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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

Averitt expands, renovates 3 key locations

By Erica N. Guy -

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. — Transportation and supply chain company Averitt has been busy with several expansions and renovations at its Mid-Tennessee locations. Recently completed work has brought Averitt’s Nashville service center to a span of 42 acres, including more than 500 truck parking spaces and 162 dock doors that accommodate 190 drivers and more than 300 associates, according to a news release. “Our commitment to our facilities is a direct investment, not just in our own network, but also in our customers’ success,” said Joe Paul Tackett, Averitt’s Nashville Service Center director. During this time of change, Averitt also moved its Nashville-area distribution and fulfillment operation into a new facility in Lebanon, Tennessee. “This new location is expansive and features approximately 280,000 square feet of enclosed freight storage and inventory management space,” according to the news release. In addition, Averitt also moved its On-Tour Logistics operation into a 90,000-square-foot warehouse. For more information about Averitt and its Nashville facilities, visit www.averitt.com/nashville.

MileMaker announces partnership with Turvo to bring advanced TMS

By Erica N. Guy -

CHICAGO  — Commercial truck routing and mileage software company MileMaker recently unveiled the integration of its web services interface with Turvo’s cloud-based platform to form an advanced transportation management system (TMS). According to a news release, this move will allow Turvo’s customers to access MileMaker’s truck-specific mileage calculations. “This partnership seamlessly integrates MileMaker’s renowned truck-specific mileage calculations into Turvo’s platform, empowering our users with accurate and up-to-date information for enhanced decision-making,” said Brett Williams, senior vice president of sales at Turvo. “Together, we aim to streamline logistics processes, reduce costs, and elevate overall operational efficiency for the benefit of the entire supply chain.” Isaac Salvadori-Black, director of partnerships at MileMaker, said he and his fellow executives are “excited to collaborate with Turvo to bring MileMaker’s commercial truck mileage, rating and routing solutions to a broader audiences.” He added: “This partnership will enable transportation companies to leverage our data, from both Guide 19 and Guide 20, within the Turvo platform, making it easier than ever to access accurate mileage, helping to improve overall logistics operations.” The software provides door-to-door routing, tailoring each route to a user’s specific requirements,  vehicle specifications customizable Points of Interest, midpoints and more. According to the news release, “MileMaker’s mileage data enables users to negotiate and streamline freight rates, payments and audits, while also improving freight cost and fuel surcharge forecasts. Turvo’s platform offers real-time visibility, collaboration tools and other innovative features that result in an end-to-end communication and analytics platform for freight brokers, 3PLs, shippers and carriers.”

Fleetio expands services to enhance fleet maintenance management

By Erica N. Guy -

BIRMINGHAM — On Jan. 30, Fleetio, a fleet maintenance management software-as-a-service (SaaS) company, announced that it is offering four new, innovative features designed to better serve fleets of all sizes. The four new features include tire management, warranty management, sensor data snapshots and enhanced service tasks, according to a news release. “At Fleetio, we’re passionate about empowering fleets to reach their full potential,” said Jon Meachin, CEO of Fleetio. “These new features and offerings are a testament to our innovation and customer-centricity. We’re confident they’ll serve as valuable tools to help fleets thrive in today’s competitive landscape.” According to the news release, Fleetio’s “understanding of the unique challenges faced by various types of fleets, Fleetio empowers them to operate with newfound confidence, efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Together these four new features enable fleets with better control and visibility over maintenance costs.” The four new features are broken down into what each one does specifically: Tire Management allows fleet managers to gain real-time insights into tire health and performance, tracking tread depth, air pressure, and usage data, proactively identifying potential issues and ensuring compliance with Department of Transportation regulations. This feature is ideal for fleet managers and vehicle operators in all sizes of trucking, freight, construction and contracting fleets.  Warranty Management maximizes warranty claims to avoid unnecessary expenses. This functionality tracks standard and extended warranties, automatically alerting mechanics about applicable policies and seamlessly integrates warranty credits into work orders. This feature caters to mid-market and enterprise fleets, specifically for fleet managers responsible for warranty management.  Sensor Data Snapshots leverage sensor data to proactively detect and address potential problems before they escalate. Managers and drivers create and enrich issues with sensor information, providing technicians with valuable context to diagnose and resolve problems efficiently. Upon initial launch, this feature supports Fleetio users who have integrations with Geotab or Samsara. This functionality benefits fleets of all sizes, particularly fleet managers and technicians.  Enhanced Service Tasks with Parts and Labor streamline work order creation and improve technician productivity. It allows users to link service tasks to specific parts and expected labor hours, eliminating manual data entry and providing valuable insights into labor efficiency. This feature benefits mid-market and enterprise fleets in the transportation and logistics, utilities, construction and service industries, particularly users creating work orders with parts and managers analyzing labor trends.  “There is nothing worse than getting calls about flat tires or tire failures that could have been prevented. The tire management and telematics integration features in Fleetio reduce headaches and tire failures by turning your tire program from reactive to proactive,” said Jesus Martinez Ramirez, fleet and warehousing supervisor at Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency. “I strongly recommend using Fleetio and its many features because they help keep our fleet safe, manage costs and reduce downtime.” In order to incorporate these features and recognize the diverse needs of its growing customer base, Fleetio has restructured its packaging into three tiers:  Essential — Catered to fleets starting their journey, this package provides core functionalities for organizing vehicle inventory and managing inspections. Professional — Designed for fleets needing a collaborative approach to fleet management. This plan offers fleet managers robust reporting and analytics and comprehensive tracking of all in-house and outsourced maintenance activities. Premium — Ideal for fleets requiring a sophisticated and customizable platform that can integrate with their current systems, processes and telematics. This plan provides complete operational visibility, including parts management, with adaptable tracking for various data points.

