Dana Guthrie, Author at TheTrucker.com

FMCSA names Adrienne Camire as acting administrator

By Dana Guthrie - March 7, 2025

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is announcing the Presidential appointment of Adrienne Camire as deputy administrator and acting administrator of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). “I am pleased to welcome Adrienne Camire as Acting Administrator of FMCSA,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy. “Ms. Camire is a dedicated leader who brings executive experience, vision, and a strong commitment to safety. I have no doubt FMCSA will continue to make our roads safer and keep America moving under her leadership.” Previous Service Camire previously served as Chief Counsel for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) during President Trump’s first term, where she oversaw all legal services related to FHWA’s management of the Federal-aid highway program. Ms. Camire has over 20 years of legal, regulatory and compliance experience within the private and academic sectors. “Thank you to President Trump and Secretary Duffy for their confidence in me to serve in this role,” Camire said. “I am honored to lead FMCSA in its mission to prevent commercial motor vehicle crashes, fatalities, and injuries on our Nation’s roads. I look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to advance our shared safety goals,” Camire earned a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from Brandeis University and a J.D. from Suffolk University Law School.

Good Greek celebrates milestone achievement

By Dana Guthrie - March 7, 2025

JUPITER, Fla. — Good Greek Relocation Systems has been named one of the Top 100 Private Companies in 2024 by the South Florida Business Journal. “This recognition is a testament to our team’s incredible dedication and relentless commitment to providing world-class relocation services,” said Spero Georgedakis, founder, CEO. “From the beginning, we set out to revolutionize the moving industry with integrity, dependability and superior customer service — and this honor affirms that we are making a lasting impact.” Commitment to Excellence “This prestigious honor highlights Good Greek’s extraordinary growth, commitment to excellence and industry leadership as the World’s Only Total Relocation Company,” Good Greek said in a press release. Since its founding in 2015, Good Greek has become Florida’s largest independent moving and storage company, with a current footprint of over 250,000 square feet of storage and an extensive fleet, according to the release. It is expanding operations across the United States and internationally through franchising. National Franchising According to the release, the company has pioneered a new industry standard as the World’s First and Only Total Relocation Company, offering a full suite of services including moving, storage, junk removal, auto transport, pet transport, realty, lending, insurance and travel solutions. Beginning in 2025, Good Greek began franchising nationally and internationally, providing global consumers with premier relocation solutions more effectively and efficiently. South Florida Business Journal’s 2024 Top 100 Private Companies “TD Bank was proud to sponsor the South Florida Business Journal’s 2024 Top 100 Private Companies awards,” said Clayton Tadler, regional vice president of Palm Beach/Treasure Coast, TD Bank. “Congratulations to Good Greek and the other honorees for this great recognition of their business.” According to the release, Good Greek’s success is built on a foundation of professionalism, innovation and community involvement. The company is the trusted moving partner for over fifteen major sports franchises, including the Miami Heat, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the University of Florida Gators. It has also played a pivotal role in charitable initiatives, such as disaster relief efforts with the Red Cross and national campaigns against food insecurity like Move for Hunger. In addition to this latest recognition, Good Greek was also named the 2024 Independent Mover of the Year by the American Trucking Associations, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in the relocation industry.

Hirschbach Motor Lines announces new Salt Lake City location

By Dana Guthrie - March 7, 2025

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Hirschbach Motor Lines is announcing the opening of its new Salt Lake City, Utah location. “We’re thrilled to be located in Salt Lake City,” said Richard Stocking, president, CEO. “This new location allows us to better serve our drivers, customers, and partners while continuing to grow our network. By expanding our service offerings, this new location will provide the capacity to hire 30 new jobs for transportation professionals in operations, customer service, technology and more.” To mark the milestone, Hirschbach held a special ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on Thursday. The event provided networking opportunities and an onsite tour of the facility. Tours of a tractor trailer, highlighting the in-cab technology were also available. Commitment to Transportation Solutions According to a company press release, the expansion reinforces Hirschbach Motor Lines’ commitment to providing top-tier transportation solutions while enhancing services for drivers and customers in the western region. Hirschbach was recently honored with a SmartWay Excellence Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as an industry leader in freight supply chain environmental performance and energy efficiency. The new facility will serve as a regional corporate office for operations, driver support and logistics innovation.

Ancora Training and FSCJ launch online CDL endorsement course

By Dana Guthrie - March 7, 2025

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Ancora Training and Ancora Academy are launching a new online hazmat endorsement course for those enrolled at Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ). “This program is an incredible opportunity for students in the Northern Florida area to add a hazmat endorsement option to their current CDL license at a pace that fits their schedule and personal life,” said Natalie Williams, vice president of Ancora Education. “With the continued shortage of CDL drivers nationwide, those who have an additional endorsement on their license can position themselves ahead of the curve.” First Partnership This marks the first higher education partnership for Ancora Training in Florida. It’s an important milestone as the company expands into the Florida B2E sector, according to an Ancora press release. Program Details The new program provides learners at FSCJ and members of the public that currently hold CDL-A, the opportunity to obtain their endorsement on their own schedule. “Obtaining the Hazmat endorsement has the potential to open doors to new employment possibilities with transportation companies who recognize the value of having a hazmat endorsement,” the release said. Quality CDL Training “Ancora Training has a proven track record of delivering quality CDL training across the country,” the release said. “Having extensive experience working with B2B clients and higher education clients, Ancora identified an opportunity to collaborate with FSCJ to help address the need for CDL drivers who operate with busy schedules but are looking to add an endorsement to their license. The goal of the partnership is to equip local students with the skills needed to apply for well-paying, stable jobs in the transportation industry.” Online Hazmat Endorsement Course FSCJ’s new fully online hazmat endorsement course is part of a broader effort to support adult learners who are looking to enhance their current license and have an advantage in a dynamic job market over those who don’t have the add-on. Through this partnership, students will receive easy access to training on their own time, allowing them to fit the course around their schedule. All training, instruction, and testing are conducted fully online through Ancora Academy, providing quality education and a practical experience. To learn more about Ancora Training and its CDL hazmat endorsement program, visit www.ancoratraining.com.

