Owner operator land weekly trucking news digest #70

What did truckers think about 2020?

WorkHound released the results of a poll conducted last year among 12,000 commercial truck drivers. They shared their thoughts about the problems they faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After all, truckers did not have the opportunity to work from home, like most Americans. So what did drivers complain about the most? Know from this post. Spoiler alert: this is not a payment.

Owner-operator doubts: paying taxes versus paying off a truck

You just start your career as an owner operator. Most likely now you are constantly thinking about the huge loan that you need to pay off for your truck. And now you need to make a decision: pay quarterly tax or pay extra on a truck loan? In this post, Gary Buchs, a former owner-operator with 17 years of experience, told why you should choose tax payment. 

The DOL revoked the opinion clarifying independent contractor status for truck drivers

On January 19, 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division issued an Opinion Letter concerning Independent Contractor Status. It clarified that carriers can impose safety measures on independent drivers who contract to haul for them without jeopardizing their independent worker status. And just after several days, the new DOL rescinded this letter. Read more about this situation here and here.

Navistar and GM Developing Heavy-Duty Hydrogen Fuel Cell Truck

By the end of 2024, you will have the opportunity to purchase a new fuel-cell-electric International RH Series truck. This is a project that Navistar Inc. currently works on in partnership with General Motors and hydrogen fuel company OneH2. Read more about this truck here.

How to tie down and secure loads in a proper way

If you work in cargo transportation, you are certainly well familiar with the basic rules of securing loads. These skills are needed to improve highway safety and keep you from getting sidelined by CVSA roadside officers. In this post, you will find more granular cargo rules and tips and what small defects of belts should be paid attention to.