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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

Fleet Advantage to offer free safety audits for Brake Safety Week

By Linda Garner-Bunch -

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Fleet Advantage will be offering complimentary fleet audits in conjunction with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) Brake Safety Week, which is ongoing until Aug. 26. To schedule a complimentary fleet audit email [email protected] or click here. Brake Safety Week is an annual commercial motor vehicle brake-safety inspection, enforcement, and education initiative conducted by law enforcement jurisdictions in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. Throughout the week, inspectors focus on conducting their North American Standard Level I and V Inspections to identify any out-of-adjustment brakes and violations to then capture and report this brake-related data to CVSA, with the results to be released in the fall. Brake-related violations represent the largest percentage of out-of-service vehicle violations during roadside inspections. According to last year’s three-day International Roadcheck, brake system issues resulted in the largest percentage of violations, accounting for 25.2% in the U.S., Canada and Mexico combined of all vehicle out-of-service violations. Preparing for the inspection, drivers should conduct thorough pre-and post-trip inspections, paying attention to all visible portions of brake pads and linings. Additionally, maintenance personnel should inspect for missing linings, check drum clearance and be vigilant for signs of rust jacking, cracks and voids in the lining. “Addressing out-of-adjustment brakes and brake system violations is crucial for all fleets, in addition to many other safety components,” said Brian Antonellis, senior vice president of Fleet Operations for Fleet Advantage. “Today’s transportation needs require fleets to find asset management partners that can provide value-added services including Fleet Services with boots on the ground to mitigate critical safety and overall maintenance issues. By ensuring proper installation, inspection, and maintenance of brake systems and fuel costs, fleets can enhance safety and contribute to reducing the number of highway crashes.”

Diesel prices continue upward charge

By Linda Garner-Bunch -

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The average price for a gallon of diesel fuel has risen for the fifth straight week. According to the Energy Information Administration, as of Aug. 21, the price sits at $4.389 per gallon across the nation. That’s up from $4.378 on Aug. 14 and $4.239 on Aug. 7. The Midwest is the only area of the country that saw a slight decline in prices — $4.302 per gallon, on average. To blame are rising oil prices, a slowdown at refineries due to a heatwave, as well as preparations for possible hurricanes, according to energy experts.

David Radom hired to lead sales at 160 Driving Academy

By Linda Garner-Bunch -

EVANSTON, Ill. — Commercial driving school 160 Driving Academy has hired David Radom as its new commercial leader. According to a news release, Radom will be responsible for leading the company’s business-to-business sales activity and “driving enhanced revenue growth with enterprise customers for the 160 Driving Academy schools, 160 Scoring driver certification program and the Truckers Network digital facility rating application.” Radom brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in the transportation industry to 160, the news release noted. Over the past decade, he has held senior sales leadership positions at Uber Freight, G3 Enterprises and XPO Logistics. In his most recent role at Uber, Radom led commercial sales activities and the integration of the Transplace acquisition. “We are excited to have David join us as we continue to realize our extraordinary growth across North America,” said 160 Driving Academy founder and CEO Steve Gold. “Not only is David a proven leader with a deep understanding of the transportation industry, but he brings a significant track record of driving results for both shippers and carriers. I am excited for him to join our leadership team as we continue to scale our innovative product and service offerings to the supply chain industry.” Radom said that the supply chain industry “continues to face a shortage of qualified and safe drivers,” adding that “160 is committed to providing the highest quality education and safest commercial driver training in the industry. With the roll-out of the Truckers Network digital platform, 160 is well-positioned to not only help create jobs but now improve the lifestyle and quality of today’s American Truck Driver. I am excited to lead the Commercial activities for the entire 160 portfolio of products and services as we continue to build strategic value to our business partners.”

Man sleeping under rig dies after driver pulls from parking spot

By Linda Garner-Bunch -

NASHVILLE — A man is dead after a tractor-trailer ran over him while he was asleep beneath it. According to the Metro Nashville Police Department, the truck driver, who had parked in an ally behind a Shell station, reported feeling a bump at around 4 a.m. on Aug. 19 when he moved the truck forward. When he got out to investigate, the driver realized he had run over someone, police said. The body has been sent to the medical examiner’s office, where officials are working to identify the male using fingerprint records. Further information about the incident was not provided by authorities. The truck driver’s name was also not released.

