Dana Guthrie, Author at TheTrucker.com

Midwest Transport abruptly ceases operations; drivers told via phone calls

By Dana Guthrie - September 9, 2024

ROBINSON, Ill. — Midwest Transport Inc. (MTI), an Illinois-based trucking and logistics company, which contracted with the United State Postal Service (USPS) to haul mail has reportedly notified its employees, including more than 480 drivers, that the carrier is ceasing operations, according to sources familiar with the closure. Midwest Transport’s regional managers reportedly notified employees by phone. The company has not yet made a public statement about ceasing operations and has not filed for bankruptcy protection at last check on Sept. 6. The company website is still up and running as of Monday afternoon with no indication of changes, however phone calls by The Trucker were unanswered. According to its website, MTI served as a contractor for the USPS. With routes on both sides of the Mississippi, the company said it had “gradually established our position as one of the larger transportation companies working with USPS, and we add new mail routes every year thanks to our strong reputation for consistency.” According to an email reportedly sent to MTI employees and drivers about the closing late Friday the company stated that postal operations “will complete all trips through the trips that begin on Sunday, September 8. Freight operations should be following the instructions from your load planners on returning. Terminal and office personnel will receive information and updates from your managers as we progress through this transition.” MTI, founded in 1980, operated key terminals in Greenup, Ill.; Harmony, Penn.; Memphis, Tenn. and two terminals in Tampa and Jacksonville, Fla. according to its website. As of Friday, MTI had not filed a notice of its impending closure in Illinois, Tennessee, Pennsylvania or Florida.

Wabash National hit with $462M verdict over 2019 accident that killed two

By Dana Guthrie - January 2, 2025

LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Wabash National has announced it is evaluating all available legal options in response to the verdict by a St. Louis jury resulting in the company being found liable for $12 million in compensatory damages and $450 million in punitive damages related to a 2019 motor vehicle accident in which a passenger vehicle traveling at a high speed struck the back of a nearly stopped 2004 Wabash trailer. On Friday, the industrial manufacturing company said that it believes the $12 million charge will be covered by its insurance policies, but that the outcome of the case could materially hit its financial condition, operations and cash flows. “While this was a tragic accident, we respectfully disagree with the jury’s verdict and firmly believe it is not supported by the facts or the law,” said Kristin Glazner, general counsel and chief administrative officer for Wabash. “No rear impact guard or trailer safety technology has ever existed that would have made a difference here.” After a two-week trial, a St. Louis City jury awarded the verdict on Thursday to two St. Louis families. The accident resulted in two fatalities following a rear-end collision by a passenger vehicle with a tractor-trailer owned and operated by co-defendant GDS Express. Both 30-year-old Taron Tailor, who was driving, and his passenger, 23-year-old Nicholas Perkins were instantly killed on May 19, 2019, when their car went underneath the rear of a trailer along Interstate 44 and 55 near the 7th Street exit. Simon Law attorneys John Simon and Johnny Simon tried the case with co-counsel Brian Winebright of Cantor Injury Law and Lisa Tsacoumangos of Brown & Crouppen represented the families of the victims. Some of the evidence presented at trial dated to the 1967 underride crash that killed Hollywood actress Jayne Mansfield. During closing arguments, Johnny Simon told jurors Wabash failed to build safer RIGs for 30 years and this would have cost Wabash about $15 million a year. The jury awarded punitive damages at $450 million, which was the estimated amount Wabash saved by failing to include the safer RIGs for those 30 years. Compensatory damages included $6 million to the Perkins family and $6 million to the Tailor family. According to a statement on Wabash’s website, the accident occurred nearly two decades after the trailer involved was manufactured in compliance with all existing regulatory standards. Wabash also maintains that despite precedent to the contrary, the jury was prevented from hearing critical evidence in the case, including that the driver’s blood alcohol level was over the legal limit at the time of the accident. The company also stated the fact that neither the driver nor his passenger was wearing a seatbelt was also kept from the jury, even though plaintiffs argued both would have survived a 55-mile-per-hour collision had the vehicle not broken through the trailer’s rear impact guard. “Wabash stands firmly behind the quality and safety of all its products, and this ruling will not prevent the company from continuing to provide its customers with products that contribute to safer roads,” the company said.

ACT Research releases preliminary Class 8 truck net orders for August

By Dana Guthrie - September 6, 2024

COLUMBUS, In. — August preliminary North America Class 8 net orders were 16,400 units, up m/m but down 16% y/y, according to ACT Research. “Class 8 orders remained at directionally and seasonally expected levels in August,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president and senior analyst. “Historically, August is the last month of weak orders before the OEMs open their books to next year’s orders. As such, the month enjoys a large seasonal factor that boosts Class 8 orders nearly 12% above nominal levels to 18,600 units.” Complete industry data for August, including final order numbers, will be published by ACT Research in mid-September. “Preliminary Classes 5-7 orders improved from July, rising 1,200 units m/m to 17,300 units in August,” Vieth said. “While up m/m, MD net orders fell 16% y/y. Historically, August is the beginning of stronger orders for Classes 5-7 vehicles as school bus order season gets underway.” According to Vieth, in aggregate, August NA Classes 5-8 net orders were generally in line with moderating expectations. “The drivers of those expectations are unchanged for the Class 8 market, overcapacity in the US tractor market leading to generational lows in for-hire carrier profits and a continued lack of traction in freight rates are a primary concern,” Vieth said. “For the MD market, the focus is on increasingly overextended US consumers, the impact of high interest rates on discretionary spending, and extremely weak RV demand.”

