Tale Lites Issue 88

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⛽ Diesel Relief: Some Wins, Some Stalls

Diesel just hit a record national average of $6.51/gallon, according to AAA. Lawmakers and federal agencies have rolled out several ideas to help, but they appear to be getting mixed results.

🚛 Fuel Tax Holiday Stalls

A push by House Republicans to suspend the federal fuel tax has reportedly fallen apart, with concerns that doing so could drain the Highway Trust Fund.

⏰ HOS Relief for Fuel Haulers

There is at least one concrete change for drivers hauling fuel. FMCSA issued an emergency waiver allowing qualifying fuel hauling drivers to operate for up to 16 hours in a 24-hour period, while still requiring standard rest breaks. To me, I don’t see how this moves the needle

That waiver is currently set to remain in effect through Dec. 16.

❄️ Cold Weather Diesel Bill Moves Forward

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee advanced the Cold Weather Diesel Reliability Act, introduced by Sens. Dan Sullivan and Cynthia Lummis.

The bill would direct EPA to change diesel regulations for equipment operating primarily in extremely cold climates and create year round exemptions from certain DEF requirements.

Supporters say the changes would help prevent cold related emission system problems from forcing trucks and equipment into shutdowns.

With diesel prices at record highs, what do you think needs to happen?

Read more here

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

🚚 Freight Market Watch
All-in rates (linehaul + fuel surcharge), week of Sept 13–19

• Dry Van: $2.96/mile, up ~4 cents week over week

• Reefer: $3.59/mile, up ~9 cents week over week. Fall produce moving, with reefer load posts running 48% above a year ago

• Flatbed: $3.55/mile, up ~6 cents week over week

The surcharge did all the work. Linehaul fell for van (down 3 cents to $2.17) and flatbed (down 1 cent to $2.60), and reefer gained only 2 cents to $2.73, so every bit of the all-in increase came from fuel.

Freight and trucks both came back after Labor Day: van loads up 15%, flatbed loads up 25%, reefer up 8%. Capacity still isn't keeping pace. At 175,593, total equipment posts were the lowest Week 38 in DAT's records, with truck posts 30% below last year for van and 24% for reefer and flatbed. Load-to-truck ratios all climbed: van 11.2, reefer 19.1, flatbed 40.5. Regionally, Upper Midwest reefer averaged $3.53/mile and the Pacific Northwest jumped 6% to $3.04.

⚖️ Super Ego Lawsuit: CEO Gets Partial Win as Settlement Talks Continue

A federal judge has dismissed several claims against Super Ego’s Aleksandar Mimic, but the larger lawsuit against the trucking network is still moving forward.

The case, filed by truck drivers, accuses Super Ego and affiliated companies of violations involving lease/purchase programs, contracts, fraud and driver pay.

Judge Martha Pacold dismissed four claims against Mimic without prejudice, meaning they could potentially be refiled in an amended complaint.

A separate Truth in Leasing Act claim was dismissed with prejudice to the extent it relied on an aiding and abetting theory, meaning that portion cannot be refiled on that basis.

🤝 Settlement Talks

A settlement conference held the day before the ruling reportedly made “significant progress toward settlement,” although both sides agreed more work was needed.

The CEO isn’t the only defendant in this case. The lawsuit remains active against Super Ego Holding, Floyd, Kordun Express, Rocket Expediting, JHI Transport, Rex Trucking, Haidar Dawood, Twin Carrier, Windy City National Trans and Trytime Transport.

The drivers allege the companies operated as an affiliated network and used lease/purchase programs that allegedly promised drivers certain compensation while ultimately paying less than advertised.

I’ll continue to follow this case, and if you have any more information or testimonies definitely reach out!

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

🍽️ Recipe of the Week! Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

INGREDIENTS
• 6 ounces frozen grilled chicken strips
• 1.5 cups cup frozen pepper and onion blend
• 2 flour tortillas

STEPS

1. Air fry chicken and peppers: 6 ounces frozen grilled chicken strips and 1.5 cups cup frozen pepper and onion blend into the basket together, straight from frozen. 400°F for 10-12 minutes, shake once halfway. The peppers should have some char on the edges.

2. Warm the tortillas and build: Microwave 2 flour tortillas for 20 seconds to soften, then load them up and roll.

NOTES
~500 cal, 40g protein. The pepper and onion blend is sold frozen at Walmart already sliced, so there's no knife or cutting board involved. Both bags reseal and the tortillas keep in the fridge. A packet of taco seasoning or hot sauce from the truck stop counter works if you want a little more

Partner Post of the Week

Follow along with the Gutierrez Family and how they making trucking work for their family! If you need safe parking use the promo code gfam20 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!

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