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FleetDrive 360 joins Truckstop Partner Marketplace

ATLANTA —FleetDrive 360 has joined the Truckstop Partner Marketplace. Company officials made the announcement in a news release issued on Nov. 30. “Managing compliance to ensure driver qualifications is critically important,” said Nic Salis, COO at FleetDrive 360. “There is not only a legal obligation to comply with the Code of Federal Regulations for driver fitness and avoid penalties, fines, and potential legal and financial liability; there is a responsibility to ensure safety.” Listed under the compliance and safety, background screening and process automation product categories, the FleetDrive 360 consolidated system allows users to access and maintain the following: Driver qualification files. Drug and alcohol clearinghouse. Vehicle maintenance documents. Accident reports. The system also integrates application programming interface connections with transportation management systems and human resource platforms. More in-depth information about the added feature can be viewed on Truckstop’s website by clicking here. 

Trucking industry leaders weigh in on Connecticut’s attempts to ban gas-powered vehicles

HARTFORD, Conn. — The compromise plan to eventually end the sale of gasoline-powered vehicles in Connecticut could be worked out as early as next year’s legislative session on Feb. 7, state lawmakers said on Nov. 28. The move comes a day after Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont withdrew proposed regulations mirroring California’s clean vehicle standards after it became apparent there wasn’t enough support on a key legislative committee. Those standards would have halted sales of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035. This came as welcomed news to many in the trucking industry. The American Trucking Associations (ATA) and the Motor Transport Association of Connecticut (MTAC) both issued news releases on the matter. “By way of background, in August of this year, the DEEP (Department of Energy and Environmental Protection) commissioner and the governor had decided to blindly follow other states and submitted the CARB regulations to the regulation review committee for consideration,” John Blair, president of MTAC, stated in his presidential statement. ATA President and CEO Chris Spear said that “the tide is turning as state officials across the country wake up to the reality that California’s electric-truck mandates are bad policy that carry serious political consequences. Technically unachievable standards and unrealistic timelines that set the trucking industry and consumers up for failure are not how we achieve our shared goal of further reducing emissions.” House Speaker Matt Ritter, a Democrat from Hartford, said that his members plan to meet on Dec. 4 to discuss possible legislation that addresses concerns about the regulations. “We have to do more,” Ritter said. “We have to demonstrate to Connecticut residents that this switch will not only save the environment, save lives and save our planet — but not leave you in a position where you can no longer afford a vehicle.” Republicans and others say they’re worried about the high cost of electric vehicles, the availability of charging stations and the ability of the state’s electric grid to handle the anticipated changeover from gas-combustion engines to electric vehicles. Lamont’s decision to withdraw the proposed regulations, a week after New Jersey became the latest state to announce plans to prohibit the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035, was seen as a setback by some advocates. Members of the public booed when the withdrawal was announced during Tuesday’s meeting of the General Assembly’s Regulations Review Committee. A growing number of states are committing to California’s aggressive plan to move toward zero-emission vehicles, including Vermont, New York, Washington, Oregon, Massachusetts, Virginia, Rhode Island and Maryland, according to Coltura, a Seattle-based nonprofit advocating for an end to gasoline vehicle use. “Unfortunately, a misinformation campaign fueled by the fossil fuel industry won and Connecticut residents will pay the price,” said Ruth Canovi, director of advocacy with the American Lung Association in Connecticut, in a written statement. She said Connecticut “is now positioned to be the only clean car state from Virginia to Vermont to leave our residents out of these strong public health, climate change, and health equity policies this year.” In an interview, Democratic Rep. Lucy Dathan from New Canaan, who was for the ban, gave her remarks after receiving word about the decision to withdraw the proposal. “I’m disappointed, to be completely honest,” Dathan said, citing many of Connecticut’s neighboring states which have adopted the regulation. “I was a big supporter of this, and I was feeling optimistic we could get it over the finish line… I see the market is going in this direction so it’s upsetting we couldn’t get there.” According to a Hartford-based news publication that covers all topics of Connecticut, CT News Junkie, House Speaker Ritter later mentioned how “even if they had been defeated the regulations would not be able to be altered, so this gives the Democrat-controlled legislature some more flexibility to draft a new proposal. When our caucus has the info it needs, we’re willing to act as quickly as possible.” He said the new proposal might give the state more time to determine what the electric vehicle marketplace will look like in five years. State Rep. Vincent Candelora, the Republican leader of the Connecticut House of Representatives, said he was pleased Lamont decided to withdraw the regulations. “I’m hoping that this next look will take into consideration the affordability and the impact it’s going to have on residents, especially people that live in the cities,” he said. “So we really need a broader conversation, looking at the electric grid and the feasibility of being able to do something like this.” A press conference occurred at the state capitol to inform the public of what could happen moving forward and how this speed bump allows more time for advocates to work on the issue before submitting the proposal again when the new session starts. The new legislative session begins Feb. 7. “It seems that we do have an opportunity for a compromise on this and to keep moving in the right direction that we need to move on,” said House Majority Leader Jason Rojas, a Democrat. “So we need to hold on to that when we get to the next legislative session and, as expected, will take this up.” Moving forward, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Katie Dykes said Connecticut will either “default to the EPA standard or we will move forward with the California program.” Under the California program, the state must give auto manufacturers advance notice of when it plans to implement the tougher standards. In order to implement California’s standards for the 2027 model year, Connecticut would have to adopt the regulations by the end of 2023. If regulations are adopted in 2024, they’d impact the 2028 model year. Chris Herb, president and CEO of the Connecticut Energy Marketers Association, said this was a victory for those who opposed it but stated how the overall battle may not be over. “It’s unclear what could happen next, but CEMA will continue to be vigilant in our opposition to this reckless policy,” Herb said. “This is too much too fast, and we are not ready for an EV-only future.” In April, the Biden administration proposed new automobile pollution limits that would require up to two-thirds of new vehicles sold in the U.S. to be electric by 2032, a nearly tenfold increase over current electric vehicle sales.

