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The Trucker News Staff

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About The Trucker News Staff
The Trucker News Staff produces engaging content for not only TheTrucker.com, but also The Trucker Newspaper, which has been serving the trucking industry for more than 30 years. With a focus on drivers, the Trucker News Staff aims to provide relevant, objective content pertaining to the trucking segment of the transportation industry. The Trucker News Staff is based in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Posts by The Trucker News Staff

Emergency Safety Solutions announces ‘intelligent emergency communications’ solution

By The Trucker News Staff -

HOUSTON — Emergency Safety Solutions has completed the first phase of installations of its new H.E.L.P. DeliverSAFETM (Hazard Enhanced Location Protocol) safety feature in Indeca Crude Xpress oil-hauling trucks. According to a news release, this is the first commercial truck application for the intelligent emergency communications solution. H.E.L.P. is a regulatory-compliant feature that significantly increases the conspicuity of disabled and shouldered commercial trucks and passenger vehicles along the roadside to help prevent crashes that kill and injure thousands each year across the U.S. H.E.L.P. DeliverSAFE provides two forms of advanced notification to oncoming motorists, giving them considerably more time to react to and safely avoid stationary vehicles and their occupants: H.E.L.P.TM Digital Alerts – Notifications sent to oncoming drivers through their in-vehicle dashboard displays and GPS mapping apps, such as Waze and Apple Maps, providing advance warning that they are approaching a disabled or stationary vehicle, even beyond line of sight. H.E.L.P.TM Lighting Alerts – Dramatically improved, enhanced hazard flash pattern that is scientifically tuned and proven to grab the attention of oncoming drivers and prompt them to slow down and move over a lane. The initial installation covers about a quarter of Indeca’s oil transport fleet operating in the Permian Basin area in West Texas, with the remainder of installations planned for later this year, the news release stated. H.E.L.P. DeliverSAFE is integrated with the Indeca truck fleet’s existing on-board telematics and lighting systems. “Indeca is passionate about keeping people safe, especially here in the Permian Basin,” Steve Williamson, CEO of Indeca Crude Xpress, said. “The roads and infrastructure here were simply not designed for the current level of use, as reflected by the high crash and fatality rates in this region.” The Permian Basin has seen an increase in truck traffic in recent years as crude oil is transported to the Gulf Coast refineries in Texas and fracking activities have expanded. The traffic levels have greatly surpassed current infrastructure capacity, leading to increased congestion, road damage and intolerable daily roadway fatalities and injuries. “We see this as a lifesaving innovation and an ideal solution for increasing roadside safety for transport drivers – who often pull over on the side of the road when they reach hours limits, wait for deliveries or simply have some vehicle trouble,” David Tucker, CEO of ESS, said. “H.E.L.P. DeliverSAFE uses visible and digital cues to alert oncoming motorists of stranded or parked trucks along the road ahead – even beyond their line of sight – so they’re in a far better position to safely steer clear of them.” Additional information can be seen in this video  

Pennsylvania announces crackdown event on aggressive driving

By The Trucker News Staff -

KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced that more than 80 municipal police departments from Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties will join the Pennsylvania State Police in a coordinated aggressive driving enforcement wave to help reduce the number of crashes, injuries and fatalities on area roadways as part of a statewide mobilization that runs through Aug. 21. The enforcement wave will focus on heavy truck violations, pedestrian safety, red light running and tailgating, a news release stated. Motorists exhibiting other unsafe behaviors such as driving too fast for conditions, following too closely, or other aggressive actions will also be cited. Law enforcement will use traffic enforcement zones, saturation patrols, speed enforcement details, corridor enforcement, work zone enforcement and multi-jurisdictional patrol strategies to identify and cite aggressive drivers. The enforcement is part of Pennsylvania’s Highway Safety Program and is funded by part of PennDOT’s investment of federal funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). If you encounter an aggressive driver, PennDOT offers these tips: Get out of their way and don’t challenge them. Stay relaxed, avoid eye contact, and ignore rude gestures. Don’t block the passing lane if you are driving slower than most of the traffic. Do not attempt to follow or pursue the vehicle. You or a passenger may call the police. But, if you use a cell phone, pull over to a safe location. In 2021, 1,483 aggressive driving crashes resulted in 27 fatalities in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties. Aggressive driving crashes are crashes involving at least two aggressive driving factors in the same crash. Factors include, but are not limited to, running stop signs or red lights, tailgating, careless turning or passing, and driving too fast for conditions. “The goal of targeted enforcement is to reduce the number of aggressive driving related crashes, injuries and deaths on roadways throughout the state. Any aggressive driver stopped by police will receive a ticket,” a news release stated. To learn more about aggressive driving and other PennDOT safety initiatives, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/safety.

