Carriers United Newsletter

CarriersUnited.com: Supporting the Trucking Community

Carriers United stands as a unifying force for carriers who recognize that trucks are the true backbone of the transportation industry. This organization advocates for carriers to hold the primary stake in the industry, challenging the current system where brokers often dominate. By empowering carriers and emphasizing their critical role, Carriers United seeks to create a more equitable and sustainable future for the trucking community. CARRIERS, LETS TAKE BACK WHAT IS RIGHTFULLY OURS, THE FREIGHT! Join Us, we nee all of you. carriersunited.com

Abusive Towing Practices in Trucking

The trucking industry faces a significant financial burden each year due to booting and questionable towing practices, costing truckers millions of dollars nationwide. Predatory towing companies often exploit drivers through excessive fees, lack of transparency, and unethical practices, leaving many truckers with hefty bills and little recourse. These practices disproportionately impact small carriers and independent operators, threatening their livelihoods and adding stress to an already demanding profession. To address these concerns, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) must take an active role in encouraging states to adopt fair and consistent towing regulations.

One potential solution is legislation like House Bill 1731, also known as the Modernization of Towing, Immobilization, and Oversight Normalization (MOTION) Act. This proposed law aims to reform towing practices by implementing stricter oversight, enhancing transparency in fee structures, and establishing fair processes for resolving disputes. If widely adopted, the MOTION Act would protect truckers from exploitative practices while ensuring towing companies operate ethically. The FMCSA's endorsement of such measures could provide a unified approach to addressing these issues, saving truckers millions of dollars and fostering a fairer environment for all parties in the transportation industry.

Connecticut Wants You To Be Excited About $3M For 11 Parking Spaces 

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced a $31 million initiative to address the critical shortage of truck parking statewide. This project will expand parking facilities at five locations across Connecticut, aiming to tackle what the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has called a “national safety concern.” The lack of sufficient truck parking has long been a pressing issue, impacting trucker safety and efficiency.

The first phase of the project is underway at the Middletown rest area on Interstate 91 northbound. This phase, costing over $3 million, will add 11 new parking spaces and include upgraded drainage and stormwater management systems. (How much is parking and how much is storm water?) Scheduled for completion in September, it marks the beginning of the broader statewide effort. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, we heard truckers loud and clear when they called for more places to safely park along state highways,” said Connecticut DOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “We are excited to begin these projects to improve safety for the trucking community, who keep our economy moving.”

The FBI Targeting Over 500 Truckers For Serial Killings

The FBI is reportedly investigating over 500 truck drivers suspected of being serial killers who operate what authorities describe as "mobile killing chambers" across the United States, according to a recent book. Law enforcement agencies have gathered evidence suggesting that more than 1,000 victims, many of them likely sex workers frequenting truck stops, have been brutally murdered by these individuals. This alarming trend has prompted federal authorities to focus on the trucking industry as a potential avenue for these heinous crimes due to its transient nature and access to isolated areas.

One convicted serial killer, Bruce D. Mendenhall, highlights the chilling reality of these crimes. Arrested in July 2007 in Tennessee, he was found guilty in 2010 for the murder of Sara Hulbert after his truck matched CCTV footage from the night she was killed at a truck stop. Investigators later discovered that Mendenhall used the back of his truck as a "killing chamber," where he tortured his victims before murdering them. Inside, authorities found disturbing items such as latex gloves, a rifle, and sharp weapons. His case underscores the grim possibility that other truckers may be committing similar crimes under the cover of their transient lifestyles.

Citizen Band Radios: A Vital Safety Tool for Truckers

CB radios are essential safety tools in the trucking industry because they provide a reliable means for drivers to communicate critical, real-time information about road hazards, accidents, weather conditions, and other potential dangers. Unlike cell phones, which can be limited by reception issues or network availability, CB radios operate independently and are effective even in remote areas. This functionality ensures that truck drivers can stay connected and informed, fostering a safer driving environment, especially in situations where quick decision-making is vital.

Carriers United strongly believes that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) should mandate the installation and maintenance of functioning CB radios in all commercial motor vehicles. This measure could save lives by allowing truckers to relay urgent warnings and avoid hazardous situations, reducing accidents and injuries on the road. Furthermore, by proactively addressing safety issues, the trucking industry could mitigate the costly and emotionally painful litigation that often follows preventable accidents. Mandating CB radios would represent a significant step toward enhancing safety and protecting both truckers and the general public.

Carriersunited.com

Phase 1: Unite

Phase 2: Act - Take back the industry.

Result Goal: Eliminate all unnecessary brokering.