Hendrickson signs multi-year partnership with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing

WOODRIDGE, Ill. — Hendrickson, a heavy-duty truck suspension parts manufacturer, has announced the extension of its multi-year agreement with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL), an NTT INDYCAR SERIES team. The agreement will run through the entire season, with Hendrickson starting as an associate sponsor, then becoming the primary sponsor of the No. 15 entry for Graham Rahal, a news release stated. Hendrickson’s primary sponsorship will include races at the Barber Motorsports Park, Road America and Portland International Raceway, which take place on April 26-18, June 7-9 and Aug. 23-25, respectively.  Since joining as an associate sponsor in 2019, Hendrickson has created a support trailer for the team that’s designed to make raceday better. The partnership between Hendrickson and Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing was last extended in 2022 and also included the addition of a primary sponsorship for Christian Lundgaard and Katherine Legge. “Hendrickson is honored to extend its sponsorship of the Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing team,” said Jeff Sass, vice president of marketing for Hendrickson. “The opportunity to have the engineers of Hendrickson and Rahal Letterman Lanigan working together to share best practices regarding the effect of road inputs and suspension technology is exciting for both teams. Our customers also appreciate the affiliation and hospitality that RLL provides throughout the year. This is a win-win for Hendrickson and Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.” Rahal entered into a new multi-year agreement with the team starting in 2024. “It’s exciting that our partnership continues to grow with Hendrickson,” he said. “The Hendrickson Engineering Support Trailer is my home away from home at race events as I spend a large portion of my time at the track there. We have had competitive runs at Barber and Road America in recent years and started from pole at Portland this year, so I’m excited to see if we can get a win for the Hendrickson Honda next year.” In 2023, Rahal earned two of the four final poles, made three front-row starts and also made a return to a podium after the Gallagher Grand Prix at Indianapolis. This is the race where he won a second-place finish as the closet finish recorded on the road course with a margin of -0.4779 to the winner. The Hendrickson logo was indeed on his No. 15 car, but future races will be the first times Hendrickson will be a primary sponsor. The 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season opens Sunday, March 10, on the Streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, for the 20th Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. North America’s premier open-wheel series will crisscross the United States, including a stop for the 108th Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 26, before culminating in Nashville for the championship finale Sunday, Sept. 15. All on-track action can be seen on NBC or NBC’s Peacock Premium streaming service or USA Network. For more information about the series or team, visit www.indycar.com and www.rahal.com.

