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Stacie Simmons drives off into the sunset as Landstar’s 50th truck winner

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Landstar System Inc. recently gave away its 50th truck to a deserving independent Landstar business capacity owner (BCO), the company’s term for independent owner-operators who lease to Landstar. BCO Stacie Simmons won a bright blue 2025 Kenworth T-680 at the 2024 Landstar BCO Appreciation Days event in Durant, Okla. in September. “Landstar truck giveaways are an important way to illustrate our gratitude to all of the Landstar BCOs who support the Landstar network by operating safely and delivering for our customers every time they get behind the wheel,” said Frank Lonegro, Landstar president and CEO. “We are delighted to celebrate this life-changing event with Stacie and look forward to helping her achieve continued success as a Landstar BCO.”  Simmons who hails from Myrtle Beach, S.C., was one of five finalists randomly selected from the contest’s pool of nearly 9,000 eligible BCOs. The truck giveaway is traditionally the highlight of Landstar’s BCO Appreciation Days, a two-day event held annually to thank the owner-operators for their commitment to safety and customer service excellence.  After winning the giveaway, Simmons stood in front of the new truck explaining why the award was indeed about to be a life-changing event for her and Markus, her husband and team driver. “We have a 2016 Volvo and she’s in the shop right now, so getting this is pretty spectacular,” Simmons said. Eligible Landstar owner-operators automatically earned entries to this truck giveaway throughout the year by safely delivering loads during the giveaway period. They were eligible to earn more entries for the giveaway by attending safety meetings and participating in Landstar’s nationwide Safety Thursday Conference Call held each month throughout the year. After the entry period closed, all entries were pooled and a computerized random number generator selected the finalists. Finalists are required to be present at the giveaway.  According to a company press release, Landstar purchases and gives away a brand-new truck twice a year to eligible BCOs. The very first truck giveaway was in 1994. This marks the 50th truck giveaway in the company’s history and is the second giveaway this year. Landstar Two Million Mile Safe Driver and Roadstar honoree John Fuller won the Landstar BCO All-Star Truck Giveaway in July. In both giveaways, Landstar pays for the truck’s tag, tax and title. 

PrePass launches GPS toll verification to maximize fleet cost savings

PHOENIX, Ariz. – PrePass has introduced an innovative GPS toll verification service designed to save fleets considerable time and money by matching GPS locations to toll charges, thereby proactively identifying potential billing inaccuracies. Our customers often face challenges in understanding and validating charges from the various tolling agencies their fleets use,” said Chris Murray, president of PrePass. “The ability to automatically verify toll charges using GPS technology and PrePass’ proprietary matching engine, not only provides them with confidence in their overall tolling expenses but also translates to significant cost savings, offering one less thing to worry about in their day.” According to a company press release, by leveraging the PrePass app, GPS technology that many fleets already rely on, and a proprietary machine-learning engine, GPS toll verification automatically detects and highlights inaccurate toll charges. Available on Android, iOS, and integrated telematics platforms, the service ensures that fleets only pay for the tolls they incur, leading to substantial cost savings. The GPS Toll Verification process will deliver insights that empower fleets to manage tolling expenses more effectively or to initiate tolling disputes, which PrePass can process on behalf of its customers, according to the release. The INFORM Tolling Analytics Dashboard provides PrePass customers enhanced visibility into their toll charges and the status of disputes. With GPS location data generated from the PrePass app or a telematics service provider, fleet managers can confidently validate their toll charges, ensuring they are not overpaying and reducing the administrative costs and complexity of managing them. For more information about GPS Toll Verification and other PrePass services, visit PrePass.com.

Descartes acquires MyCarrierPortal

WATERLOO, Ontario and ATLANTA, Ga.— Descartes Systems Group  has acquired Assure Assist Inc., doing business as MyCarrierPortal (MCP), a provider of carrier onboarding and risk monitoring solutions for the trucking industry. “Carrier fraud and cargo theft is an ongoing problem in the transportation industry,” said Dan Cicerchi, general manager of transportation management at Descartes. “This acquisition is another investment to help enable improved Know-Your-Carrier (KYC) capabilities that are critical to improve supply chain performance and fraud reduction. We actively connect with hundreds of thousands of carriers and thousands of brokers and shippers.  Many of these participants have expressed their desire for us to further extend our investments in fraud prevention.  The combination of MCP and our Descartes MacroPoint FraudGuard tool presents a differentiated solution for our customers to efficiently onboard carriers while enhancing visibility and compliance, and reducing fraud risk.” According to a media release, MCP’s solutions help freight brokers and shippers quickly set up carrier requirements through an onboarding platform that gathers information on carriers and screens them for suitability to deliver loads/shipments based on the broker’s risk and compliance criteria. Truck carriers are screened for legitimacy, insurance compliance, and an acceptable safety record. Carriers that are onboarded to the platform are monitored on an ongoing basis to help ensure continued compliance.  If a carrier falls out of compliance, the customer is notified to take appropriate action with that carrier. “We remain committed to adding solutions to our Global Logistics Network that help our customers manage the complete lifecycle of shipments in a secure and efficient manner,” said Edward J. Ryan, Descartes’ CEO. “MCP directly complements our investment in MacroPoint, and we’re excited to welcome the employees, customers and partners into the Descartes family.” According Descartes acquired MCP for up-front consideration of approximately $USD 24 million satisfied with cash on hand, plus potential performance-based consideration. The maximum amount payable under the all-cash performance-based earn-out is $USD 6 million, based on the combined business achieving revenue-based targets in each of the first two years post-acquisition. Any earn-out is expected to be paid in fiscal 2026 and fiscal 2027.

