Happy Hump Day. Today, we're zeroing in on Alaskan Arctic trucking, where drivers earn up to $170K and face unique challenges. In other news, Werner Enterprises faces a $36M inclusivity lawsuit that's fueling industry debate. Meanwhile, the FMCSA is studying the impact of detention time on driver safety. Catch up on surging diesel prices and enjoy a laugh with a hilarious broker-dispatcher prank call.

Question of the Day: Can you guess how many Americans live in the Arctic Circle? Scroll to the bottom of the main story to find out.

In today's email:

• Three Freight Headlines: post-COVID freight cycles analyzed, Werner's $36M inclusivity verdict sparks debate, & FMCSA to study carrier detention.
• Trucking in the Alaskan Arctic
• Around the Freight Web: Hilarious phone call between dispatcher & broker, diesel prices surge, and more.
• Freight Meme of the Day

TOP LANE MOVERS POWERED BY GREENSCREENS.AI

*Greenscreens.ai, forecasts real-time truckload buy prices that are suited to each freight brokerage's purchasing power using AI and machine learning. Its engine takes into account over 130 attributes and data points in each rate forecast.

🐔 WHAT’S COOKIN’ IN FREIGHT

🔁 Freight Cycles in a Post-COVID World. In recent posts, Craig Fuller and Jason Miller offer expert insights into the current freight market. Fuller highlights how the typical freight cycle remains consistent at three years, with COVID's cycle proving no exception, spanning from April 18, 2020, to May 12, 2023. Miller's ton-mile index uncovers that the recent freight recession experienced about a 2% dip in ton-miles. Meanwhile, his Dry Van Spot Market Cycle Indicator (DVSMCI) indicates bear market beginnings when it exceeds a 10% threshold, suggesting the market currently remains soft.

👨‍⚖️ $36M Verdict Rocks Werner. Omaha-based Werner Enterprises is reeling from a monumental $36M payout to Victor Robinson, a deaf driver whose application they rejected. This hefty sum arose from a lawsuit led by the EEOC, spotlighting workplace inclusivity. Robinson, despite having a special license and exemption, was denied due to "inexperience." The judge, however, ruled that Werner's refusal was solely based on Robinson's deafness. The judgment has sparked debate online about driver safety and inclusivity in trucking.

🔍 FMCSA to Study Detention Time's Impact on Driver Safety. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is launching a new study to examine the impact of driver detention time on safety and commercial vehicle operations. The agency will collect data from around 80 carriers and 2,500 commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers, aiming to analyze how long loading and unloading delays at docks affect both safety and efficiency. This comes as a response to detention time, often unpaid, being a long-standing issue affecting revenues and safety in the trucking industry.

TOGETHER WITH RAPIDO

Rapido is a top nearshore staffing company providing logistics and supply chain talent to companies in the United States. Based in Guadalajara, Mexico, Rapido offers a unique combination of cost savings and access to a skilled workforce, making it an attractive option for American logistics businesses.

See what makes nearshoring to Mexico an attractive option for scaling a logistics company and how partnering with Rapido Solutions Group simplifies the whole process.

Trucking in the Alaskan Arctic

Writing for FreightWaves, Rachel Premack journeyed to Alaska's Arctic Ocean to investigate the boom in Alaskan trucking amid the U.S. freight recession. She recounts her adventure alongside drivers Kyle Monnier and Richard "Mustang" Mustain.

Trucking in the Arctic Circle

Who drives in this region?

• Full-time Alaskan truck drivers operate throughout the year.
• In winter, truck drivers from all over the U.S. flock to Alaska to become ice-road truckers.

When is the trucking business good?

• The peak season for trucking in this region is during the winter when the famous ice roads are established.

What do drivers haul?

• In summer, drivers haul essential supplies like pipes and steel plates that oil companies will need in the winter.
• In winter, they service the “man camps” of oil company workers, delivering everything from Cheetos and mattresses to drilling equipment.