HDA Truck Pride expands California footprint

ST. LOUIS — HDA Truck Pride has announced the expansion of its footprint in the California market by adding E-W Truck & Equipment Company Inc. of San Diego to its network. The announcement was made in a news release published on Thursday, Nov. 30. E-W Truck & Equipment Company is a three-generation, family-owned business that has served the San Diego community, including the San Diego and Imperial counties, focusing on refuse, transit, chassis and municipal contracts, for 69 years and counting. Within those 69 years, E-W Truck & Equipment Company continued to broaden the range of the products and services it offers to the surrounding community. The offers included a wide expansion into the parts that support all highway trucks, trailers and work and refuse equipment.  “HDA Truck Pride is about people and community. The Winters family has dedicated nearly 70 years to the trucking industry and serving the San Diego community,” said Tina Hubbard, president and CEO of HDA Truck Pride. “We look forward to supporting E-W Truck & Equipment Company as they continue to realize a bright and successful future.”

Tractor-trailer overturns, spilling solar panels on I-287

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — New York State Police reported a five-hour standstill on the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 29, along Interstate 287 in White Plains after a tractor-trailer overturned following a three-vehicle crash. Investigators said the crash occurred around 6 a.m. on the Cross Westchester Expressway near exit 7. According to the state police report, a 63-year-old Florida man was traveling eastbound in his tractor-trailer when he collided with another semi-truck driven by a 30-year-old New York man. The second tractor-trailer struck a 2004 Volkswagen sedan driven by a 52-year-old New Jersey commuter before overturning, causing the rig’s cargo of solar panels to spill onto the road. The morning traffic came to a standstill, stretching for five miles in both directions during the clean-up process. Detours were attempted on local roads by the state police in and around White Plains. Lanes re-opened around 11:20 a.m. The state police confirmed the driver of the passenger vehicle was sent to the hospital for minor injuries. Detectives are still investigating the cause of the accident.

