Newsletters Contact Us

Tenstreet acquires driver communications provider TextLocate

a driver climbing into a white tractor cab

Driver recruiting platform Tenstreet announced Monday it has acquired driver tracking software company TextLocate for an undisclosed sum.

Chattanooga, Tennessee-based TextLocate’s platform provides real-time load visibility. Third-party logistics providers can perform two-way chats and check calls with drivers, verify proof of delivery, share images and monitor safety performance on the network.

The deal is expected to complement Tenstreet’s service offering, which also provides drivers with tools to improve navigation, minimize facility wait times and manage driving schedules. TextLocate helps mitigate driver fraud as well.

“The combined functionality will augment communications throughout the supply chain, improving relationships and adding new efficiencies – two things we constantly strive for in product development and in our own strategic growth,” said Tenstreet CEO Tim Crawford in a news release.

Tulsa-Oklahoma-based Tenstreet provides fleets with driver recruiting, hiring and retention services. The platform also monitors driver safety, ensures compliance and manages fuel spend. The company’s website shows millions of drivers have used the platform to find and apply for jobs since it was founded in 2006.

“The inefficiencies of traditional communication methods are what drove me to create a solution that actually facilitates communication, simplifies your day, and makes it easy for drivers,” said TextLocate CEO Ryan Rogers in a news release.

More FreightWaves articles by Todd Maiden:

Breaking Down FMCSA’s Medical Certification Extension. What You Need to Know Before the June Deadline

If you’re a commercial driver, a fleet manager or anyone dealing with DOT compliance, you’ve probably heard about the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Medical Examiner’s Certification Integration rule. But let’s be honest: Most of the official documents from the Federal Register explaining the rule read like a legal textbook. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s going on, why it matters and what you need to do before the deadline hits in June.

What Is This Rule About?

The FMCSA Medical Examiner’s Certification Integration rule is all about how commercial drivers’ medical certification information is collected, stored and shared. Right now, drivers with commercial learner’s permits (CLPs) or commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) must provide a paper copy of their Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) to their state’s driver licensing agency. This certificate verifies that they are physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV).

The long-term goal of this rule is to digitize the entire process. The FMCSA wants certified medical examiners to send the medical exam results directly to the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. The FMCSA would then electronically transmit those results to state licensing agencies, eliminating the need for drivers to submit paper certificates themselves.

What’s Changing?

This digital system was initially supposed to go live in 2018. However, due to technical and security issues with FMCSA’s IT system, it was pushed to 2021 and then again to 2025.

Here’s what the delay means in practical terms:

  1. Drivers still need to carry paper copies – Until June 23, 2025, commercial drivers must still provide a physical copy of their MEC to their state’s driver licensing agency.
  2. Motor carriers still need to verify medical certificates – Employers must continue checking that their drivers are certified by a listed medical examiner.
  3. States must continue processing paper certificates – State agencies cannot fully automate the verification process until the new system is in place.

What Happens in June?

If everything goes according to plan, by June 23, 2025:

  • Medical examiners will electronically submit results directly to FMCSA.
  • FMCSA will forward those results to state licensing agencies.
  • Drivers will no longer need to submit their own MECs.
  • Motor carriers will no longer need to manually verify the medical examiners’ credentials.

Why Should You Care?

If you’re a driver, failing to keep a valid MEC on file with your state licensing agency means your CDL could be downgraded, risking your job. Not tracking medical certification properly could mean compliance violations and fines if you’re a fleet manager.

What You Should Do Now

  1. Drivers should make sure their medical certification is up to date. Don’t assume the new system is already in place; keep carrying your MEC and submit it to your state agency.
  2. Carriers should keep verifying medical certificates. Ensure your drivers have valid medical certifications from a registered examiner.
  3. Drivers and carriers alike should stay updated on FMCSA announcements. Since this rule has been delayed multiple times, there is always a chance of further changes. Keeping up to date will help you avoid compliance headaches.

Final Thoughts

The FMCSA’s Medical Examiner’s Certification Integration rule is moving toward automation, but until June, everything will remain the same. To avoid being caught off guard when the new system finally kicks in, keep submitting your medical certificates, verifying compliance and following FMCSA updates.

Beyond the Wheel. How to Commoditize Your CDL and Driving Experience for Better Opportunity

Truck driving is often seen as a straightforward profession. Spend a few weeks in school. Get your CDL, hit the road, and keep the supply chain moving. But the reality doesn’t always match the expectation. Long hours, stagnant pay and evolving industry chaos leave many drivers questioning whether they chose the right career.

Some entered the industry for the freedom of the open road, only to find themselves bogged down by regulations, terrible employers and poor working conditions. Others signed on expecting financial security, only to realize that paychecks don’t always align with the sacrifices made. Some never intended to stay long term, using trucking as a steppingstone to something greater.

The good news? A CDL isn’t just a license. It’s a commodity. If driving isn’t the end goal or industry changes have made the job less appealing, drivers can pivot, using their practical experience, knowledge and licensing as leverage in various industries. The key is understanding how to commoditize oneself and turn skills, knowledge and experience into something that sets you apart from the other 4 million CDL holders.

