Autonomous vehicles won't be humanless in California
Plus: Will Dems push too hard on truck regs?
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Today's Lineup
🔷 Electric truck batteries spark safety concerns.
🔷 Drivers get tickets for filming while driving.
🔷 Will Democrats push too hard on truck regulations?
🔷 Meet the ultimate multi-tasking beer truck.
🔷 A solution to truck parking woes?
-Written by Shefali Kapadia
California says 'yes' to drivers in AVs
Fully autonomous trucks won't be frequenting the freeways any time soon. The California Senate approved a requirement that large autonomous vehicles must have a 'safety driver' on board. The bill is advancing to the governor's desk.
Under the proposed legislation, AV companies would have to provide more information on safety, especially when a driver takes over from the autonomous system. It would also mandate the California legislature and governor to sign off on any shifts to driverless operations.
Why this matters: This is the latest showdown over AV regulations, in a state where many companies are innovating in autonomous technology. Unions and labor advocates have decried the safety of autonomous trucks, while AV lobbying groups blasted the proposed legislation.
Get more details from Trucking Dive.
- SPARKING CONCERNS: DOT meeting posed EV battery safety issues
- TRUCKERS TICKETED: 18 cited for filming rollover crash while driving
- FREIGHT FRAUD: Former trucking company owner pleads guilty
- REVOLVING DOOR: Ex-Forward Air CEO joins truck maker Nikola
Would Democrats push EV regulations? As the election inches closer, analysts are sharing their views on what might happen in the trucking industry under either a Harris or Trump presidency.
Dean Croke of DAT Freight & Analytics wondered if a Democratic administration might push forward regulations based on environmental issues, which could be too costly for small businesses or owner operators.
Croke said Republican administrations typically place more value on trucking, but Trump imposing tariffs would be "very destructive" for freight markets.
Why this matters: Trucking is an essential service no matter which political party is in power, but various regulations could create or ease headaches for the industry.
THE ULTIMATE CRAFT BEER TRUCK
"This innovative vehicle is designed not just for transportation, but to enhance the beer-drinking experience," - Brian Tabel, Isuzu Commercial Truck of America
A conversation at a brewery turned into a new product. The brewery owners were using separate trucks and vans to deliver and pour beer at events. There were jackknifes, popped tires, and lots of insurance costs. Isuzu decided it was time to make a dual-action workhorse that could haul and pour beer. Watch the episode of Medium-Duty at Large here.
Small carriers make a comeback
As the busy holiday season approaches, smaller carriers are reentering the market. Trucking rates are on the rise, and transportation capacity increased in August.
“The prices are still nowhere near the highs of 2020-2021, but it is a marked shift from the 18 consecutive months of contraction from July 2022-December 2023,” per The Logistics Managers’ Index.
Why this matters: Capacity has waned with smaller carriers exiting the market over the last two years. An uptick in capacity and rates signals the freight market could be on the road to recovery. (FreightWaves)
Should truck parking be mandatory?
When new warehouses are built, should it be mandatory for the construction to include trucking parking bullpens? The industry has mixed feelings. Some say additional regulation is not what the sector needs, while others note that ample parking is critical to keep truck drivers safe.
Why this matters: A dearth of truck parking spaces across the U.S. has led drivers to park wherever they can, sometimes in unsafe conditions. But is government regulation the answer? (Overdrive)
Intermodal's slow return
If your company hauls intermodal freight to or from railyards, any slowdowns or halts in business should restart soon. Canada's rail carriers have resumed operations, following strikes among union workers.
Why this matters: For drayage carriers taking containers from port to rail, or trucking firms hauling freight from railyard to warehouse, any stoppage in rail traffic can be just as disruptive for trucking. A return to normal operations is in the near future. (Supply Chain Dive)
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