The Daily Dash: GM, Nikola and fuel cells; why trucking’s AB5 exemption could be in jeopardy

The Daily Dash is a quick look at what is happening in the freight ecosystem. In today’s edition, General Motors and Nikola Corp. strike a deal for fuel cells and production of Nikola’s Badger pickup. Plus, diesel engines have been a big winner from the fallout of the Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal, and trucking’s exemption from AB5 could be at risk.

GM, Nikola strike a deal

General Motors will supply fuel cells and advanced batteries for Nikola Corp.’s Class 7 and 8 trucks. GM will also produce Nikola’s Badger pickup truck and take an 11% stake in Nikola.

Alan Adler explains the reasons for the tie-up: GM will supply batteries and fuel cells for Nikola electric trucks

Diesel benefits from Volkswagen emissions scandal

The Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal resulted in a massive windfall in funds for states to fund replacement of polluting trucks, buses and marine equipment. To date, only about one-third of the $3 billion has been awarded for projects, and little has gone to the deployment of electric or alternative-fuel vehicles.

Linda Baker explains how the money is being spent: Analysis: Most VW emissions settlement funds go to diesel tech, not electric vehicles

AB5 back in court

Trucking awaits a decision from a court hearing last week that could overturn its exemption from California’s AB5 regulation. If it does, independent truckers in the state could lose their status and be forced onto company payrolls.

John Kingston explains: Judicial panel hears why AB5 should be kept out of California trucking sector

Finding the truth

Walmart may not seem like a company that struggles with much, but it was. Carrier payment disputes were commonplace in its Canadian operations, with as many as 70% of all invoices seeing discrepancies. The retailer turned to DLT Labs for a solution.

Nate Tabak has the story on how blockchain ended nearly all disputes: How Walmart solved carrier payment woes in Canada with DLT Labs, blockchain

Stories we think you’ll like:

KeepTruckin’s App Marketplace 2.0 gives carriers more control

Nikola, Hyliion defend divergent paths to zero-emission trucking

Jetco Delivery CEO launches on-demand fleet safety program

Ace Hardware expanding into Mexico

Comcar’s final unit will be sold to TFI subsidiary, court documents show

Borderlands: FedEx Logistics expands in El Paso; Stanley Black and Decker picks Mexico for new plant

Uber Freight opens up platform for large enterprise shippers

Did you miss this?

Vietnam veteran Jim Garhart saw his 50-year trucking career come to a sudden end this summer because of a terminal cancer diagnosis. The cancer was found after Garhart was involved in a tractor-trailer accident. It was not the way he wanted his final ride to go.

Clarissa Hawes has the story of how Garhart got one final ride: Industry bands together to grant dying trucker’s final wish

Hammer down, everyone,

Brian Straight

Managing Editor

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