Dana Guthrie, Author at TheTrucker.com

A showcase of brilliance: 2024 IFDA National Championship winners announced

By Dana Guthrie - October 30, 2024

McLEAN, Va. – The International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) held its annual skills and safety competition for truck drivers and warehouse associates on Oct. 25 to celebrate the very best industrial athletes in various truck driving and warehouse challenges to determine the nation’s best. “This year, 190 professional truck drivers and 79 warehouse associates showcased their skills, with 71% making their competition debut,” said Mark S. Allen, president and CEO of IFDA. “Their precision, knowledge, and expertise in navigating the challenges were truly impressive. It’s a privilege to honor the top talent in the foodservice distribution industry for their excellence and dedication to safety. Congratulations to all!” According to a media release, the IFDA National Championship were held at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Fla. where competitors participated in one of five categories and are awarded first through third place. In warehouse, there are two categories: double-pallet jack and reach truck, and in trucking, there are three categories: straight truck, 3-axle, and 5-axle. Collectively, the 190 truck drivers represent 2,346 accident-free years, have 2,257 years with their current employer and 3,390 total years in the trucking industry. In addition to bragging rights, the winners receive a medal and a cash prize. First-place competitors also receive a championship jacket. The awards were handed out at a banquet Oct. 26. The 2024 results are as follows: Double Pallet Jack First Place – Jon Moore, Dot Foods, Inc. Second Place – Lafayette Maxie, McLane Company Third Place – Andrew Newby, US Foods Reach Truck First Place – Dylon Maes, Shamrock Foods Second Place – Cameron King, Shamrock Foods Third Place – Eron De La Cueva, Performance Food Group 2-Axle First Place – James Falconburg, Nicholas & Company, Inc. Second Place – Steve Ross, Performance Food Group Third Place – Daniel Trevino, McLane Company 3-Axle First Place – Jason Swordling, Ben E. Keith Co. Second Place – Lino Garcia, Performance Food Group Third Place – Michael Fergison, Cheney Brothers 5-Axle First Place – Michael Sinclair, Performance Food Group Second Place – Charles Spence, McLane Company Third Place – Sam Duron, McLane Company A “Rookie of the Year” award was also given to the top-scoring first-time competitors in the driving and warehouse categories. The 2024 Warehouse Rookie of the Year was Dylon Maes, a Reach Truck driver with Shamrock Foods, and the 2024 Driving Rookie of the Year was Michael Sinclair, a 5-axle driver from Performance Food Group. Individual awards were given to those who scored perfect on the “pre-trip” portion of the competition. The pre-trip exam involves competitors conducting a safety inspection of their equipment prior to its use. The perfect pre-trip exams include: Luis Barker with Shamrock Foods; perfect on the 3-Axle Truck. Pablo Escobar with Ben E. Keith Company; perfect on the Double Pallet Jack. Jay-R Garcia with Sysco; perfect on the Double Pallet Jack. Steven Rouse with Performance Food Group; perfect on the 5-Axle Truck. Jeremy Smith with Shamrock Foods; perfect on the Double Pallet Jack. Team awards were also handed out to the top-performing teams in each category. Shamrock Foods received the 2024 Warehouse Team Award, and McLane Company received the 2024 Driving Team Award. The 2025 IFDA National Championship will be held in Orlando, Florida, from October 23 – 25 at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

Trucking icon turns 40: Advantage Truck Group marks milestone

By Dana Guthrie - October 30, 2024

SHREWSBURY, Mass. — Forty years ago, Kevin Holmes invested his life savings of $12,000 to open a Getty gas station in Ashland, Mass., never imagining two years later it would launch the Tri State Truck Repair business that would become Advantage Truck Group (ATG). “When I think about the past 40 years and the journey to get here, it’s the people who made the difference and helped build our success,” said Kevin Holmes, president and CEO. “It’s our business partners who believed in us and each customer who trusted us with their business. Yet no one is more important than every person at ATG, and I am proud to share this milestone with them,” said Holmes. According to a company press release, ATG is New England’s largest Daimler Trucks North America dealer and includes 400 employees across eight locations. As ATG marks 40 years, it celebrates its commitment to its employees, customers and the communities it serves. While a lot has changed over the past 40 years, ATG’s commitment to its employees and customers has not. The first technician Holmes hired 40 years ago and many of its earliest customers are still with the company today. ATG continues to support the next generation and foster their success, making investments in training and providing opportunities for growth within its dealer network. “Our customers deliver the products and services our families, businesses and communities rely on every day, and no detail is too small when it comes to the service and support they need,” Holmes said. We are an extension of their business, and it takes a remarkable team and the dedication and efforts of every member to make that happen. ATG is committed to delivering an exceptional experience by focusing on continuous improvement for its employees, customers and the communities it serves, and its Haulin’ 4 Hunger charitable initiative is a testament to this mission. From what started over a decade ago with a small donation of turkeys during the holidays has today provided over 80,000 meals and counting and become a year-round effort to fight food insecurity near every ATG location. On October 29, ATG hosted celebration events for team members across its dealer network and offering giveaways to customers who visit any of its eight locations — Raynham, Shrewsbury and Westfield, Mass.; Lancaster, Lebanon, Manchester and Seabrook, NH; and Westminster, VT. “As we plan for the next 40 years, a commitment to our employees, customers and communities will remain at the heart of everything we do,” said Holmes.

Holiday heroes: Special Kenworth T680 to transport US Capitol Christmas tree from Alaska to DC

By Dana Guthrie - October 30, 2024

TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST — Kenworth is providing a T680, adorned with a newly installed graphics wrap, that will soon transport the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from the Tongass National Forest in Alaska to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building. “Kenworth is proud to again provide the truck that will transport the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree for the 11th consecutive year,” said Kevin Haygood, Kenworth assistant general manager for sales and marketing. “Our continuing participation in this celebration that spreads holiday cheer in local communities from coast-to-coast is a program we look forward to every year.” The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree harvest celebration began Oct. 26 in Wrangell, Alaska, followed by the first Whistlestop tour event in Ketchikan. After the Alaska events, the tree and trailer will be loaded onto an Alaska Marine Lines barge where it will travel to Seattle, Wash. From there, the “People’s Tree” will begin a 4,000-mile journey across the country stopping at parks, plazas, schools, memorials, and main streets in a series of community events on its way to Washington, D.C. “Where Nature, People and Tradition Come Together,” is this year’s tour theme and the message is reflected on the special graphic design of the T680 featuring Alaska’s Tongass and Chugach National Forests. According to the media release, this year, real-time GPS location tracking of the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree will be provided by Kenworth’s TruckTech+ connected truck technology. Starting October 26th, the tree’s journey that begins in Alaska and concludes with delivery on November 22 in Washington D.C., can be tracked via interactive map Kenworth Tree Tracker 2024 | Kenworth Lynden, an Alaska-based company, is the official designated carrier for the 2024 tour. Lynden companies provide transportation and logistics solutions in Alaska, Canada, the Pacific Northwest, Hawaii and around the world. The company selected drivers Fred Austin and John Schank for the honor of transporting the special tree. Austin and Schank both began working for Lynden in 1975 and have earned numerous prestigious honors and designations for outstanding professionalism and skills. Collectively, they have driven over 10 million accident-free miles for Lynden in Alaska. This will be Schank’s second opportunity to carry the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree as he previously drove in 2015, the last time a tree was harvested from Alaska and transported to Washington D.C. According to the release, the truck pulling this year’s tree is a Kenworth T680 equipped with a 76-inch sleeper and the PACCAR Powertrain featuring the PACCAR MX-13 engine rated at 455 horsepower, PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission and PACCAR DX-40 tandem real axles. The Kenworth T680 features a Diamond VIT interior in slate gray with madrona accents and includes the latest in driver amenities. Both the driver and passenger seats are GT703 leather seats that are fully heated and cooled. The 76-inch sleeper includes space for a microwave and TV, a factory-installed fridge, and a rotating work table. The T680 also includes the latest in driver assistance systems, including Kenworth’s Digital Mirrors, Bendix Fusion Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop and Auto Go, and Lane Keeping Assist with Torque Assisted Steering. Below is the current 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Tour public schedule: Oct. 30: Alaska Marine Highway Terminal, Ketchikan, Alaska Nov. 6: Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, Renton, Wash. Nov. 8: Baker County Fairgrounds & Event Center, Baker City, Ore. Nov. 9: The Pocatello Veterans Day Parade, Pocatello, Idaho Nov. 9: Salt Lake County Parks & Recreation’s Wheeler Historic Farm, Murray, Utah Nov. 10: Cabela’s, Grand Junction, Colo. Nov. 11: The Ranch Events Complex, Loveland, Colo. Nov. 13: Gene Leahy Mall at The Landing at The RiverFront, Omaha, Neb. Nov. 16: Parkview Field, Fort Wayne, Ind. Nov. 17: Center of Science and Industry, Columbus, Ohio Nov. 19: The Maryland Theater, Hagerstown, Md. Nov. 21: Andrews Theater, Joint Base Andrews, Md. (*base access only) Nov. 22: Delivery to West Lawn, U.S. Capitol Building, Washington, D.C. In early December, a tree lighting ceremony will take place, hosted by the Architect of the Capitol in coordination with the U.S. Speaker of the House. For more information, visit the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree website www.uscapitolchristmastree.com

