Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, Aug. 18, 2022:
Emergency HOS waiver extended in Kentucky
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet on Aug. 15 issued an extension of an emergency declaration due to severe weather causing flooding and damage in Eastern Kentucky and other areas.
The order also extends an emergency hours of service waiver for carriers providing direct relief to the emergency.
Carriers providing “vital services and supplies to the areas affected by this weather event” are exempt from maximum driving time regulations and from stopping at weigh stations.
The emergency declaration is now effective through Aug. 28.
Used truck sales fell in July as prices held steady
Preliminary used Class 8 retail volumes (same dealer sales) fell 8% month-over-month in July and were 47% lower compared to July 2021, according to the latest preliminary release of the State of the Industry: U.S. Classes 3-8 Used Trucks, published by ACT Research.
ACT’s report also showed that average retail prices were flat from June to July, while average miles rose 1% and average age fell by 5%.
Compared to July 2021, the average retail price was 41% higher, with average miles and age up by 2% and 9%, respectively.
“Given softer spot freight volumes and rates, coupled with still-expensive diesel fuel prices, the logical expectation was for continued declines in values,” said Steve Tam, Vice President at ACT Research. “However, we got a bit of a twist in the preliminary July used truck data where prices are concerned.”
Tam said it was notable that units sold in July were about five months newer, on average, even though they had slightly more miles on them.
“Occasionally, used truck data appear to be nonsensical,” Tam added. “However, it is explained by a statistical phenomenon where the relationship between two variables in a population emerges, disappears, or reverses when the population is divided into subpopulations. In the case of this month’s data, a higher number of higher dollar transactions resulted in improved overall results during the month.”
Leonard’s Express relaunching podcast in video form
Leonard’s Express (CCJ Top 250, No. 144) is relaunching Leading the Way at Leonard's, a podcast that originated in 2020.
The reboot of the show includes a shift from audio only to a new video “vodcast” format.
Leonard’s is also expanding the content to address the interests of external audiences, a pivot from its original goal to attract employees only. The show covers a wide range of topics that impact the trucking industry, such as fleet safety, technology and maintenance, environmental sustainability, fuel efficiency, mental health awareness, and related businesses such as warehousing and brokerage services.
"The original podcast was so well received by our drivers that we decided to expand it significantly," said Leonard’s Express CEO Ken Johnson. "We hope this enhanced format will be a primary source of information and best practices for the audiences we reach."
The new Leading the Way at Leonard’s podcast features interviews with outside guests, including industry experts, leaders of trade associations, and conversations that appeal to anyone interested in the freight-hauling business. The show continues to be hosted by Leonard’s Express Risk Control Manager Dwayne Knepper, whose career includes 13 years as a driver.
"I'm excited to continue as host of the podcast," Knepper said. "We'll have something for everybody, with content that's practical, entertaining, and designed to help our viewers find new pathways to success."
Eight episodes are now available on the Leonard’s Express YouTube channel and on media players including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify and Podbean. New episodes are scheduled for release every two weeks.
