Linda Garner-Bunch

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

6 students, bus driver hospitalized after crash with big rig in San Antonio

By Linda Garner-Bunch - November 9, 2023

SAN ANTONIO — Six Southwest ISD students and their bus driver were sent to the hospital on Wednesday, Oct. 18, after a crash with an 18-wheeler in San Antonio. The wreck happened at around 3:30 p.m. in the area of Loop 1604 and U.S. 90, according to authorities. The bus carried 20 students at the time of the collision. “We understand the concern and anxiety that an incident like this can cause, and we want to assure you that our school district is working closely with the authorities to investigate the cause of the accident,” school district officials said in a statement. “The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority. We will continue to ensure that all appropriate safety measures and protocols are in place to protect our students while in our care.” San Antonio police reported that the truck driver admitted to running a red light. Information on whether he is being charged was not immediately available. Dash camera footage provided by KENS5.com shows the bus making a left turn at a four-way stoplight; however, the bus is soon obscured by a vehicle in front of the car whose dash cam captured the footage. The next frame of the video shows an 18-wheeler tanker leaving the roadway with a trail of dust and debris behind it. As the cars move through the intersection, the damaged bus, whose front end was completely destroyed, is clearly visible. All of those hospitalized are expected to recover.

2 North Carolina colleges join forces to train new truckers

By Linda Garner-Bunch - November 20, 2023

HAMLET, N.C. . — Richmond Community College in Hamlet, North Carolina, is expanding its Truck Driver Training program into Montgomery County, North Carolina, thanks to a partnership with Montgomery Community College (MCC). “We at MCC are very proud to be able to work together with Richmond Community College to expand this training into our county,” said Dr. Chad Bledsoe, president of MCC. “It’s going to meet the needs of both our employers and potential employees, and it’s just one example of how community colleges can partner together to serve our communities.” Bledsoe noted how vital the trucking industry is both on a local level and national level. “We need people to keep this industry going, and without truck drivers we wouldn’t have the goods and services we need,” Bledsoe said. Dr. Dale McInnis, president of Richmond Community College, explained how the program will use resources from his school, including 18-wheelers and instructors, for the class in Montgomery County. “We saw an opportunity to support our friends here in Montgomery County. It makes no sense to replicate high-cost programs when we have existing equipment that will satisfy the demand,” McInnis said. The nine-week training program at MCC will begin Oct. 23. The class will run from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Training includes classroom lecture, range driving and road driving. The cost of the program will be $999 for MCC students. “You compare that price to what’s happening across the rest of the state or with private companies, which are charging three to four times that amount. We can only do that because of the support from our friends in the General Assembly and the leadership from people like Sen. Dave Craven,” McInnis said. The senator was at a recent ceremony at MCC to show his support for this partnership between the two institutions. “I want to thank Dr. Bledsoe and Dr. McInnis for the hard work they put into this initiative. This is going to be a great avenue for putting more truck drivers on the road, continuing to move North Carolina forward,” Craven said. Richmond Community College started its own truck driver training program in Scotland County a year ago. It has graduated four classes that each had 100% enrollment, 100% completion and 100% passage rate on the CDL exam. The program now includes a Class B Commercial Driver’s License, which will provide people with the license to drive over-sized vehicles, such as straight truck, box trucks and dump trucks with small trailers. That class kicked off Oct. 2 in Scotland County, North Carolina.

Relay Payments, Haul of Fame winners close out NTDAW week at Bristol Motor Speedway

By Linda Garner-Bunch - September 22, 2023

BRISTOL, Tenn. — Relay Payments team members, along with Relay’s Haul of Fame winners Sergio Orona and Jamie Hagen, were on hand at to cheer on pro driver William Byron during the Bass Pro Shops Night Race on Sept. 16 at the Bristol Motor Speedway. The event was the group’s grand finale for this year’s National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (Sept. 10-16). Byron, driving No. 24 Relay Payments Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, finished ninth in a field of 36. Relay Payments is a sponsor of Hendrick Motorsports and the No. 24 car, driven by Byron. The goal of the sponsorship is to celebrate truck drivers and highlight the important role they play in the nation’s economy. Haul of Fame winners and brothers Sergio and Juan Orona (Juan was unable to attend the event) have worked for Leesburg, Florida-based Lake Trucking Co. for 34 and 32 years respectively, having driven together for more than 20 years delivering seafood across the greater Midwest. They are recognized for their dedication and commitment to their profession, to Lake Trucking, and to the nation, especially through extremely difficult times. The Orona brothers were nominated for the award by Ted Brozanski, president and CEO of Lake Trucking. Brozanski pointed to the brothers’ steadfast commitment through the COVID-19 pandemic as essential workers of America, even when their family experienced loss due to COVID. “The Orona brothers represented Stokes Fish and Lake Trucking in such a manner that they became the ‘face of the company’ to our customers,” he said. “We still hear from customers today (about) how the Orona boys would always deliver on time, always with a great attitude — and always make sure the customer’s interests were their first priority.” Jamie Hagen, owner of Hell Bent Express out of Aberdeen, South Dakota, is a lifelong trucker who takes every opportunity to share his expertise with others. He is recognized for his dedication to his profession and for enhancing the image of trucking through his innovation, education and voice. Hagen was nominated by Felicity Hagen, as well as by Tim Dooner of Freightwaves, “Jamie Hagen is a true mentor on 18 wheels, who preaches sensible pathways to profitability,” Dooner said. “Hagen’s focus on keeping 10mpg+ efficiency in his rigs is both legendary and just smart business. He’s built a fantastic company with an excellent reputation.” Check out some of the highlights of the evening in the photo gallery below.

Weigh the Benefits: Debate continues as agencies consider final ruling on AEB requirements