Former Olympian makes FBI’s 10 Most Wanted list

By Dana Guthrie - March 7, 2025

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — A former Canadian Olympian wanted for murder and using bigs rigs to smuggle drugs has been named to the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted list. As The Trucker reported in October 2024, Ryan Wedding, 43, an Olympic snowboarder, is wanted for running a transnational drug enterprise and ordering several murders. HIs inclusion in the list was announced in a press conference on Thursday by Akil Davis, the assistant director in charge (ADIC) of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. Davis was joined by law enforcement partners with the United States Department of State, Royal Canadian Mounted Police–Federal Policing, the Los Angeles Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration–Los Angeles and the United States Attorney’s Office–Central District of California. Olympian Gone Bad Wedding, whose aliases include “El Jefe,” “Giant,” “Public Enemy,” “James Conrad King,” and “Jesse King,” was born in Thunder Bay, Canada, and competed in the Giant Slalom snowboarding competition during the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. Wedding is wanted for allegedly running a transnational drug trafficking network that routinely shipped hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from Colombia, through Mexico and Southern California, to Canada and other locations in the United States, and for orchestrating multiple murders and an attempted murder in furtherance of these drug crimes, according to an FBI media release. Wedding’s placement on the top ten list marks the 535th addition to the FBI’s list of notorious fugitives. Wedding will replace Alexis Flores who is wanted by FBI Philadelphia. Although Flores is being removed from the list, he will remain on the FBI’s website on its Most Wanted page. From Shredding Powder to Selling It “Wedding went from shredding powder on the slopes at the Olympics to distributing powder cocaine on the streets of U.S. cities and in his native Canada,” Davis said. “The alleged murders of his competitors make Wedding a very dangerous man, and his addition to the list of Ten Most Wanted Fugitives, coupled with a major reward offer by the State Department, will make the public our partner so that we can catch up with him before he puts anyone else in danger.” $10 Million Reward The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs is offering a $10 million reward for information leading to Wedding’s arrest and/or conviction. The reward was authorized by Secretary of State Marco Rubio under the Narcotics Rewards Program (NRP), which supports law enforcement efforts to disrupt transnational crime globally and bring fugitives to justice. This reward offering supplements the FBI’s current offering of $50,000 for information leading to Wedding’s apprehension, arrest, and extradition, and further, is jointly being offered with assistance from the Canadian and Mexican governments as part of a unified effort to bring Wedding to justice. Committed to Protecting Americans “The Department of State is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Ryan James Wedding,” said F. Cartwright Weiland, senior bureau official of the Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). “We are committed to protecting American communities from thugs who, with clear consciences, deliberately peddle illicit narcotics and prey on our youth. Background In June 2024, Wedding and his second-in-command Andrew Clark, 34, also Canadian, were charged in an indictment out of the Central District of California with running a continuing criminal enterprise; committing murder in connection with a continuing criminal enterprise and assorted drug crimes; and conspiring to possess, distribute, and export cocaine. Clark, who was arrested last October by Mexican authorities, was among the 29 fugitives whom Attorney General Pamela Bondi announced had arrived in the United States from Mexico last week. In September 2024, a federal grand jury in Los Angeles returned a superseding indictment naming 14 additional defendants and including, among other counts, an attempted murder charge against Wedding and Clark. The superseding indictment alleges that Wedding, Clark, and others conspired to ship bulk quantities of cocaine—weighing hundreds of kilograms—from Southern California to Canada through a Canada-based drug transportation network run by Hardeep Ratte, 46, of Ontario, Canada, and Gurpreet Singh, 31, of Ontario, Canada, from approximately January 2024 to August 2024. The cocaine shipments were transported from Mexico to the Los Angeles area, where the cocaine trafficking organization’s operatives stored the cocaine in stash houses, before delivering it to the transportation network couriers for delivery to Canada using long-haul semi-trucks. Flooding Streets with Narcotics “As alleged in the superseding indictment, defendant Ryan Wedding—a former Olympian—led a transnational criminal organization that murdered innocent people and put thousands of kilograms of narcotics on our streets,” said Joseph T. McNally, acting United States Attorney. “The reward offered today will help bring this defendant to justice in the United States. We urge anyone with information about Wedding to contact law enforcement and help us get Mr. Wedding into custody.” Violent Murders The superseding indictment also alleges that Wedding and Clark’s organization resorted to violence—including multiple murders—to achieve its aims. Wedding and Clark allegedly directed the November 20, 2023, murders of two members of a family in Ontario, Canada, in retaliation for a stolen drug shipment that passed through Southern California. Another member of that family survived the shooting but was left with serious physical injuries. Wedding and Clark allegedly also ordered the murder of another victim on May 18, 2024, over a drug debt. In addition, Clark and Malik Damion Cunningham, 23, a dual Canadian-American citizen, are charged with the April 1, 2024, murder of another victim in Ontario, Canada. “The RCMP is committed to working with our international partners in the fight against transnational criminals,” said Liam Price, director general, Royal Canadian Mounted Police International program. “It’s imperative that Ryan Wedding faces justice for the charges against him. We will continue to stand with and support our US and Mexican partners in this and other investigations to protect the public.” Life in Prison if Convicted If convicted, Wedding and Clark would face a mandatory minimum penalty of life in federal prison on their respective continuing criminal enterprise charge. The murder and attempted murder charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. The drug trafficking charges carry mandatory minimum penalties of 10 to 15 years in prison. “The former Canadian snowboarder unleashed an avalanche of death and destruction, here and abroad,” said Matthew Allen, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Los Angeles Field Division. “He earned the name ‘El Jefe’, becoming boss of a violent transnational drug trafficking organization. Now, his face will be on ‘The Top 10 Most Wanted’ posters. He’s unremitting, callous and greed-driven. Today’s announcement beams an even brighter searchlight on him. We ask that you help us find him.” Tips Wanted The FBI urges anyone with information as to Wedding’s whereabouts to contact the FBI via WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram at +1-424 495-0614. These are neither government-operated nor government-controlled platforms. Callers may also contact their local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. Confidentiality will be granted to anyone who calls with information. Investigators believe that Wedding is residing in Mexico but have not ruled out his presence in the United States, Canada, Colombia, Honduras, Guatemala, Costa Rica or elsewhere. Wedding is further described as follows: Aliases: James Conrad King, Jesse King DOB: September 14, 1981 Hair: Brown, may wear a beard and/or mustache Eyes: Blue Height: 6’3” Weight: 240 lbs. (may vary) Nationality: Canadian Place of Birth: Thunder Bay, Canada Monikers: “Giant,” “Public Enemy,” “El Jefe” Photographs and reward information about Wedding will be posted on digital billboards in key locations, as well as on fbi.gov, and on the FBI’s social media platforms. Additional information about Wedding and other Top Ten Fugitives is available at this link: Top Ten Fugitives.

