The Daily Dash: HOS Changes Could Be Delayed; Improving Drivers' Mental Health

The Daily Dash is a quick look at what is happening today in the freight ecosystem. In today's edition, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said it is considering a petition to delay the hours-of-service changes, Workhorse gets the OK to sell electric vans in all 50 states, Forward Air branches out and drivers get tips to improve their mental health.

HOS Changes

The flexibility afforded truck drivers with the upcoming hours-of-service changes may be short-lived if they live at all. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said on Monday that it is considering a petition from safety groups that would, at a minimum, delay the changes that would alter the 30-minute break requirement and modify the sleeper-berth exception.

John Gallagher has the late-breaking details: FMCSA looking into a petition to delay HOS rule changes

LTL Path To Growth

Forward Air, known for its airport services, has decided to launch a traditional less-than-truckload service. The service will initially operate out of Savannah, Georgia, but could expand based on its success, and will initially leverage its vast final-mile services.

Todd Maiden has more on the growth potential: Forward Air to offer traditional less-than-truckload service

Vans In-Play

Workhorse Group has been given the approval to sell its electric delivery vans in all 50 states following a California ruling that will allow sales to move forward. The problem is the company doesn't yet have vans to sell. UPS and DHL have vans on order and the company is building just a couple of trucks a day at the moment, but the desk is now cleared once production ramps up.

Alan Adler has more details: Workhorse gets jolt for zero-emissions electric vans

Mental Health, Trucking

Truck drivers are at risk for a variety of health conditions, including mental health issues. Long periods of solitude, irregular shifts, and high-stress levels are contributing factors. Preserving mental health is as important as exercising and eating right.

Lorie Dodson writes about the five things drivers can do to improve their mental health: Five ways to help drivers maintain mental health

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Did You Miss This?

• Daimler Trucks announced it is recalling approximately 183,000 Freightliner Cascadia tractors due to a potential anti-lock braking component failure. The company stressed that it does not affect normal braking operation but could cause the truck to pull to one side under certain conditions.
• Alan Adler has more on this significant truck safety issue: Daimler Trucks recalling nearly 183,000 Freightliner Cascadias

Click for more FreightWaves articles by Brian Straight.

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