This innovative truck parking availability system aims to install digital signs across California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. These signs will display real-time data on available parking spaces at upcoming rest areas, aiding truck drivers in planning their stops more efficiently.

To address any challenges truck drivers might encounter when parking along this route, the I-10 Corridor Coalition is conducting a survey. Truck drivers and dispatchers are encouraged to share their experiences and insights regarding operations and parking conditions along I-10. Rest assured, all survey responses will be treated with strict confidentiality.

If you’re a trucker navigating the I-10 corridor, your feedback is invaluable. Take the I-10 corridor truck parking survey here.

While the new system won’t add more parking spots, it will significantly enhance the ease and safety of finding vacant ones. The American Transportation Research Institute reports that truck drivers typically lose about an hour daily searching for parking, which translates into an annual loss of $5,500 in earnings per driver.

This parking availability system will be rolled out at 37 locations along the nearly 1,700-mile I-10 stretch. This includes six spots in California, eight in Arizona, five in New Mexico, and 18 in Texas.

According to the I-10 Corridor Coalition, there are plans to further enhance this system by integrating real-time parking data into existing smartphone applications.

The concept of truck parking availability systems isn’t new. It mirrors the approach used in the Midwest, where in 2015, eight states received part of a $25 million TIGER grant to develop a regional Truck Parking Information Management System, spanning from Kansas to Ohio.

Variable message signs, or truck parking availability systems, have proven their worth. According to a survey by ATRI, 70% of truck drivers found these signs beneficial. However, the effectiveness of such systems often depends on drivers’ experience. While less than half of surveyed drivers reported acting on the information provided, those with one to five years of experience were the most likely to utilize the signs effectively.

Your insights could help shape a more efficient and driver-friendly experience along the I-10 corridor. Share your thoughts today!

Source: Land Line

The post Call for Trucker Feedback on I-10 Parking Information System appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Expansion Details

• Chicago, IL: The 30-acre site located at 70 Airport Road in West Dundee will provide over 1,000 semi-truck parking spots, boosting Illinois’ truck parking capacity by nearly 9%.

• Fort Lauderdale, FL: Located at 12754 Wiles Road in Coral Springs, this 14-acre facility offers 370 parking spaces, serving as an entry point to the Southeast U.S. and Latin American markets.

• Fontana, CA: Outpost’s first California yard at 15122 Ceres Avenue encompasses 4.5 acres with close to 100 parking spaces, ideal for logistics operations throughout Southern California.

• Laredo, TX: The 11-acre yard at 18702 Metropolitan Rd, close to significant border crossings, provides 320 spaces, facilitating smooth cross-border trade with Mexico.

“As our network continues to expand, motor carriers increasingly look to Outpost as a strategic partner for positioning their fleets, improving asset visibility, and optimizing their real estate investments,” said Trent Cameron, Outpost co-founder and CEO. “This can only be accomplished through our combination of purpose-built technology and the operational expertise of managing yards at scale. Our four new properties strengthen our ability to help these fleets operate more efficiently in critical freight corridors across the US.” To reserve a space or learn more about the facilities, visit Outpost’s official website.

Source: The Trucker

The post Outpost Takes a Big Step Forward with New Facilities and 1,700 New Truck Parking Spaces! appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Among the recent improvements, two sites now offer truck wash services. These enhancements have introduced five new service bays, four truck wash bays, and three additional service trucks to Love’s extensive maintenance network nationwide.

Here’s a look at the new and upgraded locations next to Love’s Travel Stops:

• Salinas, California (new)

• Calvert City, Kentucky (upgraded)

• Wells, Nevada (upgraded)

• Sidney, Ohio (upgraded with added truck wash)

• Columbia, Tennessee (upgraded with added truck wash)

• Ranger, Texas (rebuilt)

These facilities provide a range of services, including tire replacement, lube services, light mechanical repairs, and roadside assistance, all at competitive prices. Love’s Truck Care and Speedco also serve as the exclusive warranty repair and recall service provider for Freightliner and International trucks.

With over 430 locations across the United States, Love’s Truck Care and Speedco boast more than 1,300 service bays and a fleet of 900 roadside service trucks, ensuring professional drivers and fleets receive top-notch care wherever they go.

Source: Truckers News

The post Love’s Expands Truck Care Services in Salinas, CA and Beyond appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Securing adequate facilities for truck parking and shipping container storage is a significant challenge across the United States, but it’s particularly acute in the Greater Los Angeles area due to various factors.

The port complexes are surrounded by boundaries from residential neighborhoods or wetlands, making additional construction not feasible. Furthermore, a Harbor Gateway Community Plan, currently under review by the Los Angeles Department of City Planning, proposes restrictions that would limit industrial outdoor storage to 25% or less within the designated area.