Elizabeth Nicholson looks forward to the future as TCA’s director of education

By Dana Guthrie - March 6, 2025

Whether she’s scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands or creating a new educational program in her position as director of education for the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), Elizabeth Nicholson gives her whole heart into her endeavors. Nicholson says she had early aspirations of being a marine biologist. “I’ve always had a love for animals and nature,” she told Truckload Authority. I’m an avid scuba diver.” She hails from Tivoli, New York. “If you spell the city backwards, it spells ‘I lov(e) it,’ which is always a funny little tidbit,” she said with a laugh. In 1996, Nicholson moved to Virginia to work for an aviation association. After accepting a position at a different aviation association, Nicholson made a friend who would be instrumental in her path to the TCA. “Funnily enough, my first boss at the National Air Transportation Association was Diane Gleason,” she said, adding that Gleason is now TCA’s director of meetings — and the reason Nicholson made the move to the association. “I’ve known Diane for 25 years,” she said. “Coming here, it has been kind of a full circle.” Although the two don’t work together directly, Nicholson says she’s thrilled to work for the same company as her former boss. In her role at TCA, Nicholson creates new educational opportunities for members and works with associate members to provide content. She says she particularly enjoys working with TCA’s Veterans Resource Work Group. “We are working on a webpage for our members where they can grab resources to help them become more veteran-friendly,” Nicholson said. “It’s really important, and something that everyone can agree on.” Nicholson also thrives as a frontline support person for TCA members. “I really enjoy developing content and taking slideshow or a PDF document and turning it into an interactive educational piece that is interesting to our members,” Nicholson said. “I’ve always enjoyed the creativity of the job.” Nicholson has a number of passions in her life including her partner Joel and her two children, along with their beagle, Coco. Family is her top priority. “My dad lives just 4 miles from me; my mom passed away a couple years ago,” Nicholson said. “My family is No. 1 in my life. “I know so many people say that,” she continued. “To give you an idea of who I am … when people die, their tombstone doesn’t say ‘Greatest Employee Ever.’ It says, ‘Greatest Mom,’ Greatest Spouse,’ ‘Greatest Daughter’ or ‘Loving Daughter.’ “When you get older, you don’t ever look back and think, ‘I wish I’d gone to more meetings,’” she added. Nicholson lives by this code, and she takes every opportunity she can to explore the world. With an upcoming trip to Africa, Nicholson will be one step closer to visiting every continent — only Antarctica will remain on her checklist. “I strive for a good work/life balance,” she said. “I love to travel, and I do play golf and of course, I mean, I’m not great at it, but I do play. “I just got back from Bali, and I loved it! I also went to the Galapagos last year, and next year I’m going to Africa,” she continued. “This year I’m going to Canada to the Hockey Hall of Fame and some other places. I can just explore the local parks and driving around and just getting lost and finding new things and meeting new people.” As a memento of each place she visits, Nicholson has a collection of souvenir spoons, a tradition she says was started by her aunt. “I have probably a little over 200 of them on my dining room wall,” Nicholson said. “My aunt started when she would travel, and then I continued it as I traveled around the world.” Nicholson says she loves that her role TCA leaves her both professionally and personally fulfilled and still allows her to indulge her wanderlust. “I love the collaborative environment at the TCA,” Nicholson said, adding that she’s looking forward to growing in her role as director of education. “I can see my future here,” Nicholson said. “It’s exciting to pull together brand-new programs for our members,” she continued. “I have high hopes for these different programs. I plan to continue to grow our offerings, to improve what we already have and keep it going.” This story was published in the March/April 2025 edition of Truckload Authority magazine, the official publication of the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA).

Samsara Smart Trailers bring critical trailer health insights to fleet operations

By Dana Guthrie - March 7, 2025

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Samsara is now offering a range of Smart Trailer features designed to give critical insights into trailer data to improve the efficiency, compliance and safety of trailer operations. “We’ve added new features—including enhanced tire and power monitoring, as well as tractor-trailer mismatch alerts—to our existing trailer offering to create a comprehensive solution that allows organizations to improve trailer utilization and dispatch, driver productivity, revenue management and more,” Samsara said in a media release. Economy Remains Top Concern According to Samsara, the economy remains a top concern for the trucking industry, ranking as the number one issue in the American Transportation Research Institute’s annual report for the second year in a row. For fleets, cutting costs and improving efficiency is more critical than ever. As a core part of operations, trailers offer significant opportunities to reduce expenses, boost efficiency and enhance safety and compliance. Samsara Asset Gateway At the heart of its Smart Trailer solution is the Samsara Asset Gateway. It is a compact device that installs in under five minutes for rapid, scalable deployment. Its discreet design allows it to be mounted on trailer undercarriages, minimizing the risk of tampering or theft, according to the release. Improve Safety and Reduce Maintenance Costs “Samsara’s Smart Trailer solution gives drivers and the back office real-time visibility into tire and power status in the Samsara dashboard, enabling fleets to proactively maintain their trailers, stay in compliance and make their trailer operations safer overall,” Samsara said. “Smart Trailers can help fleets get ahead of tire leaks, blown anti-lock braking system (ABS) fuses and other issues with a range of advanced trailer health features.” Automatic Tire Inflation System (ATIS) Monitoring Samsara ATIS monitoring delivers real-time alerts on tire pressure issues to both drivers and the back office, giving fleets the proactive edge they need to catch leaks that may be hidden by automatic inflation. By identifying potential problems early, fleets can dramatically reduce the risk of costly tire blowouts and minimize trailer downtime. In addition, ATIS Monitoring promotes healthier tires overall, aiding in compliance efforts and helping fleet operations run more safely and efficiently, according to the release. Power Monitoring In addition to tire issues, anonymized Samsara customer data shows that 15% of trailers in North America experience power loss while driving, which can cause problems with real-time location tracking and increase safety risks on the road. “We now offer comprehensive Power Monitoring, which provides trailer visibility—even when 7-way power isn’t operational—and helps fleet operators diagnose and resolve power issues on trucks,” Samsara said. Power Monitoring includes: Trailer Visibility Even Without Power: Until now, when a truck failed to deliver power to a trailer, the trailer’s gateway also lost power, leaving operators in the dark about trailer location. Samsara’s Smart Trailer solution detects power loss and provide continuous, real-time visibility even when trailer power is compromised. Moving Without Power Alert: In addition to loss of trailer visibility, 7-way power loss can compromise the efficacy of a trailer’s ABS system. This can lead to power loss for other electrical peripherals on a trailer, including TPMS systems, ATIS lamps, and liftgates. ABS systems are a critical part of operating a trailer safely, but without power to the trailer, ABS systems can be compromised, increasing trailer stopping distance and creating safety risks. Samsara’s Moving Without Power Alert notifies fleets in real time when a trailer loses power, allowing fleets to quickly diagnose the root cause of power loss, resolve it faster, and reduce trailer and tractor downtime. Trailer Health Inspector: Fleets can monitor power connections to identify and resolve issues more effectively. Customers can investigate when and where power loss occurred, how long power was out, who was driving and which truck was pulling the trailer. Trailer Power Loss Root Cause Analysis: What caused a power loss? Was it a blown fuse on the truck? A trailer wiring problem? Managing this at scale across thousands of trailers is challenging. Samsara’s Smart Trailer solution automatically detects power issues in the field and predicts where the issue is, streamlining maintenance operations. One customer was able to root cause and fix more than 300 blown truck ABS fuses using this tool, according to Samsara.