ACT Research: Trucking industry ‘cautiously optimistic’ about trailer market

By Linda Garner-Bunch -

COLUMBUS, IN – While clouds on the trailer market horizon bear watching, industry stakeholders “remain cautiously optimistic about 2024,” according to this month’s issue of ACT Research’s State of the Industry: U.S. Trailers report. “In addition to an improved longer-term outlook, nearer-term, general business conditions and material supply chains remain on par with July levels in the face of continued strong trailer output,” said Jennifer McNealy, director of commercial vehicle market research and publications at ACT Research. “Supply-chain issues have essentially normalized, and OEMs continue to report smaller, more manageable and less impactful disruptions,” she added. “Build was 14% lower month-over-month, partly attributable to one less build day in July. As expected, production outpaced orders into July’s annual order trough, dropping trailer backlogs 15% year-over-year. Because large backlog declines are seasonal, and thanks to a lower build rate, the seasonally adjusted backlog-to-build ratio shed a modest 20 basis points to 6.9 months. The current backlog essentially commits the industry into the beginning of 2024.” Regarding cancellations, McNealy said that fleet commitments improved in July but were still somewhat mixed. Total cancels dropped to 1.7% of backlog, following two months of elevated activity. “Some OEMs have told us customers are cutting back on their anticipated order appetite for this year and next, with fewer customers remaining on the sidelines to pick up near-term build slots as they become available,” she said. “Clearly, the demand dynamic is shifting.”

Safe Fleet acquires rolling tarp provider Merlot Vango

By Linda Garner-Bunch -

BELTON, Mo. — Fleet vehicle safety company Safe Fleet has purchased Merlot Vango Tarping Solutions, a provider of rolling tarpaulin systems for flatbed and platform trailers. Merlot Vango Tarping Solutions designs, manufactures, installs and services rolling tarpaulin systems and replacement parts. In business for more than 60 years, “Merlot has set an industry standard in helping protect and secure valuable cargo and minimize risks to drivers and roadways with tarpaulin solutions,” according to a news release. “Merlot Vango Tarping Solutions is a premium brand with a long-standing reputation. Its Vango rolling tarp systems are the most functional, most durable, easiest-to-operate and simplest to maintain systems on America’s highways, making it a natural fit within Safe Fleet Commercial Vehicle Group’s existing tarp system portfolio that includes automated and semi-automated system brands such as Roll-Rite and Pulltarps.” John R. Knox, Safe Fleet chairman and CEO, called Merlot a great fit for his company’s existing tarping business. The acquisition will add “breadth to our product portfolio to serve a key commercial vehicle market segment,” he said. “Their innovative products combined with exceptional installation and aftermarket parts and service support will add to the Safe Fleet value proposition for commercial vehicle fleets and operators.” Merlot Vango is located in Verona, Pa., just outside of Pittsburgh, and the existing leadership team will continue to manage the business post-acquisition, the news release noted. “We are excited to join Safe Fleet,” said Robert Schwab, president of Merlot Vango Tarping Solutions. “With Safe Fleet’s investment in the Merlot platform, we will continue to enhance our industry leading service to fleets and dealers while expanding our geographic reach.”

