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 meet the new standards, the agency anticipates a diverse range of technologies in a compliant fleet, such as transmission technologies, aerodynamic improvements, engine technologies, battery electric powertrains, and hydrogen fuel cell powertrains. American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear emphasized the need for realistic equipment adoption timelines, technological feasibility, and a regulation that does not cause additional inflationary pressures. However, Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association President Todd Spencer expressed concerns about cost issues, mileage range, battery weight, charging time, and the lack of an electric charging infrastructure for trucks.
Explore the implications of the EPA’s new emission standards and their potential impact on the trucking industry by reading the original article here.
California’s Bold Plan to Ban Diesel Trucks
California is taking steps to ban diesel trucks on its roads by 2042, with phase-in limits starting in 2024. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently approved the legislation, which follows last year’s ban on diesel vehicles over 14,000 pounds and built before 2010. The transportation sector accounts for nearly 40 percent of California’s greenhouse gas emissions, with approximately 1.8 million heavy-duty trucks affected by the regulation. The goal is to have 510,000 carbon-free medium and heavy-duty vehicles on California’s roads by 2035, increasing to 1.2 million in 2045 and nearly 1.6 million in 2050.
Rethinking Relationships in the Trucking Industry
Instead of solely focusing on regulating the existing trucking model, some argue that this is an opportunity to question the relationships between truckers and shippers and drive innovation in the industry. By building network infrastructure and changing market incentives, the number of trucks on the road could be reduced by 30-40% while improving truck drivers’ take-home pay. This would not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions, decreasing traffic congestion as well as wear on roads. There is hope that through these new efforts, California could leverage the private sector to build more dynamic transportation networks completely redefining the relationships between shippers and carriers. A process, that if implemented properly, could ultimately lead to a more efficient and sustainable trucking industry.
Learn more about California’s steps to ban diesel trucks and the potential for innovation in the trucking industry by visiting the original article here.
Before You Hit The Road…
Well, there you have it, truckers and enthusiasts alike – a rollercoaster of stories that’ll make you rethink everything you thought you knew about the trucking industry. From intense legal battles to mind-blowing emission regulations and the race towards greener alternatives, the future of trucking is as uncertain as it is exhilarating. So, what do you think about these riveting tales from the road? Drop your thoughts in the comments section below, and don’t forget to buckle up for another wild ride in next week’s edition of the weekly trucker news roundup!
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.
