Employers have been given a procedural ally in fights against EEOC charges – namely that the employee must adhere to a ADA exhaustion rules. However, employers still need to deal with and act appropriately when faced with accommodation requests under the ADA.
Professional drivers help teach their robotic successors while evangelizing for the technology among truckers who feel threatened.
The number of drivers prohibited from driving due to drugs matches an estimated shortfall of drivers needed to keep up with freight demand.
Speeding remains a critical safety issue for trucking, and a new bill introduced in the U.S. House would seek to limit the speeds commercial trucks could travel at on the nation’s roadways.
The Truckload Carriers Association will hosts its annual Refrigerated Meeting on July 14-16, at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Due to popular demand, TCA and DriverReach will host a third cohort of Making Safety Happen — an exclusive TCA-member offering — which provides participants with expert-led instruction, peer-to-peer networking, a toolkit, and more. Join dozens of your peers who have enrolled in the offering. Don’t miss the opportunity to collaborate with your peers in […]
I heard a phrase the other day and I began to dig deeper into thought. The individual I was with talked about his wife’s shopping addiction when he said that she was a “want person and not a need person.” Some time ago I had actually done some quick research on the internet about compulsive […]
The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia recently determined that an employer could use an employee’s prior salary as a factor in setting the employee’s starting salary and that doing so may be used as a defense to an Equal Pay Act (“EPA”) claim. Background The Employer used new hires’ prior […]
Congress is currently in the midst of the highway reauthorization process to enable the Department of Transportation to continue implementing programs that will ensure the safety of the nation’s highway network, among other things. The House’s version of this reauthorization bill, called the INVEST in America Act, would dedicate $547 billion over five years, the […]
Three key trade groups have filed amicus briefs to the latest legal effort by the California Trucking Association to keep the state’s AB5 independent contractor law from being implemented. The American Trucking Associations, the Western States Trucking Association and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association all have asked the full 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals […]
Transportation capacity diminished further in May, according to a supply chain survey. The capacity subindex of the Logistics Managers’ Index fell 50 basis points from April to 32.7%, “indicating continued downward pressure,” the Tuesday report read. The LMI is a diffusion index wherein a reading above 50% indicates expansion and a reading below 50% indicates […]
Although new guidance on mask wearing returns the industry to some semblance of normalcy after over a year of lockdowns and restrictions, employers should remain cautious in revising policies.
While Texans are accustomed to living life free of excessive state-level taxes, they were in for a shock when their own U.S. Senator, Republican John Cornyn, used his national platform to advocate for the establishment of a truck-only vehicle miles traveled tax.
Three-part workshop series to focus on effective leadership communication strategies to motivate and retain your essential workers.
The nation’s top trucking research group plans to update previous studies on the effects of legalized marijuana and other drugs on truck safety along with integrating 18- to 20-year-old drivers into the industry.
Throughout the entire 90-year history of trucking in the United States, excessive detention has been a scourge on the industry. An upcoming 90-minute immersive workshop will share tools and strategies to combat this issue and keep the wheels moving and profitable.
While a request for Supreme Court review of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision to overturn an injunction banning enforcement of California’s AB5 will almost certainly follow, at this time, motor carriers who operate in California must be prepared to act in accordance with AB5.
The word “safety” is everywhere in the trucking industry. It is talked about nearly every day in the press, Congress has zeroed in on it, and most carriers will say that it is their top priority. With all this attention, it’s easy to believe that safety has become cliché. But it’s not.
The return of the pipeline was being announced just as supplies of diesel were starting to become an issue.
Truck drivers and fleets have two months to prepare for the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) annual Operation Safe Driver Week, which is set for July 11-17. Here is what inspectors will be looking for.
People stay in situations in which they feel comfortable, and they leave the ones they are not comfortable in. When it comes to employment, is it that easy to break it all down?
While harassment issues are necessarily fact-specific, which bodes more positively toward fighting class action litigation, employers should have consistent and effective policies concerning sexual harassment to help prevent lawsuits in the first place.
Commercial vehicle inspector Gianni Parmigiano has a simple job goal: “I want to be able to stop you, inspect you and find nothing wrong.”
TCA has joined with many other stakeholders to support the DRIVE-Safe Act, which would allow 18-20-year-olds who hold a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) to cross state lines in interstate commerce.
Trends so far during the first-quarter earnings season are supportive of truckload carriers posting sizable growth in 2021.
James Ward, president of Maryland-based D.M. Bowman, has been elected chairman of the Truckload Carriers Association for 2021-22.
A United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit decision that an employee that makes 3 to 5 out-of-state phone calls a week is subject o Fair Labor Standards Act coverage bears watching by employers.
Freight expenditures surged with another step higher in volumes, according to March data released by Cass Information Systems on Friday. The Cass Freight Index posted cycle highs with the expenditures’ subindex displaying a new record.
At a recent hearing, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee heard loud and clear that the trucking industry should not serve as the guinea pig for any seismic change in how the United States funds infrastructure, including a vehicle miles traveled tax.
For nearly 50 years, the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) Scholarship Fund has been helping students with connections to the truckload industry. Applications for this year’s scholarship fund are being accepted until May 1, 2021.
