form MCSA-1. The FMCSA ordered a motor carrier owned by Billingslea to cease operations. Billingslea then illegally reincarnated numerous trucking companies in order to sidestep the FMCSA order, DOT-OIG says.

The case was investigated by DOT-OIB, SBA-OIG, and the United States Secret Service.

The post Trucking company owner admits to fraud, reincarnated carrier scheme appeared first on CDLLife.

04/26/24 - TFI Profit Falls 17.1% on ‘Worse Than Expected’ Market

Fastertruck News - 04/26/24 - 08:40:10pm -

Profits at TFI International fell 17.1% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2024 on the back of what CEO Alain Bédard said was a particularly weak freight environment.

04/26/24 - ACT Expo to Spotlight Industry’s Biggest Announcements

Fastertruck News - 04/26/24 - 08:01:38pm - Learn about game-changing new partnerships, exclusive product updates, new low- and zero-emission vehicles, and the latest advanced vehicle deployments.

04/26/24 - VIDEO: How old school drivers talk

Fastertruck News - 04/26/24 - 07:52:49pm -

This silly video provides a little peek into the way old school drivers communicate on a daily basis. 

“How older drivers talk to dispatch when they get loads they don’t like,” the video title reads. 

We won’t repeat the things these old school drivers say in the clip, but give it a listen for yourself. It’ll probably make you giggle. 

Watch the video below. 

The post VIDEO: How old school drivers talk appeared first on CDLLife.

04/26/24 - Watch the evolution of semi trucks over the last century

Fastertruck News - 04/26/24 - 07:52:49pm -

Take a quick trip through the evolution of semi trucks over the last century of trucking innovation in this clip. 

The video starts at the year 1900, showcasing a very tiny-by-comparison truck with wooden rails on the bed and continues until it has showcased tractor trailers from every year through the present day, ending with modern trucks.

Take a stroll through the evolution of semi trucks in trucking history by watching the video below. 

The post Watch the evolution of semi trucks over the last century appeared first on CDLLife.

04/26/24 - Tesla gives Semi a late 2025 and early 2026 true launch date

Fastertruck News - 04/26/24 - 07:29:36pm -

Tesla gave the Semi a late 2025 and early 2026 true launch date as the company has started construction of a dedicated manufacturing facility for the Class 8 truck.

Tesla has been utilizing the expertise of PepsiCo. for an early pilot program involving the Semi to test real-world efficiency and travel. For the past two years, Tesla and PepsiCo. have been working to understand how the vehicle will make fleets more efficient and environmentally friendly as the truck is still making its way toward volume production.

However, the Semi launch has been pushed back on several occasions, but executives on Tesla’s Q1 2024 Earnings Call on Tuesday gave a timeline of when they believe the hauling vehicle will be available for more deliveries:

“Our first vehicles are planned for late 2025 of external customers starting in 2026.”

The thing that has held up production is Tesla’s want for a more affordable and efficient manufacturing process. Additionally, Tesla’s Semi production facility, which is currently being built in Nevada near Tesla Gigafactory, is also being constructed:

“So we’re finalizing the engineering of the Semi to enable like a super cost-effective high volume production with our learnings from our fleet and pilot fleet and Pepsi’s fleet, which we’re expanding this year marginally. In parallel as we showed in the shareholder’s deck, we have started construction on the factory in Reno.”

Tesla also showed the land where the Semi production facility will be and the progress of the construction:

Tesla broke ground on the site in January after announcing the $3.6 billion project nearly a year to the day:

Tesla breaks ground on $3.6B Giga Nevada expansion for Semi and 4680 cell

The Semi is one of the biggest developments in Tesla’s current pipeline, as it will help the company obtain a vehicle that is primarily dedicated to fleets and logistics.

I’d love to hear from you! If you have any comments, concerns, or questions, please email me at joey@teslarati.com. You can also reach me on Twitter @KlenderJoey, or if you have news tips, you can email us at tips@teslarati.com.

The post Tesla gives Semi a late 2025 and early 2026 true launch date appeared first on TESLARATI.

04/26/24 - Commercial industry embracing sustainability

Fastertruck News - 04/26/24 - 07:00:03pm - When a tire maker can produce a sustainable commercial product, and, just as crucially, convince fleet operators that using those tires makes a significant impact economically and environmentally, it ...

04/26/24 - VIDEO: New Freightliners be like

Fastertruck News - 04/26/24 - 06:52:24pm -

Truckers who drive new Freightliners will appreciate this spoof video highlighting the drawbacks of modern safety features. 

In the clip, a couple of mismatched musicians on different beats make for a perfect demonstration of what it feels like to drive one of these new models instead of an old school rig.

Have a little giggle by watching the video below.