Semi’s trailer perched on highway sign sparks curiosity

By Dana Guthrie - September 11, 2024

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. — A Virginia highway was partially shut down after a collision that vertically upended a tractor-trailer on Thursday, Sept. 5. According to Henrico police, the westbound lanes of Interstate 64 near Interstate 295 were closed “due to an accident involving a tractor trailer.” A photo shared on social media shows the trailer of a semi-truck standing on end against a heavily damaged highway sign. Local reports stated that traffic was backed up for several miles due to the incident. The Virginia State Police Department is now the lead agency investigating the incident. Troopers told media the driver was charged with reckless driving. This is an ongoing story. More information is expected to be released.

Trimble’s 2024 Ovation Award winners redefine transportation and logistics

By Dana Guthrie - September 6, 2024

WESTMINSTER, Colo. — Trimble has announced the winners of the 2024 Ovation Awards, which recognize Trimble’s transportation and logistics customers for their innovative solutions to improve business performance, safety and efficiency. In a media release, Trimble noted that it is “honored to support its customers as they work to keep critical freight moving along the supply chain in an increasingly connected world.” This year’s winners are as follows. Automation All-Stars: Best in Improving Overall Efficiencies: This award is given to companies that automate business processes to eliminate paperwork and reduce manual tasks. After the Mexican government passed a law that required extensive information regarding shipping manifests and invoices, Mexico-based trucking companies were faced with sudden and complicated compliance requirements. To solve this problem, Tracso LLC created a web application hosted by Trimble SaaS Azure, a cloud-based platform, to automate and validate customer information, share data internally and submit necessary documents to the government. Better Together: Best Collaboration: This award recognizes four companies that have implemented Trimble solutions collaboratively with industry partners. Tucker Freight Linesstruggled with unnecessary manual work, inaccurate data and untracked work orders for years. Trimble and Tucker Freight Lines worked closely together to reset their technology, accomplishing a full integration to Trimble’s TMW.Suite TMS eliminating duplicate data entry and replacing disparate systems. Polaris Transportation Group faced the challenge of tracking both freight and its fleet in real time while connecting drivers and fleets to the back-end Trimble TruckMate TMS. Polaris collaborated with Trimble to roll out Trimble Instinct and FR8Focus — a newly developed mobile drivers’ application — to fully integrate drivers with the back office. This solved the issue and helped drive impressive results: minimizing lost freight and eliminating delays of document captures by 99%. Ashley Furniture aspired to consolidate its entire fleet through a unified application but encountered obstacles due to the existence of 13 separate Trimble contracts. Through collaborative efforts, the teams successfully established a singular contract accompanied by only four supplementary agreements, establishing a new benchmark for Trimble. Ashley Furniture and Trimble joined forces to address the complex task of efficiently integrating Ashley’s extensive fleets — a formidable challenge given the company’s size. As a result, 90% of Ashley Furniture’s integrations encompassing Trimble Instinct, Trimble CoPilot, Trimble PC*Miler, Trimble TMS and Trimble TMT Fleet Maintenance solutions were successfully accomplished. NFI needed to improve communication flow between dispatch and drivers — a complex project that required a lot of teamwork and patience. NFI collaborated closely with Trimble for 18 months to enhance overall driver experience while increasing message delivery speed. Working together continues to be a proven success: Total messaging delivery speed has improved by more than 25%, and the teams are on track to have NFI’s drivers receive their start-of-day dispatch instantaneously. Rookies of the Year: Best Trimble Up and Comer: This award honors new Trimble users who have adopted solutions enthusiastically and achieved notable results within the past 12 months. Landstar Transportation Logistics Inc., an asset-light provider of freight transportation solutions, previously used a third-party purchase order software to manage trailer-repair records and invoice payments, which required continuous development, frequent upgrades and the entry of trailer repairs on two separate systems for one of its largest vendors. After adopting Trimble TMT Fleet Maintenance, Landstar now manages the entire lifecycle of a repair order with that large vendor within one application, tracks all breakdowns and repairs on Landstar-owned equipment and manages frequent equipment inspections. Safety Superteam: Best in Advancing Safety: This award salutes organizations that improve safety by reducing accidents and enhancing overall safety measures. After Ocean State Job Lot set a goal to lower accidents and injuries, the group turned to Trimble, leveraging Trimble Fleet Management to analyze data about potential dangers and remain compliant. Since implementing Trimble technology, OSJL has dramatically reduced accidents and injuries — with just a single DOT recordable accident over the past 27 months and counting. Billy Barnes Enterprises Inc. has also realized the impact of Trimble technology in advancing fleet safety. Two years after implementing Trimble Fleet Management and using Trimble Duo, Billy Barnes Enterprises has reduced accidents by 60%, while also experiencing zero Hours of Service violations — supporting their efforts to minimize fatigue caused by noncompliance and promoting a culture of safety and support for their drivers. Ovation Awards winners will be recognized during Trimble’s Insight Tech Conference in Las Vegas Sept. 15-17. All nominations were submitted by Trimble customers including carriers, shippers and 3PLs that use Trimble solutions. Nominations that highlighted the most impressive results achieved by incorporating Trimble technology into everyday business operations were selected as winners by a panel of judges through a double-blind voting process. For more information about the Ovation Awards, click here.