The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has named Nick Still a Highway Angel. Still, from Monmouth, Illinois, stopped to help a couple after their pickup truck spun out during a winter storm.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is keeping pressure on regulators to require speed limiters on trucks as well as performance standards for automatic emergency braking (AEB) and other crash-avoidance technology.
A recent ruling in the Tenth Circuit found that an employee need not be adversely affected to be able to sue under the Americans with Disabilities Act, meaning employers should continue to engage in good faith in the ADA-interactive process.
The decision in a suit brought against drayage company East Coast Transport affirms a finding in the earlier Cal Cartage case
It should come as no surprise to anyone in the trucking industry that the lack of adequate truck parking has reached crisis levels. That is finally getting recognized in Washington.
Crete Carrier and Shaffer Trucking has announced a pay increase for drivers in its regional and national over-the-road fleets starting May 1.
Largely spared the automotive industry impact from semiconductor shortages, truck manufacturers are starting to take downtime.
Two prominent labor unions want the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to reject the Trump administration’s automated vehicle (AV) strategy for relying too much on the viewpoint from industry without enough attention paid to potential damage to worker safety and jobs.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has ruled that plaintiffs can’t sue and issue notice to potential class members early on in a case based merely on allegations, and must prove that others in the potential class are similarly affected.
A top transportation lawmaker is pressuring the Biden administration to reconsider a proposal that trucking advocates say could hinder the deployment of truck platooning and other connected-vehicle automation.
If you’re looking for a method of reducing turnover by outsourcing it to another company, you will never get it under control. If you own it, you can change it.
The email came in stating we were under attack. All 30 servers were taken down and encrypted. Admin lost access to their Microsoft 365 accounts.
During the period of transition between any two presidential administrations of differing parties, there is often a flurry of regulatory activity. This one was no different.
TCA Profitability Program (TPP) Retention Coach Ray Haight delves into all the costs associated with bringing on a new driver and estimates the total price each and every time a carrier does this in this masterclass.
How the move toward driverless trucks will affect the truck driver workforce is a challenge that must be addressed whether the timeline toward full automation ends up short or long, according to the nation’s top truck safety regulator.
The United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois recently denied class certification to a group of bus drivers who claimed they faced stiffer penalties because of their race, finding that the group did not have enough in common to certify them as a class.
Stockholm-based electric trucking company Einride conducted a survey to gain insights into women’s views on a career in the trucking industry and how technology and autonomy impact interest.
Upcoming TCA workshops to explore technology considerations for independent contractors, transportation technology procurement, and data use in litigation.
The country is rejoicing at the recent news that the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine has been approved. Yet, concern remains over that how and when will the mobile workforce of American professional truck drivers receive the vaccine?
The expected rebound for truckload markets did not disappoint.
A court case that could have implications for trucking has been decided in the Ninth Circuit. In it, the court ruled that employers could pay employees per diem in their regular pay.
Regulators give Wilson Logistics more flexibility for CLP holders participating in revenue-generating freight.
Various diesel prices moved higher on Tuesday and into Wednesday as the scope of diesel outages in Texas and other parts of the Gulf Coast came more into focus.
TCA advocates for an increase to the federal fuel tax to make up for funding shortfalls, but also recognizes that a vehicle miles tax is inevitable. The question is how do we get there?
Federal regulators issued a fourth extension of a rare 50-state exemption of hours-of-service rules due to ongoing health risks caused by COVID-19.
Truck drivers need to go into the job search understanding what they need in a position, and the fleet needs to understand how to deliver.
The Truckload Carriers Association will host a webinar on Tuesday to help truckload fleets understand current and potential regulations and other industry issues under the Biden administration.
While an Executive Order requiring federal contractors comply with diversity training compliance has been rescinded, employers should stay aware of potential upcoming changes under the Biden administration.
Shippers spent 12% more per mile for dry van truckloads on average through most of the fourth quarter of 2020 than they did in 2019.
The Truckload Carriers Association has named Demetrius Fields a Highway Angel for Fields’ actions in helping a family after their vehicle spun out in the middle of a busy highway during a severe winter storm.
As the Biden Administration and the Democrat-controlled 117th Congress lay out their progressive policy objectives, labor policy remains the big issue for the trucking industry.
International Roadcheck Week in North America is moving back to the spring this year, with May 4-6 set as the dates, according to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance.
Trucking markets headed back in the right direction
If an employer chooses to mandate that their employees get vaccinated, a carefully written COVID-19 vaccination policy should describe the process for requesting accommodations, so employees know how to make such a request.
The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) recently honored professional driver Morgan Kirkland for his skill and quick thinking in preventing a potentially deadly head-on collision.
Revenue generated could help fund infrastructure investments, DOT Secretary nominee says in confirmation hearing.
Fresh from its takeover of Uber ATG in December, autonomous vehicle company Aurora has signed an agreement with heavy-duty truck manufacturer PACCAR (NASDAQ: PCAR) to commercialize autonomous Peterbilt and Kenworth trucks. This collaboration, the latest in the series of deals between self-driving vehicle technology companies and OEMs, will integrate the Aurora Driver and PACCAR’s autonomous […]
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit has upheld a determination by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration that California cannot enforce state meal and rest break rules that conflict with federal hours-of-service regulations.