The Value of a CDL

A CDL is an asset that opens doors to more than one career path. The problem is that many drivers don’t see themselves as valuable commodities. Instead, they feel trapped in a cycle of long hours, low pay and little appreciation. But just like any professional skill, a CDL’s worth is determined by how you market and apply it.

A driver who simply holds a CDL and takes whatever job is available is at the mercy of the industry. A driver who specializes, trains, builds experience and strategically moves through the industry creates opportunities beyond driving a truck. The goal should be transitioning from a driver filling a seat to a sought-after professional who brings value to any operation.

How Drivers Can Increase Their Marketability

Not all CDL holders are created equal, and those who recognize this can make their careers more profitable and fulfilling. Here are key ways drivers can increase their marketability:

Specialization: Becoming an Expert in High-Demand Sectors

Specific trucking modes pay significantly more because they require specialized skills and knowledge. Some of the highest-paying driving roles include:

  • Hazmat and tanker driving – Requires additional endorsements but pays more due to the risks and regulations involved.
  • Heavy-haul and oversize loads – Demands skill, experience and understanding of permitting and route planning.
  • Refrigerated freight (reefer) and pharmaceuticals – Requires temperature control and product-handling knowledge.
  • Auto transport – Pays well due to the skill required to safely load, secure and transport vehicles.
  • Vocational trucking (construction, oil field, utility work) – Integrates driving with technical work, such as operating heavy equipment or performing repairs. Driving is merely a secondary role.

Drivers earning endorsements and gaining experience in specialized fields set themselves apart from those who haul general freight.

Matching the Right Job to Personal Goals

Not every trucking job is the same, and understanding different modes of transportation helps drivers find the right fit. Some drivers thrive in over-the-road (OTR) trucking, enjoying the solitude and higher earning potential, while others prefer local and regional driving, prioritizing home time and stability.

Knowing what you want, maximizing earnings, minimizing time away from home or transitioning into leadership roles allows you to target the right opportunities instead of taking whatever comes along.

Leveraging a CDL for Non-Driving Careers

For those who want to move beyond the cab, a CDL can be the steppingstone to other lucrative careers within the transportation industry. Some alternative career paths include:

  • Freight brokerage and logistics – CDL holders with firsthand experience in freight movement have a competitive edge when brokering loads.
  • Fleet management – Carriers often prefer managers who understand what it’s like behind the wheel.
  • Driver training and safety compliance – Training new drivers or working in Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration compliance offers job stability and industry impact.
  • Diesel technician and truck maintenance – CDL holders with mechanical skills are in high demand in repair shops and fleet maintenance programs.
  • Risk management and accident reconstruction – Experience with trucking operations makes former drivers valuable in legal, safety and insurance roles.
  • Autonomous vehicle testing – As automation expands, CDL holders will be needed to test and oversee self-driving technologies.

A CDL combined with experience and additional training can lead to management, consulting or expert witness roles.

Developing a Reputation for Excellence

The best drivers both hold a CDL and learn to build reputations as safe, reliable and skilled professionals. This means:

  • Maintaining a clean driving record to qualify for top-paying jobs.
  • Pursuing continuing education and certifications to stay ahead of industry changes.
  • Networking with industry leaders, fleet managers and brokers, opening doors to better opportunities.
  • Demonstrating a professional attitude, ensuring that when high-paying or preferred jobs become available, you’re the first choice.

Thinking Like a Business Owner

Many drivers feel trapped in low-paying jobs because they never consider their worth in the marketplace. Value means something. Know what yours is. Just like any business, drivers need to assess supply and demand. Are you working for a fleet that underpays and overworks you? Are you stuck in a low-rate sector of the industry? If so, it’s time to pivot.

Owner-operators and independent contractors, for example, can earn significantly more by working directly with direct shippers instead of relying on load boards. Drivers who position themselves as specialists in high-demand industries or transition into consulting, training or management often see financial and lifestyle improvements.

The Industry Is Changing – Are You?

The trucking industry isn’t what it was 10 years ago, and it won’t be the same 10 years from now. Regulations, automation, fuel costs and evolving logistics models impact driver income and job security. Drivers who recognize these changes and adapt will thrive, while those who resist change struggle.

Key questions every driver should ask:

  • Am I happy with my current career path?
  • Am I being paid what I’m worth?
  • Are there better opportunities available that fit my goals?
  • Do I have skills or experience that could transition into another career?
  • Am I positioning myself for long-term success in the transportation industry?

Own Your Career

A CDL is a key that can unlock countless opportunities. Drivers who remain passive in their careers often find themselves stuck in low-paying, high-turnover jobs. Those who take charge of their careers by specializing, pursuing new opportunities or leveraging their skills in other industries can turn their CDL into a commodity.