DAT’s Truckload Volume Index slips lower in July

By Linda Garner-Bunch -

BEAVERTON, Ore. — According to the latest report by DAT Freight & Analytics, truckload freight volumes fell in July, drawing down national benchmark spot rates for reefers and dry vans from their June gains. The DAT Truckload Volume Index (TVI), a measure of loads moved during a given month, was lower in July for all three equipment types: Van TVI was 226, down 7% from June and 3% lower year-over-year. Reefer TVI slipped to 169, 3.4% lower than in June but 1.2% higher year-over-year. Flatbed TVI was 238, 12.8% lower compared to June but 3.5% higher year-over-year. “Shippers faced service disruptions at the ports and in the less-than-truckload sector but were able to secure van capacity without causing the needle to move on spot rates and volumes,” said Ken Adamo, DAT’s chief of analytics. Despite month-over-month declines, the reefer and flatbed TVI numbers were the highest on record for July as fresh and frozen food, metals, machinery, construction materials and other seasonal freight moved through supply chains. Demand for trucks slowed  National average load-to-truck ratios for van and reefer freight have been virtually unchanged for three straight months: The van ratio was 2.6, equal to June and down from 3.8 in July 2022. The reefer ratio was 3.8, unchanged from June and down from 7.2 a year earlier. The flatbed ratio was 7.1, down from 9.7 in June and significantly down from 21.8 in July 2022. Spot, contract rates dipped Reflecting flat demand, DAT’s benchmark spot rates slipped in July: The spot van rate was $2.07 per mile, down 1 cent compared to June and 56 cents lower than in July 2022. The spot reefer rate dipped 3 cents to $2.44 per mile and 60 cents lower year-over-year. The spot flatbed rate was $2.54 a mile, down 7 cents month-over-month and 72 cents lower year-over-year. Line-haul rates, which subtract an amount equal to a fuel surcharge, declined as well. DAT’s benchmark van line-haul rate was $1.63 per mile, down 2 cents compared to June. The reefer line-haul rate fell 5 cents to $1.96 per mile and the flatbed line-haul rate dropped 9 cents to $2.01 per mile. The average fuel surcharge increased by 2 cents to an average of 44 cents a mile for van freight, 48 cents for reefers and 53 cents for flatbeds in July. “Spot rates, as a reminder, are ‘all-in’ rates, meaning no separate fuel surcharge to help mitigate the risk of fuel price fluctuations. You have to negotiate each individual load with fuel and operating costs in mind, which is not always easy,” Adamo said. “The sudden increase in fuel prices is testing the wherewithal of small carriers at a time when freight volumes are in a seasonal lull.” DAT’s benchmark rates for contracted freight strengthened compared to pricing on the spot market. The van rate fell 1 cent to $2.57 a mile, the reefer rate gained 3 cents to $2.91 a mile and the flatbed rate rose 5 cents to $3.29 a mile. After closing for three straight months, the spread between contract and spot rates was unchanged for van freight and increased by 6 cents for reefers and 12 cents for flatbed loads. The size of the gap is an indicator of bargaining power among shippers, brokers and carriers, Adamo explained.

USDOT providing $3M for Hawaii’s traffic infrastructure after deadly blaze

By Linda Garner-Bunch -

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has pledged $3 million in quick release emergency funds to offset costs associated with traffic management services and repairs to infrastructure needed as a result of damage caused by wildfires in Lahaina on the island of Maui earlier this month. The Highway Department of Transportation (HDOT) had requested that amount, according to a news release. “The nation watched with broken hearts as wildfires took lives and livelihoods in Maui — and the nation will stand with Maui as it rebuilds,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “This emergency funding will help residents get transportation networks back up and running with traffic signal replacements, erosion control, guardrails, and more – and we will continue work to protect communities against these increasingly frequent climate disasters.” Wildfires that started on Aug. 8 resulted in catastrophic damage and loss of life in Lahaina. On Aug. 10, President Biden declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Hawaii and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by the wildfires. “The Federal Highway Administration has been in close contact with HDOT and will remain so in order to bring the support needed in West Maui,” said Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt. “The quick release funding we are providing today will help emergency service personnel, police, and other first responders obtain the equipment needed for traffic management in Lahaina and the surrounding area, as well as resources for repairs to infrastructure in the future.” The funding will be used for various items that will aid in recovery or to replace damaged and destroyed infrastructure, including portable battery-operated traffic signals; traffic signals; erosion control of damaged areas; signs; guardrails; jersey barriers to reroute traffic and protect pedestrians and workers; and traffic management services by the police, according to the news release.