RXO’s new AI-powered truck check-in technology to ‘speed up process’

By Erica N. Guy -

CHARLOTTE, N.C — Truckload broker RXO has launched a new AI-powered check-in system for warehouses and distribution centers. Using either video or images, the AI technology allows facilities to identify the trucks, extract the data and send it to processing for check-in or security, according to a news release. The AI technology automatically records the trailer numbers and matches them to the scheduled appointments when the truck arrives on site. “RXO’s visual AI technology is already producing positive results at our Laredo, Texas facility, including reduced wait times at the gate,” said Yoav Amiel, chief information officer at RXO. “This advanced technology speeds up the process for carriers and helps shippers save time and money. We’re thrilled to continue to use machine learning and AI to provide our shippers and carriers with cutting-edge ways to make their operations more efficient.” The tasks that the AI-powered check-in system was previously handled manually by employees taking note of the truck information and directing them to the correct warehouse dock or yard spot. According to the news release, “This led to truck backups at the gate during the check-in process due to high traffic, manual documentation and typing errors.” The new system is combined with RXO’s Yard Management System, allowing automatic appointment matching by recording the relevant information and matching the data to the scheduled appointment. The system then notifies staff that a truck has arrived and provides all information to them. Throughout the year, RXO will implement this system in its other locations while also planning to offer the system as a standalone service to other companies.

TruVideo, Karmak partnership brings ‘trust and transparency’ to truck servicing

By Erica N. Guy -

BOSTON — TruVideo and Karmak have partnered in what executives from both companies say will “make the repair process exceptionally easier for truck dealerships.” According to a news release, TruVideo’s messaging and video platform will be used with Karmak’s dealership management system either simultaneously or tandemly, allowing for all information about a repair order to be dated, timestamped and found all in one place. “In the service lane, trust and transparency are key markers to building customer retention. TruVideo’s video and messaging platform is one-way technicians and service advisors can build upon that trust, using videos to help customers see and understand the repairs being recommended,” said Joe Shaker, founder and CEO of TruVideo. “This partnership with Karmak will enable all customer communication to be entered and reported on from one location, creating an accurate timeline across the entire customer lifecycle.” The partnership between TruVideo and Karmak will allow for reports that highlight data regarding repair orders with video versus without it, information on increasing revenue, dollars obtained in labor and parts and reductions in dwell time on repair orders, the news release notes. “Within just a couple of months, we saw the benefits of using TruVideo,” said Andrew Hildebrand, service manager for Integrity Ventures Inc. “It’s a great tool for communicating complex issues and repairs and it’s a huge time saver. Working with the team at TruVideo on the pilot to integrate into our Karmak accounting system was effortless. Their communication and ability to understand our needs was excellent.” For more information on TruVideo and its powerful AI-based solutions, visit https://truvideo.com/ai/  

