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Linda Garner-Bunch

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About Linda Garner-Bunch
Linda Garner-Bunch has been in publishing for more than 30 years. You name it, Linda has written about it. She has served as an editor for a group of national do-it-yourself publications and has coordinated the real estate section of Arkansas’ only statewide newspaper, in addition to working on a variety of niche publications ranging from bridal magazines to high-school sports previews and everything in between. She is also an experienced photographer and copy editor who enjoys telling the stories of the “Knights of the Highway,” as she calls our nation’s truck drivers.

Posts by Linda Garner-Bunch

EPA will ‘reconsider’ emissions standards for heavy-duty trucks, says Zeldin

By Linda Garner-Bunch -

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reconsidering the Biden-Harris administration’s greenhouse emissions standards that are set to go into effect for model-year 2027 and later heavy-duty trucks. The agency is also reconsidering regulations for passenger vehicles and light- and medium-duty vehicles. The announcement came Wednesday, March 12, in a press release from EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. In addition to imposing more than $700 billion in regulatory and compliance costs and making it difficult for Americans to buy safe, affordable cars, Zeldin said the standards would increase the overall cost of living. The EPA is also reevaluating other parts of the Biden-Harris “Clean Trucks Plan,” including the 2022 Heavy-Duty Nitrous Oxide rule, which “results in significant costs that will make the products our trucks deliver, like food and other household goods, more expensive.” Members of the trucking industry were quick to applaud Zeldin’s actions. AMERICAN TRUCKING ASSOCIATIONS (ATA) “We commend President Trump and EPA Administrator Zeldin for restoring common sense to our nation’s environmental laws and demonstrating bold leadership on this critical issue that affects not only the 8.5 million men and women who work in trucking, but all Americans,” said Chris Spear, president and CEO of the American Trucking Associations. “GHG3 in its current form is unachievable given the state of battery-electric technology and the sheer lack of charging infrastructure,” he continued, describing the rule as “an albatross for the trucking industry” because of the increased costs for motor carriers and supply chain disruptions that would ultimately increase consumer costs. Realistic, achievable standards and deadlines are vital to the reduction of pollution caused by heavy-duty trucks, Spear noted, pointing to progress made since the 1980s. “Sixty trucks today emit the same amount as one truck manufactured in 1988,” he said. “The trucking industry welcomes the resumption of this productive partnership with EPA,” Spear said. “Crafting a new national rule will prevent states like California from attempting to make an end run around the administration, creating a patchwork of impossible mandates that would jeopardize our economy.” CLEAN FREIGHT COALITION (CFC) A statement from the CFC also applauded the Trump administration’s actions and the EPA’s decision to reconsider emissions standards for commercial transport. “The trucking industry has made significant improvements on tailpipe emissions over the last several decades, and we will work with the (Trump) administration on reasonable and achievable solutions that continue to deliver cleaner commercial vehicles moving forward,” said Jim Mullen, executive director of the CFC. “We will also continue to advocate for a national regulatory framework that is technology neutral and achieves the greatest benefit for the environment without unnecessarily burdening the industry, the economy and all consumers of goods in our country,” he concluded. TRUCKLOAD CARRIERS ASSOCIATION (TCA) In an emailed statement, TCA voiced support for Zeldin’s reconsideration of the EPA’s Phase 3 final rule regarding greenhouse gas emissions standards for heavy-duty trucks and promise to review nitrogen oxides regulations. “TCA fully supports this reconsideration, recognizing the progress in advocating for practical and achievable emissions standards,” the statement noted. “As a founding member of the Clean Freight Coalition, TCA has worked diligently to ensure that federal emissions policies reflect real-world operational and economic considerations.” TCA’s statement pointed to the group’s support of efforts to withdraw the heavy-duty trucks emissions rule by Sen. Mark Crapo (R-ID) and Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) during the last Congressional session. “This reconsideration underscores the effectiveness of TCA’s advocacy and the collective efforts of the Clean Freight Coalition,” the statement said. “TCA remains committed to actively engaging in this process to ensure that emissions regulations strike a balance between environmental progress and the trucking industry’s operational realities.” OWNER-OPERATOR INDEPENDENT DRIVERS ASSOCIATION (OOIDA) Todd Spencer, president of OOIDA — an organization representing 150,000 small-business truckers — said the group welcomes the EPA’s decision to review emissions standards. “Small-business truckers make up 96% of trucking and could be regulated out of existence if the current standards were to be implemented,” he said. “Mom-and-pop trucking businesses would be suffocated by the sheer cost and operational challenges of effectively mandating zero emission trucks.” Spencer also noted that reliable, affordable commercial trucks are vital to the operations of the association’s members. “We have yet to see proof that electric CMVs (commercial motor vehicles) are a practical option for most trucking businesses considering the price tag and lack of charging infrastructure,” he said. Opposition to the EPA’s decision While members of the trucking industry have so far voiced support for rolling back greenhouse gas emissions and nitrous oxide rules, other groups were quick to dissent. Environmentalists and climate scientists call the endangerment finding a bedrock of U.S. law and say any attempt to undo it will have little chance of success, according to a report from The Associated Press. “In the face of overwhelming science, it’s impossible to think that the EPA could develop a contradictory finding that would stand up in court,” said David Doniger, a climate expert at the Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental group. University of Pennsylvania climate scientist Michael Mann called the EPA’s action “just the latest form of Republican climate denial. They can no longer deny climate change is happening, so instead they’re pretending it’s not a threat, despite the overwhelming scientific evidence that it is, perhaps, the greatest threat that we face today.” What’s next? The Associated Press report also offered insights into Zeldin’s plans. “We are driving a dagger through the heart of climate-change religion and ushering in America’s Golden Age,’’ Zeldin wrote in an essay in “The Wall Street Journal.” Zeldin believes the EPA’s actions will eliminate trillions of dollars in regulatory costs and “hidden taxes,” lowering the cost of living for American families and reducing prices for such essentials such as buying a car, heating your home and operating a business. “Our actions will also reignite American manufacturing, spreading economic benefits to communities,” he noted. “This isn’t about abandoning environmental protection — it’s about achieving it through innovation and not strangulation,” Zeldin wrote. “By reconsidering rules that throttled oil and gas production and unfairly targeted coal-fired power plants, we are ensuring that American energy remains clean, affordable, and reliable.” The Associated Press contributed to this report.

SheDrives NFI: Providing women with the resources to succeed in trucking

By Linda Garner-Bunch -

SPONSORED BY NFI INDUSTRIES Just a couple of decades ago, women were a rarity in the trucking industry, especially when it came to sitting in the driver’s seat of a big rig. Today, spotting a woman maneuvering a semi-truck along the highways of North America, fueling a rig at a truck stop or securing a load at a shipper’s loading dock is a common occurrence. However, women are still a minority in trucking, accounting for about 9.5% of truck drivers in the U.S., according to the Women In Trucking Association’s (WIT) 2024-2025 Women in Trucking Index that was released in October 2024. Resources for women in the trucking industry Because of this, various organizations, as well as individual motor carriers, have sought to provide resources for women whose careers take them over the road. One such group is SheDrives NFI, a company-sponsored community that works to empower women in the trucking industry. The initiative began in 2018 as a recruitment marketing campaign; however, it quickly evolved into a simple yet profound concept: Trucking is a fulfilling career — regardless of gender. Marie J., regional transport manager for NFI, recalls how it all began in the South Jersey area. “The women drivers wanted a community where they could talk to one another, offer advice and just in general, have a community among themselves,” she said. “It started out with a video trying to encourage women to drive trucks.” After that initial video, Marie says, she and several of NFI’s female drivers attended an event presented by WIT. “On the way back, they were so excited about having a community of women drivers,” she said. “We started talking about what women wanted to see and share.” The SheDrives community has since spread across the nation and now offers numerous resources for women in the trucking industry. Safety concerns One of the most important aspects of NFI’s SheDrives community addresses safety concerns that are unique to women in the industry. “Women wanted to be able to tell each other, ‘Hey, that truck stop in that location is a very bad place to go. Don’t go there,’’ or ‘This customer will not allow you to use the bathroom, so be careful if you have to go there.’ Basically, talking about things from a woman’s point of view,” she explained. ““It’s a fantastic program.” In addition to a SheDrives video series on the company’s YouTube channel, SheDrives NFI offers a private Facebook group, workshops and meetings — all with the goal of discussing ideas to bring more women into the industry and being a support tool to guide one another. Many people, even those in the trucking industry, are unaware of some of the unique issues faced by women truckers, Marie noted. To help, some of the topics discussed by women in the group include self-defense techniques, how to handle family issues while on the road, and how to help those experiencing challenges such as breast cancer and domestic violence. “Beyond those topics, women also like to share the fun side of being in the community,” Marie said. “They will share pictures of their new haircut, or their nails they just got done. Largely, it’s just supporting each other.” Building a diverse, inclusive community Kirsy O., regional recruitment manager at NFI and one of the founders of the company’s SheDrives initiative, recalls the early days. After Marie J. returned from that WIT event, she reached out to Kirsy. Out of that kernel of an idea sprang an open dialogue between NFI’s female drivers and the company’s recruitment managers about just what it meant to be a woman trucker. “From that initial conversation we decided to form a cross-functional network to communicate, support each other and share ideas. From there, we dove headfirst into brainstorming sessions with female drivers across the Northeast, eager to understand their challenges, concerns, and aspirations,” Kirsy said. “What emerged wasn’t just an initiative — it was an opportunity to establish a community.” Through this community and conversations with its members, NFI’s leadership gained valuable insight into driver challenges. The next step? Develop avenues to address and mitigate those challenges. “In August of 2018 we posted the first SheDrives ad featuring one of our female drivers,” Kirsy said. “We received high engagement online highlighting a different female driver’s story monthly through 2018 and 2019.” By the end of 2018, she said, women drivers made up 4% of NFI’s driver pool. By 2024 that number had exploded to nearly 10%. Beyond Milestones As noted in an interview for a WEX blog post, the impact of SheDrives goes beyond statistical milestones. The initiative is a transformative force that fundamentally reshaped NFI’s workforce and fostered a diverse, inclusive culture. The company has seen a significant increase in the percentage of women working for NFI — not only as drivers but also as recruiters and managers, Kirsy noted. This dismantling of gender barriers is something she hopes will expand throughout the industry. She believes anyone, regardless of gender, can build a future in the trucking industry. “It’s more than just a job. It’s an opportunity to give back,” Kirsy said. “Without transportation and logistics, the world as we know it wouldn’t function. “Being part of an industry that plays an important role in keeping the country moving is immensely fulfilling,” she continued. “If you’re someone searching for meaning and purpose in your work, logistics might just be the perfect fit for you.” For more information about SheDrives NFI, click here. Follow NFI on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Photo courtesy of NFI Industries

