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      Monthly Archives - April 2023

      Reimagining Trade and Transport: Impactful Stories from the Trucking World

      In today’s rapidly changing world, supply chains are undergoing significant transformations as they adapt to the evolving landscape of global trade. The aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic has prompted businesses to reevaluate their strategies, focusing on resilience, regionalization, and supplier diversification. As companies balance the trade-offs between minimizing risks and costs, they must also contend with the expansion of environmental regulations and the increasing focus on sustainability. This article will explore the ways in which supply chains are being reinvented, the impact of the pandemic on the trucking industry, and the challenges faced by businesses in adopting cleaner transportation technologies. With the use of relevant keywords and SEO optimization, this article aims to engage and inform readers on the latest trends and developments in supply chain management and the trucking industry. Driving Towards Emission Objectives: Lawmakers and Truckers Push for Tax Repeal The Biden administration’s push for cleaner vehicles and reduced emissions faces a challenge in the form of a century-old tax on new heavy-duty trucks thats origins date back all the way to World War I. This 12% federal excise tax, which is added to the first sale of heavy trucks used on highways, significantly increases the upfront cost of acquiring clean trucks. Industry advocates, however, believe that with lawmakers’ emphasis on and interest in clean vehicles could ultimately pave the way for rethinking this long-standing tax for the current state of the industry. Aiming for Equitable and Affordable Clean Fleets The federal excise tax impacts the affordability of new technologies such as battery-electric and alternative fuel vehicles. By eliminating the tax, the initial cost of purchasing trucks that utilize these technologies could be reduced by tens of thousands of dollars. While there is a clear push to repeal the tax, small fleet owners are growing more concerned about the potential loss of Highway Trust Fund revenue. The Highway Trust Fund is part of the Federal-Aid Highway Act and is used to finance the construction, maintenance, and improvement of the nation’s highways and transportation infrastructure overall. For most of its history, funds have mainly come from taxes on gas. However, with the rise of fuel-efficient and electric vehicles, revenue from gas taxes has seen a steady decline year after year. A Balancing Act for Small and Large Carriers  Repealing the excise tax would likely primarily benefit larger carriers, enabling them to purchase new trucks, while smaller carriers continue to struggle to afford the new rigs that meet current emissions and operating standards. Small trucking businesses worry that they may be forced to pay higher taxes without the excise tax, giving larger carriers even more of a competitive advantage. However, advocates of the repeal argue that removing the tax could benefit all carriers and help achieve cleaner air on the way to a zero-emission future. A Possible Tax Repeal Amid Cleaner Transportation Initiatives  Increased interest in cleaner transportation and resolving supply chain issues may lead to legislation repealing the tax during this Congress. As the Senate is expected to vote on a resolution addressing smog-forming emissions, the support for the trucking industry indicates a potential shift in lawmakers’ priorities. 🔗 Read the full article here. Reinventing the Supply Chain: Adapting to the Evolving Landscape of Global Trade In the aftermath since the Covid-19 pandemic, global supply chains are still experiencing significant shifts. While the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Global Supply Chain Pressure Index indicates a return to stability, experts argue that this doesn’t necessarily mean a return to the old ways. Instead, many companies are adapting to broader, long-lasting changes in supply chain management, focusing on resilience, regionalization, and supplier diversification. Transforming the Supply Chain Landscape These post-pandemic supply chains are now being built with an emphasis on regionalization, ensuring production is as close to the target markets as possible. Businesses are taking this even further and are diversifying their supplier bases, moving away from the common practice of single-sourcing, as well as incorporating new automation advancements in various aspects of their operations. These changes aim to make supply chains more resistant to disruption and marks the single most significant shift in supply chain management since China’s entry into the World Trade Organization all the way back in 2001. Balancing Risks and Costs As companies begin to reevaluate their sourcing strategies, they must consider the trade-off between minimizing risks versus minimizing costs. All the while, the expansion of environmental regulations and increasing focus on sustainability add not only complexity but additional expense to the process. The just-in-time principle, which has long championed lean inventories, may become much less prevalent as businesses continue recognize the value of buffer stock and greater regionalization of production in order to minimize risks faced over these unpredictable years. Lessons Learned and Lasting Impact The accelerated adoption of technology during the pandemic will likely have a long and lasting impact on supply chains. However, there is a greater lesson to take from this unraveling situation and it lies in how exactly companies adapted and responded to the pandemic strains, learning to be more nimble and capable than previously thought. This newfound agility may inadvertently prove to be the most impactful takeaway from the Covid-19 crisis. 🔗 Read the full article here! Manchin Joins Republican Push to Reverse Biden’s Truck Pollution Rule Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) joins Republicans in a bid to overturn a Biden administration rule aimed at limiting pollution from heavy-duty trucks. Voicing concerns over the impact on the trucking industry and supply chains, Manchin supports a resolution to nullify the regulation, calling it “government overreach.” The rule in question aims to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides, which can harm the respiratory system, with the EPA claiming that the limitations could prevent thousands of premature deaths and childhood asthma cases by 2045. Economic and Political Ramifications Manchin’s opposition to the EPA rule highlights the potential consequences for the trucking industry, including increased costs and the threat it creates for small trucking companies. In an era of high inflation and already vulnerable supply…