WIT names 2025 Driver of the Year finalists

By Dana Guthrie - March 6, 2025

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) is announcing the four finalists for the 2025 Driver of the Year award, sponsored by Walmart. The annual award recognizes outstanding female professional drivers who lead the industry in safety standards while actively enhancing the public image of the trucking industry. The 2025 Driver of the Year finalists are: Ericka Norfleet, owner-operator, R.E. Garrison Trucking Inc. Gina Jones, company driver, Werner Kathy Blaies, professional carhauler, United Road Sandy Winters, company driver, Leonard’s Express Ericka Norfleet Norfleet is a dedicated owner-operator with R.E. Garrison Trucking Inc. She brings a wealth of experience and professionalism to the road. Since earning her commercial driver’s license in 2015, she has safely logged more than one million miles, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to safety, excellence and teamwork. A Crown Driver, Norfleet sets the standard for responsibility and precision in the industry. Trucking is more than a career for Norfleet – it’s a lifestyle she shares with her husband. Together, they have spent nearly nine years navigating the highways as a driving team while raising their seven children. Norfleet values the deep connections she has made along the way, embracing the resilience and camaraderie of the trucking community. Her passion for the industry and dedication to professionalism continue to inspire those around her. Gina Jones Jones is a professional driver with Werner who exemplifies safety, leadership and dedication in the trucking industry. After a successful career in retail management, she earned her CDL at age 50 to join her husband, Steve, on the road. With 2.5 million accident-free miles, Jones has received the 2024 TA Citizen Driver Award, the Werner Safe Driver Award and the President’s Safe Driver Club Award from the Nebraska Trucking Association. As a 2022-2023 ATA America’s Road Team Captain and Werner Road Team alum, she advocates for safety and mentors current and future drivers through school programs and recruitment events. Jones and her husband are proudly part of Werner’s Operation Freedom Fleet, driving a specialty-wrapped truck honoring military service members. Off the road, she supports charitable causes, enjoys time with her grandchildren and loves riding her Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Kathy Blaies Blaies, a professional carhauler at United Road with more than 20 years of experience, has built an impeccable, damage-free career that sets the standard for excellence. A skilled and dedicated professional, she has driven more than one million miles without a single damage, earning her the Gold Elite Driver Award four times and the Damage Free Elite Award twice – an achievement few can match. Known among her peers as “Carhaul Kathy,” she is respected not only for her precision and safety on the road but also for her commitment to teamwork, mentorship and leadership. Blaies’ unwavering dedication to quality, efficiency and professionalism has made her an invaluable asset to the industry, inspiring the next generation of professional carhaulers. Sandy Winters Winters, a company driver for Leonard’s Express, has built a distinguished career spanning more than 30 years. After serving four years in the U.S. Army, she transitioned into trucking in 1993 after a friend recognized her natural talent for handling large vehicles. Since then, she has driven a variety of equipment – including ink tankers, flatbeds, step decks, dry van doubles and reefers – covering routes across the United States and Canada. A highly awarded safe driver, Winters is known for her strong work ethic and willingness to mentor the next generation. She believes experienced drivers play a key role in shaping the future of the trucking industry, and she takes pride in guiding newcomers toward success. For Winters, trucking is not just a job – it’s a passion, and she strives to be the best at it every day. The winner of the 2025 Driver of the Year award will be announced at the Salute to Women Behind the Wheel event, hosted by WIT on Friday, March 28 at the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) in Louisville, Kentucky.

OOIDA fights predatory towing in Missouri

By Dana Guthrie - March 6, 2025

JOPLIN, Mo. — The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association is fighting against predatory towing practices in Missouri. On Tuesday, OOIDA executive vice president Lewie Pugh testified before the Missouri Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee. “When you’re a small business trucker, that truck is your life,” Pugh said. “It feeds your family. It clothes your kids. It takes care of everything. Predatory Towing Practices Bills, HB745 and SB516, aim to address longstanding issues with predatory towing practices. These bills, introduced by Sen. Justin Brown (R-Rolla) and Rep. Dave Griffith (R-Jefferson City), propose critical reforms. They would grant the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) the authority to regulate nonconsensual towing procedures for commercial vehicles. “96% of all trucking companies out here are small business truckers, 20 trucks or less,” Pugh said. “Trucking is a very, very, very tight profit margin business. I tell people it’s a penny saved business, not a money made business. Kind of like farming. There’s lots and lots of people who control everything about it.” Real World Scenario “When something like this happens to you as a small business trucker, your life’s pretty much devastated because your equipment you’ve spent $150,000 to $250,000 for is now damaged,” Pugh said. “You’re trying to get it back. There’s a lot of good towing companies out here, but you get unscrupulous ones who put egregious storage fees that you cannot even afford to get your equipment back to get it somewhere to get it fixed in the first place. Pugh said that they only way you can pay the fees is to get your equipment back and get back out on the road so that money can be made. If the truck was in an accident with a non-commercial vehicle and it was not the truckers fault, the cars are not insured enough to even touch the nonconsensual towing fees. Free Market “I’m a free market guy and I believe in a free market society, but I also believe we all have a right to have someone to go to when we’ve been wronged,” Pugh said. “For too long in the state of Missouri there’s nobody to go to when you get one of these bills. I personally know of a tow that happened to a friend of mine and he was charged double the price for the equipment that was sent out there. If he would have called that tower and had them come out there and done something personally. Twice the price they doubled on the equipment. That’s not right. Again, there’s lots of good towers out there. That’s not what this is about. Everybody deserves some kind of protection.” Rep. Michael Burton told the committee that he also believes in a free market but is not sure the proposed legislation falls in line with that. Freedom of Choice Burton asked why the industry cannot let the market work itself out. “There are companies that are doing wrong by the way they are charging people to tow trucks,” Burton said. “Doesn’t that open up an availability for someone else to start a company to do it?” Pugh said the problem with that is choice. “It would if this were my trucking company that called and got the tower,” Pugh said. “If I have an accident or whatever happens, I’m not calling the tower. I’m forced to use this tower. I don’t have any choice in the matter. That’s the problem here. It’s not really a free market when I don’t get to choose. It’s just this is who your using and then I get stuck with paying whatever the bill is they decide to charge.” Burton asked if there could be an exemption written into the bill just for when an accident has occurred. “That’s where these nonconsensual tows come into play,” Pugh said. “When there’s an accident…If I have a broken down truck or something like that, I call the towing company and negotiate the rate…these are times when you don’t have that opportunity. These are usually, if not always, an accident type situation.” “I’m sure there’s been trucks out there that have been left on the side of the road where they didn’t do that and there’s still a nonconsensual tow,” Burton said. “I agree with you that most of them are probably from accidents, but I think that we need to let the free market reign in a lot of ways. I believe the gentleman is coming from a good place, but I still have problems with this. We have price gouging when it comes to all kinds of things. We have price gouging when it comes to food. Two nights ago I had a $60 steak. I don’t think it was worth $60. I’m not going to come before a board and plead my case or anything. But I do appreciate you coming in here and giving your testimony.” Highlights of the Legislation Establishing a 7-member Towing and Recovery Review Board, with one member representing independent owner-operator truck drivers. Creating a complaint filing and adjudication process to address violations by towing companies. Regulating the release of vehicles when fees are disputed. Prohibiting per-pound charges for nonconsensual tows. Allowing commercial vehicle owners or operators to request a specific towing company, with law enforcement required to honor these requests except under certain conditions. Prohibit towing companies from performing nonconsensual tows if they violate the law. Parking Problems Rep. Don Mayhew asked Pugh for an example of nonconsensual towing. Pugh spoke about the lack of parking and how trucks can be booted or towed against the drivers will leaving them with astronomical bills that are not their fault. He noted that this has happened when drivers are asleep in their trucks. “If a driver parks somewhere that’s well marked, well that’s on them,” Pugh said. “That’s a whole other conversation. There’s only one safe parking place for every 11 trucks in this country right now. Trucks just get stuck parking everywhere unfortunately.” Mayhew added that to him, a situation like that could be considered theft. “I don’t disagree,” Pugh said. “For me and my organization, we would be all for adding that to the bill for sure. We’ve been fighting this for six years and we want to get this to the finish line.” “I never even realized that someone would even attempt that, but anybody will try anything,” Mayhew said. “I will talk to the bill sponsor to see if there’s something we could add to tray and alleviate that situation too.” Bad Operators Rep. Steve Butz asked if OOIDA keeps a list of bad operators known for predatory towing practices. “If they call in and we know about it we will [help],” Pugh said. “Our organization does try to work with some of our members who have a bad bill and try to be an intermediary and help them get them down to a realistic amount.” Butz suggested that if there’s a pattern with a handful of operators OOIDA should get that information out to all its members and the public. Nonconsensual Towing Reasons While accidents are the leading cause of nonconsensual towing, Rep. Carolyn Caton noted that there can be other factors. Caton, a former trucking manager, noted that weather and “acts of God” can lead to towing where there is no fault to the driver. “This bill isn’t going to fix everything, but it’s a start,” Caton said. “Is that what I’m understanding? It’s a good start toward an endline.” Pugh agreed that it will not fix everything, but it will make a huge difference. “I think you will be shocked at how much it will fix,” Pugh said. “I’ve been involved with other states that have passed these kinds of rules. It seems like once the rule is passed, the problem just sort of goes away.” Success in other States Rep. Kemp Strickler asked Pugh for examples of other states who have practices in place to prevent predatory towing. According to Pugh, Arkansas, Maryland and Tennessee are just a few of the states that have addressed the issue with legislation, with Tennessee being the best model at addressing the issue. The committee did not vote on the bill. Missouri truck drivers are encouraged to reach out to their legislators to voice their opinion on the legislation.

