Latest news with #TruckParkingClub
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Truck Parking Club doubles network in under 6 months
Chattanooga, Tennessee-based Truck Parking Club recently announced it has surpassed 2,000 property member locations nationwide, a doubling of its footprint in six months. Part of the growth came from targeting diverse property types, from trucking companies and repair shops to storage facilities and real estate investors. 'This isn't just about hitting a number – it's about solving a decades-old problem that costs the trucking industry billions annually,' said Evan Shelley, co-founder and CEO of Truck Parking Club, in a press release. 'Every new location means drivers spend less time searching and more time earning. Our goal is clear: reduce parking search time to under 10 minutes per day.' The rapid expansion and milestone followed an announcement in February of the addition of industry veteran Brent Hutto as chief relationship officer, the position he formerly held at Truckstop. Part of the push is to build on driver momentum and turn it into enterprise-level relationships. Reed Loustalot, chief marketing officer at Truck Parking Club, said in an earlier interview with FreightWaves, 'Truck Parking Club grew organically and doing that we coincidentally have drivers in 60 of the top 100 fleets booking parking with us, and we have never talked to the fleets directly about having their drivers use our app. It's their drivers, their dispatchers and their fleet managers finding us.' Another advantage of being a truck parking aggregator is it's less expensive and turns otherwise unused parking locations into income production opportunities. Shelley wrote, 'New truck parking construction typically costs $100,000-$200,000 per space and takes years to complete, while Truck Parking Club can activate existing spaces within a day.' Looking ahead to the next milestone, the company is setting its sights on 10,000 locations. The Logistics Managers' Index's recently released May data showed a second consecutive month of expansion. The May LMI came in at 59.4 points, up 0.6 points from 58.8 in April. The m/m increase was impacted by inventories, which saw higher costs and slower movement compared to earlier in the year. The LMI is a diffusion index, with a score above 50 signaling expansion, while below 50 is a contraction. The interplay between warehousing costs and inventory levels was a big theme in May. Warehouse capacity fell 5.4 points in May to 50, while warehousing prices rose 0.2 points to 72.1, a strong expansion. 'This suggests that the inventories that were rushed into the country earlier this year are now static and holding them is expensive,' noted the report. The LMI transportation metrics were mostly stale, with movement less than 1 point. There were some nuances, according to the report. Capacity dipped slightly to 54.7, with upstream firms facing tighter space at 50 points compared to downstream firms' expansion of 65.3 points. Transportation prices rose more for downstream (66.7) than upstream (61.7), but the gap wasn't significant. Transportation utilization fell to 52.6 points, the lowest since November 2023. Despite lower diesel prices ($3.487 a gallon), a predicted import surge could stress intermodal and over-the-road networks, testing supply chain flexibility. On the import front, prognostications for an import boom similarly seen during COVID remain cloudy, due in part to American consumers having less cash than during the stimulus-fueled buying binge. The report adds that it was demand-driven, while the current surge in imports during Q1 was more supply-driven, as shippers tried to pull goods forward to avoid higher costs. 'Even though costs were high, there was a sense that they could grow higher in the future. Today, after several rounds of start-and-stop tariffs, shippers may doubt that the highest levels of threatened tariffs will ever come to pass. At the same time, costs are higher on imports from essentially every country than they were a year ago,' added the report. The post Truck Parking Club doubles network in under 6 months appeared first on FreightWaves.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Trump's tariffs are coming March 4th…or are they?