Breaking down barriers: WIT reveals 2024 top companies for women to work in transportation

By Dana Guthrie - October 30, 2024

ARLINGTON, Va. — Redefining the Road magazine, the official magazine of the Women In Trucking Association (WIT), is celebrating the recipients of the 2024 “Top Companies for Women to Work in Transportation.” “Companies named to this prestigious list must demonstrate corporate attributes that are essential to any successful enterprise committed to gender diversity as part of their corporate strategy,” said Brian Everett, publisher of Redefining the Road. “Qualifying companies to this list involves a two-step process. First, nominations by companies are carefully reviewed to ensure they meet a minimum threshold of qualifications. Then the final ballot of companies is voted on by individuals in the industry. This is the seventh year of this prestigious recognition program, and it garnered a record number of more than 31,000 votes to identify and validate the final companies named to the list.” According to a press release, the magazine created the award in 2018 to support an element of WIT’s mission: to promote the accomplishments of companies that are focused on the employment of women in the trucking industry, according to Jennifer Hedrick, president and CEO of WIT. There are a number of characteristics that distinguish the companies recognized on this list, according to Everett. “These characteristics include corporate cultures that foster gender diversity; competitive compensation and benefits; flexible hours and work requirements; professional development opportunities; and career advancement opportunities,” Everett said. “Qualified companies also must meet minimum requirements of what they report through the WIT Index, the industry barometer that benchmarks and measures the percentage of women who make up critical roles in transportation. The list is comprised of a diverse range of company types in the trucking marketplace, including motor carriers, third-party logistics companies, and original equipment manufacturers. The companies will be recognized at the upcoming WIT Accelerate! Conference & Expo Nov. 10-13 in Dallas, Texas. International Motors, formerly Navistar, is the sponsor of this year’s program. Companies generating the largest number of votes are named to the “Elite 30” of the 2024 Top Companies for Women to Work in Transportation. They are Air Products, ArcBest, Averitt, Cummins Inc., Daimler Truck North America, Epes Transport System, Estes Express Lines, FedEx, Great Dane, International Motors, J.B. Hunt Transport, Kenan Advantage Group, Landstar System, Old Dominion Freight Line, Penske Transportation Solutions, Peterbilt Motors Co., Premier Truck Group, Quality Carriers, Roehl Transport, RXO, Ryder System, Schneider, Sysco, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, TravelCenters of America, UPS, Volvo Group North America, Walmart, WM, and XPO. Companies named to the overall 2024 Top Companies for Women to Work in Transportation list are 4Refuel, ADM Trucking, Aim Transportation Solutions, American Expediting Logistics, America’s Service Line, Ancora Training, Arrive Logistics, Arrow Truck Sales, Aurora Parts, Bay & Bay Transportation, Bennett Family of Companies, Bob’s Discount Furniture, Boyle Transportation, Brenny Transportation, Bridgestone Americas, Cargomatic, Carter Express, Centerline Drivers, Certified Express, CJ Logistics America, Clean Harbors, ContainerPort Group, Conversion Interactive Agency, Covenant Logistics Group, CrossCountry Freight Solutions, Crowley, Day & Ross, Dot Transportation, Dupré Logistics, Dynacraft (a PACCAR Company), Echo Global Logistics, Excargo Services, FStaff, Garner Trucking, Giltner Logistics, GLT Logistics, Great West Casualty Company, Halvor Lines, Highway Transport Logistics, Interstate Billing Service, ISAAC Instruments, J.J. Keller & Associates, JoyRide Logistics, JX Truck Center, Kenworth Truck Co., Koch Companies, Leonard’s Express, LGT Transport, Marathon Petroleum Co., May Trucking Co., McLeod Software, Michelin North America, MOTOR Information Systems, Musket Transport, National Carriers, National Shunt Service, New West Truck Centres, NFI Industries, OOIDA, Orica – USA, PACCAR Inc., PACCAR Leasing Co., PACCAR Parts, Palmer Trucks, Pennsy Supply, PepsiCo Foods North America, Polaris Transportation Group, Purolator, RE Garrison Trucking, Red Classic, Reliance Partners, Rihm Family Companies, Saia LTL Freight, Savage, Southeastern Freight Lines, Southwest International Trucks, Standard Logistics, Stericycle, Suburban Propane, Sun State International, Sunset Transportation, SWTO, TA Dedicated, The Erb Group, The Evans Network of Companies, The Pete Store, Thomas E. Keller Trucking, Total Transportation of MS, TRAC Intermodal, TRAFFIX, Trimac, Tri-National, Trinity Logistics, Triumph Financial, Truckstop, Tucker Freight Lines, Tyler Technologies, U.S. Xpress, Uber Freight, USAL, Venture Logistics, Werner Enterprises, Wilson Logistics, and Zonar Systems.