Legislators seek to guarantee overtime pay for truckers

By Dana Guthrie - March 6, 2025

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Edward J. Markey, along with U.S. Representatives Mark Takano and Jeff Van Drew are introducing bipartisan, bicameral legislation to ensure that truckers are compensated fairly for the hours that they are on the clock, including overtime. “America’s truck drivers are on the frontlines of our economy, enduring long hours away from home, and all too often, unpaid wait times at congested ports and warehouses. Unfortunately, truck drivers have been excluded from overtime pay protections for decades,” Padilla said. “If truckers are forced to wait while on the job, they should be paid. This is not just a matter of fairness; it’s a matter of public safety. Experienced truckers are safer truckers, and better compensation and overtime pay will help more of them stay in the profession.” Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act The Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act would repeal the motor carrier provision of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, which excludes many truckers from overtime protections enjoyed by other workers. “Truck drivers are the engines of our economy, making sure that our supply chain keeps moving at full speed, and yet they are denied the fundamental worker protection of overtime,” Markey said. “The Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act would reverse this injustice and ensure that truck drivers are paid their due.” In response to an Executive Order by former President Biden, USDOT issued a Freight and Logistics Supply Chain Assessment in February 2022, which highlights high turnover rates and compensation issues in the trucking industry. Among its recommendations, the Department called on Congress to repeal the motor carrier provision of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to allow truckers to earn fair overtime pay. Truckers Vital to American Way of Life “Truckers are vital for our supply chain, manufacturing, and the American way of life,” Takano said. “It is unfair that they are singled out as somehow unworthy of overtime pay. This legislation will help right that wrong and make sure they are fairly compensated for the hours they work. I am proud to partner with Congressman Van Drew and Senator Padilla to build up workers and guarantee more money in their paychecks.” According to Van Drew, without truckers, the supply chain would collapse. “Truck drivers keep our supply chain moving, often working long, exhausting hours to make sure goods get where they need to go,” Van Drew said. “But right now, they are not guaranteed overtime pay like most other workers. It is just not right. The Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act is a simple fix—it ensures that truckers are fairly compensated for the extra hours they put in. These men and women do critical work, and it’s time we make sure their pay reflects that.” Teamsters Back Legislation “The exclusion of truck drivers from federal overtime protections must come to an end,” said Sean M. O’Brian Teamsters general president. “The Teamsters Union is proud to support the Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act, which will right the decades long wrong that serves only to harm drivers to the benefit of their employers.” Truckers are the Backbone of the Economy “America’s truckers are the backbone of our economy, keeping goods moving and ensuring our supply chain stays strong,” said Todd Spencer, Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association president. “Yet, despite their essential role, trucking remains one of the few professions in America denied guaranteed overtime pay. It’s long past time the hard work of the men and women behind the wheel are fairly compensated. By discounting a trucker’s time, ‘big trucking’ has driven wages downward, treating truckers as disposable rather than the skilled professionals they are. We appreciate Representative Van Drew, Representative Takano, and Senator Padilla for championing the bipartisan GOT Truckers Act, which will right this wrong by securing overtime pay. This legislation is an investment in truckers, road safety, and the strength of America’s supply chain.” In addition to Senators Padilla and Markey, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal, Elizabeth Warren, and Ron Wyden. The full text of the bill can be found here.

BeyondTrucks Product Advisory Council looks at future of trucking

By Dana Guthrie - March 5, 2025

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.— BeyondTrucks new Product Advisory Council aims to drive innovation in the trucking industry. According to a company press release, at the council’s inaugural meeting, the key group of fleet and company leaders discussed the state of the industry, opportunities for maintaining a competitive advantage and future technology possibilities. “The new BeyondTrucks Product Advisory Council brings together leading fleets whose insights into the risks and opportunities our industry is facing will be key to guide product development,” said Hans Galland, CEO of BeyondTrucks. “The industry has largely been operating on systems designed in the 1980s and 1990s which is jarringly disconnected from the possibilities that AI-powered trucks, telematics, safety cameras, analytics, and optimization tools offer fleets today. Though the process of adopting or changing a TMS may seem daunting, these organizational leaders understand they must support ripping off the band-aid by moving to better technology.” Product Advisory Council The BeyondTrucks Product Advisory Council of fleet executives and industry leaders includes: Devon Ades, vice president, Apex Logistics and COB, California Trucking Association. Marc Boyle, former co-president, Boyle Transportation. Jimmy Coleman, owner, head of special projects, D.G. Coleman. Patrick Cozzens, president, Modern Transportation. Robbert McCaig, director, owner, Trimac Transportation. Arnold Ramonas, director of operations, AGM Transport Inc. Elevating American Transportation “We’re excited about this effort that will not only uplift our own fleets but will be critical for maintaining and elevating the success of the American transportation sector, our supply chains, and our economy,” Ades said. “This forum is forward-thinking and BeyondTrucks is genuinely interested in hearing us and making game-changing advances for our businesses.” Council Goals During the first meeting of the BeyondTrucks Product Advisory Council, industry leaders were asked to take a visionary approach to identify key elements that would be critical for customer success and competitive superiority, according to the release. A session focusing on industry risks and opportunities that will affect fleets in the near future was a highlight of the meeting. The group also discussed technological possibilities and priorities for using software and data as part of transportation management platforms that serve as human-machine interfaces. Key Conclusions The following were key conclusions reached during interactive sessions: Legacy systems are creating more work for their teams to manage. All members understood that the selection and deployment of technology is a daunting process but an absolutely necessary investment. Council members agreed that executive support is crucial for any new technology evaluation, procurement and deployment process to be effective. Increased Use of AI “In the transportation management space, there is a solid appetite for automation and increased use of AI,” Cozzens said. “With the BeyondTrucks Product Advisory Council we have an opportunity to better understand areas where its application will have better use.” Galland noted that the roadmap the council is collaboratively creating puts customers at an advantage by driving innovation, delivering enhanced visibility, improving equipment utilization and reducing operating costs.