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      Battery Breakthrough: Double Density Batteries Leave Diesel in the Dust?

      Breakthrough Battery Tech Doubles Electric Truck Range: Debunking ATA’s Resistance A groundbreaking announcement from battery giant CATL is set to revolutionize the electric trucking industry, challenging the American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) claims about electric trucks. CATL, which owns 34% of global battery market share, unveiled a 500 Wh/kg battery with plans to utilize it for both aviation and automotive use. This new battery technology offers almost double the energy density of Tesla’s Panasonic batteries, which have dominated the market for years. CATL’s Game-Changing Battery The unveiling of CATL’s new battery has the potential to send ripples throughout the industry and could offer the extra needed push for a major electrification of the trucking industry. The potential of this new tech cannot be understated, to really put it in perspective, this advancement has the ability to allow the current existing model of Tesla Semi’s to reach a range of around 900 miles, a significant improvement over its already impressive 500-mile range. This is a crucial development in the electric vehicle industry, as higher energy density means longer ranges and ultimately would lead to a much more proactive and faster adoption of electric trucks. ATA’s False Claims? Recent claims made by Andrew Boyle, first vice chair of the ATA, to Congress have been been drawing attention after concerns for their accuracy were raised. For starters, he stated that current battery-electric semi trucks only have a range of between 150-330 miles, this is easily debunked given that the Tesla Semi is already delivering significantly more than this. He then went on to also overestimated the weight of the required battery packs along with the time it would take to charge them. These inaccuracies have been categorized as a downplay of the incredible advancements being made by the driven minds already dedicated to the electric trucking industry. The Real Cost of Electric Trucks Boyle’s claims didn’t stop there, claiming that battery-electric trucks would cost a staggering $300,000 more than a traditional diesel semi. However, Tesla’s projections as well as their now fulfilled semi orders indicate that the true cost is actually around $150,000 – $180,000 for the 300 and 500-mile range vehicles, respectively. While this is slightly more expensive than the current diesel offerings, with a mid-market semi costing around $150,000, the Tesla Semi additionally touts savings upwards of $200,000 over its lifetime, positioning it as a very lucrative investment for fleets. Furthermore, Boyle claimed that electric trucks couldn’t get cheaper, a claim that actively contradicts a rule of thumb known as Wright’s Law. Simply put, Wright’s Law predicts that the price of batteries for trucks will drop as battery manufacturing for transportation use cases doubles. This law has been observed in various industries, including aviation, semiconductors, and solar panels. With this in mind, there should be little doubt that as battery technology continues to improve and economies of scale are achieved, the cost of electric trucks is expected to decrease, eventually making them more affordable than diesel trucks. As an added bonus, the cost of owning an electric truck is predicted to be lower than that of a gas truck over time, as fuel and maintenance costs are lower for electric trucks. Climate Change: Ignoring the Elephant in the Room On top of that, Boyle also failed to mention climate change at all during his statements. Heavy-duty Class 8 trucks produce about 7% of the United State’s total CO2 emissions. The Phase 3 emissions standards goal for 2032 only requires a 19% efficiency gain, which the ATA has complained about. However, the proposed standards have been deemed both reasonable and achievable by industry analysts, especially with such a major development in battery technology California’s Push for Zero-Emission Trucks California’s new rules for Class 8 trucks has definitely made headlines recently, given that they are requiring all new trucks sold in the state to be zero-emission from 2040. Some believe this may be the reason behind Boyle’s misleading statements. That being said, with electric trucks like the Tesla Semi already demonstrating such impressive range capabilities, there’s really no doubt that trucking firms can start buying electric vehicles this year and gradually replace their fleets with battery electric vehicles by 2040. The Road Ahead: Overcoming Charging Infrastructure Challenges Boyle’s did express one valid concern, that being the current state of the US distribution grids for electricity, where semi trucks will need to charge. While not every remote location will have sufficient charging infrastructure, with careful thought and planning along with intelligent use of increasingly cheap batteries and targeted electric charging corridors there is no doubt that the industry can solve this issue. Before You Hit The Road… In conclusion, whether they’re ready or not, the technology is coming and the sooner trucking industry embraces the potential of electric trucks rather than resisting climate action, the more accessible solutions will become. Beyond this, electrification offers significant advantages, including reduced operating costs, which should also be recognized and promoted by organizations like the ATA. If you made it to this part of the article, we’d just like to take a moment to thank you for taking the time to read it. Be safe out there and as always, If you’re in search of CDL A, B, or warehouse positions, check out our open positions. And if you need staffing solutions for commercial driving or industrial positions, be sure to explore our offerings.