Ex-Guard releases new grill guards aimed at Kenworth T680 Next Gen models

By Erica N. Guy -

DES MOINES, Iowa — Ex-Guard has released its new HD-CM495 grille guards that are designed to be compatible with the 2021-2024 Kenworth T680 Next Gen models. “This product is an industry-first that is especially designed to enhance the safety of the driver and decrease downtime,” a news release notes. “The product does this without interfering with Bendix’s collision mitigation technology. The thoughtful design of the guards reduces the point of interference while other guards accidentally create it due to the offset location of the collision mitigation system on the Kenworth T680.” Ex-Guard officials also tout that the new grille guards include “proven technology to reduce and eliminate fleet expenses related to downtime, towing, collision repair and replacement parts, which can total $15,000 or more per collision.” The HD-CM425 and HD-CM495 are available with sparkling silver or deep black PVC coating. MSRP is $1,670 and $2,230, respectively. The HD-CM425 provides protection for the bumper, fog lights and radiator, while the larger HD-495 offers complete front-end protection, according to the news release. For a closer look at the Ex-Guard HD-CM425 and HD-CM495, visit, https://ex-guard.com/product/t680-next-gen-24-later/

ISAAC selected as new tech partner of Leonard’s Express

By Erica N. Guy -

SAINT BRUNO DE MONTARVILLE, Quebec, Canada — Leonard’s Express officials have announced that they will be adding ISAAC Instruments’ (ISAAC) technology to their fleet. “The decision to switch to ISAAC came down to several factors,” said Chris DeMillo, vice president of information technology for Leonard’s Express. “First is the simplified workflow solution … to help guide our drivers through their days. We are excited to deliver that to them.” With the partnership, Leonard will install ISAAC’s electronic logging device (ELD) and driver-centric telematics solutions across their entire fleet, a news release states. “Our engagement from the beginning with ISAAC has been top-notch,” DeMillo said. “We have been extremely impressed with the attention and service we’ve received from the entire ISAAC team. They are genuine, caring and as passionate about what they do as we are at Leonard’s Express.” Demillo said that the strength of ISAAC’s ELDs and transportation management system (TMS) were major factors in deciding to go ahead the partnership. “We saw how ISAAC is in lockstep with the TMS system,” DeMillo said. “There is a comfort level with the work the ISAAC integration team is doing. We see the opportunities for the platform to extend beyond the TMS in order to connect other critical systems, which increase the value add in a connected experience for both our drivers and back office.” Last December, Leonard hosted ISAAC at its headquarters for a “Destination ISAAC” kick-off event for the New York-based fleet. Members of the ISAAC team were on site to aid with implementation and training for the new platform. The platform will be available across the entire fleet in early 2024. “We’re quite pleased that Leonard’s Express has selected ISAAC as its technology partner,” said Jacques DeLarochelliere, CEO and co-founder of ISAAC. “We look forward to working with such a well-respected trucking fleet to improve the experience for drivers and boost overall productivity.”

Averitt named to Forbes’ Best-In-State Employers for ’23

By Erica N. Guy -

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. — Averitt has announced its inclusion in Forbes Magazine’s list of America’s Best-in-State Employers for 2023, receiving the honor in both North Carolina and Tennessee. According to the company’s press release, “This accolade is presented by Forbes in partnership with Statista Inc., a renowned statistics portal and industry ranking provider.” The news release notes that Averitt stood out by “showcasing the company’s commitment to sustaining a positive work environment for its employees” and by being “dedicated to providing a workplace that values diversity, offers competitive compensation packages, and provides opportunities for professional growth and development.” Averitt officials say they have excelled through the many changes and shifts in the transportation industry through almost six decades. “We are honored to be recognized as one of America’s Best-in-State Employers by Forbes and Statista. Our commitment to our people goes beyond words; it is reflected in our actions and our continued efforts to create a workplace that fosters growth, inclusivity, and success,” said Elise Leeson, Averitt’s vice president of human resources. The company has implemented several initiatives throughout the years to enhance the employee experience, which includes promoting from within, offering top-tier pay packages, a profit sharing plan and a benefits program, according to the news release. Averitt’s also offers over 100 secure facilities in 21 states with thousands of parking spots. The company’s goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of its dedicated workforce and show them the appreciation they deserve. “Our team’s inclusion on this list underscores our dedication to providing a workplace that not only meets but exceeds our expectations,” Leeson said. “We believe that our associates are the heart of our success, and this acknowledgment is a reflection of their commitment to serve our customers, support our fellow teammates, and secure our future.”