If trucking is your passion, invest in becoming the best driver possible. If trucking is just a steppingstone, use it wisely to build toward your next opportunity. Either way, the choice is yours: Commoditize yourself, take control of your career and maximize your CDL’s value, or don’t. That’s ultimately up to you and where you want to be.

Understanding Spot Freight

In truck freight, most shipping agreements involve contracts that span anywhere from 12 to 24 months, securing consistent cargo movement at predetermined rates. However, not all freight operates on such fixed schedules. Spot freight provides an alternative for shippers who need to move a single shipment without committing to a lengthy contract. It’s like the one-night stand of cargo: it’s very transactional. You need what you need where you need it, and you may never see it again.You may even hope you never see it again. Sometimes the spot freight is so good it sends you running back. 

Unlike contract freight, spot freight allows for better flexibility, allowing shippers to adjust to market fluctuations, urgency, demand, or disruptions in their supply chain. Depending on the situation, a shipper might arrange a spot freight agreement weeks or months in advance, though the unpredictability of market rates means pricing can vary. Additionally, payment terms for spot freight are often negotiated between the shipper and carrier, with some agreements allowing up to 90 days for payment, meaning that spot freight is not always a quick cash infusion for carriers.

How Spot Freight Works

Spot freight is a transactional process in which a shipper requests rates from multiple carriers for a specific load. These shipments can be local, interstate, or even international, and they apply to various industries, from manufacturing and retail to construction and agriculture. Spot freight solves time-sensitive, irregular, or overflow shipments that may not fit within a shipper’s contracted freight agreements.

While spot freight is commonly associated with urgent shipments, expedited, or last-minute transportation needs, it is not exclusively used in emergencies. Many businesses use spot freight strategically to test out new carriers before entering long-term agreements, cover temporary fluctuations in demand, or respond to delays caused by supply chain disruptions such as severe weather or equipment failures. This flexibility can be valuable, but it also comes with unpredictability. Unlike contract freight, where shippers lock in pricing for longer terms, spot freight rates fluctuate based on current market conditions, fuel cost, demand, and available capacity.

What Determines Spot Rates?

Spot freight pricing is dynamic, heavily influenced by several market-driven factors. Supply and demand play a significant role; prices increase when carrier availability is low and freight volume is high. When capacity exceeds demand, spot rates become more competitive. Another factor is the urgency of a shipment. Expedited loads command higher rates, particularly when same-day or next-day transportation is a must.

Beyond demand and urgency, operational costs such as fuel prices, driver wages, and regulatory expenses contribute to pricing fluctuations. Economic conditions, inflation, and seasonal trends also impact rates. For example, due to increased freight volume, spot rates tend to rise during peak shipping seasons, such as the holiday rush or agricultural harvest. In contrast, slower shipping seasons may present opportunities for shippers to secure more competitive rates.

Shippers looking to calculate spot freight costs send out requests for quotes to multiple carriers, as historical pricing does not apply in a fluctuating spot market. Unlike contracted freight rates, which remain stable for months or years, spot prices are determined in real-time and are only valid at the time of the quote.

Spot Freight vs. Contract Freight. Which Is Better?

The decision between spot and contract freight depends on a company’s shipping needs, risk tolerance, and budget constraints. Contract freight offers stability, ensuring predictable costs and guaranteed capacity, allowing businesses to plan and manage expenses. Contracts lack the flexibility to accommodate sudden shifts in supply chain demands, making spot freight an alternative for short-term or irregular freight needs.

Contract freight is generally the preferred option for businesses that frequently ship the same volume of goods on consistent lanes. It provides structured pricing that protects against market volatility and ensures partnerships with reliable carriers. Spot freight is ideal for companies that need a more fluid approach to shipping, mainly when dealing with fluctuating order volumes, seasonal demand spikes, or unexpected delays.

While spot rates are sometimes lower than contracted rates, this is not always true. When demand surges, such as during natural disasters or supply chain disruptions, spot rates can skyrocket, making it difficult for shippers to control costs. During reduced demand, carriers may offer discounted rates to fill empty truck space, providing cost-saving opportunities for shippers willing to leverage spot market pricing.

Why Companies Use Spot Freight

There are several strategic reasons why businesses turn to spot freight instead of, or in addition to, contract freight. One of the most common scenarios involves new business relationships. Some shippers use spot freight to test new carriers before committing to a long-term contract, evaluating their reliability, service quality, and pricing before making a more significant commitment.

Expedited shipping is another key driver of spot freight. When shipments need to move quickly, spot freight allows shippers to secure immediate transportation solutions without waiting for contract approvals or long negotiation processes. This is particularly useful in industries where delays can be costly, such as manufacturing, where production downtime can have significant financial implications.

Project-based shipping is another area where spot freight is valuable. Businesses that require temp services, such as those shipping equipment for a construction project or moving seasonal products, often rely on spot freight to manage their logistics efficiently without being tied to long-term commitments. Supply chain disruptions, such as truck breakdowns, overbooked contract carriers, or unforeseen weather conditions, can make spot freight necessary for keeping shipments on schedule.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Spot Freight

Spot freight offers clear advantages for businesses that require flexibility and quick shipping solutions. It allows shippers to move goods outside of their traditional contract lanes, take advantage of lower rates when market conditions are favorable, and scale their shipping operations without volume restrictions. Additionally, spot freight gives businesses access to a broader pool of carriers, allowing them to find the best fit for their transportation needs.