FMCSA recently announced its intent to establish a pilot program to study the implications of adding 6/4 and 5/5 sleeper berth splits into the hours-of-service regulations.
Even when a case seems clear cut, like an employee being under the influence of drugs on the job, the outcome may not be the anticipated outcome, and can often times be tied to actions (or inactions) by the employer.
Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse penalties of up to $5,833 issued by FMCSA are more than double what had been used as guidance over the past two years
The U.S. Department of Transportation released on Monday a strategy for integrating automated driving systems into the commercial trucking and passenger vehicle sectors.
We know we can’t hire our way out of the current driver situation and standing still will make you a target. Time is a wasting, and now is the time to address driver retention.
Fraley & Schilling has acquired the assets of KBT Enterprises, an Indiana-based carrier specializing in dry bulk material transportation.
Sixteen repeat fleets have been named to the TCA and CarriersEdge 2021 Best Fleets to Drive For list, which honors for-hire trucking fleets identified as offering the best workplace experiences for drivers.
Congress has repeatedly been criticized for taking too many vacations and leaving work unfinished, with the American public often left wondering what their elected officials are actually paid to do. However, that criticism does not hold true for the last month of 2020.
Federal excise tax waiver could help Volvo’s VNR Electric truck reach price parity, says electric vehicles director
Daimler AG is planning an initial public offering (IPO) of Daimler Trucks in late 2021, the German newspaper Handelsblatt reported Tuesday.
While new trailer orders are booming to meet capacity demands, 20% of the nation’s fleet could be sitting idle on any given day. Why?
WorkHound collects anonymous driver feedback. Its CEO recently sat down with Truckload Indexes to discuss 2020 from the driver perspective.
Unable to continue its tradition of providing hot meals to the truck drivers who deliver wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery for Wreaths Across America, TCA and Pilot Flying J have come up with another way to honor this year’s 75 drivers.
Several analysts have published transportation outlook reports for 2021 that are calling for continued strength in the trucking markets.
As vaccine distribution becomes more widespread and the country reaches herd immunity to the virus, TCA looks forward to seeing the lasting essentiality of trucking make its mark in the minds of the American people.
It is difficult to predict how courts will rule on mandatory coronavirus vaccinations under both Title VII and the ADA. In addition to legal considerations, employers should also consider whether such a policy is necessary and the effect it may have on company culture.
Any idea that cargo theft may have waned because of the COVID pandemic is unfounded, as data shows reported thefts have increased throughout 2020.
Interested in learning more about the TCA Profitability Program (TPP) and how benchmarking and data can help with your trucking operations in 2021 and beyond? TCA and FreightWaves will be hosting an informative, complimentary webinar at 1 p.m. ET, December 16.
In today’s edition of The Daily Dash, it’s been one year since the collapse of Celadon, and FreightWaves talks to some former drivers. Plus, Estes has been hit with a COVID-related lawsuit and Covenant is bumping up driver pay.
Are you a leader or a boss? The difference between the two is the difference between a highly efficient organization with engaged employees and one with constant turnover.
Joseph Brown on helping fellow trucker: “He was standing there wet. I offered to have him come and sit in my truck.”
Preliminary Class 8 truck orders posted their third-highest number in history in November, continuing a stunning comeback from pandemic-depressed bookings earlier in the year.
TCA and our truckload carrier members remain committed to hair testing as a viable method for determining long-term drug use by individuals in safety-sensitive functions. Recently, though, the Department of Health and Human Services threw the industry a curveball regarding these efforts.
A Ninth Circuit court decision can be considered a win for employers facing wage and hour class actions based on alleged technical violations of California’s rest break laws, but it doesn’t mean employers should let their guard down.
The average dry van carrier operating ratio for Truckload Carriers Association members dipped to a multiyear low in September, falling below 94% for the first time since late 2015.
Elevated demand and tight capacity have highlighted the trucking market for a few months now. Recent data points and commentary suggest this dynamic may not abate anytime soon.
The national reefer rejection index (ROTRI) topped 48% for the first time since the index’s creation this week, which could move even higher once the vaccine for COVID-19 begins being distributed in the coming months.
Valuing the accumulation of a single lesson learned every day is the secret to success. It is that small accumulation of ideas and experiences that add up to a person’s principles or standards of behavior and enhances conversations.
Management from some of the nation’s largest truckload (TL) carriers are having a tough time distinguishing between peak season and the new normal in a COVID world.
In today’s edition of The Daily Dash, the CEO of U.S. Xpress says that demand for services has plateaued. Plus, trucking could see a fundamental shift in policy and regulation, and a push to ban internal combustion engines could harm the ag sector.
TCA is hosting its 4th Annual Bridging Border Barriers, which is an informative half day session for trucking executives focused on key issues and topics affecting the trucking industry on both sides of the U.S./Canada border.
A federal order issued by President Donald Trump late in September creates new requirements for federal contractors with regards to race and sex stereotyping in workplace training.
