Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024:
California truckers left to ‘figure it out’ with ‘zero-emission’ regs
Owner-operators and small fleets in California believe the state’s Air Resources Board (CARB) is not providing enough financial support to incentivize them to update their fleets to “zero-emission” vehicles (ZEVs).
As reported by Overdrive sister publication Clean Trucking’s Jay Traugott, trucking is making significant progress with “zero-emission” trucks and the necessary charging infrastructure, but small businesses are realizing they can't afford those products without additional subsidies.
Matt Schrap, CEO of the Harbor Trucking Association, said small fleets are left to “just figure it out.”
“Go figure it out with a trucking-as-a-service company (TaaS) [such as WattEV],” he said. “Maybe work with a dealer for a 90% discount, or even work as a driver for another company that already has ZEVs."
While CARB does offer incentive programs towards the purchase of electrified commercial trucks, specifically the On-Road Heavy-Duty Voucher Incentive Program (VIP) and the Hybrid & Zero-Emission Truck & Bus Voucher Incentive Program (HVIP), and the federal government also has the Commercial Clean Vehicle Tax Credit worth up to $40,000, many claim these incentives are insufficient, Traugott reported.
Some operators, however, remain unaware of the full scope of these incentives, and of what some of the original equipment manufacturers provide in terms of financing and infrastructure setup.
Read more about what California operators are saying about the state’s ambitious climate control goals in Traugott’s reporting here.
[Related: Electric-truck purchase incentives present big challenges for small fleets, owner-operators]
Labor Day cargo theft warning issued
During the last five Labor Day weekend periods, CargoNet has recorded 179 thefts worth nearly $9 million.CargoNet
CargoNet is issuing a critical advisory to the trucking and logistics industry regarding the increased risk of criminal theft activity during the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend.
In a comprehensive analysis of supply chain risk events over the past five years, CargoNet has identified concerning patterns that demand immediate attention from industry professionals, the company said. The study, which examined 179 incidents occurring between the Thursday before Labor Day and the Wednesday after, reveals a landscape of heightened vulnerability for cargo during this holiday period.
CargoNet found that theft incidents peak on the Friday before Labor Day. This trend suggests that loaded conveyances, left unattended as workers begin their holiday weekend, become prime targets for opportunistic thieves. The risk is further compounded by the fact that many of these thefts may go unnoticed until business resumes after the holiday.
[Related: Cargo theft numbers dropped, finally, in second quarter]
CargoNet's findings indicate that theft activity hit record levels in 2022 and maintained this elevated state through 2023.
Geographically, California, Texas and Florida were the hotspots for criminal activity. Specifically, San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties in California, Dallas County in Texas, and Cook County in Illinois were identified as the most frequently targeted areas.
High-value electronics such as televisions and displays, major appliances, computers and computer parts, and vehicle maintenance products like motor oils topped the list of most sought-after items. Warehouses, truck stops, and large retail parking lots, rather than truck yards, were found to be the most common sites for these thefts.
Despite the rising sophistication of cargo theft operations, CargoNet's data shows that traditional cargo or conveyance thefts still outnumber complex fraud schemes, even in 2023.
CargoNet cautions the industry that cargo thieves are increasingly savvy and well aware that extended holiday closures work to their advantage.
[Related: Congress eyes creation of anti-fraud/cargo theft task force]
Some tips for protecting cargo during the holiday weekend include:
CargoNet
Relay inducts two truckers into Haul of Fame
Relay Payments has announced two winners for its second annual Haul of Fame contest.
After hundreds of nominations and thousands of public votes, judges selected Deb LaBree and Roger Mackbach as the 2024 Haul of Fame inductees.
“We had an incredible slate of drivers featured in this year's Haul of Fame making it difficult to identify just two winners,” said Relay CEO Ryan Droege. “But in the end, Deb and Roger stood out for their significant contributions and dedication to the trucking community.”
Deb LaBree
A truck driver for 18 years, LaBree is a key figure in Women in Trucking, serving on the organization’s board and the image team. Her commitment to safety and efficiency has earned her many industry awards. She is a role model for aspiring female drivers, exemplifying that women can succeed in trucking.
Mackbach has been driving trucks for 24 years and returned to the road in 2008 after losing his right arm in a boating accident. He designed a custom prosthetic arm and became one of the first in Maine to qualify for interstate travel with an amputation. He advocates for other amputees, helping them regain their CDLs and adapt to life post-amputation.
Roger Mackbach
- NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon, four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and current vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports
- Timothy Dooner, host of the What the Truck?!? podcast
- Clarissa Rankin, one of the most well-known female truck drivers, CDL school owner and TikTok influencer with 1.8 million followers who advocates for women in trucking
- Ryan Droege, CEO and co-founder of Relay Payments
The two winners are being celebrated with an array of prizes, including an all-expenses paid trip to the first race of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs in Atlanta, Sept. 6-8, ahead of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week.