Critics slam new rear underride protection rule as inadequate; committee forming for underride crash study

By The Trucker News Staff -

WASHINGTON — The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has begun accepting nominations for its advisory committee on underride protection for semi-trailers. The NHTSA also announced plans to report the findings of research and data collection on side underride guards, and also publish an advance notice of proposed rulemaking to consider requirements for side underride guards. This announcement comes just as the agency recently finalized a rule governing rear impact guards on trailers and semi-trailers — a rule that has garnered some criticism in transportation circles. “The result of the rulemaking process, which was initiated in 2015, is a completely inadequate standard that will make road users less safe and undermines the Biden Administration’s stated goal of working towards zero roadway deaths,” according to a statement from the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety (AHAS). Underride crashes happen when a vehicle travels underneath the rear or side of a truck trailer, often with deadly consequences. The rule requires that the rear impact guards on trailers and semitrailers possess sufficient strength and energy absorption to protect occupants of passenger vehicles in multiple crash scenarios. NHTSA’s final rule upgrades the current safety standards addressing rear collision protection. In 2019, 531 of the 2,132 passenger vehicle occupants killed in two-vehicle crashes involving large truck crashes died when their vehicles struck the rear of a large truck. For decades, AHAS officials have been urging the adoption of comprehensive underride guard safety standards to prevent fatalities and injuries resulting from these horrific collisions. “Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety (Advocates) is deeply disappointed that nearly seven years after the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on truck rear underride guards was issued, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released a rule that is substantially weaker than the current test the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has been using to rate rear underride guards for the last five years, especially considering nine major trailer manufacturers meet it,” Cathy Chase, president of AHAS, said. “Unfortunately, today’s action allows trucking companies to choose a less safe course of action at the expense of road user safety. With large truck fatalities on the rise, the Agency responsible for the safety of our nation’s roads needs to be taking action to improve, not imperil, protections for road users.” Joan Claybrook, a former NHTSA administrator, said that the final rule on rear underride guards “amounts to nothing less than regulatory malpractice. It would have been better if NHTSA had not acted at all. Instead of improving protections to reduce underride fatalities and injuries, the agency has gone backward by issuing a rule that 94% of trailers already meet. As such, NHTSA has lowered the bar on public safety instead of ensuring it. This is an affront to the families of underride victims who have been working so hard to have the standard updated.” Underride protection committee The committee will have no more than 20 members with at least two representatives from each of the following categories: Truck and trailer manufacturers. Motor carriers, including independent owner-operators. Law enforcement. Motor vehicle engineers. Motor vehicle crash investigators. Truck safety organizations. The insurance industry. Emergency medical service providers. Families of underride crash victims. Labor organizations. Members of the committee will be expected to perform these duties: Gather information as necessary to discuss issues presented by the designated federal officer. Deliberate on issues relevant to safety regulations related to underride crashes and fatalities from underride crashes. Provide written consensus advice to the secretary on underride protection to reduce underride crashes and fatalities relating to underride crashes. Submit to the House and Senate committees a biennial report that describes the recommendations made to the secretary and includes an assessment of progress made by the secretary in advancing safety regulations relating to underride crashes.  

