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Erica N. Guy

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About Erica N. Guy
Born and raised in Little Rock, AR, Erica N. Guy decided to stay in her hometown to begin her professional career in journalism. Since obtaining her bachelor's degree from UAPB, Erica has professionally written for several publications about several topics ranging from lifestyle, tech, culture, and entertainment, just to name a few. Continuing her love for her hometown, she joined our team in June 2023, where she is currently a staff writer. Her career goals include continuing storytelling through her writing by being the best professional writer she can be. In her spare time, Erica enjoys trying new foods, cozying up with a good book, spending time with family and friends, and establishing herself as a future businesswoman.

Posts by Erica N. Guy

Advantage Truck Group names 8 Pete DePina Legacy Award winners

By Erica N. Guy -

SHREWSBURY, Mass. — Advantage TruckGroup (ATG) has named its 2023 Pete DePina Legacy Award winners, recognizing eight individuals across its dealerships in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont for making an impact on their fellow employees, customers and the company. “Our ability to provide the best service experience for our customers reflects the dedication and contributions of our team members,” ATG President & CEO Kevin Holmes said. “This award helps us honor those who go beyond expectations, and whose efforts and attitude, like Pete’s, elevate the quality of service across our network and make a positive impact on the people around them.”   The highest recognition that an ATG team member can receive, this annual award was created as a memorial to ATG employee Napoleon “Pete” DePina and honors an individual at each ATG location who most embodies the values and qualities DePina was known for, including integrity and a quiet leadership grounded in humility, generosity and selfless service to others, according to a news release. Employees were nominated by their peers for the award. Winners were presented with a monetary award that they will continue to receive as part of their profit-sharing bonus each year throughout their employment with the company. The award winners are: Nicholas Sabatino, shop foreman, ATG Raynham Garrett Habib, senior IT analyst, ATG Shrewsbury Gerry Avery, facilities support, ATG Westfield Ian Schulte, diesel technician, ATG Lancaster Stacie Bennett, administrative assistant, ATG Lebanon Tony Palmer, back parts counter associate, ATG Manchester Sal Huerta, parts administrator, ATG Seabrook Laurie Clough, truck sales administrator, ATG Westminster

ABF Freight trucker named TCA Highway Angel following heroic actions

By Erica N. Guy -

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has named truck driver David Garduno from Albuquerque, New Mexico, a TCA Highway Angel. Garduno drives for ABF Freight out of Fort Smith, Arkansas. At around 2 a.m. on Jan. 9, Garduno’s heroic story took place, according to an account reported by TCA. Driving down U.S. 64 in Kirtland, New Mexico, Garduno drove upon another tractor-trailer operator whose trailer was on fire. “I sped up and informed the driver his truck was starting to catch fire — the trailer was catching fire — and to pull over,” Garduno said. “We both pulled over.”  Once the rigs were safely parked on the road’s shoulder, Garduno grabbed his fire extinguisher to try to put the fire out but was unsuccessful. Noticing that the fire was on molten metal, he informed the trucker to break apart the two trailers to avoid losing his entire truck to the flames. “We split the two trailers apart,” Garduno said. Garduno then noticed there was hazardous material in the truck’s load as the other trucker called 911 for help. He then got his traffic safety triangles out and placed them on the road behind the flaming truck to attempt to keep traffic at a safe distance. He also moved his truck away from it as the fire department arrived. “The fire department came, and it took about two hours to put out, even though it was 10 degrees or less outside,” Garduno said.   As a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Garduno credited his military training for being able to stay calm. He also felt obliged to stop and help the other trucker during the incident.  “If I was in his position, I would want someone to help me,” he said. “You always gotta help each other out.”  Since the TCA Highway Angels program was established in August 1997, nearly 1,400 professional truck drivers have been recognized as Highway Angels for their extraordinary kindness, courtesy and courage displayed while on the job. Thanks to the program’s presenting sponsor, EpicVue, and supporting sponsors, DriverFacts and Northland Insurance, TCA is able to showcase outstanding drivers like Garduno.  The TCA Highway Angels website can be accessed at https://www.truckload.org/highway-angel/.   

PACCAR Parts awards dealer performances at Peterbilt Dealer Meeting

By Erica N. Guy -

RENTON, Wash. — PACCAR Parts announced awards for exceptional performances of dealers at its February Peterbilt Dealer Meeting. PACCAR presented the awards to the dealers who demonstrated excellence for outstanding parts, TRP Parts, eCommerce achievements, along with growth in parts, customer satisfaction, knowledge and the application of PACCAR technologies, according to a news release. “PACCAR Parts is honored to highlight these dealers and their accomplishments,” said Laura Bloch, PACCAR Parts general manager and PACCAR vice president. “Our partnerships with the Peterbilt dealer network continue to exceed expectations in business growth and customer satisfaction.” The 2023 Peterbilt Parts Dealer of the Year was awarded to The Peterbilt Store. “The group achieved outstanding results in retail growth, purchase growth, fleet sales, eCommerce and loyalty membership programs,” according to the news release. “The group opened two new Peterbilt Parts and Service locations in Roanoke, Virginia and Boston. They also achieved tremendous growth in fleet and retail parts sales through eCommerce. The Peterbilt Store fully supports the TRP initiative with a successful TRP store.” The 2023 TRP Dealer of the Year was awarded to Allstate Peterbilt Group for being a network leader in supporting the TRP brand. The group demonstrated major growth in TRP wholesale purchases and retail sales, the news release noted. Allstate doubled their TRP store count in 2023 within the United States and Canada for a total of four TRP stores, also opening the 100th TRP store. For the second time in a row, the eCommerce Dealer of the Year award was earned by The Larson Group. The group ranks first in total eCommerce volume, achieved through PACCAR Parts’ eCommerce platform. They exhibited excellent full-year eCommerce sales growth and maintained a high standard of parts purchasing loyalty, according to the news release. “PACCAR Parts is proud to recognize these top-performing dealers,” said Genevieve Bekkerus, PACCAR Parts senior director of marketing. “Their efforts and commitment to customer satisfaction have resulted in impressive growth across the business. We look forward to seeing their continued success in 2024.”

