CDL system faces new pressure

Plus: Cross-border freight looks promising | Trucking's top concerns

The CDL process is under scrutiny, and it turns out the driver in the deadly Florida illegal U-turn crash had failed his CDL test multiple times. Is now the time for reform?

Also in today’s issue: a closer look at fleet cybersecurity and what makes carriers vulnerable to attack.

Before we get into it, watch this truck make a very impressive turn.

⬆️ $3.718

AVG. COST OF DIESEL PER GALLON IN U.S. AS OF 10/27, UP 0.098¢

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

ROADSIDE READS

The big issues. The American Transportation Research Institute has released its latest list of the top concerns plaguing the trucking industry. Do you agree these are your biggest challenges?

What's happening? What's behind carriers with decades in business now shutting their doors? This reel explains some of the reasons.

Show time. Check out photos from the American Trucking Associations' Management Conference and Exhibition, taking place in San Diego.

From best to worst. These are the states truckers say are the worst places to drive.

INDUSTRY VOICES

Is it time to overhaul trucking's CDL process?

The current commercial driver's license system is ripe for reform, according to Tab Caticha, a DOT safety and compliance consultant. Caticha lays out a detailed plan to revamp the system.

The bottom line: "The transportation industry deserves a modernized framework—centralized USDOT oversight is the key to achieving it," says Caticha.

Why this matters: With non-domiciled issues and some unfortunate, tragic crashes recently, CDLs have been in the spotlight. Many agree reform is needed, but how exactly to achieve that, without compromising safety or exacerbating workforce issues, is an open question. (FreightWaves)

FAST LANE

SLOW RECOVERY: Freight recession lingers, small carriers struggle

CALIF TRAGEDY: Driver who killed three pleads not guilty on DUI charges

PASS-FAIL: Florida U-turn driver previously failed CDL test 10 times

BIG DEFAULT: Shuttered flatbed carrier owes $25M to banks

FOR SALE: DSV plans to divest USA truck business

HIGHWAY ANGELS: Two Penske drivers recognized for helping crash victims

SEEN & HEARD

"It's going to take a while before self-driving will actually make an economical dent to the driving population." - Lior Ron, Uber Freight founder

In an interview with Bloomberg TV, Ron discusses autonomous trucks, AI and technology's role in the supply chain. His take: AVs aren't replacing truck drivers anytime soon. (Bloomberg Television)

ROAD REPORT

Trucking sees promise in cross-border freight market

While trucking activity in the U.S. recently hit a three-month low, the demand picture looks different at the U.S.-Mexico border. Southbound demand is increasing, and trade between the two countries remains robust. As Echo Global Logistics CCO Sean Burke puts it: "The question is not if it will grow, it is how fast."

Why this matters: The southern border could be an untapped opportunity for carriers that aren’t currently operating in the region. At the same time, fleet owners will also have to decide if the routes and navigating cross-border trade policies and regulations make sense for their individual businesses. (Transport Topics)

CONNECTED FLEET

Why trucking is vulnerable to cyber attacks

Industry experts at ATA's management conference said cyber criminals exploit the trucking industry for two key reasons: The sector is data-rich with lots of personal information, and it's highly fragmented with many small and medium carriers.

Why this matters: Instances of cyber attacks and cargo theft have skyrocketed in recent years. Smaller carriers, especially, may be vulnerable due to having lower IT budgets and less secure protocols, making them an easy target. (CCJ Digital)