The designated area covered by the Harbor Gateway Community Plan spans approximately 3,229 acres, connecting the harbor with the San Pedro, Wilmington, and Harbor City communities to the main area of Los Angeles.

While the city aims to promote improved transit, pedestrian development, park facilities, and clean industrial uses, the new zoning plan, coupled with stricter emission regulations from the EPA and increased activity at the twin ports, is expected to constrain industrial storage options further.

Carriers seeking to store freight-related assets, such as empty chassis or containers, often seek parking off port property to avoid costly daily rate fees, leading to heightened demand for off-site facilities. Thomas Wason, an enterprise trucking carrier expert at FreightWaves, highlights that carriers frequently opt for leased spots to manage costs effectively.

In response to this growing demand, some developers and real estate managers are repurposing old business sites into trailer storage facilities.

CBRE is involved in representing such developing sites, with one example being Atlas Capital Group’s project. They are demolishing an aging office facility on five acres and replacing it with a concrete slab capable of accommodating 193 trailers. The converted property on South Vermont Avenue in Los Angeles is set to be completed by June.

CBRE Senior Vice President James Hooks, overseeing the project, mentions that the focus of the yard will be on empty containers on chassis, catering to those seeking to avoid storage penalties at the ports.

Atlas intends to create an aesthetically pleasing environment, blending utility with charm to harmonize with the surrounding neighborhood. The fenced site will feature a 14-foot concrete wall covered with stucco to conceal containers from view.

Hooks suggests that other industrial sites can also enhance their surroundings, potentially incorporating elements like living walls or ivy coverings. Additionally, processing trucks within the facility, rather than at the security gate, is expected to reduce congestion and community disruptions.

Source: FreightWaves

The post Trailer Parking Reduced Under New Zoning Regulations appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

On April 12, the California Trucking Association and Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association took action by filing an appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. This move comes after the Ninth Circuit, in April 2021, overturned an injunction that had previously exempted the trucking industry from AB 5.

AB 5 established the ABC test for determining worker classification, with the “B” condition posing challenges for the trucking sector. This condition mandates that a worker’s tasks must fall “outside the usual course of business of the company” they contract with to qualify as an independent contractor.

In the March ruling favoring California, District Judge Roger Benitez directed the trucking groups to address their concerns with state lawmakers rather than through the court system.

“Remedying complexities and perceived deficiencies in AB 5 are the kind of work better left to the soap box and the ballot box than to the jury box,” Benitez. “If sufficient political or economic pressure can be brought to bear by Plaintiffs and their supporters, the more onerous provisions of the statute can be amended. The courts, on the other hand, are not the proper bodies for imposing legislative amendments.”

Regarding the appeal to the Ninth Circuit, specific dates for further filings and arguments have yet to be announced.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

The post Trucking Groups Come Together to Push Back Against Latest AB 5 Ruling appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

AB 5, active in California since January 2020, has faced persistent opposition from the trucking industry. This law implements the ABC test for worker classification, effectively prohibiting the traditional leased owner-operator model. According to this test, a worker must satisfy all three prongs to qualify as an independent contractor. Of particular concern to the trucking industry is the “B” prong, which mandates that the worker’s duties must lie “outside the usual course of business of the company” they contract with.

Judge Benitez, who previously granted a preliminary injunction in favor of trucking on New Year’s Eve 2019, denying the enforcement of the law, dismissed the latest request for injunction put forth by the California Trucking Association (CTA) and Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA).

In response, OOIDA expressed disagreement with the ruling and indicated potential plans for an appeal. CTA has yet to respond to requests for comment. Legal experts anticipate an appeal from CTA but acknowledge that relief from AB 5 might not be forthcoming in the interim.

Judge Benitez clarified that the original preliminary injunction was based on the belief that AB 5 was preempted by the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act (F4A).

“[California’s law doesn’t make it] impossible for truck drivers to comply with both federal and state law because there is simply no federal standard of classification requiring compliance,” Benitez said. “The [F4A] does not dictate that truck drivers must be classified as independent contractors or that drivers are not subject to state wage and hour laws.”

However, this ruling was overturned on appeal, leading to the denial of renewed motions for injunction by CTA and OOIDA.

Despite claims of preemption and constitutional violations, including Dormant Commerce Clause and Equal Protection Clause infringements, Judge Benitez ruled in favor of California and the Teamsters on all counts presented by CTA and OOIDA.

“In the end, AB5 does not offend the core constitutional principle of prohibiting purposeful discrimination against interstate commerce,” Benitez said. “And while AB5 has economic effects, the effects do not confirm purposeful discrimination against interstate commerce in the design of AB5.”