However, the unpredictability of spot rates can create challenges, making it difficult for companies to forecast shipping costs accurately. Frequent reliance on spot freight can weaken relationships with contract carriers, leading to reduced service levels or higher rates in the future. Shippers who depend heavily on spot freight also face inconsistencies in service quality, as working with new carriers on a case-by-case basis means they lack the reliability and familiarity of a long-term logistics partner.

The Role of Spot Freight in a Comprehensive Shipping Strategy

While spot freight is not a replacement for contract freight, it is a tool that can complement a well-rounded strategy. By effectively leveraging both spot and contract freight, businesses can strike a balance between cost savings and reliability. Using spot freight strategically, for example, during seasonal surges, for testing new carriers, or as a backup for contract freight, allows companies to remain agile and responsive in an ever-changing industry.

Spot freight is an essential aspect of the shipping industry, providing an alternative for businesses seeking flexibility in their transportation operations. Whether it’s used to fill a gap, respond to urgent needs, or take advantage of favorable market conditions, spot freight plays a significant role in the supply chain ecosystem, offering a practical solution for modern supply chain challenges.

When Towing Becomes Predatory

Towing is supposed to be a solution that helps get a disabled or wrecked truck off the road safely. But in reality, towing has become a financial ambush for many motor carriers and owner-operators. Predatory towing companies have turned what should be a straightforward recovery process into a multimillion-dollar extortion racket. It’s not just an industry problem; it’s an industry crisis.

How Predatory Towing Exploits the Trucking Industry

The American Trucking Association (ATA) defines predatory towing as any incident in which a towing company egregiously overcharges, illegally seizes assets, damages vehicles by using improper equipment, or refuses to release trucks, trailers or cargo without justification. In other words, it’s legalized highway robbery with little recourse for the victims.

A recent ATA study found that 30% of all tow invoices included excessive rates or fraudulent additional charges. Some examples include:

  • A Virginia carrier was charged $202,000 for a single truck crash recovery.
  • A 16-mile tow led to a staggering $6,000 bill.
  • In Memphis, Tennessee, a driver refused to leave her truck for 33 hours to prevent the notorious A1’s Towing and Hauling from impounding it – even after proving she had paid for parking.
  • A carrier offered $7,500 to a towing company to drop a hooked truck, and the tow company refused, saying it wasn’t enough.

One of the industry’s most notorious predatory tow companies, A1’s Towing & Hauling of Memphis, had its permit temporarily revoked for 30 days. Several motor carriers are now bringing a $5 million RICO civil case against it in Tennessee. Despite this, predatory towing continues across the country. It is an ongoing battle between unsuspecting drivers and operators looking to turn desperation into profit.

Why Carriers Have No Control Over the Towing Process

One of the greatest injustices of predatory towing is that motor carriers often have little or no say in which towing company is called. After an accident or breakdown, fleets cannot compare rates, approve the recovery process or verify whether proper equipment is used.

Over one-third of carriers surveyed by ATA reported they were never allowed to choose their own towing company. Instead, they were at the mercy of:

  • Law enforcement-directed towing rotation lists, which are often unregulated.
  • Unsolicited tow trucks that show up at crash scenes or breakdowns without being called.
  • Low-clearance lurkers, tow trucks waiting by bridges and overpasses known for frequent accidents, swooping in to take the job before a call is even made.

The result? Inflated invoices, trucks and cargo held hostage, and excessive legal battles just to get equipment released.

The Rise of Cargo Ransoms

It’s bad enough when a towing company hijacks a truck, but when it holds cargo hostage, the financial fallout multiplies. Towing companies know that perishable or time-sensitive cargo creates an urgent need for resolution, so they leverage it to demand outrageous sums of money.

Some of the most shocking “ransom” cases include:

  • A company charged $10,000 for a basic tow that should have cost a fraction of that amount.
  • Another driver faced a $40,000 bill before the towing company would release the truck and cargo.
  • The now-infamous $202,000 Virginia case, in which a towing company exploited every possible charge in the book.

For fleets hauling high-value or sensitive loads, the loss isn’t just in the tow bill – it’s in the damaged business relationships that result from delayed or spoiled deliveries. Some carriers are forced to pay outrageous costs upfront and fight the battle later.

Impound Towing and a System Built for Abuse

Think required crash or breakdown towing is expensive? Welcome to the world of impound towing.

This practice involves removing vehicles from private or public property without the owner’s consent, typically for illegal parking or failing to move a disabled truck fast enough. The catch? Tow companies often add hidden fees and penalties to what should be a simple impound process.