Minnesota Trucking Association names Jeffrey Geyer 2023’s Driver of the Year

By Erica N. Guy -

BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. — Jeffrey Geyer, a professional truck driver for Manning Transfer, headquartered in Blaine, Minnesota, has been named the Minnesota Trucking Association’s (MTA) 2023 Driver of the Year The announcement was made at the MTA’s Driver of the Year Award Ceremony on Jan. 23, according to a news release. “This award is a great way to honor the best in our industry. Driving safely is no easy task, especially when you take into consideration his daily driving conditions like congestion, driver distractions, and the added challenges of Minnesota winters. Having over 4 million safe driving miles is an outstanding accomplishment,” said John Hausladen, MTA’s president. “We’re proud to award Jeff for this achievement.” Outside of trucking, Geyer, along with his wife, Janet, is a foster parent. Over the years they have had a total of 18 foster children, six of whom they adopted to join their five biological children. Kacie Jestus, safety director at Manning Transfer, spoke highly of Geyer. “In his 17 years being here at Manning, Jeff is accident-free! That speaks volumes,” Jestus said. “He is a true professional driver. He is conscientious of his own safety and those around him while driving. He is one of those drivers you can count on to get the job done, and get it done well. We are so grateful to have a driver like Jeff here with us at Manning.”

Ruan’s Jeff Harpole promoted to executive vice president

By Erica N. Guy -

DES MOINES, Iowa — Ruan Transportation Management Systems has announced the promotion of Jeff Harpole to executive vice president. Harpole is currently the senior vice president and will succeed the current Chief Operating Officer, Dan Van Alstine, who announced his retirement near the end of the year. Ron Hanson, Ruan’s chief administrative officer, will also retire in 2024, a news release stated. “Ruan has experienced historic success under the leadership of Dan Van Alstine, which is a significant achievement when considered over Ruan’s 92 years of serving customers across North America. These contributions will define Dan’s legacy at Ruan, as will his critical role in developing and preparing his successor, Jeff Harpole. In working closely with Jeff, I have been extremely impressed with his highly effective people and customer leadership skills. Even more importantly, Jeff demonstrates and continues the leadership culture that has enabled our success,” said Ruan’s Chief Executive Officer, Benjamin McLean. Harpole began his 34-year transportation career at a top-10 for-hire carrier and logistics provider where he was able to be promoted to high leadership roles. Harpole has managed an $800 million transportation organization and worked with transportation providers in developing solutions, performance metrics and more. He helped launch Ruan’s private fleet while overseeing every aspect of the operation, which includes equipment investments, safety and compliance processes, driver relations, and maintenance operations. “Ron and Dan have both been instrumental in establishing the cultural and operational framework for our success. Ron has become a key resource for skilled decision-making and thoughtful guidance to his colleagues on the Executive Leadership Team and beyond. Throughout his tenure, Ron’s astute strategic thinking has shaped our strategy and the delivery of our mission and values across the company. For 15 years, Ron has been my first stop to discuss any item of strategic and cultural significance at Ruan. He will be missed, but he too will be remembered for his legacy of preparing multiple highly capable leaders to guide our company into the future,” McLean said.