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

The post Newest Update on Trucking Industry’s AB 5 Law appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

A rally in support of the bill took place outside the State Capitol in Sacramento, drawing Teamster leaders and lawmakers, including Assemblymembers Tom Lackey (R-Boron) and Laura Friedman (D-Glendale).

“As autonomous vehicle companies try to push their new, untested technology onto our roads, we need to prioritize legislation that will protect our streets and good-paying driving jobs, and that starts with AB 2286,” said Peter Finn, Teamsters International Western Region Vice President, President of Teamsters Joint Council 7.

This legislation mirrors last year’s AB 316, also co-authored by Aguiar-Curry, with the aim of enhancing safety and job opportunities. Despite receiving strong legislative support, surpassing 90%, Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed the bill in September.

Proponents of AB 2286 highlight notable accidents involving autonomous vehicles, such as a Cruise robotaxi causing incidents in San Francisco, emphasizing the need for improved regulations and safety measures.

Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry stresses the crucial role of the legislature in determining the safety of autonomous trucking and ensuring a concrete plan for the well-being of trucking workers.

“The autonomous trucking industry has cast this bill as a ban on technology when it explicitly states that testing and deployment will happen with a Human Safety Operator,” she said. “Using their logic, they’re the ones who support a ban. A ban on humans in trucks. A ban on working people’s ability to provide for their families and provide safe roadways for Californians. We will not stand by and let them put profits over people.”

Chris Griswold, Teamsters International vice president at-large and president of Teamsters Joint Council 42, clarifies that the bill does not intend to ban self-driving technology but rather seeks to establish comprehensive regulations.

“It is a bipartisan bill that puts safety first by ensuring a trained human operator behind the wheel of autonomous trucks,” he said.

Beyond California, discussions on regulating autonomous trucks persist across the United States. In South Dakota, the Teamsters and the South Dakota Peace Officers Association oppose House Bill 1095, which proposes allowing autonomous trucks on South Dakota roads without human operators. In Florida, Senator Victor Torres (D-Orlando) proposes SB 1580, requiring a licensed human operator in self-driving vehicles. In Indiana, Teamsters advocate for House Bill 1022 in the Road and Transportation Committee, emphasizing the need for human operators in driverless trucks. Similar deliberations are underway in Iowa, Kentucky, and New York, where lawmakers are exploring various issues related to regulating autonomous vehicle trucks.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

The post California Lawmakers and Teamsters Come Together to Push for Bill Requiring Human Drivers in AV Trucks appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

California

In the Golden State, efforts to regulate autonomous trucks are back on the legislative table. Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry reintroduced AB2286, a bill identical to the 2023 version. The bill aims to prohibit the testing and operation of autonomous vehicles weighing over 10,001 pounds without a human safety operator present. The governor’s previous veto emphasized reliance on existing regulations from a 2012 state law.

Florida

Senator Victor Torres is steering legislation in Florida to establish rules for autonomous trucks on roadways. Under SB1580, a licensed human operator must be physically present in fully autonomous vehicles weighing at least 10,000 pounds while transporting goods or passengers on public roads.

Indiana

Indiana is considering two bills (HB1022 and SB57) to address autonomous trucks, specifically in automated vehicle platoons. These bills specify that a human operator must be physically present in autonomous tractor-trailers on highways for the transportation of passengers or goods. Operators are required to meet both state and federal qualifications for vehicle operation.

Iowa

Senator Zach Wahls introduced SF2218 in Iowa, addressing the operation of autonomous trucks for commercial purposes. The bill mandates a conventional driver’s physical presence in driverless-capable vehicles, holding a valid driver’s license and required endorsements.

Kentucky

Kentucky is revisiting truck platooning legislation with HB7. This bill amends the requirement for human drivers in platoons, allowing only the lead vehicle to have a human driver behind the wheel. The previous attempt faced a veto due to safety concerns.

New York

In the Empire State, two bills cover the operation of autonomous trucks. Senator Pete Harckham’s bill (S7758) requires operators to accompany trucks with autonomous technology weighing over 10,000 pounds. The bills are currently under committee review in the Senate Transportation Committee and Assembly Transportation Committee.

The debate over autonomous trucking continues, with advocates highlighting benefits such as fuel savings, reduced congestion, and improved safety through platooning. Critics, including motorcyclists, express concerns about the interaction between automated and traditional vehicles on roadways and question the feasibility of widespread technology adoption. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association acknowledges the potential of autonomous technology but emphasizes challenges related to commercial vehicles and highway safety.

Source: LandLine

The post Several States Bring Autonomous Trucks to a Vote appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

FITS features the Oakland Portal, offering real-time insights into vessel operations, regional traffic conditions, and turn time data for the four main terminals. Each truck entering a terminal is required to have a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag, contributing to the calculation of turn times.

