Newsletter Archive

FMCSA to downgrade CDLs for failed screenings

Plus: Trump, Harris stance on EVs | Discount on diesel

Another hurricane is on the way to Florida and that could spell trouble for areas still reeling from Helene's destruction. Personally impacted by the storm? We want to hear about it. Send a letter to the editor at editor@theinsidelane.co. Also, we got a bit choked up seeing this line of trucks headed to help last week.

Lots of news this week, so let's get into it.

Today's Lineup
🔷 Where Trump, Harris and their VPs stand on EVs.
🔷 Fleet owner hauled heroin and cocaine in hollowed-out axles.
🔷 Owner sued for telling female drivers to "wear booby shirts."
🔷 What happened to trucking during the 3-day port strike?
🔷 How to get a discount on diesel fuel.

INSIDE LOOK

Drivers to face CDL downgrades for failing drug tests

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration doesn't mess around when it comes to safe driving.

Under a new rule taking effect mid-November, state driver licensing agencies will be required to downgrade truckers' CDLs if they fail a drug or alcohol test. Affected drivers will have to go through multiple steps to get their CDL back.

"It’s going to go a long way toward helping us get more of these drivers off the road until they do the return-to-duty process," said Bryan Price, head of FMCSA's drug and alcohol programs division.

Why this matters: The FMCSA's second iteration of its Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse makes it harder for drivers to hide violations, raising the consequences for those who operate vehicles under the influence. Get more details at Transport Topics.

AMERICA ELECTS

VP candidates battle over energy, EVs

Sen. J.D. Vance and Gov. Tim Walz went head-to-head on clean energy and manufacturing during the vice presidential debate. Vance criticized the Biden administration’s policies, claiming they’ve hurt U.S. manufacturing and allowed China to lead in solar production. Walz, on the other hand, touted the job growth driven by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), highlighting new opportunities in electric vehicles and clean energy sectors.
Why this matters: Clean energy and manufacturing jobs are central to the debate, especially as the U.S. competes with China in the global EV market. Vance and Walz’s contrasting views reveal the high stakes for American industries and workers in the upcoming election. (The Detroit News)

FAST LANE

NEWS

Port strike is over, but trucking feels the effects

Dockworkers along the East and Gulf Coasts went back to work Friday after their union and employer reached a tentative labor deal. But the three-day strike still had repercussions for the trucking community. One Baltimore-based fleet said only three of its 20 drivers were able to work last Wednesday.

Why this matters: Drayage fleets rely on ports and container movement for business. When the wheels aren't turning, companies and drivers aren't earning. (CBS News)

Is trucking capacity finally starting to balance out?

More trucking firms exited the market than new fleets entered it in Q3, helping bring capacity more in balance with demand. FTR's Jonathan Starks said these numbers suggest "another mass exodus is upon us.”

Why this matters: Years of overcapacity have given shippers the upper hand and created rock-bottom trucking rates. If capacity is closer to equilibrium, higher rates may follow. (Trucking Dive)

App gives diesel discounts to small fleets, owner-operators

A new app, called 10-4 by WEX, offers discounts on diesel fuel to small trucking companies and independent owner-operators. Fleets can use the discounts at truck stops like Love's and 7-Eleven.

Why this matters: Fuel can cost small trucking firms as much as $70,000 every year. A few cents discount can add up to big savings over time. (Overdrive)