Brown Wins Crown: UPS driver is grand champion

By Linda Garner-Bunch -

COLUMBUS, Ohio — UPS driver James Gragg Wilson of Nevada has been named the Bendix Grand Champion of the 2023 National Truck Driving Championships. The competition took place Aug. 16-19 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Ohio. “Gragg delivered a flawless performance to take home our industry’s top prize and earn the title of Grand Champion,” said American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear. “This accomplishment epitomizes his entire career, with 37 years and more than 2.5 million miles of accident-free driving. All of the professional drivers who competed this week are phenomenal ambassadors for our industry. They are shining examples of highway safety, and their commitment to excellence makes us proud.” Known as the “Super Bowl of Safety,” this annual event dates back to 1937. This year’s competitors accumulated more than 643 million accident-free miles in their professional driving careers. To clinch the title, Wilson’s driving accuracy and knowledge of truck safety was scored the highest of 418 state champion professional truck drivers from 49 states competing in all vehicle classes, according to an ATA news release. Wilson, who competed in the tank truck division, has been a professional truck driver for 37 years and has driven more than 2.5 million accident-free miles, the ATA noted. He has previously won the Nevada State Championship 13 times in six different classes, and he has also won Grand Champion five times in the State of Nevada. Wilson was the 2019 Nevada Driver of the Year. ATA also recognized Myron Means of Wyoming, a professional driver for Old Dominion Freight Line, as the 2023 Rookie of the Year. Additionally, the team of drivers from Connecticut produced the best collective score and were honored as the top state delegation. Ina Daly of Arizona, a professional driver for XPO Logistics, was honored during the awards banquet with the Neill Darmstadter Professional Excellence Award. Bill Graham was chosen as the Lifetime Volunteer Award recipient. “Congratulations to Grand Champion Gragg and the rest of the 2023 champions. These drivers devote an enormous amount of time preparing for this competition, and the awards reflect the extraordinary dedication and commitment to safety that they bring to their jobs every day,” said Dan Van Alstine, chairman of ATA and president and COO of Ruan Transportation Management Systems. “I would also like to thank the staff and volunteers for organizing this week’s event. Their efforts were instrumental to once again making NTDC a big success.” Since 2011, Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems has been the sole sponsor of the Bendix National Truck Driving Championships Grand Champion. Champions from each of the nine vehicle classes were also announced. The full list of champions and top finishers is listed below. Step Van Jerome De La Cruz, FedEx Express, Alaska Gregory Long, FedEx Express Maryland Alex Lofgren, FedEx Express Minnesota Straight Truck David Coffel, FedEx Express, Arizona William Colantuone, FedEx Express, Massachusetts James Kohr, FedEx Express, New York 3-Axle Barry Kraemer, XPO, Wisconsin Joseph Hicks, XPO, Rhode Island Ritch Fundell, FedEx Freight, Illinois 4-Axle Martin McMahon, RIST Transport, New York Bruce Quaal, ABF Freight System, Inc. Minnesota Adam Heim, FedEx Freight, Idaho 5-Axle John Greene, FedEx Freight, Connecticut James Quarles, Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC South Carolina Michael Martin, Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC Flatbed Daryl Miller, The Cope Company Salt, Pennsylvania Ernest Wagers, Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc., Kentucky James Sowder, FedEx Freight, Tennessee Tank Truck James “Gragg” Wilson, United Parcel Service, Inc., Nevada Jason Imhoff, Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC, Ohio Timothy Vogt, XPO, Georgia Twins Robert Fair, FedEx Freight, New Hampshire Jeffrey Langenhahn, XPO Wisconsin Michael Flippin, FedEx Freight, Colorado Sleeper Berth Roland Bolduc, FedEx Express, Connecticut Chris Moore, Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC, Georgia Tyler Rogers, FedEx Freight, Colorado Rookie of the Year Myron Means, Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc., Flatbed, Wyoming State Team Award Connecticut Illinois Tennessee Vehicle Condition Award Timothy Blair, FedEx Freight, 5-Axle, Tennessee Highest Written Exam Award Michael Bills, FedEx Express, North Carolina David Comings, FedEx Freight, North Dakota David Mogler, FedEx Freight, Colorado Michael Flippin, FedEx Freight, Colorado Neill Darmstadter Professional Excellence Award Ina Daly, XPO Logistics, Arizona Lifetime Volunteer Award Bill Graham  