Shiver me timbers: Good Greek Moving & Storage extends partnership as official mover for the Bucs

By Dana Guthrie - September 6, 2024

TAMPA, Fla. — Good Greek Moving & Storage has extended its partnership with the National Football League’s (NFL) Tampa Bay Buccaneers as the official mover for the team in a multi-year deal. “We are thrilled to extend our partnership with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a team that embodies the spirit of excellence both on and off the field,” said Spero Georgedakis, founder and CEO of Good Greek Moving & Storage and Good Greek Relocation Systems. “As a proud member of this community and a lifelong Bucs fan, it’s an honor to continue supporting the team, their loyal fans and the entire Tampa Bay community. We’re committed to delivering the same championship-level service that has made us the trusted movers of the NFL, ensuring that our hometown team is always ready to perform at its best.” According to a company press release, Good Greek, which was recognized as the 2024 National Mover of the Year by the American Trucking Association has solidified a multi-year extension to continue dedicated service to the Buccaneers, ensuring seamless transportation logistics for the team both on and off the field. “As the official movers of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Good Greek Moving & Storage is entrusted with the crucial task of transporting everything the team needs, from essential game-day equipment to the personal relocation needs of players, coaches and management,” the release said. “The company ensures the timely and secure transportation of all Buccaneers’ equipment to every away game during the NFL pre-season, regular seasons and playoffs. This partnership allows the Buccaneers to concentrate on their game, confident in the reliable logistics support provided by Good Greek.” The extension marks an exciting chapter in Good Greek’s involvement with the NFL, with additional NFL Partnership announcements expected soon. Beyond managing the team’s equipment logistics, Good Greek is also committed to serving Buccaneers fans, offering customized moving services that keep them close to the action, whether they’re relocating within the Tampa Bay area or beyond. According to the release through this partnership, fans will benefit from exclusive discounts and promotions, reinforcing Good Greek’s commitment to providing the “best move ever.” Fans attending home games at Raymond James Stadium can also look forward to a new, co-branded mural at sections 136/137, celebrating the enduring partnership between the Buccaneers and Good Greek Moving & Storage. “We value Good Greek Moving & Storage’s commitment to award-winning service and are pleased to continue that relationship into the future,” said Atul Khosla, chief commercial officer for the Buccaneers. “In order for our team to perform at its best on the road, it is essential that travel logistics run smoothly. Good Greek’s expertise in working with professional sports teams throughout the state makes them an ideal partner to handle our moving and storage needs.” The release also noted that the partnership with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is just one of 18 professional and collegiate sports partnerships for the Florida company. Along with the Tampa Bay Rays and Tampa Bay Rowdies, Good Greek is the official mover for The University of Miami, The University of Central Florida, Orlando Magic, Orlando HEAT, Miami Marlins and more. Through these partnerships, Good Greek demonstrates its commitment to community involvement and excellence, aiming to create lifelong customers by embodying the values of Honor, Faith, Strength and Courage—the four pillars of the Good Greek Way.

Aurora expands driverless truck route to 1,000 miles

By Dana Guthrie - September 12, 2024

DALLAS, Texas — Aurora Innovation Inc. is expanding its driverless truck routes between El Paso, Texas, and Phoenix, Arizona, as well as implementing its new Partner Success Program. “We strongly believe that engaging key partners — the people who will regularly interact with the Aurora Driver — is critical to the success of our driverless commercial product,” said Ossa Fisher, president of Aurora. “Our Partner Summit allows us to showcase the capabilities and competence of the Aurora Driver and build trust with our stakeholders that we’re on the right path to safely deploy driverless trucks.” Aurora Partner Summit According to a company press release, the Aurora Partner Summit brings together over 20 carriers as well as industry safety experts, regulators, first responders and law enforcement from the national, state and local level for collaborative conversations on a wide range of industry topics. Nat Beuse, Aurora’s chief safety officer, will outline the company’s approach to evaluating the Aurora Driver’s readiness for driverless operations between Dallas and Houston through the closure of its Safety Case. Additionally, law enforcement professionals and first responders will share their experiences working with Aurora and how they are preparing for driverless trucks in Texas. Partner Success Program Aurora is also launching an industry-first Partner Success Program, which puts customers’ drivers and executives in the cab of Aurora Driver-powered trucks to evaluate autonomy performance before driverless operations, according to the release. To help validate the program, Aurora enlisted J.J. Keller, a trusted source in safety and regulatory compliance, to take a ride and provide feedback on the experience. The program is slated to begin in Q4 2024. Phoenix Route Expansion The release also notes that, as part of the company’s effort to unlock value for carriers, Aurora plans to extend its Fort Worth to El Paso lane by opening operations to Phoenix. The company expects to begin commercial pilots for customers between Fort Worth and Phoenix in the first half of 2025 with the intent to go driverless on that route later in the year. The 1,000-mile passage takes over 15 hours to complete, making it particularly compelling for autonomy. Aurora has hauled over 7,000 loads for pilot customers across nearly two million commercial miles to date.

