Newsletter Archive

'Harm. Fraud. Failure. Driver oppression.'

Plus: NY truckers adjust to fresh regulatory changes

When regulations change, pivoting can be a headache. New York offers plenty of business opportunities for trucking firms, between the port and the state's large population, but regulations like the new congestion pricing can throw a wrinkle into operations. We spoke to Kendra Hems, president of the Trucking Association of New York, to learn more. Plus, it's not science fiction: Driverless RoboTrucks really just delivered 100 loads.

⬇️$3.659

AVG. COST OF DIESEL PER GALLON IN U.S. AS OF 01/27, DOWN 0.056¢

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

SPOTLIGHT

Lessons from New York’s trucking industry challenges

With more than 113,000 trucking companies and one of the United States' largest seaports, New York is a big state for the trucking industry. New York City recently implemented congestion pricing, which affects cars and trucks, making the job even busier for Kendra Hems, president of the Trucking Association of New York. We spoke to Hems about congestion pricing and what it's like to operate a trucking business in the state of New York. -Shefali Kapadia

What's your organization's top priority right now?

We have competing priorities that both live in the top spot. With the implementation of congestion pricing in New York City, we are focused on addressing the inequitable tolling structure that targets the trucking industry. We have filed a lawsuit against the NYC Metropolitan Transportation Authority claiming they are in violation of provisions of the U.S. Commerce Clause.

We are also pushing back on the state's implementation of the Advanced Clean Truck rule, which mandates the sales of zero-emission vehicles.

What do you hope the Trump administration will focus on that benefits fleets?

We need leadership to bring a commonsense approach to the transition to near-zero and zero-emission vehicles. We all share the goal of addressing emissions and the impact on the climate, however unreasonable mandates that are hyper-focused on one technology will only create massive disruptions in the supply chain. Discussions should focus on developing achievable goals that take the diversity and unique needs of the trucking industry into consideration. Near term, incentivizing companies to purchase new clean diesel vehicles and utilize renewable fuels will have an immediate reduction in emissions without creating economic burdens.

What's something unique about truck operations in New York that's different from other states or that other areas may not understand?

From the trucking industry's perspective, we aren't much different from other states. However, the burdensome business climate stands out. A recent Tax Foundation report ranked New York second only to New Jersey for the worst business tax climate in the country. The high cost of being based in New York makes it hard to compete with businesses in more business-friendly states. New York is one of just five states still imposing a Highway Use Tax on commercial vehicles. Most of our members are smaller, multi-generational companies, and any new fee, tax or regulation can significantly impact their operations.

What's a tech tool or app your members say they can't live without?

Selfishly, I would hope they say TANY's mobile app! We deal with many truck restrictions in the northeast during the winter months and we use our mobile app to keep members updated on road restrictions in New York and our surrounding states.

Aside from that, I suspect it would be telematics to help with routing, compliance and credentialing. It is amazing to see how the industry has embraced technology to improve efficiency and productivity.

FAST LANE

SEEN & HEARD

"Every day I sit here, I lose thousands of dollars." - Marloes Shoulders, owner-operator

Shoulders was parked at a Flying J Travel Center in Georgia when he went back to his truck and found 18 of his tires slashed. "They stabbed pretty much every vehicle that was in the parking lot," he told Land Line in an interview. Shoulders, along with many other drivers, filed reports with the sheriff's office. All together, the claims revealed more than $52,000 in alleged damages to seven trucks. Watch and listen to Shoulders' full story here.

NEWS

ATA chairman tells Congress to repeal FET

Dennis Dellinger, chair of the American Trucking Associations, is calling on lawmakers to get rid of the federal excise tax, a 12% tax (which has been around for more than 100 years) on the sale of most heavy-duty trucks and trailers.

Why this matters: Opponents of the FET say the tax adds thousands of dollars to the costs of new tractors and trailers, creating a burden for fleet execs and disincentivizing new, cleaner and safer equipment. (Trucks, Parts, Service)

More than 1,000 Peterbilt, Kenworth trucks under recall

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration identified several models of Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks that are being recalled. The problem: slow responsiveness or stickiness of the throttle pedal.

Why this matters: A stuck throttle pedal increases the risk of a crash, making it critical for fleets to address the recall on their trucks as soon as possible. (Truckers News)

J.B. Hunt leaders foresee higher insurance, workforce costs

Inflation isn't over for the trucking industry, according to J.B. Hunt's CFO. The trucking giant expects continued pressure on costs like workforce and insurance premiums.

Why this matters: Despite safety improvements at individual trucking companies, legal settlements and nuclear verdicts keep driving up the cost of insurance industry-wide. (Trucking Dive)