A colorful call to action: FMCSA’s 2024 art contest showcases student talent in road safety

By Dana Guthrie - October 30, 2024

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is celebrating the talented children who are the winners of the agency’s 2024 Road Safety Student Art Contest. “Every student’s submission to our Road Safety Art Contest not only reflects creativity and imagination – but also the need for all roadway users to focus on safety,” said Vinn White, FMCSA Deputy. “We look forward to proudly showcasing the winning artwork at the U.S. Department of Transportation headquarters in Washington DC.” The department posted a congratulatory video featuring White and U.S. Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg. This year’s Road Safety Student Art Contest received nearly 300 entries from students across the United States, according to a department press release. Each year, students ranging from kindergarten through high school are invited to enter the Road Safety Art Contest and use their artistic skills to raise awareness about how to stay safe on the road, particularly when driving, biking, or walking around large trucks and buses. This year’s winners are: Grades K-2: Grand Prize – Hannah Hong, Calif. People’s Choice – Alyssa Robinson, Texas Honorable Mention – Dylan Kim, N.J. Grades 3-5: Grand Prize – Aahana Tiwari, Ga. People’s Choice – William Do, N.J. Honorable Mention – Claire Wang, N.J. Grades 6-8: Grand Prize – Saanvi Bajaj, Ga. People’s Choice – Aditya Yogesh, Mich. Honorable Mention – Anwesha Joshi, Fla. Grade 9-12: Grand Prize – Cheyenne Chu, Calif. People’s Choice – Jennifer Choi, Calif. Honorable Mention – Feite Ban, N.J. “The announcement of winners also kicks off FMCSA’s national young audience campaign aimed at reaching soon-to-be and new passenger vehicle drivers,” the department said. “As part of this campaign, FMCSA offers a teen driver toolkit for driver’s education instructors, school counselors, parents and others to educate new and young passenger vehicle drivers about how to share the road safely with large trucks and buses. This new resource kit includes a lesson plan, presentation and helpful digital assets for social media.” The art contest and young audience campaign are two FMCSA initiatives that bring about national public awareness and education to safe driving practices among commercial motor vehicle drivers and all roadway users. These initiatives align with the Department’s National Roadway Safety Strategy and Safe System Approach, through encouraging safe, responsible driving behavior by people who use our roads and creating conditions that prioritize everyone’s ability to reach their destination unharmed. To learn more about the Road Safety Student Art Contest and see high-resolution versions of the winning entries, visit https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/ourroads/2024-road-safety-art-contest-winners.

DAT weekly trend; Spot load posts decline in week 43, remain ahead of 2023

By Dana Guthrie - October 29, 2024

“There were 1.94 million loads available on the DAT One network last week, down 10% compared to the previous week but 19% higher compared to Week 43 in 2023, according to a DAT one press release. “There were 335,458 available trucks, a 1.5% decline week over week.” Promising trends in van freight “Excluding the pandemic-affected 2021 and 2022, van load posts for Week 43 were 27% higher than in previous years, said Dean Croke, DAT industry analyst. “Van capacity was flat compared to the previous week, pushing the dry van load-to-truck ratio lower. That’s still strong compared to other years: only 2021 had a higher Week 43 when the van ratio was 5.25.” Linehaul van rate was unmoved According to Croke, at $1.65 a mile, the national average linehaul van rate was virtually unchanged for the fourth straight week. This is 3 cents lower than the three-month trailing average but 11 cents higher than the same time last year. Reefer load posts cooled “National reefer load postings dropped by 15% last week after a surge the previous week,” Croke said. “This decrease was partly due to an 8% drop in USDA produce volumes in California compared to the previous week. However, reefer load posts on DAT One were 6% higher than last year.” Flatbed rates continued to dip. Croke added that the national average linehaul flatbed rate fell a penny to $1.97 a mile, 2 cents lower than the three-month trailing average. With load volume up 7% week over week and 3% month over month, weaker prices signal ample capacity in the market. Dry Vans ▼ Van loads: 912,255, down 9% week over week ▼ Van equipment: 221,998, down 1.5% — Linehaul rate: $1.65 net fuel, unchanged ▼ Load-to-truck ratio: 4.1, down from 4.4 Reefers ▼ Reefer loads: 381,447, down 15% week over week ▼ Reefer equipment: 69,033, down 0.5% ▼ Linehaul rate: $1.98 net fuel, down 1 cent ▼ Load-to-truck ratio: 5.5, down from 6.5 Flatbeds ▼ Flatbed loads: 649,631, down 8% week over week ▼ Flatbed equipment: 44,427, down 3% ▼ Linehaul rate: $1.97 net fuel, down 2 cents ▼ Load-to-truck ratio: 14.6, down from 15.4 It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas “Situated within a one-day drive of major U.S. markets, including New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. and Allentown, Pa., is a vital distribution hub for e-commerce freight,” Croke said. “Outbound van truckload volumes are about 25% higher than last year, leading to a 12% increase in spot rates last week. Notably, the average rate from Allentown to Charlotte, N.C.—a high-volume van lane—was the highest in 12 months at $1.77 per mile. DAT iQ RateView forecasts the rate to peak at around $2 a mile during the Christmas season—35 cents higher than last year.”

Nationwide moving company scam exposed: Florida man to forfeit property

By Dana Guthrie - October 29, 2024

OHIO — The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio has entered into a settlement agreement with Andrey Shuklin for a Final Order of Forfeiture related to a nationwide moving company scam. “The investigation revealed that from April 2013 until July 2018, Shuklin, along with other members of the enterprise, controlled several moving companies which defrauded, extorted, and stole customers’ household goods,” the court said in the release. “After loading customers’ goods onto a moving truck, the moving enterprise would increase the price of the move and hold the goods hostage until customers paid the inflated prices. Some customer loads were not delivered at all. The enterprise also charged customers for moving more cubic footage of household goods than they actually used.” Shuklin was one of 12 defendants indicted in July 2018. According to court documents, the defendants operated and worked through several affiliated moving companies to enrich themselves by stealing from customers who hired them to move their household goods. The enterprise executed their scheme through various moving companies in Florida, Ohio, Maryland, North Carolina, Illinois, Texas, California, Connecticut, Colorado and Missouri. More than 1,000 customers have been identified as victims. Shuklin admitted to participating in the scheme from April 2013 through July 2018. The defendant was the owner of affiliated moving companies and worked out of the enterprise’s main business offices in Florida. As part of the conspiracy, the defendants would provide customers with low binding estimates to do their move, promising to beat their competitor’s prices. After the customers agreed to hire the moving companies, employees of the moving companies would load the customers’ goods onto the truck and then the price of the move would be bumped. Co-conspirators would use an inflated cubic footage for the price of moving the customers’ goods. The order requires Shuklin to pay $36,481.58, which will be substituted for real property. The companies were not named in court documents. DOT-OIG is conducting this investigation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

EZ LYNK ELD users get the edge with Drivewyze weigh station bypass technology

By Dana Guthrie - October 29, 2024

PLANO, Texas — Drivewyze, by Fleetworthy, has partnered with EZ LYNK to provide EZ LYNK ELD mobile app customers with integrated access to Drivewyze PreClear weigh station bypass. “Working with Drivewyze allows us to offer even more value to our customers,” said Brad Gintz, co-founder and CEO of EZ LYNK. “Together, we’re delivering solutions that help fleet operators save time, reduce costs, and streamline their operations.” According to a media release, EZ LYNK will also offer Drivewyze Free, which provides essential driver safety notifications. Frances Kilgour, vice president of Business Development and Channel Management for Drivewyze, noted that EZ LYNK is an innovative company in the technology space and it continues to grow and expand its suite of fleet management products for its customers. “The addition of Drivewyze PreClear and Drivewyze Free reflects the company’s commitment in improving their customers’ productivity,” Kilgour said. The release noted that Drivewyze seamlessly integrates into the EZ LYNK ELD app — no transponders are required. When activated, Drivewyze transmits safety scores, registration, and tax compliance information to weigh stations, which then calculates the information against the bypass criteria established by its state or province. If the carrier and vehicle pass the criteria, at one mile out, the driver receives permission to bypass the site. The better the fleet’s safety score, the more bypasses typically granted. Through Drivewyze PreClear, EZ LYNK customers can receive bypass opportunities at close to 900 locations in 48 states and provinces.” “We understand that in the logistics and transportation industry, time is money,” Gintz said. “By allowing drivers to bypass weigh stations, Drivewyze PreClear reduces delays, enabling drivers to cover more miles, complete more deliveries, and maximize their productivity. This translates directly to improved operational efficiency and financial benefits for fleet operators. Additionally, Drivewyze’s safety alerts, through Drivewyze Free, provides real-time alerts and perfectly align with our mission to not only improve efficiency but also enhance the safety and compliance of our customers on the road.” “Drivewyze Free provides essential messaging, including heads-up warnings for High-Rollover risk areas, Low Bridges, Mountain alerts (steep grade ahead; chain-up/brake check stations; and runaway ramps), and Rest Area information (truck parking availability),” the release said. “In addition, it provides real-time traffic slowdowns and other safety alerts generated in partnership with select state transportation and enforcement agencies through the Drivewyze Smart Roadways highway safety program for connected trucks.”