Specialized transportation tech companies EROAD, BCMI partner

By Erica N. Guy -

SAN DIEGO — Fleet tracking system company EROAD and the Bulk Construction Materials Initiative (BCMI) have announced a collaboration that leaders from both companies say will “enable the industry to elevate its customer-centric solutions.” “This collaboration represents a significant milestone for EROAD, as we continue to pioneer innovative solutions in the rapidly evolving field of specialized transportation technology,” EROAD Chief Data Science Officer Dean Marris said. “By joining forces with BCMI, we are positioned to deliver unparalleled value to our shared ready-mix customers by aiding with plant-to-site visibility, turning complex data into actionable information, streamlining workflow, enhancing efficiency, and ultimately, driving greater business success. This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements and providing cutting-edge solutions that empower fleets to navigate the challenges of modern-day logistics.” The integration of EROAD’s Drive app with BCMI’s dispatch system allows the support of business-critical insights and improves the efficiency and transparency of ready-mix concrete fleets, a news release states. “The collaboration explores the opportunities for integrated and complementary solutions and offers a range of potential benefits for drivers and more,” according to the news release. “The advantages customers will have include greater visibility of the status and location of assets, loads and materials for users, supporting opportunities for better communication, streamlined workflows and overall fleet management.” EROAD’s Drive app can be installed on Android-based tablets found in the ready-mix concrete truck cabs that use CoreHub, which is also EROAD’s telematic gateway device. “Together, we aim to redefine the landscape of fleet management for concrete haulers and construction companies through the seamless integration of our platforms,” BCMI President and Co-founder Craig Yeack said. “The combined strengths of EROAD and BCMI will not only elevate the capabilities of our respective technologies but also set new standards for reliability, scalability, and innovation in the industry. We are committed to pursuing synergies that will empower our mutual clients to thrive in an ever-changing business environment.” Click here for more information.

Great Dane appoints new EVP of manufacturing

By Erica N. Guy -

SAVANNAH, Ga. — Great Dane has announced the appointment of William (Bill) Davidson as its new executive vice president of manufacturing. “We are excited to have Bill join the Great Dane family. He is a polished leader with recurring success for improving business performance and building teams for excellence,” said Rick Mullininx, president and COO of Great Dane. “It has been a challenging manufacturing environment over the past several years, but we are continuously making improvements and have an excellent roadmap for moving forward in our commitments to build and deliver high-quality trailers.” In his new role, Davidson “will work closely with the leaders of Great Dane to help establish a process for making improvements in the company’s manufacturing plants dealing with safety, quality and cost efficiencies,” a news release states. Davidson will also oversee lean manufacturing initiatives for implementing sustainable manufacturing practices and strategies for the company. “I’m thrilled to be part of the Great Dane team, and I look forward to supporting leadership to accomplish our objectives and drive business excellence across our operations,” Davidson said. “I look forward to the journey ahead and being a part of this organization.” Previously, Davidson has served as president/CEO of All States Ag Parts (ASAP) and held several manufacturing and supply chain leadership roles at Deere & Co. He holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Brigham Young University.

Arkansas Trucking Association accepting applications for technician scholarship

By Erica N. Guy -

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Arkansas Trucking Association (ATA) is accepting applications for technician scholarships valued at up to $7,500. Applications, available by clicking here, will be accepted until April 5, according to a news release. ATA’s Maintenance & Technology Council established the Carl Tapp Memorial Scholarship Fund in 2017 in order to encourage young Arkansans to pursue career paths as technicians in the trucking industry.  The scholarship was named for the late Carl Tapp, the Council’s first chairman, “who was known for recognizing and empowering talent in the next generation of technicians,” the news release notes.  Since the founding of the scholarship fund, the organization has continuously encouraged the youth in the state to enter into the career field, allowing the number of highly knowledgeable and skilled technicians to grow, ensuring the nation has the best of the best working on the tractor-trailers on our roads.  “The Carl Tapp Memorial Scholarship has already awarded $90,000 to students across Arkansas pursuing education and training for a career in trucking. We are proud to launch a new search for the next recipients,” said ATA President Shannon Newton. “Investing in a well-trained workforce is one that enhances the future of safe vehicles on our roadways, one that improves the training and preparedness to support future families of Arkansas and one that moves the economy of our state and nation forward.” Students who will begin or want to begin coursework in August 2024 or January 2025 must have their applications in by April 5, based on individual program requirements. ATA plans to name 2024 recipients in May.  Qualifying applicants must be graduating seniors from accredited high schools who are attending or will attend a truck technician program with an accredited Arkansas institution. For questions or concerns about the scholarship, please contact Sarah Newman ([email protected]). For more information about the Scholarship Fund and to find the application, please visit www.arkansastrucking.com/tech-scholarship.