Electric Yard Truck maker Orange EV opens new Kansas headquarters

By Erica N. Guy -

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Electric yard truck manufacturer Orange EV recently celebrated the grand opening of its new 440,000-square-foot headquarters and production facility in Kansas City, Kansas. According to the latest CALSTART report “Zeroing in on Zero-Emission Trucks,” the yard truck vehicle segment is making the fastest transition to electric, and Orange EV has deployed more heavy-duty trucks than all other manufacturers. “From the beginning, Orange EV has designed and built our own trucks, chargers and battery packs, and we have direct-to-customer sales and service teams,” a news release states. “When a customer has an issue, our mobile service teams go straight to the customer’s site to solve it directly and solve it fast.” Founded in 2012, Orange EV began producing its first pure-electric yard trucks in a 2,000-square-foot facility. Since its start, the company has not only commercially deployed its first pure-electric heavy-duty, or HD, yard truck (in 2015), but it has also grown to have over 1,000 HD electric trucks now deployed in 36 states across the nation. Deliveries of trucks and chargers typically happen within 90 days from the day the order was submitted. In the new production facility, Orange EV has the capacity to produce more than 200 trucks per month in a single shift. “Orange EV’s investment of more than $37 million will create 185 new jobs right here in Kansas City benefiting families throughout Wyandotte County,” said Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly. “Between Panasonic and now Orange EV, we are home to a growing EV and battery sector that will uplift our state and power the future of transportation.” Orange EV credits its exponential growth to staying close to its core mission and values. “From the beginning, we set out to build a truck that was better in every way than the diesel. To do that, our engineering teams work closely with service, sales, and customers in an evaluative and iterative process of continual improvement. As a result, our trucks average more than 98% uptime compared to 75% for comparable diesels,” said Kurt Neutgens, Orange EV co-founder, president and chief technical officer. “We also are committed to building trucks that are better for the environment. Our zero-emission trucks are a win-win: the right thing for the planet and the right thing for the business bottom line. Customers can come out ahead by more than $500,000 per truck after 10 years of operation, without incentives.” The Orange EV coordinated, turnkey solution includes trucks, chargers, training and service. “Unlike other companies where fleets have to navigate through dealers and third-party suppliers, at Orange EV we know that time is precious and have developed an efficient, customer-centric ecosystem,” said Wayne Mathisen, Orange EV co-founder and CEO. “From the beginning, Orange EV has designed and built our own trucks, chargers, and battery packs, and we have direct-to-customer sales and service teams. When a customer has an issue, our mobile service teams go straight to the customer’s site to solve it directly and solve it fast.”

Jackson Group Peterbilt named Peterbilt’s North American Dealer Group of the Year

By Erica N. Guy -

DENTON, Texas — Peterbilt has recognized Jackson Group Peterbilt (JPG) of Salt Lake City as the 2023 North American Dealer Group of the Year. JGP operates 31 dealerships across eight states. This Peterbilt recognition is awarded to the dealership group that best exemplifies Peterbilt’s commitment to class that year, according to a news release. The winning company also achieves the highest scores in Peterbilt’s Standards of Excellence program while also leveraging effective management practices to promote brand advocacy. This year, the honor was announced at Peterbilt’s annual dealer meeting, held from Feb. 5-7 in Palm Springs, California. “We’re proud to recognize Jackson Group Peterbilt as the 2023 Dealer Group of the Year for their dedication to achieving excellence,” said Jason Skoog, Peterbilt general manager and PACCAR vice president. “This dealer group invests in world-class facilities, sells the full lineup of Peterbilt vehicles, offers excellent parts availability and provides superior service and support to our customers.” This announcement marks the fourth award for the JGP, as it took home this honor in 2008. 2013 and 2020. In addition, JGP was also recognized as one of the Best-in-Class Dealer Groups and 12 of its 31 locations were also honored with the Platinum Oval awards at the same ceremony. “We are incredibly honored to receive this prestigious award,” said Blake Jackson, JGP’s CEO. “This achievement and success would not be possible without the efforts of our valued employees who are committed to exceeding customer expectations in all that we do.”

Bestpass announces new integrated feature with Geotab

By Erica N. Guy -

ALBANY, N.Y. — Bestpass and Geotab have partnered to give users access to toll data and reporting tools that will be available in their Geotab account. Geotab provides telematics to more than 50,000 customers in about 160 countries. According to a news release, the integration “will allow fleets and owner-operators the ability to gain new insight into toll activity to more effectively manage tools and identify opportunities to reduce toll expenses.” According to David Long, head of products at Bestpass, the integration also has a new toll activity reporting feature that shows a high-level heat map that allows fleets to identify hot spots for toll spend. “This information can help fleets leverage the toll data to optimize routes and avoid costly tolls,” Long said. “Fleets and owner-operators using Bestpass can also monitor all toll transactions and expenses in real-time, easily ensure necessary transponder coverage across your fleet, identify fraudulent activity, and more through their account.”  Bestpass, which was founded in 2001, covers 100% of all of the major toll roads across the U.S., supports more than 30,000 customers and processes over $1.5 billion in toll transactions annually, according to the news release. “It’s truly an industry-first collaboration regarding information that can be shared about tolls,” said Jason Walker, chief revenue officer at Bestpass. “We expect these new data reporting tools will help our customers find new opportunities to reduce toll costs, manage vehicles using our services, and help optimize other business decisions associated with tolls.”  Robin Kinsey, senior manager of marketplace sales at Geotab, said that her company is pleased to welcome Bestpass to its fold. “This collaboration offers our customers enhanced capabilities for managing toll activities and accessing new data insights, further enriching and optimizing their operational experience,” she concluded.  To learn more about the integration, click here.