Boosting visibility, boosting safety: Stoneridge unveils MirrorEye for Freightliner fifth Gen Cascadia

By Dana Guthrie - October 29, 2024

NOVI, Mich. — Stoneridge Inc. will make its newest MirrorEye Camera Monitor System program available on Daimler Truck North America’s new fifth generation Freightliner Cascadia, which begins series production in mid-2025. “We’re extremely proud to collaborate with DTNA in introducing a cutting-edge camera monitor system for the fifth generation Cascadia,” said Jim Zizelman, president and CEO of Stoneridge. “We have integrated and will continue to integrate advanced features and technology into the MirrorEye platform to take an already impressive system and enhance it even further.” According to a company media release, the MirrorCam System, DTNA’s branded camera monitor system is built on Stoneridge’s industry-leading MirrorEye technology and is designed to enhance driver awareness by augmenting traditional mirrors with external cameras and in-cab digital monitors to offer a broader field of view, reduce blind spots, and improve both side and rearward visibility. The collaboration represents a significant advancement in driver visibility and vehicle efficiency, marking Stoneridge’s third North American OEM program featuring a factory-installed camera monitor system, according to the release. Key features of Freightliner’s MirrorCam include: Independent camera wing design with a high mounting position provides an extended field of vision, displaying front and side views via three high-resolution in-cab displays. Side views that automatically adjust based on trailer position, identify trailer length and display alerts from Side Guard Assist 2 (SGA2), standard with the Detroit Assurance Suite of Safety systems. SGA2 notifies the driver when objects or pedestrians are detected on the driver and passenger side, from the cab to the end of the trailer. Infrared technology and hydrophobic coatings designed to repel water and other contaminants that enhance visibility both at night and in inclement weather conditions. Aerodynamic wing design that reduces drag compared to traditional mirrors, resulting in improved fuel efficiency.

AI breakthrough reduces safety event review by 70%, according to Rand McNally

By Dana Guthrie - October 29, 2024

BOISE, Idaho – Rand McNally has rolled out its Practical AI framework within its SafetyDirect solution that uses machine learning to analyze vast amounts of driver and vehicle performance data. “Data is only as valuable as it is actionable,” said Andre Tokman, global head of data science for Rand McNally. “The idea is to take big data and make it feel smaller and more useful—not just overwhelm our customers with more of it.” According to a company press release, This new approach surfaces the most important insights for fleet managers and safety directors, helping them focus on what truly matters. The first new feature enabled by Practical AI is Automated Event Ranking (AER) that automatically classifies and prioritizes safety events. AER allows fleet managers to concentrate on critical incidents while reducing the time spent reviewing non-essential data. In testing, Rand McNally demonstrated a 70-percent reduction in the number of safety events requiring manual review, which enables managers to focus on high-priority incidents and make faster decisions that improve fleet safety and operational efficiency. According to the release, AER leverages data collected from proprietary onboard ADAS systems, ranking safety events—such as sudden braking, lane departures, and other driving behaviors—based on their severity. By minimizing false positives and delivering actionable insights, AER empowers fleet managers to make quicker, more informed decisions that lead to safer driving outcomes. Bill Woolsey, Safety Director at Freymiller, highlighted the real-world impact of Practical AI. “We coach our drivers directly from the SafetyDirect data, which enables us to quickly and easily separate key signals from ‘noise’ in the data,” Woolsey said. “That saves us time and makes our coaching more precise and effective.” AER is the first of many ways Rand McNally is enhancing fleet technology with practical, real-world applications of AI, according to the release. Rand McNally plans to expand its use beyond safety management. “Leveraging its access to proprietary data from onboard sensors and telematics systems, Rand McNally will apply AI-powered insights to areas such as predictive maintenance and vehicle health monitoring,” the company said in the release. “This will allow fleet managers to not only improve driver performance but also enhance overall fleet efficiency by anticipating and addressing maintenance issues before they become critical.”

Freight demand grows, but for-hire demands remain choppy

By Dana Guthrie - October 29, 2024

COLUMBUS, Ind. – The latest release of ACT’s For-Hire Trucking Index suggests growth is making its way into the for-hire market. The Volume Index decreased 5.0 points in September to 49.5, seasonally adjusted (SA), from 54.5 in August. “Overall, freight demand is growing, but private fleet growth is still resulting in choppy for-hire demand conditions,” said Carter Vieth, research associate at ACT Research. “Durable goods consumption rose 4.2% q/q SAAR in Q2, imports and inventories are growing, and cross-border shipments are increasing. But inconsistency may persist in the near term following two large hurricanes, a port strike, and likely another one in January. With private fleet costs well above for-hire carriers, we expect shippers to eventually shift freight back to the for-hire market, as low orders suggest is starting to take shape.” The Capacity Index increased by 3.2 points m/m to 50.8 in September, from 47.6 in August. “This month’s reading marks the first time in fourteen months that capacity has expanded, albeit just slightly,” Vieth said. “This month’s uptick likely reflects the more stable demand and rate environment, which no longer necessarily signal further retrenchment.” The Supply-Demand Balance decreased in September to 48.8, from 56.9 in August, as freight volumes decreased and fleet capacity increased. “Private fleet expansion, which is not captured in this indicator, is resulting in a longer period with the market close to balance than in past cycles,” Vieth said. “Despite the past few months of elevated tractor sales due to mirror supply chain issues in April, slowing US Class 8 tractor sales from here will help to further rebalance and move the cycle forward, albeit slowly. Continued strong US economic growth is leading to improved goods demand and will make its way to the for-hire market as private fleet growth slows.”

Load One takes a leap forward with Tri-State acquisition

By Dana Guthrie - October 29, 2024

DETROIT, Mich. — Load One has acquired Ohio-based Tri-State Expedited Service Inc. which provides expedited ground transportation and logistics services across the 48 contiguous United States, Mexico and Canada.“ “We are excited to welcome Tri-State into the Load One family,” said Jack Donnell, CEO of Load One. “Tri-State shares our unwavering commitment to high-quality expedited transportation services. This acquisition greatly enhances our capacity and positions Load One to better serve our customers, owner-operators, carrier partners, and company drivers nationwide. Tri-State’s exceptional brand and long-standing history will further reinforce our position as a North American leader in ground expedite transportation and logistics.” According to a press release, the strategic combination with Load One significantly expands the joint North American network of owner-operators, carrier partners, and company drivers, reinforcing Load One’s commitment to delivering exceptional service for time-critical, time-sensitive, and high-value freight needs. “We are thrilled to join the Load One platform. Load One represents an ideal fit for Tri-State,” Korey Walper, CEO of Tri-State. “Having known and respected the Load One team for many years, we recognize their dedication to fulfilling critical shipping needs through top-tier service. I have full confidence that Load One will be an outstanding steward of the reputation Tri-State has built over 40+ years, and I know our customers, employees, and drivers are in great hands.”