Platform Science partners with TAT to eradicate human trafficking

By Dana Guthrie - September 6, 2024

SAN DIEGO, Calif.— Platform Science, has announced a strategic partnership with TAT (formerly known as Truckers Against Trafficking), to install the user friendly TAT app on all tablets provided to Platform Science customers to help make it easier to report suspected human trafficking. “We are grateful to TAT for the incredible work they do in mobilizing the trucking industry to fight human trafficking,” said said Michael Bray, chief commercial officer for Platform Science. “By offering the TAT app to our customer’s drivers, we are empowering them to play an active role in this important effort. Drivers are at the center of everything we do and this is another example of how we give them the tools at their fingertips to make a difference while on the road.” TAT is a nonprofit organization focused on educating members of the truck, bus and energy industries about the realities of human trafficking and how they can combat it. Through this partnership, the TAT app for ELDs will be installed on tablets provided to Platform Science customers. This initiative ensures that drivers have immediate access to vital resources and tools necessary to identify and report suspected human trafficking incidents. “We are honored to partner with Platform Science to further our mission of combating human trafficking,” said Esther Goetsch, executive director for TAT. “By equipping drivers with our app, Platform Science is providing them with crucial tools and resources to identify and report trafficking incidents, which is essential in our collective fight against this critical issue.” According to a media release, TAT is playing a vital role by educating, equipping and mobilizing members of the trucking and transportation industry. With thousands of professional drivers crisscrossing the nation’s highways, TAT leverages this vast network to serve as the eyes and ears on the road, helping to identify and rescue victims of trafficking. “As a proud customer of Platform Science and a supporter of TAT, we are excited by the enormous potential impact of this partnership,” said Austin Henderson, CIO for FirstFleet Inc. “Platform Science has enabled us to run the TAT app on our tablets, and we are proud to work with them to advocate for this cause. This will make a significant impact in our world and potentially change lives. We hope every fleet will offer this to their drivers.” The release noted that human trafficking is a pervasive crime that affects millions of people worldwide, including vulnerable individuals within our own communities. By partnering with trucking and transportation professionals, TAT is uniquely positioned to make a significant impact in the fight against this heinous crime. Their efforts not only lead to the rescue of trafficking victims but also contribute to the dismantling of trafficking networks, thereby promoting safety and justice across the industry and beyond.

Estes ushers in ‘new era’ for safe driving recognition with revamped million-mile program

By Dana Guthrie - September 5, 2024

When one of North America’s largest, privately owned freight carriers was looking for a way to rewards its most loyal and safest drivers, Estes Express Lines wanted to go above and beyond for its employees.  To accomplish this, the team decided to revamp the Estes Million Mile Program. The new program is data-driven and boasts greater accuracy, real-time mileage tracking and greater flexibility, along with other updates.   “Our main focus is to move freight, but it’s also to move freight safely,” said Curtis Carr, vice president of safety/risk management at Estes. “We are looking out for our drivers’ well-being, and the motoring public’s well-being. This is an opportunity to reward our drivers and to honor our drivers for the accomplishments that they have reached.”  A couple of months ago, Estes leaders traveled to terminals throughout the country to honor the company’s nearly 2,500 drivers who have reached the one-, two- and three-million-mile mark with Estes. Another 1,500 drivers were recognized for hitting the another 500,000 milestone after each million-mile mark. In addition to the accolades, drivers received a coveted Estes-branded jacket.   “I’ve handed out well over 200 of the jackets myself,” Carr said. “They remind me of the letter jackets in high school. It has the driver’s name on it and a patch that signifies what they have accomplished. It has the company logo on it and is something they can wear with pride. “It was hard to get people to put them on in the July heat for photos though,” Carr said with a laugh. Estes’ Million Mile Program began in 2000, with driver eligibility based on longevity with the company; this criteria is a standard process still used by many carriers. The new program relies on data and technology to track the distance each driver puts on the road. According to Estes, reaching one million miles can take an average of eight to 10 years, depending on the role of the driver.  Greg Richardson, Estes’ vice president of human resources, also champions the changes made to the program.  “This is one of the greatest awards and pieces of recognition that any driver can receive,” Richardson said. “Consider that our drivers — or any drivers — are doing more than just driving. They are on the road every single day, (making) pick up and deliveries, bumping up against docks (and other) hard areas to really navigate,” he said. “If they’re able to do that for a million consecutive miles without having an incident, it’s just nothing short of amazing. It really, really boggles my mind.”  Richardson says he has an immense appreciation for drivers and the professionalism that exists in the industry.   “They are able to have a calm demeanor and navigate their jobs every day to the degree that they do,” Richardson said. “I don’t like driving my car 5 miles. They just have the ability to do things that I don’t think everybody can do, and this is their reward for what they do.” Carr also admires drivers for their dedication to their craft.  “To put it in perspective, think about how many miles you drive annually in your car,” Carr said. “How many miles would you guess? Just for perspective, our regional vice president in the northeast, he was with me when we went to present many of (the awards). (He) drives 30,000 miles a year. If you look at that (number), after 30 years, he’s still 10,000 miles shy of where these guys have gotten in their career.”  Carr noted that when the company started the original program in 2000, the industry standard was that 12 years equals one million miles.  “Those 12 years were based on a 55 mph limit in most areas,” Carr said. “Now, with speed limits up to 65 mph, it’s outdated. That’s what people thought back then, that 12 years equals one million miles. We have the records now that can actually show their milage. Our drivers can reach this in seven or eight years.”  Investing in the Million Mile program’s refresh to reward and recognize safe drivers is part of Estes’ commitment to safety. Estes The carrier is frequently recognized as a safe trucking company. In 2024, Estes won six awards from the American Trucking Associations (ATA) for its safe driving in the line haul, LTL and local categories.     “Every mile matters to a driver, and we want Estes drivers to know that we see them, we appreciate their commitment to safety and we have great respect for the skill they provide,” said Carr said. “Having real-time access to the miles they’ve clocked will be a game changer for the program and will motivate our drivers to continue to drive safely.”  