Meet Gatik’s new head of first responder engagement: Clint Kneip

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.— Clint Kneip will take the helm at Gatik as head of first responder engagement for the autonomous middle mile logistics company. “Clint’s proven track record in enhancing commercial highway transportation safety will be a tremendous asset to Gatik as we scale our Freight-Only operations,” said Rich Steiner, vice president of government relations and public affairs at Gatik. “With Clint on our team, we’re ensuring that our autonomous operations not only meet but exceed the expectations of first responders and the communities in which we operate. Under his leadership, we are building comprehensive, scenario-based training programs to address a variety of operational contexts, such as high-traffic urban environments, highway merges, accident response, and emergency stop protocols. His expertise will be crucial in elevating our safety and compliance standards, setting new benchmarks for the autonomous trucking industry.” According to a company media release, in his new role, Kneip will lead the development of relationships between Gatik and first responder agencies, focusing on the company’s First Responder Interaction Protocol (FRIP) for Freight-Only operations, ultimately supporting Gatik’s mission to ensure safe and compliant operations of its autonomous freight vehicles across the United States. His extensive experience overseeing safety protocols and collaborating with national safety entities will be instrumental as Gatik expands its operations and scales Freight-Only deployments, reinforcing the company’s dedication to safe, compliant, and community-focused autonomous logistics. “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join and work with Gatik, a leader in the commercial autonomous vehicle industry,” Kneip said.. “I look forward to the challenges, growth, and expertise that I can bring to this field.” Kneip brings over 20 years of experience from the California Highway Patrol (CHP), where he served as Captain of the Commercial Vehicle Section. During his tenure at CHP, Kneip was instrumental in improving commercial highway transportation safety and fostering relationships with key national and state safety entities, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA). As the Chair of the CVSA’s Commercial Motor Vehicle – Automated Driving System Working Group, he played a pivotal role in developing the guidelines for commercial vehicles equipped with automated driving systems, directly influencing policy and operational protocols nationwide. As Head of First Responder Engagement at Gatik, Kneip will work to proactively address community needs and uphold the company’s commitment to safe and responsible autonomous logistics. He will conduct training, develop instructional materials, and facilitate interactions between first responders and Gatik’s autonomous vehicles to ensure safety and compliance. He will also support Gatik’s Compliance and Government Relations teams, working to align the company’s approach with national and state policies and standards. Kneip will also provide testimony and engage with law enforcement agencies in priority states to influence and support AV legislation, according to the release. His appointment underscores Gatik’s dedication to working closely with first responders to ensure the successful deployment of autonomous technology across the United States, according to the release.