Driver injured after driving into hole at Houston construction site

By The Trucker News Staff -

HOUSTON, Texas — A truck driver found his rig at the bottom of a hole on a construction site in Houston after they said they had to decide between hitting a car or going through a construction zone. KTRK reported Tuesday, July 5, that the driver of a waste management truck contacted police about the big rig, which was in a hole that is part of waste management’s flood control system. The semi-truck in the hole was not part of the construction crew. The hole the truck fell into is part of the waste management flood control system, but the truck was not part of the construction team, police said. https://t.co/k6sf4HPJPJ — ABC13 Houston (@abc13houston) June 29, 2022 The driver of the big rig said they had a choice between hitting a car in or going through the construction zone. The driver chose to go through the construction site. As they drove into the construction site, the semi-truck nosedived into a hole that was 20-30 feet deep. KTRK reported that the hole is part of waste management flood control. The truck driver was taken to a hospital with unknown injuries and his condition is unknown as of the time of this reporting.

Reduced lanes, intermittent full roadway closures planned for Illinois Tollway through mid-July

By The Trucker News Staff -

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. – Temporary, overnight lane closures, including intermittent full closures, are scheduled to begin this week on the Tri-State (Interstate-294) at the Hinsdale Oasis for removal of the bridge beams on the over-the-road pavilion structure. The temporary closures on I-294 are necessary to safely accommodate bridge beam removal, with work scheduled during overnight hours to minimize the impact on traffic, according to a news release. Electronic message signs and construction signage will be put in place in advance to alert drivers. Up-to-date information regarding lane closures will be available in the Illinois Tollway’s Daily Construction Alert. All work is weather dependent. Between Tuesday, July 5, and Friday, July 15, up to three nights of lane closures in each direction will be needed for beam removal, with work scheduled first on southbound I-294 and then on northbound I-294. The overnight lane closures will be scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. with a single lane closure, followed by a second lane closure at 10 p.m. and a third lane closure at 11 p.m. Intermittent, full closures, each lasting 15 minutes, are scheduled to begin midnight and be complete by 4 a.m. All lanes will be reopened by 5 a.m. in advance of the morning rush hour. The Hinsdale Oasis fuel stations and convenience stores operated by 7-Eleven remain open to provide services for both northbound and southbound travelers along I-294. During removal of bridge beams, the ramp will be open for fuel station access, except when overnight, full traffic stops are in place. Removing the Hinsdale Oasis will allow I-294 to be widened to six lanes in each direction between the I-55 Interchange and the Reagan Memorial Tollway (Interstate-88) as part of the Tollway’s Central Tri-State Tollway Project. In 2019, the Tollway began advance work to prepare for roadway construction including the reconstruction of the bridges carrying Plainfield Road, the I-55 ramp and the BNSF railroad over I-294, as well as the relocation of the pedestrian bridge connecting the villages of Hinsdale and Western Springs. The $4 billion Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Project is reconstructing and widening the roadway between Balmoral Avenue and 95th Street to provide congestion relief, update old infrastructure to meet current and future transportation demand and address regional needs. This work is part of the Tollway’s 15-year, $14 billion capital program, Move Illinois: The Illinois Tollway Driving the Future. More than 220,000 vehicles use the Central Tri-State Tollway daily. Construction updates, project information, maps and detour information for work that is part of the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Project are available in the Projects section on the Tollway’s website at www.illinoistollway.com.  

