News
Washington Policy Makers Meet with Women Trucking Leaders
This week marked a significant milestone for the American Trucking Associations (ATA) as 18 women leaders in the trucking industry, hailing from 10 different states, convened for the inaugural Women In Motion (WIM) Call on Washington. This gathering saw a diverse array of voices, ranging from truck drivers to high-level executives, as highlighted in an ATA news release.
Over the span of two days, these influential women engaged in a series of impactful events, including roundtable discussions with members of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, as well as with staff from House Republican leadership offices. They also seized the opportunity for a breakfast meet and greet with Members of Congress and held a pivotal meeting at the White House. Additionally, there were multiple one-on-one conversations with key figures on Capitol Hill, such as Congressman Rick Larsen, D-Wa., who serves as the ranking member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
During these interactions, WIM members drew upon their personal experiences within the trucking industry to advocate for legislative action aimed at fostering safe and productive workplaces, reducing financial barriers to entry into the industry, and preserving pathways to entrepreneurship. Among the bills championed were initiatives like the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act and a resolution to overturn the U.S. Department of Labor’s independent contractor rule, both crucial for safeguarding the livelihoods of over 350,000 truckers, including many women.
To bolster their advocacy efforts, WIM members compiled a comprehensive booklet containing testimonials from numerous women truckers nationwide. These testimonials underscored the importance of protecting the rights of independent contractors and emphasized the necessity for Congress to uphold their livelihoods.
“Women In Motion was founded with the purpose of promoting the role of women in the trucking industry, highlighting their unique perspectives and bringing about positive change,” said ATA COO Sarah Rajtik, co-chair of WIM. “By leveraging ATA’s deep relationships on Capitol Hill and in the Executive Branch, we were able to deliver WIM’s message directly to our nation’s top policymakers. … We are grateful that so many women leaders in the trucking industry took time out of their busy schedules to participate in our inaugural Call on Washington, which will be the first of many. The major strides we made to advance our legislative priorities will help create a more inclusive and welcoming work environment for all.”
Brenda Neville, President of the Iowa Motor Truck Association and co-chair of WIM, expressed optimism about the progress made during the event, particularly regarding initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for women within the trucking industry.
“Last year, I testified before Congress about the severe truck parking shortage, which is one of female truck drivers’ top concerns and a major barrier to more women joining and remaining in the industry,” she said. “The series of impactful conversations we had with influential policymakers this week provided a powerful platform to continue our advocacy to solve this longstanding problem and address other serious challenges.”
Established by the ATA, Women In Motion serves as a dedicated platform for promoting and supporting the advancement of women in trucking. Through access to training, mentorship, and networking programs, as well as advocating for equitable policies and practices, WIM strives to create a more inclusive and empowering environment for women and their allies in the trucking industry.
“The trucking industry has provided me with a rewarding career and supported my family for many years. That is why I am so passionate about growing the ranks of female drivers so that more women can benefit from the same opportunities that I have had,” said Dee Sova, a professional truck driver for Prime Inc. “Joining Women In Motion has enabled me to connect with and empower other women to make an already great industry even better. I enjoyed sharing my perspectives from the driver’s seat with Members of Congress and White House officials to give them firsthand insights on how they can more effectively support women in our industry.”
Source: The Trucker
Supply Chain Turmoil Hits Drivers as Costs and Shortages Persist
“Due to the exorbitant cost of shipping, we have had to raise prices to our customers as well as order eight months’ worth of inventory, eight months in advance.” — Hanna from The Crown Choice
The anticipated recovery year turned into ongoing supply chain disruptions, with raw material shortages and factories in China operating on limited schedules. The cost of shipping containers has skyrocketed, impacting small businesses and their ability to order inventory effectively.
What This Means for Your Wallet and Your Miles
Shipping costs are at an all-time high, which could mean higher operating costs for you as a driver. If you’re hauling goods for small businesses, expect them to pass these costs along in the form of higher order rates or delayed payments.
Fuel costs are also likely to be affected as ripple effects from supply chain disruptions impact pricing. Keep an eye on fuel surcharges and budget accordingly to avoid surprises in your expense sheet.
If you’re relying on contracts with big retailers, be prepared for potential delays. Mass retailers are struggling with empty shelves, which might lead to fewer loads as they adjust to the new normal.
Load availability may shift as businesses look to diversify their supplier base. Stay flexible and ready to adjust your routes based on changing demand and supply scenarios.