Texas DPS finds 17 migrants in counterfeit Lowe’s truck

By Dana Guthrie - September 5, 2024

KINNEY, Texas — Troopers with the Texas Department of Public Safety have recovered 17 illegal immigrants (13 males and four females) from a hidden compartment inside a cloned Lowe’s work truck in Kinney County. According to a social media post by Lt. Chris Olivarez, spokesperson with the Texas Department of Public Safety – South Texas Region, troopers arrested the driver from Mississippi for human smuggling causing serious bodily injury. “Troopers reported several males and females were drenched in sweat suffering from dehydration and numbness in their legs as a result of being crammed in 3’ wide space,” Olivarez said. “Medical treatment was provided. Great work by our DPS Troopers in preventing a mass casualty smuggling event.” This is an ongoing story and more information is expected to be released.

Rock Hill revs up with Excel Truck Group’s grand opening celebration in South Carolina

By Dana Guthrie - September 5, 2024

Rock Hill, S.C. – Excel Truck Group has announced the upcoming grand opening of its newest commercial truck parts and service center in Rock Hill. “Our goal is to be the preferred partner for owner-operators and fleets in Rock Hill and beyond,” said Ryan Wood, fixed operations director. “With our state-of-the-art facility, factory-trained technicians and parts inventory, we are well-positioned to meet the needs of our customers and exceed their expectations.” According to a company media release, the new center will be located at 1170 Porter Road, just off I-77 exit 75. The new dealership has 36 service bays, ensuring maintenance and repairs for fleets of all sizes. “Excel Truck Group’s expansion into Rock Hill represents an investment in the local community, creating new job opportunities and contributing to the economic growth of the region,” the release said. “The parts and service center will not only serve as a hub for commercial truck maintenance and repair but also as a trusted resource for industry expertise and support with its factory-certified trainers and state-of-the-art training facility. Excel Truck Group would like to give special thanks to Cohn Construction, our construction vendor partner for SC. Excel appreciates their professionalism and quality work.” For more information about Excel Truck Group’s new dealership in Rock Hill visit www.ExcelTruckGroup.com

ISP Lowell Post’s 24-hour blitz pulls in over 300 traffic stops

By Dana Guthrie - September 5, 2024

Northwest In. – The Indiana State Police Lowell Post along with troopers assigned to the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division conducted a 24-hour blitz focusing on traffic and criminal activity along I-80/94 and I-65 on Friday. According to an ISP press release, the focused patrol culminated in over 300 traffic stops which resulted in traffic citations, warnings and arrests. “Proud does not begin to describe my feelings about the efforts put forth by the Troopers assigned to Lowell, but also the Troopers and Motor Carrier Inspectors with the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division within our district,” said ISP Lt. Weems. “Through their hard work, our communities are made safer not only this past Friday, but on a daily basis. Thank you to all of the agencies that participated in this most recent blitz, and we look forward to working with each agency in future focused patrols.” Here are the results posted by the Indiana State Police: Trucks (Semi) Stops: 78 Truck (Semi) Citations: 58 Truck (Semi) Warning: 68 Trucks Out of Service: 14 Traffic Stops: 327 Citations: 237 Moving Violations: 147 Warnings: 231 Police Services: 47 Crashes: 13 Defendants Incarcerated: 12 Criminal Charges: 36 Felony Charges: 5 Drug Arrests: 6 O.W.I. Defendants: 9 Driving While Suspended: 9 The above list is a brief synopsis of the activity that day. Other law enforcement agencies in the region also participated in the blitz, however, their additional stats were not readily available at the time of this release.

Allen Lund appoints new GM for its Madison office

By Dana Guthrie - September 5, 2024

LA CANADA, Canada — The Allen Lund Company (ALC) has announced promotion of Ben Tinker to general manager of the ALC Madison office. “I am honored and excited to tackle this opportunity,” Tinker said. “Throughout my ten years with ALC, the company’s commitment to integrity, candor and hard work for both shippers and carriers has stood out to me. I look forward to continuing that tradition in Madison and moving the office forward. I have the pleasure to lead an experienced team in Madison and we are excited to share that knowledge with our shippers, our core carriers, and ALC. Thank you to the executive team for their commitment to the Madison office and me.” Tinker has served as the assistant general manager of the Madison office for the past seven years. He joined ALC in 2014 after the company acquired Northern Freight Service. “Congratulations to Ben Tinker on his promotion to General Manager of our Madison, Wis,” said Tracey Lewin, vice president of sales and operations. “Ben has over 17 years of industry experience, ten of which have been with ALC. He was promoted to Assistant General Manager in 2017 and while in that role, continued to sell and helped the office’s load count grow while supporting and guiding the entire operations team. With Ben’s experience and knowledge, tenacity, and motivation to grow, we have big expectations and are excited to see all the ways in which the Madison office will continue to expand under his leadership. I look forward to working more closely with Ben, and we welcome him to the entire GM team.”