DeWine, ODOT deliver: $12 Million invested to improve Ohio’s bridges across the state

By Dana Guthrie - October 28, 2024

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation Director Pamela Boratyn dedicated more than $12 million to invest in and aid communities with fixing or replacing aging bridges on local roads. “Bridges are a vital part of our transportation infrastructure, but the cost of maintenance and repair is often more than local jurisdictions can afford,” DeWine said. “This program provides the funding assistance our local communities need to keep their bridges safe and in good condition.” ODOT’s Municipal Bridge Program, an annual grant for local municipalities to apply for to pay for projects on bridges under their jurisdiction, is awarding $12.4 million to eight projects in seven communities, according to a ODOT press release. “The projects include full replacements of four bridges and repairs on four others.” There are nearly 1,500 eligible bridges in the state of Ohio that are owned by a municipality and meet the federal definition of a bridge. To be eligible for the program, bridges must: Be owned by a city, village, metro park or regional transit authority. Be open to vehicular traffic (unless the bridge was closed due to safety concerns within the last 5 years). Be defined as “poor” to qualify for replacement or demolition. Be defined as “fair” to qualify for rehabilitation projects. Applications for funding were accepted starting July 1 and ending August 15. The funding requests were reviewed by a multi-disciplinary committee with a background in funding and program management and bridge analysis. In addition to the written application, each applicant was invited to present their application before the selection committee. The program may cover up to 95% of eligible project costs. “Bridges owned by local communities make up the majority of the bridges in our state. The people of Ohio do not care who owns and maintains these bridges, they just want to know that they are safe to cross. This program helps ensure they are,” Boratyn said. Ohio has the third largest bridge inventory in the nation, trailing only Texas and Illinois.

Saldivar Trucking deploys first independent owner-operator Volvo VNR Electric Truck for drayage at ports of LA, Long Beach

By Dana Guthrie - October 28, 2024

Volvo Trucks North America and its dealer TEC Equipment have achieved a significant milestone with customer Saldivar’s Trucking becoming the first independent owner-operator in the U.S. to deploy a Volvo VNR Electric truck for drayage operations at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. “While large fleets often make headlines for their ambitious investments in battery-electric vehicles, nearly half of the 3.5 million professional truck drivers in the U.S. are owner-operators running their businesses with just one truck,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “These small operations face unique challenges, from the initial capital investment to securing adequate charging infrastructure. TEC Equipment has been instrumental in supporting owner-operators like Saldivar’s Trucking through the transition to battery-electric vehicles. Their dedication to providing comprehensive support and securing necessary funding demonstrates how crucial dealer partners are in turning the vision of owning a battery-electric vehicle into a reality for fleets of all sizes.” According to a company press release, the milestone underscores TEC Equipment’s pivotal role in making battery-electric trucks accessible to smaller, independent operators, and highlights Volvo Trucks’ commitment to leading the electromobility transition. California Air Resources Board (CARB)’s Advanced Clean Fleet (ACF) Rule, which took effect on Jan. 1 places zero emissions vehicle requirements on fleets of all sizes concerning new drayage trucks operating at California seaports or intermodal railyards. These requirements present financial challenges for smaller operators, many of whom lack the upfront capital needed to make the transition to electrification. Saldivar’s Trucking was able to overcome this hurdle by securing $410,000 in funding from CARB’s On-Road Heavy-Duty Voucher Incentive Program (VIP), which provides funding to replace older, heavy-duty trucks with zero-emission vehicles, according to the release. The program is directed exclusively to small fleets with 10 vehicles or less that operate in California and aims to bridge the gap between the regulatory push for clean transportation and the financial realities faced by small business owners. However, owner-operators often have difficulty taking advantage of available grants because of the impact it can have on their personal income taxes. TEC Equipment worked closely with South Coast Air Quality Management District to secure the CARB funding and ensure Saldivar’s was able to successfully deploy the Volvo VNR Electric truck. “Saldivar’s is very happy with his new Volvo VNR Electric truck, especially after upgrading from an older, used 2010 tractor. The driver training he received helped him overcome any initial range anxiety, and he’s fully embraced the ease, comfort, and quietness of the EV,” said Melanie Des Laurier, new truck sales, TEC Equipment. Saldivar’s was supported throughout his electromobility transition by TEC Equipment’s La Mirada location, a Volvo Trucks Certified Electric Vehicle (EV) dealership, according to the release. TEC Equipment is Volvo’s largest West Coast dealership group and played a key role in developing the Certified EV Dealership program. TEC Equipment has a dedicated fleet support manager and corporate battery-electric vehicle service manager that assists their sales team with the training and hand-over on all Volvo VNR Electric trucks. Saldivar’s Volvo VNR Electric features a six-battery configuration, with 565 kWh of storage capacity and a 250 kW charging capability. The zero-tailpipe emission truck can charge to 80% in 90 minutes to provide a range of up to 275 miles — more than enough to meet Saldivar’s operational needs, which include running night shifts at the ports and covering 175-200 miles per day, five days a week. Representatives from TEC Equipment went over the safety and features of the Volvo VNR Electric truck from the inside out. Saldivar’s received driver training to learn how to maximize the range and benefits of the battery-electric truck. Saldivar’s uses a charging-as-a-service (CaaS) depot owned by Prologis and operated by Performance Team Logistics, A Maersk Company. The CaaS model allows Saldivar’s to charge his Volvo VNR Electric during the day, typically plugging in around 3:30 am to have it fully charged and ready for the next shift at 4:30 pm. This approach minimizes downtime and helps streamline his operations. The TEC Equipment team also took Saldivar’s to the CaaS location he will utilize to teach him how to charge his battery-electric truck.

Arpin International Group wins 2024 Cartus Commitment to Excellence Platinum Award

By Dana Guthrie - October 24, 2024

WEST WARWICK, R.I. – Arpin International Group has received the Cartus 2024 Commitment to Excellence Platinum Award in the International Moving Services category for its its top-tier global service provider network for delivering exceptional service to customers and clients worldwide. “Our supplier partners are true leaders in their fields, demonstrating professionalism, innovation, a strong work ethic, and an unwavering commitment to service excellence. We are proud to have such a remarkable network supporting Cartus,” said Tina Frausto, vice president of Transformation and Supply Chain. “When it comes to serving our clients and their relocating families, Arpin International Group consistently delivers the highest standard of excellence, and I want to congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition.” According to a company media release, the award was presented virtually on Oct, at the Cartus Corporation’s Global Network Conference. The award is the highest award a supplier can achieve through service performance and recognizes a supplier’s measurable commitment to excellence and is presented to Global Network service providers who have distinguished themselves by achieving critical performance metrics. “We are truly honored to receive the Commitment to Excellence Platinum Award from Cartus,” said Stephen Crooks, senior vice president of Arpin. “This recognition highlights our steadfast commitment to delivering excellence, fostering innovation, and working together to bring outstanding value to our customers and stakeholders. We sincerely thank Cartus for their trust and support and look forward to strengthening our partnership in the future,” said Senior Vice President Stephen Crooks of Arpin International Group.” According to the release, Arpin’s commitment to continuous improvement in business productivity and streamlined operations is driven by a dedication to exceptional customer service. By freeing up staff capacity, customer service personnel can focus on what matters most: building deeper connections with customers, ensuring seamless shipment management and enhancing work/life balance. “With less time spent on inefficient processes, we dedicate more energy to improving our services, refining our processes, and ultimately delivering a superior customer experience,” Arpin said in the release. “This freedom allows us to go above and beyond in serving our customers. Arpin International Group is proud to be a part of the Cartus Global Network and receive this prestigious recognition.”

