The Daily Dash: Amazon hits the gas on hiring; judge allows truck tolls to continue

Amazon logistics employee

The Daily Dash is a quick look at what is happening in the freight ecosystem. In today’s edition, Amazon plans to go on a hiring spree to handle the holiday shipping season. Plus, a federal judge refuses to put a stop to truck-only tolls in Rhode Island and police continue to search for a motive behind the killing of a truck driver last week.

Come work for us

As peak season approaches for Amazon, the Seattle-based e-commerce giant is set to kick up hiring levels. The company announced it will look to add 100,000 workers to its network.

Mark Solomon explains where the growth is occurring: Amazon to hire 100,000 logistics, fulfillment workers

A close call, but tolls still in effect

American Trucking Associations and others have failed in their attempt to block truck-only tolls in Rhode Island. A federal court rejected the plaintiffs’ attempt to halt the tolls while an ongoing lawsuit against them works its way through the courts.

John Kingston explains why the judge had a difficult decision to make: Rhode Island truck-only tolls staying in effect for now 

Looking for answers

Zachary Sanchez was killed on Sept. 10 in Smith Valley, Nevada. According to police, the truck driver likely stopped to help Matthew Strain, who had been involved in a single-vehicle accident. Police allege Strain killed Sanchez but are trying to determine why.

Clarissa Hawes talks to the driver’s widow: Detective, widow describe trucker’s murder as ‘senseless act’

Let the dance begin

After years of speculation, it appears Navistar and TRATON will formally begin negotiations of a possible buyout of the U.S. truck maker by the Volkswagen-backed European trucking giant.

Alan Adler has details on how high the price may go: Navistar opening books to TRATON in takeover bid

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Did you miss this?

Freight rates continue to rise, with nearly half the lanes in the country seeing per-mile rates above $3. That means carriers are being more selective about what they haul.

Andrew Cox explains what is driving rates: Spot rates above $3/mile in 46 of 100 lanes

Hammer down, everyone,

Brian Straight

Managing Editor

Click for more FreightWaves articles by Brian Straight. 

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