Kodiak selects Wabash trailers as a service for seamless autonomous operations

LAFAYETTE, Ind.— Wabash and Kodiak Robotics, Inc., are collaborating to learn how trailers of the future can best support autonomous trucking. According to a media release, Kodiak will use Wabash’s Trailers as a Service (TaaS) offering. Wabash’s TaaS will provide Kodiak a flexible solution with access to a growing fleet of safe, reliable trailers nationwide. “We are thrilled to partner with Kodiak, a leader in autonomous trucking, as they integrate Wabash’s Trailers as a Service into their operations,” said Mike Pettit, Wabash’s chief growth officer. “Our TaaS offering provides the flexibility and comprehensive support that aligns perfectly with Kodiak’s goals, ensuring they can focus on innovation and efficiency. We’re excited to collaborate with Kodiak and co-learn as we develop trailer solutions that support autonomous long-haul trucks and pave the way for a safer, more efficient future.” According to the release, Wabash’s TaaS offering provides Kodiak with a holistic solution that supports the full life cycle of the trailer, from acquisition to maintenance and uptime management. Unlike traditional leasing, TaaS delivers fully maintained capacity with new or certified trailers, ensuring minimal downtime through Wabash’s managed care services. With a subscription that includes maintenance, repair and managed care support, Kodiak can focus on developing the Kodiak Driver, the company’s industry-leading autonomous technology. Wabash’s hyperfocus on offering the best-maintained trailers aligns with Kodiak’s high maintenance standards, ensuring optimal performance and safety. Utilizing Wabash’s nationwide dealer network, Wabash will provide the critical managed care needed to ensure continuous trailer uptime, according to the release. Wabash’s managed care team, leveraging the company’s self-diagnosing trailers, will proactively monitor and maintain the fleet, guaranteeing uptime and helping Kodiak provide its customers with excellent customer service. The release noted that the partnership will not only improve operational reliability, but also promises to enhance road safety through highly-maintained trailers. “We value our partnership with Wabash as we continue to expand our autonomous fleet,” said Michael Wiesinger, vice president commercialization & GM trnsportation sector, Kodiak. “Wabash’s TaaS solution offers us a reliable and flexible approach to trailer management, allowing us to focus on our core mission of advancing autonomous trucking while maintaining operational efficiency and safety.” Wabash will be showcasing its TaaS trailer at its Ignite ecosystem event for customers, dealers, suppliers and technology partners taking place in Louisville, Ky., from September 30 to October 2. Customers interested in seeing how TaaS operates in the broader Wabash Marketplace to deliver an optimized shipping network and continuous uptime support are invited to attend. Register at wabashignite.com to attend or for more information on TaaS visit https://marketplace.onewabash.com/trailers-as-a-service.

Steady climb: US trailer production surpasses orders

COLUMBUS, Ind. – August net trailer orders, at 7,700 units, were nearly 40% lower year-for-year, but 500 units above July’s intake bringing year-to-date August net order activity to 89.4k units, according to this month’s issue of ACT Research’s State of the Industry: U.S. Trailers report. “Trailer cancellations moved higher again in August,” said Jennifer McNealy, director–CV Market Research and Publications at ACT Research. “The cancellation rate increased to 3.6% of the backlog, from July’s 3.0% rate. Build significantly outpaced orders again in August, by 11k units. As a result, backlogs shrank nearly 14% sequentially.” U.S. trailer manufacturers and suppliers continue to navigate the choppy waters of weak demand, according to ACT. “They say no news is good news, but in the case of the current US trailer environment, that’s hardly the case,” McNealy said. “While no news means conditions aren’t deteriorating, it also means no real improvement presently, despite hopes for the contrary amid otherwise generally positive economic news.” ACT Research’s State of the Industry: U.S. Trailers report provides a monthly review of the current US trailer market statistics, as well as trailer OEM build plans and market indicators divided by all major trailer types, including backlogs, build, inventory, new orders, cancellations, net orders, and factory shipments. It is accompanied by a database that gives historical information from 1996 to the present, as well as a ready-to-use graph packet, to allow organizations in the trailer production supply chain, and those following the investment value of trailers, trailer OEMs, and suppliers to better understand the market.

ATRI seeks insights on changing truck driver demographics

WASHINGTON —  The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) is conducting research to understand the make-up of the U.S. truck driver population and how it is changing over time.  ATRI will assess over 20 years of survey data from truck drivers, and this latest truck driver survey will provide the newest information on the composition of the truck driver population today – allowing the research to compare changing trends. “As a driver with 33 years on the road, I have seen our driver workforce change over time. Understanding what the truck driver population looks like today is crucial to ensuring that our needs are properly addressed – whether through support, training, or policies that are specifically tailored to truck drivers,” said Richard Frazer, an America’s Road Team Captain and professional driver with Walmart Transportation. “This survey will provide valuable insights into the driver community and highlight areas where we can continue to grow.”  According to an ATRI media release, the brief survey will seek insights on professional and personal aspects of truck drivers today, enabling ATRI to understand the shifts in the truck driver population over the last few decades. All collected data will be kept completely confidential.  The survey is being conducted in concert with ATRI research that is assessing how underrepresented groups might be recruited into the trucking industry, including women, foster care participants and formerly incarcerated individuals.   Truck drivers are encouraged to participate in the survey by clicking here. 

Extension to emergency waiver granting suspension of hours of service regulations in response to Oregon wildfire activity

SALEM, Ore. — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued another extension to the emergency waiver originally issued in July as a result of the imminent wildfire threat. Due to the threat Governor Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency for Oregon effective July 12. (Executive Order No. 24-13). On July 24 FMCSA approved an extension to Director Strickler’s July 16 emergency waiver (ODOT EW 24-02). As of September 23, FMCSA has issued another extension to the emergency waiver. This Extension of the Emergency Declaration is effective immediately and shall remain in effect until the end of the emergency (as defined in 49 CFR §390.5T) or until 11:59pm (ET), October 1 whichever is earlier. Please review and print the FMCSA waiver for complete details and requirements. For current road conditions visit TripCheck.com.