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      Miracle on I-79 and More: Unforgettable Stories from the Trucking World

      Welcome back to another week of excitement in the world of trucking news! You’ll definitely want to hold onto your seats! The industry has experienced a rollercoaster of a week, tackling all sorts of challenges such as fluctuating freight demands and looming recession fears. But fear not – recent data reveals a silver lining on the horizon, suggesting better days may be just around the corner. Join us as we dive into this week’s trucker news roundup, uncovering the latest survey insights, legislative breakthroughs, and game-changing investments in driver training and retention that are shaping the future of trucking. Trucking Industry Sees Light at the End of the Tunnel Spot Truckload Demand Reaches Turning Point Truckers all across North America have faced challenges as freight demand has slowed down over the past year, but recent data suggests that the worst may soon be over. The latest Bloomberg Intelligence Truckstop survey indicates that we may be at the low point for spot truckload demand and rates, with expectations for improvement over the next 3 to 6 months. Seasonal Trends and Inventory Shifts Offer Hope According to the survey, 60% of respondents expect volumes to rise over the next three to six months, a significant increase from the fourth-quarter 2022 poll. Soft demand and higher costs were cited as the main reasons for not purchasing equipment. As seasonal trends begin to influence the market, and higher-cost capacity is forced out, rates may receive additional support as inventory levels begin to return to more normal levels. There seems to be little consensus on when exactly spot rates will hit rock bottom, but some are beginning to believe improvements could be seen as early as the second quarter of 2023, leading to firmer contract rates in the latter half of the year. The Looming Recession: A Cloud Over Recovery? Despite these positive signs, 79% of survey respondents believe that the US is either already in a recession or one is imminent. A separate report revealed that freight shipments fell 4% in March compared to the previous year, with demand still being impacted by high inventory levels and a global economic slowdown. However, the shift in sentiment is being seen as a sign of encouragement, and truckers can look forward to a potential market rebalance in the near future. Iowa Senate Puts a Cap on Trucking Company Liability From $2 Million to $5 Million: Setting a Limit The Iowa Senate recently passed a bill, Senate File 228, which sets a $5 million limit on noneconomic damages that can be awarded to a victim in a lawsuit involving a trucking company accident. Noneconomic damages include pain and suffering, mental anguish, or loss of consortium of a spouse. Initially, the bill proposed a $2 million cap, but to ensure passage in the House, lawmakers increased the limit to $5 million, with additional adjustments to be implemented for inflation beginning in 2028. Addressing “Nuclear” Verdicts and Insurance Stability The bill aims to protect employers from a practice dubbed “nuclear” verdicts, a situation where a jury will award millions in damages to victims, as well as to stabilize insurance costs for the trucking industry. The $5 million cap matches