A year to remember: Outgoing TCA chairman John Culp reflects on his tenure

By Linda Garner-Bunch -

During the Truckload Carriers Association’s (TCA) annual convention, slated for March 15-18 in Phoenix, chairman John Culp will pass the torch to incoming chair Karen Smerchek, president of Veriha Trucking Inc. As he prepares to transition to the role of immediate past chair, Culp took time to reflect on his tenure as chairman and share his thoughts on the state of the trucking industry. “I’ve loved my time as TCA chairman. I love our industry. I love to talk about it,” he said during a visit with Linda Garner-Bunch, managing editor of Truckload Authority and The Trucker Media Group, one February afternoon. Anyone who’s spent more than five minutes conversing with Culp would agree that not only does he love trucking; he is also an expert on the many aspects of the industry. As his year as chairman comes to an end, the Truckload Authority and Trucker Media Group teams extend a word of thanks to John Culp for making this a year to remember.   Linda: Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman, and thank you for joining us today. It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since our first visit and that this is your last Chat with the Chairman! What have been some of the highlights of the past year for you? John: The highlight for me has been working with the team at TCA. It’s been a great year. It’s been challenging, it’s been fun, and it’s been rewarding. Working with TCA is always a great experience altogether, not just the past year, but every year. When I first became chairman, someone asked me, “Well John, what are you going to do? What do you want to accomplish as chairman?” My answer was that I want to do keep doing the same thing I’ve been doing with TCA over the years. I want to continue what we’re doing as an organization, and I want to work to make it even better — I’ll just be sitting in a different chair. And that’s exactly what we’ve done. Note that I said “we.” It’s not just me; it’s the entire organization, from the staff to the officers and members. Our officers this year have been awesome, and our TCA staff is stronger than it’s ever been. We’re well aligned with the objectives we’re trying to reach, and we’ve got a lot of momentum. Having the opportunity to work closely with these people has been amazing. I have been truly blessed with the relationships I’ve developed and the friends I’ve made — and it’s been extremely rewarding to be a part of TCA’s leadership and to continue the efforts to amplify the “voice of truckload” on Capitol Hill. Our membership has grown stronger, and together we have worked through the challenges and uncertainties of the past 12 months. We continue to grow stronger. It has been an honor to be a part of this team effort. To sum it up, it’s been a great year to be part of TCA.   Linda: What would you say has been your greatest challenge in the past 12 months, and what accomplishment are you most proud of? John: The biggest challenge is pretty universal: Time. There’s just never enough of it. But that’s where teamwork comes in, and the TCA staff and officers really stepped up to help make sure all the wonderful educational offerings and meetings provided the added value our members have come to appreciate and expect.   Linda: Earlier you mentioned amplifying the voice of truckload on Capitol Hill. During his first few weeks in office, President Trump has already signed countless executive orders, some of which relate to the trucking industry. How do you believe the new Trump administration will impact TCA’s efforts to enact legislation that will benefit trucking and the supply chain? John: Executive orders are great, and they serve an important purpose — but issues really need to be addressed at the congressional level through legislation. That’s one of the key benefits of TCA membership. We allow the stakeholders to actually have input on what is presented in Washington. If you haven’t already, check out the story on Page 6; TCA’s Dave Heller does a great job of explaining how the association works to make sure our members have the ear of the nation’s decision-makers. Any time you have an administration change at the federal level, it’s going to have an effect on every industry in every sector. TCA’s leadership has a history of working closely with whoever’s in the Oval Office, or whatever party has control of the House and Senate, to help promote legislation that benefits our industry. We work to bring about changes that will benefit our members as well as the rest of the nation. To that end, it doesn’t matter which party is in power — our goal remains the same: To educate the lawmakers about how different issues, such as emissions mandates and a lack of truck parking, impact the transportation industry as a whole, especially the hundreds of thousands of truck drivers that make sure products are delivered safely every single day.   Linda: I’m glad you mentioned the emissions mandates. One of the first executive orders President Trump signed back in January called for a halt to what he termed as Environmental Protection Agency’s “EV mandate.” Since then, the EPA has announced further changes that could impact the previously-called-for transition to zero-emission Class 8 trucks. What are your thoughts? John: The Advanced Clean Fleet Rule being put to bed, so to speak, is great news. It offers a reprieve for the industry to develop a realistic, commonsense approach to addressing the trucking industry’s environmental responsibilities.   Linda: One thing you and I have discussed in the past is the possibility of using alternative fuels to achieve zero emissions for heavy-duty vehicles. What have you heard lately on this front? John: The industry definitely needs to continue to look at alternative fuel sources. However, much like the charging facilities for electric vehicles, it’s going to take time to develop the infrastructure to produce the alternative fuels, such as renewable diesel, needed to meet the demands of the trucking industry and other sectors. Bruce Guthrie recently wrote a very informative story about the progress of internal combustion engines designed to burn alternative fuel, along with information about the fueling infrastructure. Check it out here. The industry needs to continue to work towards zero emissions and create a realistic path to our objectives — and it WILL happen; it will just take time.   Linda: What other issues do you see facing the trucking industry in the near future? John: Parking is still a huge issue. We’re working with Congress to develop solutions, and I believe we made great progress last year. I believe there will be some real movement on parking this year. Of course, one of the primary goals at TCA is to promote safety on the roads, and that means safe drivers. We want to see well-trained, drug- and alcohol-free drivers on the highways. That brings us to the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse and the admission of additional testing methods, including hair follicle and oral fluids testing. Progress is still needed on oral fluids testing, but the process of approving laboratories to conduct the testing needs further development. Hair follicle testing results are proven and accurate — but are still not accepted by the Clearinghouse. The guidelines for this testing were mandated eight and a half years ago, but we are still fighting shameful bureaucratic red tape that is preventing implementation.   Linda: What do you see as some of the top legal issues facing the trucking industry? John: Insurance costs have shot well above the rate of inflation, and high-dollar verdicts — often referred to as “nuclear” verdicts — have been the driving force behind those increases. We need litigation reform to help curtail that, to ensure reasonable verdicts. Without tort reform, many trucking companies will be forced out of business, either because they can’t afford insurance or because of the unreasonably high verdicts themselves. In the end, these skyrocketing costs are passed along to the consumers in the form of higher prices. For perspective, the current minimum insurance level is $750,000. That figure was set back in 1980 — 45 years ago — and it hasn’t changed. Today most carriers carry $1 million policies, but even that isn’t enough to cover a carrier’s financial responsibility. As an industry, we carry insurance because it’s the right thing to do. We’re not trying to shirk any responsibility, but the premiums, as well as payouts to plaintiffs, should be reasonable. On the plus side, I believe we’re going to see some real effort to have trucking accidents involving a certain monetary value being adjudicated in a federal court, regulated at the federal level.   Linda: Let’s talk about the freight recession. Many analysts predict that conditions will slowly improve over the course of 2025 after bouncing along the bottom for the past two to three years. What are your thoughts? John: I would say we’ve been in a recession for about two and a half years now, and it’s been very painful. Many trucking companies are struggling to keep their doors open, and countless others have shut down. The challenges are very real. We’re hoping to move toward a more robust economy, and that we’ll see some relief from inflation. The economy always goes up and down; it’s a cycle, like a pendulum swing. It’s not a question of IF things will change, it’s a question of when. I believe there’s reason for optimism, that the pendulum will swing in our favor this year.   Linda: As your time as chairman of the board comes to an end, it’s tradition to offer a few words of advice to the incoming chair. What wisdom would you like to share with incoming chairperson Karen Smerchek? John: First of all, let me say how pleased I am that Karen will be succeeding me as chair of TCA. She is the first woman to lead the board in the association’s nearly 100-year history. Rather than offering advice, I’d like to express my support. Karen became an officer on TCA’s board at the same time as I did. We’ve worked together, and I know how good she is. She’s a strong leader, a smart trucking industry stakeholder, and she’s going to do a great job leading the association’s board of directors.   Linda: Thank you for your time, Mr. Chairman. It has been an honor working with you over the past year.

