Tale Lites Issue 82

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🚛 Canadian Trucker Faces Deportation After Alleged Cabotage Violation in New Mexico

Where I’m sure this isn’t the first, this is the first I’ve seen of a Canadian truck driver facing prosecution/deportation. U.S. Border Patrol agents have accused the driver of illegally hauling freight between two points inside the United States.

According to Border Patrol, agents stopped the Canadian driver in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and determined he was conducting what the agency described as “unauthorized domestic freight operations.”

The driver allegedly hauled a load from Deming to Los Lunas, New Mexico, two locations within the United States.

USBP says the move violated U.S. cabotage restrictions, which generally prohibit foreign motor carriers and certain nonimmigrant visa holders from transporting freight between two domestic points.

Border Patrol Increasing Cabotage Enforcement

Over the past year, USBP has announced several enforcement actions involving Mexican truck drivers accused of transporting freight between U.S. states.

The agency has argued that enforcing cabotage restrictions helps protect American trucking companies and drivers from unfair competition.

“The enforcement of cabotage laws is vital to protecting the U.S. economy and ensuring fair competition within the domestic transportation industry,” USBP previously stated.

For Canadian and Mexican carriers operating in the United States, the cases serve as another reminder that where a load originates and where it is delivered can have major consequences for whether the operation is legally permitted.

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 26–Aug 1

• Dry Van: $2.96/mile, down ~1 cent week over week

• Reefer: $3.35/mile, down ~2 cents week over week

• Flatbed: $3.60/mile, up ~2 cents week over week — the only mode to gain, as a fuel surcharge surge outpaced a 4-cent linehaul dip

At the Pump
Regional snapshot (August 3 reading, most recent official):

• Gulf Coast: $5.141/gal (still your cheapest fill up)

• Rocky Mountain: $5.285/gal

• Midwest: $5.262/gal

• East Coast: $5.299/gal

• West Coast (excl. CA): $5.623/gal

• California: $6.716/gal — broader West Coast (incl. CA) averaging $6.130/gal

National diesel jumped 33 cents/gal to $5.13 that week. It's why flatbed rates actually rose even as its linehaul softened, and why van/reefer all-in drops were much smaller than the linehaul-only declines would suggest. Capacity is also pulling back faster than demand (equipment posts down 11%)

🏛️ Senate Looks to Keep Highway Bill Rolling

Congress is running out of time, but the Senate wants to keep the nation’s highway programs funded while lawmakers work on a long term transportation bill.

The Senate voted 90-6 on Saturday, Aug. 8, to advance an extension of the current surface transportation authorization. If the House approves the measure, federal highway and surface transportation programs would continue receiving funding through Dec. 11.

The current highway bill expires Sept. 30, giving lawmakers roughly 50 days to reach an agreement.

The proposed extension would essentially give Congress more time to work on a long term highway bill without allowing transportation programs to run out of funding. It would also push the deadline until after the November elections.

What’s Holding Up the Next Highway Bill?

In May, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee advanced the BUILD America 250 Act, a roughly $580 billion highway package that includes a few things we care about:

• $750 million for truck parking

• Guaranteed restroom access for truck drivers

• A ban on certain predatory lease-purchase agreements

The hold up is the bill hasn't made it to the House floor. Meanwhile, the Senate has yet to make significant progress on its own long term highway legislation.

That leaves Congress with a choice they often make: reach a deal quickly or extend the current law and keep negotiating.

For truckers, the outcome of the current negotiations could have a direct impact on some of the industry's biggest issues like truck parking, driver facilities, lease purchase practices and highway safety funding.

But with the Sept. 30 expiration date approaching, lawmakers will eventually have to decide whether they're ready to fire up a new 5 year highway bill, or keep kicking the can down the road.

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

🍽️ Recipe of the Week! Turkey/Meatball Marinara Bowl

INGREDIENTS
• 6 frozen turkey meatballs
• 1/3 cup jarred marinara sauce
• 2 tablespoons shredded (skim) mozzarella
• 1 cups frozen broccoli florets

STEPS

1. Air fry the meatballs: Toss 6 frozen turkey meatballs straight from frozen into the air fryer. Run at 380°F for 9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

2. Microwave the broccoli: While the meatballs cook, microwave broccoli florets in a covered bowl with a splash of water for 3-4 minutes until soft.

3. Sauce and cheese: Once the meatballs are done, pour 1/3 cup jarred marinara sauce over them in the air fryer basket, top with 2 tablespoons shredded mozzarella, and run 1 more minute just to melt the cheese and warm the sauce.

4. Build the bowl: Dump the broccoli into a bowl, pile the saucy meatballs on top, and eat!

NOTES
Comes in around 300 cal / 34g protein . Turkey meatballs (like Aidells or the Walmart Great Value brand) and a jar of marinara I have seen in almost every truck stop cooler/pantry aisle. Swap broccoli for a microwave steam-bag of green beans or cauliflower if that's what's available or you prefer it.

Partner Post of the Week

Check out Eddie V and his health and fitness journey while OTR! If you need safe parking use the promo code EDDIEV for $20 off your next booking

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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