Big rig theft suspect accused of trying to use vehicle as a weapon against police

By The Trucker News Staff -

RUSK COUNTY, Texas — A man is accused of stealing a tractor-trailer and using it as a weapon against law enforcement officers in a June 27 incident in Texas. Rusk County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) received notification just after 6 a.m. from the police department of Kilgore, Texas, that a loaded tractor-trailer had been stolen from that city. RSCO deputies found the stolen big rig near FM 1716 in Rusk County and attempted to stop it. Instead of stopping, however, the RCSO reports that the driver attempted to strike an RCSO patrol vehicle, which led to a “lengthy pursuit,” according to a post on RCSO’s Facebook page. “Several times, the driver attempted to use the big rig as a weapon against RCSO deputies while travelling on FM 1716 and FM 782, and also endangered area motorists during their morning commute,” RCSO posted. “In an effort to avoid more citizens being placed in harm’s way, the decision was made to attempt to disable the stolen truck before it could be driven into the City of Henderson.” An RCSO deputy shot out some of the 18-wheeler’s tires in an attempt to stop the vehicle, but the pursuit continued through Henderson, with the Henderson Police Department assisting by blocking intersections. The driver of the stolen truck then turned southbound onto Texas Highway 259 toward Mount Enterprise. “Once south of the City of Henderson, Texas Department of Highway Patrol Troopers also ‘spiked’ some of the vehicle’s tires,” the RCSO posted. “At one point during the pursuit, the driver of the stolen rig called in to RCSO dispatch and stated that he would defend himself by ‘shooting back’ if deputies shot at his vehicle again.” The 18-wheeler would finally come to a stop on Highway 259 just north of FM 1798. After a brief standoff with officers, the suspect surrendered. The suspect was transported to the emergency room in Henderson to be medically cleared before being placed in the Rusk County Jail on multiple felony charges. The Texas Rangers are assisting in the investigation.

INDOT opens new I-65/I-70 flyover bridge

By The Trucker News Staff -

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has opened the largest structure within the North Split project. The southbound-to-eastbound flyover bridge is now open to traffic. North Split construction crews shifted traffic onto the interchange’s newly re-constructed flyover bridge on July 1. Motorists driving southbound on Interstate 65 will now use this bridge, spanning from College Avenue to Lewis Street, to connect to Interstate 70 eastbound. The on-ramp from Delaware/11th Street to I-70 eastbound also opened July 1, with traffic being routed directly onto the new flyover bridge. As progress continues, access to downtown Indianapolis will be maintained via: I-70 westbound collector/distributor ramp exit ramp to Michigan Street (13-ton declared vehicle weight restriction in effect) Pine Street entrance ramp to I-70 eastbound from Michigan Street and New York Street. I-65 northbound/I-70 eastbound exit ramp to Washington Street (13-ton declared vehicle weight restriction in effect) I-65 northbound and southbound to Martin Luther King. Jr./West Street. I-65 southbound to Meridian Street. I-65 northbound to Meridian and Pennsylvania streets. All existing ramps on I-70 west of the South Split. Project information can be found at northsplit.com. INDOT encourages drivers to slow down, exercise caution, be aware of changing traffic patterns and drive distraction-free through all work zones. For up-to-date project information, visit northsplit.com or text “NORTHSPLIT” to 468311. Follow the North Split project’s progress on social media at: Facebook: Facebook.com/NorthSplit Twitter: @NorthSplit Instagram: @IndyNorthSplit

Tractor-trailer carrying ferric chloride flips on I-49 in Louisiana

By The Trucker News Staff -

CADDO PARISH, La. — A tractor-trailer carrying ferric chloride crashed on Interstate 49 in Caddo Parish, Louisiana, on the afternoon of June 29, causing traffic to be diverted. Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office said that the tractor-trailer was heading south to Houston when it hit a bump and the driver lost control. The 18-wheeler, which was transporting ferric chloride, flipped over the median. Ferric chloride, also known as iron (III) chloride, is used in sewage treatment and drinking water production as a coagulant and flocculant. Traffic was diverted off I-49 northbound onto Louisiana Highway 1. I-49 was able to reopen sometime later that night when the truck was emptied and towed away. HAZMAT crews were called to the scene and the driver was reported to be OK.