C.H. Robinson doubles scholarship fund amount for carriers

By Erica N. Guy -

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — C.H. Robinson is doubling the dollar amount of the scholarships it gives away each year. In a recent announcement, the C.H. Robinson Foundation said it is offering 25 scholarships valued at $5,000 each. “Carriers are critical to the world’s economy, and each year we are excited to be able to show our support to our talented pool of contract carriers in a variety of ways,” said Rachel Schwalbach, vice president at C.H. Robinson and president of the C.H. Robinson Foundation. “Continuous growth and learning are a core part of our culture and values. Through the C.H. Robinson Foundation, we’re proud to empower ambitious minds and help make education more accessible to all. By doubling the scholarship, we know we can make an even greater impact for our C.H. Robinson carriers and their families.” Applications can be submitted for consideration through Wednesday, Feb. 28. Employees or dependents of contract carriers who have been with a C.H. Robinson carrier for a minimum of one year as of Feb. 28 are welcome to apply. Applicants must also: Be age 16 to 26 or regular, full-time employees of the qualified carrier. Be high-school seniors, high-school graduates, or current post-secondary undergraduates. Students outside the United States must be in their final year of upper or higher secondary school or be current technical or university-level students. Enroll in full-time study if they’re a dependent, but can enroll in part-time study if employees of qualified carriers.   Since beginning the program in 2013, the C.H. Robinson Foundation has awarded nearly 340 scholarships, totaling $850,000. Click here for more information on the scholarships.

CH Robinson rolls out new electronic LTL billing of lading

By Erica N. Guy -

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — C.H. Robinson officials say they have implemented an electronic bill of lading (eBOL) that allows 10 of the top less-than-truckload industry (LTL) to advance in digitalizing the industry. “While there are fewer carriers in the LTL universe and the top 25 handle over 90% of the market, the complexity of moving LTL freight means that digitization in this part of the logistics industry has been more challenging than truckload,” said Greg West, vice president for LTL at C.H. Robinson. “With truckload freight, there’s generally one origin and one destination and a customer has exclusive use of the trailer. With LTL, you can have up to 30 customers’ freight on a trailer, with 30 destinations and 30 sets of paperwork. That makes it so valuable to have a common eBOL everyone can use.” In the past year alone, 17,240 of C.H. Robinson’s customers were able to benefit from the eBOL, according to a news release. For some time, LTL bills of lading were typically handled by a carrier who would generate the tracking numbers for every customer’s freight and print them out on stickers. The driver would take the tracking number label stickers to a shipper’s loading dock and add them to a paper bill of lading and to each pallet. Once at a new pickup, they will then do the process all over at the next pickup. When the driver heads to their terminal at the end of the day, the tracking numbers from all the bills of lading would be manually entered into the carrier’s computer system and sent to the logistics provider overnight or the next day. “If LTL freight has to travel from Chicago to Los Angeles, it might travel on 10 different paths depending on which of 10 carriers it’s booked on,” said West. “Each carrier has a unique network and a unique terminal footprint. One carrier might take the freight through Kansas City. Another might take it through Denver. Sometimes LTL freight is put on rail for part of its journey. Sometimes westbound freight will even travel east before it heads west.” Once a truck is in transit, the shippers will be able to track their freight. Now that a tracking number can be generated within seconds, a complete bill of lading is ready for the shipper when the driver arrives. All that the driver must do is just scan it. “This allows manual work to be eliminated, lowering administrative costs as well as cutting down on errors and increasing efficiency at every shipper’s dock,” the news release states. “Having their tracking number in advance, shippers can gain real-time visibility on their freight by receiving updates via C.H. Robinson’s Navisphere platform.” C.H. Robinson says it has reached a 92% accuracy rate when it comes to predicting if an LTL will be delivered on time, thanks to a sophisticated data-science model fed by information on 5 million LTL shipments per year. “C.H. Robinson’s adoption of the electronic bill of lading (eBOL) stands as a landmark achievement in the digitization of the industry,” said Paul Dugent, executive director of NMFTA’s Digital LTL Council. “Their pioneering collaboration with leading LTL carriers and embrace of the Council’s standards showcase a firm commitment to modernizing logistics for enhanced efficiency and real-time visibility. This visionary approach will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for broader industry adoption, ultimately benefiting both shippers and carriers alike.”