the highest federal insurance requirement, applicable to vehicles transporting hazardous materials like radioactive substances. The legislation goes further as to also address concerns about holding trucking companies accountable for negligent hiring, training, and supervising practices. T has been praised by lawmakers as a step in the right direction in ensuring a proficient, safe, and responsible fleet of commercial drivers in our country. The bill has reached its final hurdle and now awaits Governor Kim Reynolds’ approval. Covenant Logistics Invests in Driver Success Hogan Hall and Training Center: A $15 Million Project Covenant Logistics recently celebrated the opening of two new buildings, Hogan Hall and the Orientation Training Center, overall investing around $15 million into the project. These additions offer a completely unique experience in the trucking industry, providing new drivers with in-class and driving-course training, lodging, and dining all within a singular campus. Hogan Hall, a 49,000-square-foot building, features 100 dormitory-style rooms, lounge areas, cafeteria-style dining, and various other amenities, while the Training Center houses state-of-the-art learning facilities and classrooms for company orientations and training events. Tackling Driver Retention with State-of-the-Art Facilities The new facilities aim to solve one of the biggest problems currently plaguing the industry, driver retention. Beyond this, they hope to demonstrate the company’s commitment to their drivers’ success. New drivers would typically stay for three nights, during which they would spend time learning about the company’s policies, procedures, expectations, and safety programs. Covenant Logistics hopes the new buildings will help the Chattanooga-based trucking company better recruit and retain truck drivers amid an ongoing national driver shortage, which the American Trucking Associations estimated to be around 78,000 truck drivers nationwide as of last year. Tackling Driver Retention with State-of-the-Art Facilities Hogan Hall is named in honor of Covenant Executive Vice President Joey Hogan, who has been instrumental in bringing the project into fruition. Hogan not only expressed his gratitude for such an honor but went on to touch on just how critical a role truck drivers play in keeping not only Covenant moving but the economy as a whole. These state-of-the-art facilities are sure to provide an unparalleled experience for truck drivers, demonstrating the company’s dedication to their professional growth and overall well-being. A Miracle on the Pennsylvania Highway Truck Overturns, But Tragedy Narrowly Averted Last week, Kostas Hobitakis survived one of the most terrifying accidents imaginable when his semi-truck, carrying over 40,000 pounds of cardboard, overturned on a Pennsylvania highway. As the truck skidded out of control toward the edge of a bridge, Hobitakis began to pray for his life. Miraculously, the truck managed to not fall off the bridge, although a portion of the trailer was ultimately disintegrated, sending the cargo crashing onto another interstate highway below. The accident, which ended up causing a shut down of both northbound lanes of an Interstate 79…

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      Connecting Dots: From Diesel to Global Recession – What We Know Now