Don’t miss Oz Pearlman and Jermy Gutsche during Truckload 2025: Phoenix!

By Linda Garner-Bunch -

Are you ready? The Truckload Carriers Association’s (TCA) annual convention kicks off Saturday, March 15, in Phoenix! Join more than 1,500 industry leaders at the Phoenix Convention Center March 15-18 to explore strategies, solutions and technologies that will shape the future of trucking. For more information (or to snag a last-minute seat) click here. You won’t want to miss this year’s keynote and featured speakers. Keynote speaker Oz Pearlman will address convention attendees during the afternoon general session at 3:45 p.m. Monday, March 17. Featured speaker Jeremy Gutsche will share insights on Tuesday, March 18, during the 8 a.m. general session. OZ PEARLMAN Truckload 2025’s keynote speaker excels as a mentalist, magician — and athlete For Oz Pearlman, what began as a childhood fascination with magic evolved into a lifelong passion — he is now the most renowned and sought-after mentalist and magician in the United States — as well as an accomplished athlete. After working on Wall Street for a few years, Pearlman left the financial market to pursue his dream of becoming a full-time entertainer. The rest is, as they say, history, and he has now been dazzling audiences with his mind-reading ability for nearly three decades. In 2015, he competed on TV’s “America’s Got Talent,” captivating the nation with never-before-seen mentalism routines. He quickly became a fan favorite, finishing in third place out of thousands of acts. In 2018, he became part of an elite few — including David Blaine and David Copperfield — to have their own TV special on a major national network. “Oz Knows” aired on NBC multiples times to rave reviews. The following year he won an Emmy Award for that special. He has made more than 100 other television appearances on both national and international networks, including dozens of appearances on the “TODAY Show,” the “Ellen DeGeneres Show,” “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” the “Harry Connick Jr. Show,” “Rachael Ray,” “Dr. Oz,” “CNBC Squawk Box,” “ABC World News,” ESPN, CNBC, the NFL Network, Bravo, Fox Business and many more. Pearlman’s client list reads like a who’s who of politicians, professional athletes, A-list celebrities, and Fortune 500 companies. When he isn’t blowing the minds of audiences around the world, Pearlman is an avid marathon and ultra-marathon runner, having completed such grueling races as the Badwater 135 Miler, Hawaii Ironman World Championships, Western States 100 and Spartathlon. He takes great pride in his marathon personal record of two hours, 23 minutes, and he has won dozens of races throughout the country. In April 2022, Pearlman was featured on the cover of the “New York Times” for breaking the world record for most miles ever run around Central Park in a single day (116 miles) while raising over $100,000 for Save The Children’s Ukraine Relief Fund. Later that year he broke the record for the fastest-ever crossing of Long Island by foot, running from Montauk to Manhattan in 21 hours — on the hottest of the summer, no less. Oz Pearlman’s natural charisma and charm make him the perfect choice for corporate events and private parties alike. His unique blend of mind reading and mentalism create an interactive experience that redefines the very nature of a magic show — one that truly needs to be seen to be believed. JEREMY GUTSCHE Innovation for the future is the name of the game for featured speaker Innovator. Author. Futurist. Businessman. Disruptive thinker. These are only a few words that describe Jeremy Gutsche, this year’s featured speaker at the Truckload Carriers Association’s Annual Convention, slated for March 15-18 in Phoenix. When he’s not touring the globe as a futurist and sought-after innovation speaker, Gutsche is hard at work as the CEO of Trend Hunter, the world’s largest trend-spotting platform driven by artificial intelligence. Can you imagine the insight from a focus group made up of 100 million people? That’s the Trend Hunter AI platform. For the better part of a decade, Gutsche has delivered AI workshops, advisory services and thousands of trend reports based on the Trend Hunter platform. He’s been incorporating AI into his innovation since before almost anyone else, and he can show others how to do it too. With Gutsche at the helm, Trend Hunter has grown into a powerful innovation engine and global showcase for what’s next — attracting 3 billion views in the process. The site has been featured or cited in over 40,000 articles, and Gutsche is routinely sourced by the media, including The Economist, CNN, WIRED and The New York Times, to name a few. Gutsche has been described as “a new breed of trend spotter” by The Guardian, an “Oracle” by the Globe and Mail, an “intellectual can of Red Bull” by Association Week, and “the rockstar of keynote speakers” by Meetings Professional International. Since the release of his award-winning first book, “Exploiting Chaos,” Gutsche has become a world-class expert on innovating through times of uncertainty. His latest book, “Create the Future,” features a foreword by Malcolm Gladwell; the book won a 2021 Axiom Business Book Award in the category of business disruption and reinvention. In “Create the Future,” Gutsche teaches readers how to think disruptively and implement real change when it’s needed most. The handbook features strategies that have been employed in projects with the world’s most powerful brands. Gutsche’s talks regularly go viral, and his landmark innovation keynote has surpassed 10 million views, making it the most watched in history. Gutsche is also the author of New York Times bestseller “Better and Faster,” which shows how to grasp opportunities to lead through change, destroy complacency and realize the potential of individuals and teams. Insights from “Better and Faster” led to a workshop for NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, helping the organization integrate AI, become “lean, agile, responsive and adaptive to change” … and one day get human beings to Mars. Gutsche is the winner of The Cisco Innovation Excellence Award and the BDC’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Before founding Trend Hunter, he was one of Capital One’s youngest business directors, where he grew a billion-dollar portfolio of market-leading products at the age of 28.

Top 5 legal issues facing trucking: New presidential administration could bring about changes in regulations

By Linda Garner-Bunch -

There’s no question that the landscape of trucking will change as Version 2.0 of the Trump administration takes shape in Washington. Many analysts believe hope is on the horizon following what could well be one of the longest-running economic downturns in the industry’s history. As the Truckload Carriers Association and other industry organizations continue to push for change in federal laws and regulations, trucking stakeholders hope for improvements in the legal arena. Recently we had a chance to visit with the team at Scopelitis, Garvin, Light, Hanson & Feary, P.C., about some of the top legal issues facing motor carriers today. Their Top 5 concerns, in no particular order, include the following: Accident Liability “The trucking industry continues to be in the grips of a relentless trend of excessive verdicts in accident liability cases,” said Prasad Sharma, a partner at Scopelitis. “A combination of aggressive plaintiffs’ attorneys’ tactics, impassioned juries and failure to keep out testimony and evidence that is more prejudicial than it is relevant to, or probative of, the cause of an accident has led to more frequent excessive or disproportionate verdicts,” he continued. According to Sharma, the increased frequency of such verdicts makes it riskier to try cases and, in turn, drives up settlement amounts. In addition, he says, plaintiffs’ attorneys may refer clients to medical providers for unnecessary — and overpriced — treatment following an accident. In addition, he notes, some attorneys resort to “anchoring” tactics — planting a number or formula for damages in the minds of the jury that is “divorced from any economic calculation.” “Carriers are facing a difficult legal environment that has translated to ever-increasing insurance costs,” he said. “Fortunately, the last couple of years have seen the trucking industry make progress in fighting back with civil justice reform measures that seek to bend the curve, and 2025 promises to be another active year for civil justice reform measures in state legislatures throughout the country,” he concluded. Independent Contractor Classification In recent years, the independent contractor (IC) business model has come under fire, both at the state and federal level. Many in trucking fear that a Biden-era ruling will effectively force companies to classify owner-operators as company employees. Greg Feary, a partner at Scopelitis, believes IC classification will remain a top issue in trucking this year. “We are likely to see the U.S. Department of Labor return to the more entrepreneur-centric view of owner-operators in trucking as compared to the Biden-era Independent Contractor Test rule under the Fair Labor Standards Act (aka the ‘Biden Rule’),” he said. The path back to the 2020 Trump rule is most likely through one of the five pending court challenges to the Biden Rule, which Feary says should face less opposition under the Trump Administration. “(However), we already see evidence of activity at the state level with California’s multiple portable benefits bills and Iowa’s transportation network company initiative,” he noted. “While these state law efforts are at the periphery of the trucking misclassification legal agenda, they signal that focus remains on the issue in the transportation space.” Feary points to President Donald Trump’s nomination of Lori Chavez-DeRemeer to lead the Department of Labor as a sign that the administration could take a more pro-union tack than during his first term. “Tension remains at both the state and federal level, albeit the threat of the proliferation of pro-employment ABC test at either level remains lower during this current legal environment,” he said. Potential FMCSA Regulatory Changes Changes at the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and its agencies, including the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), are also top of mind, says Chris Eckhart, a partner at Scopelitis. “The FMCSA could potentially issue proposed rulemakings or procedures on a number of important issues (this year),” he said, pointing to previously proposed changes to the agency’s Safety Measurement System used to identify carriers for safety interventions. Similarly, Eckhart says, the agency is considering changes to the safety fitness determination procedure. In addition, the FMCSA announced modifications to its crash preventability determination program that should start in 2025. Finally, he says, the FMCSA previously indicated it was considering implementing a formal appeal process for requests for data review (Data Qs). “Under the proposal, eligible Data Qs could be appealed to FMCSA if they ‘pertain to significant matters of legal interpretation or implementation of enforcement policies or regulations,’” Eckhart said, adding that it’s possible the FMCSA could finalize the appeals process in 2025. Drug and Alcohol Testing Issues Motor carriers could face legal challenges regarding drug and alcohol testing in 2025, particularly with the evolving landscape of state laws and federal regulations, Eckhart says. “One key issue is the interplay between state laws that prohibit adverse action against employees for off-duty marijuana use and the DOT Drug and Alcohol Regulations,” he said. “Although the DOT Drug and Alcohol Regulations prohibit any marijuana, they technically do not require motor carriers to terminate the driver’s employment if the driver completed a substance abuse program and the return-to duty-process.” Some carriers also drug test drivers who operate mid-size commercial motor vehicles. While these drivers aren’t subject to the DOT’s drug and alcohol regulations, under 49 C.F.R. Part 391, they can’t qualify physically if they test positive for marijuana. “Carriers who terminate non-CDL drivers for testing positive for marijuana may face legal challenges under state law,” Eckhart said. “The Department of Justice’s recent decision to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act could further impact these issues.” Broker Issues According to Sharma, many motor carriers also maintain property broker operations — and as plaintiff’s attorneys continue to seek additional sources of money in accident cases, property brokers are all too frequently named in litigation. These claims are often under theories that the broker negligently hired or retained the carrier involved in the accident. There has been some success in defending such state law claims as being preempted under a federal deregulatory statute, 49 U.S.C. 14501(c) (also known as the FAAAA). The U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Seventh and Eleventh Circuits have found such claims preempted, he says. However, the Ninth Circuit found that they are not; such claims fall within a safety regulatory exception to preemption. “The Supreme Court has turned down the opportunity to resolve this difference in opinion, including just this past January,” Sharma said. “We will be watching the other Courts of Appeals to see how they decide this important issue and whether the Supreme Court will ultimately decide the issue.” In addition, he notes, to the chagrin of many brokers, the FMCSA has threatened to dive back into the pool of economic regulation with a proposed rule on broker transparency. The comment period for the proposal closed in late January. As it stands at the time of this writing, brokers are required to keep records of transactions that include the amount paid to the broker and the amount the broker pays the carrier. Both the shipper and the carrier have the right to review the records — but that right is often waived in the broker’s contracts. “The FMCSA has proposed making it a non-waivable regulatory obligation to disclose such information within 48 hours of a request by a carrier or a shipper,” Sharma said. “If FMCSA’s dive back into economic regulation is finalized, brokers will have to revisit their agreements to better protect their shipper clients’ confidential information.” This story appeared in the March/April 2025 edition of Truckload Authority, the official publication of the Truckload Carriers Association.