Peterbilt recognizes its top dealers for 2023

By Erica N. Guy -

DENTON, Texas — Peterbilt recognized its top-performing dealers earlier this month at its annual dealer meeting in Palm Springs, California. The dealer groups are recognized for their top performance in specific categories, including: North American Dealer of the Year: Jackson Group Peterbilt Sales Excellence Dealer of the Year: TLG Peterbilt Medium Duty Dealer of the Year: Dimmick Group Peterbilt Service Dealer of the Year: Allstate Peterbilt Group PACCAR MX Engine Dealer of the Year: Ohio Peterbilt Parts Dealer of the Year: The Peterbilt Store eCommerce Dealer of the Year: TLG Peterbilt TRP Dealer of the Year: Allstate Peterbilt Group Zero Emissions Excellence Dealer of the Year: Rush Peterbilt Truck Centers Red Oval Dealer of the Year: Stahl Peterbilt Peterbilt also presented the Best-in-Class Dealer Group of the Year awards, which are based on a combination of Peterbilt’s Standard of Excellence scores, financial performance, parts and service performance and utilization of PACCAR training and programs. The dealer groups receiving Best-in-Class awards included: Allstate Peterbilt Group Stahl Peterbilt The Peterbilt Store Jackson Group Peterbilt Dobbs Peterbilt TLG Peterbilt Peterbilt of Atlanta GTG Peterbilt “Peterbilt’s dealer network is committed to excellence and delivering an exceptional level of service and support for Peterbilt customers. We congratulate these award-winning dealers on their ability to excel and prioritize customer satisfaction with pride and class,” said Danny Landholm, Peterbilt director of dealer network development. For more information about the Peterbilt dealer network visit: https://www.peterbilt.com/why-peterbilt/dealer-network.

Ryder System takes a swing with sponsorship of professional golfer Sam Ryder

By Erica N. Guy -

MIAMI — Ryder System Inc., has announced a new multi-year, multimillion-dollar sponsorship and advertising campaign with professional golfer Sam Ryder, now in his seventh season on the PGA TOUR. The newly expanded sponsorship and brand awareness campaign shifts the Ryder corporate logo from Ryder’s golf shirt to a more prominent position on the front and back of his hat as he plays on tour over the next three seasons, a news release states. It also includes two new humorous TV ads featuring Ryder as he renews his efforts to prove he’s more than a namesake. “It’s working for us. People love Sam Ryder,” said Karen Jones, head of new product development for Ryder. “There are a lot of synergies between golf and business, and the sport is closely followed by our target B2B audience. Our goal is to connect with that audience in a much more personal way, and Sam’s humor, humility, and charisma has helped us do that. When our ads are on-air, we see increased interaction with our website and digital advertising and a reduced lead-cycle time. I think that’s a testament to the natural alignment of our brands.” The new ad campaign builds on last year’s success, which introduced an affable, enthusiastic Ryder along with his encouraging, supportive agent who tries to convince the golfer that Ryder didn’t just sponsor him because of his name, the news release states. So, Ryder comes up with some marketing ideas for Ryder, writing amusing jingles, sharing taglines and brainstorming company event ideas. Building on that premise, the first new ad to air in 2024 is entitled “Driver Caddie.” It features Ryder pitching the idea of providing caddies for Ryder Last Mile deliveries to help navigate obstacles from curb to door, much like caddies help golfers strategize their shots. There’s only one problem: Ryder would need to hire about 10,000 caddies to accompany delivery drivers. The second commercial, entitled “Fashion,” leans into Ryder’s distinction as one of the best dressed in golf. In this spot, he transforms a golf cart barn into a fashion runway to showcase his new designs for Ryder’s professional drivers, warehouse workers, fleet maintenance technicians, and corporate employees. But as it turns out, they’re a bit over the top. “Okay, maybe the puffy vest in high-gloss red with orange stripes isn’t for everyone, but you have to admit, the Ryder name is quite captivating,” joked Ryder. “I do think what makes this campaign so successful, aside from the sense of humor, is that it plays on the human desire to be part of something bigger and to achieve greatness. That’s something both Ryder and I share, a commitment to excellence and to continuing to improve every day. It’s authentic, and I think people can see that.” Ryder’s new multi-year corporate sponsorship officially launched on Jan. 1 and runs through December 2026. The new ad campaign debuts during the week of Jan. 29 on the Golf Channel leading up to the AT&T Pebble Beach ProAm. The commercials will also air during the weeks of 13 key tournaments on the Golf Channel, such as The Masters, PGA Championship and WM Phoenix Open (where Ryder made that stunning hole-in-one on the infamous 16th hole in 2022). In addition, the spots will air in-tournament for the U.S. Open, Charles Schwab Championship, LPGA Tour and KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship.