      Many are turning their attention to China and before you stop reading, it’s not for the reasons you may think. Get ready as we take a closer look at the world of diesel consumption and its surprising connection to the global economy. Across the globe, from China to Europe and even the U.S. Could these shifts in the diesel market be a harbinger of economic troubles ahead? Keep reading as we take a level-headed and honest approach to exploring the fascinating connectivity between diesel consumption and the health of the world economy. Diesel’s Crystal Ball: How Fuel Consumption Predicts Economic Health Over the past few weeks, there has been a noticeable decrease in truck traffic on China’s highways . Beyond this, diesel’s premium to crude futures in Europe has dropped to the lowest level in over a year. Back home In the US, we’ve already seen a 2% contraction in diesel demand predicted by S&P Global Inc. This slump in diesel consumption is the largest of its kind since 2016, excluding the effects of the pandemic year in 2020. This combination of news regarding the state of diesel prices has put recession-watchers on high alert. The weakening demand for diesel, which powers everything from commercial trucking fleets to construction equipment, has often been pointed out as an indicator when it comes to observing the state and health of the economy as a whole. Trucking’s Titanic Role in Diesel Trucking, unsurprisingly, accounts for a very significant portion of diesel demand. In the U.S. alone, trucking consumes around 70% of diesel use. The aforementioned drop in the number of trucks on Chinese highways, as reported by China’s Ministry of Transport, has already led to commercial diesel stockpiles reaching an eight-month high. Alongside this decline in demand, China has also seen an apparent easing of manufacturing activity in March. Spending Shifts & Diesel Dilemmas These downward trends seem to be echoing throughout much of the world. For example, in Europe, diesel demand has been significantly soft due to less of a need for heating. Beyond this, there are other overarching economic factors that have further slowed growth. The U.S. is no exception, as even our industry has been affected by declines in factory output, home construction, and retailers working off high inventories. Consumer spending has had a noticeable impact on the consumption of diesel as well. Despite the pandemic’s mass-normalization of ordering goods, it seems that the pendulum of consumer spending is swinging in a new direction, moving away from pandemic inspired internet orders and placing a new focus on the less tangible things the world has to offer such as real world experiences and vacations West Coast Worries The drop in US diesel demand is expected to be especially pronounced on the West Coast, where tech-sector layoffs and an unfolding banking crisis have created financial stress. Diesel demand in this region is predicted to slump by 5% in 2023, more than twice the national average. US container imports, another must-watch in economic health, are also under pressure. Inbound shipments in Los Angeles currently sit at their lowest level since March 2020. Before You Hit The Road… As the weakening demand for diesel continues to fuel concerns about the potential of a recession across our world’s major economies, it’s quite clear that the relationship between diesel and the global economy is much more intricate and interconnected than may first meet the eye. As expert predictions continue to to funnel in, only time will tell. But, one thing is clear: all eyes are sure to be on diesel. If you made it to this part of the article, we’d just like to take a moment to thank you for taking the time to read it. Be safe out there and as always, If you’re in search of CDL A, B, or warehouse positions, check out our open positions. And if you need staffing solutions for commercial driving or industrial positions, be sure to explore our offerings.

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      Navigating New Regulations and More: Unforgettable Stories from the Trucking World