Mack Trucks takes customization to the next level with virtual truck builder

By Dana Guthrie - September 5, 2024

GREENSBORO, N.C. – Mack Trucks is bringing exciting new technology to the industry with its innovative snd cutting-edge Truck Builder, a digital platform that allows customers to customize their dream Mack truck from the ground up. “Our new Truck Builder isn’t just an upgrade – it’s a complete reimagining of how customers interact with our products,” said David Galbraith, Mack Trucks vice president of global brand and marketing. “We’ve created an immersive, user-friendly experience that brings the excitement of building a Mack truck to life in new and unprecedented ways.” According to a company press release, the new tool represents a comprehensive overhaul of Mack’s previous online truck customization technology and significantly enhances the user experience. The Mack Truck Builder offers an unparalleled level of customization, allowing users to personalize every aspect of their truck, and covers the Mack Pinnacle, Granite, Mack Anthem, Mack MD Series and the Mack LR, including MD Electric and LR Electric models. Customers can explore a full 3D rendering of both the truck exterior and the cab interior, including various trim options. In addition, customers can customize the exterior color with an expanded palette. Users have comprehensive control over component selection across body, powertrain, axles, suspension and chassis, ensuring each truck is tailored to each customer’s specific needs. Multiple viewing angles, including studio view, 360-degree rotation and detailed hotspots, provide a thorough visualization of the customized vehicle. In addition to a robust and detailed customization experience, Truck Builder goes beyond mere aesthetics by integrating Mack’s financing options and the Mack Connect fleet performance portal into the customization process. This integration provides customers with a comprehensive view of their potential Mack truck ownership experience. The platform showcases Mack’s financing solutions, including loans, leases and insurance options, tailored to meet the specific needs of both over-the-road and vocational applications. “By incorporating these essential ownership aspects into Truck Builder, we’re providing customers with a truly comprehensive view of what it means to own a Mack truck,” Galbraith said. “This tool not only allows customers to design their ideal truck but also helps them envision how Mack supports their business long after the initial purchase.” The Truck Builder also introduces users to Mack Connect, a unified dashboard that offers real-time performance data, location tracking, analytics and diagnostic insights. This fleet performance portal enables future Mack truck owners to track performance, optimize routes and identify points of interest using location data, maximize Uptime and increase efficiency. The platform also highlights Mack’s comprehensive warranty protection and service contract options. The release noted that once a build is complete, the platform seamlessly connects customers with local Mack dealers who can refine the specifications and bring the custom truck to life. The builder saves configurations, allowing users to revisit and modify their designs at their convenience. This feature enhances the user experience by providing flexibility and encouraging exploration of different options. “Truck Builder is more than a configuration tool – it’s a gateway to the Mack experience,” Galbraith said. “It embodies our commitment to innovation and customer service, allowing potential buyers to explore and spec their ideal truck when convenient for them.”

Innovation in cost efficiency; Smith Trucking partners with E-SMART

By Dana Guthrie - September 5, 2024

INDIANAPOLIS, In. — Smith Trucking has announced a partnership with E-SMART to implement the speed management system across its entire fleet in order to lower potential claims, fuel and other costs. “With insurance costs for motor carriers rising, Smith Trucking’s decision to invest in preventing accidents by utilizing our advanced speed limiter technology is an effective and forward-thinking approach,” said Joe Thell, senior vice president at E-SMART. “We are pleased they have decided to use our system to reduce their risk, lower costs, and improve safety.” According to a company press release, the E-SMART Dynamic Speed Management system is being used at Smith Trucking to limit trucks on Interstates, and on local roads with lower posted speed limits. Installations across the entire fleet are expected to be completed this fall. “E-SMART’s Dynamic Speed Management technology is a more effective investment than the umbrella insurance coverage we’ve been buying because it gives us better control for the money,” said Mike Smith, vice president and general manager of Smith Trucking. “Speeding was a factor in our higher CSA scores, so we knew that managing speed would help greatly reduce that issue and better protect ourselves from liability and potentially very costly litigation.” Smith also pointed out that effective speed management will lead to improved fuel mileage and lower costs for tires and equipment wear. “Controlling speed also improves safety for our drivers and other motorists,” Smith said. “It will take some time, but we believe we will be able to look back and say that E-SMART paid for itself and really changed things for us.” According to the release, using advanced positioning technology, the E-SMART system determines the location of assets in real time to actively govern their maximum safe speed set by a company on the E-SMART customer portal. E-SMART communicates with an ECU that is installed in the truck to control the throttle and can be used to set verbal notifications for each zone.

The power of giving: How TravelCenters of America is changing lives

By Dana Guthrie - September 4, 2024

WESTLAKE, Ohio – TravelCenters of America has raised nearly $300,000 for St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund (SCF) and TAT, formerly Truckers Against Trafficking in two separate fundraisers this summer. “We are deeply grateful for the entire TA team for their continued support and generosity,” said Shannon Currier, director of philanthropy, SCF. “Their commitment to support and promote our programs significantly amplifies our efforts to assist truck drivers in need. This long-time collaboration not only highlights the spirit of community within the trucking industry, but also provides essential support to our drivers, ensuring they receive the help they need while on the road. Thank you, TA, for being a steadfast partner in our mission.” According to a company press release, the annual charity golf event held in August was TA’s most successful event ever, raising nearly $200,000 that will be distributed evenly between the two non-profits. SCF, which provides financial assistance to professional drivers out of work due to illness or injury, will receive an additional $89,000 from funds collected during a register Round Up campaign held in June and July at participating TA, Petro and TA Express locations. “This outstanding contribution furthers the important work of fighting human trafficking in our communities,” said Esther Goetsch, executive director for TAT. “The truck stop industry plays a critical role in that protective force, and TA leads by example and action,” In addition to raising awareness through events like these, TA trains their employees annually and displays posters in the restrooms at TA locations that serve as a resource for victims. TA is an instrumental ally against one of the most significant human rights violations of our time.” The release also said that TA is beyond grateful for the those who have contributed to the company’s charitable endeavors. “Thank you to our many guests, vendor partners, franchisees and team members who have been so generous with their time and support for SCF and TAT,” said Debi Boffa, TA CEO. “These organizations have an immense impact on the trucking community, and we are committed to continuing our support of their important work.”