Bidding War: Old Dominion tops Estes Express’ offer for Yellow’s terminals

By Linda Garner-Bunch -

DOVER, Del. — Old Dominion Freight Line Inc. has topped an offer by Estes Express to purchase Yellow’s terminals out of bankruptcy. According to papers filed in a Delaware bankruptcy court on Friday, Aug. 18, Old Dominion has bid $1.5 billion. On Aug. 17, Estes Express filed paperwork to offer $1.3 billion for the terminals. That bid, known as a “stalking horse,” doesn’t allow anyone to bid lower than $1.3 billion but doesn’t prevent higher bids. The winning bidder will own more than 270 terminals. Yellow, which has 180 days to entertain higher bids for its real estate assets, also plans to sell its tractors and trailers. Yellow filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Delaware and shut down operations in early August after financial woes and a lack of cash. None of the companies have offered comment on the pending deals.

Trucker’s gun threat to cops leads to Texas standoff

By Linda Garner-Bunch -

CLEVELAND, Texas — Police in Texas arrested a Truck driver on Aug. 17 after he threatened them with a gun. According to the Cleveland Police Department, Daniel Joseph Georgianni, 53, of Galveston, became agitated after traffic was halted due to an accident near U.S. 59. Police said he kept honking his rig’s horn, refusing to stop even after being told he would face charges of noise pollution. During a final warning, police said Georgianni threatened an officer with a gun. The officer backed away from the rig, and an area around the scene was placed on lockdown. Police negotiated with Georgianni for more than two hours before he finally surrendered. He is being charged with is charged with resisting arrest, a Class A misdemeanor, and interference with public duties, a Class B misdemeanor. Additional charges may be added, police said.  

Trailer giant Fruehauf’s parent company buys East Manufacturing

By Linda Garner-Bunch -

RANDOLPH, Ohio — Fultra, the parent company of Fruehauf, has acquired East Manufacturing, a maker of aluminum flatbed, drop deck, dump, round bottom and refuse trailers as well as steel dump trailers and aluminum truck bodies. “We are thrilled to welcome East Manufacturing to the family,” said Jorge Martinez, CEO of Fultra. “East really fits with our vision to be the trusted solutions partner for the commercial vehicle market in North America. We are confident that our employees and communities as well as customers, dealers and suppliers, will benefit from our combined strengths. We are honored and proud to be the stewards of two iconic brands like East and Fruehauf in North America.” Howard Booher Jr, son of co-founder Howard D. Booher, said he “feels privileged to have had the opportunity to step in as president after my father passed. I am confident that Fultra will lead our legacy forward with pride and care.” Robert Bruce, co-founder of East, said that several companies showed interest in buying East. “But at the end of the day, we selected Fultra because it has a demonstrated track record of taking care of its employees, customers and communities,” Bruce said. “We are proud to have Fultra carry forward and grow the East brand and legacy established over the past 55 years.” Tom Wiseman will take over the helm of East as CEO of both East and Fruehauf Inc. “East will continue to operate as a standalone entity with all existing management and employees as a key to move forward,” Wiseman said. “We will build on East’s strengths combined with group synergies to deliver even greater value to our customers and dealers.”  

