🎣 Harris vs. Trump

Happy Friday the 13th. The 2024 Presidential Debate has been the topic of conversation across the web this week, and we're breaking down the candidates' statements regarding key factors impacting the freight industry. Meanwhile, ATRI releases data on the $15B driver detention problem.

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🐔 WHAT’S COOKIN’ IN FREIGHT

💼 Jury Awards $160M in Trucker Injury Lawsuit. An Alabama jury awarded $160 million to trucker Leonard Street, who became an incomplete quadriplegic after a rollover crash in his Western Star truck. The lawsuit blamed Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) for outdated and defective cab and seat designs, unchanged since 1995. The verdict includes $75 million to Street, $10 million to his wife, and $75 million in punitive damages. Street’s legal team hopes the ruling pushes for stronger safety regulations. DTNA plans to appeal.

🚛 Truck Driver Detention: A $15B Industry Headache. Driver detention—waiting over two hours to load or unload—is a growing issue, with 39.3% of deliveries delayed in 2023. The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) estimates $15 billion in total losses, including $11.5 billion in productivity. Causes include poor scheduling and staffing, and parking shortages. Some truckers are combating the issue by refusing service to chronic offenders, but only half of detention invoices are paid. Despite slight improvements, detention remains a costly, persistent problem within the trucking industry.

🚂 CSX Collides with Semi Hauling a Tank in SC. Yesterday, a CSX train struck a low-boy semi truck carrying a military tank in Goose Creek, SC, after the truck got stuck on a railroad crossing. No injuries were reported, but the crossing was damaged, causing area delays. The 18-wheeler, hauling a Paladin Howitzer, was unable to move in time to avoid the oncoming train. Authorities were on-site shortly after and an investigation will assess how the truck became stuck.

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The American Manufacturing, Tariffs, & Energy Debate

The 2024 Presidential Debate brought Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump head-to-head on key economic topics.

Below is a quick breakdown of their views on manufacturing, tariffs, and energy, and what their policies could potentially mean for the industry.

🏭 American Manufacturing & Tariffs

• Trump: Blamed the Biden administration for pushing manufacturers to Mexico and wants higher tariffs to bring jobs back to the U.S.

“We’ve lost 10,000 manufacturing jobs this month. We hardly make chips anymore.”

Trump also wants to ramp up domestic chip production, which could mean more freight demand for raw materials and finished products within the U.S.

• Harris: Focused on clean energy job creation and investments in advanced tech like AI and semiconductors.

“We’ve created over 800,000 manufacturing jobs during my time as Vice President.”

• Freight Impact: Tariffs might reduce imports in the short term, but more U.S. manufacturing could boost domestic freight demand. The rise in U.S. chip production is also likely to increase freight movement.

⚡ Energy

• Trump: Wants to increase fossil fuel production, which could lower diesel prices.

“If she won the election, fracking in Pennsylvania will end on Day One.”

• Harris: Emphasized clean energy investments while still increasing domestic gas production.

“We’ve made historic investments in a clean energy economy while increasing domestic gas production.”

• Freight Impact: Trump’s energy plan might reduce diesel costs, while Harris’ push for clean energy could speed up the adoption of electric trucks.

🚗 Auto Manufacturing

• Trump: Advocated for tariffs on foreign vehicles, saying they hurt U.S. auto workers. He also criticized China for building auto plants in Mexico and selling vehicles into the U.S.

"We’ll put tariffs on those cars so they can’t come into our country."

• Harris: Focused on clean vehicle production, particularly electric vehicles (EVs), and highlighted support from the United Auto Workers. She noted the administration’s investments in clean energy and domestic auto plants.

"We’re building American-made cars, not closing plants like under Trump."

• Freight Impact: Under Harris’ plan, there could be increased demand for freight related to electric vehicle components and materials as the U.S. ramps up domestic production. Trump’s focus on tariffs could impact vehicle imports, but domestic auto manufacturing may benefit freight demand.

Key Takeaway

The policies from each candidate could have a big impact on freight. Trump’s focus on tariffs and fossil fuels, while Harris’ clean energy plans point to a future of electric trucks and tech-driven freight.

Source: Manufacturing Dive

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🌎 AROUND THE FREIGHT WEB

💼 Truckstop Layoffs. Truckstop has initiated another round of layoffs, impacting employees across various departments. This is a developing story updates will come when available.

🚛 FreightTech.net Launching 9/16. FreightTech.net introduces a platform to help buyers easily identify the right technology solutions for their logistics needs.

🛣️ States with Fewer Fatal Truck Accidents. Recent data from Whitley Law Firm reveals which U.S. states saw the largest reduction in fatal truck accidents, with North Dakota ranking number one nationwide.

🏢 DSV Set to Acquire DB Schenker. Global logistics company DSV is expected to announce its acquisition of DB Schenker this Friday, marking a significant consolidation in the European transport sector.

📉 UPS to Lay Off More Employees. To improve profitability, UPS is planning additional layoffs, continuing its earlier plan to cut 12,000 jobs, originally announced in January this year.

FREIGHT CONFERENCES WE'RE ATTENDING

The FreightCaviar team will be once again attending the FreightWaves: Future of Freight Festival (F3) from November 19-21. It’s all happening in the heart of Freight Alley. Hope to see you there!

FREIGHT MEME OF THE DAY