Double Nickel launches Virtual Recruiter tool for hiring

By Linda Garner-Bunch -

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Double Nickel, a technology company focused on driver recruiting solutions, has announced the launch of its Virtual Recruiter, which the company says is a first-of-its-kind tool designed to transform the CDL driver hiring process. According to a media release, the Virtual Recruiter leverages advanced automation and AI to engage, qualify and schedule drivers seamlessly, enabling fleets to reduce hiring costs and increase productivity. “Recruiting teams often spend up to half of their week attempting to contact drivers, yet more than half of leads are never reached,” said Francisco Lopez Roualdes, CEO of Double Nickel. “Our Virtual Recruiter tackles these challenges head-on, ensuring faster, more effective engagement with applicants.” According to Double Nickel, key features of the Virtual Recruiter tool include: Instant engagement: Drivers are automatically called when they express interest in a job. AI-powered screening: The system efficiently screens applicants to verify qualifications and job fit. Seamless scheduling: The Virtual Recruiter coordinates interview times with recruiters, eliminating manual effort. Comprehensive reporting: Users have access to real-time insights into engagement metrics and hiring funnel performance. “With this tool, clients have been able to increase contact rates by 1.5-2x, without the need to spend hours working the phones,” Roualdes said. “Additionally, drivers now can get their questions addressed within seconds of applying and can select a time to talk to their prospective employer — versus waiting for the recruiter to give them a call.” Roualdes says the trucking industry faces significant challenges in hiring qualified drivers, from high turnover rates to time-consuming recruitment processes. Double Nickel’s Virtual Recruiter eliminates inefficiencies by automating the most labor-intensive tasks, allowing fleets to get in touch with over 80% of applicants, maximize lead conversion (thereby saving on costs) and save up to four hours a day per recruiter in “attempting contact” efforts, he said. The Virtual Recruiter has already provided impressive results for clients, Roualdes said, noting that one fleet reported a contact rate of 100% and a significant improvement in interview scheduling. “(I am) absolutely stunned by the results so far and the quality of the conversations with prospective candidates, thanks to my 24/7/365 Virtual Recruiter assistant,” said Brad Hackett, director of recruiting and safety for Jett Express Inc.

TCA Highway Angels: Providing shelter and saving lives in the midst of a storm

By Linda Garner-Bunch -

On Thursday, September 26, 2024, Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region as a Category 4 storm. It was the first storm of such magnitude to strike the region since recordkeeping began in 1851. But the storm went on to make even bigger history as it cut a swath of destruction from the Gulf Coast up through Atlanta and into the Western Carolinas, Eastern Tennessee and even further. The devastation was horrifying, and hundreds of people lost their lives across six states. Through it all, the nation’s truck drivers “kept on truckin’,” working to protect themselves and their families and to provide life-saving supplies. Countless drivers stepped up to provide food and shelter for others caught in the storm. Some of those drivers have already been honored as TCA Highway Angels, including Andrew Inlow, George Maxwell and Michael Dorsey. Here are their stories. ANDREW INLOW Maverick Transportation, North Little Rock, Arkansas On September 27, Andrew Inlow was one of several truckers parked at the TA travel center in Chandler, North Carolina, just outside Asheville. Inlow lives in Booneville, Mississippi, and drives for Maverick Transportation. The entire region had been severely impacted by Hurricane Helene. Roads were shut down because of flooding and damage, and residents and travelers alike were stranded with no cell service or electricity. Stores were shut down, and food was scarce. The drivers went into action. “We had a driver who was delivering hamburgers to restaurants in the area, so he actually opened up his unit and pulled out a box of hamburgers and started cooking for all the truck drivers,” Inlow said. The next day, Inlow drove a group of truckers into Asheville in search of food. When they arrived, they decided to buy another grill and start handing out food to members of the community. “The food’s gonna go bad anyway, so that kind of kicked everything into motion,” Inlow said. Drivers went to a nearby motel and went door to door, knocking and asking guests if they needed food. One of the guests, Dianna Sains, was helping her son, daughter-in-law and young grandchildren move across the country. The entire group was stranded at the motel with no electricity. “They had no food and no real water for almost three days,” Inman said. After hearing about the drivers’ kindness, Sains traveled to the Chandler TA and connected with Inlow, who made sure her family was taken care of. “She got all excited because these big scary truck drivers were trying to give away food,” he said. Inlow also bought chips, snacks and drinks from the TA for the others, spending about $1,000 of his own money. In all, he thinks he and the other truckers fed about 150 stranded people over the four and a half days they were in the Asheville area. “I hardly ate,” Inlow said. “I actually had drivers that I had become friends with who forced me to eat because my mind was on everybody else.” Without the help of Inlow and the truck drivers that also volunteered time and resources, this small community would have felt the impact more significantly in those initial hours and days. “I always tried to stay on the positive side, because there’s no reason to be negative and cause anybody to be negative,” Inlow said. “I just did what anybody else should do.” GEORGE MAXWELL TransAm Trucking Inc., Olathe, Kansas George Maxwell of Tampa, Florida, earned TCA Highway Angel wings after rescuing a couple in the midst of Hurricane Helene. Maxwell drives for TransAm Trucking Inc. At about 3 a.m. on October 10, as Hurricane Helene approached, Maxwell decided to drive his pickup truck to the lot in Plant City, Florida, where his tractor was parked. He planned to move his rig to higher ground before the floodwaters hit. His journey soon took an unexpected turn. Conditions were worsening as he arrived at the lot and headed toward his semi. “I’m in the (pickup) truck,” Maxwell said. “I’m watching the water come up higher, and it’s getting bad.” As the water levels began to surge, Maxwell quickly realized he had no time to save his personal vehicle. Without hesitation, he abandoned the vehicle and focused on getting his tractor to safety. As he was preparing to leave the lot, Maxwell noticed something alarming. The owners of the truck parking lot were trapped in their nearby home, surrounded by rapidly rising floodwater. “They said they thought they were safe there — but it’s not safe,” he said, noting that at this point, the water was chest-deep. “The rain was pouring nonstop, and the wind was blowing like 100 mph.” Wading through the dangerous waters, Maxwell made his way to the house, where the couple were fighting to stay safe. He led them back to his semi, providing shelter and transportation, and then drove them to higher ground, ensuring their safety. Thanks to Maxwell’s quick thinking and fearless actions, the couple was saved from what could have been a catastrophic situation. Maxwell’s personal vehicle was not so lucky. “It’s totally gone,” he said regarding his pickup, which was ruined in the flood. Looking back, he says he knows he did the right thing by moving the couple, the semi and himself away from the flood waters. “I would do it again,” he said. “I just did what I’d hope anyone would do for me.” MICHAEL DORSEY Mercer Transportation, Louisville, Kentucky At about 10 a.m. on September 26, Michael Dorsey was at an industrial park in Erwin, Tennessee, loading his flatbed trailer with piping, when he was told that floodwaters were rapidly approaching. Dorsey, a resident of Porter, Texas, drives for Mercer Transportation. The town of Erwin was hit by flooding that devastated the region after Hurricane Helene made landfall, unleashing historic levels of rain. The industrial park is just a few hundred feet from the Nolichucky River, which swelled with a rush of water comparable to nearly twice what cascades over Niagara Falls, according to USA Today. As Dorsey finished loading up his flatbed, water was rising. A group of 10 people from a neighboring business approached Dorsey and asked if they could climb atop his truck to find refuge from the flood. “I said, ‘Sure!’ So, I let everybody get on my trailer,” Dorsey said, adding that he also offered shelter to a frightened woman he calls “Miss Bertha,” allowing her to sit in his truck. “She sat in the cab with me, and like 15 or 20 minutes later, we were overrun by water,” Dorsey said. “It flipped my truck. I ended up having to lift her out of my truck.” As the water rose quickly, Dorsey and another man helped get Miss Bertha onto the flatbed trailer with the others. The floodwaters were so strong that they separated the trailer from the truck and carried the 12 terrified hangers-on downstream. At one point, the trailer capsized, and Dorsey and the others floated in the water hanging onto the materials that had previously been strapped to the flatbed. Just before the trailer capsized, Dorsey says, he was struck in the head by debris and lost consciousness. “When I fell in the water, I guess it was so cold that it brought me back,” he said. Dorsey and others rode the current until they were able to grab a bush in the flood and hang on. Eventually, a few members of the group were rescued by emergency personnel. Of the dozen people attempting to ride out the flood on his trailer, Dorsey, only six survived. Miss Bertha’s body has not been found, he noted sadly. “The most terrifying part was just watching the water come, rise as we were just sitting, not knowing what to expect,” he said. Dorsey, a former Marine, says he lost everything in the flood. In addition, he struggles with pain in his head, neck and numbness in his legs and feet. “I can hardly sleep because I keep thinking about Miss Bertha and all of the people that died,” Dorsey said. “If I wouldn’t have been there, those people that survived wouldn’t have made it — it would have been impossible. God had me there for a reason.”