By Linda Garner-Bunch - March 8, 2024

Automatic emergency braking (AEB) could arguably be one of the most talked about issues in the trucking industry these days. The comment period for a proposal to require new heavy vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds to be equipped with AEB systems has concluded on the Federal Register, with much debate on both sides of the issue. Now, it’s up to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to make the final ruling. Both agencies contend that AEB systems “will mitigate the frequency and severity of rear-end crashes.” “Advanced driver assistance systems like AEB have the power to save lives,” said Ann Carlson, chief counsel for the NHTSA. “(This) is an important step forward in improving safety on our nation’s roadways by reducing, and ultimately eliminating, preventable tragedies that harm Americans.” The Truckload Carriers Association, along with the Truck Safety Coalition, Road Safe America, and The Trucking Alliance and Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, published a fact sheet that outlines the AEB issue and the benefits the technology could bring industrywide. The fact sheet also questioned whether AEB systems are effective. According to the fact sheet, that AEB systems can: Prevent and mitigate truck crashes in which the truck rear-ends a passenger vehicle; these types of truck crashes have increased 50 percent since 2009. Address other crashes in which a truck is the striking vehicle, such as fatal work zone collisions; large trucks are largely overrepresented in these types of crashes, with at least one large truck involved in 30% of fatal work zone crashes in 2017. One major trucking company reported it has experienced a 69% decrease in rear-end crashes since it began equipping all new tractors with AEB in 2012 Another large motor carrier saw a 71% reduction in rear-end collisions in trucks equipped with AEB in addition to electronic stability control and lane-departure warnings, compared to trucks without these safety systems. The American Trucking Associations is also in favor of the use of AEB systems. “ATA has long supported the use of AEB on all new vehicles,” said Dan Horvath, vice president of safety policy for ATA. “With NHTSA’s recent regulation requiring AEB on all new passenger vehicles, this proposal for heavy duty trucks is timely and appropriate. “The trucking industry supports the use of proven safety technology like automatic emergency braking,” Horvath continued. “We look forward to reviewing this proposal from NHTSA and FMCSA and working with them as it is implemented.” In 2015, the ATA urged car and truck manufacturers to make AEB systems standard equipment on new vehicles. In 2021, the association supported legislation that would have mandated AEB technology on new Class 7 and 8 trucks. Jeremy Stickling, chief administrative officer for Nussbaum Transport Services, said his company is a strong believer in AEB systems. “We were on the front end of this technology and had the early versions of AEB in our trucks, if I recall properly, since 2010,” Stickling said. While some opponents of mandatory AEB systems cite cost as a concern, Stickling pointed to the high cost of rear-end collisions. “When a rear-end happens, there is often bodily injury involved, and you are considered an at-fault party,” he said. “Since embracing collision mitigation and AEB, our rear-end crashes have essentially vanished. On the very rare occasions they do happen, we believe the impact is significantly less severe than it would be otherwise.” Stickling added that Nussbaum has all but eliminated the “high-liability crash type from our loss runs. This is great for public safety. And it is good business as well.” Even with the safety benefits of AEB, not everyone in the industry supports the mandate. Jay Grimes, director of federal affairs for the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, said agencies must resolve any performance issues with the systems before attempting to move forward. “We are always going to have concerns about regulatory mandates for technology or any other rulemaking that hasn’t been proven to benefit highway safety,” Grimes told OOIDA’s online news site, Land Line, adding that the association has heard concerns from drivers about false activation of these systems. These incidents, he said, take control out of a driver’s hands, compounding the issue of whether AEB systems will work properly in all weather and road conditions. “This proposal is being announced and released at the same time some of the studies for AEB on commercial vehicles are ongoing and haven’t been completed,” he said. An AEB system uses multiple sensor technologies that work together to detect a vehicle in a crash imminent situation. The system automatically applies the brakes if the driver has not already done so, or, if needed, applies more braking force to supplement the driver’s braking. The proposed standard would require the technology to work at speeds ranging between low-speed (6 mph) and high-speed (roughly 50 mph) situations “Establishing AEB standards is a key component of the Department’s National Roadway Safety Strategy,” said FMCSA Administrator Robin Hutcheson. “This technology can enhance the effectiveness of commercial motor vehicle crash reduction strategies and reduce roadway fatalities.” According to NHTSA statistics, there are about 60,000 rear-end crashes a year in which a heavy vehicle is the striking vehicle. Once implemented, NHTSA estimates the proposed rule will prevent 19,118 crashes, save 155 lives and prevent 8,814 injuries annually. NHTSA and FMCSA incorporated feedback from the safety advocacy community, industry representatives, and other interested parties to address this critical safety need on America’s roads. In January 2022, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) released the National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS), a road map to address the national crisis of motor vehicle fatalities and serious injuries. The DOT also launched the “Call to Action” phase of the NRSS and released a one-year progress report with accompanying data that highlight the extent and magnitude of the nation’s highway safety problem and ways to eventually bring the number of deaths on our roadways to zero. Federal officials say new technology, such as AEBs, are vital to the future of roadway safety. Back at Nussbaum, Stickling said that while AEB systems are not perfect, they are beneficial to both truck drivers and everyone else on the road. “It would be foolish to pretend the systems are perfect,” he said. “They certainly have quirks. Sometimes they beep or do ‘haptic braking’ (brake stab) when they shouldn’t. In very rare instances, they have stopped the truck without a good reason. And we don’t want to be insensitive to this — it can be annoying at times.” However, Stickling said, the imperfections don’t “add much risk at all,” noting that the crash prevention benefits of AEBs are “extremely high.” “And the technology keeps getting better,” he said. “I think we are on the fourth or fifth generation of this by now. Each one gets better, and that trend will continue.” This article originally appeared in the September/October 2023 edition of Truckload Authority, the official publication of the Truckload Carriers Association.

Making Progress: Government, private industry working to alleviate parking shortage

By Linda Garner-Bunch - March 8, 2024

The issue of truck parking — or a lack thereof — has been getting a lot of attention from the U.S. government lately. According to data from the Truckload Carriers Association, there is just one truck parking space for every 11 drivers. A U.S. Department of Transportation report found 98% of drivers regularly experience problems finding safe parking. Studies by the American Transportation Research Institute have found that drivers surrender an average of 56 minutes of valuable drive time per day to find parking, directly costing them about $5,500 in lost compensation — or a 12% cut in annual pay. But help seems to be on the way from the federal government, which has pledged to tackle the issue head on. Earlier this year, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg announced that more than $2.2 billion from the RAISE discretionary grant program will go to 162 different infrastructure projects across the country. The funding includes $28 million for truck parking projects. The RAISE grant program, expanded under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, supports communities of all sizes, with half of the funding going to rural areas and the other half to urban areas. “Using the funds in President Biden’s infrastructure law, we are helping communities in every state across the country realize their visions for new infrastructure projects,” Buttigieg said. “This round of RAISE grants is helping create a new generation of good-paying jobs in rural and urban communities alike, with projects whose benefits will include improving safety, fighting climate change, advancing equity, strengthening our supply chain, and more.” Truck parking projects funded under the RAISE program include: Caldwell Parish, Louisiana: $10.5 million has been allocated to purchase land and build a truck parking facility near the inland Port of Columbia, Ouachita River, and state Highway 165. This will include parking for about 50 commercial trucks and 100 cars, as well as 12 electric vehicle charging stations. Caldwell County, Texas: $9 million has been earmarked for the design and construction of a parking plaza at the intersection of State Highway 130 and the San Marcos Highway/State Highway 80. The plaza will offer about 20 short-term and 100 long-term truck parking spaces. The project also will have entry/exit gate control, lighting, fencing, 24-hour monitored security, and a rest stop with restrooms, showers, and other amenities. Wayne County, Michigan: $8.5 million will go toward the “Truck Stop of the Future” Initiative. The project will include electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Redford, Michigan, for Class 1-8 vehicles. The project will include multiple DC fast chargers, solar canopies, and battery energy storage systems. These allocations followed actions by the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in May, when the group passed five bills that directly impact the trucking industry — including one designed to improve parking for commercial drivers. HR2367, the “Truck Parking Improvement Act,” was introduced by Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL). The bill provides for the construction of commercial motor vehicle parking at both existing and new parking areas. Perhaps more importantly, it requires these parking spaces be accessible to all commercial motor vehicles at no cost. “I grew up in a family trucking business,” Bost said. “I understand how difficult, and oftentimes dangerous, it can be when America’s truckers are forced to park in an unsafe location.” The bill, which establishes a $755 million grant program for truck parking expansion, passed out of committee on a 60-4 vote. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Administrator Robin Hutcheson says she realizes the perilous situation many drivers are faced with when it comes to finding a place to shut down and get some rest. “One of the leading causes of truck crashes is driver fatigue,” she said. “It is clear that adequate rest for drivers is foundational for safe operations. We have heard loud and clear from drivers. They need more places to rest, and they need to be safe and secure while doing so.” Robinson said the agency and other federal offices “are proactively working at the local and regional level to point to the numerous resources across USDOT for truck parking construction, expansion, and technology solutions, and we will continue to work collaboratively with agencies within USDOT and with all of our partners in the industry.” Other efforts around the nation to expand truck parking include a new 84-space lot along Interstate 40 in West Memphis, Arkansas. The Arkansas Department of Transportation estimates that more than 20,000 commercial trucks pass through the area daily. In 2013, Arkansas’s trucking industry lobbied for a 15% increase in its own registration fees, in part to fund the Arkansas Commercial Truck Safety and Education Program. This program has afforded projects like the West Memphis parking expansion, according to an Arkansas Trucking Association news release. In Arizona, the Sunset Point Rest Area along Interstate 17 is now open after the completion of a $7.5 million project developed by the Arizona Department of Transportation. The project added additional truck parking in addition to upgrades to the facility’s restrooms, water, and septic systems. In Nevada, truck parking enhancements are part of a new plan by Nevada’s Transportation Board to improve safety on and near the state’s highways. Also in Nevada, a startup company focused on truck parking is on an ambitious journey to create nearly a million parking spots around the country over the next seven years. Nashville, Tennessee-based We Realize Inc. (Realize) has opened its first location at the Last Vegas Motor Speedway (LVMS). Realize operates 74 truck parking spots at LVMS, located at the intersection of Speedway Boulevard and Interstate 15, offering truck drivers a safe place to park or store their cargo overnight. The facilities also feature real-time inventory, rate visibility, and online booking so drivers can reserve daily or monthly parking in advance, according to a news release. “With more than 3.5 million drivers competing for less than 300,000 parking spots daily, Realize is focused on providing convenient, safe and amenity-forward solutions to the truck parking crisis in an effort to improve supply chain efficiency and most importantly, driver well-being,” said Cody Horchak, founder and CEO of Realize. Meanwhile, trucking industry stalwart Love’s Travel Stops is planning major expansion work during the remainder of 2023, adding 25 new stores and more truck parking spaces. Already in 2023, Love’s has opened several new stores with hundreds of new spaces for drivers across the nation. Other major truck stop chains, such as Pilot and Travel Centers of America, are also adding new stores with more parking spots for big rigs. This article originally appeared in the September/October 2023 edition of Truckload Authority, the official publication of the Truckload Carriers Association.