@thevoiceofreason1980 #Meme #MemeCut #trucking #truckinglife #trucker #truckersoftiktok #freightliner #freightlinercascadia #fyp #fypシ #cdl #cdllife ♬ original sound – Steve

The post VIDEO: New Freightliners be like appeared first on CDLLife.

04/26/24 - “Scruffy” truck driver cut off lights to flee scene of wreck, police say

Fastertruck News - 04/26/24 - 05:52:53pm -

Police are searching for a “scruffy” truck driver after he rear-ended a car in Ohio earlier this week. 

The hit and run accident happened on April 22nd just after 9 p.m. on Interstate 71 near Medina Road and Normandy Park Drive in Montville, Ohio. 

The Montville Police Department reports that the red truck was hauling a lowboy trailer west when it rear-ended a vehicle. No one was hurt, but the impact caused “notable damage” to the second vehicle. 

“After stopping briefly to examine his truck, the driver fled south on I-71, blacking out all of the lights on the truck,” police said. “The red truck is outfitted with many unique and distinctive red and amber lights, and the driver is described as a 5’8″-5’10” white male, 50-60 years old, with a scruffy white goatee.”

Anyone who recognizes the semi truck is urged to call Officer Hazek at 330-725-8314, Ext. 1607. 

The post “Scruffy” truck driver cut off lights to flee scene of wreck, police say appeared first on CDLLife.

04/26/24 - Trucker left big rig at truck stop before going missing

Fastertruck News - 04/26/24 - 05:52:53pm -

Family members and local police are looking for a trucker who went missing out of Ontario this week.

Over the road truck driver Brian Lush was last seen on Wednesday, April 24, at a Petro Pass truck stop near Cornwall, Ontario, according to NTV.

Lush reportedly parked at the store, went inside, purchased items, then vanished.

His truck with his cellphone inside were found abandoned at the Petro Pass.

Lush is 5’11” and weighs 200 pounds. He has brown hair, brown eyes, and was last seen wearing jeans, a blue hooded sweatshirt, and a dark colored baseball cap.

The company Lush drives for is DownHome Movers.

Ontario police are investigating the disappearance.

Anyone with information is asked to call 709-649-8010.

The post Trucker left big rig at truck stop before going missing appeared first on CDLLife.

04/26/24 - Nikola’s Hydrogen-Truck Fueling Strategy

Fastertruck News - 04/26/24 - 04:58:28pm - One challenge in that supply and demand equation is that trucking is not the only industry using hydrogen. “There’s a market price today that exists when those molecules get sold to other applications ...

04/26/24 - Trucker wants to throw “little pizza party” for those who helped find his dog

Fastertruck News - 04/26/24 - 04:52:30pm -

A truck driver wants to throw a “little pizza party” for the people who helped him find his dog after it ran off during a hike. 

Truck driver Samuel Bissonette is from Canada, but frequently makes stops in Blacksburg, Virginia on his hauls. On his most recent stop in Blacksburg on April 10th, Bissonette stopped to hike a trail with his two dogs, and that’s when his world stopped. 

“It was a kind of a small, narrow trail, so I have to unleash my dog. That’s not the first time I do this. Normally it’s okay but no, I did. Right when I unleashed him, Denver just ran off chasing a deer,” he said to WDBJ 7.

Bissonette searched for Denver but was unsuccessful, so he started making posters and placing them all over Blacksburg, and even made a Facebook page specifically for finding Denver. 

“When I’ve lost him, my life just stopped. I mean, I needed to do everything I could. I couldn’t stop doing anything to try to find him,” he said. 

After a few days, Bissonette got a call notifying him that a dog that seemed to be Denver had been hit by a car on Prices Fork Road, but had promptly gotten up and ran away. Bissonette says the news gave him hope, but he had to get back on the road to Georgia. 

“That was so hard; I could afford a couple of miles after I left the town, like I need to try to focus my eyes, like, I was… that was so hard to let him behind. I know I wasn’t abandoning him. But I was feeling like I was abandoning him,” he said. 

While he was making his run, people in the community where Denver was last spotted continuously called Bissonette with updates until he could return to the area. 

“People were so amazing. I couldn’t even count the number of people who tried to help me out there,” he said.

Once back in the area, Bissonette decided to camp out in the area where Denver had last been seen and cook some food, hoping to lure the dog back to the truck. Bissonette sat there for hours with no sign of Denver, but when he finally opened the door to his truck and climbed in, Denver suddenly appeared and hopped right back into the cab. 

Now, Bissonette wants to find a way to thank the people who tried to help. 

“I want to do like, kind of a little pizza party, something that people would enjoy. I know it’s not gonna be a lot for them. But for me, it’s it’s really a lot. I mean, I’ll never forget the people down there,” he said.

The post Trucker wants to throw “little pizza party” for those who helped find his dog appeared first on CDLLife.