NHTSA issues final rule on rear underride protection for semi-trailers

By The Trucker News Staff -

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has finalized a rule that updates two Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards related to underride crashes. The rule requires rear impact guards on trailers and semi-trailers with sufficient strength and energy absorption to protect occupants of passenger vehicles in multiple crash scenarios. Rear underride crashes, which are often deadly, occur when the front end of a vehicle crashes into the back of a larger vehicle, such as a large trailer or semi-trailer, and slides under that vehicle. “This rule, along with increased research and the creation of an advisory committee on underride protection, is the result of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and is a key part of USDOT’s 2022 National Roadway Safety Strategy,” according to an NHTSA news release. NHTSA Administrator Dr. Steven Cliff said that his agency’s priority is making roads safe for everyone. “This new rule will improve protection for passengers and drivers of passenger vehicles while also meeting a critical mandate from Congress under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” Cliff said. In addition, NHTSA is implementing a number of other underride provisions of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including: Establishing a federal advisory committee on underride protection, which will complete research on side underride guards for trailers and semi-trailers to assess their effectiveness, feasibility, benefits, costs, and impact on intermodal operations. Planning to publish an advance notice of proposed rulemaking to consider requirements for side underride guards for crashes into the sides of trailers and semi-trailers. This rulemaking also responds to a provision in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to report the findings of research on side underride guards in a Federal Register notice to seek public comment. Improving data collection of underride crashes by recommending inclusion of underride data in State crash data systems and by providing educational materials to State and local police departments on identifying and recording underride crashes; and Conducting research on rear impact guard designs that better protect occupants of passenger vehicles in even more rear underride crash scenarios.

Missouri man dies when jet-powered big rig explodes at air show

By The Trucker News Staff -

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — A Springfield, Missouri, man died following an explosion during a jet-fueled semitruck performance Saturday at a southwestern Michigan air show, officials said. Emergency crews responded after the explosion happened about 1 p.m. at the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival. Chris Darnell, 40, was driving the Shockwave Jet Truck down a runway at Battle Creek Executive Airport when the explosion occurred, air show spokeswoman Suze Gusching told the Battle Creek Enquirer. The truck is powered by two jet engines and reached speeds topping 300 mph, according to Springfield, Missouri-based Darnell Racing Enterprises. No other injuries were reported. A post on the Shockwave Jet Truck Facebook page by owner Neal Darnell, Chris’ father, attributed the explosion to a mechanical failure.  

AB5 will be enforced on California’s trucking industry after Supreme Court denies hearing

By The Trucker News Staff -

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court has decided against hearing the California Trucking Association’s case against a worker classification law known as Assembly Bill 5, or AB5. The court made the announcement on June 30. This means that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit’s ruling stands, thus eliminating the preliminary injunction preventing AB5 from being enforced on motor carriers. AB5 essentially makes it more difficult for a worker to be considered an independent contractor. Popularly known as the “gig worker bill,” the legislation requires companies that hire independent contractors to reclassify them as employees, with some exceptions. This has many in the California trucking industry concerned about the future of the owner-operator. AB5 was passed into law in 2019, but the lawsuit had prevented it from affecting the trucking industry. “Gasoline has been poured on the fire that is our ongoing supply chain crisis,” the California Trucking Association (CTA) said in a statement. “In addition to the direct impact on California’s 70,000 owner-operators who have seven days to cease long-standing independent businesses, the impact of taking tens of thousands of truck drivers off the road will have devastating repercussions on an already fragile supply chain, increasing costs and worsening runaway inflation.” The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), which filed an amicus brief in support of the CTA’s petition, said it was disappointed in the high court’s decision. “With AB5 now set to go into effect, thousands of owner-operators driving in California face an uncertain future,” OOIDA President Todd Spencer said. “California has provided no guidance to owner-operators about how they can work as independent contractors under this new scheme, and truckers will be at the mercy of the courts to interpret how the law will be applied. “For truckers that have invested their blood, sweat and treasure to create their own businesses, it is dismaying that lawmakers and the courts are forging ahead with this radical policy that dismisses a beneficial business model that has been in place for decades. At the same time, we know this will not be the last word on the legality of AB5 and expect to participate in future challenges to the law.” Meanwhile, the California Attorney’s General Office heralded the decision. “We’re pleased with the court’s decision to reject this challenge to AB 5’s application to the motor carrier industry,” a spokesperson said, according to OOIDA’s publication Land Line. “At the California Department of Justice, we’ll continue to do our part to defend laws that are designed to protect workers and ensure fair labor and business practices.” CTA officials said they believe that AB5 violates the constitution and could force the end of the trucking industry’s owner-operator model. But the U.S. solicitor general recently advised the court to deny the CTA’s petition, saying that AB5 would not have a significant impact on prices, routes or services