Moving Forward with Dave Williams

By Linda Garner-Bunch - March 8, 2024

It’s been a busy summer for the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), with the annual Safety & Security meeting, Refrigerated meeting, officers’ meeting and retreat, and more — and TCA Chairman Dave Williams says he’s enjoyed every minute. As the sunny days of summer begin to give way to crisp autumn breezes, the association is ramping up for more events and educational resources for members, from informative webinars and on-site seminars to TCA’s Call on Washington and Fall Business Meetings. Williams reiterates the importance of the annual visit to Capitol Hill and making sure the voice of the truckload industry is heard loud and clear by the nation’s lawmakers. Turn the page to read Williams’ thoughts on a variety of issues faced by the trucking industry, along with a wrap-up of TCA’s summer events. It’s been a busy summer for TCA, with the annual Safety & Security Meeting in June and the Refrigerated Meeting in July. Please share a few highlights from the two events. The Safety & Security Meeting in San Antonio was great. The highlight of the meeting for me was the panel of our TCA Professional Drivers of the Year sharing their thoughts and insights on managing safety. They were very candid and had some great feedback for the fleets in the room. The Refrigerated Meeting in Park City was equally good. One of the things we have really been stressing is that every function we present needs to provide high-value educational content. When you combine that with our trademark networking opportunities, these become “can’t miss” meetings. We are working hard to make sure we provide fresh, relevant takes fleets can benefit from. While I think we can always work to get better, I do believe that we are solidly heading in the right direction. TCA’s Fall Business Meetings, along with the association’s annual Call on Washington, are just around the corner. Addressing each event separately, please explain why membership participation is important. How can companies find out more about these initiatives? I am disappointed that I will miss the Call on Washington this year due to a conflict. This will be the first time I will have missed it. The Call on Washington is so important, as it connects real people in the industry — who are impacted by legislation and regulation — with those who are deciding what the rules should be. So many of our members comment that they are afraid they may not know the right thing to say. First of all, you don’t have to say anything. You can just go and listen. You can also share your thoughts on how the rules and regulations are impacting your business. You don’t have to debate with anyone; you just share your thoughts. I have found that members of Congress listen intently when someone from the industry is sharing their perspective. It is a way for members of Congress to stay connected. Our Fall Business Meeting also brings a lot of value, as members get a chance to take advantage of hearing from Washington, D.C.-based resources including our contracted lobbyists, members of Congress, and leaders of regulatory agencies, among others. With so many important decisions being made in Washington these days, companies need to know what is coming and anticipate what needs to be done in their own businesses to remain successful. Many — I dare say most — truck drivers are concerned about the adoption of automated heavy-duty trucks, fearing that their jobs will ultimately be eliminated in favor of self-driving trucks. Please share your thoughts on this issue. I am not a fan of the phrase “driverless or self-driving trucks.” In fact, I have fought against the use of the phrase since I first heard it. This is not because I am in denial, but because I have stayed close to this technology. I believe we are further away from widespread use of this technology in the truckload industry than people may think. As you may have noticed, the buzz around autonomous trucks has died down over the past year or so. This has come as tech companies realize that applying this technology to heavy-duty truck applications is more challenging than they may have anticipated. Operationalizing an autonomous articulating tractor-trailer combination weighing 80,000 pounds is a different proposition than trying to operationalize an autonomous taxi. And, by the way, that same tractor-trailer combination weighs 60% less as soon as it is unloaded, dramatically changing the center of gravity for the unit. There are technical, economic, and operational challenges that will need to be overcome, which will require substantial funding and a good amount of time. Many of the tech providers in this space are running out of cash as investors grow impatient and the cost to develop the technology continues to grow. Someone will eventually figure it out, but it will likely be limited to a small number of applications until some of these issues are overcome. On top of this, we haven’t even started considering social acceptance, liability questions, and cybersecurity concerns, among others. I am by no means counting this technology out, but the reality is that we will need good men and women to operate trucks in the truckload market for a long time to come. Finding and keeping qualified workers is always top of mind for motor carriers. What basic strategies would you recommend a trucking company undertake to ensure their drivers and employees are satisfied with the opportunities they have in front of them? It takes work to understand what an employee is looking to get out of their relationship with a company. In the truckload market, there is so much diversity in our driving jobs alone — there are long haul jobs, local jobs, and regional jobs. There are loads that require significant physical demands for unloading, while other loads are virtually no-touch. Some freight is so time-sensitive that it may shut down a factory if it is late, while other freight may sit for weeks after delivery. There are companies that supply the newest high-tech equipment, and there are those that buy equipment that has already been around the block a few times. Some routes run though the open roads of the Midwest, while others may run through gridlocked mega-metropolitan cities. There are cold-weather climates and climates that are blazing hot. Depending on the combination of those factors, our drivers are going to have different expectations for compensation, benefits, and opportunities for personal growth. After accounting for all the workplace variables, I believe it really comes down to relationships. Communicating well, being available, listening to concerns, setting clear expectations, following through on what you say you will do, and showing genuine concern will always yield positive results. There are no one-size-fits-all problems, and there are no one-size-fits-all solutions. However, there are some best practices in how we treat people that will resonate no matter what. Earlier this year TCA, along with a handful of other industry groups, came together to form the Clean Freight Coalition. As the nation progresses along the road to zero emissions, concerns about the time line and the feasibility of developing technology remain. What progress has the coalition made in addressing these concerns? I have said and written much about this topic over the last few months. Should the current proposed rules and time lines stand, this could be one of the single biggest transformational events in the history of our industry. I am not trying to be dramatic — that is just how I see it. One of our challenges is that the rules keep changing, sometimes for the good but oftentimes, not so much. The Clean Freight Coalition has gotten off to a slower start than many of us wanted, but you should expect to hear and see more from this group in the coming months. With multiple federal and state government agencies involved that are not in sync, it creates some very challenging dynamics. In addition, the entire subject has become strongly partisan, so the difficulty level rises again. This issue is too important for our industry. We certainly want to do our part in preserving clean air and clean water, but these rules have to work for our industry. Rest assured that we will be fighting hard to make sure that whatever happens won’t put the nation’s supply chain in jeopardy. The annual TCA Officers’ Planning Meeting is something participants look forward to each year, not just for fun and fellowship, but also for the chance to brainstorm about issues facing the trucking industry. Please share a little bit about this year’s meeting. Our strategic planning meeting this year was held in beautiful Monterey, California, which is one of my favorite places. This meeting is a really important opportunity to unplug from everyday activities and focus for a couple of days on the TCA organization, programs, policies, and value proposition. We had the chance to perform an honest evaluation of everything that we do. We really wanted to step back and reflect on how our programs and organization can provide greater value to members. I am really pleased with the direction we are headed; now we just have to keep building momentum. As a side benefit, it also gives a chance for our officers to bond together and create some important team dynamics. I really look forward to it every year. In addition to normal price increases due to inflation, what factors are driving up the cost of equipment, maintenance, staffing and other business expenses? Are the after-effects of the COVID-19 pandemic still impacting pricing in the industry? The truckload industry is currently suffering through one of the worst markets we have seen in some time. After all-time highs through the pandemic, it didn’t take long for the bottom to fall out. While rates dropped farther and faster than anything we have possibly ever seen, costs within the industry continued to climb. This has put a lot of carriers at risk. While I am not an economist, I have learned a few things about cost over the past three decades. When you talk about equipment prices for example, there are a couple of buckets you need to understand, including raw materials, margins, labor, and regulation. We are starting to see relief on raw materials after the COVID years and world conflicts took raw material inflation to extreme highs. That alone should start to bring cost relief, although it may not show up right away. Some manufacturers that are still seeing strong demand may keep those raw material savings to bolster margins; they may only give those savings up when they see a softening of demand. Manufacturers may also keep those raw materials savings to offset higher labor costs. Those higher labor costs are affected by many different factors, including the supply-and-demand balance within the workforce, cost-of-living pressures, and pressure on local minimum wages in many states, just to name a few. Another wild card in equipment costs is environmental regulation. Each new regulation puts upward pressure on equipment costs. With several new standards coming over the next few years, it could be a bumpy ride. TCA and many of its members are active participants in nonprofit initiatives, such as The Wall That Heals and Wreaths Across America. Please share a little bit about the association’s involvement with these organizations. One of the things I really appreciate about the trucking industry is that we have good people. Many of the owners of companies are self-made and down to earth. They also recognize the importance of giving back. The TCA officers and staff are continually evaluating how we can effectively give back to the communities we serve. With many of our drivers and office staff having served in the military, programs such as the Wall That Heals and Wreaths Across America provide an opportunity to give back and honor those who served. Even for those who didn’t serve in the military, there are strong feelings associated with this great country. We appreciate what we have and want to instill that in future generations. In addition to these programs, the TCA Scholarship Fund provides meaningful education dollars to the up-and-coming generation. We have been in discussions about potentially expanding the reach of those dollars to include vocational education needs, including mechanics. There is a growing need for trained mechanics in our industry, and I think we are in a position to adapt — and at least participate in solving that need. In addition to the topics noted in previous questions, what issues are top of mind for the trucking industry at this point? I think the most pressing issue in my mind right now is the financial health of our members. With the truckload market embroiled in a tough cycle, this is a time when membership in the TCA should be most valuable. Carriers have a chance to really examine their companies to make sure best practices are actually being followed. Our benchmarking programs and seminars allow carriers to really see where they are doing well … and where they still need some work. We continue to push for favorable tax policies at the federal level. We are cautiously optimistic that we may finally see some relief on the Federal Excise Tax. This will be important in the short term, giving cost relief to member companies. It will also provide the ability for companies to better afford safety technologies and emissions reducing technologies down the road. Every little bit helps. Thank you for your time, Mr. Chairman. I look forward to our next conversation. This article originally appeared in the September/October 2023 edition of Truckload Authority, the official publication of the Truckload Carriers Association.