LMTA Foundation honors excellence in trucking safety

By Dana Guthrie - March 5, 2025

BATON ROUGE, La. — The Louisiana Motor Transport Association (LMTA) Foundation is recognizing outstanding contributions to trucking safety and professionalism. Safety Lifetime Achievement Award: Al LaCombe At the March 1 awards banquet, the LMTA Foundation presented a special lifetime achievement award to Al LaCombe of Dupré Logistics. “LaCombe has spent more than four decades advancing trucking safety, implementing innovative training programs, and setting industry benchmarks to ensure that employees return home safely each day,” the LMTA said. “Under his leadership, his company has received multiple regional and national safety awards. Beyond his organization, LaCombe has championed road safety through community outreach and initiatives such as the Truck Driving Championships. His legacy of excellence continues to shape the industry.” Safety Professional of the Year: Jeff Beam Jeff Beam, of Ergon Trucking, was named Louisiana Safety Professional of the Year. “Beam’s commitment to safety and service began in 1983 in the U.S. Navy, where he served aboard the USS Constellation and earned the Shellback Certificate,” the LMTA said. “Following his military service, he transitioned into the trucking industry, dedicating more than 40 years to safety and training.” Truck Driver of the Year: Joseph Cook Joseph Cook, of Old Dominion Freight Line, received the Louisiana Truck Driver of the Year award. “Cook has exemplified professionalism in the trucking industry for more than 30 years, accumulating over 3 million accident-free miles with Old Dominion Freight Line,” LMTA said. “He is not only a leader in safety but also a mentor to fellow drivers. Beyond the road, Cook has served as a volunteer firefighter, assisting in life-saving efforts during major accidents in 1998 and 2023. His unwavering dedication to safety, leadership, and community service sets a benchmark for excellence in the industry.” According to the LMTA, both honorees exemplify the highest standards of safety and professionalism, making daily contributions that enhance the industry’s reputation. Fleet Safety Awards In partnership with Great West Casualty Company, LMTA also honored two companies for their commitment to fleet safety. Most Improved: Texas Transeastern, for significant reductions in fleet accidents and improved DOT frequency ratings. President’s Award: RedGuard, for maintaining the best safety record.

MODE Global announces Carrier of the Year winners

By Dana Guthrie - March 5, 2025

DALLAS, Texas — MODE Global is recognizing its most valued carriers through its annual carrier awards program. “We are honored to work with so many excellent partners across all modes and are thrilled to once again be awarding this recognition,” said Gene Welsh, chief transportation officer and head of all transportation product lines for MODE Global. “While 2024 was another challenging year for the industry, our carrier partners did not waver in providing superior service and value to our customers despite a difficult backdrop. We thank you all for your tremendous support and look forward to our continued partnership in the year ahead.” Celebrating Carriers According to a company press release, the annual carrier awards program underscores the pivotal role carriers play in MODE’s enterprise operations, commitment to service quality and setting a high standard for industry performance. Awards are given across multiple categories to recognize the invaluable contributions and time-tested relationships MODE has established with its carriers. The carrier awards are based on specific performance criteria such as commitment to service quality, technological capabilities, customer service excellence, volume and revenue growth with MODE, as well as partnership criteria such as collaboration, communication and competitive enablement. 2024 Mode Global Carriers of the Year National Truckload Carrier of the Year: Brite Logistics Regional Truckload Carrier of the Year: One Nation Trans Inc. National LTL Carrier of the Year: Old Dominion Freight Line Regional LTL Carrier of the Year: AAA Cooper Transportation National Drayage Carrier of the Year: ARL Transport Regional Drayage Carrier of the Year: Redbird Carriers Parcel Carrier of the Year: FedEx Railroad Carrier of the Year: Union Pacific International Carrier of the Year: Shipco Transport

4 State Trucks launches new mobile app

By Dana Guthrie - March 5, 2025

BOSTON, Mass. — 4 State Trucks is partnering with Unbound Commerce for the delivery of a new custom mobile app. Designed to leverage and extend their current eCommerce operations, the goal is to facilitate easy on-the-road ordering and increase loyalty for their mobile customers, according to a media release. 4 State Trucks 4 State offers a wide selection of parts and accessories for all makes and models of heavy-duty trucks through its call center. It also has an e-commerce site, BigCommerce. The company’s retail store is located in Joplin, Mo. near the “four state” border of Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas on Interstate Route 44. New Mobile App According to 4 State, mobile makes up the majority of eCommerce orders placed on their popular website. Offering a app was an obvious next step of their multi-channel strategy. “Offering an app was a no-brainer, based on the volume of mobile traffic we were seeing”, said Jena Johnson, marketing director for 4 State. “We wanted our loyal trucking customers to literally have our online parts store always on, in their pocket, to make purchasing parts simpler and faster. Unbound made the project easy.” New and current customers can now receive push notifications of newly arrived parts and news on the latest offerings from top brands in the trucking business. “Personalization is built in”, said Wilson Kerr of Unbound Commerce. “By allowing truckers to select the make or model of their specific rig, the parts shopping experience becomes more relevant and this means more sales conversions.” The app features a custom Make/Model/Year module so truckers can select the vehicle they own and quickly access compatible parts. The new 4 State Trucks Mobile App is available for both Android and iPhone users.

Tennessee, Drivewyze partner to give truckers real-time alerts

By Dana Guthrie - March 5, 2025

ALBANY, N.Y. — In a move to reduce traffic accidents and fatalities, Tennessee has become the latest state to offer sudden slowdown alerts and a virtual sign network to commercial drivers through Drivewyze by Fleetworthy’s Smart Roadways product. “Our goal is to reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries linked to congested roadway conditions,” said Josh Brown, director of traffic operations for the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT). “It’s why we now have 2,800 miles of roadways covered under the Smart Roadways program. These ‘Heads-up’ alerts will give drivers time to slow down when there is sudden congestion. Smart Roadways will leverage TDOT’s existing intelligent transportation system efforts and utilize digital infrastructure to communicate safety information into the cab of commercial vehicles.” Multiple Alert Options According to a media release, the alerts are sent through ELDs, tablets and smartphones. Alerts are available free of charge through Drivewyze Free. Tennessee is now the 20th state to offer messaging through the Smart Roadways service. It is the 13th to provide sudden slowdown alerts. Tennessee Has Highest Amount of Truck Traffic More trucks pass through Tennessee than any other state. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), trucks move more than 500 million tons of freight annually on Tennessee roads and highways. The number is expected to top 1 billion tons by 2045. Interstate 40, which goes through Tennessee, is a critical freight corridor and one of the busiest routes for truck traffic in the U.S. Slowdown and Congestion Alerts Sudden slowdown and congestion alerts are provided in partnership with INRIX, which uses advanced algorithms that analyze millions of anonymously connected vehicles traveling more than a billion miles daily in the U.S. This allows INRIX to identify and monitor traffic slowdowns. The information then goes to Drivewyze and its Smart Roadways platform. Drivers receive messages such as “Sudden Slowdown Ahead” and “Congestion Ahead” 2 to 3 miles before the slowdown begins, allowing time to slow their speed. Virtual Sign Messaging Tennessee is also utilizing the Smart Roadways virtual sign messaging service, enabling the DOT to message drivers with custom alerts at specific geo-fenced locations. Messages can alert drivers of detours and notify them of an upcoming work zone. According to TDOT’s 2025-2029 Strategic Highway Safety Plan, commercial vehicles were involved in 21% of severe work zone crashes from 2018 to 2022. “Virtual sign messaging is something that can address that problem and make an impact in slowing trucks down in work zones,” Brown said. In addition to alerts from Tennessee and other participating states, drivers with the Drivewyze Free app receive Drivewyze-sponsored alerts and advisories for High-Rollover risk areas, Low Bridges, and Mountain alerts (steep grade ahead; chain-up/brake check stations, and runaway ramps).