Trucking Ponzi scheme organizer sentenced to 17 years

NEW YORK — A former trucking company owner has been sentenced to 212 months in prison after a federal conviction related to a $40 million Ponzi scheme. According to a Nov. 28 news release from Damian Williams, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Franklin Ray, 52, of Canton, Michigan, engaged in multiple fraud schemes, including two COVID-19 loan fraud schemes. He also committed aggravated identity theft in connection with one of those schemes. U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres handed down Ray’s sentence. In early March of 2022, the government seized the bank account of CSA Business Solutions LLC, and Ray was arrested, the news release states. From the time between his arrest and indictment, authorities said that Ray continued to operate his truck investment scheme, hiding his arrest and the seized business bank account, then lying to his investors about why he missed a scheduled payment. Ray also opened new bank accounts for CSA Business Solutions LLC while continuing to accept investor funds for non-existing trucks.  “In the span of less than two years, Franklin Ray engaged in four separate fraudulent schemes, including a $40 million Ponzi scheme that victimized hundreds of people and schemes that stole funds intended for those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Williams said. “Ray even had the audacity to continue his Ponzi scheme while on pretrial release after his arrest in March 2022, stealing approximately $2 million from unsuspecting victims after he was charged with federal crimes. Today’s sentence shows that engaging in fraudulent conduct will have severe consequences.” According to the complaint and indictment, along with other documents that were previously filed, in June of 2021, Ray began the truck investment scheme by offering people an opportunity to invest in his trucking and logistics company, which was named CSA Business Solutions LLC. This led to investors entering into contracts with Ray, allowing his company to obtain and operate a truck for every $20,000 the investors contributed. Ray told investors that the trucks would perform delivery services for a multinational e-Commerce company and a multinational shipping company, and that they would be entitled to 77% of the net income of the trucks. However, CSA Business Solutions LLC operated few trucks and had minimal revenues from trucking activities, authorities said. Investors in the scheme received payments from new investments into the same scheme or other sources. As the investors purchased the rights to CSA Business Solutions LLC’s trucks, Ray began sending them false updates purporting to show the performance of their trucks during the relevant period. Overall, Ray was able to scam 275 people into purchasing more than 2,000 trucks by investing at least $40 million into his scam company. Also, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ray obtained more than $1.9 million in Small Business Administration loan funds by falsifying and forging paperwork. These guaranteed loans were supposed to provide relief to small businesses during the pandemic. This scheme also included aggravated identity theft. Another scheme that included a real estate company based in New York was induced, and $175,000 in startup costs was eventually paid for a joint venture between the company and his trucking business. Ray also reportedly lied on paperwork about his personal business experience and the business conducted by CSA Business Solutions LLC to get the company to enter the joint venture. In addition to the 17-year prison term, Ray was sentenced to an additional five years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit $42,128,912.00 and several assets, including a 1968 Chevy Camaro. The defendant was also ordered to pay restitution, which will later be determined.

Tanker trucker catches fire, causing standstill along I-195 in Massachusetts

FALL RIVER, Mass. — A fiery crash near the Braga Bridge caused a traffic backup after a tanker trucker caught fire. According to the Massachusetts State Police report, the crash occurred on the eastbound side of Interstate 195, approaching the bridge on the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 29, in Fall River.  The fire started between 10 and 10:30 a.m. and was reported shortly after 11 a.m. The State Police took to X (formerly known as Twitter) for updates on the crash.   All the eastbound lanes were closed for a time, but state police said one lane reopened around 11:42 a.m.   There have been no further updates at the time of this posting. No injuries were reported.

Truckstop introduces update on Truckstop Go mobile app

BOISE, Idaho — Truckstop has introduced a new load alert notification feature on its Truckstop Go Mobile app, which customers with a Load Board Pro subscription can use. According to a news release, Load Alert Notifications inform the user of the freshest and highest-paying loads that match the carriers’ preferences right to their mobile device when those loads are live in the marketplace. The new app feature also benefits the carrier’s employer’s broker customers. It does this by increasing the speed to provide a legitimate and quality truck while expanding its reach and allowing it to grow its capacity and buying power. “We have been incredibly pleased by the value Load Alert Notifications — a powerful new feature that lets highly relevant loads come to you — has delivered to our beta users and look forward to the impact it will have on our entire carrier and broker network,” said Julia Laurin, chief product officer at Truckstop. “Our carrier customers will get load alerts even when they’re not in the app, so they can be the first to access the highest quality, relevant loads.” For more information about Load Alert Notifications, please visit here.

Echo Global Logistics garners award for workplace environment

CHICAGO — For the seventh year, Echo Global Logistics has been named a 2023 Best and Brightest Company to Work for in the Nation by the National Association for Business Resources. “We’re proud to see Echo continually celebrated for its workplace culture and community,” said Paula Frey, chief human resources officer at Echo. “We strive to foster the kind of positive environment that encourages individuals to succeed in collaboration with one another, something that is integral to our business. Best and Brightest is an excellent illustration of how every Echo employee supports our shared company goals.” Doug Waggoner, chief executive officer at Echo, said the company’s advanced transportation technology is supported by its dedicated workers. “Echo team members show up with enthusiasm and drive every day to simplify transportation for our many clients and carrier partners,” he said. The Best and Brightest community comprises the nation’s leading businesses that have proven to be the ideal employment environment for job seekers. Hosted by the National Association for Business Resources, this particular Best and Brightest Company award recognizes the companies that commit to their employees through human resources initiatives and practices.