      Hold on to your steering wheel, folks! The trucking industry is going full throttle into a world of groundbreaking changes and jaw-dropping legal battles. Are you ready to dive into the hottest trucker news? If so, gear up for a wild ride as we are about to bring you the most captivating stories of the week that are bound to leave you on the edge of your seat. Trust us; you don’t want to miss this edition of the weekly trucker news roundup! A Small Victory for Jerry Johnson An Arizona court recently ruled in favor of a small-business trucking company owner, Jerry Johnson, who is now owed interest on cash seized during a trip to Phoenix for a truck auction. Johnson has $39,500 seized from him at Phoenix’s Sky Harbor Airport through what is known as civil asset forfeiture. This controversial legal process allows law enforcement to seize money or property believed to be connected to illegal activities. Despite having previous drug possession convictions, in this specific case, Johnson was never charged with a crime in relation to the seized funds. The Ongoing Debate around Civil Asset Forfeiture After a lengthy two year court battle, Johnson’s money was finally returned to him in March, along with a meager 0.8% interest. However, the Arizona Superior Court for Maricopa County ruled on April 4 that he is also owed 9% interest for the loss of use of his property and is eligible to be additionally compensated for his attorneys’ fees. The court’s decision highlights the ongoing debate surrounding civil asset forfeiture and its impact on the lives of both individuals and businesses. Reforming Civil Asset Forfeiture Laws Some states have already began attempting to reform civil asset forfeiture laws. However, these efforts have been met with varying degrees of success. For example, Arizona had tightened its rules after Johnson’s money was seized, but his case having occurred before was still subject to the previous law. In March of this year, representatives Jamie Raskin and Tim Walberg reintroduced the Fifth Amendment Integrity Restoration (FAIR) Act in effort to address this controversial practice at a federal level. Despite the challenges faced, Johnson’s case is a prime example of the problems caused by civil asset forfeiture and emphasizes the need for a thorough review and reform. As the owner of Triple J Logistics, Johnson was deprived of the opportunity to expand his business and buy another truck when prices were significantly lower than they are now. His story truly underscores the importance of reforming civil asset forfeiture laws and protecting individuals’ property rights in our country. Learn more about Jerry Johnson’s battle and the implications of civil asset forfeiture by reading the original article here. A Heartfelt Sendoff for Dave Cox Dave Cox, a beloved trucking business owner, received a heartfelt sendoff on Saturday following his recent passing at the age of 67. After a two-and-a-half-year battle with pancreatic cancer, Cox was celebrated during a 90-minute service at the Dixie Technical College campus, filled with laughter, tears, and stories of his life. Six of Cox Trucking’s signature blue semi trucks accompanied the post-funeral procession to the cemetery, blaring their horns in tribute. A Lasting Legacy in the Trucking Industry Cox, who joined the family business, Parke Cox Trucking Inc., in 1990, helped grow the company to employ 125 people, the majority of whom are truck drivers. Known for his love and support of his family and employees, Cox was remembered as an “absolute delight to work with.” Just two weeks before his passing, he accompanied his family on a trip to Costa Rica, creating unforgettable memories with his loved ones. As St. George mourns the loss of a cherished community figure, tributes and flower deliveries continue to pour into the company offices, showcasing the profound impact Dave Cox had on those around him. Read more about the touching memorial service and the impact Dave Cox had on the St. George community in the original article here. A Flurry of New Diesel Truck Emission Regulations Diesel truck emissions have long been a controversial topic, but with three new regulations in less than four months, the issue has taken over the headlines. In December, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updated their emission standards for heavy-duty commercial vehicles, significantly tightening NOx and particulate matter limits. In a similar vein, the Biden administration has also allowed California to require half of all heavy trucks sold in the state to be fully electric by 2035, similatenously directing the EPA to seek a technology-neutral approach to reduce emissions even further. The Impact on Trucking Fleets and Manufacturers These regulations primarily impact vehicle manufacturers but will indirectly affect trucking fleets, as manufacturers will need to meet minimum sales thresholds for zero-emission equipment. American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear emphasized the need for Phase 3 standards to consider the challenges and operating conditions faced by motor carriers during the transition to a zero-emission future. However, Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association President Todd Spencer criticized the measures, arguing that they force consumers to purchase electric vehicles without addressing existing concerns about electric commercial trucks or the lack of a national charging infrastructure network. Delve deeper into the recent regulations and their effects on the trucking industry by checking out the original article here New Greenhouse Gas Standards and Rising Equipment Costs As we just mentioned, the Biden administration’s newly proposed greenhouse gas standards for heavy trucks, is taking aim at significantly reducing carbon emissions and is expected to increase equipment costs for manufacturers, fleets, and owner-operators. The new rule, covering model years (MY) 2028 to 2032, will apply to various truck sizes, from delivery trucks to freight-hauling day-cab and sleeper-cab trucks. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the new standards will cost truck manufacturers $9 billion before considering battery tax credits. After factoring in these credits, the compliance cost drops to $5.7 billion. A Diverse Range of Technologies Expected Although the EPA does not mandate a specific technology to…

