Brokers want driver selfies 🤳🏽

Brokers are tightening their carrier vetting processes to prevent freight fraud, but requiring driver selfies with DOT numbers is pushing some small fleets to their breaking point. Are you willing to snap a selfie?

Meanwhile in Iowa, a flatbed truck driver said he was fired from TMC Transportation for refusing to buzz his loc'd hairstyle. This is the second time the company has faced controversy over this issue. Shouldn't people be allowed to wear their hair how they want? 

P.S. We are launching a weekly newsletter for the construction industry called The Level. If you or someone you know is interested in signing up, head over to TheLevel.co and get on our list!

Today's Lineup
🔷 Which presidential candidate will the Teamsters endorse?
🔷 Trucking company owner sentenced to 25 years in prison.
🔷 Where traffic congestion has worsened most since pre-pandemic.
🔷 Congress passes bill to streamline military to trucking pipeline.
🔷 Hydrogen fuel-cell trucks are losing steam.

⬆️ $3.54

AVG. COST OF DIESEL PER GALLON IN U.S. AS OF 9/30, UP 0.005¢ Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

Fleets forced to jump through hoops in brokers' carrier vetting

Imagine this: A broker makes you provide live driver tracking, calls you at odd hours and asks for a selfie of your driver with the truck DOT number, just to secure a load. That's what some fleets are going through with brokers' new "carrier vetting" processes. 

"It is just pathetic," small fleet owner-operator Gabriel Scott wrote on LinkedIn, after experiencing an onerous process with a broker — one who he had already moved freight for in the past. Brokers, on the other hand, have their own reasons for the multi-step process.  

Why this matters: In the face of freight fraud, brokers want to ensure freight is secure. But the measures have become so extreme that they're creating headaches for small fleets.

 Get more details at Overdrive.

Does Trump or Harris get the Teamsters' endorsement?

The short answer is, neither. The labor union said Donald Trump and Kamala Harris haven't made enough commitments related to top Teamsters issues. 

Why this matters: Teamsters isn't enthused by either side. It hasn't seen serious commitments by the candidates to put working people ahead of big business. (Overdrive)

• STRIKE PREP: Drayage firms busy pulling containers from ports
• 25 YEARS: Trucking owner sentenced in drug pipeline investigation
• TRAFFIC JAM: The worst cities and metro areas for congestion
• SURVEY SAYS: Transportation Institute asks drivers 20 questions

Military veterans get expanded access to CDL training

A bill that removes key hurdles for veterans looking to get their commercial driver's license has passed in the House. Now, the bill is on its way to the president's desk, where it's expected to be signed.

Why this matters: Veterans coming back stateside need jobs, and trucking needs more drivers. This bill breaks down barriers, creating a clear pathway from military to trucking. (FreightWaves)

The e-commerce era means new tech for truckers

Dropping off full pallets to a distribution center is no longer a truck's sole job. With online shopping continuing to grow, trucking plays a big role, and fleets need to scrap the manual logs and paper checks to keep up, says a Forbes council member. 

Why this matters: Trucking is essential to the first and last mile of the supply chain, but fleets will fall behind if they stick with outdated processes. (Forbes)

Battery-electric trucks are beating out fuel cells

OEMs like Nikola and Toyota have poured efforts into developing hydrogen fuel-cell trucks, but those vehicles are capturing just a tiny share of the market. Battery EVs are the clear winner on the road to zero emissions.

Why this matters: This all might be moot, because overall EV adoption rates are still minuscule, likely due to up-front costs and a lack of charging infrastructure. (Bloomberg)

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