New ATRI research analyzes predatory big rig towing

WASHINGTON — The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has released a new report that examines the causes and countermeasures of predatory heavy-duty towing, with the goal of improving the relationship between the towing and trucking industries.  The most common types of predatory towing were excessive rates, experienced by 82.7% of motor carriers, and unwarranted extra service charges, experienced by 81.8% of carriers. A majority of carriers encountered additional issues, such as truck release or access delays, cargo release delays, truck seizure without cause and tows misreported as consensual. A comprehensive analysis of crash-related towing records found that 29.8% of invoices include excessive rates or unwarranted additional charges. The leading causes contributing to this total were miscellaneous service charges (found in 8% of invoices), administrative fees (found in 6.5% of invoices) and equipment rates (found in 6.3% of invoices). The patchwork of municipal, county and state regulations that currently govern towing are often insufficient to prevent predatory activities. The report includes an online compendium of state towing regulations and describes key areas to improve the coverage and application of regulations to close existing loopholes. Additional analyses and interviews with legal experts outline strategies that motor carriers can use to avoid, identify, or address predatory towing, such as how to review invoices for predatory billing and how to gather data to dispute towing companies’ incident accounts when necessary. “Predatory towing is a costly issue for motor carriers as well as compliant towing companies, and it has been overlooked for too long,” said Shawn R. Brown, Cargo Transporters’ vice president of safety. “With reliable data analysis and a thorough regulatory review, ATRI’s report sheds light on the sources of the problem and paths forward for addressing it by both regulators and trucking fleets.” A copy of this report is available on ATRI’s website here.

Peterbilt’s Denton plant celebrates milestone production of 750,000th truck

DENTON, Texas — Peterbilt is celebrating a production milestone at its Texas manufacturing facility — the 750,000th truck, a Model 579, has rolled off the assembly line since the plant’s opening in 1980. Peterbilt presented TMC Transportation Inc. with the keys to the Model 579 at the Denton plant on Nov. 14. TMC, based in Des Moines, Iowa, is the nation’s largest privately held flatbed carrier and runs a 100% Peterbilt fleet. According to a statement issued by Peterbilt, TMC is recognized as a premier flatbed carrier and is known for its highly trained drivers, impeccably maintained equipment and unwavering dedication to quality and customer service. “TMC demands excellence when it comes to our equipment. Peterbilt trucks are meticulously specified for high performance and driver comfort to meet that demand,” said Jason Webb, TMC Transportation’s executive vice president of asset management. “It’s a great honor to receive this Model 579 and 750,000th truck assembled at the Denton manufacturing plant. We celebrate this significant milestone with Peterbilt and Allstate Peterbilt Dealer Group, our outstanding partner.” The Model 579 is known for its technological advancements and distinctive styling, and promises optimal driver comfort, aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. “Peterbilt and our world-class employees are proud to present TMC with the 750,000th truck built at our Denton factory,” said Jason Skoog, general manager of Peterbilt and vice president of PACCAR. We recognize the importance of providing products tailored to meet our customer’s unique specifications with the highest levels of quality and craftsmanship. Delivering this Model 579 to TMC for their all-Peterbilt fleet is a special recognition of our multi-decade partnership.”

Thanksgiving night blaze in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, destroys 3 big rigs

SWATARA TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A Thanksgiving night fire in the Swatara Township in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, led to three semi-trucks being wholly damaged. According to the Dauphin County Hazardous Materials Response Team (DCHMRT), the Colonial Park Fire Company No. 1 responded to the fire near a commercial building. The DCHMRT assisted the fire department, mitigating possible hazards, which included run-off from fire suppression efforts. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, and an investigation is still ongoing. No buildings were damaged.

