The Daily Dash: Federal rule on contractors coming; Hyundai readies fuel cell truck for US

The Daily Dash is a quick look at what is happening in the freight ecosystem. In today’s edition, the Department of Labor is planning a proposed rule that it said would clarify the issue on when a worker is considered an independent contractor. Plus, lost in the Nikola fallout is the fact that Hyundai will introduce a hydrogen-electric fuel cell truck to the U.S. next year, and Convoy CEO Dan Lewis talks about what he learned visiting truck stops.

Labor Department takes swing at independent contractors

The Department of Labor is expected to issue a proposed rule that would set federal guidelines for determining when a worker can be defined as an independent contractor.

John Kingston explains the rule’s impact on California’s AB5: Labor Department tackles employee classification; AB5 may not be affected

Fuel cell truck coming to US

With all the focus on Nikola Corp. (NASDAQ: NKLA), a major player in the global commercial vehicle market said it will put its hydrogen-electric Class 8 rig on U.S. roads next year.

Alan Adler dives into why now is the time for Hyundai: As Nikola resets, Hyundai fuel cell trucks arriving in 2021

You can learn a lot at a truck stop

If you want to learn about the trucking industry, there is no better place to be than a truck stop. Convoy CEO and co-founder Dan Lewis said he spent a lot of time at truck stops, warehouses and elsewhere before building his company.

Noi Mahoney explains what Lewis learned: Convoy CEO: Things I learned at warehouses and truck stops

This was TuSimple for TRATON

TuSimple has struck a deal with Volkswagen’s TRATON Group to supply autonomous trucks in Europe. TRATON is in talks to acquire U.S. truck maker Navistar, which had previously signed a deal with TuSimple.

Linda Baker has the details on the new arrangement: TuSimple scores another OEM partner, in Europe

Stories we think you’ll like:

Scalable growth starts with the back office

Nikola explains what it does and doesn’t do on electric trucks

YRC gets review at Moody’s, but no rating tweak was at stake

Peak surge, COVID led DHL e-commerce unit to stop US customer on-boarding early

Tesla unveils battery cells aimed at raising electric cars’ range and power

Transflo to offer AscendTMS free for limited time

Nikola’s hunt for hydrogen station partner stalled – WSJ

Did you miss this?

Nine more people have been charged in an ever-growing probe in staged truck accidents in Louisiana. In total, 28 people have now been charged with staging accidents with tractor-trailers in an insurance scheme.

John Kingston has details on the latest charges: More indictments handed down in Louisiana staged accident scheme

Hammer down, everyone,

Brian Straight

Managing Editor

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