Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024:
Accounting for fuel declines, rates are up 11% overall compared to 2023
Diesel prices fell during the week ending Nov. 4, while spot market rates during the same week also saw a slight decline overall, despite increases in dry van and reefer rates, according to a report from FTR and the Truckstop load board. Excluding fuel, though, viewed with a longer lens compared to 2023, freight rates are up considerably over last year.
The Energy Information Administration reported diesel prices fell during the week, losing 3.7 cents per gallon on average nationwide, following a 2-cent increase during the prior week. The nation’s average for a gallon of on-highway diesel is $3.54, just a penny higher than the 2024 low set during the week ending Sept. 9.
Prices fell in all regions during the most recent week, with the Rocky Mountain region seeing the largest decline of 7.2 cents.
Truckers along the Gulf Coast can buy the cheapest fuel at $3.18 a gallon, followed by the Lower Atlantic region at $3.50 per gallon.
Drivers may want to avoid purchasing fuel in California, where prices are highest in the nation at $4.68 per gallon, followed by the Central Atlantic region at $3.79 per gallon.
Prices in other regions, according to the EIA:
- New England -- $3.75
- Midwest -- $3.52
- Rocky Mountain -- $3.58
- West Coast less California -- $3.76
ProMiles’ diesel averages during the same week showed prices falling by 1.7 cents to $3.51 a gallon.
According to the ProMiles Fuel Surcharge Index, the most expensive diesel can be found in California at $4.82 per gallon, and the cheapest can be found in the Gulf Coast region at $3.17 per gallon.
On the rates front, broker-posted dry van spot rates in the Truckstop system returned to their upward trend during the week ended Nov. 1, according to FTR, while refrigerated spot rates also rose, continuing their recent volatility. Flatbed rates fell, as they almost always do during that week of the year, offsetting reefer and dry van's slight gains. To the positive, rates were higher year-over-year for all three equipment types, but only barely so for flatbed.
Overall, broker-posted spot rates were down three-tenths of a cent during the week. At the same, spot rates excluding a calculated fuel surcharge were nearly 11% higher than the same 2023 week and were higher y/y for all equipment types.FTR and Truckstop
Total broker-posted loads were also down slightly during the week, falling 1.3% after declining 7% the week before. Load postings were close to 10% higher than the same 2023 week -- the weakest comparison in four weeks -- but were nearly 23% below the five-year average.
[Related: Diesel down, rates up | More time to comment on split-sleeper exemption]
DOT amends oral fluid drug testing procedures
The U.S. Department of Transportation is revising its drug and alcohol testing procedures that were finalized in May 2023 that authorized oral fluid drug testing as an additional methodology for employers to use as a means of achieving the safety goals of the program.
The DOT said it has determined that various aspects of last year’s rule “need to be further amended due to unforeseen circumstances that have rendered it impossible to comply with requirements for mock oral fluid collection observers, for consistency with regard to privacy during the specimen collection, and to clarify the means by which collectors document that a sufficient volume of oral fluid was collected.”
According to DOT, the amended final rule:
- Provides temporary qualification requirements for mock oral fluid monitors
- Provides for consistent requirements by identifying which individuals may be present during an oral fluid collection
- Clarifies how collectors are to document that a sufficient volume of oral fluid was collected
The full text of the amended final rule can be read here.
While the new final rule clarifies concerns around oral fluid collection, DOT-regulated entities still have to wait before using oral fluid drug testing. DOT noted that oral fluid specimens cannot be collected, and DOT oral fluid testing cannot be implemented, until the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) certifies at least two laboratories -- one to serve as a primary laboratory, and a second to serve as a split specimen laboratory -- and until there is a device that meets DOT requirements per Appendix B of Part 40.
To date, HHS has not yet certified any laboratories for oral fluid drug testing with a device that meets DOT standards.
[Related: Oral fluid testing a significant shift in the drug screening landscape]
OOIDA’s Truckers for Troops campaign kicks off next week
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association is getting ready to launch its annual Truckers for Troops campaign from Nov. 11-17, coinciding with Veterans Day. The annual drive focuses on supporting U.S. troops overseas and veterans back home.
