🚭 CDL Crackdown
Good morning! Welcome to the November 30th edition of "The Workday Dash," your go-to source for the latest insights and updates in the world of supply chain and logistics. Today, as we celebrate National ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Day, we're delving into the sustainability efforts shaping the industry's future. From eco-friendly innovations to ethical supply chain practices, we'll explore how companies are making meaningful strides towards a more responsible and resilient supply chain landscape.
So, fasten your seatbelts, stay tuned, and let's dive into the exciting world of ESG and supply chain dynamics! ♻️🔋
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FMCSA Implements Stricter Drug Testing Rules for Truck Drivers, Impacting CDLs and Safety
The FMCSA has issued a warning to truck drivers, stating that starting in late 2024, those testing positive for drugs will lose their CDLs and be denied learner's permits until they complete the return-to-work process. This action is part of new regulations aimed at improving CMV driving compliance and safety.
While progress has been made in keeping drug users off the road, concerns remain about some drivers leaving the profession rather than entering the return-to-duty program.
Check out today’s featured article from TT News to learn more about why FMSCA is stepping up on punishments for failed drug testing. Will this be a good or a bad thing in the long run?
Featured Article
FMCSA Warning: Drivers Who Drug-Test Positive Will Lose CDLs | TT News
“Federal trucking regulators have issued a warning that late next year truck drivers who test positive for drug use will not only be placed on prohibited driving status, but will lose their commercial driver licenses and not be issued learning permits until they complete the federal return-to-work process.”
Auto & Biden
Auto Dealers Voice Concerns to Biden Over Electric Vehicle Push
Over 3,000 U.S. auto dealerships have written an open letter to President Biden, expressing concerns about the administration's aggressive push for electric vehicles. The dealerships, representing major car brands across all states, are worried about stringent emissions standards they see as unrealistic and ahead of customer demand. They highlight issues like growing unsold EV inventory, charging infrastructure problems, grid instability, and mineral shortages affecting EV battery production.
Christmas & Transportation
Werner Enterprises Drivers Deliver U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree with Kenworth Trucks
Tim Dean and Jesus Davila, Werner Enterprises drivers, had the honor of transporting this year's U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from West Virginia to Washington, D.C. The 63-foot Norway Spruce was harvested in wintry conditions and loaded onto a Manac extendable flatbed trailer. Tim Dean used a Kenworth W990 truck for the transportation. After descending the mountain, the trailer was connected to a Kenworth T680 Signature Edition for the tour.
During their journey, the drivers stopped in 12 towns in West Virginia for community celebrations. Despite the challenges of handling an oversized trailer, they praised the truck's performance and safety technology, particularly the Digital Mirrors system, which eliminated blind spots.
Let’s Get Global 🌎
Checking out the scoop outside of the United States…
✈️ Auto Industry Considers Air Freight to Reduce Backlogs After UAW Strike. Auto suppliers are resorting to air freight to address production delays resulting from recent UAW strikes and other disruptions in the automotive supply chain. These delays have prompted manufacturers to use air transportation to prevent vehicle delivery backlogs and maintain a steady supply of parts, despite the initial higher costs associated with airfreight.
🌊 Fleet-Heavy Ocean Carriers Grapple with Surplus of Containers. Ocean carriers are grappling with both an excess of ships and an abundance of containers, leading to storage challenges and additional expenses. Drewry's Container Equipment Forecaster report predicts a reduction in the global supply of shipping containers for this year and the next, with thousands of surplus containers accumulating in empty-container depots despite the vast global fleet of ships.
iLevel With You 🏡
More topics for the average American household to consider…
📈 Cargo Theft on the Rise: 22% Increase in 2022, Expected to Continue in 2023. Cargo theft in the U.S./Canada region increased by 22% from 2021 to 2022, with a 48% rise in average loss value, according to a report by Overhaul. The report anticipates a further increase in cargo theft in 2023 due to economic challenges driving demand for low-cost goods, with the first half of 2023 already showing a 1% rise in theft volumes compared to the same period in 2022.
😁 Survey Finds Growing Trend of Workers Engaging in Company Volunteer Activities Ahead of the Holidays. A survey by the Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals (ACCP) highlights a rising trend of employees engaging in company volunteer activities, especially before the holidays. Employers are adapting to this trend by offering diverse volunteering options, including individual choices (33%), group volunteering opportunities (over 50%), and virtual options (26%), emphasizing the significance of virtual volunteering for both local and international employees to participate without travel.
💪🏼 U.S. Economy Surpasses Growth Expectations in Q3, Driven by Investment and Government Spending. The U.S. economy experienced stronger growth in the third quarter than previously reported, with an annualized GDP expansion rate of 5.2%, driven by robust business investment and increased government spending, according to the Commerce Department's revised estimate. While consumer spending was revised downward to 3.6%, corporate profits saw a notable acceleration of 4.3% during the quarter, compared to the 0.8% gain in the previous quarter, and inflation figures presented a mixed picture.
Get Smart 🧠
Ramp up that brain power for these advanced topics…
🚂 Senate Vote on Rail Safety Bill Faces Dimming Prospects. The prospects for rail safety legislation advancing in Congress this year appear dim as other national priorities and political fatigue take precedence. The Railway Safety Act, introduced by the Senate delegation representing Ohio and Pennsylvania, has lost momentum, with no recent Senate floor debate or vote. Senator Chuck Schumer will decide when the bill gets a vote, but the chances of it happening before Congress recesses in January are low due to the lack of a pressing deadline, differences between House and Senate proposals, the National Transportation Safety Board's pending investigation report on a recent train derailment, and competing congressional priorities.
🤖 Key Takeaways from Initial Warehouse Automation Efforts. The retail industry is bracing for a "second wave" of warehouse automation upgrades, building on the initial efforts made by major retailers during the pandemic-driven e-commerce boom. Warehouse automation orders are projected to increase later this year and into 2024, driving double-digit growth in automation revenue by 2025, with lessons learned from the first wave of retrofits emphasizing proper facility preparation, vendor coordination, and addressing potential disruptions during construction, according to Insight Analysis.
⛽️ SuperTruck Program Exceeds Efficiency Goals, Boosting Diesel and Alternative Fuel Vehicles. The SuperTruck program, a DOE and truck manufacturer collaboration, has achieved goals beyond the SuperTruck 2 program's aim of a 100% freight efficiency improvement over the 2009 baseline. Manufacturers like Navistar and Volvo accomplished this by implementing strategies like aerodynamic improvements, weight reduction, and reduced rolling resistance in diesel-powered trucks. These advancements are crucial as the industry transitions to various powertrains, benefiting alternative fuel vehicles by enhancing their range and efficiency.
The Workday Dash is an aggregation of articles regarding the transportation logistics, trucking, and supply chain industries for November 22, 2024, from iLevel Logistics Inc.