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- Tale Lites Issue 19
Tale Lites Issue 19
Exit Ramp Parking leads to Fatalities, Supply Chain Layoffs

NTSB Determines Illegal Exit Ramp Parking caused Fatal Crash
-Lombard
Another week, and another glaring reason why we need to solve truck parking. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) just released their findings on a 2023 crash in Highland, Illinois, and their message is loud and clear, “our broken system is putting lives at risk, and it’s time for real action.”
What Happened?
In July 2023, just before 2 a.m. on I-70 outside Highland, Illinois. A Greyhound bus driver running on fumes, veers off the highway and plows into three tractor-trailers parked on the shoulder of the exit ramp near the Silver Lake rest area. Three bus passengers didn’t make it home. Eleven more, including the driver, were injured. The truckers, who had nowhere else to park, walked away physically unharmed, but this is still a nightmare scenario for anyone behind the wheel124.
Now, before anyone starts pointing fingers at the drivers parked on the ramp, let’s be honest: when you’re out of hours and the lot is bleeding into the streets (and it always is), you’re left with two choices, risk a ticket or risk your life (and everyone else’s) by pushing on. That’s not a choice. That’s a no-win situation forced on us by decades of neglect.
NTSB: Parking Shortage Is a Killer
The NTSB’s investigation didn’t mince words. Yes, the bus driver’s fatigue was the main cause, but the lack of safe, legal truck parking was a direct contributor. There are only 21 truck parking spots at Silver Lake, which hasn’t changed since the 1970’s, even though truck traffic has tripled. The next rest area? 76 miles away. 24.
This isn’t just a “trucker problem.” As Collin Long from OOIDA said, the parking crisis puts everyone on the road at risk. When trucks are forced onto shoulders and ramps, it’s only a matter of time before another tragedy happens.
Congress: Time to Put Up or Shut Up
This is the part that continues to fire me up, we’ve been talking about this for decades. The NTSB called out the lack of funding and the endless red tape that’s kept us stuck in neutral. Illinois Rep. Mike Bost’s Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act would finally put real money, $755 million, toward expanding parking. But it’s been stalled in Congress, like so many other “solutions” that never seem to make it to the finish line14.
NTSB is now recommending the DOT ramp up its use of real-time parking info systems, expand grant programs, and even consider ending the ban on commercializing rest areas so we can get more spots built and maintained.
Bottom Line: Enough Talk—We Need Action
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: truck parking isn’t just a convenience issue, it’s a safety issue. It’s about respecting the people who keep this country moving and making sure everyone gets home safe. Until lawmakers actually listen and fund real solutions, we’re going to keep seeing headlines like this.
Stay safe out there, share this newsletter with friends, family, and your local and state officials.
source: Freightwaves
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Layoffs Slam Texas and California
The market has been tough on everyone the last few years and this past week, the layoffs hit hard, especially in California and Texas, with over 1,000 jobs gone in a matter of days. Let’s break down what’s happening, why it matters, and what it means for everyone in trucking.
Who’s Cutting Jobs and Why?
UPS:
UPS is eliminating two shifts at its West Sacramento warehouse, which means 355 people are out of work by mid-July. This is just a piece of a much larger puzzle, UPS is in the middle of what they’re calling the “largest network reconfiguration in UPS history.” Translation: they plan to cut around 20,000 jobs and close 73 facilities by the end of the year. That’s a lot of families affected, and it’s all about tightening up their operation as volumes drop and competition heats up134.
FedEx:
FedEx Supply Chain Logistics and Electronics in North Fort Worth, Texas, is cutting 305 jobs by late October. This isn’t just about shrinking,one of their big customers is moving operations elsewhere and using a new 3PL provider. The center will keep running with 275 workers, but that’s still a major hit for the people losing their jobs14.
F&S Produce West:
Down in Houston, F&S Produce West is slashing 255 jobs at its facility. They haven’t said why, and it’s not clear if the plant will stay open. There’s also some legal chatter about whether they gave enough notice under the WARN Act, so if you know anyone affected, tell them to look into their rights124.
Amazon:
Even the e-commerce giant who offloads their freight hauling needs by contracting to carriers, isn’t immune. Amazon is laying off 52 workers across four facilities in Sunnyvale, California, including 33 at their Lab126 tech hub and 19 more in tech and fulfillment roles. No official word on the reason, but it’s another sign that even the big dogs are feeling the pinch14.
L&T Precision:
This specialty manufacturer in Poway, California, is closing up shop and laying off 81 employees by August 1. They focus on aerospace and defense, so it’s not strictly freight, but it’s another piece of the broader logistics puzzle4.
What’s Really Going On?
It’s not just one company or one state, it’s the whole industry feeling the pressure. Freight volumes are down, costs are up, and everyone’s looking to cut wherever they can. UPS is even pulling back on business with Amazon, which used to be one of their biggest customers. Add in tariffs, trade uncertainty, and the usual corporate belt-tightening, and you’ve got a perfect storm35.
What Does This Mean for Drivers?
If you’re a company driver or working in a warehouse, stay alert! Now’s the time to update that resume and pay attention to what’s happening at your company. For owner-operators, it’s a reminder that the freight market is still volatile and to remain flexible, keep your expenses tight, and look for opportunities where you can.
And if you’re one of the people affected by these layoffs, know that you’re not alone. There are resources out there, and the industry’s been through tough times before. We’ll get through this one, too.
source: Freightwaves
Health Tip of the Week
Driver’s Secret Weapon: Sumo Squats
This week’s move: the sumo squat. It’s a simple exercise you can do anywhererest area, truck stop, or even next to your truck at a shipper/receiver.
Why sumo squats?
Sumo squats target your inner thighs, glutes, hips, and core, helping you build lower body strength and stability. They’re especially great for drivers because they counteract the effects of long hours of sitting, boost circulation, and help prevent lower back pain.
How to do a sumo squat with proper form:
Stand with your feet wider than shoulder-width apart, toes pointed out at about 45 degrees.
Keep your chest up and your back straight.
Lower your body by bending your knees and pushing your hips back, as if you’re sitting in a chair.
Go down until your thighs are parallel to the ground (or as low as comfortable), keeping your knees tracking over your toes.
Press through your heels to return to standing.
Start with 2 sets of 10–15 reps each day. You’ll feel stronger, looser, and ready to tackle the road ahead.

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