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Declaration of Emergency

Industry Update March 22, 2019 <h3>Trucking Industry Update March 22, 2019</h3> <h5>By Jeremy Feucht</h5> <h3><strong><u>Did you Know?</u></strong></h3> March 22, 1933, President Roosevelt signed the Beer and Wine Revenue act, which basically killed Prohibition. This started the shipment of alcohol again in earnest and culminated in the signing of the 21<sup>st</sup> Amendment in December of 1933, officially ending Prohibition. <h3><strong><u>Trucking tip of the Week</u></strong></h3> Getting loads to the final destination on time is key to getting paid the full rate. During the Spring, especially this Spring, wind has been a major factor. Trucks, being top heavy, are easily tipped over. Pay attention to wind speeds in the area you are going through, in particularly through the Plains. Being late is better than not getting there at all. <h3><strong><u>Declarations of Emergency</u></strong></h3> This section has been a constant for the last several weeks. This week is no different. Nebraska is having massive flooding issues and are in desperate need of water, fuel and many other items. Make sure you are planning accordingly if your route takes you through Nebraska. <h3><strong><u>Toll Road Fight</u></strong></h3> The ATA sued the state of Rhode Island on their implementation of toll roads. The suit was initially brought up in July of 2018 but is just now being ruled on. Unfortunately, the suit has been dismissed but not due to the legality of the law. The presiding judge felt that the <a href="https://www.ttnews.com/articles/court-dismisses-atas-lawsuit-against-rhode-island-truck-tolls">suit should be brought up in state</a> court first. The ATA has declared that they will continue the fight. <h3><strong><u>Legislation</u></strong></h3> If you drive in the agriculture business, a new piece of legislation has been introduced that you need to keep an eye out on. HR 1673, The Agricultural Trucking Relief Act, has been introduced by Representative Austin Scott (R-GA),is set to further clarify what is classified as an agricultural commodity. While the full bill has yet to be released, you will be able to read the bill in its entirety <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/1673/text?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22HR+1673%22%5D%7D&r=1&s=2">here</a> when its released.

Mar 22, 2019 • Carriers

Industry Update - March 15, 2019 <h3>Trucking Industry Update March 15, 2019</h3> <h5>By Jeremy Feucht</h5> <h3><strong><u>Did you Know?</u></strong></h3> One of the world’s first, and at the time the worst, oil tanker spill occurred this week in history. On March 16, 1978, the Supertanker Amoco Cadiz, wrecked off the coast of France. The spill released 68 million gallons of oil into the Ocean and covered roughly 240 miles of French coastline in oil. <h3><strong><u>Trucking tip of the Week</u></strong></h3> We are about a week away from Spring Break for most of the US. This means more cars on the road traveling to both big cities and remote areas. Make sure you allow yourself additional time on your trips. Be vigilant as this time of year also begins to see an increase in freight thefts. Be careful and be safe. <h3><strong><u>Declarations of Emergency</u></strong></h3> With another massive storm hitting the US, make sure you are checking the road and weather reports for the areas you are traveling to and through. This time, a good portion of the <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/bomb-cyclone-slams-plains-midwest-with-heavy-winds-snow/ar-BBUMs06?ocid=spartandhp">Mid-West and Plain States</a> were hit with what is being called a “Bomb Cyclone.” This weather pattern hit states from Colorado to Iowa and as far south as Missouri. Many states have already declared a State of Emergency. Make sure you know if your loads are cleared for hours of service exemptions before trying to run in an exempt status. <h3><strong><u>Pay</u></strong></h3> In what should come as little surprise, and good news to owner-operators, large fleets saw a reduction in turnover rates in 2018. This is because <a href="https://www.joc.com/trucking-logistics/labor/pay-hikes-cut-truckload-driver-turnover-big-fleets_20190314.html">large trucking companies increased pay</a> across the board for their drivers. As rates drove up, companies were desperate to keep their seasoned drivers from going off on their own and increased pay. By doing this, they allowed owner-operators to operate at higher rates in the spot-market for a bit longer than normal. As rates begin to fall again, we will see if large fleets retain their high pay rates through the summer or not. <h3><strong><u>Danger on the Road</u></strong></h3> This piece of news has several dangerous aspects to it. A driver, just outside of Spokane, WA was uninjured when he navigated the rest stop exit improperly and wrecked his truck into a snow bank. Normally, a wreck that is off the freeway/highway would not shut down an interstate for two hours. This one however did as the trucker had <a href="https://www.khq.com/news/isp-confirms-semi-truck-carrying-missiles-was-headed-for-indiana/article_e96df9ae-443a-11e9-8fb5-430d6df36d84.html">16, 2000-pound US Military missiles</a> on board. Military crews from Fairchild Air Force Base were called to clean up and secure the scene.

