Marijuana is becoming a popular choice for truck drivers. While the job requires a sound mind at all times, many drivers are getting in trouble. The use of cannabis is causing concerns among the trucking industry. With so many drivers utilizing the plant in their off-hours, concern for driver safety is increasing. The first monthly report for the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse is producing some worrisome numbers. Marijuana remains the…

CA - The state is looking to change the trucking industry by requiring over 100,000 new electric trucks over the next 10 years. The state of California is one of the most environmentally progressive states in the country. With having some of the highest smog regulations, they spearhead the US's environmental issues. Well, now that companies like Tesla and their (albeit slightly ripped off competitor) Nikola are hitting the market,…

The FMCSA has set forth new hours of service for truck drivers across the country. While many drivers are becoming stretched thin while fighting the frontlines of COVID-19, the FMCSA is ensuring a more stable work environment. “America’s truckers are doing a heroic job keeping our supply chains open during this unprecedented time and these rules will provide them greater flexibility to keep America moving,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine…

Bureaucracy often elicits groans and frustration from those forced to interact with it. For truckers, regulations require them to seek various forms and approvals to conduct their work. While it keeps the industry organized and protects truckers as well as motorists on the road, it often causes headaches. However, in a move towards simplification, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration decided to consolidate the use of personal identification numbers to…

Despite the economic downturn, business in the trucking industry continues to rumble on. While demand for large items dropped, shipping essential goods increased, keeping the industry busy. As a result, revenue increased for one of the country's largest trucking companies, J.B. Hunt. However, profit actually tumbled in the same period. By comparison, freight in March of 2020 rose 32 percent over March of last year. The increase in demand prompted…

In an effort to maintain expedient chains of supply, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration last month eased hours of service regulations for orders of essential supplies. On Wednesday, the FMCSA announced an extension of the hours of service waiver out to the middle of next month. The original waiver sought to provide emergency relief supplies across the nation. Stipulations required transported goods be in some fashion related to the…

Nearly all industries face a difficult road ahead. The economic impact of the global pandemic hits both supply and demand sides, as well as the bridge between the two. Shipping dropped substantially in the early days of the outbreak. With manufacturing down in China, where the outbreak began, imports and subsequent freight from Southern California fell precipitously. Now, the federal government offers loans to both small trucking companies and owner-operators…

As the spread of the novel coronavirus impacts the global economy, truckers in Southern California face difficult roads ahead. To compensate, some companies resort to layoffs. Los Angeles serves as a hub for international trade. Transpacific shipping ferries cargo between China and the United States. As the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak, China's industries took a major blow as quarantines limited production. Manufacturers overseas drastically reduced their output. Thus, trade…

After 12 years of trucking and warehouse operation, Michael Dusi Trucking and Michael Dusi Logistics Warehouse, Inc., otherwise collectively referred to as MDL Logistics, closed down Friday. The sudden closure took workers by surprise. The end follows a 2-year period of management by a private equity firm many blame for the unfortunate turn of events. Consisting of 45 power units and 120,000 square feet of warehouse space, MDL Logistics' closing…

Wuhan, China - The Coronavirus - which has spread to almost 17,000 people so far, has put more strain on markets outside of the country. With a large percentage of exports from China now on hold due to influenza, many shippers and trucking professionals around the world are feeling the impact of a quarantined city. Exports from Wuhan as well as the surrounding cities that are also under the quarantine…