2 dead after big rig, passenger vehicle collide in Virginia

WYTHE COUNTY, Va. — Virginia State Police (VSP) responded to a double-fatality crash involving a tractor-trailer at 7 a.m. on Nov. 22. The wreck happened at mile marker 43 along Interstate 77. According to the police report, VSP determined that the passenger vehicle was “attempting to use an emergency cross-over on Interstate 77 when it collided with a tractor-trailer heading northbound.” The victims’ identities were not immediately released.

Montgomery Logistics names the 2023 Q3 Carrier of the Quarter

BIRMINGHAM — In a Nov. 21 news release, Montgomery Logistics announced Summerford Truck Line of Ashford, Alabama, as the third quarter’s winner for the 2023 Carrier of the Quarter. In the past, Summerford has received multiple nominations for the Carrier of the Quarter award and praise from the Montgomery operations team. According to the news release, the operations team has said that Summerford’s “communication is always clear, with regular updates from pick-up to delivery.” “The seven-year partnership that Summerford and Montgomery have is amazing,” said Jessica Hamilton, Montgomery’s career relations manager. “Each year, we see an increase in the freight they haul. We are very thankful to have a partnership with a company like Summerford. They always strive for greatness and exceed even the highest of expectations. Summerford always sets a high standard with their quality of work. We are ready for 2024, knowing that we have this strong and exceptional partnership.” Summerford’s Operations Supervisor, Keith Johnson, is equally pleased with the partnership with Montgomery. “The partnership with Montgomery Logistics has been a tremendous boost to the growth of our company,” he said. “Their understanding of our needs and how we fit their customer base makes them an invaluable partner for us. Everyone that I interact with at Montgomery has been helpful in getting us to the point of qualifying for this honor. We are thankful for this recognition, and we look forward to continuing this great partnership!”  The Carrier of the Quarter award was established to recognize carriers for their daily consistency, safety measures taken, reliability and outstanding value to Montgomery Logistics through their long-term partnership.  

White House finalizes Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Tool

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has announced a finalized performance measure that will provide state departments of transportation (DOTs) and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) a national framework to track transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), along with the flexibility to set their own targets for reduction. “Every state has its own unique climate challenges, and every state ought to have the data, funding and flexibility it needs to meet those challenges head-on,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Buttigieg. “This new performance measure will provide states with a clear and consistent framework to track carbon pollution and the flexibility to set their own climate targets — which we will also help them meet with more than $27 billion in federal funding through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda.” According to a news release, in support of President Biden’s whole-of-government approach to cutting carbon pollution in half by 2030, FHWA is taking two necessary steps toward addressing the impacts of climate change with today’s announcement: Adding a new greenhouse gas performance management measure to the existing FHWA national performance measures to establish a national framework to help states track performance and make more informed investment decisions. Creating a flexible system under which state DOTs and MPOs will set their own targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from roadway travel. “Transportation is the leading source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. and reducing emissions from that sector while ensuring our economy works for everyday Americans is critical to addressing the climate crisis,” said Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt. “We don’t expect state DOTs and MPOs to solve a problem this large on their own, which is why this performance measure does not impose penalties for those who miss their targets.” The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) includes more than $27 billion in funding across various federal government programs to support carbon pollution reduction projects. Some examples include: The Carbon Reduction Program provides $6.4 billion in formula funding to State and local governments to develop carbon reduction strategies and fund a wide range of projects – including eligible assets owned by local governments, counties and Tribes – designed to reduce carbon emissions from on-road highway sources. The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) formula program provides $5 billion to states, primarily through a statutory formula, to build out a national electric vehicle charging network, an essential step towards making electric vehicle charging accessible to all Americans. The Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) discretionary grant program provides $2.5 billion in competitive funding to states, local governments and Tribes to deploy electric vehicle charging and hydrogen, propane, and natural gas fueling infrastructure along designated alternative fuel corridors and in communities. The Congestion Relief Program provides $250 million in competitive funding to advance innovative, multimodal solutions to reduce congestion and related economic and environmental costs in the most congested metropolitan areas of the U.S. The Reduction of Truck Emissions at Port Facilities Program provides $400 million in competitive funding to reduce truck idling and emissions at ports, including through the advancement of port electrification. The Low or No Emission Vehicle Program provides $5 billion to replace transit buses with zero-emission electric buses and other low or zero-emission technologies, adding even more significant emissions reduction benefits to transit systems that lower emissions at a baseline compared to the many passenger cars they replace. The Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside program provides $7.2 billion to help state and local governments carry out environmentally friendly pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure projects. The Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Program provides $69 million in funding to local communities to integrate land use and transportation planning with new fixed guideways or core capacity transit capital investment projects. BIL also expands TOD financing opportunities through the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) and Railroad Rehabilitation & Improvement Financing (RRIF) programs.

