Driver impairment to watch out for

Plus: Freight rates at new highs | Carrier entries outpace exits in Q1

Driver impairment isn't only about alcohol or drugs. We're sharing some commonly overlooked signs to watch for and keep your driver workforce safe.

Meanwhile, freight rates are rising and so is uncertainty, but capacity made an unexpected move. Keep on reading for details on the data.

And truckers are discussing what they're seeing at the pump and on the road. Does this line up with what you're hearing from your drivers?

⬇️ $5.403

AVG. COST OF DIESEL PER GALLON IN U.S. AS OF 04/20, DOWN -0.205¢

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

ROADSIDE READS

Road risk. A recent segment on CBS's 60 Minutes dove into the issue of chameleon carriers.

Downward trend. Small business optimism is tumbling, and uncertainty is on the rise, according to the National Federation of Independent Business. Read the full report here.

Test drive. Check out the new Volvo VNR truck as CCJ’s editor takes it for a spin 🚚

Mark your calendars. The American Trucking Associations' seventh annual National Technician Appreciation Week is coming up, June 14-20.

INDUSTRY VOICES

Recognizing the signs of driver impairment

Substances like alcohol or illegal drugs obviously impair a trucker’s driving, but they're far from the sole factors that can cause impairment. Cliff Abbott, a driver and owner-operator, notes that OTC drugs (like Benadryl), fatigue, emotions and GPS units can distract and impair drivers.

Bottom line, Abbott writes: “Navigating a truck, especially in congested traffic, is a job that takes full mental focus.

Why this matters: Road safety is far more complex than avoiding drugs and alcohol. Fleet owners can educate themselves about all possible forms of impairment, and coach their drivers on the signs that they may need a break. (The Trucker)

FAST LANE

NEW HIGHS: Freight rates soar with diesel fuel spikes

FUNDING BLOCK: DOT holds back $73.5M from New York over CDLs

SYSTEM REDO: FMCSA updates DataQ for faster processing, independent reviews

INSURANCE MIN: Bill would increase trucking insurance requirement from $750K to $5M

EARNINGS BOOST: JB Hunt grows truckload revenue 23%

REG REQUEST: Driverless firm Aurora petitions FMCSA for exemption to warning device rule

SEEN & HEARD

"If you're a smaller operation, if you're just relying on the broker to be your relationship expert, you're losing the ability to really understand where you add value."- Jonathan Starks, CEO of FTR Transportation Intelligence

Starks explains the importance of small fleets building relationships with their actual customers: the shippers, the ones whose freight they're hauling. Plus, he discusses the ups and downs of the freight market and where things stand today. (Trucker Talk Radio)

ROAD REPORT

Carrier additions outweigh exits in Q1

In a surprising reversal, more motor carriers joined the industry in Q1 than left it. In March specifically, carriers with operating authority showed a net change of 768.

Why this matters: More carriers entering the market means more competition for available loads. This is worth tracking if you're relying on tight capacity to hold your rates. That said, rising diesel costs and broader economic uncertainty in Q2 may slow that trend before it becomes a real squeeze. (Trucking Dive)