Trucking news and briefs for Friday, Jan. 24, 2025:
New cargo theft route scoring system launched
The new CargoNet RouteScore API measures the probability of a loss along individual routes by assigning a score of 1 to 100 -- with 1 representing the lowest likelihood.Verisk CargoNet
As cargo theft losses continue to rise, Verisk has launched launched the CargoNet RouteScore API, a solution aimed at minimizing risk. RouteScore API uses a proprietary algorithm to generate a cargo theft route risk score that provides a relative measure of probability that crime and loss will occur along any route in the U.S. and Canada.
Verisk CargoNet is uniquely positioned to deliver an industry-leading cargo theft scoring algorithm that provides unparalleled accuracy and insight with the use of best-in-industry data and analytics, the company said.
RouteScore assigns a score of 1 to 100 -- with 1 representing the lowest risk for theft along a route. RouteScore is based on critical factors such as cargo type, value, length of haul, origin, destination, day of the week, and the theft history of stop locations along the route. In addition to generating a score, the model also observes the key variables that most influenced the score and provides a list of the riskiest truck stops along the route.
[Related: Cargo theft is skyrocketing, and double brokering is partly to blame]
“RouteScore exemplifies our commitment to helping the industry manage and mitigate risk,” said Ryan Shepherd, general manager of Verisk’s CargoNet. “By providing actionable insights through advanced data analysis, Verisk is empowering the insurance and the transportation industry to protect their assets and ensure a safer delivery of goods.”
Empowering companies to protect their cargo proactively, a high-risk score of 98, for example, may prompt the implementation of additional security measures such as tracking devices, driver teams, relays or escorts, or the procurement of secure parking spots in advance.
Additionally, users might align high-risk lanes with best-in-class carriers, helping ensure security measures are in practice. RouteScore is available in an API format, facilitating integration with third-party transportation management systems (TMS) and proprietary systems. Additional third-party platforms, such as supply chain risk management, fintech, insurtech and telematics platforms, will also be able to source the solution and make it available for customers.
[Related: Cargo theft at record high]
Bill to streamline CDL testing reintroduced
With a new Congress comes the reintroduction of legislation that failed to gain traction during previous Congressional sessions. One such bill is the Licensing Individual Commercial Exam-Takers Now Safely and Efficiently (LICENSE) Act of 2025.
The bill has been introduced twice before and would make permanent some waivers implemented by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration during the COVID-19 pandemic -- notably not the widespread hours of service waivers readers may remember from that period.
Introduced by Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Illinois), the LICENSE Act would allow state and third-party CDL examiners who have maintained a valid CDL test examiner certification, and have previously completed a CDL skills test examiner training course, to administer the CDL knowledge test without completing a CDL knowledge test training course.
To make the testing process more efficient and streamlined, the bill would also allow a state to administer a driving skills test to any out-of-state CDL applicant, regardless of where the applicant received driver training.
[Related: Owner-ops, groups: COVID hours waiver should open the door for more flexibility]
ATRI seeks carrier feedback on advanced safety systems
The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) is initiating research on the role that advanced safety systems can have in improving safety and productivity in trucking.
The research is part of the ongoing TechCelerate Now program, which is sponsored by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The TechCelerate Now research team includes ATRI, ATA’s Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) and the OOIDA Foundation.
To better understand the issues and opportunities for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in the trucking industry, the research team is distributing a motor carrier survey that identifies which technologies are in use by motor carriers, and what issues and perspectives they’ve encountered relating to truck driver acceptance, repair and maintenance, and safety benefits – among other topics. The survey should take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.
The survey is posted on the new TechCelerate Now website, which provides more information on the program, and will house the soon-to-be released TechCelerate Now “Return on Investment” calculator, which will allow users to see direct benefit-cost information specific to each carrier and driver.
The survey can be found on the TechCelerate Now website here.
