Red, White, and Haul: A Patriotic Look at Trucking on July 4th

By Updated:

As we celebrate the Fourth of July here in Summerville, South Carolina, and across the entire United States, our minds are naturally filled with thoughts of freedom, fireworks, and family gatherings. Yet, amidst the festivities, it's worth pausing to acknowledge a crucial pillar of American liberty and prosperity: our nation's trucking industry.

Look around at any Fourth of July celebration, from the burgers on the grill to the picnic blankets, the cold drinks, and yes, even the fireworks lighting up the night sky, almost every single item arrived on a truck. Our professional truck drivers are the unsung heroes who keep the wheels of America turning, ensuring that goods and supplies reach every corner of this vast country.

From the earliest days of the 20th century, when rudimentary trucks began to supplement railroads, to the construction of the vast Interstate Highway System, trucking has been interwoven with the fabric of American progress. During both World Wars, trucks and their drivers were vital to the war effort, demonstrating their indispensable role in national security. Today, they move over 70% of all freight tonnage in the U.S., linking producers to consumers and fueling countless industries.

On this Independence Day, as American flags wave from porches and overpasses, take a moment to appreciate the sight of a semi-truck on the road. Often, you'll see those very same flags proudly displayed on their rigs, a clear sign of the patriotism that runs deep within the trucking community. These men and women are often away from their own homes and families, sacrificing personal time to ensure that our shelves are stocked, our businesses can operate, and our celebrations can happen.

So, as the barbecues sizzle and the fireworks burst, let's raise a glass (or honk a horn!) to the truckers. They are the embodiment of American resilience, hard work, and the relentless pursuit of delivering on the promise of a free and thriving nation.

Happy Independence Day, and a huge thank you to all who "Red, White, and Haul" for America!


For all your latest transportation news, return to TruckingNewsHub.com

TNH | Insider Edition TOP STORIES

Demurrage and Detention: A Sea of Confusion in Need of a Standard Compass

By Updated:
Image
The world of ocean freight is a complex web of logistics, and few topics are as vexing and costly as demurrage and detention. While these fees are intended to incentivize the efficient movement of containers, their lack of standardization across the industry has turned them into a source of frustration and, for many, a significant and often unavoidable cost. Over the past few years, there have been critical steps taken to address this issue, most notably with the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 (OSRA) . This landmark legislation, and the subsequent rules implemented by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), have introduced much needed transparency and accountability. The new rules prohibit ocean carriers from issuing demurrage and detention invoices unless they include specific, detailed information. They also shifted the burden of proof to the ocean carrier to justify the reasonableness of these charges. These changes were a direct response to years of complaints from shippers, fre...
Read more

Beyond the Load Board: Why the Freight Fraud Summit is the Industry’s New Line of Defense

By Updated:
Image
In an era where freight moves at the speed of a click, the cracks in our supply chain have never been easier for criminals to exploit. Digital load boards and remote onboarding have revolutionized efficiency, but they’ve also opened the door to sophisticated actors specializing in identity theft, double brokering, and fictitious pickups. Freight fraud is no longer just a "cost of doing business." It is a material threat to financial stability, public safety, and the very trust that keeps the wheels turning. Enter the Freight Fraud Summit —a tactical, accountability-focused event designed to do more than just talk about the problem. It’s here to solve it. Criminal tactics are currently evolving faster than industry controls. As margins tighten and market volatility increases, organized fraud schemes have found a foothold in the fragmented space between shippers, brokers, and carriers. A single incidents can lead to millions in losses from stolen cargo, unpaid carriers, and pro...
Read more

Driving Change: Charleston’s New CDL School Puts Settlement-Risk Populations in the Driver’s Seat

By Updated:
Image
Charleston, SC – Driving Change, a nonprofit CDL school serving settlement-risk populations in South Carolina, proudly celebrated the graduation of its first CDL training cohort on Friday, September 12. The milestone marked a critical step in addressing workforce shortages while creating career pathways for individuals ready to enter trucking and logistics. The event, hosted at the Opportunity Center, brought together graduates, families, community leaders, and industry partners. Many of the Cohort 1 participants had already secured employment in the trucking and logistics sector. “They didn’t just receive certificates — they received keys to steady work, better pay, and  pride,” said Roxanne Forsythe, Executive Director of Driving Change. “When training is  employer-led, community-rooted, and dignity-first, people don’t just pass tests — they  change trajectories.” Driving Change extended deep gratitude to Paperboie Trucking , the inaugural cohort sponsor.  “Strong ...
Read more

"All In" Drayage Rates- Better for the Shipper or the Carrier?

By Updated:
Image
Drayage is the short-haul transportation of goods, typically a shipping container, to and from ports, rail yards, and warehouses. Drayage rates are the fees associated with this movement, and they are notoriously complex due to a variety of factors that can change unexpectedly. A common industry practice is to offer an "all-in" drayage rate . This is a single, flat fee that is meant to cover all costs associated with a drayage move. While this seems straightforward and appealing to shippers, it presents significant challenges for drayage carriers. What's in a Drayage Rate? 💰 A drayage rate is not just a simple charge for mileage. It's a combination of a base rate and numerous accessorial fees . The base rate is usually determined by the distance of the haul, but the accessorial fees are where things get complicated and unpredictable. Some of the most common accessorial fees include: Fuel Surcharge: A variable fee that accounts for fluctuating diesel prices. It...
Read more