The future of fleet management: JRayl Transport’s investment in Kenworth T680s

By Dana Guthrie - September 3, 2024

KIRKLAND, Wash. – JRayl Transport has announced that its fleet is transitioning to Kenworth T680s with PACCAR Powertrain to optimize efficiency. “In 2020, an opportunity came up to purchase 40 used Kenworth T680s with the PACCAR powertrain,” said Ryan Richards, JRayl CEO. “With used trucks, there’s no way to know how well the previous owner maintained them or if you’ll encounter unexpected issues, but we knew Kenworth built quality trucks and had heard good things about the PACCAR engine. Tim (Rayl) would say that you wouldn’t consider a truck broken in until it reached almost a million miles. Since we hadn’t ventured down the Kenworth or PACCAR path, we wanted to see how the Kenworth’s performed and if they would be a viable option for us moving forward.” According to a press release, JRayl operates more than 400 trucks across its strategically placed locations in Ohio, Indiana, Virginia and Texas. The company provides both regional and long-haul services, including truckload, dedicated, flatbed, LTL and more. Richards said that the company constantly evaluates its operations to find opportunities to run more efficiently. JRayl has operated a healthy mix of leased and company-owned trucks comprised of multiple makes and powertrains, which presented challenges with service intervals, maintenance costs, and other operational issues. To simplify its operation, JRayl looked to build a uniform fleet of the same truck make and model and decided to add Kenworth T680s. Richards added that engine reliability, serviceability, fuel efficiency and driver satisfaction were the primary factors JRayl considered when it decided to add the used T680s. “And since then, we haven’t looked back,” Richards said. “The trucks have performed how we hoped they would. The uptime, serviceability, and performance of the PACCAR engine, coupled with a smooth transition into automated transmissions from manuals, helped validate our decision to build consistency in the fleet of trucks we operate. Since our initial purchase, we’ve added about 80 more T680s, and we plan to buy more.” The additional T680s were bought new and were configured primarily with 76-inch sleepers and specified with PACCAR MX-13 engines rated at 455 hp and PACCAR TX-12 automated transmissions for long-haul operations. The company also added a few day cabs for regional drivers with the same powertrain specs. JRayl works with Hissong Kenworth for new truck orders, service, and parts. “We have a great relationship with our local Kenworth dealer, Hissong,” Richards said. “They’ve done an excellent job supporting our operation and providing the services we need. They handle all warranty and major component-related maintenance, and we have staff at our facilities that are equipped to perform routine service intervals. Hissong is a great partner.” In addition to powertrain reliability and performance, driver satisfaction played a key role in JRayl’s continued addition of T680s. “Our drivers are the heart and soul of the company, so it’s important for us to provide them with equipment they’re comfortable in,” Richards said. “Our drivers really like the Kenworths, the creature comforts the cab provides, and the overall experience behind the wheel. It’s a top-of-the-line truck.” Richards also noted that, inside the cab, JRayl specs premium seats, double bunks, refrigerators, and other optional upgrades to enhance the driver experience. “I have been here 29 years, a lot of that time as a driver, and the Kenworths are by far the best trucks we’ve ever had,” said Rich Hayward, JRayl CDL apprenticeship program director. “Our driver count has been helped with these new trucks. I have drivers who went through our training program years ago and are still on with us. Some of them have already gotten their million miles in.” Tim Rayl, one of the company’s founders, continues to be an active owner and while JRayl has experienced significant growth through the years, maintaining a “family-owned, employee-friendly” atmosphere remains a top priority. According to the release, for JRayl, the decision to add Kenworths has paid off. “The overall experience with the Kenworth product is everything we were looking for,” Richards said. “The creature comforts, the fuel mileage and the driver experience is something we hadn’t experienced until this point in our company’s history.”

Clean Harbors bolsters leadership with two new board members

By Dana Guthrie - September 3, 2024

NORWELL, Mass. — Clean Harbors Inc. has announced that Co-Chief Executive Officers Michael Battles and Eric Gerstenberg have joined the Company’s Board of Directors, effective immediately. “Eric and Mike are talented, proven executives with lengthy track records of valuable contributions to Clean Harbors,” said Alan S. McKim, Clean Harbors founder, executive chairman and chief technology officer. “The first year and a half under their leadership as co-CEOs has been an incredibly successful period for the Company, its employees and its shareholders as we execute our Vision 2027 growth strategy. Their collective insights in the areas of operations, finance, sales and capital allocation further strengthens our Board.” According to a media release, the company’s board was expanded to 13 members in conjunction with these appointments. Gerstenberg and Battles will both serve as Class III directors. Gerstenberg, 56, joined Clean Harbors in 1989 and during the past thirty years he has held a variety of positions of increasing responsibility throughout the organization. Prior to being named co-chief executive officer, he was the company’s chief operating officer – a position he has held since 2015 – where he had responsibility for the environmental sales and service organization, all of its facilities including incinerators and re-refineries, and oversaw the majority of its workforce. Gerstenberg completed the Advanced Management Program (AMP) at Harvard Business School, and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from Syracuse University. Battles, 56, joined Clean Harbors in 2013 as chief accounting officer after a long career in public accounting at Deloitte & Touche, and as a finance leader at PerkinElmer, Inc. He was elevated to chief financial officer in 2016 and became co-chief executive officer in 2023. During his tenure as the company’s CFO he oversaw the entire finance organization, including multiple debt raises and refinancing, as well as taking on some strategic and operational oversight. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of Casella Waste Systems Inc.. Battles holds a BS in Business Administration from the University of Vermont and is a certified public accountant. He also has a Certificate in Cybersecurity Oversight issued by the National Association of Corporate Directors and Carnegie Mellon University.