The fundraising effort has been an OOIDA tradition since 2007, originally dedicated to sending care packages to service personnel stationed in combat zones. Truckers for Troops has also helped a variety of veterans facilities, including those assisting or housing wounded, disabled or homeless service members.
Over the past 17 years, OOIDA has raised more than $800,000 and sent more than 3,283 care packages, serving more than 39,396 members of the military. The organization has also sent aid packages to 65 different facilities caring for veterans, including the Veterans Community Project. The VCP began in Kansas City and plans to have locations in every state.
During the one-week campaign period, truckers can join OOIDA or renew their membership for $35, with 10% of that money going toward care packages. OOIDA matches the 10% dollar for dollar.
To join or renew, during business hours call 816-229-5791, mention Truckers for Troops, and get transferred to Membership. For after-hours callers, use the same number, press 1, and leave a voicemail. This process can also be done online here, or by mail. If mailing in payments, indicate “Dues & Donation” or “Donation only” and specify “TROOPS” on your payment. Direct donation-only checks can be sent to the OOIDA Foundation.
More information about Truckers for Troops can be found here.
Anyone who has a family member or friend serving with the U.S. military, and who would like for them to get a care package, can send the name and complete address to [email protected] and be sure to include projected stateside return date.
Cards and letters showing appreciation can be sent to:
Attention: Truckers for Troops, P.O. Box 1000, Grain Valley, MO 64029. Towns or school names can be included, but do not include last names or other personal information.
Transition Trucking voting open through Veterans Day
Public voting for the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award finalists is open through Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
The prestigious award, coordinated by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes program, Kenworth and Fastport, honors military veterans who have made an outstanding transition into the commercial trucking industry.
The Transition Trucking Award finalists are, clockwise from top left to bottom left: Douglas Couch, Cory Troxell, Shawn Haley, and Billy Taylor.Kenworth
The general public can cast their vote online. Finalists for 2024 are summarized below in alphabetical order by last name:
- Douglas Couch, U.S. Navy (E-5), Roehl Transport, Inc., Roehl Transport Training: Couch served in the Navy from 2012-2016 onboard the USS Nimitz CVN 68. He worked as a Culinary Specialist 2nd Class. In this role, he oversaw 50 sailors, feeding more than 5,000 Sailors and Marines while being forward-deployed. Since transitioning into the trucking industry, Douglas has driven more than 150,000 miles and has shown a true and relentless dedication to safety.
- Shawn Haley, U.S. Marine Corps (E-4), Veriha Trucking LLC, Truck Driving Institute: Haley served in the Marine Corps from 1987 to 1991. During this time, he served as security for President Ronald Reagan, First Lady Nancy Reagan, President George H. W. Bush, and First Lady Barbara Bush. He became an entrepreneur who ran a successful business for 20 years. After that time, he pursued a new challenge, becoming a regional truck driver at Veriha.
- Billy Taylor, U.S. Coast Guard (E-7), Werner Enterprises, Roadmaster Drivers School: Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Taylor lived in many locations across the United States during his parents’ U.S. Navy careers. He joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 2000 and served in various assignments, including Port Security and Harbor Defense, Search and Rescue, Coast Guard Cutter deployments for drug interdiction/maritime defense, and served as a recruiter. He retired with 20 years of service in 2020 as a Chief Petty Officer, Machinery Technician. He now drives for Werner Enterprises on the Anheuser-Busch account in Columbus, Ohio.
- Cory Troxell, U.S. Army (E-7), Stevens Transport, Phoenix Truck Driving Institute: Troxell was born into service with his grandfather, father and uncle serving with distinguished careers in the Army. Motivated by a strong sense of family pride, service and patriotism following the events of 9/11, he enlisted into the Army in 2004. In 2009, he was severely wounded in an enemy IED attack, eventually earning him the Purple Heart. He continued to serve until his retirement in 2024. Drawing similarities to his decision to join the Army, he followed a trucking driving career path already cut by his family.