Volvo Trucks North America honors America’s Road Team captains

By Erica N. Guy -

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Volvo Trucks recently honored the newly appointed captains of the 2024-2025 America’s Road Team — a national public outreach effort led by expert professional truck drivers  organized by the American Trucking Associations (ATA). “Exclusively sponsored by Volvo Trucks for more than 20 years, America’s Road Team shares the company’s overarching mission of enhancing road safety and striving for zero accidents,” a news release states. “To support this year’s education program, Volvo Trucks is donating a Volvo VNL 760 long-haul tractor that will be used to haul the ATA Interstate One mobile classroom as it visits cities across the nation.” Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America, expressed admiration for these captains, stating, “In their role as captains, these men and women represent the driving force behind our nation’s economy. We commend their unwavering commitment to safety and professionalism, and they serve as exemplary role models within the trucking industry. With the ongoing challenges in the global supply chain and the continued growth of e-commerce, society is beginning to understand and appreciate the critical role that the trucking industry and safe, experienced drivers play in advancing the movement of essential goods and services.” According to the ATA, this year’s 24 captains hail from diverse backgrounds, representing 14 motor carriers and 14 states and accumulating an impressive 61.6 million accident-free driving miles. Their selection was based on their industry knowledge, effective communication skills regarding safety and transportation and an exemplary safe-driving record, the news release states. In support of the 2024 America’s Road Team campaign, Volvo Trucks donated a fully loaded Volvo VNL 760. The VNL 760 tractor will tow ATA’s Interstate One mobile classroom — a state-of-the-art 53-foot trailer equipped with a truck driving simulator, seven presentation screens, educational displays and a conference room. The mobile classroom will serve as a platform for interactive trucking demonstrations, exhibitions and displays, emphasizing advanced safety measures as the trucking ambassadors engage with diverse stakeholders, including students, lawmakers, community groups and government officials nationwide. Powered by Volvo Trucks’ enhanced D13 Turbo Compound engine with Dynamic Torque, the VNL 760 features a 13-speed Volvo I-Shift automated manual transmission that enables optimum fuel efficiency without impacting performance. Innovative safety and productivity technologies, such as the Volvo Dynamic Steering (VDS) system, Position Perfect steering configuration, Volvo Trucks Remote Diagnostics and Remote Programming services and the Volvo Active Driver Assist (VADA) safety system, enhance the overall driving experience. These captains, appointed to serve for a two-year term, will be among the first to drive the all-new Volvo VNL, scheduled to enter production later this year. They were also the first drivers to witness the all-new Volvo VNL at the Volvo Customer Center in Dublin, Virginia. “As the first drivers to lay eyes on the all-new Volvo VNL, the professional drivers comprising America’s Road Team stand as the elite in their profession,” Voorhoeve said. “We value their feedback as we embark on this new era for Volvo Trucks, our customers, and their drivers. The new Volvo VNL is designed to change everything and crafted to meet the demands of the North American market, promising a transformative driving experience, and we look forward to hearing the feedback from this distinguished group of drivers.”

Goodyear appoints Greg Shank as senior director of investor relations

By Erica N. Guy -

AKRON, Ohio — On Feb. 1, the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company announced that Greg Shank was appointed to senior director of Investor Relations. In this new position, he will report to Christina Zamarro, executive vice president and chief financial officer, according to a news release. “Greg brings deep knowledge of our business from his leadership experience at Goodyear,” Zamarro said. “His Goodyear finance experience includes a prior role in investor relations which, along with his strong communication skills, will make him a valuable resource for the investment community. I also want to thank Christian Gadzinski for his contributions to investor relations over the past two years and congratulate him as he takes on a new role supporting Goodyear’s Commercial Tire business in North America.” Prior to being appointed to this new role, Shank was the director of financial planning and analysis for the Americas business unit. He joined the Goodyear family in 2008 and has held numerous roles in finance in the Americas.  

Iowa80.com set to celebrate opening of new mega warehouse

By Erica N. Guy -

WALCOTT, Iowa — Iowa80.com’s new distribution center is set to become Scott County, Iowa’s, newest industrial park, according to officials. The distribution center includes 251,000 square feet of warehousing space with 10 loading docks, more than 33,000 linear feet of racking, 32-foot-high ceilings and a fireproof, fully air-conditioned room that’s 9,400 square feet. Two vertical lift modules from Kardex are also included. According to a news release, these are designed as an enclosed, shelf-like storage system to provide more room and increase the capacity available as the center fulfills online orders and shipping. The center is divided into two areas: 117,180 square feet is available to house trucking accessories for the online trucking accessories superstore, Iowa80.com, while 128,959 square feet is available for lease or third party fulfillment. The first order and shipment from the distribution center happened on Jan. 16. To celebrate the grand opening, Iowa80.com will host a ribbon cutting ceremony at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 27. The center is located at 510 Sterling Drive, Suite A, in Walcott. A reception will follow.