11 drivers, technicians qualify for national titles following Arkansas Trucking Championship

By The Trucker News Staff -

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Nine professional truck drivers and two technicians have qualified to compete for national titles after taking top prizes in the 2022 Arkansas Trucking Championship this weekend. The written and hands-on competitions brought together 108 of the best drivers and 50 of the top technicians in the state for a demonstration of safety knowledge and skill. Hosted by the Arkansas Trucking Association, the championship was held June 24-25 at the Rogers Convention Center in Rogers. “Through pandemics, heat waves and holidays, truck drivers and technicians are always working to keep trucks safely on the road so we can enjoy the things we want and need, from medicine to swing sets and everything in between,” Shannon Newton, president of Arkansas Trucking Association, said. “All of the men and women who competed at the Arkansas Trucking Championship deserve to be congratulated not only for their professional achievements, but for their commitment to safety and for supporting our communities.” Over the course of the two-day event, drivers tested their skills in a pre-trip inspection competition, written exam and hands-on obstacle course. June 25’s driving skills portion was the biggest event, attracting hundreds of cheering friends, family, colleagues and spectators. To qualify for the truck driving championship, contestants must be accident free for the past year. The following professional truck drivers will represent Arkansas in their respective classes at the National Truck Driving Competition, to be held Aug. 16-19 in Indianapolis. 2022 Arkansas Truck Driving Championship Grand Champion and Sleeper Class Winner: Dennis Hall of Tyson Foods, Inc. 3 Axle: Chaunce Umfleet (Lonoke) of FedEx Express 4 Axle: Rick Dean (Searcy) of Walmart Transportation 5 Axle: Brent France of Maverick Transportation Flatbed: Marcus Rush (Greenbriar) of Walmart Transportation Step Van: Chris James (Springdale) of FedEx Ground Straight Truck: Eric Clark (Jonesboro) of FedEx Freight Tank: Bret McBain (Bella Vista) of Walmart Transportation Twins: Aaron Frisby (Little Rock) of Walmart Transportation Technicians competed in two tracks: truck and trailer. Jesse Elmore of Doggett Freightliner was crowned the Truck Technician Grand Champion. Elmore, a Van Buren, Arkansas. resident, took home trophies in four of 14 stations. On the trailer technician track, Kade Bring of Tyson Foods, Inc. was named Grand Champion. Bring, a Russellville, Arkansas. resident, was a top-two finisher in six of nine stations. In September, Elmore and Bring will represent Arkansas in the National Technician Skills Competition, SuperTech 2022, in Cleveland, Ohio. “The Arkansas Trucking Championship provides an opportunity for drivers and technicians to demonstrate how much they know and do to keep commercial vehicles safe for the communities they visit every day,” Newton said. “All the competitors represented their companies and our industry well at the state-level, and I am excited to cheer on Dennis, Jesse, Kade and the rest of the Arkansas Team at nationals.” The following companies have made substantial financial contributions in support of our industry’s technicians and drivers: ABF Freight; Arkansas Trucking Academy; CalArk International; Doggett Freightliner of Arkansas; FedEx Freight; FedEx Ground; J.B. Hunt Transport; Maverick Transportation; MHC; PAM Transport; Rush Truck Centers; Stallion Transportation Group; Tyson Foods; Utility Tri-State, Inc.; Walmart Transportation LLC and Visit Rogers. Their support allows for a top-notch competition to celebrate highway safety. For a list of all the 2022 Arkansas Trucking Championship winners, visit arkansastrucking.com.

