The Top 13 Trucking Stories of 2013, Part 1
As we look back at 2013, here's our annual look at the top news stories of the year. Our list was compiled on the basis of popularity on our website, Truckinginfo.com, as well as our editors' opinions on which stories have the most impact on the trucking industry.
As we look back at 2013, here's our annual look at the top news stories of the year. Our list was compiled on the basis of popularity on our website, Truckinginfo.com, as well as our editors' opinions on which stories have the most impact on the trucking industry:
13. FMCSA Plans to Drop Driver Inspection Reports if no Defects
May 20 -- The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration plans to ease the regulatory burden on drivers by dropping the requirement that they file inspection reports, even when there are no defects in the truck. Read more.
12. Sleep Apnea Bill Receives Final Congressional Approval
Oct. 6 -- Despite the feud between Republicans, Democrats and the Obama administration that resulted in a partial shutdown of the federal government, the U.S. Senate came together to give approval to legislation regarding sleep apnea and truckers. It requires any Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration action on sleep apnea to go through the usual rulemaking process, rather than the agency simply issuing guidance. Read more.
11. Legislation Would Up Minimum Truck Insurance Almost 500%
July 22 -- Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-Penn) introduced a bill that would raise the required insurance minimum for motor carriers, dubbed the Safe and Fair Environment on Highways Achieved through Underwriting Levels Act (H.R. 2730) otherwise known as “SAFE HAUL." Read more.
10. FMCSA Eases CDL Process for States
March 26 --In response to petitions from states and the industry, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is changing provisions of its commercial driver’s license rule. The rule, which has been in effect since 2011, sets standards for CDL testing and established the Commercial Learner’s Permit. Read more.
More Drivers
FDA Eases Path for Oral-Fluid Testing
Federal actions could advance oral-fluid drug testing for truck drivers, but lab certification delays and marijuana rescheduling questions remain.
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Why Hiring Truck Drivers Is Getting Harder
Higher recruiting costs, a shrinking driver pool, and renewed pay competition are raising the stakes for fleets heading into 2027.
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Roehl Offers Truck Drivers $10,000 Retention Incentive
Payments begin after the first load and continue in mileage-based installments for eligible experienced drivers joining the fleet.
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Platform Science Adds Dispatch and Safety Tools
Four additions to PS Fleet help fleets monitor loads, manage driver coaching, share truck locations and adjust video system settings.
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When Language Stops the Truck: The Return of ELP Out-of-Service Orders
English language proficiency rules for commercial drivers aren’t new, but renewed out-of-service enforcement has raised the stakes. Here’s what carriers need to know before a driver reaches a roadside inspection.
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Samsara Launches Custom AI Agent Builder
Agent Studio lets fleets create AI tools for hours-of-service monitoring, reporting and driver support, including agents that communicate by phone.
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Trucker Path Expands Reserved Parking Network
Trucker Path has added close to 6,000 more truck parking spaces to its Trucker Path Reserved Parking Network with the addition of Safe Truck Parking.
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EEOC Sues Texas Trucking Company Over Driver Age Limits
The agency says Trancasa USA rejected applicants over 65 and applied tougher driving-record standards to those over 60.
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Nussbaum, Roehl Announce Second Driver Pay Increase This Year
This year has seen a swath of major truck driver pay increases as freight capacity has tightened.
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From One Generation to the Next: How Mentorship Builds Safer Truck Drivers
After three decades in trucking, Harold Perry shares what he's learned about driver safety, mentorship, and helping the next generation build confidence behind the wheel.
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