Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/42794
logbook Broker rates top shippers in some U.S. lanes Trucking companies received the highest truckload rates from freight brokers and other intermediaries in 24 percent of routes in the United States throughout the second quarter, according to a TransCore report. In April the average difference between spot and contract rates on the higher paying lanes was 19 cents a mile; by June, that figure had risen to 24 cents. The report is the first of a series showing the dynamics of the spot market and the influences of seasonal and regional demand on truckload and less-than-truckload pricing. The data is based on $5 billion of invoices updated daily for vans, reefers and flatbeds across the U.S. and Canada. — Staff reports Swift lawsuit can move forward Tractor teams earn $2.06 per mile plus fuel* We need owner-operators to join our fleet. Start a better future today. Speak with a recruiter and ask about our $1000 sign-on bonus. Fuel Surcharge on Every Load Our fuel surcharge program fluctuates with the national average price of diesel fuel, helping to offset your fuel costs. Save Money! Discounts available for fuel, tires, vehicles and more – all from being affiliated with FedEx Custom Critical. We also offer access to health care coverage. Call 1.866.280.5417 customcritical.fedex.com/us/owneroperator © 2011 FedEx A class action suit against Swift Transportation over mileage pay is expected to proceed after the Arizona Supreme Court denied the truckload carrier's petition for review. On Aug. 31, the higher court declined to review a trial court's decision to certify a broad class action. Last November, a Maricopa County trial court entered an order certifying a class of owner-operators and expanded the class to include employee drivers. The truckers allege the Arizona- based company insufficiently paid drivers for miles driven, using a database that shorts drivers a significant percentage of mileage. The class action potentially could affect anyone who drove for Swift from 1998 to the present. Swift did not respond to a request for comment on the case, which has endured eight years of legal wrangling. However, it stated in an Aug. 9 Securities and Exchange Commission filing that it believes the class is improperly certified and "that the claims raised have no merit or are subject to mandatory arbitration." The plaintiffs' Washington, D.C.- based law firm, Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro, has said Swift breached contract and the implied covenant of good faith because of its alleged failure to pay for all miles driven. — Jill Dunn 66 OVERDRIVE OCTOBER 2011 Don' t have your own truck? Put your team to work driving for our fleet owners. TRUCKING OPPORTUNITIES Circle 218 on Reader Service Card or visit overdrive.hotims.com