Tale Lites Issue 80

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🏛️$600M Verdict Hits CH Robinson

On July 23, a Dallas County jury awarded more than $600 million in a lawsuit involving freight broker C.H. Robinson and carrier Lupus Superior following a fatal 2021 multi-vehicle crash. The verdict is the first major broker liability case decided since the Montgomery ruling made it easier for brokers to face negligent hiring claims.

But some people are asking questions because it appears Lupus Superior was a qualified carrier. It held a Satisfactory FMCSA safety rating, had below average out of service rates, and had successfully hauled nearly 270 loads for C.H. Robinson customers before the crash.

Despite that, the jury found C.H. Robinson partially responsible, assigning the company 23% of the blame, while Lupus Superior received 32% and the driver 45%. Jurors also concluded the driver was effectively a "borrowed employee" of C.H. Robinson, a finding that kept the broker on the hook despite the driver working for an independent carrier. This sounds like it is going to open a can of worms.

C.H. Robinson says it strongly disagrees with the verdict and plans to appeal.

The case adds uncertainty for freight brokers, who are now left wondering how much due diligence is enough, and whether “traditional safety ratings” alone will protect them from future lawsuits.

My own personal opinion is once again, this is the price we pay for comfort. Adopting technology has surely made things quicker, but business relationships have completely deteriorated.

What do you think? For Driver Submissions, questions, and comments contact me at: [email protected] or Text me directly at 423-275-2444

🚚 Freight Market Watch

All-in rates (linehaul + fuel surcharge), week of July 19–25

• Dry Van: down ~6 cents/mile week over week — 5th straight weekly drop

• Reefer: down ~8 cents/mile — rates falling in all regions

• Flatbed: down ~9 cents/mile — biggest weekly drop of the run, though still ~50% above this time last year

All three fell despite diesel spiking. FTR flagged this as one of the sharpest week-29 rate drops since 2022. For hard $/mile DAT board numbers, last confirmed reading was Dry Van $2.99 / Reefer $3.41 / Flatbed $3.62 

At the Pump

Diesel just spiked (again). After the Russia export ban/Strait of Hormuz drama it pushed the national average to $4.796/gal on July 13, it jumped another 33.8 cents to $5.134/gal as of July 20. That's up $1.322 from a year ago.

Regional snapshot (July 20 reading, most recent official):

• Gulf Coast: $4.942/gal — still your cheapest

• Midwest: $4.988/gal

• Rocky Mountain: $4.935/gal

• East Coast: $5.194/gal

• West Coast (excl. CA): $5.362/gal

• California: $6.471/gal — broader West Coast (incl. CA) averaging $5.877/gal

⛔️ Kansas City I-70 Closure Will Reroute Thousands of Trucks in 2027

If you go through Kansas City this is the earliest warning I can give you! A major stretch of I-70 between Prospect Avenue and Van Brunt Boulevard will be completely closed throughout most of 2027 as part of a massive reconstruction project.

The Missouri Department of Transportation is adding a fourth eastbound lane, replacing 15 bridges, rehabilitating seven more, and making additional infrastructure improvements aimed at increasing safety and reducing congestion.

The closure affects a busy freight corridor that sees roughly 120,000 vehicles each day, including 13,000–14,000 trucks.

Through traffic will be detoured around the city using I-435 and I-470, while overhead message boards and GPS navigation will help guide drivers. Most streets crossing I-70 are expected to remain open during construction.

MoDOT says closing the highway entirely will allow crews to finish the project much faster than phased construction, reducing the overall disruption despite the short-term headaches.

Is Kansas City along your regular routes?

📩 What are your thoughts?
Reply to this email or text (423) 275-2444 

🍽️ Recipe of the Week! Lean Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

INGREDIENTS
• 1 pound of chicken tenders
• 1.5 tablespoons seasoning blend (Cajun, lemon pepper, blackened whatever you want!)

STEPS

1. Season: Pat 1 pounds chicken tenders dry with a paper towel, then sprinkle 1.5 tablespoons seasoning evenly over both sides. Press it in a bit so it sticks.

2. Air fry: Lay the tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, not touching much. Air fry at 400°F for 11-12min

3. Flip and check: Flip the tenders halfway through cooking. They're done when golden outside and 165°F inside or no pink in the middle.

NOTES
~180 cal / 38g protein per serving (2 servings total) no oil, so almost all lean protein. Trucker tips: 1) A quick shot of cooking spray in the basket (not on the chicken) keeps it from sticking, adds next to zero calories. 2) Pat the tenders dry with a paper towel before seasoning, the rub sticks better and they crisp up more without oil. 3) Leftovers keep 3-4 days in the fridge, reheat in the microwave in about a minute. 4) Frozen tenders? Skip the thawing, just add 4-5 minutes to the air fry time.

Partner Post of the Week

Catch up with our buddy Jordan’s Way who we caught at Iowa80! If you need safe parking use the promo code jordan20 for $20 off your next booking

@jordansway97

Little collage I threw together. #fypシ #fyp #viral?videotiktok😇😇1mellean

Long Time Trucker Writes Book on the State of American Trucking Industry

Is there a quiet war being waged against America’s truck drivers?

That’s the argument behind End of the Road: Inside the War on Truckers, a new book by longtime driver and writer Gord Magill. Magill claims the industry that once represented freedom and independence is being attacked on all fronts, from government regulations, in cab surveillance technology, corporate consolidation, and the push toward autonomous trucks.

God Magill has decades of experience including 4 seasons on ice roads in Canada, road trains in Australia, and over the road in the US. He argues that drivers today face tighter control, shrinking margins, and a future where human truckers may be pushed out altogether.

If you drive a truck, have driven, or have a family member who drives then this book is a must read.

You can order the book HERE and use the promo code 4TRUCKERS20 for a discount at checkout!

Truck Parking Club Partner Program

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