CVSA’s Brake Safety Week begins Aug. 20

By Linda Garner-Bunch -

WASHINGTON — The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) Brake Safety Week is set for Aug. 20-26. During Brake Safety Week, commercial motor vehicle inspectors highlight the importance of brake systems by conducting inspections of their components and removing commercial motor vehicles found to have brake-related out-of-service violations from our roadways until those violations are corrected, according to the CVSA. Throughout Brake Safety Week, CVSA-certified inspectors will conduct their usual inspections; however, in addition, they will be reporting brake-related inspection and violation data to the Alliance. CVSA will compile that data and publish a press release this fall with the results. “The focus of this year’s Brake Safety Week is on the condition of the brake lining and pad,” said CVSA President Major Chris Nordloh with the Texas Department of Public Safety. “Brake lining and pad issues may result in vehicle violations and could affect a motor carrier’s safety rating.” When inspectors conduct the brake portion of a Level I or Level V Inspection, they will: Check for missing, non-functioning, loose or cracked parts. Check for contaminated, worn, cracked and missing linings or pads. Check for S-cam flipover. Listen for audible air leaks around brake components and lines. Check that slack adjusters are the same length (from center of S-cam to center of clevis pin) and the air chambers on each axle are the same size. Ensure the brake system maintains air pressure between 90-100 psi (620-690 kPa) and measure pushrod travel. Inspect for non-manufactured holes (e.g., rust holes, holes created by rubbing or friction, etc.) and broken springs in the spring brake housing section of the parking brake. Inspect required brake system warning devices, such as anti-lock braking system (ABS) malfunction lamp(s) and low air-pressure warning devices. Inspect the tractor protection system, including the bleedback system on the trailer. Ensure the breakaway system is operable on the trailer. Brake safety awareness, education and outreach are major elements of the Brake Safety Week campaign. CVSA has outlined the brake-system inspection procedure (noted above) so that drivers and motor carriers know exactly what inspectors will be checking during roadside inspections. “This transparency aims to remind drivers and motor carriers to take proactive steps to ensure their commercial motor vehicles are safe and compliant with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations,” CVSA officials said. “Improperly installed or poorly maintained brake systems can reduce the braking capacity and stopping distance of trucks or buses, which poses a serious safety risk.”

July backlog for Class 8 tractor orders falls

By Linda Garner-Bunch -

COLUMBUS, Ind. — On continued strong build rates and seasonally weak order volumes, July’s North American Class 8 backlog fell by 11,632 units to 163,576 units, according to ACT Research’s latest State of the Industry: NA Classes 5-8 report. At 5.9 months, the nominal backlog-to-build ratio remains comfortably healthy into year end. “With over 90% of the current backlog scheduled for build in 2023, Class 8 backlog is likely to continue to decline until 2024 orderboards are opened,” said ACT President and Senior Analyst Kenny Vieth. Regarding July’s Class 8 build rate, he noted, “Build slightly exceeded OEM build plans, but remainder of the year guidance was trimmed slightly. Notably, Class 8 build and retail sales were virtually identical last month, keeping inventories at relatively lean levels. Tight inventories are a reminder that pent-up demand continues to be worked off in 2024.” Class 8 orders rose 41% year-over-year to 15,573 units. On a seasonally adjusted basis, orders were flat sequentially at 20,100 units. “July is the worst month of the year for both Classes 5-7 and Class 8 orders,” Vieth said. “While vacations are a likely factor, the bigger ones are systemic. As is often the case, the current year backlog is full. At the same time, the OEMs have typically not yet opened orderboards for next year. Hard to book an order in those circumstances. With the current backlog front-end loaded, orders will receive heightened attention as 2024 orderboards are opened in the next few months.”

