Business

Business
Brokers want more safety ratings, data | Freight market 'strongest ever'
FTR's Trucking Conditions Index for March hit a record high – a good sign for carriers – surpassing the previous record set in October 2020. TIA is backing legislation that would require DOT to enact a Safety Fitness Determination for carriers.
May 14, 2021
Several data on trucking industry variables go into FTR’s monthly Trucking Conditions Index: freight volumes, freight rates, fleet capacity, fleet bankruptcies, fuel price and financing. The individual metrics are combined into a single index that tracks the market conditions that influence fleet behavior. A positive score represents good, optimistic conditions. A negative score represents bad, pessimistic conditions. The index purports to show the industry’s general health at a glance.
Business
Large bulk liquid carrier sold to rail giant; IRS gives truckers a break on dyed fuel
Rail giant CSX announced it plans to acquire North America's largest liquid bulk fleet. Also: IRS waives dyed diesel penalty; driver recognized for pulled two men from burning truck; new Love's in central Ohio.
May 13, 2021
Quality Carriers Truck Fb
Business
More regulatory relief for fuel haulers, updates on diesel outages
Ten states are allowed to issue permits for overweight fuel shipments for trucks to run on interstates and federal highways. Also: Which truck stops are out of diesel? I-40 bridge over Mississippi River at Tenn./Ark. state line closed.
May 12, 2021
Groendyke Truck Fb
Home
Truckers crash on icy road to avoid moose. Preventable or not?
Driver John Doe’s evasive action to avoid hitting a moose resulted in a two-truck accident.
May 11, 2021
animated moose crossing road
Home
Pipeline cyberattack starting to prompt fuel shortages
Colonial Pipeline delivers almost half the fuel consumed on the East Coast and Southeast.
May 11, 2021
Shutterstock 166340759
Business
California contractor law: Likely next steps, pivots for truckers if enforced
Many feel indiscriminate application of AB 5 to trucking is like carpet-bombing a legitimate business model in leasing owner-ops, when the weapon the state needs is already in its tool belt, a hammer for tax dodgers 1099'ing drivers who own no equipment.
May 7, 2021
dollar sign, state of california sign
Business
Spot market: After hitting bottom a year ago, rates regain the top – flatbed, reefer at $3-plus
Accounting for fuel, the national average spot van rate was $2.68/mile during the first three days of May. Reefers fetched an average $3.10/mile, and the flatbed rate was $3.02.
May 7, 2021
DAT flatbed graph
Business
Trade groups call on House Democrats to reject insurance increases
A 60-organization coalition representing trucking, agriculture, construction and other industries petitions U.S. House to reject an increase of minimum liability insurance. Other news: New shorepower options for e-reefers; Wyoming adding parking on I-80.
May 6, 2021
Overnight Roadside Parking Grainy Blur
Home
Feared fuel shortage a byproduct of drivers, not availability
Demand for fuel is approaching levels not seen since 2019.
May 6, 2021
tank truck on highway
Business
DOL officially withdraws rule to define independent contractor
The rule that would have provided clarification as to whether workers are employers or independent contractors has been withdrawn. Also: Former acting FMCSA boss joins an autonomous trucking firm; S.C. launches human trafficking campaign for truckers.
May 5, 2021
Flatbed Truck On Highway Lane Restriction
Overdrive Radio
Rising oil prices -- for this dry bulk hauler, there's far less fear than opportunity
Oil services fleet Sisu Energy owns no trucks or trailers itself, nor do dispatch personnel at the company. Owner-ops leased there take that to heart as evidence the company’s sticking to its mission to be a platform where owner-operators can thrive.
May 5, 2021
truck at natural gas site
Partners in Business
Partners in Business tip: Save every receipt, no matter how small
Take advantage of all your business expenses by collecting your receipts no matter how small they might be. Get more details right here on Overdrive Online.
April 8, 2020
business money taxes
Regulations
FMCSA medical board to talk vision, diabetes in upcoming meeting
The agency's Medical Review Board meeting in May to discuss proposed rulemaking to amend the vision standard. Also: Fuel prices see slight increase; COVID vaccine at Iowa 80; Spring weight restrictions lifted in Mich.; deal on this former trucker's book.
May 4, 2021
Fuel May5
Overdrive Extra
Know the value of your time to assess true profit
Gary Buchs on the value of assessing cost, profit and driver pay per hour to evaluate any given load. It could help you know that customer who’s got a huge detention problem is no longer worth the time and effort, among other benefits.
May 3, 2021
Cars and trucks driving on highway passing by truck rest area exit
Business
Maryland man pleads guilty to falsifying military documents in CDL scheme
The man admitted that he falsified DD-214s and military waiver forms for drivers wanting to obtain CDLs in exchange for cash. Also: Apex Capital factoring integrated into Axele TMS; MHC Kenworth relocates South Atlanta dealership in McDonough, Ga.
April 29, 2021
Court Gavel
Business
First-quarter cargo theft mostly flat year-over-year, firm reports
California, Texas and Florida saw the most cargo theft activity in the first quarter of 2021, according to theft recording firm CargoNet. Also: Mack will soon accept submissions for its 2022 calendar; more.
April 28, 2021
California, Texas and Florida saw the most cargo theft activity in the first quarter of 2021, according to theft recording firm CargoNet.
Business
Federal court says California's AB 5 applies to trucking
A three-judge panel voted Wednesday to overturn an injunction that exempted the trucking industry from the ABC independent contractor test. The California Trucking Association is vowing to continue the fight, which requires an appeal to SCOTUS.
April 28, 2021
Semi trucks driving along highway
Partners in Business
Partners in Business tip: The benefits of trailer ownership
While leased operators don’t have the pressing need to provide a trailer that most independents do, they often find trailer ownership has significant earning potential.
April 1, 2020
great dane
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Overdrive Radio
'What extortion looks like': Owner-operator Glenn Keller v. Parking Pirates, round 2
Keller, following a booting/attempted tow incident while he was sitting idling in the driver's seat last month, is on a mission to raise awareness to predatory practices targeting truckers. Hear his 911 call and his own analysis in today's podcast.
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Life
Overdrive competing for journalism awards
Brandon Smith's 2006 Peterbilt 379 EXHD won Best in Show, Tractor-Trailer Combo and Best Paint.
Custom Rigs
The big custom-rigs winners in 17 categories at Kenly 95 East Coast Jamboree
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Live Q&A May 20: Dealing with your diesel's aftertreatment demons
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