Ohio Police: Trucker shot to death during altercation with another driver

By Linda Garner-Bunch - September 1, 2023

SIDNEY, Ohio — An Ohio truck driver is dead after being shot on Wednesday, Aug. 30, in the parking lot of Angstrom Fiber in Sidney. According to the Sidney Police Department, the body of Brandon Tyler Welsh, 32, of Eaton, Ohio, was found at 11:22 a.m. after a 911 call alerted emergency personnel. A police report states that truck driver Lashawn Dean Hughes, 48, of Greensboro, North Carolina, was arrested in Anna, Ohio, by the local police department after fleeing the scene in his big rig. He is currently being held in the Shelby County Jail on a murder charge. “This case is an active investigation, preliminary evidence and witness statements indicated that the alteration between the two men was likely due to a road rage incident,” according to the police report. “Both men were semi-truck operators for different companies, and neither man had any business association with Angstrom. It appears Angstrom was an random place where the two men’s altercation came to violence.” Anyone with information related to this case is asked to call the Sidney Police Department at (937) 498-2351 or Crime Stoppers at (937) 492-8477.

DelDOT launches Smart Roadways Traffic Alert System for trucks

By Linda Garner-Bunch - August 25, 2023

DOVER, Del. — The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) has begun transmitting traffic safety notifications to commercial truck drivers, a program delivered in partnership with Drivewyze and its Smart Roadways services. All freeways in the state will be covered by the alerts, according to a news release. “Smart Roadways is an agency-sponsored notification service that extends public highway safety programs into the cabs of commercial trucks,” the news release noted. “In Delaware, the new Traffic & Congestion Alerts service allows commercial drivers to get real-time notifications of upcoming traffic congestion and sudden slowdowns. The new traffic alerts supplement the Drivewyze safety notifications that truck drivers already receive in Delaware, including high rollover areas, low bridges, and railroad crossings.” The DelDOT alerts program notifies truck drivers about hazardous locations, such as drastic speed changes or heavier than normal congestion is detected, using visual messages such as “sudden slowdown ahead” along with an audible chime. The alerts are configured to allow ample time for trucks to slow down or stop, as they require more deceleration time than passenger vehicles. “We are continually working to improve safety on our roads and Smart Roadways will benefit commercial drivers across the state by providing critical in-cab traveler information where and when drivers need it most,” said Delaware Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski. “Studies have shown nearly 30% of collisions occur on interstates, and many are secondary incidents, where a vehicle is rear-ended when in a queue from an initial crash. This program will help reduce those numbers.” The Traffic & Congestion Alerts service was developed through an exclusive partnership between Drivewyze and INRIX. “Leveraging INRIX traffic data, this service allows DelDOT to send real-time alerts to truck drivers through the Drivewyze software application, which is embedded in existing compliance equipment like electronic logging devices and runs on mounted mobile devices,” according to the news release. “DelDOT notifications are also available for free on any Android smartphone (and soon iOS phones) for all truck drivers who download the Drivewyze app-no subscription to Drivewyze PreClear weigh station bypass or Safety+ is required.” Delaware is the 7th state to implement Smart Roadways in partnership with Drivewyze, which operates the largest connected truck network in North America. DelDOT will monitor the alerts program’s performance using anonymized truck data to determine the program’s connected truck reach and impact on driver behavior (such as reductions in speed and hard braking). “This connected truck network offers DelDOT an opportunity to safely extend highway safety programs and traveler information systems directly into motoring vehicles, increasing the safety and productivity of the trucking industry while improving highway safety for all motorists,” the news release stated.

New Jersey state police looking for big rig involved in fatal hit-and-run

By Linda Garner-Bunch - August 25, 2023

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — The New Jersey State Police is asking for help finding a tractor-trailer that was involved in a fatality wreck with a box truck on the New Jersey Turnpike. Police said a white Isuzu box truck was traveling north in the truck lane of the highway at around 10:45 p.m. on Aug. 23 in East Brunswick when it was struck by the big rig near milepost 78.8, according to a state police news release. The box truck was hit on its driver side door, killing 78-year-old Giuseppe Zuccarello of Whitestone, New York. The driver of the 18-wheeler fled the scene, police said. Anyone who witnessed the crash or had any additional information is asked to contact the Troop “D” Criminal Investigations Office at (732) 441-4500 ext. 4424.

