Freight rates in decline

LLN (2/13/19) – Freight rates are still in decline, but volumes firm up in February. Also, truckers on their own authority or in some small fleets get drug tested by a consortium, not a carrier. Diesel prices will remain stable through 2019, but changes are likely in 2020. And the Senate Commerce Committee discusses how we’ll transport goods in the future and how we’ll pay for it.

0:00-9:41 – Newscast

9:41-24:25 – Drug testing consortiums

24:25-39:22 – Freight rates in decline; diesel prices stable

39:22-49:08 – Transportation’s future

Segment 1

Newscast

• A new autonomous trucking start-up has achieved what investors are calling “unicorn” status by getting a tremendous amount of funding. Learn more about the automated vehicle issue in trucking:
  • Automated vehicles a hot topic at Transportation Research Board conference.
  • What does U.S. DOT’s Automated Vehicles 3.0 mean for trucking?
  • Oregon task force submits automated vehicle policy recommendation to legislature.
  • Report highlights legal, regulatory issues associated with future of automated vehicles.
• An Oregon truck driver faces possible jail time because the Idaho State Police say the load he was hauling was illegal marijuana. The company that owns the load – Blue Sky Scientific – says otherwise, and has sued the police to prove it. Read more about the case: Company sues Idaho patrol over hemp and seizure of truck.

Segment 2

Many truckers are tested for drugs through their carriers. But for those on their own authority, or even in some small fleets, testing is done by a consortium. Mark Reddig talks today with Leslie Butler and Amber Schweer of CMCI, OOIDA’s drug testing consortium.

• You can find more information on OOIDA’s CMCI services online.
• Or call the office at 800-288-3784.

Segment 3

Freight rates are still in decline, but volumes are firming up in February. Mary McKenna talks with Mark Montague of DAT.

• Visit the DAT website.
• Or you can call them at 800-547-5417.
• Be sure to check out their blog.
• Chat with them on Twitter.
• And find out more on the OOIDA Members Edge website.
• You can call OOIDA Members Edge at 866-487-8253.

Also, energy industry analyst Tom Kloza thinks diesel prices will remain stable through 2019. But a change in maritime fuel could cause a major drain on diesel supplies in 2020. Mary has our weekly update.

• Here is this week’s price report by Land Line Magazine, Average price for diesel across U.S. sits tight for a week.
• Find Daily Fuel Prices by ProMiles.
• To see how to compute your own fuel surcharge use OOIDA’s online Fuel Surcharge Calculator.
• To download OOIDA’s fuel surcharge app for Android Smartphones, click here.

Segment 4

House lawmakers started the conversation about infrastructure. Now, members of the Senate Commerce Committee are discussing how we’ll transport goods in the future and how we’ll pay for it. Mark Reddig talks with Nile Elam of OOIDA’s Washington, D.C., office.

• It’s never too late to share your views with lawmakers. You can do that at FightingForTruckers.com.
• To call members of Congress, dial 202-224-3121.
• Read OOIDA’s Guide to Contacting Lawmakers.