ACT, FTR: Class 8 orders continue to slide, tariffs bring woes

By Dana Guthrie - March 5, 2025

COLUMBUS, BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — ACT Research and FTR are both reporting Class 8 orders are still declining. While ACT has the net orders for February at 18,300, FTR is reporting 17,000. Strong End for 2024 “After the strong end to 2024, the past two months have largely been defined by trade and economic policy uncertainty, as the new administration has thrown a wrench into business planning,” said Carter Vieth, research analyst at ACT Research. “Whether the slowdown in orders is a result of moderating economic activity or a response to the newfound uncertainty remains an open question. In February, Class 8 orders dropped 34% y/y to 18,300 units. Seasonally adjusted, Class 8 orders fell 28% from January to 16,700 units (198k SAAR), the lowest SA reading in almost two years.” Medium Duty “MD Classes 5-7 orders continued their slowly deflating trajectory into still historically elevated (if less so) truck and bus backlogs, Vieth said. “ACT’s preliminary look at February NA Classes 5-7 orders puts the month’s volume at 17,100 orders, down 11% y/y.” FTR Reports Even Lower Numbers According to FTR, North American Class 8 net orders in February totaled 17,000 units, down 31% month-over-month (m/m) and 38% year-over-year (y/y). This figure was well below seasonal expectations, falling notably short of the seven-year February average of 26,912 net orders. With continuous threats of significant tariffs among the North American trading partners and increasing uncertainty for market participants, business investment directed towards Class 8 trucks/tractors appears to have slowed significantly. For the first time since the 2025 order season began, cumulative net orders from September 2024 through February 2025 are down y/y, declining 3%. Class 8 orders have totaled 266,900 units over the last 12 months. Tariff Troubles “Significant U.S. tariffs could substantially increase costs for North American Class 8 trucks/tractors and related components,” said Dan Moyer, senior analyst, commercial vehicles, FTR. “Approximately 45% of all Class 8 trucks built for the U.S. and Canadian markets will be subject to the 25% U.S. tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico and planned Canadian counter tariffs. About 40% of U.S. Class 8 trucks are produced in Mexico, and roughly 65% of Canada’s Class 8 trucks are assembled in the U.S. Even if those tariffs went away, others affecting costs include those on steel and aluminum, goods imported from China, and perhaps others coming down the pike.” According to FTR, OEMs across the board experienced a significant decline in order activity for February. The on-highway market accounted for the bulk of the m/m declines, although vocational orders were also down notably m/m. “Combined with upcoming U.S. EPA 2027 NOx regulations, tariffs may significantly disrupt fleet replacement cycles – either accelerating investments to avoid future price hikes or delaying purchases amid growing uncertainty,” Moyer said. “Based on February orders, the latter approach apparently is the dominant path so far. OEMs and suppliers may consider shifting production to manage tariff exposure. However, these strategic changes remain costly, complex, and time-intensive, further complicating industry planning.”

ATA strongly opposes Teamsters backed Faster Labor Contracts Act

By Dana Guthrie - March 5, 2025

WASHINGTON — On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) led a bipartisan group of colleagues in introducing new, Teamsters-endorsed legislation to speed up first contracts for new unions. The Faster Labor Contracts Act aims to prevent employers from stalling union contract negotiations — requiring talks to begin within 10 days. It would amend the National Labor Relations Act to create a clear timetable to securing a first union contract. The bill is being cosponsored by Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) as well as three Democrats — Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) “The status quo hurts workers,” said Senator Hawley. “Despite exercising their legal—and moral—right to bargain collectively, workers are often prevented from enjoying the benefits of the union they voted to form when mega-corporations drag their feet, slow-walk contract negotiations and try to erode support for the union. It’s wrong. We need real labor reform that puts workers first. I’m proud to introduce bipartisan and Teamsters-endorsed legislation that does just that.” American Trucking Associations Strongly Opposes the Act “Since 1980, union membership has plummeted from over 20 percent of the nation’s total workforce to less than ten percent today,” said Chris Spear, ATA president, CEO. “This legislation was written at the behest of union bosses who put their interests before the hardworking [people] they represent. And now they’re asking Congress to help save their padded lifestyle. For 90 years, the National Labor Relations Act has survived these self-serving coups for one reason alone: It works. Everyone has a seat at the table, including American workers. To that end, the American Trucking Associations along with its thousands of medium and small members outright oppose this bill and will make certain it stands zero chance of ever becoming law.” Teamsters: Legislation would Force Employers to Bargain Fairly, Timely and in Good Faith “Greedy corporations will stop at nothing to keep workers from getting a fair first contract,” said Sean O’Brien Teamsters General President Their playbook is simple: stall, delay, and drag out negotiations to deny workers from securing the wages and conditions they deserve “Teamsters are proud to support the Faster Labor Contracts Act — real labor law reform that forces employers to bargain in good faith and holds them accountable when they don’t.” Bipartisan Support “Americans deserve fair wages, safe workplaces, and good benefits in exchange for their hard work—and forming a union helps workers fight for fairness in their workplace,” said Senator Booker. “Workers who vote to join a union have the right to form that union quickly, instead of facing years of delays from big corporations. This bipartisan bill would ensure that workers are able to have their voices heard and more quickly enjoy the benefits of forming a union instead of facing uncertainty and prolonged stalling tactics.” According to Senator Peters, the bill is a step in the right direction. It would help crack down on union busting tactics so workers can fight for the wages and benefits they deserve, without interference and attempts to delay the process. Faster Labor Contract Act The Faster Labor Contracts Act would: Amend the National Labor Relations Act to require that after workers have voted to form a union, employers must begin negotiating with the new union within 10 days. Provide that if no agreement is reached within 90 days, the dispute will be referred to mediation. Stipulate that if mediation fails within 30 days, or additional periods agreed upon by the parties, the dispute will be referred to binding arbitration to secure an initial contract. Commission a Government Accountability Office report on average workplace time-to-contract one year after enactment. “When unions thrive, working families thrive,” said Senator Merkley. “Our bipartisan effort is an important step forward to support hardworking Americans by making it easier to form a union, leading to better wages and benefits for all workers. Senator Hawley and I will do all we can to advance this common-sense reform to benefit workers nationwide.” To view the bill in full, click here.