How much do drivers make?

• Ice road truckers can earn between $150,000 to $170,000 a year, along with additional benefits.

Differences for Drivers in the Alaskan Region

Alaska presents unique driving challenges due to its extended hours-of-service (HOS) laws, unpredictable conditions, and sparse population.

Alaskan Hours-of-Service (HOS) Laws:

• Lower 48: Drive no more than 11 hours within a 14-hour period.
• Alaska: Drive up to 15 hours within a 20-hour window, with on-duty time extended to 80 hours.

Unpredictability: Dirt roads can damage equipment, and mechanic help may be distant.

Population: A sparse population leads to longer and lonelier routes.

A Typical Day Driving "The Dalton"

Driving the Dalton Highway demands understanding its unique challenges, knowing essential safety practices, and being prepared for the unpredictable.

Route Details:

• Known as “the Dalton”, it's 414 miles long.
• Built alongside the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System.
• Begins after the Elliot Highway, which is 73.1 miles from Fairbanks.

Vehicle Considerations:

• Trucks typically haul around 110,000 pounds.
• Windshields often crack from flying rocks.
• Separate fuel tanks are common due to wildlife interference.

Safety Practices:

• Need to adjust gear practices, especially in areas like Atigun Pass.
• Understanding local slang and communication practices is vital.

Big Stressors for Arctic Region Drivers

Daunting challenges, from intense seasonal changes to the risks on the Dalton Highway, accompany the Arctic region's beauty.

Environmental Factors:

• The Dalton is mostly a dirt road.
• Drivers face steep grades, heavy loads, and traffic from other vehicles and motorbikes.
• Avalanches often shut down parts of the road in winter.
• Winter darkness increases depression, alcoholism, and other social issues.

Safety and Maintenance:

• Need for regular vehicle repairs due to rough roads.
• Risk of accidents, especially for those unfamiliar with local driving practices.
• Constantly adapting to changing conditions and risks, e.g., wildlife interference.

If you thought that was interesting, we highly recommend reading the entire story of Rachel's Alaskan trip on FreightWaves to get the full picture of truckers who brave the icy roads and unforgiving Arctic Circle.

Answer to Question of the Day: More than 60,000 Americans live above the Arctic Circle. Source.

JUST TEXT LOCATE IT

TextLocate makes it easy for brokers to communicate directly with drivers via SMS-based text messaging—no app to download—without having to use personal communication devices. Features like 2-way text chat, one-time location updates, and image capture (think BOLs and PODs) all inside a simple dashboard give brokers the quick updates they need to make better decisions about freight. Instead of wasting time calling drivers, brokers simply automate the process through TextLocate and save hours at very little cost investment.

AROUND THE FREIGHT WEB

🚚 Mythical Trailer Alert. Carrier claims a "flatbed reefer" exists. Spoiler: It doesn't. Click here to see the MC#.

⛽ Diesel's Ascent Continues. National diesel prices up 1.7¢, marking the seventh consecutive rise. Notably, California sees a 12.3¢ spike.

✈️ Air Freight's Quiet Peak. Summer's usually quiet, but southern China's e-commerce surge boosts US-bound shipments. While global rates show varied shifts, the US market hints at growth.

🚛 More Stats On Market Fragmentation. The number of trucking firms is up 45% since 2019. Big fleets that once held 54% of capacity now represent just 41%. The future is fragmented.

🤣 Hilarious Prank Call Between Broker & Dispatcher. Let's end with some laughs from this phone exchange between a broker and dispatcher posted on the FreightCaviar YouTube.

FREIGHT FEST IN HOUSTON, TX

Don't miss the biggest transportation and logistics conference of the year: Freight Fest, taking place in Houston, TX from September 28th to October 1st. Use our code, FC15, to receive a 15% discount on your ticket today. Learn more by going to FreightFest.com.

FREIGHT MEME OF THE DAY