More than 220K US bridges in disrepair, study finds

By Linda Garner-Bunch -

WASHINGTON — More than 222,000 U.S. bridges need major repair work or should be replaced, according to the American Road & Transportation Builders Association’s (ARTBA) analysis of the recently released U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) 2023 National Bridge Inventory (NBI) database. That figure represents 36% of all U.S. structures. If placed end-to-end, these bridges would stretch more than 6,100 miles and take more than 110 hours to cross at an average speed of 55-miles-per-hour, according to ARTBA Chief Economist Dr. Alison Premo Black, who conducted the analysis. Based on average cost data submitted by states to the DOT, Black calculates it would cost over $319 billion to make all needed repairs. States currently have access to $10.6 billion from the 2021 federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s (IIJA) bridge formula funds that could help make needed repairs, with another $15.9 billion to be available in the next three years. As the end of fiscal year 2023 approaches on Sept. 30, states have committed $3.2 billion, or 30% of available bridge formula funds to 2,060 different bridge projects, with $7.4 billion still coming. Eight states committed more than two-thirds of their available bridge formula funds: Idaho (100%), Georgia (100%), Alabama (97%), Arizona (88%), Indiana (81.5%), Florida (80%), Texas (78%), and Arkansas (68%). “The good news is that states are beginning to employ these new resources to address long-overdue bridge needs,” ARTBA President & CEO Dave Bauer said. “The better news is that more improvements are on the way.” “Most bridges are inspected every two years, so it takes time for repairs and rehabilitation efforts to show up in the annual federal data,” said ARTBA Chief Economist Dr. Alison Premo Black. “What we do know now from other market indicators is that there are more bridge projects in the pipeline.” Among other findings in ARTBA’s analysis: The number of bridges in poor condition declined by 560 compared to 2022. At the current pace, it would take 75 years to repair them all. Over the last five years, the share of bridges in fair condition continues to grow. In 2023, nearly half of all U.S. bridges (48.9%) were in fair condition. There are 31 states that have committed less than 33% of their available bridge formula funds as of June 30. States have four years to commit formula bridge program funds for specific projects, giving them additional flexibility to decide when to make investments. The full findings, including state-by-state rankings, are available by clicking here.

Freight market begins rebalancing, ACT reports

By Linda Garner-Bunch -

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The rebalancing process in the U.S. freight market is being drawn out by reluctance to part with workers and significant private fleet capacity expansion, even as pressure on fleets worsened this month as diesel prices spiked, according to the latest release of the ACT Research Freight Forecast, U.S. Rate and Volume OUTLOOK report. “Although seasonality remains loose and demand soft, spot market dynamics have begun to shift since the end of operations at Yellow on July 31. While this is a game-changer for LTL rates, so far, the truckload market is still loose enough for rates to be largely unaffected. We see the impact growing over time, along seasonal patterns,” said Tim Denoyer, ACT Research’s vice president and senior analyst. The publicly traded for-hire fleets reduced their collective tractor count by 3% in 1H’23, but Class 8 tractor sales and production are still near maximum levels, adding considerably to the Class 8 tractor fleet. Private fleets are still growing and pulling freight from the for-hire market. “Class 8 orders will be very interesting over the next several months and, in our view, pivotal to setting the market tone for 2024,” Denoyer said.  

TruckParkingClub.com expands to 8 US states

By Linda Garner-Bunch -

MARIETTA, Ga. — TruckParkingClub.com now has free rest stop truck parking availability in eight states across the U.S. So far, the company has opened up 143 rest stops across eight states — including Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin — to over-the-road truckers looking for a safe, clean parking place, according to a news release. “The TruckParkingClub.com team has been driving nationwide to find more truck parking, driving 25,000 miles in three months while adding dozens of properties owned by businesses and investors,” the news release stated. “Interacting with truckers during the journey to grasp the challenges posed by the truck parking shortage resulted in the implementation of a complimentary rest-stop truck parking service.” TruckParkingClub.com CEO Evan Shelley said that having little awareness of real-time truck parking availability is one of the biggest issues facing drivers. To solve that, TruckParkingClub.com provides truckers with a real-time view of open spots. “TruckParkingClub.com is proud to offer free rest stop truck parking availability services across eight integral states to help our nation’s truckers find legal parking,” hesaid. How it works TruckParkingClub.com provides a web and mobile app for truckers to see parking availability and book a space at their desired location. The TruckParkingClub.com app currently includes real-time availability at 143 accessible rest stops and 120 premium parking locations with added services like overnight, multi-night and monthly stays and reserved spaces. By creating an account on the website or on the mobile app, truckers can store their information for future bookings Property owners can list their parking sites on TruckParkingClub.com’s website or app by creating an account and answering a few questions. TruckParkingClub.com takes the owner’s unused space and turns it into truck parking. Typical property members on the platform include trucking companies, storage companies, tow truck companies, CDL schools, truck parking operators, real estate investors and more. TruckParkingClub.com plans to announce new locations and new features in the near future. For more information, call 888- 899-PARK or visit TruckParkingClub.com.