Trailer fire closes lanes of I-24 in Kentucky

By The Trucker News Staff -

TRIGG COUNTY, Ky. — A tractor-trailer blaze blocked the westbound lanes of Interstate 24 in Trigg County, Kentucky, on Thursday afternoon. WKDZ reports that the tractor-trailer was carrying washers and dryers. It caught on fire at the 63-mile marker. Three fire departments were called to the scene. No injuries were reported, and the truck was able to be disconnected from the trailer without damage. The highway was expected to reopen by 10 p.m. Thursday night.

Pennsylvania Turnpike expects increased holiday travel despite high gas prices

By The Trucker News Staff -

HARRISBURG, Pa. – The PA Turnpike Commission projects more than 5.8 million motorists will be traveling the Turnpike over the upcoming Independence Day holiday through next week. This is almost 100,000 more than last year’s traffic tally of 5.7 million during the same 10-day holiday period. “Summer travel is kicking into high gear and more than 5.8 million customers will be traveling the PA Turnpike from Friday, July 1 through Sunday, July 10,” PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton said. “Traffic volumes are expected to be the heaviest this Friday, so do plan ahead and maintain your focus and patience on the roadway.” The daily traffic projected for the holiday period systemwide is: Friday, July 1 — 715,000 vehicles. Saturday, July 2 — 545,000 vehicles. Sunday, July 3 — 430,000 vehicles. Monday, July 4 — 455,000 vehicles. Tuesday and Wednesday, July 5 and 6— 630,000 vehicles each day. Thursday, July 7 — 655,000 vehicles. Friday, July 8 — 705,000 vehicles. Saturday, July 9 — 575,000 vehicles. Sunday, July 10 — 525,000 vehicles. “The summer and early fall are typically dangerous times of year on the nation’s roads, with Independence Day being among the most dangerous due to heavy traffic and distracted and impaired driving,” Sgt. Zachary Ryland of Pennsylvania State Police’s Troop T said. “Obeying the posted speed limits, allowing sufficient distance between other vehicles, and a general respect for other motorists will ensure everyone reaches their destination safely.” The PA Turnpike will have patrols and safety teams throughout the system to assure travelers get to their destinations safely. That means responding to travelers in need of assistance as well as increased vigilance regarding illegal or unsafe behaviors on the roadway. To help accommodate heavier holiday traffic, the Turnpike will suspend maintenance and construction work and have all available lanes open in each direction beginning 5 a.m. on Friday, July 1 through 11 p.m. on Sunday, July 10. Some motorists could be traveling the PA Turnpike for the first time. This year, more travelers are choosing recreational vehicles (RV) to accommodate their family vacations. For the new traveler and those driving RVs, a special web section has been created to assist with travel planning. Visit PATurnpike.com and search Ramp Up for Travel or click Ramp up for Seasonal Travel | PA Turnpike. To report an accident or other emergency on the PA Turnpike, dial *11 via mobile phone. To learn more about PA Turnpike conditions or to contact us, use one of these resources: On the Turnpike 511PA Smartphone App: real-time, hands-free PA traffic advisories Digital Message Signs: almost 200 signboards along the Turnpike On the Web Follow real-time alerts on Twitter: @PATurnpikeAlert Check the PA Turnpike and all PA roadways at: www.511PA.com Waze — a crowd-sourced navigation app that provides real-time traffic conditions with input from other drivers; download at www.waze.com. By phone 511: dial from any PA roadway for local travel information PA Turnpike Customer Assistance Center: (877) 736-6727, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

