Do the drug-testing regulations for marijuana exacerbate the shortage of truck drivers?
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The conflict between state-level marijuana legalization and federal drug-testing regulations is causing concerns in the trucking industry. While nearly half of the states have legalized recreational marijuana, it remains illegal at the federal level. This discrepancy has implications for safety-sensitive positions such as truck drivers, who can be disqualified for marijuana use even if they are not impaired. The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) conducted a study on the impacts of marijuana legalization on the trucking industry, finding that changes in federal drug testing policies are needed according to the majority of carriers surveyed. Many drivers and carriers expressed frustration with the current testing limitations and called for a marijuana impairment test to replace the current test, which can detect use weeks prior.
Check out today’s featured article from Trucking Info to read about why some people think that marijuana drug testing may be making the truck driver shortage worse. Will the federal law be changed any time soon when it comes to marijuana use? Will these new studies help the fight to make it legalized?
Featured Article:
Are Marijuana Drug-Testing Rules Making Truck Driver Shortage Worse? | Trucking Info
“Nearly half the states now have laws legalizing recreational marijuana, with half of the general population and 41% of truck drivers now living in states where recreational marijuana use is legal.”
Rail & Regulations 🚂
Norfolk Southern has become the first railroad in North America to provide paid sick time to everyone
Norfolk Southern has become the first major North American freight railroad to provide paid sick time to all its workers. Since the beginning of the year, nearly 65% of rail workers have secured this benefit. Other major freight railroads, including CSX, Union Pacific, BNSF, Canadian National, and Canadian Pacific Kansas City, are still negotiating with their unions but have expressed their commitment to resolving the issue. Union Pacific recently reached a deal with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen Union to provide paid sick leave to about 5,600 engineers. Most of the sick time agreements provide four days of paid sick leave, with the option to convert personal leave time into sick days.
The railroads have also promised to compensate workers for any unused sick time at the end of each year. The inclusion of paid sick time in these agreements came after pressure from the public, the Biden administration, and lawmakers, including Bernie Sanders. The railroads had previously refused to add this benefit in their negotiations. The engineers' union emphasizes that providing sick time ensures the safety and well-being of train crews. The agreements reflect the railroads' recognition of the importance of employees' quality of life and well-being. However, there is still work to be done to address the concerns of rail workers, as stated by the Transportation Trades Department and the AFL-CIO labor coalition.
Shipping & Manufacturing 🚢
Ocean Network Express announces delivery of first ever 24,000-TEU “Megamax” vessel
Ocean Network Express (ONE) has announced the successful delivery and deployment of their inaugural 24,000-TEU class vessel, the ONE Innovation. As the largest ship in ONE's fleet, the vessel incorporates state-of-the-art technologies to maximize cargo intake and minimize fuel consumption. It boasts various environmentally friendly features, including a bow windshield, an energy-saving device, and an exhaust gas cleaning system compliant with emission regulations set by the International Maritime Organization. The ONE Innovation is the first of six Megamax vessels to join ONE's fleet and will be operating on Asia to Europe service as part of THE Alliance. This expansion not only strengthens ONE's service offerings but also aligns with its commitment to sustainable logistics and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The addition of the Megamax class vessel marks a significant milestone for ONE, allowing them to provide more competitive and high-quality services to their customers while minimizing their environmental impact. With its "Green Vision" initiative aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050, ONE actively strives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its fleet. The deployment of ONE Innovation is a testament to their dedication to sustainable development in global logistics and their commitment to delivering innovative solutions to the industry.
Let’s Get Global 🌎
♻️ Republicans ask SEC about EU cooperation over ESG rules. Republican lawmakers Senator Tim Scott and Representative James Comer have expressed concerns about European Union (EU) environmental, social, and governance (ESG) measures gaining traction in the United States. They have written letters to the heads of the Treasury Department and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requesting details on coordination efforts with the EU regarding ESG regulations. The lawmakers argue that adopting an "EU-style climate regulatory regime" would harm sectors such as energy, agriculture, and finance in the US.
🚢 Shippers have accused all top ten ocean container carriers of engaging in profiteering. According to complaints filed with the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), all of the top ten ocean container carriers have been accused of price gouging and unfair practices by shippers over the past 18 months. Shippers claim that the carriers took advantage of the surge in spot rates during the COVID-19 pandemic to the detriment of their long-term customers.
🤝 Supply chain frustration continues to mount as labor issues persist at West Coast ports. Despite the reopening of West Coast ports, issues persist with labor slowdowns and shift closures. Truckers from logistics company ITS Logistics were turned away by terminal operator Fenix Marine Services at the Port of Los Angeles, resulting in frustration and difficulties for drivers and clients. Terminal closures and cancellations have been a challenge for truckers, with limited and delayed information.
iLevel With You 🏡
More topics for the average American household to consider…
🍇 The consumer-packaged goods (CPG) industry has faced significant challenges. The consumer-packaged goods (CPG) industry has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including fluctuating supply and demand, shifting consumer preferences, ingredient shortages, and disruptions in the supply chain. To navigate these obstacles effectively, manufacturers require digital tools that provide predictability and agility. Digital manufacturing strategies that combine information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) enable manufacturers to make informed decisions more efficiently.
🪧 The potential strike by UPS workers has the potential to disrupt e-commerce. The potential strike by UPS workers has raised concerns about the disruption it could cause to e-commerce and the broader supply chain. Millions of families, like Jessica Ray and her husband in New York City, rely on doorstep deliveries for their daily needs, from food to household items. With UPS delivering millions more packages every day compared to five years ago, any labor disputes could have a significant impact.
🏎️ DHL is supporting Formula 1's commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions. DHL and Formula 1 are partnering to enhance sustainable logistics by introducing a fleet of 18 biofuel-powered trucks for European Formula 1 races by 2023. The trucks will be fueled by vegetable oil and are expected to reduce carbon emissions by at least 60% compared to conventional fuels. The initiative aligns with Formula 1's goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2030.
Get Smart 🧠
Ramp up that brain power for these advanced topics…
🚛 Old Dominion sees a nearly 15% drop. Old Dominion Freight Line, a less-than-truckload carrier, reported that there was no seasonal increase in demand in May, with volume metrics slightly worse than in April when compared to the previous year. Tonnage in May was down 14.4% compared to the same period last year, following a decline of 14.5% in April. The decline in tonnage was due to daily shipments dropping between 11% and 12% year over year in both months, with weight per shipment decreasing by 3%. While the tonnage declines were similar in both months, the year-over-year comparison for May was easier than that of April.
🤝 DBFOM public-private partnerships benefit all parties involved: drivers, states, and transportation contractors. Long-term public-private partnerships (P3) for transportation infrastructure are not widespread in the United States compared to other regions. Only 37 P3 projects have been financed in the country between 1993 and 2022, averaging less than two projects per year. While 38 states have enacted P3 legislation, these projects have only been implemented in 11 states and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey.
🔋 The development of a megawatt charging system for electric trucks is progressing. An international high-speed charging standard for heavy-duty electric trucks is closer to becoming a reality as the United States and the European Union (EU) have agreed on a shared vision for standardization. This agreement, reached during a meeting of the Trade and Technology Council, includes recommendations from the EU's Joint Research Centre and the US Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory.
The Workday Dash is an aggregation of articles regarding the transportation logistics, trucking, and supply chain industries for November 27, 2024, from iLevel Logistics Inc.