Tale Lites Issue 87

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🏛️ Broker Transparency Fight Heads to Court

Pink Cheetah and Total Quality Logistics are still fighting over how much information brokers have to hand over to carriers, and whether carriers can waive that right.

If you’re not familiar with this dispute it stems from a 2023 ice cream shipment that went bad after some of the product was rejected by the customer.

Pink Cheetah later demanded records from TQL showing what happened with the load and how the money was distributed.

TQL came back and said they had a contract clause saying carriers waived their right to certain broker records under federal regulations.

Pink Cheetah sued after TQL refused to provide everything requested.

Last week, the case landed before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, where attorneys debated whether TQL could legally rely on that waiver.

So what does FMCSA say?

Pink Cheetah had previously contacted FMCSA about the dispute.

In a November 2023 email, FMCSA told TQL to remove the waiver language from its contracts because the agency believed it violated existing federal law.

TQL argues that the email was merely guidance, not an enforceable order.

Pink Cheetah says the lower court was wrong to dismiss the case and that the FMCSA directive shouldn't have been ignored.

💰 Then there's the money…

The records Pink Cheetah did receive allegedly showed the carrier received only 56% of the total payment for the load.

Pink Cheetah says that means TQL kept roughly 40% as its commission.

For comparison, Pink Cheetah cited Transportation Intermediaries Association data showing typical broker margins around 14%–16%.

While the court battle continues, FMCSA is also working on a new broker transparency rule that could more clearly establish what brokers must disclose to carriers, including whether those disclosure rights can be waived.

That rule making has been dragging on for years and was recently sent to the White House for review.

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 30–Sep 5

• Dry Van: $2.95/mile, up ~6 cents week over week

• Reefer: $3.54/mile, up ~9 cents week over week. Second straight week as the standout

• Flatbed: $3.54/mile, up ~4 cents week over week

At the Pump
Regional snapshot (September 7 reading, most recent official):

• East Coast: $5.744/gal (now your cheapest fill-up, edging out the Gulf)

• Gulf Coast: $5.754/gal

• Rocky Mountain: $5.805/gal

• Midwest: $5.946/gal

• West Coast (excl. CA): $6.314/gal

• California: $7.764/gal (broader West Coast (incl. CA) averaging $6.987/gal)

National average: $5.967/gal — a record, and every region is up 25 to 55 cents in a single week. Brent crude settled above $101 on Sept 9 after strikes on Middle East oil facilities and tankers, so the next EIA print is unlikely to bring relief. Plan fuel stops east and south if your lanes give you the choice.

🚛 🔫 Trucker Takes Concealed Carry Fight to Supreme Court

Can a truck driver legally carry a concealed firearm across state lines without getting a new permit in every state?

Jeffrey Johnson Sr., who holds concealed carry permits from Florida and Georgia, sued Minnesota after the state refused to recognize those permits.

Johnson argues that requiring travelers to obtain separate permits from individual states puts an unconstitutional burden on the Second Amendment.

Here's what happened

1. Johnson and fellow truck driver David McCoy II filed the lawsuit in January 2025.

2. McCoy held a Texas permit, while Johnson had permits from Florida and Georgia.

3. Minnesota later began recognizing Texas permits, so McCoy dropped his part of the lawsuit.

Johnson kept fighting.

A federal district judge dismissed the case, ruling that Minnesota's reciprocity requirements did not violate the Second Amendment.

The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld that decision in May 2026.

Now Johnson is asking the US Supreme Court to take the case.

His argument is straightforward: a constitutional right shouldn't disappear simply because someone crosses a state line.

🏛️ What happens next?

The Supreme Court docket shows Johnson's petition was filed in August and distributed for the justices' Sept. 28, 2026 conference. The Court has not yet decided whether it will hear the case.

If the justices take it, the ruling could have major implications for interstate travelers, including truck drivers who routinely cross multiple state lines.

Congress is looking at the issue as well with Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., introducing the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, which would establish nationwide recognition of qualifying concealed carry permits and extend reciprocity to residents of constitutional carry states.

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

🍽️ Recipe of the Week! Air Fryer Pork Chop Plate

INGREDIENTS
• 6 ounces marinated boneless pork chop
• 1 microwave rice cup
• 1 steam-bag broccoli or green beans

STEPS

1. Air fry the pork chop: 6 ounces marinated boneless pork chop into the basket. 380°F for 10-12 minutes, flip halfway. Pull it at 145°F inside.

2. Microwave the sides: While the chop cooks, microwave 1 microwave rice cup for 90 seconds and 1 steam-bag broccoli or green beans for 3-4 minutes. Dump both on a plate, lay the chop on top.

NOTES
~520 cal, 45g protein. Pre-marinated chops (Smithfield and the Walmart store brand both work) mean no seasoning to carry. Rice cups and steam bags are shelf-stable, so you can keep a few in the fridge.

Partner Post of the Week

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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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