TCA outlines top industry issues to address with new administration, upcoming Congress

By Linda Garner-Bunch -

With the swearing in of Donald Trump as President of the U.S. scheduled for January 20, the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) plans to continue to advance the priorities of the truckload industry with a new administration. In a November 15 press release, TCA issued this statement: “The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) congratulates President-elect Donald J. Trump on his election victory. We look forward to collaborating with his administration and the upcoming Congress. Together, we aim to advance the critical priorities of our truckload membership, which are essential to keeping America moving. “With a commitment to promoting a balanced regulatory and legislative framework, TCA will continue to advocate for policies that support a sustainable and robust trucking industry. As the new administration and Congress begin their terms, TCA is dedicated to fostering collaboration and driving solutions that strengthen the industry’s ability to deliver essential goods, enhance safety, and contribute to economic growth. “TCA looks forward to working with policymakers to address these pressing issues and advance legislation that empowers our members to keep America moving forward.” Following are the association’s top legislative issues, along with predictions about what the future might hold under a new administration. Independent Contractor Status In January 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor officially announced its final rule regarding the classification of independent contractors under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The new ruling under the Biden Administration featured six critical factors for which Independent Contractors must qualify. Due to its intricacies, the ruling jeopardizes the freedoms of those businesspeople who have chosen to become entrepreneurs. Prediction: The previous rule under the Trump administration was straightforward, establishing two primary factors to determine independent contractors or employment status; TCA predicts that Trump and his administration will reinstate the original rule. Environmental Regulations In March of 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a final rule, “Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles-Phase 3,” which sets stringent standards and timelines to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from heavy-duty vehicles from model years 2027-2032. The ruling itself relied heavily on battery-electric and hydrogen-electric power systems. However, new battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) present significant challenges. They cost approximately $450,000 each, compared to around $180,000 for a diesel tractor. Additionally, the 16,000-pound batteries in these electric trucks reduce their cargo capacity, potentially requiring carriers to increase the number of trucks on highways to comply with the federal 80,000-pound weight limit while meeting shipping demands. Prediction: In a letter drafted by U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa), the TCA along with more than 150 GOP members of Congress, urged Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan to withdraw the agency’s final rule “Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles-Phase 3.” Expectations suggest that the standards may be revised to levels deemed achievable for internal combustion engines, extending compliance timelines, and exploring alternative pathways to reach emissions targets, such as the adoption of renewable diesel. Infrastructure In 2021, the Biden Administration signed the $1.2 trillion Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA) for transportation and infrastructure spending, putting aside $110 billion for roads, bridges and significant projects. Prediction: Just as President Joe Biden played a large impact of the IIJA, Trump could similarly influence the 2026 infrastructure bill, potentially by reducing environmental provisions and allocating additional funds for expanding highway and bridge capacity. Truck Parking Although the Biden administration did not set aside specific funding for truck parking initiatives in the IIJA, funding for infrastructure projects was generalized. Prediction: The Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act (S.1034/H.R. 2367) calls for $755 million over the next three years to expand commercial motor vehicle parking throughout the country. The bill itself has been quite favorable for both Republican and Democratic parties, as it shows bipartisanship in both houses of Congress. Vice-President Elect J.D. Vance is a co-sponsor of the bill and has been an ally to the trucking industry. Speed Limiters During the Biden-Harris administration, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sought to release a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking on speed limiters for commercial trucks. However, the proposed rule has been delayed throughout Biden’s time in office. TCA has supported this safety technology as many of its carrier members have speed limiters in place. Prediction: The speed limiter rule could be delayed, as many Republicans in Congress are not in favor of this technology. With a Trump administration and a prominently Republican Congress, a speed limiter ruling may never come in place. Lawsuit Abuse The Biden-Harris administration supported labor law legislation to broaden the scope of violations and increase monetary damages, similar to those seen in truck accident lawsuits. Prediction: The Trump-Vance administration is expected to support legislation that would allow lawsuits to be brought into the federal court system. This move could help curb “nuclear verdicts” (awards exceeding $10 million) against trucking companies. It would also advance tort reform efforts championed by the trucking industry, building on the momentum these reforms have gained at the state level. Size and Weight Limits Historically, Congress has consistently opposed raising size and weight limits for semi-truck because of worries about public safety and potential damage to infrastructure. In 2015, the House of Representatives voted on a bipartisan basis to maintain the current federal limits. However, Republicans have always favored increasing a tractor-trailer’s size and weight limits. In the 118th Congress, Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-South Dakota) introduced multiple bills that had language increasing the size and weight of commercial trucks, such as the Move Act (H.R.7496) and a 10-year pilot program that would increase the maximum weight of tractor trailers to 91,000 pounds. Prediction: With a Republican administration and a Republican majority in Congress, legislation increasing federal tractor-trailer size and weight standards could likely be introduced into Congress.