Industry veteran says trucking is a passion, not just a profession

By Dana Guthrie - September 3, 2024

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has named Lehua Anderson as its September 2024 Member of the Month, highlighting her accomplishments after a quarter of a century in the business. “I don’t have to manage or supervise anyone, and I have the freedom to make my own choices about when my day is going to start and where I want to go,” Anderson said. According to a media release, Anderson, a professional driver for GP Transco, is originally from Moloka’I, a tiny island in Hawaii. Anderson relocated and was raised in rural Alaska where much of the population survived on fishing, farming and hunting. Her upbringing, surrounded by a family of towering Polynesian men, showed her that challenges are meant to be conquered, regardless of gender norms. “Men don’t scare me,” Anderson said. When Anderson’s children moved out, she and her husband decided they wanted to travel and began pursuing professional truck driving careers. With a staggering 25 years of overall experience, she enjoys the freedom of driving and that trucking isn’t just a profession, but a passion forged through years of dedication and a deep-seated love for the open road. Anderson stressed the importance of researching and finding a company that prioritizes the safety of their drivers especially as a woman in a male-populated industry, according to the release. While at her first company, she recalls a time she got stuck in a blizzard with no heat in her truck. Anderson relied on her ten years of living in Alaska to survive showcasing her ability to navigate any roadblock with finesse and confidence. “In the world of trucking, where grit and determination pave the way, Anderson stands as a beacon of strength and resilience,” the release said. “Her journey with GP Transco is not just about miles driven, but about overcoming obstacles with unwavering courage.” According to WIT, Anderson embodies the spirit of perseverance that defines the Women in Trucking community. Her story inspires admiration and a profound respect for those who dare to break barriers and pave new paths in the world of trucking.

Inside Out: Amelia Rose traveled the world before finding a home at TCA

By Dana Guthrie - September 2, 2024

When Amelia Rose began studying music at Morgan State University (MSU), an historically black university, she found a home and community, along with the chance to pursue her passion. What she didn’t realize at the time was that her career would let her travel the world before bringing her to another home — the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA). “Music is my first love,” Rose said “It keeps me on track to this day. It grounds me.” When preparing to select a college, she was accepted into several schools, including Berkley, but chose MSU because of the sense of community she saw on campus. At MSU, she says, she was able to develop her musical talent while experiencing all the benefits an HBCU has to offer. “I grew up in Maryland, born and raised,” Rose said. “I went to college in Baltimore, so I didn’t go too far. Sometimes I wish I had gone to Boston or something. I enjoyed my experience, and I learned a lot. “It was really big on community and growth, which I really needed at the time,” continued, adding that she wouldn’t trade her time at MSU for anything. Music has always been a focal point of Rose’s life, even as a child. She performs both vocally and as a pianist and notes that music is as much a part of her life as breathing. After graduating from MSU, Rose worked as a freelance music professional before finding herself in a new field. “I kind of fell into a marketing position one summer,” she said. “I was hired to work for Jack Daniels Whiskey as a brand ambassador. It was a lot of fun, and I met a lot of cool people. I worked a lot of amazing events, met celebrities — and that was my first real marketing job.” Rose took advantage of this new opportunity, developing connections that positioned her to work with a number of different brands and travel the world. “I built my experience in event management and marketing, but after a while I realized I wanted something more stable,” she said. “I was hired to work at a window manufacturing company as their home shows and events coordinator. That’s what got me more so to event coordination side. From there, I was hired by the TCA.” As the association’s meetings and events coordinator, Rose works with the senior director of meetings to coordinate logistics for each of the TCA’s three biggest events each year — Truckload, TCA’s annual convention; the Safety & Security Meeting; and the Refrigerated Meeting. “I help set up the meetings and work with the facilitators of our TCA Profitability Program, which we call TPP,” Rose said. “It’s a program we have in-house where we set up best-practice groups comprised of executives from top-performing companies with similar backgrounds and operating strategies to meet and discuss best practices and find solutions for things they might be going through within their companies.” Rose says she loves working with other TCA team members to make sure each event runs smoothly. “My favorite thing about my job is the travel, and I also love the associations members,” she said. “Everyone is just so humble, and down to earth and kind. They are such gracious and welcoming people. It’s been a great experience being here. It’s awesome!” Because her position is very “customer-facing,” Rose says it can be overwhelming at times — but the people she meets make it all worth it. “I genuinely do enjoy the interactions that I have with the people I meet here,” she said. Rose says she believes that she is exactly where she is supposed to be, and she hopes to stay with the TCA for years to come. She says that working with the TCA gives her a sense of community much like the one she experienced back in her college days at MSU. “I enjoy working with the staff here, and like I said before, the members are amazing,” she said. “It’s a great team. We are a small team here, but we are transparent and direct. We get things done.” As for her first love, Rose says she has not forgotten her musical roots. She hopes to give some solo opera performances or participate in some local performance groups, and she plans to get back to the piano as well. “I’m young, but I have an old soul and a wise spirit,” she said. “I feel like I’ve lived many lives and I’ve seen many things, and I think that path of being in tune with the universe and believing in God and trusting your intuition — it’s led me to where I am now.” This story originally appeared in the September/October 2024 edition of Truckload Authority, the official magazine of the Truckload Carriers Association.