Trucking Industry Update February 1, 2019

By Jeremy Feucht

Did you Know?

7% of truckers in the US are women?

Trucking tip of the Week

As spot market rates continue leveling off, being professional and courteous will go along way in keeping brokers coming your way. Your rates may be a bit higher than the going average, but if you can follow through on your promises while being courteous and professional, you will win in the long run.

Dangers on the Road

May the road become a little less dangerous for drivers in 2019? Two pieces of legislation have again been introduced into the House of Representatives, that if passed, would allow truckers with concealed weapons permits to carry across state lines. This law has been brought up every year since at least 2014 after a trucker named Michael Boeglin was shot and killed in Detroit. The chances of any piece of legislation passing is around 4% and with the current climate surrounding guns in the major metropolitan areas, do not expect much from these bills.

Human Trafficking

Truckers have long been sought out to combat human trafficking. Truckers have also been targets of legislation to deter them from being involved in human trafficking rings. Trainings have been setup across the US so drivers know what to look for in these situations and what they should do if they suspect a human trafficking case. One company based in Washington state has decided to be part of the solution as well. Kam-Way trucking is partnering with Washington State Patrol to place pictures of missing children on the sides of the trailers. The program is called “Homeward Bound.” Let’s hope this program returns these missing children home!

Possible New Toll

Virginia is suggesting a new toll throughout the entirety of I-81. Gantries are expected to be set up every 30-40 miles. At the rate being suggested, truckers would need to pay $55 to travel the length of the interstate. It remains to be seen