Keep on trucking: A conversation with TCA Chairman John Culp

By Linda Garner-Bunch -

What changes will 2025 bring? That question is probably top of mind for anyone in the trucking industry, from the driver’s seat all the way to the C-suite. With a new administration stepping into power at the White House and the fate of key pieces of legislation hanging in the balance, one thing’s for sure. The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) will continue to amplify the voice of the truckload industry on Capitol Hill. And, according to TCA Chairman John Culp, motor carriers throughout North America will keep doing what they do best — move freight from Point A to Point B (and often Points C, D and E, as well) as efficiently and safely as possible. Read on as Culp shares a few insights about factors impacting the industry.   Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman. It’s good to visit with you again! As we bid farewell to 2024 and embark on a new journey in 2025, what are your thoughts on the state of the freight industry? Most of us would agree that 2024 was a challenging year for the trucking industry as much of the industry has been operating below cost. The cost increases seen in transportation are very real, but keep in mind that depressed rates can only last so long. The economy is bouncing back — and trucking is resilient. Even though consumers were still cautious during the last quarter of 2024, we saw a definite uptick in consumer demand and spending leading up to the Christmas holidays, particularly on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. We are a consumer-driven society, and that will always be a positive thing for trucking. A lot of financial analysts noted that the third quarter of the year wasn’t that great compared to 2023, but we did see some of the first positive year-over-year reports. That’s a start. I believe we’re going to see improvement in most industries, and in trucking in particular, during the first half of 2025. We’ve still got challenges to face, but I think the pendulum is starting to swing in our favor. We have a new administration in Washington, effective with the swearing-in of President Donald Trump this month. According to reports I’ve seen, “Trump 2.0” is going to involve some pretty big policy changes. With Trump’s support of the oil and gas industry, do you see any possibility for changes in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) zero-emissions regulations and timeline? There’s a lot of attention on that right now. I anticipate that, at a minimum, the EPA’s timeline will be pushed back — and that will give the industry some breathing space.   The general public, as well as many environmentalists, view the trucking industry as being one of the biggest contributors to air pollution and global warming, and even as being indifferent to environmental issues. Can you comment on this perception? First of all, it’s important to note that the trucking industry very much wants to be environmentally responsible; however, we feel strongly that we need a long-term comprehensive strategy that achieves our common objectives in a realistic, economically responsible way. Zero tailpipe emissions are simply not feasible in the truckload business.   Still, we’re seeing a big push for electrification of both passenger and commercial vehicles from environmental groups as well as from vehicle manufacturers. What are some viable options to electric engines? People are beginning to understand that there ARE alternative fueling solutions that need to be explored. We’ve seen a lot of progress with renewable diesel using current internal combustion engines. Options like this can move the emissions needle a lot better than full-scale adoption of electrification — and in a much more affordable and sustainable manner. It’s going to be very interesting to see where it all goes. At TCA’s Fall Business Meetings just a few months ago, we heard from a representative of the EPA. It was a very productive session, and I believe the feedback TCA members gave the EPA about the feasibility of the impending emissions standards were well received. In short, our industry wants to do the right thing as far as the environment is concerned — but we want to do the right thing in the right way. I feel like we’ve got some momentum heading in the right direction.   With the implementation of Phase II of the FMCSA’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse in mid-November, state driver licensing agencies are required to revoke the commercial driving privileges of any drivers in a “prohibited” status. How is this impacting the driver pool? I haven’t seen any specific numbers on drivers who were downgraded, but it’s just common sense to assume that there were quite a few drivers flying under the radar who shouldn’t have been behind the wheel of a truck because of drug and alcohol violations. Now they can’t slip through the system and go to another state and apply for a job, because information from each state is submitting data to the Clearinghouse. The Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse regulations are a good thing. Making sure we have drug- and alcohol-free professional drivers in commercial vehicles makes the road safer for everyone. For drivers who are prohibited from operating a CMV due to a violation, there is a return-to-duty process for them to pursue if they want to remain in the industry. If you need a refresher, Truckload Authority’s Cliff Abbott provides a good overview of updates to the Clearinghouse.   Finding — and keeping — qualified drivers must be more important than ever for motor carriers. Do you have any advice for hiring managers and company executives? There’s actually a good piece about driver recruiting and retention in this edition of Truckload Authority. If you haven’t already, check it out! In short, though, company culture is the most important factor when it comes to driver retention. Drivers want to be heard and know that they are valuable members of the company. That doesn’t mean you can give them everything they want or that drivers shouldn’t be held accountable for their performance. But even if you can’t give drivers exactly what they want, you can let them know that you truly hear their concerns. Most importantly, you’ve got to be honest with your drivers. They want transparency; they want open communication. Drivers leave a company for many different reasons — pay, routes, benefits — but if your drivers feel that they are valued and that management cares about them and their needs, that’s when you build retention.   The Biden administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, or BIL, is set to expire in September, and the administration made a flurry of allocations in late 2024 for various projects. While progress has been made in many areas, improvements to truck parking availability around the nation don’t seem to be happening at the rate that’s needed. What are your thoughts? Recently TCA’s Dave Heller noted that the BIL omitted funding for truck parking and that a lack of facilities is reaching epidemic proportions. Truck parking remains an issue for the industry, and like most problems, it’s not going to be solved overnight. This is one of the primary issues TCA is working very hard to make improvements on at the federal level. However, there are some positive things happening in Washington as far as the need for safe parking for our drivers. I’m encouraged. Access to truck parking isn’t just about productivity, even though data shows that each driver spends an average of 56 minutes looking for parking on a daily basis. That’s nearly an hour of lost time every single day! It’s also a matter of safety for our drivers, as well as the general motoring public. TCA will continue to advocate for additional truck parking, and as private businesses work to offer solutions, we will make progress.   Are there other issues you’re hoping will be addressed by Congress in the near future? The attack on the independent contractor model (IC) at both the state and federal levels is very much at the forefront of the trucking industry right now. For so many people, the American dream is to be independent business owner. In the trucking industry, that means owning your own truck and having some control over how you run your business. As with any system, there have been “bad actors” that haven’t done things the way they should, but the IC is most definitely a valid business model; it has been for years. I hope that together we can make sure it remains a viable option and opportunity for drivers. It is vitally important to our industry.   Overall, what do you believe the future of trucking will look like under the new presidential administration? Any time there’s an administration change in Washington there will be some degree of uncertainty. The most important thing for TCA to do is to work with whoever is leading the nation and to continue to advocate and advance the issues that are important to our industry. We will continue to do just that and work for our members to address our business challenges and to work to improve the driving job, and by doing this, to make our industry stronger. You can count on this: TCA will fight and battle every day for the truckload industry and provide value to our members. I’m optimistic that we will see opportunities for some successes in 2025.   On a different topic, TCA’s annual convention is coming up in just a couple of months. Can you share any details about this year’s agenda? Truckload 2025: Phoenix is scheduled for March 15-18 at the Phoenix Convention Center. It’ll be great to see some sunshine and warm temperatures after the winter! A large part of TCA’s value is helping members be financially sustainable. We’ve got some important educational sessions and panel discussions lined up, and there will be great benchmarking opportunities. In short, it’s all about making the trucking industry better. Convention is a wonderful time for trucking industry professionals to gather together, share industry insights and, of course, enjoy a bit of socializing and networking. If you haven’t already registered, don’t waste any more time — visit tcaconvention.com to sign up and see the agenda.   Can you tell me a little about this year’s speakers and entertainment? On Monday morning (March 17), Bob Costello, the American Trucking Associations’ chief economist, will present the 2025 Industry Economic Review. The entire industry is looking forward to better times ahead, and this session will help us make the most of the changes on the horizon. This year’s keynote speaker is Oz Pearlman, a renowned mentalist, magician and athlete. It promises to be very entertaining! And our featured speaker, Jeremy Gutsche, will share insights and tips on how to harness the power of AI in your business. To cap off the event, attendees will be treated to a private performance by the Gin Blossoms after Tuesday night’s closing banquet and awards ceremonies.   As we close, do you have any additional thoughts to share with TCA members? On behalf of TCA’s leadership and staff, I’d like to thank our members for their continued participation and support. As an industry, we continuously work to keep the nation’s supply chain moving, regardless of the economy. Change is always on the horizon, but we will continue to work hard and to do what we do. The nation depends on us. To borrow an old phrase, we will “keep on truckin’.”   Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It has been a pleasure visiting with you.

Trucker Buddy, Iowa 80 Trucking Museum awarded funding from Go Iowa grant program

By Linda Garner-Bunch -

WALCOTT, Iowa — Trucker Buddy International and the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum were both awarded funds during the December 2024 grant cycle of the Go Iowa Fund Grant Program, according to a media release from the Iowa 80 Truckstop and CAT Scale Co. The Go Iowa Fund was established to provide a structure for Iowa 80 Group employees and others to request money to support good causes, organizations or philanthropies that they are involved in. Any Iowa-based charity or organization that serves Iowa residents or students can apply. Grants are awarded twice a year. Trucker Buddy International is an Alabama-based nonprofit organization that partners professional truck drivers with classrooms all over the U.S. as pen-pals. The program’s goal is to help strengthen positive opinions about truck drivers. The Iowa 80 Trucking Museum is a 100,000-square-foot museum in Walcott, Iowa, that’s dedicated to preserving trucking history. The museum features over 130 trucks manufactured between 1903 and 1997, along with vintage signs, toy trucks, and other petroliana. Admission to the museum is free. Other non-industry organizations that will receive funding include the Walcott K-8 School, Walcott Hearts and Hands, Lutheran Services of Iowa, Junior Achievement and Davenport Central High School. For more information on or to apply for the Go Iowa Fund Grant Program, click here. Applications for the next grant cycle will be accepted through June 1, 2025.

The Road Ahead with Fleetworthy: Compliance, safety among top worries for fleets, owner-ops

By Linda Garner-Bunch -

SPONSORED BY FLEETWORTHY Ensuring compliance with regulations is the top concern for most fleets and owner-operators, according to “The Road Ahead 2025: Trucking and Fleet Insights Report” compiled by Fleetworthy. The report, based on a survey of 300 employees of large and mid-size carriers, along with owner-operators, reveals key challenges fleets and independent drivers face in regard to compliance, safety and administrative-related tasks. “With regulations in our industry constantly changing, fleets and owner-operators are spending a lot of time and money ensuring their trucks and company are staying compliant,” said Michael Precia, president and chief strategy officer at Fleetworthy. “In many cases, keeping up with compliance-related tasks hampers a trucking company’s ability to grow its business,” he continued. “In fact, 95% of all respondents in this report said compliance challenges are holding fleets and owner-operators back from growing their businesses and offering new services.” In addition, more than half (55%) of fleet operators surveyed said they’re “drowning in paperwork,” with complex compliance documentation becoming a major barrier to onboarding new drivers. This results in missed opportunities as well as increased costs. Other key findings include: 96% of respondents reported reducing costs in other areas of their business to cover compliance-related expenses over the past 12 months. 93% of respondents said they face significant challenges in managing tolls, including the complexity of multiple transponders and unpredictable toll expenses. 35% of owner-operators said they have considered ceasing operations due to rising costs and time required to manage compliance tasks. According to the report, the possibility of a nuclear verdict in the event of a significant accident or legal dispute is another top concern. This is especially the case for midsize and small trucking operations, which have more limited resources and capabilities to maintain robust compliance records and safety programs. In the report, 35% of leaders at midsize fleets reported being “very” or “extremely” concerned about being involved in a nuclear verdict case. Despite concerns regarding nuclear verdicts, 93% of all fleet leaders surveyed said they believe their organization has a strong safety culture and is well informed on all DOT regulations. Among owner-operators, 97% thought they were more aware of safety and compliance best practices and DOT regulations compared to other independent truckers on the road. To assist with fleet and driver safety, the report found an overwhelming majority of all respondents (96%) have made some type of investment in safety equipment in the past 12 months. In addition, in-cab cameras and monitoring systems are among the top (51%) of equipment being added by fleet owners and owner-operators. Click here to download the 2025 Trucking and Fleet Insights Report.