JB Hunt sees 9% drop in revenue during 2023

By Erica N. Guy -

LOWELL, Ark. — J.B. Hunt Transport Services has announced a fourth quarter 2023 U.S. GAAP (United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) net income of $153.5 million — or diluted earnings per share of $1.47 — versus fourth quarter 2022 net earnings of $201.3 million, or diluted earnings per share of $1.92. Total operating revenue for the current quarter was $3.30 billion, compared with $3.65 billion for the fourth quarter 2022, a decrease of 9%, according to a news release. Current quarter total operating revenue, excluding fuel surcharge revenue, decreased approximately 6% versus the comparable quarter 2022. This decrease was primarily driven by a 12% and 7% decline in volume in Integrated Capacity Solutions (ICS) and Truckload (JBT) respectively, a 10% and 13% decline in revenue per load excluding fuel surcharge revenue in Intermodal (JBI) and JBT, respectively, and a 12% decline in stops in Final Mile Services (FMS). Revenue, excluding fuel surcharge revenue, performance was positively offset by a 6% increase in volume in JBI, a 3% increase in productivity (revenue per truck per week excluding fuel surcharge revenue) in Dedicated Contract Services (DCS), and the revenue contribution from the acquisition of the brokerage assets of BNSF Logistics. Operating income for the current quarter decreased 28% to $203.3 million versus $281.9 million for the fourth quarter 2022. Current and prior quarter operating income was negatively impacted by pre-tax charges of $53.4 million and $64.0 million for insurance-related items, respectively. Excluding these charges, operating income declined from the prior year period primarily due to yield pressure in JBI, ICS and JBT, higher equipment-related costs and increased insurance and claims expense. In addition, fourth quarter 2023 included a $15.0 million net increase in loss on sale of equipment compared to the prior-year period. On a consolidated basis, operating income as a percentage of consolidated gross revenue decreased year-over-year as a result of higher equipment-related cost and professional driver and non-driver wages and benefits as a percentage of gross revenue. These items were partially offset by lower rail and truck purchased transportation costs as a percentage of gross revenue. Net interest expense in the current quarter increased primarily from higher interest rates and a higher average outstanding debt balance compared to fourth quarter 2022. The fourth quarter effective tax rates for 2023 and 2022 were 17.9% and 25.7%, respectively. The annual effective tax rates for 2023 and 2022 were 22.1% and 24.4%, respectively. Company officials say they expect the 2024 annual tax rate to be between 24.0% and 25.0%. Segment recast On Jan. 1, 2023, the company transferred the majority of JBT’s company-owned trucking operations to DCS and transferred its less-than-truckload brokerage operations from ICS to FMS. The segment information discussed below adjusts the prior-year periods for these operational transfers between segments. Segment information: Intermodal (JBI) Fourth Quarter 2023 Segment Revenue: $1.62 billion, down 7% Fourth Quarter 2023 Operating Income: $129.9 million, down 28% Intermodal volume increased 6% over the same period in 2022. Transcontinental network loads increased 13%, while eastern network loads decreased 2% compared to the fourth quarter 2022. Year-over-year demand trends for the company’s intermodal service improved throughout the quarter largely driven by seasonal activity, that was absent in the prior-year period, and strong performance by the company’s rail providers during the quarter. Revenue decreased 7% for the quarter versus the prior year primarily driven by a 13% decrease in revenue per load resulting from changes in mix of freight, customer rates and fuel surcharge revenue, partially offset by the 6% increase in volume. Revenue per load excluding fuel surcharge revenue was down 10% year-over-year. Operating income decreased 28% in the fourth quarter. Fourth quarter 2023 and 2022 included $16.0 million and $21.8 million in pre-tax charges for insurance-related items, respectively. Excluding these charges, operating income decreased primarily from lower yields, partially offset by higher volume. JBI segment operating income as a percentage of segment gross revenue declined versus the prior-year period as a result of increases in professional driver and non-driver wages and benefits and higher equipment-related and maintenance expenses as a percentage of gross revenue. During the period the company onboarded approximately 800 new units of container capacity. The current period ended with 118,171 units of trailing capacity and approximately 6,400 power units in the dray fleet. Dedicated contract services (DCS) Fourth Quarter 2023 Segment Revenue: $884 million, down 3% Fourth Quarter 2023 Operating Income: $86.1 million, up 8% DCS revenue decreased 3% during the current quarter over the same period 2022, driven by a 2% decline in average trucks combined with a modest decline in productivity (revenue per truck per week). Productivity, excluding fuel surcharge revenue, increased 3% from a year ago driven by increases in contracted indexed-based price escalators but partially offset by an increase in idled equipment. On a net basis, there were 122 fewer revenue producing trucks in the fleet by the end of the quarter compared to the prior-year period, and 7 fewer versus the end of the third quarter 2023. Customer retention rates are approximately 93%, largely reflecting the downsizing of fleets and to a lesser extent account losses. Operating income increased 8% from the prior year quarter. Fourth quarter 2023 and 2022 included $20.0 million and $18.7 million in pre-tax charges for insurance-related items, respectively. Excluding these charges, operating income increased primarily from the maturing of new business onboarded over the trailing twelve months, lower maintenance cost, and greater productivity and utilization of equipment. These items were partially offset by higher equipment-related cost, a net $8.1 million increase in loss on sale of equipment, and increased bad debt expense. Integrated capacity solutions (ICS) Fourth Quarter 2023 Segment Revenue: $364 million, down 25% Fourth Quarter 2023 Operating Loss: $(24.9) million: compared to $(3.2) million in 4Q’22 ICS revenue decreased 25% in the current quarter versus the fourth quarter 2022. Overall segment volume decreased 12% versus the prior-year period. Revenue per load decreased 15% compared to the fourth quarter 2022 due to lower contractual and transactional rates and changes in customer freight mix. Contractual volume represented approximately 59% of the total load volume and 59% of the total revenue in the current quarter compared to 56% and 60%, respectively, in fourth quarter 2022. Operating loss was $24.9 million compared to an operating loss of $3.2 million in the fourth quarter 2022. Fourth quarter 2023 and 2022 included $9.9 million and $15.1 million in pre-tax charges for insurance-related items, respectively. Excluding these charges, operating performance declined largely due to a $24.3 million decrease in gross profit, higher leased equipment-related costs, and integration and transaction costs related to the purchase of the brokerage assets of BNSF Logistics. These items were partially offset by lower personnel and technology costs. Gross profit declined 32% as a result of lower volume, revenue, and gross profit margins compared to the prior-year period. Gross profit margins decreased to 14.0% in the current period versus 15.6% in the prior period. ICS carrier base decreased 22% year-over-year, largely driven by changes to carrier qualification requirements. Final mile Services (FMS) Fourth Quarter 2023 Segment Revenue: $243 million, down 9% Fourth Quarter 2023 Operating Income: $12.3 million, down 5% FMS revenue declined 9% compared to the same period 2022. The decline was primarily driven by general weakness in demand across many of the end markets served, in addition to efforts to improve the overall business portfolio. The decline in revenue was partially offset by improved revenue quality at underperforming accounts and multiple new customer contracts implemented over the past year. Operating income decreased 5% compared to the prior-year period. Both fourth quarter 2023 and 2022 included $3.3 million in pre-tax charges for insurance-related items. Excluding these charges, operating income decreased primarily from lower revenue, increased equipment-related cost, and higher insurance and claims expense. These items were partially offset by lower personnel expense, maintenance cost, and bad debt expense. Truckload (JBT) Fourth Quarter 2023 Segment Revenue: $195 million, down 19% Fourth Quarter 2023 Operating (Loss)/Income: $(39) thousand, compared to $12.9 million in 4Q’22 JBT revenue decreased 19% compared to the same period in the previous year. Revenue excluding fuel surcharge revenue decreased 19% primarily due to a 13% decline in revenue per load excluding fuel surcharge revenue and a 7% decline in load volume, partially offset by a 13% increase in average length of haul. Total average effective trailer count increased by approximately 500 units, or 4% versus the prior-year period. Trailer turns in the quarter were down 10% from the prior period primarily due to changes in freight mix indicative of an increase in average length of haul and weaker overall freight demand as compared to the fourth quarter 2022. JBT operating income decreased $12.9 million to a modest operating loss compared to the fourth quarter 2022. Fourth quarter 2023 and 2022 included $4.2 million and $5.1 million in pre-tax charges for insurance-related items, respectively. Excluding these charges, operating income decreased primarily as a result of lower revenue combined with higher insurance and claims expense and loss on sale of equipment. JBT segment operating income as a percentage of segment gross revenue declined year-over-year due to higher purchased transportation expense, equipment-related expense, and insurance costs. Cash flow and capitalization: At Dec. 31, 2023, the company had total debt outstanding of $1.58 billion on various debt instruments compared to $1.26 billion at Dec. 31, 2022, and $1.45 billion at Sept. 30, 2023. The company’s net capital expenditures for 2023 approximated $1.60 billion versus $1.43 billion in 2022. On Dec. 31, 2023, the company had cash and cash equivalents of $53 million. In the fourth quarter of 2023, the company purchased approximately 137,000 shares of our common stock for approximately $25 million. On Dec. 31, 2023, the company had approximately $392 million remaining under our share repurchase authorization. Actual shares outstanding on Dec. 31, 2023, approximated 103.2 million.