Congress urged to streamline supply chain credentialing in wake of industry-led push

WASHINGTON – The American Trucking Associations has been joined by over 150 organizations representing trucking, rail, energy, organized labor, agriculture, third-party logistics providers and other key supply chain stakeholders in sending a letter to urge the House Homeland Security Committee to pass the Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act. “There is no more effective way to thank truck drivers than by taking action to make their difficult jobs a little easier,” said Chris Spear, ATA president and CEO. “It is fitting that immediately following National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, members of the House Homeland Security Committee will have the opportunity to pass legislation to respect truckers’ time and money. ATA has marshaled over 150 supply chain organizations in support of the Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act because it reforms the outdated, inefficient and costly bureaucratic system that forces essential workers to pay duplicative fees and undergo duplicative background checks to obtain the credentials they need to do their jobs.  We applaud the Members of Congress who authored this bipartisan bill to support the hardworking men and women who keep our economy running, and we appreciate the leadership of Representatives Green and Thompson who are working to move this commonsense bill through their committee.” According to the ATA, the Homeland Security Committee is scheduled to markup the bill, which was introduced by Representatives Garret Graves (R-Louisiana), Adam Smith (D-Washington), Mark Green (R-Tennessee), Michael Guest (R-Mississippi), Salud Carbajal (D-California) and Dina Titus (D-Nevada).  ATA has been leading the effort to pass the bipartisan legislation to eliminate redundant fees and background checks for essential transportation workers.  As part of this comprehensive, ongoing advocacy effort, Spear headed to Capitol Hill last week to meet one-on-one with the bill’s original sponsors and the leaders of the Homeland Security Committee, Representatives Green and Bennie Thompson (D-Mississippi), to shore up support.  These visits culminated with the committee announcing that it would hold a hearing on the bill on Wednesday. According to the ATA, the Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act cuts through red tape to allow workers to apply existing valid background checks to multiple TSA-managed credentialing programs, such as the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) programs.  By eliminating duplicative screenings and harmonizing these programs, the bill would codify formal recommendations by the Government Accountability Office dating back to 2007.  These recommendations were reaffirmed in 2020 in a comprehensive security assessment conducted by the Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center.  The bill does not make any modifications to the backend security threat assessment conducted on individual applicants, ensuring that they undergo the same level of review as they do under current law.  The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation, led by Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas), previously voted to advance the measure.  Click here to read the letter sent today by the supply chain coalition.

ATA Technology and Maintenance Council names 17 scholarship winners

RALEIGH, N.C. – Thanks to the generosity of the American Trucking Associations’ Technology and Maintenance Council, 17 students from across the country have received scholarships to pursue careers as commercial vehicle technicians or engineers, bringing them one step closer to fulfilling their dreams. “Finding innovative solutions to our industry’s ongoing technician shortage is a priority for TMC, and the Council is pleased to be able to partner with WyoTech, Western Technical College, Lincoln Tech, University of Northwest Ohio, Universal Technical Institute and SAE to bring these scholarship opportunities to fruition,” said Robert Braswell, TMC executive director “These initiatives provide greater choice for deserving scholarship-seeking students looking to prepare for a career as a commercial vehicle technician.” According to an ATA media release, the scholarships are managed by the council’s Technician & Educator Committee in partnership with several technical schools, industry vendors and allied organizations.   TMC/Lincoln Tech/NADC Diesel Truck Technician Scholarship winners will receive half the tuition for a 1,200- to 1,560-hour training program at one of six Lincoln Technical Institute/Lincoln College of Technology schools across the country. Winners include:  Aaron Lanter of Richmond, Ky.  Thomas McNamara of West Springfield, Mass.  Asher Dunn of Lancaster, Ky. Tucker Brown of Barbourville, Ky.      Shaliah Mae Kohlenberg of DuBois, Pennsylvania, was named the 2024 TMC/University of Northwest Ohio Scholar, which consists of an award for tuition in the amount of up to $20,000. Winners of the TMC/WyoTech Diesel Truck Technician Scholarship, which consists of a partial scholarship of up to $5,000 each include:  Wesley Bihn of Portland, Ind. Eric Culley of John Day, Ore. William Gallacher of Carrizozo, N.M. Jayden Walker of Milton-Freewater, Ore.  Winners of a half-scholarship for UTI’s diesel technology program or the combined automotive/diesel technology program include:  Maggie Bockenstedt of Farley, Iowa. Cooper Hambright of New Cumberland, Penn.  Juan Carlos Palacios of The Bronx, N.Y. Bryan Perpuli-Ochoa of Las Cruces, N.M.  Raul Vega Jr. of Tornillo, Texas, was awarded the 2024 TEC/Western Tech Scholarship, covering 50% of the tuition to pursue a degree in diesel mechanics and diesel technology at Western Tech. Winners of the TMC/SAE Donald D. Dawson Technical Scholarship, consisting of three $1,500 scholarships, which can be renewed for three years and used for tuition or any other incidental school expenses while pursuing an undergraduate degree in automotive engineering include:  Zachary Been of Bakersfield, Calif.  Bryan Edgar of Huntsville, Ala. Josh Cassell of Worcester, Mass.  A complete list of scholarship rules is featured on the application and can be found on TMC’s website. Completed scholarship application packages for 2025 must be received by the TMC office by April 15, 2025 and winners will be notified by May 15, 2025. 