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      Shifting Gears: Reimagining New York City’s Logistics Problem

      Get ready, New York City! A major overhaul of the city’s trucking routes is underway for the first time since the 1970s. The City Council has proposed legislation to address the outdated trucking route map, and lawmakers are insisting on involving environmental and climate justice organizations in the redesign process. The Current Dilemma If you ask anyone about New York City, odds are they’ll think of the traffic, however, the problem goes far beyond just a traffic jam. One Bronx Council member, Amanda Farias, highlights some problems currently faced by residents including trucks clogging roadways, blocking crosswalks, and taking up parking spaces. All of which echo, impacting many different areas of day to day life. According to DOT Deputy Commissioner for Transportation Planning and Management, Eric Beaton, the increasing number of trucks on city streets in recent years is largely without a doubt, attributed to the pandemic’s boom in online orders and deliveries. Beaton believes it’s time we take a moment and thoroughly rethink the trucking route network. He even suggested going as far as taking a completely fresh and new approach to the routes in light of changing delivery patterns. Recently, Beaton openly disagreed with a recently proposed bill that would require the DOT to study street designs to keep commercial vehicles off residential streets, claiming that the effort would be better spent focusing on more specific location-based solutions. This bill, being first introduced last September, aims to redesign the truck route network completely and has already gained a mountain of support, with the latest numbers being 40 of the City Council’s 51 members. Support Comes As No Surprise This positive response in support of change should come as no surprise, to echo Beaton’s earlier point, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased the volume of home deliveries across the nation. With that growth comes a need to reduce truck traffic on city streets. The DOT’s microhub program is part of a 2021 law passed by the City Council. Efforts to rethink logistic solutions have already begun, recently, the city announced plans to install 20 small delivery ‘hubs’ as soon as this summer. These hubs will allow big delivery trucks to drop off online orders to one central location. Upon arrival, the goods will then go on to be delivered to people’s doors using low-emission vehicles, handcarts, or e-bikes, in an effort to reduce the number of delivery trucks on city streets. Major voices such as Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, are placing clear emphasis on the importance of prioritizing equity when choosing the locations of these “microhubs”. This is due to the fact that polluted truck routes often pass through neighborhoods predominantly inhabited by people of color. However, the city must also consider where most deliveries are being made. The plan is already underway and will begin this summer, beginning with an initial installation of 20 microhubs. After this pilot test, there are plans to continue to expand the program over the next three years. While these plans may sound great on the surface, to ensure success there must be thorough thought and review of the program. The new law also requires the city to release a report on how microhubs have worked in other parts of the country to truly gauge the impact of the program and measure the implications for microhubs across the nation. While support is pretty much across the board, there are other voices advocating to be heard. One such voice is that of Danny Pearlstein, a Transit advocates from the Riders Alliance’s who argues that the city should also prioritize buses and trucks ahead of cars on major routes to ensure smooth transit for everyone commuting around the city. Before You Hit The Road… All in all, New Yorkers, buckle up and get ready for a new era of delivery and transportation as the wheels of change are set in motion! If you made it to this part of the article, we’d just like to take a moment to thank you for taking the time to read it. Be safe out there and as always, If you’re in search of CDL A, B, or warehouse positions, check out our open positions. And if you need staffing solutions for commercial driving or industrial positions, be sure to explore our offerings.

