Tale Lites Issue 94

Book Parking | List your Property | Contact Customer Care

New Survey!

Take this survey for a $25 promo code.

🏛️ Highway Bill Hits Roadblock after Midterms

With the midterms over Congress is back in session, and lawmakers have a new deadline of December 11th.

The current highway funding bill is set to expire that same day, leaving Congress roughly a month to pass a replacement or approve another extension on the current highway bill.

Unfortunately, a new highway bill before the end of the year doesn’t look good. With Democrats taking control of Congress in 2027 and several lawmakers heading out the door, the “lame duck” session will be true to its name and coast instead of pass a $580 billion transportation package.

That package, known as the BUILD America 250 Act, actually made it through the House Transportation Committee in May but never reached the House floor. It included several big wins for truckers, including funding for truck parking, better restroom access and restrictions on predatory lease/purchase agreements.

What's Next?

The most likely scenario is another extension, potentially lasting six months or longer. That would give the incoming 120th Congress time to get organized and decide whether to build on the existing proposal or start over

Some of the industry’s biggest issues DO have bipartisan support like the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act, which would dedicate $755 million toward creating new truck parking spaces nationwide. It currently has 54 co-sponsors split evenly between Democrats and Republicans.

Regardless of who controls Congress next year, truck parking, restroom access and lease/purchase protections could remain on the table.

It seems as though Delilah’s Law is all but dead, and what will come in regards to broker transparency, fraud, and cargo theft? Time will tell

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 31–Nov 6

• Dry Van: ~$3.11/mile, up ~7 cents week over week

• Reefer: ~$3.70/mile, up ~10 cents week over week

• Flatbed: ~$3.65/mile, up ~4 cents week over week

At the pump: Diesel’s 2 week climb is over. The national average fell 6 cents to $6.29/gallon. Every region dropped, and the Midwest and Rocky Mountain regions fell the most, both down 8 cents (Midwest to $6.40, Rockies to $6.45). California is still the most expensive at $8.08. Even with cheaper fuel, rates rose this week because holiday food freight is starting to move. Reefer gained the most, and DAT expects van and reefer rates to keep rising.

🚛 California: SR-60 Ramp Closures Through Spring 2027

Starting Monday, Nov. 9, the westbound SR-60 on/off ramps at Western Knolls Avenue in Riverside County are closed to trucks, freight vehicles and tractor-trailers. Passenger vehicles can still use the ramps.

The 24/7 closure is expected to last through spring 2027 as crews handle repaving, road striping and utility work.

More than 20,000 trucks travel this stretch of SR-60 every day, accounting for as much as 13% of total traffic.

Truckers are being detoured to Potrero Boulevard and Oak Valley Parkway to reach I-10 before reconnecting with westbound SR-60.

The closures are part of a $64 million interchange project that includes six new ramps, a realigned Western Knolls Avenue and the widening of Potrero Boulevard to six lanes.

Do you run through this part of the Inland Empire? How might this effect your day to day?

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

🍽️ Recipe of the Week: Turkey Meatball Rice Bowl

• Protein: 1 bag of frozen fully cooked turkey meatballs (Walmart freezer aisle)

• Carb: 1 microwavable brown rice cup, like Great Value or Minute Ready to Serve (Walmart rice aisle, and plenty of truck stops carry them)

• Veggies: 1 steamable bag of frozen green beans or a stir-fry veggie mix (Walmart freezer aisle)

Steps (2):

1. Air fry about 6 meatballs straight from frozen at 380°F for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket once.

2. While they cook, microwave the veggie bag (4–5 minutes) and the rice cup (about 1 minute). Put the rice in a bowl and pile the veggies and meatballs on top.

Why it works on the road: It’s a full plate with about 25–30g of protein and around 450 calories. The rice cup doesn’t need the fridge, and the meatballs and veggies keep for days. A drizzle of teriyaki or hot sauce from the truck stop condiment bar finishes it off.

Partner Post of the Week

How are you saving money at the pump? Junkyard Dog shows us! Try us out today and use the promo code junkyard20 for $20 off your next booking!

YOU’RE INVITED TO A TRUCKER CHRISTMAS PARTY!

Head to larrycothran.eventbrite.com and RSVP today!

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!