Southeastern Freight’s Sandy Sharp followed a family tradition into trucking

Sandy Sharp, a 30-plus year veteran of the trucking industry, has a storied history of her decades in the business, as well as tales of the highways and city streets as a driver for Southeastern Freight Lines. The multi-talented Tennessee native, who currently makes her home Nashville, told The Trucker that she was essentially born into the industry. “I came from a family with a trucking background,” Sharp said. “My dad drove, my brother drives, and my other brother works on trucks. It was just in the family.” Sharp’s entire professional career has been in the industry. After moving to Nashville as a teenager, her first major job, held from 1989-1993, was working as a traffic coordinator for a carrier. “I did the pricing and the routing of the trucks and stuff like that,” she said. Sharp joined Southeastern in July 1993, working in a nighttime clerical position. “I closed the loads out and scanned the bills for the billing people to bill on,” Sharp said. “After about six months or so, I moved to the daytime (shift), doing various clerical duties until I got into the OS&D (over, short and damaged) side of it.” Despite being content in her role, Sharp says she felt the call of the road, just as her father and brother did. “I had always told myself that if I could handle the freight, I would be driving,” she said. “One day I was on the dock inspecting some damaged freight and I thought, ‘You know, I’m handling this freight, and I have no trouble doing it.’ I thought, ‘I wanna go drive!’” Luckily for Sharp, Southeastern had a spot available in a training program. After earning her CDL in February 2004, she set out with a training partner to help her get a feel for the myriad of skills and tasks required for her new role, including moving her trailers in the yard, backing them into the dock and shuffling trailers around. “They hooked me up with a mentor and I rode with him through the town,” Sharp said. “He taught me how to navigate the city streets and how to get in and out of places. I had very good teachers, and they were willing to teach me so I could learn.” Sharp runs an urban route on the north side of Nashville, covering more than 100 miles per day. When asked if she ever gets bored or needs something to keep her mind occupied, she laughed. “The traffic in Nashville does that for you,” Sharp said. “Driving in the Nashville traffic on the city streets with a 53-foot trailer, you have got to be aware of what’s around you at all times. I have to stay focused on what I’m doing.” She says Southeastern has been a joy to work for. “To me they have some of the greatest people here in Nashville,” Sharp said. “I can’t give high enough praise. Everybody is willing to help one another out — and that goes for anything, whether it’s work-related or you need something fixed at your house. The people here are just great.” She says she’s made countless friends at Southeastern, many of them like family. “A lot of them call me Mama Sandy,” Sharp said. “There’s one friend who calls me Auntie, and then some of the others refer to me as Baby Girl. I’ve really been called that my whole life, since I have two brothers and no sisters.” Since taking a spot behind the wheel of a rig, Sharp says she’s received support from Southeastern and the trucking industry in general. In 2023 she was named the 2023 Regional Driver of the Year Award. “I felt honored, and it gave me a ‘big head,’” she joked. “I was extremely honored because we do have a lot of good drivers here and I felt just very fortunate and honored that they chose me.” After more than three decades in the trucking industry, Sharp has seen countless changes. One change she is particularly proud of is the evolving role of women in trucking. “When I first started, people would look at you like you were an alien for outer space,” Sharp said. “Over the years, the people have come to see ‘just another driver’ who happens to be female. You do see more and more women now compared to what it used to be when I first started, and I think it’s great.” Sharp says she encourages women to consider entering trucking as a career. “Yes, women can do this job, and it’s a great career to be in,” she said. “There’s no lack of jobs. To me it’s very rewarding … I’m outside all day and I get to hear the birds sing. I see all my different customers and get to build relationships with them. It’s just a great job.” Two of Sharp’s favorite things are being outdoors and finding a way to bring smiles to the faces of her customers. “If they’re having a bad day, I try to make sure they have a smile before I leave,” she said. Sharp’s love of the outdoors — she loves gardening in her spare time — led to one of her favorite stories to share about her job as a driver. However, it was her keen eye that helped save the day for a family of feathered friends. As she was driving in a small industrial area one day, she recounted, she saw a duck just walking back and forth. It struck her as odd, so she stopped to check on it. “Her six little ducklings were stuck in the drain,” Sharp said. “I couldn’t raise the grate because it had been welded shut. I called the fire department; (they) came and got the grate open and got the mama her ducklings back.” Now 57, Sharp says she wants to continue driving as long as she can … even if she eventually trades her current rig for an RV to explore the country with her husband.