How are shipping costs affecting my job?
High shipping costs are driving businesses to increase prices, which may lead to fewer shipments or altered contracts. Be prepared to adjust to these changes.
Will this affect fuel prices?
Yes, supply chain disruptions can influence fuel prices, so keep an eye on trends and potential surcharges that may affect your operating costs.
What about load availability?
Load availability could fluctuate as businesses adjust their supply chains. Flexibility in routes and contracts will be crucial to maintaining steady work.
How can I prepare for potential delays?
Keep in close contact with your logistics partners and clients. Understanding their challenges can help you anticipate delays and adjust your schedule accordingly.
Is there anything I can do to mitigate these costs?
Consider renegotiating rates and contracts to account for increased costs, and explore new markets and clients who may offer more stable opportunities.
Key Strategies for Effective Remote Worker Time Management
Remote work has become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to technological advancements and changing attitudes towards work-life balance.
The article discusses various strategies and tools to enhance time management for remote workers. It covers setting expectations, choosing appropriate time tracking tools, and maintaining accountability to improve productivity in a remote work environment.
What This Means for Your Wallet and Your Miles
For drivers who also manage remote workers or work remotely themselves, the right time tracking tools can streamline operations and improve productivity. This could potentially reduce overhead costs and increase efficiency.
Setting clear expectations regarding availability and communication can help avoid misunderstandings and reduce downtime, ensuring you stay on top of your tasks and deadlines.
Establishing a routine can help you make the most of your work hours, allowing more time for driving or managing logistics without affecting performance.
Regularly reviewing and adjusting your time management practices can help identify inefficiencies, allowing you to make changes that enhance productivity and ensure a steady flow of income.
How can I improve time management for my remote workers?
Set clear expectations for work hours and communication, use effective time tracking tools, and establish routines to optimize productivity.
What are some recommended time tracking tools?
Popular options include Toggl, BuddyPunch, RescueTime, and Harvest, each offering different features suited to various needs.
How often should I review my time tracking practices?
Regular reviews, ideally monthly, can help identify areas for improvement and ensure your practices remain effective and aligned with goals.
Why is accountability important in remote work?
Accountability helps maintain productivity and motivation, ensuring that tasks are completed efficiently and on time.
What should I do if my current routine isn’t working?
Be flexible and willing to adjust your routine or try new tools and strategies to find a setup that maximizes productivity and fits your work style.
An Illinois-based trucker, Moath Musamih, from Orland Park, has been formally indicted in Ohio on grand theft charges for allegedly avoiding nearly $22,000 in turnpike tolls. The indictment, filed on April 21 by a Williams County grand jury, accuses Musamih of a fourth-degree felony relating to unpaid tolls, with potential penalties including up to 18 months imprisonment, a $5,000 fine, and restitution.
Prosecutors assert that Musamih’s truck was monitored with open-road tolling technology for close to two years. Despite receiving multiple payment notifications, the tolls remained unpaid. The indictment also includes a clause to confiscate the 2012 Freightliner Cascadia allegedly used in these offenses.
County Chief Investigator Andrew Skiles noted that the Ohio State Highway Patrol had been keeping tabs on Musamih for some time due to the unpaid tolls. According to Skiles, Musamih is an owner-operator whose vehicle, reportedly registered under his wife’s name, was regularly tracked traveling extensive distances on the Ohio Turnpike using an E-ZPass transponder.
An Ohio State Highway Patrol officer encountered Musamih at a service plaza on eastbound Interstate 80, where an incident report was filed for “Theft by Deception.” The report included accusations of theft without consent and engaging in corrupt activities.
Williams County Prosecutor Katherine Zartman opted for criminal proceedings against Musamih due to the significant total of approximately $21,991 in unpaid tolls over an extensive period from April 2024 to April 2026. The decision to pursue a fourth-degree felony charge was influenced by Musamih’s alleged repeated offenses and the proposed forfeiture of his semi-truck as it was deemed contraband linked to the criminal activity.
The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission, through its advanced open-road tolling system launched in April 2024, identified Musamih. Executive Director Ferzan Ahmed emphasized the aim to maintain optimal conditions on the turnpike while highlighting the challenges posed by companies that fail to settle their toll liabilities, despite numerous reminders and collection attempts.
In a broader context, the commission recently disclosed a list of 315 trucking companies accused of evading $5.2 million in tolls over the past two years, indicating a widespread issue with rogue operators.
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