Common predatory towing tactics include:

  • Charging excessive per-mile or per-pound rates.
  • Adding bogus administrative or processing fees.
  • Imposing high daily storage fees (sometimes up to $500 daily).
  • Deliberately delaying vehicle or cargo release to increase storage fees.
  • Claiming a nonconsensual tow was consensual, preventing a legal challenge.
  • The improper use of towing equipment, causing additional damage to the truck.

One of the ATA’s key findings was that 25% of crash-related tow invoices were not itemized. This is a common way for towing companies to disguise excessive fees and inflate pricing.

What Can Fleets Do to Protect Themselves?

While predatory towing continues to be a problem, there are proactive steps carriers can take to protect themselves.

  • Build relationships with reputable tow companies. Don’t wait until a crisis to find a towing provider. Establish a preferred towing partner and tell drivers whom to call first. Some states allow carriers to request specific companies, bypassing police rotation lists.
  • Educate drivers on towing laws in each state. Each state has different regulations governing nonconsensual tows. ATA has compiled a list of state-by-state towing laws, and fleets should ensure their drivers and safety managers understand their rights.
  • Train drivers to document every incident. One of the most effective defenses against excessive towing charges is strong documentation. Encourage drivers to:
    • Take photos and videos of accident scenes and breakdown locations.
    • Note the time, location and reason for the tow.
    • Obtain itemized invoices whenever possible.
    • Record interactions with law enforcement or tow operators in case of disputes.
  • Review every invoice carefully. Carriers should never blindly pay a tow bill. Scrutinizing invoices can reveal overcharges, duplicate fees or fabricated expenses. If something doesn’t seem right, challenge it.
  • Leverage legal action when necessary. When all else fails, fleets should not hesitate to involve attorneys or insurance providers to dispute outrageous charges. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests can also be used to obtain relevant records from law enforcement and towing companies, adding leverage in negotiations.

Regulatory Action?

Some states, such as Virginia, have made strides in regulating the towing industry. They have implemented fingerprint-based background checks overseen by the Board of Tow and Recovery Operators and the Department of Criminal Justice Services. Even local law enforcement is stepping in. Sheriff Ronald Montgomery of the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office in Yorktown, Virginia, created a local predatory towing board to prevent it from becoming an issue. 

However, many states still lack strong towing regulations, leaving drivers and fleets at the mercy of a largely unregulated industry.

Trucking organizations, including the ATA and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), continue to push for federal oversight and standardized towing regulations to prevent further exploitation.

Fighting Back Against Legalized Extortion

Predatory towing is a multimillion-dollar scheme draining the trucking industry. Carriers have limited control over the process but can fight back by building awareness, documenting incidents, disputing invoices and advocating for stronger regulations.

The goal isn’t to eliminate towing – legitimate towing services are essential to keeping roads clear and safe. The goal is to eliminate the abuse, ensuring fair pricing, transparency and accountability in an industry that has become a financial minefield for fleets.

Until better regulations are in place, the best thing carriers and drivers can do is stay vigilant, document everything and be prepared to challenge unjustified fees. Because in predatory towing, if you’re not ready to fight, you’re prepared to lose.

Fighting Back Against Truck Accident Fraud and Why Visibility Matters

The trucking industry has come under siege in recent years with everything from higher taxes, high fuel costs, low-rate freight and increased insurance premiums to cargo theft, carrier ID theft and nuclear verdicts from highway accident litigation. Another recent development for carriers that must be considered is staged accidents designed to exploit insurance claims and extract massive settlements from carriers. These fraudulent schemes often orchestrated by criminal networks have plagued states like Louisiana and New York, costing the industry hundreds of millions of dollars. In one of the most notorious cases, “Operation Sideswipe” uncovered a large-scale fraud ring in New Orleans, where over 60 individuals, including attorneys, were charged for orchestrating staged accidents involving commercial trucks. 

New York has also seen its share of insurance fraud, with a crisis in taxi and rideshare insurance largely attributed to organized crime and fraudulent claims. Insurers are facing catastrophic losses exceeding $700 million, jeopardizing the stability of the commercial vehicle insurance market. The commercial vehicle insurance market has lost money for years despite double-digit increases in premiums for fleets annually. 

Third-Party Litigation Financing in Trucking Lawsuits

Adding fuel to the fire is the growing influence of third-party litigation financing (TPLF), in which third-party funds and private investors bankroll lawsuits in exchange for a portion of the settlement. While intended to help plaintiffs who lack resources, TPLF has driven up the frequency of nuclear verdict lawsuit payouts exceeding $10 million by encouraging aggressive legal tactics against motor carriers. The result? Skyrocketing insurance premiums and an industry increasingly wary of frivolous claims.