Aaron Collins rises to new truck sales manager at M&K

By Linda Garner-Bunch -

CHICAGO — M&K Truck Centers executives have appointed Aaron Collins as the new truck sales manager for Mack Truck products, responsible for the Chicago market. “We are happy to welcome Aaron to the M&K family and confident that he will be highly effective in this role as we grow the business,” a news release stated. Collins has more than 20 years of commercial vehicle industry experience. His background includes engineering, where he was involved in specifying suspension packages, axles and bumpers, and he has also led package studies focusing on tolerance consistency. “Aaron also has a great deal of dealership sales management experience as a regional parts sales manager, responsible for 20 sales people and five stores,” the news release noted. More recently, he served as a regional new truck sales manager. “The appointment of Aaron Collins to Mack Trucks Sales Manager in this important Chicago market will support our strategic vision for continued growth and excellent customer service. One key objective is to develop and grow the Mack truck sales of on-highway medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks. The sales knowledge Aaron brings to us is an ideal fit for M&K Truck Centers.” said Anthony Gargano, M&K’s senior Vice president of sales.

Truckstop: Total spot rates see modest decline in latest week

By Linda Garner-Bunch -

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Lower broker-posted rates in the Truckstop system during the week ended Aug. 11 were mostly responsible for a decrease in flatbed spot rates, according to the latest Truckstop report. Dry van spot rates barely changed, edging up by a fraction of a cent, while refrigerated rates eased more than a cent after the prior week’s robust gain. Refrigerated spot rates exceeded flatbed rates for the second straight week after trailing for all but one week since early January. Dry van spot rates have not exceeded flatbed rates since early 2022. Loads available Total load activity declined about 6% after rising 4% in the previous week. Volume was more than 22% below the same week last year — the least negative year-over-year comparison in more than a year — and about 26% below the five-year average for the week. Load activity was lower week over week in all regions. Truck postings increased 1.3%, and the Market Demand Index — the ratio of loads to trucks — fell. Total rates The total broker-posted rate decreased 3 cents after rising slightly more than that in the prior week. Rates were about 15% below the same 2022 week, which is the least negative year-over-year comparison since late last year, and were nearly 5% below the five-year average. The rate decrease follows seasonal expectations for total market rates, which tend to decline gradually between late June and Labor Day. Dry van  Dry van spot rates ticked up half a cent after rising more than 4 cents during the previous week. Dry van rates were nearly 13% below the same week last year and nearly 9% below the five-year average. The year-over-year comparison in rates was the least negative since July of last year. Dry van loads fell 5.3% after increasing about 1% in the prior week. Loads were up in the Midwest but down in all other regions. Volume was nearly 14% below the same 2022 week and almost 19% below the five-year average. The year-over-year comparison once again was the least negative in more than a year. Reefer Refrigerated spot rates eased 1.4 cents after rising more than 11 cents during the prior week. Rates were nearly 11% below the same 2022 week for the least negative year-over-year comparison since May 2022. Refrigerated rates were nearly 6% below the five-year average. Refrigerated loads fell 8.1% after rising more than 14% in the previous week. Loads were up in the Mountain Central region but down elsewhere. Volume was more than 13% below the same week last year and 17% below the five-year average for the week. Flatbed Flatbed spot rates decreased more than 3 cents after easing 1 cent during the previous week. Rates, which have fallen in nine of the past 11 weeks, were nearly 18% below the same 2022 week and about 3% below the five-year average. Flatbed loads fell 6.9% after rising nearly 3% in the prior week. Loads were down in all regions. Volume was about 35% below the same week last year and about 41% below the five-year average for the week.

Love’s rebrands EZ GO location in Walters, Oklahoma

By Linda Garner-Bunch -

OKLAHOMA CITY — Customers can now redeem My Love Rewards points, use the Love’s Connect App for a 10-cents-per-gallon fuel discount and access more Love’s deals in Walters, Oklahoma, where the former EZ GO location has been rebranded as a Love’s Travel Stop. Love’s will rebrand all 11 EZ GO turnpike stops in Oklahoma and Kansas, with work scheduled to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2023, 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.