Flatbed trailers connect small town

No bridge? No problem. A resourceful group of neighbors used two flatbed trailers to create a makeshift bridge in Elk Park, North Carolina after stormwater destroyed their original bridge. Never underestimate the power of "If there's a will, there's a way."

Plus, if you're looking for ways to lend a helping hand to areas in need of disaster relief, check out ALAN for a list of needs and how you can help.

Today's Lineup
🔷 Owner-operators can now get load board discounts.
🔷 80 semi trucks had their tires slashed at a Tennessee truck stop.
🔷 North Carolina residents get resourceful with flatbed trailers.
🔷 How is Hurricane Milton affecting the truck market?
🔷 DOT rule would "reduce regulatory burdens" for truck drivers.

How North Carolina residents are bridging the gap

"There's only one way in and one way out. You ain't getting no supply chain without a bridge." - John Priestino

After Hurricane Helene washed out bridges and roads in western North Carolina, the town of Elk Park was disconnected and struggling to get supplies. John Priestino and his neighbors banded together to build a makeshift bridge out of flatbed trailers. Watch how they did it here.

• 15% OFF: OOIDA teams with Truckstop for owner-op load board discounts
• HOLY COW: Driver hauling 100 cattle crashed, killing many cows
• SLASHED TIRES: 80 trucks had tires slashed at travel center
• FREIGHT FRAUD: Bill to fight fraud gets bipartisan support

Is one of your trucks being recalled?

Daimler and Navistar are recalling 1,700 trucks because of an issue with their engines, made by Cummins.

The fuel pumps and parts installed in those engines are susceptible to fracture. That could create a fuel leak, which in turn might cause the truck engine to fail. People around the truck might smell fuel, too. 

Why this matters: Both OEMs will work with Cummins to replace the pumps, free of charge to truck owners. But any vehicles taken out of service can still be disruptive, particularly to small fleets. Get more details at Truckers News. 

DOT proposes simplified rules for drivers hauling hazmat

A new proposed rule from the Department of Transportation would simplify communication requirements for fleets that haul hazardous materials, including fuel in tanker trucks. A key focus, according to the agency: "Reduce regulatory burdens for America’s truck drivers."

Why this matters: In an era of ELD mandates, emissions requirements and other regulations, a reduction in regulatory burdens is welcome news for fleets big and small. (U.S. Department of Transportation)

Trucking industry regresses on female drivers

Women made up just 10.7% of student drivers and trainees this year, down from 15% in 2022, per The National Transportation Institute. Overall in the trucking workforce, 9.5% of drivers are female, down from 12.1% last year.

"I have to admit I was disheartened," said NTI CEO Leah Shaver. 

Why this matters: Trucking needs to create a robust pipeline of talent and future truck drivers, and these numbers are a clear step backward. It doesn't help when some fleet owners make lewd comments toward their female drivers. (Trucking Dive)

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The Inside Lane is curated and written by Shefali Kapadia and edited by Bianca Prieto.