How Dashcams Are Indemnifying Carriers Against Fraud

Trucking companies are turning to dashcams to counter these risks and use them as indemnification tools to protect their fleets from fraudulent claims. Dashcams from providers like Motive, etc., offer real-time recording, GPS tracking and AI-powered insights, providing indemnification against he said, she said scenarios in the event of a crash. Here’s how they make a difference:

  • Fraudulent accident schemes like “Swoop and Squat,” where scammers slam their brakes to induce a rear-end collision, can be disproved with dashcam footage. If a driver intentionally swerves or brakes abruptly without cause, the footage exposes the fraud.
  • Eighty percent of crashes involving commercial vehicles are not the fault of the operator. Yet, in many cases, truckers are blamed for accidents they didn’t cause. Dual-facing dashcams record both the road and the driver’s actions, proving whether a driver was attentive and acting responsibly.
  • Dashcams equipped with G-sensors and telematics detect sudden stops, acceleration and even lane changes. This data helps reconstruct accidents, supporting a carrier’s defense.
  • Many carriers settle fraudulent claims rather than risk long, expensive lawsuits. With dashcams, companies avoid these payouts by immediately proving fault or lack thereof.

Building a Defensible Compliance Program with Dashcam Visibility

A strong compliance program integrating dashcam visibility is essential for surviving highway accident litigation and mitigating its effect on carriers. Fleets that proactively implement AI-driven safety technology, incident monitoring and real-time coaching can significantly reduce liability exposure.

  • Systems like Motive’s AI Dashcam can detect distracted driving and issue alerts to prevent incidents before they happen. This allows fleets to coach drivers on changing habitual behaviors.
  • Properly recorded dashcam footage can streamline legal defense by ensuring accurate documentation of driver behavior and mitigating false claims.
  • Many insurers now offer lower premiums to fleets that install AI dashcams, reducing the financial strain of excessive litigation. However, these discounts aren’t always exclusive to AI dashcams. Cameras like Nexar, Garmin, etc., might not have AI behavior detection but still provide indemnification, have no recurring fees and offer valuable visibility to protect fleets.

Prevention Through Visibility

The fight against fraudulent insurance claims is far from over. As long as criminal networks and litigation financiers see trucking and vocational fleets as easy targets, the industry must remain proactive. Visibility is the key to prevention. By equipping fleets with the right dashcam technology and enforcing defensible compliance programs, carriers can protect their drivers, businesses and bottom lines.

The trucking industry is constantly adapting and pivoting. With smart dashcams and proactive risk management, carriers are protected from fraudulent accident claims. Instead, they are turning the tables, using data, AI, and visibility to fight back against insurance fraud, one frame at a time.

Bridging the Divide in the Truck Parking Debate

The trucking industry is at a crossroads when it comes to truck parking. Rising operational costs, shrinking profit margins, and the emergence of services like Truck Parking Club are intensifying the debate over free vs. paid parking. At the heart of this issue is balancing driver needs, property rights, security, and fair compensation.

Technology has made it easier than ever for drivers to locate parking spaces. Yet, the fundamental question remains: should truck drivers have to pay for services like Truck Parking Club, Freight Ninja or other for-profit truck parking companies? And where should the industry draw the line between fair compensation for parking access and burdening drivers with another expense?

Technology Provides Solutions at a Cost

With smartphones in every cab, drivers now have access to countless tools to locate parking, from Google Maps to dedicated apps. But the reality of trucking is far more complex than simply finding a pin on a map. After a long shift, the last thing a driver wants to do is search for a safe place to rest. Fatigue, safety concerns, and regulatory constraints dictate how far they can push their schedules. This is where paid parking services like Truck Parking Club come into play, offering convenience and security for a price.

Innovative solutions like Truck Parking Club and Freight Ninja provide peace of mind. For many drivers, avoiding the frustration of circling crowded lots is well worth the fee. Property owners who allocate space for truck parking also deserve fair compensation for maintaining security, lighting, and upkeep.

At the same time, truck drivers shouldn’t be forced to pay at every turn. The cost of operating a truck is already substantial, factoring in fuel, taxes, maintenance, and permits. Drivers shouldn’t be squeezed for every necessity, and excessive parking fees should not become yet another burden in an industry already straining under financial pressure. The key is balancing access to essential services and avoiding predatory pricing.

A Driver’s Perspective with Industry Experience

As someone who still drives and has held a Class A CDL with every endorsement for over 20 years, I see this issue from multiple angles. I’ve been behind the wheel, managed fleets, operated as a freight broker, and built compliance programs. That perspective allows me to recognize that both sides of the truck parking debate have valid points.

The argument that “not everything should be free just because we’re truck drivers” is fair. Businesses must make a profit, and truck parking services provide a genuine convenience. However, that does not mean drivers should be price-gouged simply because they have no other choice. While some believe all truck parking should be free, others see the value in a guaranteed, secure parking space that removes the uncertainty from their day.

