Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024:
FMCSA awards $3.5 million to trucking schools
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced this week that it has awarded nearly $3.5 million to 27 colleges and other CDL training programs through the agency’s Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training (CMVOST) grant program.
FMCSA said the grants will help improve roadway safety by providing additional training for current CDL holders and creating new pathways for career opportunities as drivers in the commercial motor vehicle industry.
“The Biden-Harris Administration’s investments in training and support for Commercial Driver’s License holders will help meet the nation’s growing demand for truck drivers and better prepare for the future,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “The funding we’re announcing today is an important part of this Administration’s Trucking Action Plan to strengthen America’s supply chains and support the workers who keep our economy moving.”
The CMVOST grant program has three goals:
- Expand the number of CDL holders possessing enhanced operator safety training
- Provide opportunities for current or former members of the United States Armed Forces (including National Guard members and reservists) and certain family members to enter the trucking or busing industry as drivers
- Help increase the training opportunities for candidates from rural, refugee, and underserved communities
“At FMCSA, our job is all about safety – that includes safety of the roadways and safety of our nation’s commercial motor vehicle drivers,” said FMCSA Deputy Administrator Vinn White. “So, we are proud to make this funding available, and are committed to working with the awardees to put it to good use, making it easier for drivers to enter into and stay in the CMV industry.”
A full list of CMVOST grants can be found here.
Market conditions deteriorated for shippers in June: FTR
Market conditions for shippers took a big hit in June due to a variety of freight-related factors, according to FTR.
FTR’s Shippers Conditions Index (SCI) for June fell to 0.3 from the May reading of 4.5 as moderating fuel costs kept the index out of marginally negative territory.
FTR’s SCI forecast is for a prolonged phase of near-neutral readings, indicating a mostly balanced freight market between shippers and carriers.
“The days of consistently favorable freight market conditions for shippers are over, but the market does not really look tough for them, either,” said Avery Vise, FTR’s vice president of trucking. “Over the forecast horizon, we do not expect the market to be even remotely as challenging as the one that shippers endured from late 2020 through mid-2022, and shippers might even fare better than they anticipate. The biggest wild card in the near term probably is the cost of fuel.”
Isuzu begins production of NRR-EV
Isuzu is beginning production on its medium-duty NRR-EV with deliveries expected to begin in September.Isuzu
Isuzu Commercial Truck of America is beginning production for its highly anticipated new chassis, the Isuzu NRR-EV.
The all-new chassis is a groundbreaking addition to the Isuzu lineup and represents a significant advancement in automotive technology, design, and sustainability in the medium-duty segment, the company said.
Isuzu said beginning production on the NRR-EV “is a significant milestone in Isuzu's storied history as it aims to be a leader in the commercial electric vehicle market. Isuzu’s commitment to sustainable transportation solutions will provide viable zero-emission offerings for large and small fleets.”
The NRR-EV gives customers an array of choices to satisfy their range requirements, payload needs, and body applications.
The production of the Isuzu NRR-EV is in Charlotte, Michigan. The vehicle is currently available for ordering, with first deliveries in September 2024.
[Related: A deep dive with Isuzu's battery electric NRR EV]
Isuzu partnering with Applied Intuition for autonomous truck development
Isuzu Motors and Applied Intuition have announced a strategic partnership to accelerate Isuzu’s plan to develop and offer autonomous trucking solutions.
In Japan, where Isuzu is based, the Japanese government has revised its Labor Standards Law, capping annual work hours at 3,300 hours, including breaks, which has raised concerns about truck driver shortages in an industry already anticipating a 36% decline in drivers by 2030. Known as "The 2024 Problem," it threatens to disrupt supply chains and challenge Japan's reputation for excellent service.
The partnership will expand logistics solutions and mitigate driver shortages by introducing advanced autonomous driving technology in Japan. In April 2024, Isuzu announced its mid-term management plan called "ISUZU Transformation - Growth to 2030 (IX)," with a goal of establishing automated driving solutions as a new business pillar.
Applied Intuition's technology is designed and developed with its customers' needs in mind, the company said, enabling OEMs to build safe and intelligent autonomous systems, ensuring they have the necessary solutions for accelerated autonomy development, validation, and deployment.
"Working with Applied Intuition will greatly advance autonomous driving technology development and provide a strong foundation for Isuzu's plan to launch an autonomous trucking business," said Shinsuke Minami, representative director, president and COO of Isuzu Motors Ltd. "This strategic partnership will serve as a strong driving force for our goal to create and offer solutions to challenges faced by our customers and society as a whole."