NHTSA issues recall on nearly 17,000 Daimler trucks; brake lights may not illuminate

Daimler Trucks North America is recalling certain 2024-2025 Freightliner 108SD, 2022-2025 Freightliner 114SD, Freightliner Business Class M2, 2025 Freightliner eM2, 2020-2025 Western Star 49X, 2021-2025 Western Star 47X, and 2022-2025 Western Star 57X vehicles that may be upfitted with a body lighting interface controller and replacement brake lights, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The recall impacts nearly 17,000 Freightliner and Western Star trucks. Brake lights may not illuminate when the brakes are automatically applied during an active brake assist (ABA) event. Dealers will update the ABA software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on Nov. 9. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 800-745-8000. DTNA’s number for this recall is F1009. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

NEXT Logistics clinches third Fleet Safety Award from WMCA

MARSHFIELD, Wis — NEXT Logistics, part of the Nelson-Jameson family of companies, has won a Fleet Safety Award from the Wisconsin Motor Carrier Association (WMCA) for the third consecutive year. “With a commitment to continuous training as well as efficient systems and expert logistics to ensure customers receive their orders on time and securely – the throughline for NEXT Logistics and Nelson-Jameson is safety,” said Mike Rindy, Nelson-Jameson president. “Receiving this safety award for the third consecutive year validates our commitment to employee safety and an accident-free workplace, at home and on the road.” According to a company media release, the award honors the safest truckload fleets in Wisconsin. NEXT qualified for a Fleet Safety Award for Division 2 with 545,507 accident-free miles in Wisconsin, nearly 60,000 more than the company drove the previous year. The extraordinary record exemplifies the company’s extensive safety training, job shadowing, and regular safety check-ins with employees to stress the importance of safety in the workplace. WMCA is a non-profit trade association representing the interests of Wisconsin’s truck and transportation owners. With more than 1,400 members, including Nelson-Jameson, the WMCA is affiliated with the American Trucking Associations (ATA) in Washington, D.C. The award was presented at WMCA’s annual Safety Luncheon.

TPM unveils Trucklots software, app for real-time parking reservations by drivers, fleets

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. —  Truck Park Management (TPM) has debuted the nationwide rollout of the Trucklots software and app, a dedicated technology platform designed exclusively for real-time parking reservations by drivers and fleets as well as lot management capabilities for parking lot operators. “Our primary focus is to enhance the value and experience for truck drivers and the industry at large,” said Danny Loe, TPM chief executive officer. “We’re committed to addressing the widespread issues of inadequate and inconsistent rest areas and parking. Our holistic approach prioritizes safety, compliance, and quality amenities.”   Headquartered in Little Rock, Ark., the company aims to solve the urgent issues faced by truck drivers and fleet owners by offering a reservation-based, secure parking platform across the United States along with software for efficient lot management, the development of overnight lots full of amenities and providing real estate management services for truck yard owners.   According to a company media release, by partnering with FoxDen Capital, a Little Rock based capital firm, and top industry experts and executives, TPM has secured $15 million in growth and development capital to kickstart its initiatives. The company is laser-focused on the acquisition, development, and management of truck parking facilities that exceed current industry standards. A key component of TPM’s innovative approach is the Trucklots software and app. The user-friendly app and its complete integration offering streamlines the process of finding secure, reservable parking, ensuring ease of access and convenience for its users from the point of booking to checking in and out from the reserved stay. Alongside Trucklots, TPM offers a full suite of services, including reservation-enabled overnight parking, long-term parking, and parking lot management. The comprehensive approach is designed to offer unparalleled value to truckers, carriers, and logistics companies, according to the release.   “One of the standout features of TPM will be developing and managing highly amenitized parking lots,” the company said in the release. “These lots range from fifteen to thirty acres in size with upwards of 500 parking spots at each location, making it a scalable solution for trucking companies of all sizes. Some of the types of amenities are to later include a secure space for showers, lounge and kitchen area amenities, fitness facilities, laundry, health clinics, a pet wash and more” TPM said the company has an ambitious growth strategy to build the nation’s largest truck parking platform. It plans to operate and manage 200-300 parking sites within the next five years, covering major state highways and interstates as part of its nationwide network. 