The Oakland Portal consolidates various data, providing a comprehensive view of port activities. Pia Franzese, senior maritime projects administrator, highlighted the positive impact on efficiency and collaboration among stakeholders, enabling better decision-making.

“The Port of Oakland (Port) launched the FITS portal to help solve port challenges and provide a centralized source for reliable, real-time information. Before FITS, we had increasingly heard feedback from Port stakeholders that they had to go to multiple sites to get information for Port operations, creating a cumbersome process with conflicting information. Multiple platforms led to inefficiencies and confusion for users,” Franzese said. “The intent of the Oakland Portal is to have a one-stop platform where port stakeholders can go to find secure information relevant to them, such as information about terminals and turn times. The portal serves as the foundation for the port’s data technology, which will continue to expand. We plan to continuously add to this portal, such as a smart parking system and container data, among many others.”

FITS includes IT hardware and software upgrades, such as fiber enhancements, changeable message signs, an emergency operations center, and smart cameras. The Oakland Portal, along with the upcoming Smart Parking System (SPS), enhances operational efficiency and sustainability. Video analytics are utilized to estimate how long a driver may wait at a terminal and also how long it will take them to get through the terminal. The system’s early success has garnered positive feedback from users. Later this year, the SPS is anticipated to release a feature that will allow for parking reservations.

“Together, all of these elements work to improve operational efficiencies and provide real-time, reliable information to port stakeholders, such as truckers, terminal operators, wharfingers and ocean carriers, to enable better-informed, data-driven decisions,” Franzese said.

The new system will bring harmony between sustainability and preserving driver’s time.

“For example, the Oakland Portal and other technologies within the FITS platform provide visibility into traffic congestion, informing the trucking community about the best times to arrive at the port,” she said. “This information reduces wait times and congestion, which contributes to less emissions. Overall, the more efficient the port is with goods movement and traffic circulation, the less pollution will result, creating a more sustainable port community.”

The Port of Oakland emphasizes the importance of tailoring such systems to specific port needs. Franzese highlighted the shift from third-party data sources to direct port equipment data, enhancing control and accuracy.

FITS enables proactive issue addressing through predictive modeling, identifying congestion points and scheduling maintenance strategically. Parsons Corporation, in collaboration with various entities, developed FITS over four years, incorporating artificial intelligence, video analytics, and the iNET traffic management software.

The system’s predictive capabilities extend to freight wait times and road blockages at train crossings, aiding in custom border protection and port shipment tracking. FITS’ Oakland Portal is powered by the Advent eModal platform.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

The post New TMS Systems Get Drivers Real-Time Insight appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Under the proposed bill, SB961, all trucks, trailers, or semitrailers with a gross vehicle weight rating exceeding 10,000 pounds must be equipped with side underride guards on both lateral sides of the vehicle. The California Highway Patrol would be responsible for inspecting these guards after any collision. Vehicle operators would also be required to conduct regular inspections for damage and functionality, replacing damaged units as necessary.

Additionally, Wiener’s proposal mandates speed governors for every car, truck, and bus manufactured and sold in the state. These speed-limiting devices would cap the vehicle speed at 10 mph over the posted speed limit for a particular roadway segment. Although operators can temporarily override the speed governor function, the measure is designed to address the rising number of road fatalities in California.

Wiener highlighted the concerning surge in road deaths within the state, citing a 2023 TRIP report indicating a 22% increase in traffic fatalities from 2019 to 2022, compared to a 19% national increase. The California Office of Traffic Safety’s 2023 Traffic Safety Report revealed that one-third of traffic fatalities from 2017 to 2021 were speed-related.

“Preventing reckless speeding is a commonsense approach to prevent these utterly needless and heartbreaking crashes,” Wiener said.

Similar initiatives are underway in New York, with bills covering comparable topics. A New York Senate bill proposes side underride guards for trucks in New York City, while another bill aims to equip passenger vehicles registered in the state in 2024 or later with speed limiters.

However, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), representing small-business truckers, opposes these legislative pursuits, considering them “flawed.”

“Any legislation that would require side underride guards on semi-trailers is flawed legislation from the start,” said Doug Morris, OOIDA director of state government affairs.

OOIDA argues that the associated costs outweigh the benefits, echoing their criticism of a federal side underride guard mandate.

“[They] are impractical, provide little to no safety benefit and cause major issues at many loading docks, railroad crossings as well as other traffic impediments,” Morris said.

As debates unfold on these proposed regulations, the trucking industry faces ongoing challenges in balancing safety measures with economic considerations.

Source: Land Line

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