Latest Industry News Briefs Courtesy of PMTA
Trucking Industry Urges Whole-of-Government Response to Stop Cargo Thieves
Washington, DC… San Antonio trucking company owner and American Trucking Associations member Adam Blanchard was on Capitol Hill recently y to testify before a Senate Commerce Subcommittee about rising incidents of cargo theft.
Senators on the subcommittee recently launched a hearing to investigate this proliferating criminal enterprise that is costing the supply chain up to $35 billion annually and raising consumer prices. Strategic theft has risen 1,500% since the first quarter of 2021, and the average value per theft is over $200,000. Blanchard’s business has been victimized multiple times by cargo thieves. He has also had to contend with complex identity scams by criminals impersonating his business to divert shipments and steal from other motor carriers.
Blanchard founded Double Diamond Transport and a brokerage, Tanager Logistics, in 2014 with one truck. Today, he operates about 90 trucks. His business has created dozens of good jobs and has been recognized by Inc. Series 5000 as one of the fastest-growing private companies in San Antonio.
“Like most small business owners, we faced daily challenges, yet we were blessed with an exceptional team. Together, we persevered and built a company that everyone in our organization can be proud of,” said Adam Blanchard, co-founder and CEO of Double Diamond Transport and Tanager Logistics. “About a year ago, our American Dream turned into a nightmare when some unscrupulous criminals stole our identity. By capitalizing on our good name, they tarnished the sterling reputation we had spent a decade to earn.”
Cargo theft comes in many forms, whether it is imitating a legitimate company, pilfering goods over time, breaking into a parked tractor-trailer, double-brokering fraud, or holding freight hostage. Blanchard described to Senators how sophisticated criminals created a fake Tanager Logistics—even adding their bogus company to FMCSA’s SAFER website—and brokered loads to unsuspecting carriers. One shipment of energy drinks worth over six figures was rerouted over 1,000 miles from its intended destination.
Blanchard’s company—the real Tanager Logistics—played whack-a-mole and suffered reputational damage while the scammers pocketed the money. When Blanchard repeatedly contacted the authorities, however, the response he received was indifference. Even when he informed FMCSA about the counterfeit Tanager Logistics on its website, the agency refused to remove the imposter.
“We sought to report these crimes, but kept hitting dead ends with federal, state, and local law enforcement; federal regulators; and insurance,” Blanchard said. “We did our due diligence, but the message was clear: you are on your own.”
Due to the complex, multi-jurisdictional nature of these crimes, only the federal government has the resources and technical capabilities to take down organized theft groups. Blanchard made several recommendations to Senators on solutions they could pursue immediately:
* Direct FMCSA to remove illegitimate carriers from their official website.
* Pass the Safeguarding Our Supply Chains Act, which would establish a federal task force dedicated to cargo theft.
* Pass the Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act, which would strengthen penalties against bad actors and protect consumers.
“Currently, criminals view trucking as a low-risk, high-reward target. We must invert that calculus,” Blanchard said. “Trucking is a tough business, and we have no shortage of grit and determination. But our industry is simply not equipped to deal with organized theft groups on our own… Congress must provide agency guidance and resources to combat criminals who are exploiting small businesses that families spent years, decades, or even generations to build.”
Trucking Industry Supports Bill to End EV Mandates, Restore Commonsense at EPA
The trucking industry welcomed the introduction of the Transportation Freedom Act, legislation authored by Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) and endorsed by the American Trucking Associations. The bill would roll back costly electric truck mandates, eliminate arbitrary state emissions waivers, and restore a balanced regulatory framework for the trucking industry.
This legislation includes key provisions that ATA has actively supported, including the repeal of the Phase 3 greenhouse gas standards, which mandate the sale of electric trucks, and the elimination of California’s ability to set de facto national emissions policy. These changes represent a critical step towards ensuring that future regulations are achievable, technology-neutral, and do not jeopardize the stability of America’s supply chain.
“Sixty trucks today emit the same amount as one truck manufactured in 1988. The trucking industry has proven our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint, but in recent years, some regulators have turned their backs on the collaborative model that made this monumental progress possible,” said American Trucking Associations President & CEO Chris Spear. “The trucking industry commends Senator Bernie Moreno for introducing the Transportation Freedom Act, which would restore commonsense at EPA and put an end to states like California creating a patchwork of unachievable timelines and targets. His legislation will prevent price hikes for consumers, allow innovation to flourish, and foster achievable national standards that put us back on the path to lowering emissions without causing supply chain disruptions.”
Trucks today produce 99% fewer nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions than those on the road decades ago, and new trucks cut carbon emissions by over 40 percent compared to a truck manufactured in 2010. As a result, 60 of today’s trucks emit what just one truck did in 1988.
The trucking industry supported the Environmental Protection Agency’s Phase 1 and Phase 2 greenhouse gas regulations and worked collaboratively with the agency to set aggressive but achievable emission reduction goals on reasonable timelines. EPA’s Phase 3 rule marked a sharp departure from this successful partnership, setting unrealistic adoption rates for battery-electric trucks. Waivers EPA granted to California for its onerous Advanced Clean Trucks and Omnibus NOx rules added further complexity and set the trucking industry up for failure.