FedEx Freight delivering 300,000th Christmas tree to military families this holiday season

MEMPHIS — This year, FedEx Freight will deliver the 300,000th tree for the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation’s annual Trees for Troops program. The milestone tree is set to arrive at Fort Liberty on Dec. 1, alongside nearly 16,000 trees slated for families at more than 90 military bases across the United States this December, according to a news release. “Every year, the FedEx Freight team puts in tireless effort to support Trees for Troops and the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation. This milestone 300,000th tree delivery is a direct reflection of our dedication to both causes,” said Lance Moll, president and CEO at FedEx Freight. “Through our industry-leading transportation network, we are honored to give back to local communities and military families whose values have always been closely tied to the core mission of our company.” Since 2005, FedEx Freight has supported the Trees for Troops program, an initiative that delivers farm-grown Christmas trees to domestic and international U.S. military bases. FedEx Freight drivers have logged more than 600,000 miles for tree deliveries over the years. “This program started on a crazy idea and started small. We delivered 4,300 trees to only five bases that first year,” said Wendy Richardson, chair of the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation’s Board of Trustees. “It’s hard to believe we’re now going to exceed 300,000 total trees since we began working with FedEx 19 years ago. The commitment and dedication of all involved is truly inspiring. We love providing Christmas spirit to the men and women and their families in our military, one tree at a time.” Trees for Troops kicks off Nov. 27, as hundreds of donors and volunteers come together to help make this effort a success. There are two ways the public can support Trees for Troops: Donate a tree for delivery to a base at one of the official Trees for Troops locations. Some locations offer online tree purchase options for shopper convenience. Donated trees must be purchased by Dec. 3, to ensure pick-up and delivery by FedEx Freight. Visit the Trees for Troops website to donate online, and follow Trees for Troops on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter. A full list of participating locations can be found at treesfortroops.org.

Used Class 8 value stabilization still in flux, says ACT

COLUMBUS, Ind. — According to the latest State of the Industry: U.S. Classes 3-8 Used Trucks by ACT Research, the average retail sale price of used Class 8 trucks fell 1% month over month and 25% year over year to $62,900 in October. “The past three months’ less-than-expected declines present mounting evidence of pricing stability. We expect lower prices through the end of 2023, with a return to month-over-month growth toward the end of 2024,” said Steve Tam, vice president at ACT Research. The industry is currently questioning when values will stabilize. “The answer to that question seems to be in flux,” Tam said. “There are still too many trucks chasing too little freight. Until the economy can strike a balance between those two factors, downward pressure on pricing will continue to exist. Once the excess capacity is absorbed, the freight rate environment and trucker profits will correct, restarting the cycle that is the commercial vehicle industry.” ACT’s State of the Industry: U.S. Classes 3-8 Used Trucks report provides data on the average selling price, miles, and age based on a sample of industry data. In addition, the report provides the average selling price for top-selling Class 8 models for each of the major truck OEMs — Freightliner (Daimler); Kenworth and Peterbilt (Paccar); International (Navistar); and Volvo and Mack (Volvo).

