Tale Lites Issue 84

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🚛 Chris Spear OUT as President of ATA

ATA Chairman Greg Hodgen announced Spear’s departure on Friday, Aug. 21, saying Spear was leaving the organization effective immediately.

“On behalf of ATA, I thank Chris for more than a decade of service to the association and our industry,” Hodgen said. He credited Spear with helping secure policy victories, strengthening ATA’s advocacy efforts and increasing trucking’s presence in Washington.

ATA did not say whether Spear’s departure was voluntary. Which is odd because Spear signed a contract extension in 2024 that was expected to keep him with the organization through 2029.

A Decade at the Helm

Spear became ATA’s ninth president and CEO in 2016 and spent much of his tenure pushing the association’s legislative and regulatory priorities in Washington.

One of the more controversial issues during his tenure was the trucking industry’s alleged driver shortage.

Spear and ATA repeatedly argued that the industry needed more drivers, using the claim to support proposals such as lowering the interstate driving age to 18, increasing truck size and weight limits, and streamlining the CDL process.

Several studies in recent years have similarly suggested that the industry’s labor challenges are better addressed through higher wages and improved working conditions rather than simply adding more drivers.

Spear continued defending the shortage argument as recently as July 2025, telling a Senate committee that claims there was no driver shortage were undermining the work of lawmakers.

Just two months later, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy publicly rejected the idea that the country was facing a shortage of truck drivers.

“I do not buy the idea that there are not enough American truck drivers,” Duffy said in September 2025.

What’s Next for ATA?

For now ATA says its work will continue without interruption and that the organization remains focused on advocating for the trucking industry in Washington.

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 Aug 9–15

• Dry Van: $2.93/mile, down ~2 cents week over week

• Reefer: $3.38/mile, essentially flat week over week

• Flatbed: $3.54/mile, down ~6 cents week over week — the steepest pullback of the three, tracking the seasonal wind-down in construction and ag freight

At the Pump
Regional snapshot (August 17 reading, most recent official):

• Gulf Coast: $5.237/gal (still your cheapest fill-up)

• East Coast: $5.340/gal

• Rocky Mountain: $5.427/gal

• Midwest: $5.435/gal

• West Coast (excl. CA): ~$5.70/gal

• California: $6.785/gal — broader West Coast (incl. CA) averaging $6.203/gal

National diesel jumped 19.7 cents/gal to $5.454 that week, wiping out the prior week's dip and hitting its highest level since May. The U.S.-Iran ceasefire over the Strait of Hormuz expired August 17, and crude popped back above $90/barrel almost immediately — so don't be surprised if next week's fuel surcharge line runs hot again.

📍Google Maps Is Getting Truck-Smart

Google Maps has launched Large Vehicle Routing (LVR), a new technology designed to route trucks and buses based on their actual dimensions and restrictions.

Unlike standard Google Maps, LVR can account for things like:

• Truck height and weight

• Vehicle length and width

• Axle count

• Hazmat restrictions

• Low bridges

• Weight-restricted roads

• Other vehicle-specific restrictions

Google says the system can also provide “truck specific” ETAs based on commercial vehicle speeds and traffic conditions.

This isn't a new Google Maps truck GPS that drivers can download today.

LVR is being offered through Google's developer tools, meaning trucking apps, fleet-management companies, TMS providers and other technology companies can integrate the technology into their own products.

So your next truck navigation app might eventually be powered by Google's new system, but you won't find a "Google Truck GPS" app in the App Store just yet.

Why it matters

Truck specific navigation isn't new, but Google's entry into the space could raise the bar for the entire industry.

A navigation system that actually knows your truck is 13'6", weighs 80,000 pounds and can't fit under that 12'6" bridge could prevent some very expensive mistakes.

The technology is getting smarter. Drivers still need to be smarter than the GPS.

Read more here

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

🍽️ Recipe of the Week! Air Fryer Cheesy Sausage Links

INGREDIENTS
• 3 turkey sausage links (precooked)
• 1/3 cup shredded cheese blend

STEPS

1. Air fry the sausage: Air fry the 3 turkey sausage links (precooked) at 370°F for 6-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until browned and hot through.

2. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the 0.3 cups shredded cheese blend (single-serve bag) over the hot sausages and let it melt for a minute before eating.

NOTES
~260 cal, 30g protein. Grab a fruit cup or protein shake on the side if you want more volume.

Partner Post of the Week

Chris Thomas aka Indie Trucker parked at one of our locations last week!! If you need safe parking use the promo code indie20 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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