On episode 808 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Dooner is talking about Trump's tariffs on Mexico and Canada that are set to begin on March 4. Will they happen and will reciprocal tariffs happen in April? We get into the latest news on the trade war. The World Trade Bridge is celebrating its 25th anniversary and we're celebrating it with Port Laredo. Kent Richard smartens us up on how this crucial gateway works. Truck Parking Club has been scaling rapidly and building an all-star team. Brent Hutto jumped ship from Truckstop to Truck Parking Club early this week and we'll find out why he made the big move. We'll also get into the road to the Mid-America Trucking Show where we're teaming up. What FreightTech trends will dominate logistics and trucking in 2025? Trigent Software's Nagendra Rao breaks down their latest report. Plus, is it a good idea to get drunk in a semi truck trailer? Catch new shows live at noon EDT Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on FreightWaves LinkedIn, Facebook, X or YouTube, or on demand by looking up WHAT THE TRUCK?!? on your favorite podcast player and at 5 p.m. Eastern on SiriusXM's Road Dog Trucking Channel 146. Watch on YouTube Check out the WTT merch store Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts The post Trump's tariffs are coming March 4th…or are they? | WHAT THE TRUCK?!? appeared first on FreightWaves.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Bridging the Divide in the Truck Parking Debate
The trucking industry is at a crossroads when it comes to truck parking. Rising operational costs, shrinking profit margins, and the emergence of services like Truck Parking Club are intensifying the debate over free vs. paid parking. At the heart of this issue is balancing driver needs, property rights, security, and fair compensation. Technology has made it easier than ever for drivers to locate parking spaces. Yet, the fundamental question remains: should truck drivers have to pay for services like Truck Parking Club, Freight Ninja or other for-profit truck parking companies? And where should the industry draw the line between fair compensation for parking access and burdening drivers with another expense? With smartphones in every cab, drivers now have access to countless tools to locate parking, from Google Maps to dedicated apps. But the reality of trucking is far more complex than simply finding a pin on a map. After a long shift, the last thing a driver wants to do is search for a safe place to rest. Fatigue, safety concerns, and regulatory constraints dictate how far they can push their schedules. This is where paid parking services like Truck Parking Club come into play, offering convenience and security for a price. Innovative solutions like Truck Parking Club and Freight Ninja provide peace of mind. For many drivers, avoiding the frustration of circling crowded lots is well worth the fee. Property owners who allocate space for truck parking also deserve fair compensation for maintaining security, lighting, and upkeep. At the same time, truck drivers shouldn't be forced to pay at every turn. The cost of operating a truck is already substantial, factoring in fuel, taxes, maintenance, and permits. Drivers shouldn't be squeezed for every necessity, and excessive parking fees should not become yet another burden in an industry already straining under financial pressure. The key is balancing access to essential services and avoiding predatory pricing. As someone who still drives and has held a Class A CDL with every endorsement for over 20 years, I see this issue from multiple angles. I've been behind the wheel, managed fleets, operated as a freight broker, and built compliance programs. That perspective allows me to recognize that both sides of the truck parking debate have valid points. The argument that 'not everything should be free just because we're truck drivers' is fair. Businesses must make a profit, and truck parking services provide a genuine convenience. However, that does not mean drivers should be price-gouged simply because they have no other choice. While some believe all truck parking should be free, others see the value in a guaranteed, secure parking space that removes the uncertainty from their day. The industry needs common ground. Instead of polarizing debates, stakeholders, drivers, fleets, parking service providers, and government agencies, must be open to compromise and alternative solutions that work for everyone. Here are a few ideas that could help balance the concerns on both sides: Incentive-Based Parking: Similar to fuel rewards that offer free showers, truck stops and parking services could allow drivers to earn parking credits through fuel purchases, food purchases, or other spending. This model benefits both drivers and businesses. Dynamic Pricing Models: A hybrid approach