The industry needs common ground. Instead of polarizing debates, stakeholders, drivers, fleets, parking service providers, and government agencies, must be open to compromise and alternative solutions that work for everyone. Here are a few ideas that could help balance the concerns on both sides:

  • Incentive-Based Parking: Similar to fuel rewards that offer free showers, truck stops and parking services could allow drivers to earn parking credits through fuel purchases, food purchases, or other spending. This model benefits both drivers and businesses.
  • Dynamic Pricing Models: A hybrid approach could allow for free and paid parking options. Reserved spaces could be available for a premium, while free spaces remain open for those who plan ahead. Some truck stops were already charging for reserved spots long before services like Truck Parking Club existed. Additionally, off-peak hours could offer discounted pricing for those on tighter budgets.
  • Carrier-Sponsored Parking: Some fleets already cover parking fees for their drivers. If more carriers adopted this approach as a standard practice, it would reduce financial stress on drivers while ensuring safe, legal parking options.
  • Public-Private Collaboration: Governments could partner with private businesses to expand truck parking capacity without converting public rest areas into exclusively paid lots. Additionally, offering tax incentives to property owners who develop truck parking facilities could help address shortages.

The Role of Paid Parking in the Industry

Services like Truck Parking Club offer drivers a choice. Those who prefer to plan their routes independently and find parking independently still have that option. Paid parking services provide a sensible alternative for those who value the security, reliability, and convenience of reserved space.

The challenge is to ensure that drivers are respected, not exploited. Paid parking should be an option, not a requirement imposed by a lack of alternatives. Free parking should continue at truck stops, rest areas, and certain private lots. At the same time, it’s reasonable for businesses to charge for premium services that offer enhanced security, guaranteed spaces, and added amenities.

A Larger Industry Challenge

The truck parking debate is a symptom of broader industry challenges, tight margins, rising costs, and an increasing need for sustainable solutions. Drivers shouldn’t expect every service to be free but shouldn’t be subjected to hidden fees and financial obstacles at every turn.

Resolving this issue requires open dialogue and innovative thinking. The industry must embrace flexibility, fairness, and collaboration, ensuring drivers and businesses thrive. Whether through loyalty-based incentives, tiered pricing models, or carrier-covered parking, there are ways to create a system that works for everyone.

Truck drivers deserve access to safe, secure parking without unnecessary financial strain. Businesses, in turn, deserve to be compensated fairly for providing valuable services. By finding the right balance, the industry can move toward a more sustainable, practical, and equitable future, one where both free and paid parking options coexist to serve the evolving needs of drivers and fleets alike.

New UPS air route targets trade from France to Hong Kong

A brown-tail UPS jumbo jet freighter is towed by a tug at an airport on a clear day.

UPS has introduced an atypical air cargo route focused on reverse trade from Paris to Hong Kong to support exporters in France. 

The primary flow of goods by air and ocean tends to be from Asia to Europe because that is where low-cost manufacturing centers and a large consumer market are located. Backhaul routes tend to carry less cargo. 

The integrated express delivery and logistics company informed select news outlets that it is operating a Boeing 747-8 freighter five times per week from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to Hong Kong to meet growing export demand from French businesses. Primary customers include makers of wine, perishable foods, luxury goods, medical products and aerospace components

The new service makes economic sense because Hong Kong has large consumer bases for high fashion, food and drinks, as well as growing sectors for contract manufacturing of dental and pharmaceutical products, UPS (NYSE: UPS) said.

France is the largest exporter of wine and other food products to Hong Kong and Asia, accounting for over 20% of its total export market. Hong Kong’s luxury fashion market has recovered from the pandemic and is projected to grow 4.9% in the next five years, reaching sales of $2.9 billion in 2029, according to Euromonitor. Hong Kong has the highest per-capita spending on luxury goods in the world. 

“With this new flight path, we can provide French businesses of all sizes and industries the fast and reliable service they need to grow and stay competitive. Shipping preferences play an increasing part in a consumer’s purchasing decision. Thanks to our investments we can make logistics a competitive advantage, offering unmatched choice, convenience, and control,” said Michiel van Veen, a manager for Benelux and France, in a prepared statement.

It is more common for airlines to provide scheduled service from Asia to Europe, sometimes as a round trip with less backhaul volume or with aircraft deployed to other destinations before returning to origin.

An Asian logistics company recently chartered freighter aircraft to ship Chinese goods from Ezhou International Airport in China to Paris via Abu Dhabi, with Etihad Airways flying the second leg with Boeing 777s. Etihad’s cargo division also began operating a weekly cargo service for DB Schenker from Ezhou to Frankfurt, Germany, carrying e-commerce packages, electronics, industrial goods, retail merchandise and automotive parts.

Other recent UPS enhancements in France include the introduction of surcharge-free Saturday delivery and the addition of 100 Iveco eDaily vans to the delivery fleet.

In related news, UPS ordered eight Boeing 767-300 freighters from Boeing in December as part of a fleet renewal program that involves the retirement of aging triple-engine MD-11 freighters, spokeswoman Michelle Polk confirmed. UPS is securing the medium-widebody cargo jets before Boeing shuts down the 767 production line at the end of 2027. Cargo Facts was first to report that the unidentified order for 767 freighters that Boeing listed in December was from UPS. 

UPS currently operates 82 Boeing 767-300 freighters and has 25 on order, according to a Jan. 30 securities filing. 

Click here for more FreightWaves/American Shipper stories by Eric Kulisch.