Study: 75% of truck drivers say their job is mentally, physically stressful

By Linda Garner-Bunch - August 25, 2023

BEAVERTON, Ore. — A new study by DAT Freight & Analytics has found that almost 75% of truck drivers find their jobs physically and emotionally stressful. Additionally, many drivers reported an inability to care for their well-being. “As the country prepares for National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, from Sept. 10-16, and celebrates the vital role of truck drivers in our economy, the DAT survey results show why it’s important to empathize with the challenges they face in their personal and professional lives,” said Jeff Hopper, chief marketing officer at DAT. “For all that you are, and all that you do. We thank you, truck drivers.” The survey of 504 truck drivers, 337 of whom own the truck they drive, revealed the conditions that lead to stress on the road. Drivers miss time with friends and family: 54% of truck drivers spend less than 24 hours a week at home. Drivers have a long workweek: 33% of drivers are driving more than 49 hours a week. Nutrition is a challenge: 63% of truckers cook meals in their truck two to six days a week, and 37% eat fast food two to three days a week. Long hours make it difficult to manage sleep and exercise: 63% of truckers sleep 6 hours or less per night, and 38% of truck drivers say they take medication to help them sleep. The survey also examined how truck drivers manage their mental health. Nearly 46% of respondents said access to mental health services would be an effective way to help them manage stress. However, only 40% of male drivers said they would consider speaking with a counselor or therapist about their emotions and experiences, compared to 58% of female drivers. Family members are less likely to relate to living and working on the road. More than 71% of truckers’ children did not follow in a parent’s footsteps, despite riding along when they were younger. “Many truck drivers develop strategies to manage the long hours, isolation and health issues that come with the job,” Hopper said. “However, finding suitable places for sleep, healthy meals, and other necessities are constant challenges. It’s essential to recognize the role truckers play in our economy and to do whatever we can to recognize their hard work.” As an expression of gratitude to the nation’s truckers, DAT Freight & Analytics will reward five randomly chosen truckers with a free, six-month subscription to DAT One Pro. To learn more and enter for a chance to win, visit instagram.com/datfreight during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. Truckers can also win one of 10 $100 VISA gift cards. Visit facebook.com/datfreight and follow #appreciateDATtrucker for details and entry information.

Love’s adds 151 truck parking spaces with new locations in Colorado, Texas

By Linda Garner-Bunch - August 25, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY — Love’s Travel Stops is now serving customers in Cañon City, Colorado, and Cotulla, Texas, with new locations that opened on Aug. 24. The facility in Cañon City, located off Four Mile Parkway and U.S. Highway 50, adds 80 jobs and 54 truck parking spaces to Fremont County, according to a news release, The location in Cotulla, located off Interstate 35 at exit 65, adds 75 jobs and 97 truck parking spaces to La Salle County, Love’s announced. “We’re excited not only to open two new Travel Stops, expanding our Highway Hospitality in Colorado and Texas …,” said Shane Wharton, president of Love’s. “The Travel Stops offer the same clean spaces and friendly faces customers have come to expect from Love’s….” The Travel Stops are open 24/7 and offer bean-to-cup gourmet coffee, brand-name snacks and Love’s Mobile to Go Zone with today’s latest technologies. The locations also include: Cañon City, Colorado More than 13,000 square feet. Arby’s (opening Aug. 28). 54 truck parking spaces. 70 car parking spaces. Five RV parking spaces on site, 125 hookups at the RV Stop nearby. Six diesel bays. Five showers. Laundry facilities. CAT scale. Cotulla, Texas More than 19,500 square feet. Arby’s (opening Aug. 28). 97 truck parking spaces. 70 car parking spaces. Two RV hookups. Nine diesel bays. Eight showers. Laundry facilities. CAT scale. Speedco (opening Sept. 6). In honor of the grand openings, Love’s will donate $2,000 each to the Canon City Police Department and Cotulla High School.