November Class 8 orders up 21% over October according to preliminary data from ACT

By Linda Garner-Bunch -

COLUMBUS, Ind. — November preliminary North America Class 8 net orders were 37,200 units, up 21% month over month. Complete industry data for November, including final order numbers, will be published by ACT Research in mid-December. “We are still in the early stages of the industry’s building of 2025 backlogs, but through November, seasonally strong orders have made little progress in closing the backlog gap compared to year-ago levels,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president and senior analyst. “While up from October, orders were 11% below last November’s performance. On a seasonally adjusted basis, Class 8 orders jumped 42% from October to 34,800 units, 418k SAAR,” he said. “Medium duty Classes 5-7 orders continue their consistent, if slowly deflating, trajectory into historically elevated truck and bus backlogs,” he continued. “Preliminary November NA Classes 5-7 orders fell 30% year over year to 16,500 units, the third weakest net order tally of 2024.”

Clean Energy inks RNG deals with 18 cross-industry customers

By Linda Garner-Bunch -

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — Clean Energy Fuels Corp. announced in early December that it has signed a series of new deals to provide renewable natural gas (RNG) through fueling contracts, construction of fueling infrastructure, and operations and maintenance contracts. “The last quarter has been one of our best periods for RNG sales with deals closing across the board in the heavy-duty truck, transit, and refuse markets,” said Chad Lindholm, senior vice president at Clean Energy. “This is no better proof that RNG is now a recognized, effective alternative fuel solution that works and continues to satisfy the needs of our longer-term customer as well as gain attention from new customers looking for a clean, alternative to cater to their fueling needs.” The 18 new contracts cover a range of customers, from trucking companies to transit agencies and more. Clean Energy has signed an RNG fueling agreement with DHL to provide 100,000 gallons annually over a three-year period to power DHL trucks located in California, Texas and Arizona. These are DHL’s first RNG trucks that the company is testing as a cleaner, more sustainable alternative fueling option to diesel. Food Express, a long-time customer and early adopter of RNG, has contracted a station build and RNG supply deal for its fleet of 20 heavy-duty Class 8 trucks. The new RNG station will be located in California and will be open to other fleets as well. The RNG volume for the Food Express trucks is expected to be 3 million gallons over the next 10 years. LA Metro, one of the largest transit agencies in the country, has extended its contract to continue to fuel its fleet with clean-burning RNG. The agreement will provide five of LA Metro’s stations with an expected 14 million gallons of RNG. SalSon Logistics has inked a new RNG supply deal to fuel its 15 heavy-duty truck fleet at Clean Energy’s Romeoville, Illinois, station. The agreement will see an anticipated 500,000 gallons of fuel over a five-year period to fuel and transport goods for SalSon’s customer, Ikea, in the Chicago area. Estes Express Lines has signed an RNG fueling agreement with Clean Energy for an estimated 450,000 gallons annually of RNG to be used by 40 new trucks that will fuel at Clean Energy’s station in Fort Worth, Texas. Clean Energy also currently provides RNG for 50 of Estes’ trucks in California. Clean Energy has extended its relationship with cattle and beef haulers, Harris Ranch and will supply 450,000 gallons of RNG to 40 of Harris Ranch’s heavy-duty truck fleet as well as maintain its private station in Coalinga, California. One of the largest street sweeping companies in the country, Nationwide Environmental Services, based in Norwalk, California, has signed a five-year maintenance and RNG supply contract for an anticipated 1.75 million gallons of RNG to fuel its 75 street sweepers. The company serves over 2.5 million citizens in greater Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Clean Energy won the contract to supply Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE) with RNG to cleanly power a large fleet of its transit vehicles. The agreement is important because NICE is transitioning their fleet of 278 transit buses from CNG to RNG. The deal will provide an expected 16.5 million gallons of ultra-low carbon RNG fuel over a five-year period. Clean Energy has signed an agreement with Noble Environmental, a waste management company, to build a new RNG fueling station in Westmoreland, Pennsylvania. Noble Environmental will supply the site with an expected 550,000 gallons annually of RNG produced from their own landfill gas to power 50 of their sanitation trucks. Van Eaton Ready Mix in Oklahoma has inked a maintenance contract for an anticipated 800,000 gallons to fuel 102 vehicles in its concrete fleet. Van Eaton began testing RNG over 12 years ago and has since tripled its RNG-powered fleet. Clean Energy has signed an agreement with the Laredo Municipal Transit System, El Metro, in Texas to supply an expected 1.6 million gallons of RNG over a five-year period to fuel 38 of Loredo’s transit buses. El Metro switched a portion of its fleet to RNG in October 2024. Clean Energy was awarded a contract to upgrade the dispensers at Dallas Area Rapid Transit’s (DART) private fueling station in Dallas. Clean Energy will improve reliability and extend the longevity of DART’s station which currently fuels 700 CNG transit buses. The City of Gardena, California has signed a new deal to power its 39 transit vehicles (GTrans) with RNG. Contracted to provide 2.5 million gallons of RNG over five years, the agreement follows the completion of a design and build of a private CNG fueling station for GTrans a few months ago. Clean Energy has signed an agreement with the City of Santa Clarita, California, to provide operations and maintenance services at four of the city’s fueling station sites to power 100 RNG transit buses with an anticipated 12 million gallons over the next eight years. Long-term customer, University of California in San Diego, has inked an operations and maintenance and RNG supply deal for its fleet of shuttle buses and sanitation trucks which operate across the university campus. The supply volumes are anticipated to be 1.1 million gallons over the next three years. Arlington Transit in Virginia has signed an operations and maintenance agreement with Clean Energy for its transit fleet. The deal is expected to use 800,000 gallons of fuel for 78 transit buses. Burgmeier’s Hauling has signed a RNG supply contract with Clean Energy for an anticipated 900,000 gallons over five years to fuel 20 sanitation trucks. MarBorg Industries, a waste management company, has signed a maintenance deal with Clean Energy for an anticipated 445,000 gallons annually to fuel 25 sanitation trucks.

Pilot donates $50k to Folds of Honor to help fund scholarships for next generation of truckers

By Linda Garner-Bunch -

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — In honor of Giving Tuesday on Dec. 3, Pilot donated $50,000 to Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of military members and first responders who have fallen or been disabled while serving their country and communities. According to a press release from Pilot, the funds will go toward scholarships for qualified recipients looking to earn their commercial driver’s license. “It’s an honor for Pilot to continue to celebrate and honor the incredible heroes across our country — the truck drivers who safely put millions of miles on our highways to keep us going and our servicemembers, first responders and their families who sacrifice so much for our nation,” said Wendy Hamilton, chief of staff at Pilot. “Giving back to the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and the communities we serve, especially through education, is a small way to show our gratitude and support their future,” she continued. “We look forward to seeing more truck drivers out here and are thankful for the work done through Folds of Honor and their scholarship programs.” Since its inception in 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded more than 62,000 academic scholarships totaling about $290 million in all 50 states. “Folds of Honor is grateful for the support of Pilot,” said Lt. Col Dan Rooney, founder and CEO of Folds of Honor. “This contribution will enable us to heighten our impact and further our mission to honor the sacrifice of America’s service members and first responders and educate their legacy. Pilot, its team members and the individuals it serves are true patriots that understand the importance of education and are doing something about it.”