PGT Trucking set to open 2 new terminals in ’24

By Erica N. Guy -

ALIQUIPPA, Pa. — PGT Trucking Inc., a multi-service transportation firm offering flatbed, dedicated, international and specialized services, will open two new operations facilities by Q2 2024. “Breaking ground on facilities in Laredo, Texas, and Ghent, Kentucky, in 2023, PGT solidified its commitment to fostering growth, pursuing expansion and maintaining superior customer service,” a news release stated. “Now, both facilities are set to open by summer 2024, and PGT is gearing up to support its drivers and customers with additional resources and enhanced transportation solutions in these regions.” PGT’s 7.73-acre, state-of-the-art logistics center in Laredo is under development with Park Avenue Construction within the Pinnacle Industry Center and has an anticipated completion date in mid-Q2, the news release stated. “Our contractors have completed approximately 75% of the yard paving, and exterior concrete wall panels using the ‘Hi-Tech Tilt’ system have been poured and will be erected soon,” said Laurence Cox, PGT Trucking’s vice president of sustainability. “We expect to have all the steel superstructure installed before the end of the month and the building completely under roof by the first week in February.” The custom Laredo facility will include a full-service operations center, modern driver amenities and a truck maintenance shop, providing a regional base for over 70 local drivers. PGT’s new 10.6-acre Ghent property is strategically located within a 10-mile radius of some of its largest customers. The initial four acres are under development with ATECK Inc. “The site has been leveled, and developers have laid the limestone and gravel bases, installing storm drains and various electrical conduits on the property,” Cox said. “The site work is anticipated to be complete by the end of January. A prefab building has been ordered for the project and is expected to be delivered by the end of February. We are on track to be in operation before the end of March.” The new Ghent operation will bring additional jobs to the area, including opportunities for support personnel and commercial truck drivers. “As we open these additional terminals and office locations, we’re not just adding points on the map; we’re creating hubs of innovation, collaboration and unparalleled customer service,” Cox said. “This strategic expansion is more than a physical presence; it’s a commitment to fostering stronger connections, delivering efficiency and anticipating the needs of our customers.”

Electric big rig maker Nikola adds new tech to models

By Erica N. Guy -

NORTHVILLE, Mich. — Global technology company ZF and Nikola Corporation recently announced that ZF’s OnGuardMAX and OnSideALERT options will be added to Nikola’s hydrogen fuel cell electric truck, which is in production and being delivered to customers. This is the first application of these driver-assistance technologies on a commercial vehicle produced for the North American market, according to a news release. ZF’s OnSideALERT is a radar-based blind spot detection system that continuously identifies a wide variety of stationary and moving objects in a vehicle’s blind spot. This technology helps prevent or mitigate side collisions. The OnGuardMAX is designed to assist drivers in recognizing and responding to possible dangerous traffic situations. The OnGuardMAX is ZF’s most advanced automatic emergency braking system that has autonomous functionality for commercial vehicles. “It has a sophisticated data integration combined with a high-tech camera and radar suite that helps the system autonomously detect, classify and react to moving and stationary objects such as pedestrians, vehicles, motorcycles and bicycles,” the news release noted. “The system will warn the driver of any and all obstructions in the vehicle’s immediate path and can also automatically slow the vehicle down or bring it to a full stop when necessary.” This advanced object detection and autonomous braking capability further enables the new ZF system to help avoid or mitigate accidents involving pedestrians. “We’re pleased to partner with Nikola to integrate these critical safety technologies into their new zero-emission truck and introduce innovative safety technology to the North American marketplace,” said Dirk Wohltmann, director of engineering for the Americas commercial vehicle solutions at ZF Group. “ZF technologies benefit from decades of continuous improvement and learning, and these technologies not only benefit customers, but the driver and road users. We’re excited to see our technology on the road in the Nikola truck, as well as future vehicles.” Pedro Garcia, global head of product development at Nikola, said that safety must come first. “Safety is of paramount importance to Nikola and our customers, and the ZF products, including the company’s driver-assistance technologies, integrate well into our Class 8 hydrogen fuel cell electric truck platform,” he said. “Nikola and ZF are recognized pioneers in our respective spheres, and it makes sense to come together to provide the best zero-emissions truck in the market.”  