American Trailer Rental Group rebrands as Warehouse on Wheels

By Erica N. Guy -

WALTON, Ky. — Warehouse on Wheels, formerly known as American Trailer Rental Group, has a new brand, logo and messaging that company officials say more accurately reflect the company’s mission, which is “To provide customers with the most effective commercial mobile storage solutions available,” according to a news release. Warehouse on Wheels is a combination of 10 brands serving key markets throughout the U.S. and Canada and operating 36 locations with more than 35,000 trailers and more than 5,000 ground-level storage containers. Warehouse on Wheels, which is an aggregation of several regional industry leaders, is retaining all current brand names to emphasize the importance of local service to the company’s customers. “The Warehouse on Wheels brand best illustrates the unique solution we provide to our customers. From the first mile to the second to last mile, we provide ready-to-go-to-work assets and a powerful value proposition for our customers far superior to fixed warehouse space. Grounded in our customer-intimate model of Ritz-Carlton service at Hampton Inn prices, our customers rely on us day in and day out to maximize efficiencies in their supply chains. We are your warehouse on wheels, the right solution right now,” said Jonathan Brooks, CEO of Warehouse on Wheels. The Warehouse on Wheels name, along with the new tagline “The Right Solution Right Now” and the new messaging, was developed by a cross-functional internal team and external branding experts with input from the company’s c-suite and board of directors, according to the news release. “Warehouse on Wheels excels at addressing challenging storage problems, and last-minute customer requests with a ‘Never say no’ attitude. Our new brand identity projects that ability and tells the industry exactly what we do and how we do it,” said Heath Northcutt, chief customer officer of Warehouse on Wheels.