Freight corridor gets electrified: EPA’s $250 million green tech grant for I-95

By Dana Guthrie - October 25, 2024

RIDGEFIELD, N.J. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, alongside U.S. Representative Frank Pallone, Jr., U.S. Representative Rob Menendez, and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette, celebrated the award of nearly a quarter of a billion dollars ($250 million) to the Clean Corridor Coalition. “Today marks a pivotal investment in our efforts to address climate change and promote environmental justice along Interstate 95,” said Lisa F. Garcia, EPA Regional Administrator. “This $250 million grant will reduce harmful air pollution along one of the nation’s busiest freight corridors, create jobs, and deliver health benefits to communities along this key transportation route.” According to an EPA press release, standing at the Vince Lombardi Service Area in Ridgefield, N.J. with climate and freight industry leaders, Garcia highlighted the transformative impact this grant—part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act—will have on the region’s clean energy infrastructure. “Today’s announcement of $250 million to electrify the I-95 freight corridor, secured through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) passed by Democrats in Congress and the Biden-Harris administration, will create a vital network of charging infrastructure for zero-emission vehicles to help reduce harmful pollution along one of our nation’s busiest highways,” said U.S. Senator Cory Booker. “Prioritizing clean, sustainable infrastructure and technology protects our environment and public health, creates thousands of good-paying jobs, and brings us one step closer to building a resilient, green economy that works for everyone. I am proud that New Jersey continues to be a leader in our collective efforts to combat air pollution and climate change through promoting sustainable infrastructure.” The landmark grant, funded through the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program, will fund the electric vehicle charging infrastructure for commercial zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles along the Interstate-95 freight corridor. “The leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration and the Murphy Administration on climate initiative will have a positive impact on New Jerseyans for generations to come,” said U.S. Senator George Helmy. “Decarbonizing the transportation sector, which accounts for more carbon emissions than any other in the United States, is critical to avoiding the worst impacts of climate change. Transitioning America’s trucking fleet to zero emissions will help to drastically reduce air pollution and our carbon footprint, and this crucial funding will help expedite that process. Not only will this money help protect our environment, but it will also create clean-energy jobs and training for underserved communities. I applaud President Biden, Vice President Harris, EPA Regional Administrator Lisa Garcia, and NJDEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette for their continued efforts to safeguard our environment.” The Clean Corridor Coalition, led by NJDEP, includes the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the Delaware Department of Transportation, and the Maryland Departments of the Environment and Transportation. Under the project, the state agencies will install extensive electric vehicle charging infrastructure for commercial zero-emission vehicles along the I-95 freight corridor, providing critical technical assistance for workforce development and corridor planning across New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, and Maryland. “This $250 million grant to build out electric vehicle infrastructure along the I-95 corridor is exactly the kind of transformative climate investment we envisioned when we passed the Inflation Reduction Act,” said U.S. Representative Frank Pallone, Jr. “As a key author of this program, I’m proud to see it bringing medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicle charging infrastructure to New Jersey, creating good-paying jobs, and training workers in underserved communities. This project will cut harmful pollution that causes asthma attacks and climate change by making the I-95 corridor cleaner and more efficient. It’s a major step forward and a testament to the lasting impact of the Inflation Reduction Act.” U.S. Representative Donald Norcross said that he was proud to vote for the Inflation Reduction Act to help fund electric vehicle infrastructure across the nation and make charging stations more accessible to Americans. He also noted that the $250 million New Jersey will be receiving for I-95 is “an important step in the right direction toward combatting climate change and will help us cut down on carbon emissions. Electric vehicles are the future, and our infrastructure investments must reflect that.” “This grant brings us a significant step closer to meeting our critical clean energy goal of helping New Jersey lead the charge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions along one of the nation’s busiest corridors,” said U.S. Representative Andy Kim. “I’m proud to have helped secure this funding through the Inflation Reduction Act to build electric vehicle charging infrastructure in our region and pave the way for more zero-emission vehicles. I look forward to seeing this investment bring good paying jobs, continued economic growth, and look after the long-term health and security of local communities.” U.S. Representative Rob Menendez said that it is essential to use every tool available to fight the climate crisis and protect the environment. “This nearly $250 million investment is a crucial step in the right direction, fulfilling the promises we made in the Inflation Reduction Act,” Menendez said. “It was great to join my state and federal colleagues today to celebrate this investment and further understand its impact. I remain proud that New Jersey is continuing to lead the way in building a green economy and investing in resilient infrastructure, and I thank the Environmental Protection Agency and the Biden-Harris Administration for their partnership.” New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy also lauded the project. “Expanding our charging infrastructure for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles is key to lowering emissions and improving air quality in our communities,” Murphy said. “I’m proud to celebrate building out charging infrastructure along the I-95 corridor, which will help us facilitate New Jersey’s transition to an electric vehicle future, support workforce development, and provide benefits to our overburdened communities. We are thankful to the Biden-Harris Administration and the members of our congressional delegation who voted for the Inflation Reduction Act for securing this critical funding.” New Jersey Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette said the plan is a critical piece in combating climate change. “We are grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration and our federal partners at the EPA for supporting the Murphy Administration’s commitment to a zero-emissions future that combats climate change and protects public health,” LaTourette said. “Trucks and buses account for only four percent of all vehicles on the road but generate nearly 25 percent of our transportation-sector greenhouse gas emissions. Charting a path to electrify these vehicles is critical. This award of nearly $250 million for truck charging infrastructure along the I-95 corridor is a critical down payment for zero-emission freight movement and will catalyze the deployment of zero-emission freight trucks in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region and beyond. The DEP is proud to be spearheading this effort.” “Electrification of freight transport is essential to improving public health and protecting communities from the impacts of climate change,” said Kate Zyla, executive director of the Georgetown Climate Center. “By building the foundation for a regional charging network for zero-emission freight-hauling trucks, New Jersey and its partners in Delaware, Connecticut, and Maryland are continuing to lead the way in tackling climate change and one of the biggest sources of the pollution that causes it. The Georgetown Climate Center is proud to have supported New Jersey DEP and the team that prepared this proposal, and we look forward to continued work with these states and partners in the region to help implement this transformative investment.” Mike Roeth, executive director of the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) said the organization believes that having enroute charging is a key for the deployment of battery electric heavy-duty tractors in long haul routes. “The work we have done in our Guidance Reports on battery electric trucks and through our Run on Less demonstrations has shown that lack of a charging infrastructure is a significant barrier to adoption of battery electric vehicles,” Roeth said. “This announcement by the EPA is a step toward developing a nationwide charging network.” “The Clean Corridor Coalition’s efforts will help power cleaner truck fleets with zero exhaust stack emissions hauling goods in the Northeast,” said Paul Miller, executive director of NESCAUM, an association of eight northeastern state air quality agencies. “These investments will deliver needed reductions in climate-disrupting greenhouse gases and in health-damaging black soot and other air pollution emitted by diesel trucks, especially in communities located close to busy ports, warehouses, and truck routes.” With $248.9 million in awarded funds, the project will establish 24 freight truck charging sites, equipping them with 450 charging ports across four states. This infrastructure is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 18.6 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent by 2050. The initiative will also train 400 workers, focusing on providing opportunities for low-income communities. By driving emissions reductions in the transportation sector, this project will deliver significant environmental and economic benefits, setting a new standard for clean energy initiatives nationwide. “Interstate-95 is the transit and trucking backbone of the northeast region, and we are so pleased that the NJDEP has been awarded $249 million to lead a collaborative effort to deploy charging infrastructure for medium and heavy-duty trucks along this critical corridor,” said Anjuli Ramos-Busot, director of the NJ Sierra Club. “As one of the most densely populated states in the country and commuter hub on the East Coast, New Jersey’s transportation sector is one of our largest sources of carbon emissions and air pollution. Electrifying I-95 is an extraordinary effort that will deliver long lasting public health benefits for New Jerseyans and the region. This is a massive win for climate action, regional air quality, and the communities experiencing roadway pollution,” “We thank the Biden-Harris Administration for their investment in paving the way toward a cleaner and safer roadway for generations to come.”

