OWNER OPERATOR LAND MONTHLY TRUCKING NEWS DIGEST #134
More Federal Funding for Truck Parking Spots
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) has welcomed $30 million in federal funding to address the national truck parking shortage, part of a broader $4.2 billion infrastructure investment from the Biden Administration through the INFRA and Mega grant programs. The funds support 44 projects nationwide to improve infrastructure, including bridge construction, port expansion, and interchange redesign. This initiative seeks to resolve a long-standing issue for truck drivers who struggle to find safe parking due to driving hour limits, often leading them to park in unsafe locations or drive beyond legal hours. OOIDA President Todd Spencer thanked the Department of Transportation for prioritizing driver safety in resolving this critical issue.
CARB Has Announced Clarifications for the Enforcement of Zero-Emission Truck Reg
Following a lawsuit by the Western States Trucking Association (WSTA) against California’s Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) rule, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has clarified two aspects of the regulation’s enforcement. CARB is awaiting a Clean Air Act waiver from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement the ACF, which mandates zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) adoption for specific fleet types, including port drayage and high-priority fleets with 50+ trucks or $50M+ in revenue. CARB retracted a Frequently Asked Questions document after WSTA challenged its broader interpretation of “Common Ownership and Control” that could unfairly include more independent fleets. CARB has also decided against retroactive penalties for high-priority fleets if ACF takes effect, offering a 90-day grace period post-EPA waiver approval. However, CARB will restrict newly registered diesel drayage trucks in ports or rail yards after December 31, 2023, if the waiver is granted.
WIT Index Was Just Released
The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has released its 2024-2025 WIT Index, shedding light on gender diversity in the trucking industry. This annual index is based on a survey conducted from August 2023 to April 2024, in which around 350 transportation organizations reported on their demographics, diversity and inclusion policies, and the percentage of women in various roles. The latest findings highlight the industry’s progress toward gender diversity, providing insight into female representation across transportation roles and the effectiveness of diversity initiatives.
Chain Inspection Checkpoint on I-84 in Oregon
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) will conduct a chain inspection checkpoint on eastbound I-84 at mile marker 217, near Pendleton, on November 7, 2024. This event aims to educate semi-truck drivers on chain-up requirements and proper chain use to prevent winter-related freeway closures. Starting at mile marker 213, speed limits will reduce to 55 mph, with signage directing trucks to the right lane. At the inspection site, ODOT staff, enforcement officers, and the Oregon State Patrol will briefly question drivers about their equipment. ODOT plans to continue these inspections regularly during winter to ensure compliance; drivers without the proper equipment will need to return to Exit 216 to address the issue.