Mar 15, 2019 • Carriers

Industry Update - March 1, 2019 <h4>By Jeremy Feucht</h4> <h3></h3> <h3><strong><u>Did you Know?</u></strong></h3> An engine in a semi is designed to run 24/7 for 1,000,000 miles before needing to be completely rebuilt. <h3></h3> <h3><strong><u>Trucking tip of the Week</u></strong></h3> In the cold weather, increasing the air pressure in your tires is a good idea. This helps ensure that cold air does not affect the safety of your tires. In cold weather, air molecules huddle together thus reducing pressure. Be careful though not to over inflate your tires as it makes for an incredibly rough ride and reduces your control over the vehicle. <h3></h3> <h3><strong><u>Weather</u></strong></h3> Good portions of the west and mid-west saw record breaking snow fall for the month of February. This snow fall shut down portions of highways through Washington, Oregon and Idaho in particular. However, these states have not called for Declarations of Emergency because it only affects a portion of the state. Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin, however, have all declared a <a href="https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency-declarations">State of Emergency</a> due to a lack of fuel, heating oil and propane for its citizens because of the continued poor weather across their entire state. Propane carriers are usually exempted from hours of service rules this time of year anyway, but fuel haulers will now be granted this exemption until the middle of March. <h3></h3> <h3><strong><u>Legislation</u></strong></h3> The age restriction for interstate driving may change 21 to 18. In a rare move of bipartisanship in both the US House and US Senate, a piece of legislation called the “<a href="https://www.young.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/DRIVE-Safe%20Act%20FINAL%20Draft.pdf">DRIVE Safe Act</a>” looks like it will be pushed through. The act itself does not simply opening the doors for those that are 18 to immediately go long haul, but that does not make it any less controversial. While it is endorsed heavily by the ATA to slow the increasing driver shortage, it still allows younger people, with significantly less driving experience, to drive dangerous vehicles. The legislation would require those under 21 to log significant hours both on duty and behind the wheel as an apprentice before being able to do so on their own. This is the same bill that was introduced in March of last year but has more backing this go around. <h3></h3> <h3><strong><u>I</u></strong><strong><u>ntermodal and Trucking at Odds</u></strong></h3> Lobbyists for the intermodal transportation entities had a chance to have their voices heard this week in DC. Looking to head off the desire for bigger and heavier trucks hitting the roadways, rail and waterway experts were called upon for a <a href="http://www.landlinemag.com/Story.aspx?StoryID=73829#.XHl43vZFw2x">hearing with the US Senate Transportation and Safety subcommittee</a>. Members of the Senate subcommittee though did press back on some of the strategies that ocean liners are beginning to practice using such as “street turns.” A street turn is using the empty container that was picked up at port and using it to haul a load back towards, or even back to, the port.

Mar 01, 2019 • Carriers

Trucking Industry Update February 15, 2019 <h4>Trucking Industry Update February 15, 2019</h4> <h6>By Jeremy Feucht</h6> <h1></h1> <h1><strong><u>Did you Know?</u></strong></h1> The regulation of the transportation industry, including today’s semis, began in earnest this week in history. On February 10, 1966, Ralph Nader testified before Congress regarding a book he had published called “Unsafe at Any Speed.” His testimony initiated the move towards an emphasis on safety as opposed to power and speed. <h1><strong><u>Trucking tip of the Week</u></strong></h1> With all the winter weather still occurring across the US, it is important to make sure you are keeping your headlights clear of dirt. Road dirt and other debris mixed with wet conditions can make your headlights less effective. Remember to wipe them off during your pre- and post-trip inspections. <h1><strong><u>Trucker’s Fees</u></strong></h1> One week after news broke that the US House of Representatives is considering a move towards a weight mileage tax on truckers, the US Senate has announced a similar initiative. While discussions are ongoing, there is also talk about increased fuel taxes in the interim while the weight/mileage change in implemented. During the hearing that occurred on February 13, the number thrown around was an increase of nearly $.20 per gallon. If you would like to listen to the hearing, you can access it <a href="https://www.commerce.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/hearings?ID=A73B1CC1-D6D6-4B18-A419-9F33FB5F69BA">here</a> (fast forward to the 2:12:00 mark). <h1><strong><u>Autonomous Technology</u></strong></h1> TuSimple, a company attempting to lead the way in autonomous trucking, has raised nearly $100 million dollars in a funding campaign. With its latest round of funding, TuSimple is now pushing a <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/autonomous-trucking-leader-tusimple-closes-110000387.html">$1 billion dollar valuation</a>. This ultimately means that TuSimple is making gains in their push towards a fully autonomous truck. However, this technology has yet to be fully approved for use in the US. While some states have allowed testing, many others have not. This will be an interesting topic to watch moving forward. <h1><strong><u>Declarations of Emergency</u></strong></h1> There are at least 32 states under declarations of emergency due to winter conditions in the US. Several are set to expire by the end of the week. Please check the <a href="https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency-declarations">FMCSA’s Declaration of Emergency page</a> to ensure you are not caught in a bad situation. If you are operating under the HOS exemption granted by such declaration, make sure the declaration is still in effect, so you do not receive a citation for hours violations.

Feb 15, 2019 • Carriers