Newsletter Archive

🚚 Why do drivers hate in-cab cameras -- and can that change?

Plus: Higher prices for parts, Calif. speed limits could change and more federally-mandated parking spots.

Driver-facing cameras are one of the hottest topics in the fleet industry and opinions vary based on who you ask. Our team here at The Inside Lane recently delved into this issue, and our research and interviews are highlighted in today's featured story summary.

Want to send us your own thoughts? Reply directly to this newsletter to reach our editorial team.

So without further delay, buckle up for today's edition of The Inside Lane.

Katie Parsons, Editor

Inside today's newsletter:
▶️ Driver-facing cameras: Finding balance
🚚 Federal funds address truck parking
📈 Parts and labor costs on the rise
🛣️ Calif. speed limits under scrutiny
🚲 Bike lanes squeeze truck space

Exclusive: How do drivers feel about driver-facing cameras?

Fleet owners and managers have spent years debating the pros and cons of driver-facing cameras (DFCs) - and an influx of companies providing the technology means that it remains a hot topic.

Advocates claim DFCs can cut costs and improve safety, but drivers aren’t so sure. A recent survey for The Inside Lane found 88% of drivers believe DFCs don't make their jobs any safer.

So, what does the data say? Fleet management tech provider Samsara claims DFCs deliver significant improvements in driver behavior while reducing collisions and insurance claims. The technology also benefits drivers, proving third-party fault in a crash and helping steer them away from bad habits. That human aspect could be a route to getting more drivers on board with DFCs.

Read our entire exclusive article at TheInsideLane.co.

🙂 GOOD DAY:

The US Department of Transportation has greenlit $292M in federal funding to improve truckers’ access to safe parking close to interstate routes. Projects include adding 900 spaces in Florida, improved facilities and information systems in Missouri and Wyoming, and a larger, reconstructed rest area in Washington.

How much will this improve parking? Read about it in TT News.

🙁 BAD DAY:

Predatory towing is back in the headlines, with a Chicago-based company demanding $41,000 to release a big rig it recovered on January 18. The driver claims his signature was forced on the invoice, and prices were not disclosed before the truck was towed.

Find out why it cost $41K on Jalopnik.

California senator proposes speed limit bill

California Senator Scott Wiener has proposed a bill that would electronically limit all vehicles to 10mph over the posted speed limit, hoping to curb rising traffic fatalities in the state.

The SAFER California Streets bill (SB-961) says vehicles could use a combination of GPS data and road signs to determine local limits, adding that drivers would be able to temporarily override the system when needed. It also suggests making underride guards mandatory for trucks - something that is also on NHTSA’s radar.

Check out details of the bill on The Drive.

Report: Uptick in parts and labor expenses for Q3 2023

Truck maintenance costs in Q3 2023 were 2.5% higher than during the same period of 2022, according to new analysis from the ATA and fleet data specialist Decisiv.

Labor rates increased by 4.9% during the year, due to an ongoing shortage of qualified technicians, while inflation caused a 0.9% rise in parts costs. The ATA says the data shows fleets need to pay close attention to their maintenance expenses.

Read ATA and Decisiv's detailed report on Trucker News.

FMCSA gives final notice to medical examiners for profile updates

The FMCSA has warned medical examiners that they have until February 24 to update their profile information on its online portal to avoid having their certification removed.

Almost 16,000 have not accessed their online accounts, despite reminders being sent out since June 2018. Medical examiners who are removed from the registry will be unable to carry out DOT physicals - but certificates issued beforehand won’t be invalidated.

Learn more about the urgent notice at CCJ Digital.

Quote of the Day:

“I often hear directly from truck drivers on the serious challenge of finding safe parking, and today, we are answering those concerns with more action.” -- US Transportation Secretary, Pete Buttigieg, announcing $292M of federal funding for better truck parking infrastructure.

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