Newsletter Archive

What happens to trucking if there's a port strike?

Plus: Trump vs Harris donations | LTL gains market share

(Joseph Creamer/stock.adobe.com)

Insiders: Everyone’s keeping an eye on the ports to see if next week’s planned strike will throw the industry into chaos. In such a tightly connected world, when one piece stops, it’s not long before the effects are felt everywhere. -Bianca Prieto, editor

Today's Lineup
🔷 How much have trucking groups donated to Trump and Harris?
🔷 LTL is growing share while full truckload loses out.
🔷 A bandit is caught on video puncturing truck tires.
🔷 Trucking to Congress: Fund repairs of the Baltimore bridge.
🔷 The risks and rewards of telematics.
-written by Shefali Kapadia

⬆️$3.59 per gallon

AVG. COST OF DIESEL IN the U.S. AS OF 09/23, UP 0.01¢

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

INSIDE LOOK

(Joseph Creamer/stock.adobe.com)

Supply chain community prepares for ‘gridlock at the ports’

One week from today, there might be a massive disruption to East and Gulf Coast seaports, with the effects reverberating to shippers, carriers and everyone in between.

The International Longshoremen’s Association, the union which represents port and dock workers, is threatening to strike Oct. 1 if a new labor contract is not in place. Dozens of organizations have sounded alarm bells on the potential effects of a strike. State trucking associations, intermodal organizations and more penned a letter to President Biden expressing their concern.

Drayage truckers and trucking firms that transload containers won’t be able to pick up or drop off containers as scheduled. Then, when operations restart, truckers are bound to face traffic congestion near ports, long lines and lengthy wait times at terminals, and backlogs of containers.

“It’s just gridlock at the ports,” Jami Jones of Land Line Magazine said during a recent podcast.

Why this matters: Even a one-day strike can cause backups at ports, leading to delays for shippers and headaches for truckers.

Get more details on Supply Chain Dive.\

AMERICA ELECTS

Trucking sends its dollars to the Trump campaign

For this year’s election cycle, trucking donors have sent $733,918 to Donald Trump. Meanwhile, donations to Kamala Harris have totaled $102,321. Trucking groups have donated $8.8 million to political campaigns in this year’s election cycle, and about 85% of the funds went to Republican campaigns, including congressmen and senators. But all told, donations are far below the previous two elections; donors contributed $19.5 million to campaigns in the 2020 cycle and $9.7 million in 2016.

Why this matters: Trucking companies and groups often favor Republican policies toward regulation and taxes, and they’re showing their support with their wallets. (Overdrive)

FAST LANE

NEWS

Two trucking bills get greenlight from House committee

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved two trucking-related bills. One bill aims to fight freight fraud by clarifying the FMCSA's authority. The other bill requires the agency to establish guidelines for states in reviewing citation and violation challenges. Both pieces of legislation will move to the House floor.

Why this matters: Freight fraud creates an even tougher environment for small fleets trying to do business in a tepid freight environment. Efforts to eradicate fraud would help truckers and safety. (CCJ Digital)

Trucking groups: It’s time to fund Baltimore’s bridge rebuild

It’s been six months since the collapse of Baltimore’s Key Bridge. Now, several groups, including the American Trucking Associations and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, are calling on Congress to prioritize funding to replace the bridge. Since the collapse, traffic has been rerouted and truckers have faced bottlenecks traveling to and from the Port of Baltimore.

Why this matters: ATA’s and OOIDA’s interests don’t always align. In this case, the Baltimore bridge tragedy affects the entire community and all types of businesses. Fixing the bridge is in the best interest of fleets, no matter their size. (Truckers News)

Telematics opens the door to data — and cyber threats

Telematics systems offer plenty of data on performance, driver behavior and maintenance, all of which business owners run their operations more efficiently. But as networks and sensors become more connected, the risk of a cyberattack also increases.

Why this matters: Securing technology is just as essential as adopting technology, and the trucking sector has to proactively guard against potential threats as it increases its tech savvy. (FleetOwner)