Logistics companies charter Etihad freighters to transport Chinese goods

Recent drug seizures at ports of entry in 3 states top $32M

More than $32.6 million worth of cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine has been seized over the past month from commercial shipments at ports of entry in Texas, Michigan and Washington.

Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge found $19.8 million in methamphetamine and $144,500 worth of heroin concealed in a shipment of cucumbers and jalapenos.

CBP officers were checking a tractor-trailer arriving from Mexico at the bridge in Pharr, Texas, on Feb. 4 when they found 26 packages of suspected heroin weighing 7 pounds and 8,206 packages of suspected methamphetamine weighing 2,218 pounds.

CBP seized the narcotics and the tractor-trailer, and the case was turned over to the Department of Homeland Security.

World Trade Bridge

CBP officers at the World Trade Bridge in Laredo, Texas, found methamphetamine worth $8.1 million in a shipment of industrial machinery.

The seizure occurred Jan. 24 when officers were searching a commercial truck arriving from Mexico. CBP officers found nearly 890 pounds of suspected methamphetamine hidden in the shipment.

CBP seized the narcotics, and Homeland Security Investigations is investigating the case.

Officers at the World Trade Bridge in Laredo, Texas, found methamphetamine worth $8.1 million in a shipment of industrial machinery. (Photo: CBP)

Detroit Ambassador Bridge

Truck driver Muhammad Shaikh was charged with possession with intent to distribute 240 pounds of cocaine as the result of an investigation and vehicle inspection Tuesday at the Ambassador Bridge, according to the Detroit Free Press.

CBP officers searching Shaikh’s truck at the bridge connecting Detroit to Windsor, Canada, found five duffel bags under the bunk in the tractor containing packages that tested positive for cocaine.

The cocaine has a street value of $1.7 million, authorities said.

The charges against Shaikh, a Canadian citizen, were filed Wednesday in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.

According to court records, Shaikh told officers he was in Indiana to load his commercial truck with a shipment of auto parts. He said he was approached by a person who demanded he deliver other packages into Canada in return for payment. He was also given a cell phone at that time.

Court records said Shaikh stated if he successfully delivered the packages into Canada, he was told he would be paid $5,000. Shaikh said the person took a picture of his identification, and he saw the person load the cab of his tractor with several duffel bags.

If convicted, Shaikh faces up to 20 years in jail and a fine of $250,000.

Roma-Ciudad Miguel Aleman International Bridge

CBP officers at the Roma-Ciudad Miguel Aleman International Bridge found 121 pounds of cocaine concealed in a tractor-trailer on Jan. 31.

The truck arriving from Mexico at the border in Roma, Texas, was carrying a shipment of soft drinks. Officers discovered 50 packages of suspected cocaine in the shipment. The cocaine has a street value of $1.6 million.

CBP officers turned the truck, narcotics and driver over to the Roma Police Department, who arrested the driver and initiated a criminal investigation.

Camino Real International Bridge

More than $1.4 million worth of cocaine was seized at an international bridge in Eagle Pass, Texas, on Feb. 6.

The seizure occurred at the Camino Real International Bridge cargo inspection facility. CBP officers searched a tractor-trailer arriving from Mexico hauling a fuel tanker and found 42 packages containing a total of 108 pounds of suspected cocaine hidden in the tractor. 

CBP seized the narcotics and tractor-trailer. The case was turned over to the Department of Homeland Security.

Border officials discovered $1.4 million worth of cocaine during a truck inspection at an international bridge in Eagle Pass, Texas, on Feb. 6. (Photo: CBP)

Port of Seattle

A package arriving from Canada containing more than a pound of fentanyl was seized by CBP officers at a shipping facility in the Port of Seattle.

CBP officers seized the fentanyl Feb. 6 during a targeted enforcement operation, according to a news release.

Upon opening one of the targeted packages, CBP officers discovered a brown, rock-like substance in plastic bags. Further testing determined the substance contained fentanyl.

CBP did not provide further details about where the fentanyl found in Seattle originated or whether there were any arrests related to the seizure.

WATCH: Helicopter lifts crew to safety from grounded container ship

Canadian sea and air forces safely rescued 20 crew in storm conditions from a container ship that had grounded off the coast of Newfoundland.

The MSC Baltic III lost power on the way from Montreal to Corner Brook in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador on Saturday and was unable to anchor in reported 75 mph winds and 20-foot seas about 12 nautical miles from the Bay of Islands. 

The 679-foot ship later ran aground in Wild Cove west of Lake Harbour, after transmitting a radio mayday call to Canada’s Marine Communications and Traffic Services.

Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker Henry Larsen and a Cormorant helicopter rescued the 20 crew from the stricken ship. 

The incident remains under investigation. 

Find more articles by Stuart Chirls here.

Related coverage:

UPDATE: Photo of damage to US aircraft carrier in Mediterranean collision

Analyst: Shippers’ tariff fears could keep trans-Pacific container rates up during February ‘dip’

Trump tariffs see retailers boosting US container imports