According to a study commissioned by the Clean Freight Coalition, full electrification of the U.S. commercial truck fleet would require nearly $1 trillion in infrastructure investment alone. A report by the American Transportation Research Institute identified the many challenges related to U.S. electricity supply and demand, electric vehicle production and truck charging requirements.
Trucking Industry Praises End of NYC’s Congestion Tolling
Washington, DC… American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear issued the following statement thanking the Trump Administration for ending New York’s scheme to punish hard-working truckers who make essential deliveries to Manhattan businesses and residences:
“We commend President Trump and Secretary Duffy for terminating this disastrous tolling scheme.
"Truckers don't drive into Manhattan to sightsee. They do it because customers depend on them. The deliveries they make are essential to businesses and residents and keep New York City running.
“Truckers deserve our gratitude. Instead, New York imposed a $21.60 toll — eventually climbing to $36 — each time they crossed south of 60th Street. Even worse, the proceeds of this shakedown were not dedicated to improving roads and bridges but rather subsidized a bloated and mismanaged transit bureaucracy that has proven unable to control spiraling costs. New York’s subways were never going to deliver the city’s freight.
“The American Trucking Associations was proud to support the Trucking Association of New York’s leadership in their successful fight against this unfair policy. We also appreciate the Trump Administration restoring the original intent of the Value Pricing Pilot Program, which does not give states carte blanche ability to toll. Ending this program will remove an unjust hardship on truckers servicing New York.”
Monitor Preclearance Devices In Oregon To Avoid Citations And Audits
SALEM, OR… Does your trucking company use preclearance devices to bypass roadside weigh stations? These services provide an efficient solution to the industry for weighing trucks in motion, saving time, fuel and money. However, when left unmonitored, they may lead to a roadside citation and unnecessary audit of your reported taxes.
Educate your drivers and office support staff that preclearance devices are registered to a specific power unit and should never be moved from unit to unit without being properly updated. If a driver fails to update their device or log out as they move it from Truck A to Truck B, it will result in false “hits” or bypass readings of Truck A when the device is in Truck B. These false readings will appear as evidence of non-reported miles in Oregon. If your company is unable to justify the incorrect readings, you may be liable for unpaid tax for Truck A.
Our recommendation: Always update all preclearance devices with Oregon when moving them from one unit to another.
For help determining authorized alternate routes, contact the agency’s Over Dimension Permit Unit, (503) 373-0000, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. For current construction and travel information, visit www.tripcheck.com or dial 511.
New API Resource Page Provides Insights on Purchasing and Storing Diesel Exhaust Fluid
WASHINGTON, DC… The American Petroleum Institute (API) has launched a new resource page that provides crucial information on Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) quality, purchasing, and storage. The information is tailored to meet the needs of consumers and professionals in trucking, agriculture, construction and other industries that operate diesel-powered trucks and equipment that require DEF.
“The API DEF Consumer Guidance offers consumers and drivers, fleet managers and others clear guidance to ensure optimal performance and compliance with emissions standards,” said Bill O’Ryan, Senior Manager-EOLCS/DEF with API. “This crucial information is designed to help expand industry knowledge and operational efficiency.”
This resource page details the importance of using high-quality DEF, explaining the characteristics of properly formulated DEF and the potential risks associated with substandard products. Using API licensed DEF can ensure that it meets the high standards required by engine and vehicle manufacturers. The DEF resource page can help professionals make informed decisions that protect their valued investments and contribute to a cleaner environment.
In addition to quality guidelines, practical advice on purchasing and storing DEF is offered. Truck drivers, farmers, construction managers and others operating diesel-powered vehicles and equipment can access expert recommendations on sourcing DEF from reputable suppliers, ensuring product integrity from purchase to application. The page also outlines best practices for storing DEF, highlighting considerations such as temperature control and contamination prevention to maintain fluid efficacy. A downloadable Do’s and Don’ts Guide for DEF storage is available as a resource for consumers and shops.
Additional information and guidance will be added, and consumers and industry professionals are encouraged to bookmark and visit the resource page regularly to keep up on information about purchasing, using and storing API certified DEF.
For more information, please visit API DEF Consumer Guidance.
CVSA’s International Roadcheck Scheduled for May 13-15
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) International Roadcheck is scheduled for May 13-15. International Roadcheck is a high-visibility, high-volume commercial motor vehicle and driver inspection and regulatory compliance enforcement initiative that takes place over three days in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Law enforcement personnel will inspect commercial motor vehicles and drivers at weigh/inspection stations, temporary sites and mobile patrols to verify regulatory compliance. Data from the 72 hours of International Roadcheck will be collected and the results will be released this summer.