Pennsylvania governor announces nearly $50M in transportation projects

By Linda Garner-Bunch - August 24, 2023

Harrisburg, Pa. — Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has announced that his administration will fund 58 highway, bridge, aviation, ports and bike and pedestrian projects in 37 counties using $49.6 million in funding from the Multimodal Transportation Fund, which provides grant funding to ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to all Pennsylvanians. The program is intended to provide financial assistance to municipalities, councils of governments, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies and ports and rail freight entities to improve transportation infrastructure, according to a news release. “Infrastructure is the backbone of Pennsylvania, and our Commonwealth’s progress has often been tied to our ability to complete major projects that spur economic growth and create real opportunity,” Shapiro said. “Investing in and improving our infrastructure is a commonsense way to spur economic development, create jobs, and help Pennsylvanians reach their destinations safely and efficiently.” Reflecting PennDOT’s commitment to improving locally owned infrastructure, several of the projects will also help local governments address bridges and roadways in need of repair or replacement. “Whether we’re making roadways more accessible to all modes of travel or creating new connections for businesses investing in our communities, transportation is integral to our quality of life,” saidPennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “These projects will bring long-lasting improvements across the state.” The bipartisan budget Shapiro signed earlier this month includes increased transportation funding by reducing the Pennsylvania State Police’s reliance on the Motor License Fund, freeing up $125 million annually over the next four years to put those dollars directly into road and bridge projects. Below is a list of 2023 awarded projects by county. Allegheny County Borough of Thornburg — $152,000 to replace 492 feet of failing sidewalk and fence along Hamilton Road and to reinforce the hillside on which they are built. The new sidewalk and fence will provide safe passage and access to borough facilities and safeguard the park below. City of Pittsburgh — $1,792,800 to redesign and upgrade facilities at the complex intersection of Liberty Avenue and the Bloomfield Bridge to improve safety and efficiency for all transportation modes. Ingram Borough — $555,046 to implement traffic calming policies along Ingram Avenue and provide improvements for alternative modes of transportation, including full pavement restoration, a bike lane, a raised pedestrian crosswalk, and lane striping. Bedford County Napier Township — $360,400 to rehabilitate the Hammer Road Bridge to remove the restrictive 3-ton weight limit. Berks County South Heidelberg Township — $870,000 to extend Krick Lane to Wernersville Road to improve connectivity and reduce traffic congestion and to install a 4-way traffic light and turn lanes at the Krick Lane-Lincoln Drive intersection to reduce motor vehicle accidents. Blair County City of Altoona — $584,183 to install 29, 150W-LED high-mast luminaires along the Juniata Gap shared Bike/Pedestrian Trail. The Project will create a reliable, connected, and safer active transportation experience for users of the Trail. Bucks County: Township of Middletown — $300,000 for the implementation of comprehensive safety upgrades to several school zones, inclusive of more modern speed signs and remote-access controllers to improve school zone and crosswalk safety. Butler County Slippery Rock Township — $790,000 to widen Kiester road by eliminating open ditches, installing stormwater piping and inlets, and adding new culverts and guardrail over two stream crossings where they currently do not exist. Cambria County Middle Taylor Township — $330,000 for paving of four Township-owned roads, including Teeter Road, Cub Street, South Taft Street, and Duke Street. Summerhill Township — $329,889 for improvements to Shaft Road, including paving with base course and wearing course, installing guiderails, placing riprap at exit of cross pipes, final seeding and mulching, installing fence, increasing visibility at the intersection, and installing road signs. Centre County Borough of State College — $78,991 to construct a new pedestrian bridge in Walnut Springs Park. The bridge provides an important transportation alternative to travel from the Borough of State College to College Township via the trail systems within the park. Chester County Borough of Phoenixville — $849,775 to realign and reconstruct Mowere Road for safer vehicular travel lanes, sidewalks, and crosswalks for the Schuylkill River Trail. This project includes a new storm water management system for Mowere Road. East Whiteland Township — $1,236,308 to widen Route 30 to provide an eastbound right-turn lane and bike lane at the PA 352 intersection and install sidewalks, curb ramps, driveway aprons, bus pad, retaining walls, drainage facilities, signal modifications, and parking lot adjustments. West Bradford Township — $975,266 to replace the existing signalized intersection at Marshallton Thorndale Road and Poorhouse Road with a roundabout. Clearfield County Clearfield County — $245,000 to provide local scour protection along four bridge foundations within the County’s bridge inventory in Bell Township, Curwensville Borough, Greenwood Township, and Union Township. Columbia County Mifflin Township — $485,520 to replace the T-409 bridge, built in 1940 (reconstructed in 1982), which is exhibiting general structural deterioration and showing signs of failing weight-bearing capabilities. Cumberland County Shippensburg Borough — $1 million to extend the existing Dykeman Road between Shippensburg Borough and Shippensburg Township to improve inter-municipal connectivity and relieve severe traffic congestion on U.S. Route 11 and adjacent streets in the borough’s downtown. Dauphin County Township of South Hanover — $3 million to reconnect Hayshed and Red Top Roads to reduce accidents at Red Top Rd/SR 39; utilize existing signalized intersection at Hayshed Rd/SR 39; provide a safer route for emergency services; expand multimodal trail system; and provide connectivity to SR 39. Delaware County East Lansdowne Borough — $318,690 to install 52 curb cut ramps and crosswalks along Emerson Avenue and all seven cross street intersections in the Borough. Upper Darby Township — $2,274,377 to undertake necessary improvements for the successful long-term operation of 69th Street and to further facilitate safe multimodal transportation along the street. PSA Penn Terminals — $1 million to replace 34 diesel prime movers with 34 all-electric prime movers and purchase 23 charging stations. The prime movers will help improve the eco-efficiency of terminal operations while maintaining the high safety and productivity. Erie County Borough of Edinboro — $70,000 to repair all sidewalk sections throughout the Borough of Edinboro that need repair. The goal of the project is to improve pedestrian safety, especially for handicapped individuals. City of Erie — $500,000 to improve pedestrian facilities and upgrade 60-year-old traffic signals from 2nd to 5th Streets on State Street for increased safety along this increasingly busy section of downtown. Fayette County City of Connellsville — $655,000 to repair a stone wall, built in the 1930s, that supports Wills Road, a main thoroughfare connecting the east end to downtown, heavily traveled by vehicles, school buses, and pedestrians. Perry Township — $284,316 to design and reconstruct a 370-foot retaining wall that serves as a bus stop for school-age children along Main Street that supports Arch Street. Deterioration of the existing wall has created a hazardous situation for vehicular traffic, children waiting for a school bus, and pedestrians. Franklin County Borough of Greencastle — $41,307 for improvements to North Washington Street that will provide greater walkability, ADA access, roadway travel, protection of local landmarks, and mitigation of safety hazards presently existing on the deteriorating streetscape. WCN Properties, LP — $2 million to extend an existing roadway, Archer Drive, from its current terminus at Lighthouse Road to Overcash Road. This segment will improve local transportation safety and provide additional truck access in an industrial zone. Greene County Greene County Board of Commissioners — $1,038,786 to replace a structurally deficient bridge (Bridge No.7) that has a sufficiency rating of 45.3 and is eligible by the Federal Highway Safety Administration for replacement. Indiana County Burrell Township — $795,938 to resurface 7.24 miles of deteriorating roadways in the Township to stabilize and improve the roads system for improved mobility for walkers and bikers and vehicles. Jefferson County Borough of Punxsutawney — $428,009 to demolish the existing cobblestone road, curb, and sidewalk on Dinsmore Avenue and install paving and ADA sidewalks. Juniata County Milford Township — $1,538,462 to replace two structurally deficient and weight-restricted timber bridges on Sheesley Road with concrete box culverts. The bridges are 100 feet apart and are the only entrance for approximately 30 homes, farms, and a trucking company. Lackawanna County Lackawanna County — $1,397,200 to replace a temporary bridge on Plank Road in Clifton Township, PA. This span and road also provide access to major U.S, and Pennsylvania road systems for work, school, emergency response, and recreational activities. Lehigh County Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority — $940,000 to improve safety and accessibility by reconfiguring the existing terminal roadways that serve the Multimodal Transportation Center (MTC) and the Airport Terminal at ABE, to meet the latest design, safety, and capacity standards. Luzerne County Fairview Township — $545,446 to replace the existing Dale Drive Bridge over Big Wapwallopen Creek. The existing bridge has been designated as structurally deficient and closed to all traffic. Replacing the bridge will allow the road to reopen. Geisinger System Services — $1,500,000 to improve the east and west entrances to Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center and East Mountain Boulevard by constructing a 100-foot southbound turn lane into the emergency room driveway; lengthening the northbound turn lane into the emergency drive; installation of a traffic signal; and improvements to the southbound turn lane into the Main Entrance driveway. Mericle River Road, LLC — $1,885,311 for transportation improvements related to the development of a 138-acre business park, CenterPoint Commerce & Trade Park South, including a signal intersection, turning lanes, internal roadways, SR 2004 access road, road widening, and a bus transit shelter. Municipality of Kingston — $873,000 for the installation of new sidewalks and curbing on West Union Street, a primary gateway point to the Municipality of Kingston. Valley Crest Real Estate, LP — $914,554 for improvements to PennDOT rights-of-way impacted by commercial development of approximately two million square feet, the existing Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center, Mohegan Sun Casino and new commercial development on 62 acres, Valley Crest Commons. McKean County Port Allegany Borough — $500,000 for the complete replacement of the Arnold Avenue bridge over Lillibridge Creek in Port Allegany. This bridge is vitally important as it sits approximately 125 feet from the Port Allegany High School and is the main transportation route for two schools. Mercer County City of Hermitage — $350,000 to enhance trail connections and improve Lorenwood Drive in the area of Hermitage Athletics Complex / Hermitage Little League Complex, including a new trail head parking area, expanded trails and improvements to Lorenwood Drive. Mifflin County Armagh Township — $556,923 to replace sidewalk and curbing along South Main Street in downtown Milroy to improve pedestrian access throughout town. The project includes pedestrian crossings, ADA ramps, street lighting, street trees and brick accent pavers. Monroe County Mount Pocono Borough — $646,027 for improvements to Fork Street, include road excavation and resurfacing; converting angled public street parking to parallel parking; drainage improvements and a new concrete bus turnout lane. Montgomery County High Properties — $1,103,458 to widen a section of PA 29 to provide two travel lanes in each direction, a continuous sidewalk and ADA accommodations at the Perkiomen Boulevard/PA 29 signalized intersection as part of a 320-unit mixed-use development. Northampton County Bethlehem Township — $283,500 for an emergency preemption traffic signal at the intersection of 9th Street and Freemansburg Avenue (SR 2018) to provide safe access for vehicles leaving the Bethlehem Township Volunteer Fire Company firehouse. Northumberland County Montandon Development Group, LLC — $574,530 for the construction of turning lanes and a traffic signal along the SR 45 corridor. The improvement will control traffic flows for vehicles entering and exiting an access road that will accommodate current/future commercial development. Philadelphia County City of Philadelphia — $608,000 to improve bicycle, pedestrian, and transit infrastructure at the Woodland Avenue Trolley Portal. The proposed work is expected to improve safety and reliability for all roadway users. City of Philadelphia — $3,000,000 to upgrade a successful Slow Zone in the Fairhill Neighborhood in North Philadelphia. Funding will allow the city to convert interim traffic safety solutions into permanent improvements. Schuylkill River Development Corporation — $400,000 to acquire the land needed to extend the Schuylkill Banks trail approximately 3,400 feet south from the vicinity of 61st Street to Passyunk Avenue, thereby expanding a safe and reliable transportation system to more residents. Olde Yankee Terminal — $3,000,000 for the Schuylkill River Port Improvement Project which will install a new bulkhead at the Olde Yankee Terminal site to improve the dock’s efficiency for handling sand/aggregate cargoes needed for use in the region’s construction projects. Pike County Pike County Commissioners — $517,176 to replace the structurally deficient bridge that carries Carton Hill Road over Taylor Creek located in Greene Township. This bridge is owned and maintained by Pike County and is located on a Township Road. Tioga County Tioga County Board of Commissioners — $149,922 to remove railroad tracks, ties and signposts and repave and restore the road at six former railroad crossings in Tioga County. The rails currently act as an impediment to accessibility and multimodal transportation. Union County Union County — $800,000 for a multi-municipal bridge replacement bundle for locally-owned structures that are between eight feet and 20 feet in length and are in poor condition. Bridges are located in New Berlin Borough and Hartley, Lewis, West Buffalo and White Deer Townships. Washington County East Bethlehem Township — $777,570 to replace undersized storm sewers in poor condition along Crawford Road and Strawberry Street. The existing system is incapable of collecting and conveying the runoff, causing ponding along SR 88 N. North Strabane Township — $639,641 to widen McDowell Lane by 8 feet (4 feet per lane) to accommodate a marked, shared bike lane in both directions. This will provide multimodal access to McDowell Sports Complex to the numerous residential developments. Donora Dock LLC — $1,617,215 to rebuild the current dock wall at the Donora River Terminal, which is an integral component of the exchange of goods in the region. Westmoreland County City of Arnold — $100,800 to improve the roadway surface of Moore Street to enhance travel for vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles. This will promote job creation and retention in the City of Arnold. York County Newberry Township — $332,207 to replace the Pleasant Drive Bridge, which has fallen into such a state of disrepair that traffic has been limited to vehicles with a 5-ton maximum weight, restricting access and deliveries to nearby residents. Spring Garden Township — $774,924 to replace the Rathton Road Bridge, which requires immediate mitigation due to the advanced deterioration of the metal arch. The substructure will be replaced with a precast, reinforced concrete box culvert.