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      Green Hydrogen Takes On Trucking: Breakthrough or Bust

      When it comes to green energy vehicles, it’s likely that batteries come to mind. However, for many of the heavier-duty tasks seen in industries like long-distance trucking, the current battery tech simply isn’t there yet. If you’ve been paying attention to recent headlines, you may have heard that green hydrogen has emerged and captured the limelight. Green hydrogen uses hydrogen fuel cells to produce electricity, an incredible resource as the only byproduct is water vapor The Sky Is The Limit Ultra Hydrogen, an innovative company in sustainable aviation, recently made headlines with its groundbreaking hydrogen-powered plane flight, marking a significant milestone in the quest for cleaner and more sustainable air travel. Universal Hydrogen, a company developing flight-ready fuel cells, completed taxi testing and received a special airworthiness certificate for their experimental De Havilland Canada Dash 8-300 test aircraft. This being the first successful hydrogen flight test, is even more impressive when you learn that the only output to the atmosphere was water vapor. This only begins to highlight just how incredible the advancements being made in harnessing hydrogen for eco-friendly transportation solutions across various sectors truly is. Energy Crisis: Solved? Sounds Great! The energy crisis is solved! Not so fast… According to a recent article, UK-based hydrogen expert David Cebon, co-founder of the Hydrogen Science Coalition, relying on green hydrogen for long-haul trucking is for all intents and purposes “completely wrong”. He emphasizes that hydrogen trucks are both costly and inefficient, requiring three times more energy to run compared to battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Cebon’s research shows that green hydrogen has an overall efficiency of just 23%, compared to 69% for a pure battery vehicle. This isn’t as bad of news as it may seem, Cebon suggests that we should be reserving this groundbreaking tech for sectors where electrification is currently not possible, such as aviation or shipping. With the application of this technology being so new, the production and infrastructure still have a lot of room to grow. For the time being, the industry faces a sort of time-sensitive scarcity leading it to be much less practical to implement currently. Because of this, using green hydrogen for long-distance trucking would necessitate three times more land for wind or solar farms to generate the same energy return. Powering Up: Down Under In more vast areas of the world such as Australia, where long-distance trucking is essential for the transportation of many vital goods and resources, the current battery limitations pose a very significant challenge. As it stands, the largest heavy haulage vehicle battery in Australia is 1,400 kWh, which powers a 240-ton truck used on mine sites. This truck is designed for short-range, high-capacity hauls, but with the limitations on its power supply, it’s not suitable for long-haul trucking. For Long-distance trucking in Australia, the process often involves B-Double trucks, which are built to cover distances of 500-750 miles without refueling. These trucks need an energy source that can provide the required range while maintaining efficiency and power. Unfortunately, the current battery technology has limitations in energy density and capacity, doesn’t make the cut when it comes to long-distance trucking applications. Electric trucks with existing battery technology are mainly useful for shorter-range tasks, such as public transportation and at ports, applications where the trucks can be charged more frequently and travel shorter distances between charging points. These use cases can still benefit from reduced emissions as well as lower operating costs associated with electric vehicles. Conclusion: Rethinking the Future of Long-Distance Trucking All in all, The green hydrogen debate highlights the importance of evaluating the practicality and sustainability of different energy sources. While it may seem great to slap the latest tech into everything, there’s a lot more at play than it may seem. While experts like David Cebon present compelling arguments against hydrogen trucks, it’s critical to explore alternative solutions that will meet the demands of the trucking industry while maintaining environmental responsibility. As this new tech finds its footing across industries, it’s certainly not the last time we’ll be hearing about it and the future of its innovation is worth keeping your eyes on. All in all, the green hydrogen discussion emphasizes the significance of assessing the practicality and environmental impact of various energy sources. While it might seem appealing to integrate the latest technology into everything, there’s a lot more to consider first. While future experts such continue to put forth persuasive reasons for and against hydrogen trucks, it only emphasizes the need to remain open to any and all options that can address the trucking industry’s needs without sacrificing our commitment to the environment. So, as green hydrogen technology makes its way into different sectors, we can be sure that this won’t be the last time we hear about it. It’s definitely worth keeping an eye on. Before You Hit The Road… If you made it to this part of the article, we’d just like to take a moment to thank you for taking the time to read it. Be safe out there and as always, If you’re in search of CDL A, B, or warehouse positions, check out our open positions. And if you need staffing solutions for commercial driving or industrial positions, be sure to explore our offerings.

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