Annual springtime weight restrictions on Michigan’s state roads begin

By Erica N. Guy -

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and other local agencies are activating the state’s annual spring weight restrictions as the state slowly warms up. During this seasonal transition, the roadbed is softened by the trapped moisture beneath the pavement, making it more susceptible to damage, while also contributing to pothole problems, according to a news release. Effective at 6 a.m. Feb. 2, the weight restrictions will be enforced on all trunkline highways in the entire state. All state trunklines will have enforced weight restrictions, and the state routes will typically carry the letters M, I, or U.S. in their assigned designations. The weight restrictions will remain in effect until the frost line, which frost depths are measured along state highways, is deep enough to allow moisture to escape and the roadbeds regain stability. For those traveling in the restricted areas, the provided information will be applied, followed and enforced: On routes designated as “all-season” (designated in green and gold on the MDOT Truck Operators Map), there will be no reduction in legal axle weights. All extended permits will be valid for oversized loads in the weight-restricted area on the restricted routes. Single-trip permits will not be issued for any overweight loads or loads exceeding 14 feet in width, 11 axles and 150 feet in overall length on the restricted routes. On routes designated as “seasonal” (designated in solid or dashed red on the MDOT Truck Operators Map), there will be a posted weight reduction of 25% for rigid (concrete) pavements and 35% Pilot Travel Centers begins annual Heart Month campaignfor flexible (asphalt) pavements and a maximum speed of 35 mph for some vehicles. Drivers who are traveling on weight-restricted roads must follow the speed limits as the state law requires. If you don’t know the restrictions and rules for vehicles, please visit speed restrictions for trucks and the rules for propane fuel delivery and public utility vehicles.  To receive all weight restriction information and updates, call (800) 787-8960 or access the information on MDOT’s website at www.Michigan.gov/Truckers and click under “Restrictions.” All of the seasonal routes are designated in green and gold on the MDOT Truck Operators Map, which is also available online. You also may sign up to receive e-mail alerts. Trucking companies located in New Jersey and Canada can obtain information by calling (517) 373-6256.   

Pilot Travel Centers kicks off annual Heart Month campaign

By Erica N. Guy -

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Pilot Travel Centers LLC recently announced that it is kicking off its annual fundraiser for Heart Month throughout February. The event is an effort to support the fight against heart disease and stroke by donating to the American Heart Association’s “Life is Why” campaign, a news release states. “Together, we have the power to make a significant difference in the lives of people, both within our local communities and across the globe,” said Diana Morgan, director of well-being and benefits at Pilot Travel Centers. “Rounding up your purchase or buying a paper heart enables the American Heart Association and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada to discover breakthroughs and develop initiatives that will save and improve lives.” Guests can visit participating Pilots, Flying J’s and One9 travel centers to make a donation to the campaign. Guests can contribute by: Purchasing paper hearts: $1, $3 and $5 paper hearts will be available for buy at participating travel centers. PIN pad roundups or donations: Guests can round up their purchase to the nearest whole dollar or elect to donate other amounts on the PINpad during checkout. All donations benefit the American Heart Association’s “Life is Why” campaign in the United States and Heart and Stroke Foundation in Canada, with 100% of the proceeds donated to each organization, respectively.

Decker Truck Line’s Timothy Olden honored as TCA Highway Angel

By Erica N. Guy -

ALEXANDRIA, Va. —The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has named truck driver Timothy Olden of North Chesterfield, Virginia, a TCA Highway Angel for stopping to help a fellow driver who fell asleep at the wheel and crashed his rig. Olden drives for Decker Truck Line of Fort Dodge, Iowa.  According to an account of the story given to TCA, the incident happened at around 2:30 a.m. on Dec. 22, 2023, when Olden was driving along Interstate 40 near mile marker 319 through Crossville, Tennessee. He saw a flatbed driver veer off the offramp, crash, and the trailer ended up lying on the driver’s side.  “He rolled his truck,” Olden said. “He admitted to me and to the cops that he fell asleep.”  After witnessing the crash, Olden immediately pulled over, called 911 and helped the driver get out safely. The driver appeared to only have minor injuries, such as cuts and bruises. Olden remained with the injured driver until law enforcement arrived. He also told the driver the “Three Yawn Rule.”  “If you yawn three times in a row, get to a truck stop and rest,” he said. “Go stretch out in the back of the truck.”  Since the TCA Highway Angels program’s inception in August 1997, nearly 1,400 professional truck drivers have been recognized as Highway Angels for the exemplary kindness, courtesy and courage displayed while on the job. The TCA Highway Angels website can be accessed here: https://www.truckload.org/highway-angel/. 