Bloomberg, Truckstop survey highlights growing optimism for carriers

By Dana Guthrie - March 4, 2025

BOISE, Idaho — According to the latest Bloomberg | Truckstop survey there’s increased optimism for carriers driven by the less challenging conditions in Q4 of last year. “While many carriers feel that rates and demand have yet to reach optimal levels, there is growing optimism about the outlook,” said Lee Klaskow, senior freight transportation and logistics analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence. “We believe the trucking cycle has turned, which should drive better spot and contractual rates, as well as robust earnings for carriers this year.” The survey polled both owner-operators and small fleets The Bloomberg | Truckstop Q4 2024 Truckload Survey Demand outlook showing signs of improvement: Owner-operators are increasingly optimistic about the future following improved spot market conditions in Q4. Among respondents, 55% expect volume to increase over the next 3-6 months, marking a 15-point rise from Q3. Many carriers experienced a less challenging spot truckload market in Q4. Spot rates seeing some reprieve: Sentiment around rates has improved over the past three months, according to our Q4 survey, with 51% of respondents expecting an increase in the next 3-6 months—a 22-point jump. This optimism is fueled by better market conditions, as Truckstop data shows spot rates rose 1.5% in Q4 and 7.8% year-over-year. Additionally, 13% of respondents reported rate growth compared to the previous year, a five-point increase from the Q3 survey. Carriers still unclear about the path ahead: Trucker sentiment about the economy has improved, with 59% of respondents believing the U.S. is in or near a recession—down from 80% in Q3 2024. Despite this more optimistic outlook, uncertainty remains, as 44% of respondents are unsure about their professional future in the next six months, a 9-point increase from the previous quarter. Further market tightening could help boost spot rates and encourage truckers to stay in the industry. Truckstop’s Market Demand Index increased 28% on average in 4Q24 from 4Q23, the fourth consecutive quarter of year-over-year gains. Less Challenging Conditions “Our latest survey results indicate that demand is stabilizing, and conditions are becoming less challenging, leading to increased optimism among carriers,” said Kendra Tucker, chief executive officer, Truckstop. “Truckstop is dedicated to equipping carriers with the tools they need to operate more efficiently and profitably, offering innovative solutions that helps their businesses grow and adapt to industry changes.” According to the release, the Bloomberg | Truckstop survey of owner-operators and small fleets provides timely channel checks into the health of the spot market. The sample size was 176, consisting of dry-van, flatbed, temperature-controlled and specialized/diversified, hot-shot and step-deck carriers. Of the respondents, 53% operate just one tractor. The complete survey is available to Bloomberg Terminal subscribers via BI.

Peterbilt announces new LED headlights for medium duty

By Dana Guthrie - March 4, 2025

Peterbilt is announcing the release of new LED headlights as optional equipment across its medium duty vehicle lineup. “We are pleased to offer LED headlights as optional equipment on our medium duty vehicle platform where optimal roadway and jobsite visibility are critical,” said Erik Johnson, assistant general manager, sales and marketing for Peterbilt. “The new LED lighting enhances the driving experience while increasing safety and operational efficiency.” Medium Duty Applications Designed specifically for medium duty applications, the new LED headlights offer greater light output, improved range and increased beam spread for superior visibility on roads and jobsites, according to a company press release. The new LED headlights are available on Peterbilt Models 548, 537, 536 and 535. The new LED headlight option includes: Greater light output, increased range and increased beam spread. Low-beam headlight glare to oncoming traffic 28 percent less than the maximum required limit. High-beam headlights radiate 65 percent further than halogen headlights. High efficiency with half the power consumption of traditional halogen lights.

CarriersEdge announces 2025 Best Fleets to Drive For

By Dana Guthrie - March 5, 2025

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — CarriersEdge is announcing its 2025 Best Fleets to Drive For overall winners. The announcement comes as part of the Best Fleets to Drive For Education & Awards Conference held at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in North Carolina. The Best Fleets to Drive For program, now in its 17th year, is an annual survey and contest that identifies the for-hire carriers providing the best workplace experiences for their company drivers and independent contractors. Best Overall Fleet Small Carrier K&J Trucking Inc. of Sioux Falls, S.D was named Best Overall Fleet in the small carrier category. A four-time Best Fleets to Drive For Top 20 carrier, K&J Trucking was also the overall winner in 2024, becoming the first contractor fleet to win back-to-back trophies since the small and large carrier categories were created 11 years ago. This award is sponsored by TruckRight. Best Overall Fleet Large Carrier The Best Overall Fleet in the large carrier category was presented to Decker Truck Line Inc. of Fort Dodge, Iowa. This is the first time the company has won a Best Overall Fleet award and the fourth year making the Top 20. The award is sponsored by Netradyne. “K&J Trucking and Decker Truck Line rose to the top by continuing to elevate their workplace cultures and driver programs in the face of tough freight conditions,” said Jane Jazrawy, CEO, CarriersEdge. “K&J Trucking, whose fleet is comprised mostly of independent contractors, continues to buck the industry perception that contractor fleets can’t offer an industry-best workplace for drivers. And, since first cracking the Top 20 Best Fleets to Drive For list in 2022, Decker Truck Line has continued to improve its programs year after year while also maintaining strong safety and driver satisfaction numbers.” Garner Trucking Inc. Named Stratosphere Award Winner At the conference, CarriersEdge also presented The Stratosphere Award, which recognizes the top-scoring fleet in the Best Fleets Hall of Fame. This year’s award, sponsored by EpicVue, went to Garner Trucking Inc. of Findlay, Ohio. To be eligible for the Hall of Fame, fleets must be named as a Best Fleet for 10 consecutive years, or seven years with at least one overall winner award. Fleets in the Hall of Fame must re-qualify each year to retain the distinction. “Members of the Best Fleets Hall of Fame continue to innovate and raise the bar for the industry,” Jazrawy said. “Garner has taken that even further, and their exceptional programs and driver satisfaction set a new standard of excellence for the industry.” Qualifications To be considered for the Best Fleets program, for-hire carriers operating 10 or more tractor-trailers must be nominated by a company driver or independent contractor working with them. Nominated fleets are then evaluated in areas such as driver compensation, pension and benefits, professional development, driver and community support and safety record. The highest-scoring fleets are identified as the Top 20 Best Fleets to Drive For and then grouped according to size. The highest-scoring fleet in each size category is named an overall winner. The Best Fleets to Drive For contest accepts nominations from Labor Day to Halloween each year and reveals its Top 20 Best Fleets to Drive For winners each January. The highest-scoring fleet in each size category and top-scoring Hall of Fame member are named overall winners during the Best Fleets to Drive For Education & Awards Conference. For additional information on the Best Fleets to Drive For program, follow the hashtag #BestFleets25 on social media or visit www.bestfleetstodrivefor.com.