Tale Lites Issue 92

ATRI Top Industry Issues Drops - Truckers Stop Police Chase!

Author

Michael Lombard
October 19, 2026

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 🚛 Diesel Prices Take the #1 in Trucking’s Biggest Concerns

Diesel prices are now trucking’s biggest concern, according to the American Transportation Research Institute’s (ATRI) annual industry survey.

For the last three years the economy was number 1, but fell to sixth place as some carriers saw signs of improvement. But with diesel topping $6.50 per gallon, rising operating costs remain a major headache, especially for small and midsize carriers

Other major concerns include lawsuit abuse, CSA scores, insurance costs and availability, and AI in trucking and diesel emissions regulations also remain in the top 10. The “driver shortage” also makes its return to the list, which is humorous because retention is on that same list. However this was not a top driver concern.

Drivers and carriers aren’t seeing eye to eye on everything. Drivers ranked fuel prices, truck parking and compensation as their top three concerns. Carriers put lawsuit abuse reform, fuel prices and the driver shortage at the top of their list.

Nearly 3,100 industry stakeholders participated in the survey, including truck drivers, carriers, suppliers, driver trainers and law enforcement. Among law enforcement respondents, electronic logging device fraud ranked as the biggest concern.

Read the full report from ATRI 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

All-in rates (linehaul + fuel surcharge), week of Oct 4–10

  • Dry Van: ~$3.12/mile, up ~3 cents week over week

  • Reefer: ~$3.68/mile, up ~3 cents week over week

  • Flatbed: ~$3.68/mile, down ~2 cents week over week

At the pump: Diesel is still falling, but more slowly. The national average dropped 2 cents to $6.18/gallon, the third weekly decline in a row. The Lower Atlantic fell the most, down 5 cents to $5.65. Prices went up slightly out West: the Rocky Mountain region rose 3.5 cents, and California is still the most expensive at $8.09. Spot load posts fell 18% after the quarter-end rush cleared. With earlier diesel drops still working through fuel surcharges, expect all-in rates to soften over the next couple of weeks, even as linehaul holds steady.

🚔 Truckers Stop High Speed Chase in Alabama

In a Smokey and the Bandit fashion, two Alabama truckers teamed up to help police end a high speed chase over the weekend

Around 2:45am on October 17, a Calera police officer spotted a vehicle speeding through a construction zone on I-65. The officer activated lights and sirens, but the driver refused to stop and continued south.

Then came the assist from two truckers traveling side by side, they positioned their trucks to block the fleeing vehicle. With nowhere to go, the suspect hit the brakes, exited the interstate and was arrested.

213K views · 1K reactions | Around 2:45 a.m., a Calera patrol unit saw a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed through the construction zone on I-65. The vehicle continued south, speeding and passing cars in a reckless manner. The Calera unit activated his lights and siren, and the suspect continued south at high speed, failing to stop. Chilton County and Jemison units were notified and prepared to assist. The Calera officer in pursuit noticed the vehicle slam on its brakes in a cloud of smoke from the tires. The suspect vehicle then exited the interstate, stopped, and the driver was placed under arrest. The reason for the sudden deceleration was two 18-wheeler trucks, which were traveling at equal speed side by side, blocking the suspect, who then gave up. “I often thank our citizens for assisting us by reporting criminal behavior and being our eyes on the street. Today, I want to thank these truckers who pulled a reverse Smokey and the Bandit move and helped us catch this guy before he killed someone. Truck drivers are the backbone of commerce in our country and are too often taken for granted. These two drivers took action and quite possibly prevented a tragedy. I say it a lot, but I will say it again. Law enforcement is ineffective without the trust and partnership of the community.” (Chief Hyche) American Truckers Alabama Trucking Association Livetrucking.com American Truckers United | City of Calera Police Department

Around 2:45 a.m., a Calera patrol unit saw a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed through the construction zone on I-65. The vehicle continued south, speeding and passing cars in a reckless...

www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1469571998353023

Calera Police Chief Hyche praised the drivers, saying their actions may have prevented a tragedy and thanking them for stepping up when it mattered.

As Chief Hyche put it, law enforcement depends on trust and partnership with the community. These two drivers put that into practice.

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

🍽️ Recipe of the Week: Smoked Sausage, Potato & Green Bean Bowl

What you need (all at Walmart; the sausage is also at most truck stops):

  • Protein: 1 smoked sausage rope (Hillshire Farm or similar), sliced into coins (Turkey sausage can be lower calories)

  • Carb: 1 microwave steamer bag of baby potatoes (the garlic herb kind seasons the whole bowl)

  • Veggie: 1 cup frozen green beans

Steps:

  1. Microwave the potato bag following the package directions, usually about 5 minutes.

  2. Put the potatoes, sausage and green beans in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes and shake once halfway through. Stop when the sausage edges are crispy.

Tip: Leftovers keep 3–4 days in the fridge, and 2 minutes in the microwave brings them back.

Per serving (half the bowl):

  • Calories: ~830 (Tukry sausage 515cal)

  • Protein: ~30g

  • Carbs: ~47g

  • Fat: ~59g

  • Fiber: ~5g

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

Do you create content for truckers, want to help solve the truck parking crisis, and an opportunity to give drivers FREE parking? Let’s work together! Click below to apply for Truck Parking Club’s Partner Program today!