M&K Truck Centers and Volvo VNL prove a top choice for Orozco Trucking; company orders 25 new trucks

By Dana Guthrie - October 25, 2024

Volvo Trucks North America dealer M&K Truck Centers has recently secured an order of 25 new Volvo VNL’s for their customer Orozco Trucking. “M&K Truck Centers continues to deliver unmatched customer value with innovative solutions, and their success is reflected in the order of more than 500 all-new Volvo VNLs since sales started earlier this year,” said Jeremy Taylor, regional vice president – Central, Volvo Trucks North America. “The all-new Volvo VNL sets a new standard with impressive gains in fuel efficiency, integrated safety features, and enhanced driver comfort—key benefits that M&K continues to showcase to their customers. We applaud M&K’s dedication to customer service and their initiatives to expand service and maintenance programs, which are crucial in supporting a broad range of trucking solutions. Their commitment ensures that their customers receive not only innovative vehicles but also the ongoing support needed to maximize uptime and operational efficiency.” According to a media release, with its advanced aerodynamics, enhanced fuel efficiency, cutting-edge safety features, and superior driver comfort, the Volvo VNL is redefining what fleets can achieve, driving down operating costs and boosting productivity. M&K Truck Centers operates 28 dealership locations in six states: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. With more than 35 years of supporting their customers, M&K has a reputation of being a forward-thinking dealership group known for retaining and supporting some of the industry’s most experienced and knowledgeable parts specialists, salespeople and certified technicians, according to the release. “M&K representatives participated in the immersive and interactive launch events hosted by Volvo Trucks, which provided dealer staff and customers a deep dive into the 90% redesigned all-new Volvo VNL,” the release said. “These events offered hands-on opportunities to experience the all-new Volvo VNL and explore its packaging options and trim levels, guided by Volvo Trucks experts in the areas of fuel efficiency, safety, connectivity, uptime and driver focus. M&K’s sales and service representatives also have access to the extensive competency development through e-learning and in-person courses from Volvo Academy to be fully trained in supporting the all-new Volvo VNL.” Additionally, M&K completed the comprehensive sales and service training to establish three Volvo Trucks Certified Electric Vehicle Dealership locations, with a fourth location in process, which support a broad array of customer solutions from the all-new Volvo VNL to the battery-electric Volvo VNR Electric. “M&K is committed to supporting our customers with comprehensive trucking solutions tailored to meet the unique demands of their operations,” said Andy Schulze, director of fleet sales at M&K Truck Centers. “We had the opportunity to see the all-new VNL up close this summer and knew immediately that it would be unmatched in the customer value it provides,” “We’ve experienced incredible customer interest particularly in learning more about the state-of-the-art connectivity, which will serve to maximize uptime with the all-new VNL. Customers are also eager to experience up to a 10% fuel efficiency increase as well as all of the features that keep their drivers safe, comfortable and productive.” The release noted that with the launch of the all-new Volvo VNL, Volvo Trucks introduced a new spec’ing process, offering packaging options for interior and exterior trim levels, powertrain, technology, amenities, and safety. This consultative approach to configuring and ordering —an industry first— streamlines and enhances the configuration and ordering process, enabling Volvo Trucks to deliver added value and cost savings compared to the conventional a la carte spec’ing process. M&K uses the cutting-edge online Volvo VNL configurator to help customers select the features and benefits of each trim level and cab option, as well as an ultra-realistic 360-degree view of the truck’s interior and exterior. The configurator tool helped Orozco Trucking customize the optimal trucks for their operations. Orozco Trucking, which has been in business for more than 25 years in the trucking and logistics industry, recently ordered 20 of the flagship long-haul sleeper VNL 860 model with the Edge interior and exterior trim. The trucks include the proprietary Volvo Active Driver Assist (VADA) package, which comes standard across all VNL models and includes forward collision avoidance technology to assist drivers in maintaining safe speeds and distances. The standard VADA package also offers adaptive cruise control and a new forward pedestrian detection feature that alerts the driver to pedestrians or bicyclists in their path. The fleet also ordered five of the VNL 660 models, which provide maximum load capacity along with a luxurious living space for drivers, according to the release. Orozco Trucking opted for the VADA Plus option in these models, which includes short-range detection to sense pedestrians and bicyclists in the truck’s blind and can activate frontal automatic emergency braking when objects are directly in the path of travel. “We are proud to be one of the safest fleets in the industry and appreciate the quality and safety of newer equipment that is regularly maintained,” said Konstantin Shaposhnykov, chief executive officer, Orozco Trucking. “We currently have more than 350 Volvo trucks in our fleet, which make up the majority of our vehicles,” . “M&K demonstrated all the features of the all-new Volvo VNL and the benefits it will bring to our fleet, and we decided to add a variety of configurations and features, including the advanced safety package, to determine what worked best for our operations.” According to the release, Orozco Trucking’s drivers deliver loads throughout 48 states, so driver comfort was also a key consideration. “The all-new Volvo VNL is designed with the driver in mind to optimize comfort, efficiency, and safety when working, living and resting,” the release said. “It features Volvo Trucks’ most efficient idle management tool to help reduce or eliminate engine idling when the vehicle is stopped or parked. The new ultra-quiet, proprietary, integrated Volvo Parking Cooler is a climate-control option that utilizes the onboard 24-volt battery system to power the cab’s HVAC when parked, reducing emissions, engine wear, and fuel costs. The Volvo Parking Cooler enhances the resting experience by eliminating noise and vibration from idling. For drivers parked in areas where idling is prohibited, the integrated Volvo Parking Cooler maintains a comfortable climate to maximize driver health, safety, and well-being.”

Parts and labor costs continue downward trend in Q2

By Dana Guthrie - October 25, 2024

WASHINGTON – A new report from American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council and Decisiv Inc. showed continued declines in heavy-duty parts and labor costs, but cautioned those declines slowed in the second quarter. According to the latest Decisiv/TMC North American Service Event Benchmark Report, parts and labor expenses fell 0.7% in the second quarter across 25 major cost categories, following a 1.6% drop the previous quarter. “These declines reflect a continued leveling off of expenses following historically high increases that resulted from supply chain challenges,” said Dick Hyatt, Decisiv president and CEO. “Fleets and service providers are seeing a return to predictability and an enhanced ability to more effectively plan service cost allocations. Along with more predictable freight volumes and vehicle mileages, the resumption of more consistent parts availability and overall declines or only modest increases in parts and labor costs point to much-needed cost stability for fleets and service operations.” Despite the overall drop, parts and labor costs rose in 13 of the 25 Vehicle Maintenance Reporting Standard categories tracked in the report, up from the seven VMRS increases in the first quarter, according to the report. Parts costs fell 0.4% in the second quarter, the third straight decline, but smaller than the drops of 2.2% and 2.4% in the first quarter of 2024 and final quarter of 2023. Labor costs slipped 1.1% in the second quarter, following a 0.6% decline in the first three months of the year. “Continued trends for reduced parts and labor costs are welcome news to fleets, who have been weathering substantial increases for much of the last several years,” said Robert Braswell TMC executive director. “The Decisiv/TMC parts and labor cost analysis report provides Council members an excellent means of comparing how their operations are performing to industry trends so they can take action accordingly.” When compared to the same period a year ago, combined parts and labor costs were down 1.4%. Labor costs were 0.7% higher in the second quarter than a year earlier, but parts costs fell 2.8% from the second quarter of 2023, according to the report. The data that Decisiv collects and analyzes for the Decisiv/TMC North American Service Event Benchmark Reports on 25 VMRS system level codes accounts for more than 97% of total parts and labor costs for more than seven million assets and over 300,000 monthly maintenance and repair events at more than 5,000 service locations. TMC issues the reports to its fleet members. The reports are organized based on the Council’s VMRS, sorted by VMRS-coded vehicle systems and geographic location. TMC fleet members will receive the report electronically via email. For more information on joining TMC, call (703) 838-1763 or visit http://tmc.trucking.org.