Fritz Nelson named CFO of Depot Connect International

TAMPA, Fla.  — Fritz Nelson is taking the helm at Depot Connect International (DCI) as the company’s new chief financial officer. “DCI’s commitments to safety, innovation, operational excellence and customer service set it apart in the industry, and I am excited to contribute to its growth,” Nelson said. “I look forward to working with Chris, the leadership team and all our talented employees to drive financial success and support DCI’s mission.” According to a company press release, Nelson is a distinguished executive with more than three decades of experience in corporate finance, strategic planning and financial management. He most recently served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of commercial truck component maker Accuride Corporation. Prior to that, he was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of industrial manufacturer Acument Global Technologies. “Fritz‘s extensive financial expertise coupled with his track record of driving efficient growth make him a fantastic addition to our leadership team,” said Christopher Synek, chief executive officer at DCI. “I look forward to having him join our organization and am confident that his insights, strategic view and experience at global industrial companies will help drive DCI’s continued success.” Nelson will be based in Tampa, Fla. at DCI’s headquarters.      

Tragedy in Florida: Bicyclist killed by tanker truck

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A bicyclist was killed Friday morning in a crash with a tanker truck in Broward County, according to the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. The accident occurred about 8 a.m., local time just south of Las Olas Boulevard and Sea Breeze Boulevard near Fort Lauderdale Beach. The bicyclist, who has not yet been publicly identified, struck the tractor trailer and died at the scene, according to police. The tanker driver has not been identified and investigators have not determined who was at fault or if the driver will face charges. The Eastbound lanes at the East Las Olas Bridge and southbound lanes of Seabreeze Boulevard were closed for several hours. This is an ongoing investigation.

Freight forward, drivers first: Georgia Ports Authority praises drivers

SAVANNAH, Ga. – The Georgia Ports Authority is celebrating its front-line customers in the motor carrier industry during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. “Our partners in the trucking industry are a critical link between our global vessel services and the domestic supply chain,” said Griff Lynch GPA president and CEO. “At Georgia Ports, every week is trucker appreciation week.” According to a media release, to acknowledge drivers’ contributions, GPA employees handed out safety gloves, bottles of water and chicken sandwiches at the terminal truck gates on Thursday. Lynch said GPA works daily to ensure a positive trucker experience, noting that gate and yard efficiency at the Port of Savannah’s Garden City Terminal help drivers complete more container moves each day. The release also noted that it takes only 8 minutes, 12 seconds on average for a driver entering the terminal to go from the biometric reading station, complete the check-in process and depart the gate canopy. The Port of Savannah achieved total truck turn times across July and August of only 34 minutes for a single-container move and 54 minutes for truckers delivering an export and picking up an import container. Approximately 80 percent of truck transactions at the Port of Savannah involve such double moves, compared to only 30 percent at major West Coast ports. “Savannah’s ability to quickly handle these dual transactions reduces the number of truck trips required to move the same cargo, avoids diesel emissions and allows drivers to be more profitable by handling more containers per day,” Lynch said. “Drivers in Savannah can make up to eight truck turns per day, compared to two per day at Southern California terminals.” Garden City Terminal averages approximately 14,000 truck moves each weekday, or around 7,000 trucks in, 7,000 trucks out, according to the most recent figures from the Georgia Ports Authority. Lynch added that truck turn times at the Port of Savannah are among the fastest of any major port. “Our 1,500-acre single-terminal model in Savannah means drivers do not have to go through multiple gate transactions when handling cargo from two different shipping lines,” Lynch said. Georgia is investing both on- and off-terminal to accommodate the free flow of cargo. “Whether it’s across the terminal or across the state, Georgia Ports provides the infrastructure and customer service necessary to ensure freight moves safely and without congestion,” said Kent Fountain, GPA board chairman. “The Peach State understands the importance of a reliable logistics network.”

Rethinking freight brokerage: Tai Software and Denim unite to simplify operations and payments

