Business

DataQs improvement trial nears, but lingering problems bother industry

Two trucking and law enforcement reps shared loads of mutual respect during a webcast discussion on DataQs, but the fleet executive, Chris Haney, left no doubt about concerns shared by many over the seriousness of CSA's “unintended consequences.”

March 1, 2021

The DataQs system enables carriers and drivers to challenge inspection violations and crash reports, but many in trucking have complained of its shortcomings.

FMCSA hosting virtual forum to outline upcoming safety, research initiatives

FMCSA’s Office of Analysis, Research and Technology (ART) will host a free virtual forum on March 10 highlighting its safety activities and priorities for the year. Also: Federal infrastructure spending dips; and Konexial launches new AI-powered dashcams.

February 25, 2021

Konexial released its new My20 LogiCam Ai AI-powered road- and driver-facing dashcams.

Randall-Reilly appoints Matt Reilly as new CEO

Matt Reilly is a three-time CEO who brings more than 25 years of relevant experience in technology and business services to his new role. Most recently, he led a data science company in the marketing technology industry.

February 25, 2021

Too much profit? Watch out for that trap

An owner-operator looking to lower her tax bill wants to know: Should she spend down her profits, including possibly buying a truck, to avoid paying taxes? Or find another use for the money?

February 25, 2021

Truck Lot 2019 11 25 11 17

How to mount an effective DataQs challenge

Setting up a successful DataQ begins at the scene of the crash or routine roadside or weigh station inspection -- documenting the facts of the case and, then, following through when errors are made.

February 15, 2021

G.W. Bridge tops list of worst freight bottlenecks for third straight year

See which interchanges ranked the worst in ATRI's 2021 Top Truck Bottleneck List. Also: Pennsylvania DOT named nine bridges it is considering adding tolls to help fund repairs; and a new electronic reporting requirement for drivers entering Canada.

February 24, 2021

Texas had the most freight bottlenecks in 2020 with 12, according to ATRI's 2021 Top Truck Bottleneck List. California and Washington state were tied for the second most with 8 each.

Trucker issued shut down order after crash, DUI charges

The driver's BAC was more than 3 times the legal limit for CDL holders. Also: Fuel prices are up for the 16th straight week; large fleet gets waiver for pre-CDL drivers to run team; I-10 restrictions planned in Ariz. next week; more.

February 23, 2021

Fuel Prices Feb23 2021

PPP loans open to smallest businesses for next two weeks

President Biden announced a two-week period in which very small businesses will have exclusive access to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program's forgivable loan program — including one-truck businesses. Also: Goodyear buys Cooper Tire for $2.5B.

February 22, 2021

Mounting efforts to improve DataQs appeals fairness

Some in law enforcement and the trucking community see an opportunity to improve the appeals process, drawing on models already in place. Meantime, carriers using the system see it as structurally rigged to defeat most appeals.

February 15, 2021

Having a DataQs review panel for appeals that includes one or more trucking representatives “would definitely make a difference” in the system’s overall fairness, said Danny Schnautz, a vice president with Clark Freight Lines.

DAT partners with ATBS to offer discounts on tax, bookkeeping services

ATBS will offer three levels of its RumbleStrip tax and bookkeeping services at a discount for DAT subscribers. Also: A methanol tanker driver was named a Highway Angel for preventing a head-on crash.

February 19, 2021

Business Statement

Live with Overdrive, CVSA, Payne Trucking: Exploring DataQs hurdles and criticisms

Join Overdrive's Todd Dills on Thursday, Feb. 25 for a live discussion about DOT's DataQs crash and inspection information review system, featuring Chris Turner of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance and Chris Haney of Payne Trucking.

February 18, 2021

Winter storms prompt HOS waivers for relief haulers in 33 states, D.C.

Widespread winter storms prompted FMCSA to declare an emergency, suspending hours regs in many states for relief haulers. Also: TA is planning to open six TA Express locations in Calif. this year; and the 2021 truck driving championships were canceled.

February 18, 2021

How info errors hurt, and the owner-op's DataQs advantage

Simple data mistakes aren’t always simple to fix through the DataQs system. One-truck independents and mega-fleets do particularly well working that system, regardless.

February 15, 2021

FMCSA allowing extension of CDL, med cert expirations through May

FMCSA is extending the period for which states can choose to extend the validity of CDLs and CLPs through May 31. Also: Van rates hit an inflection point in January; and Bridgestone announced a tire price increase.

February 17, 2021

Owner-operators remain in crosshairs of DOT's offsite reviews

In a trend that exploded in 2020, the U.S. DOT and its enforcement partners are continuing to leverage new authority amid the pandemic to perform offsite, remote safety audits and compliance reviews of trucking companies in lieu of onsite reviews.

February 17, 2021

Though the total number of safety audits of motor carriers fell again last year on an annual basis, the number of audits conducted offsite soared to more than half of all audits.

Red tape, deaf ears: DataQs criticism mounts

Setting the Record Straight: This multipart feature kicks off with a look at how the DataQs process frustrates many who attempt to correct info associated with inspections, crashes.

February 15, 2021

Massive pileup in Fort Worth shuts down I-35W

A fatal pileup on I-35W north of Fort Worth involving approximately 100 vehicles has shut the interstate down as crews work to clear the wreckage. Also: New CVSA out-of-service criteria; Trucker Path adds instant booking to load board; more.

February 11, 2021

Fort Worth I35 Pileup

Easy cash: New and repeat borrowers consider reopened PPP

The process for turning a Paycheck Protection Program loan into a grant has been simplified since PPP's first round. The current offering is open through March 31.

February 11, 2021

Lyons Gate Group owner Jose Williams received a $16,000 Paycheck Protection Program loan last year and has applied again under the current round of PPP funding.

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This picture of a truck loading or unloading was done by an unidentified American artist around 1935-1939, the same period as when “Truck Driver’s Blues” became a hit. The lithograph is part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

First hit trucker song in history channeled road woes

Louisianan Ted Daffan visited honky-tonks frequented by truck drivers to help write his 1939 hit "Truck Driver's Blues." Find more about what's believed to be the first national hit of a trucking song in this Songs of the Highway special-edition podcast.

Will Amazon and other businesses that have enjoyed a pandemic boost see it fade much as the economy reopens?

Expect pandemic-boosted retail freight to stay strong, analyst says

Live Q&A: Exploring hurdles and criticisms of DOT's DataQs

Cb Mic In Truck Red Dash

Use the CB -- it works

Latest Gear Guide loaded with helpful trucking tips for the year ahead

Latest Gear Guide loaded with helpful trucking tips for the year ahead

The long tail of the CB's social utility

More episodes »

The Business Manual for Owner-Operators

Overdrive editors and ATBS present the industry’s best manual for prospective and committed owner-operators. You’ll find exceptional depth on many issues in the 2021 edition of Partners in Business.

Partners in Business Issue Cover