could allow for free and paid parking options. Reserved spaces could be available for a premium, while free spaces remain open for those who plan ahead. Some truck stops were already charging for reserved spots long before services like Truck Parking Club existed. Additionally, off-peak hours could offer discounted pricing for those on tighter budgets. Carrier-Sponsored Parking: Some fleets already cover parking fees for their drivers. If more carriers adopted this approach as a standard practice, it would reduce financial stress on drivers while ensuring safe, legal parking options. Public-Private Collaboration: Governments could partner with private businesses to expand truck parking capacity without converting public rest areas into exclusively paid lots. Additionally, offering tax incentives to property owners who develop truck parking facilities could help address shortages. Services like Truck Parking Club offer drivers a choice. Those who prefer to plan their routes independently and find parking independently still have that option. Paid parking services provide a sensible alternative for those who value the security, reliability, and convenience of reserved space. The challenge is to ensure that drivers are respected, not exploited. Paid parking should be an option, not a requirement imposed by a lack of alternatives. Free parking should continue at truck stops, rest areas, and certain private lots. At the same time, it's reasonable for businesses to charge for premium services that offer enhanced security, guaranteed spaces, and added amenities. The truck parking debate is a symptom of broader industry challenges, tight margins, rising costs, and an increasing need for sustainable solutions. Drivers shouldn't expect every service to be free but shouldn't be subjected to hidden fees and financial obstacles at every turn. Resolving this issue requires open dialogue and innovative thinking. The industry must embrace flexibility, fairness, and collaboration, ensuring drivers and businesses thrive. Whether through loyalty-based incentives, tiered pricing models, or carrier-covered parking, there are ways to create a system that works for everyone. Truck drivers deserve access to safe, secure parking without unnecessary financial strain. Businesses, in turn, deserve to be compensated fairly for providing valuable services. By finding the right balance, the industry can move toward a more sustainable, practical, and equitable future, one where both free and paid parking options coexist to serve the evolving needs of drivers and fleets alike. The post Bridging the Divide in the Truck Parking Debate appeared first on FreightWaves. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Trump: Tariffs start Saturday; scaling truck parking; AI agents answer the call
On episode 798 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Dooner is joined by the special guest co-host Reed Loustalot from Truck Parking Club. They're covering headlines about Trump's 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada that start on Saturday; and the best fleets to drive for in ' also find out how Truck Parking Club has massively scaled available truck parking for drivers through great business acumen…and viral TikTok videos. Plus, we'll talk about our big plans together for the Mid-America Truck Trucking Show. David Bell built Lean Solutions Group, now he's making AI agents who are answering the call at CloneOps. We'll find out all about what's good in the supply chain AI Essentials Dylan Admire shares the latest on his lawsuit against WWEX Group. Catch new shows live at noon EDT Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on FreightWaves LinkedIn, Facebook, X or YouTube, or on demand by looking up WHAT THE TRUCK?!? on your favorite podcast player and at 5 p.m. Eastern on SiriusXM's Road Dog Trucking Channel 146. Watch on YouTube Check out the WTT merch store Visit our sponsor Subscribe to the WTT newsletterApple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts The post Trump: Tariffs start Saturday; scaling truck parking; AI agents answer the call | WHAT THE TRUCK?!? appeared first on FreightWaves.
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Best fleets to drive for in '25