Each year, International Roadcheck places special emphasis on a driver violation category and a vehicle violation category. During International Roadcheck, inspectors will primarily conduct the North American Standard Level I Inspection, a 37-step procedure that includes an examination of driver operating requirements and vehicle mechanical fitness. While all 37 steps will be completed, as usual, inspectors will also pay close attention to the driver’s record of duty status (RODS) and the vehicle’s tires.
Driver Focus Area
Hours-of-service (HOS) regulations are in place to safeguard transportation safety by limiting driving hours and mandating adequate rest breaks to ensure commercial motor vehicle drivers have the opportunity to get the rest they need, thereby preventing crashes and incidents caused by fatigue.
To ensure compliance with HOS regulations, drivers must accurately reflect their times and duty statuses in their RODS, which is a log that a commercial motor vehicle driver must maintain to record their driving activity. Failure to record, complete or retain the log, or knowingly falsifying logs or other related reports, is not only a driver out-of-service violation, it also makes the driver and/or carrier liable to prosecution.
During the driver portion of an inspection, inspectors check the driver’s documents, license or commercial driver’s license, medical examiner’s certificate and skill performance certificate (if applicable), record of duty status, Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse status (in the U.S.), seat belt usage, and alcohol and/or drug impairment. If an inspector identifies driver out-of-service violations, they place the driver out of service, restricting that driver from operating their vehicle.
Vehicle Focus Area
The importance of proper tire maintenance cannot be overstated. Tire failure while in transit is a hazard to all motorists. It is also far more expensive and time consuming for motor carriers to repair an in-transit tire failure versus proactively maintaining tire health and addressing tire issues before the vehicle is on the road.
During International Roadcheck, inspectors will check tires’ tread depth and proper inflation. They will also be on the lookout for tire damage, such as air leaks, tread separation, cuts, bulges, sidewall damage and improper repairs.
During the vehicle portion of the Level I Inspection, inspectors ensure the vehicle’s brake systems, cargo securement, coupling devices, driveline/driveshaft components, driver’s seat, fuel and exhaust systems, frames, lighting devices, steering mechanisms, suspensions, tires, wheels, rims, hubs, and windshield wipers are compliant with applicable regulations. Inspections of motorcoaches, passenger vans and other passenger-carrying vehicles also include the examination of emergency exits, seating, and electrical cables and systems in the engine and battery compartments.
A vehicle that successfully passes a Level I or V Inspection without any critical vehicle inspection item violations may receive a CVSA decal, which is valid for up to three months.
If out-of-service violations are found during an inspection, as outlined in the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria, the vehicle is restricted from operating until all out-of-service violations have been properly addressed.
As part of International Roadcheck, inspectors may also be available to answer questions about tire health and violations, and to help drivers navigate the HOS regulations in their jurisdictions.
In case of inclement weather or other limiting circumstances during the three days of International Roadcheck, a jurisdiction or an inspector may opt to conduct a limited Level II Walk-Around Driver/Vehicle Inspection or Level III Driver/Credential/Administrative Inspection, instead of a Level I Inspection. Level II and III Inspections are not eligible for a CVSA decal.
CVSA is a nonprofit organization comprised of local, state, provincial, territorial and federal commercial motor vehicle safety officials and industry representatives in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. The Alliance aims to prevent commercial motor vehicle crashes, injuries and fatalities and believes that collaboration between government and industry improves road safety and saves lives. Its mission is to improve commercial motor vehicle safety and enforcement by providing guidance, education and advocacy for enforcement and industry across North America.
ATA Truck Tonnage Index Unchanged in January
Washington, DC… Trucking activity in the United States was unchanged in January, despite a myriad factors that depressed freight volumes around the country, according to the American Trucking Associations’ advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index.
“After declines in November and December totaling 1.7%, tonnage was unchanged in January” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. “This outcome is impressive considering the massive winter storm that brought cold temperatures and significant snowfalls to large parts of the country, including those that rarely see such storms. Furthermore, the terrible wildfires in California likely also caused freight disruptions. Softness in manufacturing and retail sales continue to be a drag on truck freight volumes as well, so the fact tonnage was flat is a positive sign.”
In January, the ATA advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index equaled 111.9 the same as December. The index, which is based on 2015 as 100, was up 0.3% from the same month last year, the first year-over-year increase since August.
The not seasonally adjusted index, which calculates raw changes in tonnage hauled, equaled 110 in January, 1.1% above December’s reading of 108.9.
ATA recently revised the seasonally adjusted index back five years as part of its annual revision.
Trucking serves as a barometer of the U.S. economy, representing 72.7% of tonnage carried by all modes of domestic freight transportation, including manufactured and retail goods. Trucks hauled 11.27 billion tons of freight in 20241. Motor carriers collected $906 billion, or 76.9% of total revenue earned by all transport modes.
Both indices are dominated by contract freight, as opposed to traditional spot market freight. The tonnage index is calculated on surveys from its membership and has been doing so since the 1970s. This is a preliminary figure and subject to change in the final report issued around the 5th day of each month. The report includes month-to-month and year-over-year results, relevant economic comparisons, and key financial indicators.