CVSA releases 2024 Brake Safety Week results

By Dana Guthrie - October 24, 2024

Certified inspectors in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. conducted 16,725 inspections on commercial motor vehicles as part of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) North American Brake Safety Week, Aug. 25-31, which revealed that approximately 87% of the commercial motor vehicles inspected did not have out-of-service violations and were deemed safe and permitted to proceed on roadways. “Out of the 16,725 commercial motor vehicle inspections conducted, 2,149 of those vehicles had brake-related out-of-service violations, which is a 12.8% out-of-service rate,” the CVSA said in a press release. “A vehicle is placed out of service when critical vehicle inspection items are identified during an inspection as conditions found in the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria (OOSC). When a vehicle is placed out of service, it is restricted from further travel until all out-of-service violations have been corrected. CVSA’s out-of-service criteria identifies critical vehicle inspection items and details the criteria that prohibit a motor carrier or driver from operating a commercial motor vehicle until the violations have been addressed.” According to the release, of the 2,149 commercial motor vehicles placed out of service, 1,355 (63.1%) had stand-alone out-of-service brake violations and 217 (10.1%) had steering axle brake out-of-service violations. Also, 1,216 (56.6%) failed the 20% defective brakes criterion, which states that a vehicle is out of service if the number of defective brakes is equal to or greater than 20% of the service brakes on the vehicle or combination. Note: a vehicle may have more than one violation type. The focus area for this year’s Brake Safety Week was on lining/pad violations. Throughout the week, inspectors looked for loose, missing or worn brake lining/pads, as well as cracks, voids or contamination. Inspectors found 382 lining/pad violations on power (tractor) units and 272 on towed (trailer) units, for a total of 654 brake lining/pad violations. Sixty-one jurisdictions participated in this year’s Brake Safety Week. In Canada, inspectors conducted 1,926 inspections and discovered 243 brake-related out-of-service violations, which is a 12.6% out-of-service rate. Forty-four power units and 49 towed units had lining/pad violations. In Mexico, inspectors conducted 107 inspections and discovered six brake-related out-of-service violations, which is a 5.6% out-of-service rate. One power unit and five towed units had lining/pad violations. In the U.S., inspectors conducted 14,692 inspections and discovered 1,900 brake-related out-of-service violations, which is a 12.9% out-of-service rate. Lining/pad violations were found on 310 power units and 172 towed units. Eighteen states with performance-based brake testers (PBBT) participated in this year’s Brake Safety Week by conducting 452 inspections using their PBBTs. There were 26 failures, which is a 5.75% out-of-service rate. Brake Safety Week is part of the CVSA’s Operation Airbrake Program, a comprehensive program dedicated to improving commercial motor vehicle brake safety throughout North America. The goal is to reduce the number of crashes caused by faulty braking systems on commercial motor vehicles by conducting roadside inspections and educating drivers, mechanics, owner-operators and others on the importance of proper brake inspection, maintenance and operation. Next year’s Brake Safety Week is scheduled for Aug. 24-30, 2025.

Tourmaline, Clean Energy advance Western Canada’s first commercial-grade natural gas fueling corridor by opening two new stations

By Dana Guthrie - October 24, 2024

CALGARY, Alberta. — Tourmaline Oil Corp. and Clean Energy Fuels Corp. have opened two new compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling stations in Alberta, marking a key milestone in their continuing efforts to build Western Canada’s first commercial-grade public CNG fueling network. According to a media release, the new locations in Calgary and Grande Prairie, along with the Edmonton station which opened in April 2023, establish a crucial transportation corridor for trucking companies converting their fleets from diesel to CNG. Powering long-haul trucks and other fleets with CNG results in lower emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide and particulate matter compared to traditional diesel-powered vehicles. “We are expanding our multi-year diesel displacement initiative by making CNG more readily available to heavy-duty trucking companies,” said Michael Rose, chairman, president and CEO of Tourmaline. “Right here in Alberta, we have the technology, an abundance of natural gas, and now the infrastructure to help facilitate a transformative shift in the transportation sector.” The $70 million Joint Development Agreement between Tourmaline and Clean Energy was announced in April 2023, along with their commitment to build up to 20 CNG fueling stations across Western Canada in the next five years. In just over a year, their customer base has grown to nine market-leading companies that have already collectively displaced two million litres of diesel by utilizing CNG technology. “The adoption of CNG has continued to accelerate over the last year, as more companies recognize the benefits of displacing diesel with a reliable fuel that is easy to use and extremely cost competitive for fleets,” said Andrew Littlefair, president and CEO, Clean Energy. “The development of this critical infrastructure is perfectly timed as the important new X15N natural gas engine from Cummins is being introduced to the trucking industry to rave reviews. We expect that the combination of more fueling locations and the new engine technology, which is perfectly suited for the Canadian market, will pave the way for continued growth of CNG.” Cummins, one of the world’s leading engine manufacturers, has recently introduced its X15N natural gas engine into the Canadian and U.S. heavy-duty truck market, according to the release. Trucks with pre-production models of the X15N were tested by some of the most demanding fleets over the last year including Walmart, Werner, Knight Swift, FedEx Freight and UPS. It was found to deliver diesel-like ratings as well as durability and reliability to allow fleets to significantly reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide and particulate matter without sacrificing capability. Mullen Group Ltd. (Mullen Group), the first company to support the Tourmaline and Clean Energy initiative, plans to leverage the new X15N engine as it prepares to nearly double its fleet of CNG-fueled trucks, according to the release. “As one of North America’s largest logistics providers, the Mullen Group is committed to being a leader in sustainability,” said Murray Mullen, chair, SEO and president, Mullen Group. “Today we operate one of the largest CNG-powered truck fleets in the Province of Alberta, now having 19 fully operational, with plans to deploy another 15 units as soon as they become available. Our CNG fleet continues to perform well, and now with the opening of these additional fueling stations, we can position the CNG units in additional markets, providing an ESG alternative to a broader scope of customers.” The release also noted that, once complete, the 20-station network could fuel up to 3,000 natural gas-powered trucks daily. Construction on the next CNG fueling station is set to begin in Kamloops, B.C., with Fort McMurray and Fort St. John to follow. The CNG stations are also equipped with the same infrastructure needed for renewable natural gas (RNG), making for a streamlined transformation when RNG becomes more readily available in Canada. “Western Canada’s first natural gas highway is taking shape right here in Alberta, driven by the innovative efforts of Tourmaline and Clean Energy,” said Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. “This collaboration showcases how industry-led initiatives can drive more efficient transportation solutions. Alberta is proud to support forward-thinking projects that will help create a more sustainable future for long-haul trucking across Canada.”