CarriersEdge announces 2024 Best Fleets to Drive For winners

By Erica N. Guy -

NEWMARKET, Ontario — CarriersEdge, a provider of online driver training for the trucking  industry, announced the Top 20 winners of the 2024 Best Fleets to Drive For awards on Jan. 31. Each for-hire trucking company is being recognized for providing the best workplace experiences for their company drivers and independent contractors. To be considered for the 2024 Best Fleets program, North American for-hire carriers operating 10 tractor-trailers or more had to be nominated by a company driver or independent contractor currently driving for them. These nominated fleets were then evaluated in a variety of categories, including compensation and benefits, human resource strategies, operations, professional development and work/life balance. Finally, each fleet collected surveys from their drivers to measure the satisfaction of the fleet. The results of the questionnaire and surveys were compiled and scored to identify the top performers. The fleets with the highest overall scores are recognized as Best Fleets to Drive For. Fleets receiving the distinction for 10 consecutive years (or 7 consecutive years plus an overall winner award) are inducted into the Hall of Fame. “The past year has been exceptionally difficult for the trucking industry,” saidJane Jazrawy, CEO of CarriersEdge. “However, the Best Fleets continued to find new ways to improve the work experience for their drivers and independent contractors, once again raising the bar on what’s possible. The Hall of Fame took that even further, with all 10 of last year’s Hall of Famers requalifying through a range of innovative programs and driver supports.” The Top 20 Best Fleets to Drive For for 2024, in alphabetical order, are: American Central Transport, Inc. – Kansas City, Missouri Brenny Specialized, Inc. – Saint Joseph, Minnesota C.A.T. Inc. – Coteau-du-Lac, Quebec, Canada Challenger Motor Freight Inc. – Cambridge, Ontario, Canada Chief Carriers, Inc. – Grand Island, Nebraska Continental Express Inc. – Sidney, Ohio Crawford Trucking Inc. – Des Moines, Iowa Decker Truck Line Inc. – Fort Dodge, Iowa Erb Transport – New Hamburg, Ontario, Canada Fortigo Freight Services Inc. – Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada Fremont Contract Carriers Inc. – Fremont, Nebraska K & J Trucking Inc. – Sioux Falls, South Dakota Kriska Holdings Limited – Prescott, Ontario, Canada Leonard’s Express Inc. – Farmington, New York Nick Strimbu Inc. – Brookfield, Ohio PGT Trucking Inc. – Aliquippa, Pennsylvania Thomas E. Keller Trucking Inc. – Defiance, Ohio TLD Logistics Services Inc. – Knoxville, Tennessee Transland – Strafford, Missouri Wellington Group of Companies – Aberfoyle, Ontario, Canada Fleets requalifying for the Best Fleets to Drive For Hall of Fame are: Bison Transport Inc. – Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Boyle Transportation – Billerica, Massachusetts Central Oregon Truck Company Inc. – Redmond, Oregon FTC Transportation Inc. – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Garner Trucking Inc. – Findlay, Ohio Grand Island Express Inc. – Grand Island, Nebraska Halvor Lines Inc. – Superior, Wisconsin Nussbaum Transportation Services Inc. – Hudson, Illinois Prime Inc. – Springfield, Missouri TransPro Freight Systems Ltd. – Milton, Ontario, Canada In addition to the Top 20 and Hall of Fame, five Fleets to Watch (honorable mentions) were recognized: Ippolito Transportation Inc. – Burlington, Ontario, Canada Magnum Companies Ltd. – Fargo, North Dakota Mill Creek Motor Freight LTD – Ayr, Ontario, Canada Peninsula Truck Lines Inc. – Federal Way, Washington Stokes Trucking LLC – Tremonton, Utah From the Top 20, two overall winners will be unveiled, in large and small fleet categories, duringthe Best Fleets Education and Awards Conference, April 8-9, 2024, at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, North Carolina. In addition to announcing the winners, the conference will also share full details of the data collected during this year’s edition of the program — statistics, trends and innovative programs from all the Top 20 and Hall of Fame fleets. The conference is sponsored by EpicVue, TruckRight, and Netradyne. To learn more about the Best Fleets to Drive For program, click here. For information about thE Best Fleets Education and Award Conference, click here. Follow #BestFleets24 on social media for updates on this year’s program.

HDA Truck Pride adds Superior Diesel to team, rolls business into Illinois

By Erica N. Guy -

ST. LOUIS — HDA Truck Pride (HDA) has unveiled the newest member of its team, Superior Diesel, expanding HDA’s presence into Illinois. “Over the course of their 35-year journey of service to the trucking community in Illinois, Superior Diesel has built a stellar reputation for delivering outstanding customer service,” said HDA Truck Pride CEO Tina Hubbard. “This reputation and their commitment to their community strongly aligns with HDA Truck Pride’s commitment to serving the trucking industry. We look forward to a long and successful partnership.” Since its founding in 1979, Superior has grown in two Illinois locations, according to a news release. The company’s diesel technicians “specialize in several areas such as various repairs, preventive maintenance services and more extensive overhauls, providing customers with dependable and timely solutions,” the news release states. The company offers complete suspension service, air conditioning repair, engine overhauls, after-treatment services, electrical, diagnostics and complete trailer repairs. “Both Superior locations take pride in themselves in making sure inventory is always in stock, allowing them to quickly access the parts and finish repairs efficiently,” the news release notes.

WIT calls for companies to participate in 2024 gender diversity survey

By Erica N. Guy -

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) is calling for transportation companies to complete the organization’s annual survey on gender diversity in the industry. The data will be used to develop this year’s WIT Index. The annual index serves as the official industry barometer to regularly benchmark and measure the percentage of women who work in the transportation sectors, including professional drivers, corporate positions, and leadership roles. For-hire trucking companies, private fleets, transportation intermediaries, railroads, ocean carriers, equipment manufacturers, technology companies and other providers throughout the transportation sector are asked to report the percentage of women in various roles within their workforce. Data can be reported via the live survey through April 1, 2024, at www.womenintrucking.org/index. Companies participating in the survey will receive an executive summary of the 2024 WIT Index at no cost, which will enable them to benchmark their gender diversity practices against other companies in transportation. “Since 2016, when the Women In Trucking Association first launched the WIT Index, the percentages of women in key roles within the industry have been steadily rising,” said Jennifer Hedrick, president and CEO of WIT. “We created the WIT index to monitor the industry’s progress in gender diversity among all roles, including corporate leaders and supervisors, drivers, technicians, safety directors and human resources. Maximum participation by companies involved in trucking is critical to the success of this vital research.” Last year, the 2023 WIT Index survey found a substantial number of women in leadership roles. Approximately 31.6% of women are in C-Suite/executive positions, 36.9% are in supervisory leadership roles and 28.4% serve on boards of directors. In addition, the WIT Index found that among the participating companies, 12.1% of all professional drivers are women.

Michigan man sentenced for conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act

By Erica N. Guy -

WASHINGTON — A Michigan man has been sentenced to 12 months’ probation, a $2,000 fine and a $100 special assessment after pleading guilty to conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act in 2023. According to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan, Dustin Rhine received his sentence on Tuesday, Jan. 9. This sentencing is following the April 2023 arrest and charge of Rhine, along with 10 other individuals and three companies, for his involvement in a scheme to disable the emissions controls on hundreds of semi-trucks. In September and October of the same year, seven out of the 10 individuals and the three companies were sentenced, a news release noted.