Fleetworthy experts preview the road ahead for 2025

By Linda Garner-Bunch -

SPONSORED BY FLEETWORTHY In today’s competitive trucking landscape, industry leaders face unprecedented challenges in managing compliance, cutting costs and driving operational efficiency. Watching trends and preparing for challenges is the best strategy for success. On Dec. 10, 2024, at 2 p.m. Eastern time, trucking leaders are invited to join industry experts Rob Abbott, vice president-customer success for Fleetworthy, and Mike Precia, the company’s chief strategy officer, as they discuss what’s ahead. During the webinar, Abbott and Precia will reveal key findings from Fleetworthy’s exclusive report, The Road Ahead: 2025 Trucking and Fleet Insights Report. Based on survey responses from more than 300 fleet operators and independent truckers, attendees will learn how they stack up against their peers. In addition, industry experts will share actionable strategies to help motor carriers streamline operations, enhance profitability, improve driver retention and prepare for growth. According to Fleetworthy’s survey, the following are only a few areas in which fleet operators are struggling. 55% of fleet operators report that complex compliance documentation is a major barrier to onboarding new drivers. 65% of respondents say they’re unsure if their fleet would pass a DOT audit. 93% of respondents say they face significant challenges in managing tolls, with common issues being the complexity of multiple transponders and unpredictable toll expenses. Get the insights and solutions to drive meaningful change in 2025. Secure your spot today and take a strategic step toward operational excellence and growth. REGISTER NOW

NHTSA estimates 3.2% drop in traffic fatalities during first half of 2024

By Linda Garner-Bunch -

Traffic fatalities declined during the first half of 2024, according to a preliminary estimate released last week by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Overall, the NHTSA estimates show a decline in traffic fatalities for nine straight quarters. Fatalities decreased in key areas, including pedestrian and speeding-related crashes, rollover crashes, and crashes involving unbuckled occupants of vehicles. “We are encouraged by the declines estimated in these key categories but know we still have more work to do to make our roads safer for everyone,” said Sophie Shulman, NHTSA’s deputy administrator. “We will use every tool we have to save lives, reduce injuries and prevent risky driving behaviors.” In 2022, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) launched the National Roadway Safety Strategy, a roadmap to address the national crisis in traffic fatalities and serious injuries on America’s highways, roads and streets. The NRSS is complemented by funding through the Biden-Harris administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including the Safe Streets and Roads for All program. On Nov. 15, the USDOT announced the final round of 2024 awards, with an additional $172 million in grants to 257 communities. According to the NHTSA, the Safe Streets and Roads for All program has funded projects in more than 1,600 communities, supporting roadway safety for around 75% of the U.S. population since 2022. As compared to the first half of 2023, fatalities in key subcategories in 2024 decreased: 12% during out-of-state travel 9% in ejected passengers 8% on urban interstates 7% in passenger vehicle occupants less than 10 years old 7% in unrestrained occupants of passenger vehicles 7% in passengers 6% in passenger vehicle rollover crashes 6% in passenger vehicle occupants 6% in speeding-related crashes 5% in rural or urban collector roads/local roads 5% involving roadway departure crashes 4% at night 4% during weekends 3% in pedestrians In September, NHTSA released early estimates of motor vehicle traffic fatalities for the first half of 2024, estimating that traffic fatalities declined by 3.2% compared to the same period in 2023, with the second quarter of 2024 marking the ninth straight quarter of declining fatalities. The report showed an estimated fatality rate of 1.17 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in the first half of 2024, down from the projected rate of 1.21 fatalities per 100 million VMT in the first half of 2023.

Volvo VNR Electric passes 10 million-mile mark in customer use

By Linda Garner-Bunch -

The Volvo VNR Electric truck model has surpassed 10 million miles of zero-tailpipe emissions in customer operations since commercial orders began in December 2020, according to a Dec. 2, 2024, news release by Volvo Trucks North America. Nearly 600 Volvo VNR Electric trucks are now being used across the U.S. and Canada by fleets of all sizes, ranging from single trucks with an owner-operator to fleets of over 100 battery-electric trucks. “Surpassing 10 million miles with the Volvo VNR Electric is a monumental achievement that reflects the dedication of our customers, partners and more than 65 Volvo Trucks Certified EV Dealers across North America,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “In October we celebrated reaching 8 million miles, and now we’ve hit 10 million. This progress is a testament to the trust and commitment of those who believe in our vision for a sustainable future.” According to Volvo, customers operating VNR Electric trucks are collectively driving more than 200,000 miles per week, something the OEM says showcases the vehicle’s reliability and efficiency in real-world applications. Volvo’s news release describes the VNR Electric as “representative of a total transportation solution ecosystem which has led Volvo Trucks North America to the market leading position and customers to their operational success.” The manufacturer’s foray into electric Class 8 trucks began in 2020 with the launch of the VNR Electric as part of the Volvo LIGHTS Project, a $90 million public-private partnership the company hoped would lay the foundation for the scaled adoption of heavy-duty battery-electric trucks by exploring the infrastructure and operational adaptations required to support electric mobility. Voorhoeve acknowledged there have been challenges in scaling heavy-duty zero-emission solutions. “Although the battery electric deployments have not scaled as quickly as we anticipated or hoped for, Volvo Trucks remains committed to decarbonizing transportation,” he said. “Our customers are logging an increasing number of miles every day, proving that the shift is not only possible, but is underway,” he continued. “We are optimistic about accelerating the adoption of sustainable technologies through our strong partnerships with our dealers, customers and organizations like PACT (Powering America’s Commercial Transportation).”

Driver April Crysel honored as WIT’s December member of the month

By Linda Garner-Bunch -

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has named truck driver April Crysel as its December 2024 member of the month. Crysel, who is a member of WIT’s Class of 2024 Image Team, drives for Wilmington, North Carolina-based Chestnut Enterprises. Like many drivers, Crysel didn’t begin her career in the trucking industry. At the age of 45, after her factory job was outsourced to another country, she became a truck driver. She started out at Maverick Transportation, where she hauled specialized flatbed loads, primarily glass, to the lower 48 states and Canada. She later became a driver trainer/driver support team for Ryder System Inc. In this role, she drove box truck, flatbed, doubles, refrigerated tanker, containers and dump beds. Her next venture was working for an owner-operator, hauling containers out of the ports, before trying her hand as a safety manager and dispatcher at Global Transportation Management (GTM) for two years. At Global, she says, she enjoyed helping other drivers get started in their careers — but ultimately, she missed driving and the open road. Now, 10 years later, Crysel says she’s thrilled to be working at Chestnut Enterprises, a small family-owned company with a husband-and-wife team. She says she loves the people she works for, as they are flexible in and out of the port and there is a great camaraderie. “Everyone gets along, and everybody helps everybody,” she said. “You don’t see that as much nowadays and that’s why I don’t want to leave.” Crysel discovered WIT when she came across the Facebook page in 2015. Shortly after, Sandy Long became her mentor, and she became part of the mentoring Facebook page. Crysel is passionate about helping and supporting other women. “Being able to help and connect with other women so they know they have a support system here for them is so fulfilling,” she said. One of Crysel’s favorite parts of being involved with WIT and on the Image Team is attending the Accelerate! Conference & Expo. She says she’s made many lifelong friendships throughout the years and that she enjoys watching women come together and empower each other. Off the road, Crysel has boy and girl twins who are grown and have children of their own giving her three wonderful “grandsugars.”

Ohio Turnpike’s toll rates to increase for commercial, passenger vehicles

By Linda Garner-Bunch -

According to a news brief from the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission, drivers using the turnpike should be prepared for higher toll rates effective Jan. 1, 2025. The toll rate for E-ZPass customers with passenger vehicles (Class 1) will increase to $0.071 (or 7.1 cents) per mile in 2025 from $0.065 (or 6.5 cents) per mile in 2024; and the cash/credit card toll rate will increase to $0.104 (or 10.4 cents) per mile in 2025 from $0.096 (or 9.6 cents) per mile in 2024. The toll rate for E-ZPass customers with commercial vehicles will increase to $0.220 (or 22 cents) per mile in 2025 from $0.204 (or 20.4 cents) per mile in 2024; and the cash/credit card toll rate will increase to $0.276 (or 27.6 cents) per mile in 2025 from $0.256 (or 25.6 cents) per mile in 2024. “Despite the rising costs of highway construction and bridge projects, the Ohio Turnpike’s toll rates still rank among of the lowest in the country,” the Commission’s brief said. Toll revenue is the primary source of funding for the operation and maintenance of the state’s turnpike infrastructure, which includes roadway, bridge and other projects. For a complete breakdown of the tolling changes, click here.

Transflo’s Emily Stratton honored with 2024 Inspiring Leaders Award

By Linda Garner-Bunch -

TAMPA, Fla. — Emily Stratton, vice president of customer solutions for Transflo, has been recognized with a 2024 Inspiring Leaders Award in the Senior Leadership category. Inspiring Workplaces Group gives the Inspiring Leaders Award to individuals that go above and beyond to positively impact their respective companies and the people within it. For the 2024 awards, Stratton and 16 other influential leaders were honored in the Senior Leadership category. “Inspiring leaders are the driving force behind cultures that uplift, support, and empower everyone, creating workplaces where people feel valued and motivated. These awards celebrate those exceptional leaders who make a tangible, positive impact, setting a standard of empathy, integrity, and vision that resonates throughout their teams,” said Matt Manners, CEO and founder of the Inspiring Workplaces Group. “You can see that by the testimonials their colleagues shared about them in the entry process,” he said. “They are the catalysts for change, sparking innovation, engagement, a sense of belonging, and proving that leadership is about elevating others as much as oneself.” According to a statement released by Transflo, Stratton joined the company in 2022. Since then, she has been instrumental in launching the Workflow AI for Brokers platform, and expertly oversees solutions architect, project management and implementation teams. Her commitment to corporate responsibility and passion for driving employee engagement and morale has been demonstrated through her leadership in establishing Transflo’s culture and community outreach group, Engage. “Emily is an influential leader not only because of her exceptional talent but also because of her unwavering humanity and dedication to our team,” said Renee Krug, CEO at Transflo. “She exemplifies what it means to lead with empathy and vision, reminding us every day that true success lies in collaboration, innovation, and making a positive impact on both our customers and our people.” Stratton expressed her appreciation for the honor. “This award is a reflection of the incredible team I have the privilege to work with every day at Transflo,” she said. “Together, we’ve built solutions that drive real value for our customers and foster a culture that empowers every individual to thrive.”