Trucking firms among Clean Energy’s customers as latest facility comes online

By Erica N. Guy -

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — Clean Energy Fuels Corp‘s. new Lake Norden, South Carolina, renewable natural gas (RNG) facility is now open. All of the RNG produced at Drumgoon will be available at Clean Energy’s fueling infrastructure, according to a news release. Clean Energy’s RNG sales into the transportation market for the first nine months of 2023 grew 17% over the same time period of 2022, and with customers such as UPS, Republic Services, LA Metro, Knight-Swift, Amazon and others, the demand for the ultra-clean fuel is expected to continue to expand in the years to come. The 6,500-cow dairy farm is expecting to supply 1.66 million gallons of negative carbon-intensity RNG per year, according to the news release. Construction on the project began in early December 2023 and connected to the interstate natural gas pipeline system of the RNG. The RNG produced at Drumgoon will be virtually stored until all pathways for federal and state environmental credits are approved and a carbon-intensity score is assigned to the RNG, which is expected in the first half of 2024. “Completion of the RNG project at Drumgoon Dairy, along with several others that are right behind it, is already making a contribution to controlling harmful greenhouse gas emissions,” said Clay Corbus, senior vice president of renewables at Clean Energy. “Being a multi-generational operation, Drumgoon’s owners are always thinking about the future, whether it’s bringing in the latest technology to better track and monitor their cows, or transforming their herd to antibiotic-free. Adding an RNG digester that captures the methane produced by Drumgoon’s cows and turning it into a clean fuel is the ultimate recycling project.” The $38 million Drumgoon Dairy RNG project was financed through Clean Energy’s joint venture with BP. It was then developed with Dynamic Renewables and is one of several RNG projects the three companies have partnered together in order to build and expand dairies in the Midwest. Agriculture accounts for nearly 10% of U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the transportation sector accounts for another 28%, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Capturing methane from farm waste lowers these emissions. RNG, produced by captured methane and used as a transportation fuel, significantly lowers GHG emissions on a lifecycle basis when compared to diesel, the news release notes. This allows RNG to be one of the only fuels to receive a negative carbon-intensity score based on the reduction of emissions at the source and at the vehicle.

ProvisionAI adds Robert Scheckman as chief revenue officer

By Erica N. Guy -

FRANKLIN, Tenn. — Supply chain firm ProvisionAI has announced its selection of Robert Scheckman as the company’s new chief revenue officer. In his new position, Scheckman “will help companies realize the significant supply chain efficiencies and benefits of what ProvisionAI has to offer and its solutions,” according to a news release. “Robert is a successful business development leader with experience building and managing high-performance sales teams that drive significant revenue growth,” said Thomas A. Moore, CEO and Founder of ProvisionAI. “With his years of experience in technology, SaaS, and the CPG space, Robert will help our client’s businesses grow and profit with smoothertransportation plans and fuller loads.” Scheckman is also a business mentor for Techstars, where he mentors entrepreneurs, sharing his expertise with a team of creative college students, aspiring founders and early-stage startups in their accelerators. Previously, Scheckman was the global vice president of business development for StyleSage (acquired by Centric Software), an AI-powered retail analytics software-as-a-service solution.

Truckstop joins the fight against human trafficking

By Erica N. Guy -

BOISE, Idaho — In recognition of National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, Truckstop is a charitable donation to Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT), a nonprofit organization that works to educate, equip, empower and mobilize the trucking, bus and energy industries to combat human trafficking. In 2010, January was designated, by presidential proclamation, as a time to increase awareness of human trafficking and educate the public to identify and help prevent this crime. “Truckstop proudly supports Truckers Against Trafficking, an organization we’ve supported for numerous years, both as a corporate entity and through contributions from individual employees,” said Kendra Tucker, CEO of Truckstop. “The fight against human trafficking is an ongoing battle that demands continued support, and there’s an opportunity for everyone to get involved.” In addition to a financial donation, Truckstop is working to raising awareness of TAT and how the transportation industry can help fight trafficking. In a recent episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, the show’s host, along with Brent Hutto, Truckstop’s chief relationship officer, discussed the issue of human trafficking with TAT’s Laura Cyrus, senior director of industry training and outreach. Cyrus shared with listeners the passion and commitment that fuels her efforts to empower truckers and how she’s on a mission to build a movement to end human trafficking. “Truckers Against Trafficking is immensely grateful for the support received from Truckstop,” Cyrus said. “Truckstop is utilizing its influential platform to further our message and promote engagement within its extensive network. “Although significant strides have been made in educating individuals to identify and report human trafficking, the crucial need to disseminate this life-saving information throughout the industry cannot be emphasized enough,” she continued. “Putting an end to human trafficking requires the commitment and vigilance of everyone.” For more information about human trafficking and ways the trucking industry can help, visit the Truckers Against Trafficking website.