The Daily Dash: Holiday shipping wars; drug testing; and autonomous trucks to hit the roadways

The Daily Dash is a quick look at what is happening in the freight ecosystem. In today’s edition, shippers can expect to pay much more this holiday season to move goods through FedEx’s or UPS’ networks. Plus, hair testing for drugs is closer to reality, and a new partnership aims to put 1,000 autonomous vehicles on the road.

Shipping wars

FedEx and UPS have a simple message to holiday shippers: It’s time to pay up. The package giants have rolled out peak-season charges that affect shippers differently, based on how much they ship, and that means several large shippers will face large shipping bills this year.

Mark Solomon looks at how this will affect shippers and consumers: FedEx, UPS holiday advice to big shippers: Bring the big wallet

Hair testing for drugs one step closer to reality

A proposal to allow the testing of hair samples for drugs is nearly ready, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has said. The proposal would mandate hair testing, believed by some to be a more effective way to identify drug users.

John Gallagher has the details: Mandatory hair testing proposal almost ready for rollout

Partners in automated driving

Automated truck software developer Ike has announced a partnership with three major logistics companies to deploy Level 4 trucks onto the nation’s roadways. The companies have reserved 1,000 trucks for testing.

Alan Adler has more on the plans, and what big names will be testing the trucks: Ike lines up fleet customers for driverless trucks

Growth mode

Transplace is continuing to grow, announcing the acquisition of its third company this year. The newest addition is LeanCor Supply Chain Group, a consulting firm focused on supply chain training, solutions and lean manufacturing principles.

John Paul Hampstead explains how LeanCor fits into Transplace’s business plan: Transplace acquires consulting firm LeanCor Supply Chain Group

Stories we think you’ll like:

Commentary: How data transparency increases the lifetime value of vehicles

Pitney Bowes marks centennial of once-ubiquitous postage meter

California air quality enforcers approve rule limiting emissions from idling trucks

Americold announces two cold storage acquisitions

Walmart rolls out same-day delivery service

Data from StayMetrics shows drivers resumed switching jobs at usual rate

Did you miss this?

Amazon’s drone delivery ambitions are much closer to reality after the Federal Aviation Administration granted approval to the e-tailer to operate drones beyond visual line of sight operation.

Vishnu Rajamanickam explains what this means for air delivery: Amazon now authorized to fly commercial delivery drones

Hammer down, everyone,

Brian Straight

Managing Editor

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