Helene's destruction takes a toll on trucking

The effects of Hurricane Helene are far-reaching, impacting not only the residents in its path but also the trucking industry. One trucking company has even launched a donation drive to help communities rebuild after the storm’s devastation.

Today's Lineup
🔷 Truck driver received a $30,000 award following investigation.
🔷 Annual roadcheck puts thousands of vehicles out of service.
🔷 A former trucking employee was charged with 150 felonies.
🔷 How trucking is reacting to the strike at East and Gulf Coast ports.
🔷 Congress earmarks hundreds of millions of dollars for FMCSA.

How Helene's wrath impacts the trucking industry

As rescue efforts are underway following Hurricane Helene, we're learning more about the storm's impact on fuel prices and flatbed demand. 

In western North Carolina, flooding washed out lanes of I-40, and the interstate won't reopen for a year.

Meanwhile, one trucking company is holding a donation drive to help communities in need. The storm devastated parts of the southeastern U.S., killing more than a 100 people. 

Why this matters: The trucking industry plays an essential role when natural disasters strike, from pre-storm prep to post-storm relief. At the same time, the sector is not immune to the destruction that storms can cause.

Get more details at Commercial Carrier Journal. 

• OVERSIZED LOAD: Trucker awarded $30K for wrongful termination
• ROADCHECK RESULTS: 8,000 vehicles taken out of service
• SAVE THE DATE: Best trucking events to attend next year
• GRAND THEFT: Ex-trucking employee charged with 150 felonies

After ILA strike, what happens to drayage carriers?

"You still have a family to feed, insurance to pay, gas bills to pay, and employees to pay for as well." -  Paul Woodfork, owner of Swift Eagle Trucklines

As dockworkers went on strike Tuesday, local drayage firms saw their own businesses grind to a halt. That was the case for Paul Woodfork, owner of Swift Eagle Trucklines, which hauls aluminum and solar panels to and from Port Houston. He spoke to a local news station about how he's trying to keep his business afloat. Watch the video here. 

One strike effect could be a bright spot for truckers
Trucking operations are no doubt facing disruption from the strike, but there could be a silver lining. Freight diverted to different seaports, or even to airports, still needs to be transported, creating demand on the spot market. 

Why this matters: Shippers will want to move inventory quickly, and trucking companies with available capacity can swoop in. (Overdrive)

Congress preps funds for key trucking issues

As the final quarter of the year begins, all eyes are on lawmakers and how they'll fund the Department of Transportation. Senate and House committees have earmarked hundreds of millions to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. 

Why this matters: Resources are finite. The question is whether trucking provisions will ultimately pass in the budget, or if they take a backseat to other issues. (Transport Topics)

How a family business became a 300-truck fleet

Samantha Bodnar’s grandfather started trucking company D.M. Bowman 65 years ago with a single truck. Now Bodnar, who says she was "voluntold" into the family business, is president of the company, focusing on everything from safety to AI to company culture. 

Why this matters: Trucking is often a legacy business, but it's just as important for leaders to modernize their operations and adapt to changing times. (Trucking Info)

Thanks for reading today's edition! You can reach the newsletter team at editor@theinsidelane.co. We can't always respond, but we do enjoy hearing from you.

Interested in advertising? Email us at newslettersales@mvfglobal.com

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here to get this newsletter twice a week. Be safe out there!

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