Welcome to the WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Newsletter presented by Truck Parking Club. In this issue, best fleets to drive for; Crawler turns 60; ride-along; and more. Best driver seats in town CarriersEdge The list — As Chris Jericho used to say, 'You've made the list!' CarriersEdge has dropped its annual list of best fleets to drive for. According to the provider of online driver training, 'To be considered for the 2025 Best Fleets program, for-hire carriers operating 10 tractor-trailers or more were nominated by a company driver or owner-operator currently working with them.' Those nominations were then evaluated based on criteria such as driver compensation, HR, operations, work/life balance and more. The highest-scoring fleets made the list, while those that have been on it for 10 consecutive years were inducted in the Hall of Fame. WWECarriersEdge Top 20 Best Fleets to Drive For – America's Service Line – Green Bay, Wisconsin – American Central Transport – Kansas City, Missouri – Brenny Specialized Inc. – St. Joseph, Minnesota – C.A.T. Inc. – Coteau-du-Lac, Quebec, Canada – Challenger Motor Freight Inc. – Cambridge, Ontario – Chief Carriers Inc. – Grand Island, Nebraska – Continental Express Inc. – Sidney, Ohio – Crawford Trucking – Des Moines, Iowa – Decker Truck Line Inc. – Fort Dodge, Iowa – Fortigo Freight Services Inc. – Etobicoke, Ontario – Fremont Contract Carriers Inc. – Fremont, Nebraska – Ippolito Transportation – Burlington, Ontario – K & J Trucking Inc. – Sioux Falls, South Dakota – Kriska Holdings Ltd. – Prescott, Ontario – Leonard's Express Inc. – Farmington, New York – PGT Trucking Inc. – Aliquippa, Pennsylvania – Thomas E. Keller Trucking Inc. – Defiance, Ohio – TLD Logistics Services Inc. – Knoxville, Tennessee – TransLand – Strafford, Missouri – Wellington Motor Freight – Aberfoyle, Ontario That list will be culled down to the two finalists in the small and large fleet categories. That pair of winning fleets will receive the Stratosphere award at the Best Fleets Education & Awards Conference, March 3-4, at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, North you agree? Had a good or bad experience with any of these? Email birthday NASA heavy haul X The beast turns 60 – Aside from the shuttle, the crawler may be NASA's coolest piece of equipment. Before you even put a rocket on it, this thing has a mass of 6,000 pounds! The only good news: If one starts to chase you, it wouldn't be hard to outrun. They're called crawlers for a reason: They move at 3.5 mph. In total, they've driven 3,400 miles. At 3.5 mph, it would take almost 40 days to cover that distance in one go. No speed limiters required here! The first two crawlers each cost $14 million in 1965 dollars ($139 million in 2025 bucks), and if that doesn't pump you up, their names will: Hans and Franz. Watch a great video on the history of the crawler right here. And stay tuned to WTT in February when we have NASA on to talk all about crawlers! The Motion Museum's journey to Chattanooga X Ride-along – On our first episode of the year, we talked about our purchase of the world's largest model rail set from EnterTRAINment Junction. You can watch this episode for all the details. Coming next week, the journey to Chattanooga, Tennessee, begins. It's taken about 20 trailers to load the set, and on Tuesday I'm doing a ride-along with one of the drivers hauling it back to Chattanooga. Check out the coverage next Wednesday on WHAT THE TRUCK?!? and follow along on my social media, where I'll be vlogging some of my journey. WTT FridayFreight Essentials vs. WWEX Group; project44 vs. MyCarrier – Friday on WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, I'm catching up with Freight Essentials' Dylan Admire to learn the latest about the company's RICO lawsuit against WWEX Group. Project44 is battling MyCarrier in court. The FreightTech visibility leader claims MyCarrier breached their contract when it went behind project44's back and created its own electronic bill of lading and APIs. Truck Parking Club has been scaling massively as it continues to expand its mission to provide truck parking for drivers. Reed Loustalot stops by the studio to talk about how the company has managed to scale and why we're partnering again this year at the Mid-America Trucking virtual agents are starting to answer the call. We'll talk to David Bell about how CloneOps is innovating in supply chain AI. Plus, all the latest headlines, trends and viral weirdness since our last new shows live at noon EST Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on FreightWaves LinkedIn, Facebook, X or YouTube, or on demand by looking up WHAT THE TRUCK?!? on your favorite podcast player and at 5 p.m. Eastern on SiriusXM's Road Dog Trucking Channel 146. MAFA MAKE AMERICA FREIGHT AGAIN – We are so back. Head on over to to get our newest merch! Use code WTTFans for 10% off. Now on demandThanks for reading, and feel free to forward this to a friend. Tweet @ Dooner Email me Subscribe to the newsletter Subscribe to the show Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube TikTok Twitter Or simply look up WHAT THE TRUCK?!? on your favorite podcast player. Or, if you have SiriusXM, tune in to the show Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 5 p.m. Eastern time on Road Dog Trucking Channel 146. Exit through the gift shop: Don't be a stranger, DoonerThe post Best fleets to drive for in '25 appeared first on FreightWaves.