FMCSA to study CMV driver detention time

By Linda Garner-Bunch - August 24, 2023

WASHINGTON — A new Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration study will focus on truck drivers’ detention time and how it affects their safety. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced on Aug. 23 that it plans to submit an Information Collection Request (ICR) for data on the issue, which will be analyzed “to determine the frequency and severity of detention time, as well as assess the utility of existing intelligent transportation systems (ITS) solutions to measure detention time.” Approximately 80 carriers and 2,500 CMV drivers will provide data in the study, according to the IRC. “The study will provide a better understanding of the impact of driver detention time on driver safety and CMV operations and inform strategies that may be used to mitigate driver detention time,” the IRC states. Detention time refers to the extra time CMV operators wait at shipping and receiving facilities due to delays associated with the loading and unloading of cargo. Drivers are often not paid for this extra time. “Although there is currently no standard definition of detention time, the CMV industry, the U.S. government and academic detention research in the United States have typically used dwell time — the total amount of time spent at a facility — exceeding two hours to define when detention time occurs,” according to the FMCSA. Detention time in the CMV industry is a longstanding issue and consistently ranks as one of the top problems for a large portion of CMV operators on an ongoing basis. Further, detention time often results in lost revenue for many drivers and carriers, according to the FMCSA. Reducing detention time may reduce costs for carriers, increase pay for drivers, and improve CMV drivers’ ability to make deliveries on time or arrive at a destination as planned without violating hours of service (HOS) requirements. Drivers who experience less detention time may be more likely to drive safely to reach their destinations within the HOS limits and less likely to operate beyond HOS limits and improperly log their driving and duty time to make deliveries on time. This isn’t the first time the FMCSA has studied this issue. A study in 2014 provided “valuable initial insights” but “had several limitations, including a small sample of mostly large carriers, a rudimentary estimation of detention time, the inability to identify time spent loading/unloading and data that did not cover an entire 12-month period,” FMCSA officials stated. “Therefore, FMCSA needs additional data from a broader sample of carriers to understand the safety and operational impact of detention time, to better understand why detention time occurs, and to identify potential mitigation strategies the CMV industry may use to reduce detention time while improving operational efficiencies and safety.” FMCSA’s new study will focus on three primary objectives: Assessing the frequency and severity of driver detention time using data that represent the major segments of the motor carrier industry. Assessing the utility of existing ITS solutions to measure detention time. Preparing a final report that summarizes the findings, answers the research questions and offers strategies to reduce detention time. The study includes data collection via electronic logging devices (ELDs), transportation management systems (TMS), vehicle telematic systems, safety records and answers to questions delivered through the carriers’ dispatching systems. The TMS, ELD, telematics and safety data are already collected by carriers. The only additional data that will be collected will be the answers to questions submitted through the carriers’ dispatching systems. “This information will allow FMCSA to identify the severity and frequency of detention time, the factors that contribute to detention time, as well as the administrative, operational and safety outcomes of detention time,” FMCSA officials noted. After agreeing to participate in the study, carriers will collect and provide 12 months of data. When the FMCSA’s notice is published in the Federal Register, the public will have 60 days to comment by visiting the regulations.gov website and entering Docket No. FMCSA-2023-0172.

Milepost Insurance joins Truckstop Partner Marketplace

By Linda Garner-Bunch - August 24, 2023

OMAHA, Neb. — Milepost Insurance Agency has teamed with Truckstop Partner Marketplace. According to a news release, the partnership will allow Milepost “to continue its goal of providing Truckstop customers with reliable and comprehensive insurance coverage, providing policy quote ad purchases online and generating insurance certificates through their 24/7 online portal.” Joe Nibley, vice president of Milepost, said that one of the biggest challenges that an owner-operator faces when they want to start their own operation is getting insurance. “Truckstop’s extensive marketplace and operator verification network allows us to bring reliable insurance to vetted, independent carriers who are looking to secure their fleet,” he said. “By removing the guesswork that often comes with selecting insurance, we’re able to help get trucks on the road faster and safer.” Milepost officials say they will continue their focus of simplifying the trucking insurance process for independent owner-operators. Customers of Truckstop will only have to visit Truckstop’s marketplace. From there, the user will have access to the insurance quotation and purchasing process of Milepost and have their quote or switch their insurance to Milepost within 15 minutes. “Truckstop remains committed to reducing risks in the freight transaction process, all the way down to the insurance level,” said Alan Alberto, Truckstop’s director of partnerships and alliances. “Our partnership with Milepost provides our customers with more options and enhances their access to the types of coverage and coverage levels that many users desire.” Nibley noted that freight rates are the number one focal point for small fleets and independent owner-operators, “making our partnership with Truckstop natural.” “Milepost’s insurance policies have the highest financial strength rating, allowing for these businessmen and women to maximize their opportunities and truly never miss a load,” he continued. “Truckstop’s Marketplace expands our ability to provide 24/7 coverage to these operators and allows them to further their broker or shipper relationships.”