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. —  Tai Software has unveiled a groundbreaking partnership with Denim, a technology-enabled freight factoring partner for brokers. “We love creating automated processes that eliminate manual data entry across an organization,” said Walter Mitchell, CEO of Tai Software. “This integration shows how committed we are to developing modern innovative solutions that help freight brokers build their business. Busy freight brokers can now save time on freight billing, reduce manual invoicing errors, and get paid faster–all within a system they trust.” According to a press release, the two-way digital integration lets users send important job details from Tai to Denim with a single-click. Load details are created as jobs within Denim’s portal to eliminate duplicative data entry. In return, Denim updates payment status and dates inside Tai’s platform, giving brokers a clear view of both payables and receivables. Tai Software is the industry’s fastest-growing TMS, providing a next-generation digital operations platform for growth-minded freight brokers, according to the release. Tai offers efficiency and scalability through full-scale automation of both the FTL and LTL shipment lifecycle. Through integrations with industry-leading partners, Tai provides brokers with a data-driven and user-friendly centralized freight management platform. Customers report a revenue increase of up to 30% year-over-year after switching to Tai’s TMS. “Denim is a trusted freight factoring partner on a mission to advance the supply chain by accelerating the movement of money and data. Denim delivers fast access to the working capital brokers need, when they need it,” the release said. “With advanced back-office automation tools, Denim improves trucking company efficiency by reducing tasks by 75%, allowing businesses to focus on growth.”

Honoring highway heroes: SCF celebrates Truck Driver Appreciation Week

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. –  The St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund (SCF) is celebrating another Truck Driver Appreciation Week to show gratitude and recognition to truck drivers with the support of several corporate sponsors, including Blue Beacon, Southern Recipe, Pilot Company, Truckstop.com, Echo Global Logistics, Shell Rotella, Raney’s Truck Parts, Fullbay and  Brenny Transportation. “While we at the St. Christopher Fund, along with our sponsors, show our appreciation for truck drivers all year long, Truck Driver Appreciation Week is a special time where everyone involved can elevate that appreciation on a bigger stage,” said Shannon Currier, director of philanthropy with SCF. “Truck drivers are the backbone of our economy and work hard every day to make sure we have food on our tables, clothes on our backs, medical supplies, and more.  We see and appreciate you, drivers, and greatly appreciation the support of everyone in our industry.”  According to an SCF press release, each of the sponsors has made a donation to this year’s St. Christopher National Truck Driver Appreciation Week campaign ranging from $1,000 – $25,000, which will run through September 30. The campaign includes a landing page with a video sharing statements of support, and pictures and stories of drivers that are the backbone of the corporate sponsors.  This year the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund will also be hosting a Hope-A-Thon across all of its social media channels with live interviews with campaign sponsors and SCF beneficiaries and health and wellness program participants throughout the month of September.  “SCF is the only non-profit in the industry tangibly supporting drivers when they are out of work because of injury or illness,” the release said. “SCF also has proven success with our FREE Health and Wellness programs including tobacco cessation, diabetes prevention, chronic disease management, flu, pneumonia and shingles vaccine vouchers, and prostate and colon cancer screenings.” The St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund was founded in 2008 by Dr. John McElligott (“Dr. John”), radio host Dave Nemo of the Dave Nemo Show (XM Radio Channel 146) and his business partner Michael Burns. It began when Dr. John felt compelled to take action after witnessing hundreds of truck drivers and their families struggle to survive as a result of catastrophic illness or injury. Dr. John found willing partners in Nema and Michael and together they launched the truck driver charity to come to the aid of professional drivers in need.  To date, the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund (SCF) has provided $4.8+ million directly to bill holders on behalf of nearly 4,000 professional Class A over-the-road semi-truck drivers. 

Crash in Indiana’s Vigo County sends one to hospital 

VIGO COUNTY, Ind. — Troopers from the Indiana State Police Putnamville Post responded to an accident on Thursday involving a semi tractor-trailer and two other vehicles on Interstate 70 near the sixteen-mile marker eastbound.   According to the preliminary crash investigation by Trooper Brad Fyfe, at approximately 8:40 a.m. local time, Corey R. Yund, 34, of Crawfordsville, Ind., was driving a 2020 Ford truck westbound on Interstate 70 and suddenly reduced his speed near the sixteen-mile marker to make an illegal U-turn at the interstate turnaround. Tyler A. Nusbaumer, 21, of Indianapolis, who was driving a 2017 Dodge truck, struck Yund in the rear. The collision forced Yund’s truck to travel south into the median then into the eastbound driving lane of Interstate 70.  Yund was then struck by a 2021 Freightliner semi tractor-trailer being driven by Haiguang Zhong, 42, of Rosemead, Calif. and the collision forced Yund’s truck back into the median, where it eventually stopped, facing east.  Zhong’s tractor-trailer traveled off the south side of Interstate 70 coming to a stop. According to the report, upon the arrival of the first responders, Yund was extracted from the vehicle and transported by ambulance to a local hospital, for further medical care. There were no other injuries reported. Trooper Fyfe was assisted at the crash scene by several troopers of the Putnamville Post, Riley Fire Department, Trans Care, and Edington’s Wrecker Service. Yund was cited for making an illegal U-turn. The Indiana State Police Putnamville Post is encouraging all motorists to not make illegal U-turns and to follow all signs posted on the roadways.