Trucking remains strong amid inflation-infected economy
Good morning! It’s Monday morning. What are you going to do today to start the week off on the right foot?
It’s not hard to forget when U.S. inflation topped at 9% earlier this summer, and while it’s cooled slightly… not enough to feel comfortable. The trucking industry has had plenty of freight throughout the inflationary times, but spot rates are now starting to go down.
Check out today’s featured article from The Trucker to read about the challenges in the trucking industry created by stunning inflation over the past year and what the sector can do while navigating the future. ☕️
Featured Article:
Bad moon rising? Inflation’s total toll on US economy, trucking industry remains to be seen | The Trucker
“‘“I see the bad moon a-rising, I see trouble on the way.’ Those words, penned and sung by John Cameron Fogerty of the group Creedence Clearwater Revival, made for a great song.”
Driver Issues & Regulations 🚛
Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act wins OOIDA favor
The Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act (HR7517), which is currently being evaluated in Congress, would end the exemption from the Fair Labor Standards Act for motor carriers. The goal of the act is to add more value to drivers’ time - drivers who often are forced to sit for long hours waiting for loads at their pick-up locations or destinations.
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) has voiced support for the bill and urged members to voice support to their lawmakers.
Repair & Maintenance 🧰
Most violations in CVSA’s International Road Check were bad breaks and false logs
Over the course of three days, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s inspectors performed its International Road Check, issuing 59,000 inspections. Of those inspections, 4,592 vehicles were cited for bad brake systems alone. Another 1,900 drivers were put out of service after false logs were uncovered and another 1,000 with the incorrect class license.
Trade & Border Issues 🗺
Brazil faces-off United States on the soybean battleground
🇧🇷 Soy-ahead!
As the soybean trade gets red-hot, Brazil steps in to become a logistics hub in competition with the United States. Agricultural exports have been lost to the tune of $10 billion due to supply chain disruptions in the U.S. and Brazil has instead invested heavily in its ports along its Atlantic coastline and the Amazon River. Brazil, the world’s largest producer of soybean, is smiling with satisfaction.
More to consider…
Midterms are around the corner. Republicans are vying for control of the house and the Senate, and so they are highlighting Democrats’ record over the past two years. (TT News)
Many breathed a sigh of relief after a September 16th rail strike was averted. But the deal isn’t yet set in stone. Regardless of the uncertainty, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has voiced support for the new agreement. (CNBC)
Audi is going all-in. With five different electric models on this roster, Audi has announced plans to invest another $18.98 billion into electric vehicle development through 2026. (Fox Business)
Security 🥷
Software supply chain welcomes Biden memo on cybersecurity | Supply Chain Digital
Supply Chain Digital contributor, Sean Ashcroft, writes an article explaining with software developers in the supply chain industry are excited about the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) memo regarding compliance with cybersecurity safety.
Labor Day Sees Surge in Cargo Theft Activity | Transport Topics
Transport Topics staff reporter, Connor D. Wolf, writes about Labor Day weekend’s theft spree.
Electric Vehicles 🔋
Fleet Electrification Efforts Unveiled at Port of Long Beach | Trucking Info
In a news media release, Trucking Info shares an article unveiling the purchase of 41 Volvo VNR electric trucks meant to haul loads from the Port of Long Beach throughout Southern California.
Sales 🧾
August freight costs see record year-over-year increase | CNBC
CNBC shares a video of CNBC’s Frank Hollands reporting on the August freight costs.
Rail 🚂
Why the threat of a rail strike is delayed but not gone | CNN Business
CNN Business contributor, Chris Isidore, writes about why we shouldn’t get too excited about a supply chain crisis averted yet when it comes to the threat of a rail worker strike.
Regulations ⚖️
Five Facts on Energy Permitting Reform | Real Clear Policy
Real Clear Policy shares an article explaining the growing number of energy reformations being proposed by Congress.
Business Strategy 💡
Watch: Integrated Tactical Planning and Optimized Logistics | Supply Chain Brain
Supply Chain Brain contributor, Russell W> Goodman, shares and summarizes an interview given by the principal at Oliver Wight, David Goddard. Goddard explains the need for integrated tactical planning and optimized logistics in light of disruptive supply chain forecasts.
Business trend: Weathervaning | CCJ Digital
CCJ Digital contributor, Rick Mihelic, writes about weathervaning, a business strategy of “going with the flow”.
Safety 🦺
How to select anti-distracted driving technologies | Fleet Owner
Fleet Owner contributor, Scott Keith, writes about the careful consideration carriers should take when choosing anti-distracted driving software for both their drivers and their equipment.
Leadership 🏆
Intermodal Industry Continues to Adapt as It Meets Shifting Demands | Transport Topics
Transport Topics’ contributor, Mindy Long, writes about discussion topics covered at Long Beach’s 2022 IANA Intermodal EXPO.
It’s a thankless job, but someone’s got to do it. | DAT.com
Dat.com contributor, Dean Croke, writes about those highlighted this year at the American Trucking Association.
Sustainability ♻️
The US is on the cusp of a clean energy revolution — we can’t leave anyone behind | The Hill
The Hill contributors, Devashree Shara and Dan Lashof, writes about the United States’ effort to be a “clean energy” country and benefits it can bring to the economy and supply chain.
The Workday Dash is an aggregation of articles regarding the transportation logistics, trucking, and supply chain industries for July 31, 2025, from iLevel Logistics Inc.