Clean Energy opens RNG fueling station in Baltimore

BALTIMORE — Clean Energy Fuels Corp. has opened a new renewable natural gas station (RNG) in Baltimore, near the Pulaski Industrial Area, according to a Nov. 21 press release. RNG is made entirely of organic waste and promises to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The new station is located near the Pulaski Industrial Area and provides heavy-duty truck fleets access to a low-carbon, sustainable fuel along the busy East Coast trucking corridor. The new station, located at 6820 Quad Ave., sits on almost 20 acres and includes four fast-fill dispensers for easy in-and-out fueling of RNG, as well as private time-fill hoses for up to 156 trucks and parking for drivers’ personal vehicles. “Large fleets fueling with RNG have the ability to realize immediate and significant carbon reduction, especially in the heavy-duty truck sector,” said Chad Lindholm, senior vice president of Clean Energy. “The opening of our station in Maryland and others around the country demonstrates the demand for an affordable, clean fuel that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and is available today.” The opening of the new RNG station opening comes at a time when RNG is gaining momentum of using natural fuel to for heavy-duty vehicles with the introduction of the Cummins X15N natural gas engine planned for 2024. This new 15-liter engine is currently being tested a handful of fleets, including Walmart, Werner, Knight Swift and UPS. The early reaction to the X15N has been very positive at, according to the Clean Energy press release. Clean Energy currently has a network of 590 fueling stations in North America and is steadily expanding, with stations built and strategically located to serve heavy-duty truck fleets.

Idaho state Christmas tree arrives at capitol via big rig

BOISE, Idaho — Idaho’s state Christmas tree has arrived safely at the Capitol in Boise. According to an Idaho Transportation Department news release issued on Nov. 20, the process of getting the tree to the Capitol took a team effort. The Idaho Department of Lands cut the tree down, the Boise Police Department provided traffic control and ITD transported the tree to its location using an 18-wheeler.  This year’s tree, keeping the tradition of being a blue spruce, stood at 45 feet but will be cut down to 35 feet and placed in a 9-foot-hole before it is decorated.  ITD has safely transported Idaho’s Christmas tree for more than 20 years. In the future, ITD will have a shorter trip to deliver the trees to the Capitol as they will be harvested from behind the building within the 600 block of West State Street.  “We are honored to be part of a tradition that brings so much joy to Idahoans. We look forward to it every year,” ITD Foreman Travis Dodd said. Each year, the Capitol administration team tracks a list of the eligible trees people donate; then the state’s Christmas tree is selected from the same list in August. 

Illinois will use federal grant to improve safety, efficiency of highway projects

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has received a $4.5 million Federal Highway Administration grant to develop a new digital system that’s supposed to make construction projects safer and more efficient, according to a news release. “The funds from the grant will allow IDOT to establish a digital network to share information on upcoming projects, reducing paper usage, improving the accuracy of surveying with 3D modeling and aerial surveying and improving the efficiency of data collection for local agencies and other state agencies to access electronically,” the news release stated “This program will be the first one that will be useful for all modes of transportation, including roads and bridges, transit, waterways, freight and passenger rail, aviation, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.” This project dovetails with IDOT’s “Rebuild Illinois” capital plan. Created by Gov. JB Pritzker and passed in 2019, Rebuild Illinois will invest $33.2 billion over six years into Illinois’ aging transportation system, according to the news release. This will create jobs and promote economic growth, state officials are touting. IDOT plans to improve more than 3,000 miles of highway and nearly 10 million square feet of bridge decks within the same six years as part of the Rebuild Illinois act. “Our goal at IDOT is to be the country’s most innovative department of transportation,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “This grant helps to further that mission while streamlining project delivery, investing taxpayer dollars wisely and strengthening our status as the transportation hub of North America.” For more information on IDOT projects, click here. For more IDOT updates, follow us on Twitter and Facebook or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.