Soda spill: Tractor-trailer spills Mountain Dew on I-79

By The Trucker News Staff -

LOST CREEK, W.Va. – It was a sticky situation after a trailerful of Mountain Dew wound up as litter the side of a West Virgina highway after an accident Thursday afternoon. WDTV reports that the tractor-trailer was traveling northbound on Interstate-79 near Lost Cree, West Virginia, when the crash happened around 1:10 p.m. near mile marker 108. WDTV said that the truck’s trailer, which was hauling Mountain Dew, detached from the truck on the highway and wound up on the median. WOWK reports that a husband and wife, as well as a dog, were inside the truck when it crashed. WOWK also said that troopers told them there have been at least 10 recent crashes in the same area of I-79. One person was transported to the hospital; the extent of their injuries was not reported

Suspect identified, in custody in Arkansas bank robbery where suspect drove away in big rig

By The Trucker News Staff -

MARION, Ark. — A suspect has been arrested in connection with a bank robbery where a semi-truck was used as a getaway vehicle. Marion Police Department said in a June 28 Facebook post that warrants have been issued for Brandon McGruder in connection to the June 21 robbery of a Regions bank in Marion. Video from inside the bank showed the suspect demanding money from a teller, putting it in a duffle bag and leaving on foot. Surveillance cameras showed the suspect getting into a blue bobtail tractor on Manor Street. The vehicle was then seen traveling north on the East Interstate-55 service road. Marion Police reported that the blue truck used to drive away from the robbery was found June 22. They did not state what company, if any, McGruder was associated with, or if he is legally associated with the truck in the first place. They also did not state where the truck was found on Wednesday. Marion Police said that McGruder was also suspected of being connected to other crimes throughout the Midsouth region. They also said that the FBI and community assisted in apprehending McGruder. As of June 28, McGruder was in custody in Memphis, Tennessee, awaiting extradition back to Arkansas.

Love’s Travel Stops opens new location in Arkansas, adds 114 truck parking spaces

By The Trucker News Staff -

OKLAHOMA CITY– Love’s Travel Stops is now serving customers in Clarksville, Arkansas, thanks to a travel stop that opened Thursday. The store located off Interstate 40 (1025 S. Crawford St.) adds 114 truck parking spaces and 115 jobs to Johnson County. “Opening our 16th location in Arkansas, means giving customers better access to clean and safe places while they’re on the road,” Greg Love, co-CEO of Love’s, said. “The new Love’s in Clarksville will offer a variety of fresh food, snacks and drinks located directly off the interstate.” The location is open 24/7 and offers many amenities, including: More than 13,000 square feet. Bojangles (Opening July 11). 114 truck parking spaces. 60 car parking spaces. Four RV parking spaces. Nine diesel bays. Eight showers. CAT scale. Speedco. Bean-to-cup gourmet coffee. Brand-name snacks. Fresh Kitchen concept. Mobile to Go Zone with the latest GPS, headsets and smartphone accessories. Dog park. In honor of the grand opening, Love’s will donate $2,000 to the Johnson County 4H Club.  

Houston truck driver pleads guilty to transporting 145 in trailer

By The Trucker News Staff -

LAREDO, Texas – A 73-year-old Houston man entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to transport an undocumented alien, according to U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery. According to court documents, Anthony Alfred Boring arrived at the Border Patrol checkpoint April 15 along Interstate 35 approximately 29 miles north of Laredo. He was driving a tractor that was pulling a locked utility trailer. Upon questioning about what he was hauling, Boring appeared shocked. His face also turned pale, his eyes became glassy, and he sunk into his seat. He then shrugged his shoulders and mumbled “I don’t know.” Law enforcement unlocked the trailer and discovered 145 individuals in the trailer. A total of 86 were from Mexico, 49 from Guatemala and five, three and two from Honduras, El Salvador and Ecuador, respectfully. One of the people described how hot it was in the trailer and that it was excessively packed with people. Further, there was no drinking water in the trailer. At the time of his sentencing, Boring faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Homero Ramirez is prosecuting the case.