FTR’s June report reflects weaker conditions for carriers

By Linda Garner-Bunch - August 23, 2023

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — The market remains generally unfavorable for trucking, according to FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index for June. The index fell to -6.29 from the previous -3.75, reflecting modestly weaker market conditions for carriers. Freight rates were slightly less negative in June, but all other key factors deteriorated. June’s TCI reading was the most negative since November, according to a statement released by FTR. “Based on our assessment, for-hire trucking companies have already faced the longest period of consistently unfavorable market conditions since the Great Recession,” said Avery Vise, vice president of trucking at FTR. “We expect negative TCI readings to continue for nearly a year longer, and little, if any, improvement until early 2024,” he continued. “As we have noted before, the challenges are not uniform as the current market is hitting small carriers much harder than larger ones, especially considering the recent upturn in diesel prices.” Details of the June TCI can be found in the August 2023 issue of FTR’s Trucking Update. The August edition includes an initial assessment of what Yellow’s demise could mean for LTL rates and additional commentary analyzing the potential for a truck pre-buy before 2027. The Trucking Update includes data and analysis on load volumes, the capacity environment, rates, and the economy. The TCI tracks the changes representing five major conditions in the U.S. truck market — freight volumes, freight rates, fleet capacity, fuel prices and financing costs.

Lytx DVIR offers enhanced customizable features to help fleets, drivers ensure safety

By Linda Garner-Bunch - August 23, 2023

SAN DIEGO — During the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) Brake Safety Week, which began Aug. 20 and continues through Aug. 26, truck drivers across North America are taking special notice of their brake systems. The goal of this annual inspection blitz is to increase the industry’s awareness of brake safety and help ensure commercial vehicles remain safe and compliant. A properly inspected and well-maintained brake system results in safe braking, which helps to reduce the number of highway crashes caused by faulty brakes. To avoid violations, CVSA recommends thorough brake inspections as noted in its vehicle inspection checklist. Mandated by the Department of Transportation, Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs) are designed to help commercial fleets and operators to maintain safe brakes and a compliant vehicle. DVIRs can also identify and address issues with other essential vehicle components and systems, such as fuel tank, lights, tire pressure, etc. The Lytx DVIR solution provides drivers and fleet managers with a comprehensive yet simplified, electronic option for vehicles outside the ELD mandate. The system includes a customizable checklist that can be seamlessly accessed through the Lytx Driver App and Lytx Account. Drivers simply sign into the Driver App using their existing Lytx account to complete each inspection from their smartphone or tablet. To enhance reports and help mechanics better understand issues with a vehicle or trailer, drivers can upload photos and video (up to 3 seconds) to save valuable time and expedite repairs. To further help fleets stay on top of their brake systems and overall vehicle safety, Lytx DVIR recently added customizable enhancements to help drivers and fleet managers perform more thorough and proactive reporting, as well as further streamline their maintenance programs. Walkaround photos: Drivers can now be instructed to capture and submit four walkaround photos via the Driver App, giving managers a more complete 360-degree view of the current condition of the vehicle. Multiple inspection lists: Managers who require periodic supplemental inspections can now create multiple lists for select vehicles and trailers that direct drivers to inspect specific items. Email Notifications: To avoid constantly checking each individual DVIR, managers can stay on top of key issues by opting to receive new proactive email notifications that can be customized based on specific items, such as the type of vehicle defect (major, minor, both, etc.). Scheduler Enhancement: For fleet managers who prefer more flexibility and customization when scheduling periodic inspections, the new scheduler enhancement tool allows for routine maintenance inspections to be set up in advance and tracked for a specific time period (daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, yearly). For more information about the Lytx DVIR, click here.

Suspect arrested for robbery of Delaware truck stop

By Linda Garner-Bunch - August 23, 2023

LAUREL, Del. — The Delaware State Police have arrested 40-year-old Toshawn Furlow of Laurel, Delaware, for a robbery that took place early Tuesday at the Oasis Travel Plaza truck stop in Laurel. According to a statement by the Delaware State Police, at about 1:58 a.m. on Aug. 22, 2023, troopers were called to the Oasis Travel Plaza, 30759 Sussex Highway, in response to a robbery that had just occurred. When troopers arrived on the scene, they were told the suspect entered the store, put his hand in his pocket and threatened to shoot the cashier if she did not open the cash register drawer. The cashier complied, and the suspect allegedly took money and cigarettes before fleeing the scene. The cashier was not hurt and was able to show troopers surveillance video of the robbery. Later that day, at about 9 a.m., the Seaford Police Department responded to the M&T Bank, 22920 Sussex Highway, for a robbery involving the same suspect, who had been identified as Toshawn Furlow. Troopers and officers searched for Furlow in the surrounding area. At about 3:03 p.m., officers from the Laurel Police Department, EMS personnel and assisting troopers responded to the Hollybrook Farms Apartments in Laurel for a medical call. Officers arrived and found Furlow in the apartment, where he was taken into custody without incident. Furlow was taken to Seaford Police Department and charged by troopers for the following crimes: Robbery First Degree (Felony); Theft Under $1,500 – 2 counts; and Menacing Furlow was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $62,100 cash bond. Furlow faces additional charges of robbery (felony), terroristic threatening (felony), and theft from the Seaford Police Department for the robbery of the M&T Bank.

Live wire sparks fire, destroying 11 semi-trailers in Tampa, Florida

By Linda Garner-Bunch - August 23, 2023

TAMPA, Fla. — Almost a dozen semi-trailers were burned on Aug. 20 in a Tampa truck yard. According to a Facebook post from the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue (HCFR), the fire began after an electrical wire fell and ignited one of the trailer’s tires. “Because of the dangers associated with applying water to live electrical lines, HCFR had to await the arrival of Tampa Electric to de-energize the area before battling the blaze,” the Facebook post stated. “There were no threats to structures, but the fire spread, ultimately destroying 11 of the trailers on the lot. Once clear of the electrical hazard, firefighters contained the fire quickly. It was determined that the lines fell on the trailers during a storm that passed through.” There were no injuries to first responders or civilians.

Truckstop welcomes Ron Storn to leadership team

By Linda Garner-Bunch - August 23, 2023

BOISE, Idaho — Truckstop has welcomed a new chief people and culture officer (CPCO). The company announced Ron Storn as CPCO on Wednesday, Aug. 16, according to a news release. Storn will be responsible for “shaping and advancing those that underpin Truckstop’s strategic priorities,” the news release noted. “I am privileged and excited to join Truckstop and look forward to supporting the continued growth of the business,” said Storn. “I am eager to work alongside our talented team to further enhance our people and organizational capabilities, enabling us to better serve our customers and drive the company’s strategic vision.” The Chief Executive Officer of Truckstop, Kendra Tucker, mentioned Storn’s experience would benefit Truckstop in the years to come. “Ron’s in-depth experience as an HR and business leader as well as his extensive knowledge of organizational design and development, are just some of the reasons why we are excited to have him at Truckstop,” said Tucker. “His role is crucial to help further deliver on our growth strategy and our unwavering commitment to our customer’s success.” During his more than two decades of working with Fortune 500 companies, Storn has “showcased and grew his strategic HR leadership, organizational, transformative, human resources and talent acquisition skills,” according to the news release.

Love’s rebrands EZ GO location in McAlester, Oklahoma

By Linda Garner-Bunch - August 23, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY — Love’s branded snacks and loyalty program savings are now available in McAlester, Oklahoma, where the former EZ Go Location has been rebranded a Love’s Travel Stop. According to a news release, it’s the second EZ GO location to be rebranded a Love’s, joining the location in Walters, Oklahoma. Love’s will rebrand the remaining nine EZ GO turnpike stops in Oklahoma and Kansas in the coming months, with work scheduled to be completed by the end of October, weather permitting. In April, Love’s acquired EZ GO from Oklahoma-based Carey Johnson Oil Company. The acquisition included six travel stops on Oklahoma turnpikes and five on the Kansas Turnpike. The turnpike locations are the first ever for Love’s.