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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

FMCSA shuts down Texas carrier after repeated safety violations

By The Trucker News Staff -

WASHINGTON — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) has ordered Houston-based Jaypur Logistics LLC (USDOT No. 3150073) to immediately cease all interstate and intrastate operations. The carrier has been labeled an imminent hazard to public safety, and was served with the federal order May 7. According to a statement from the FMCSA, Jaypur Logistics was targeted for investigation following “widespread” violations documented by the FMCSA and its partners during roadside inspections: Jaypur Logistics had almost double the national average vehicle out-of-service rate and more than five times the national average driver out-of-service rate. The FMCSA review of Jaypur Logistics found the motor carrier to be “egregiously noncompliant” with multiple federal safety regulations, including controlled substances and alcohol use and testing (49 CFR Part 382), commercial driver’s license standards (49 CFR Part 383), driver qualification (49 CFR Part 391), unsafe driving (49 CFR Part 392), hours of service of drivers (49 CFR Part 395), and vehicle inspection, repair and maintenance (49 CFR Part 396). The FMCSA maintains that, during the investigation, Jaypur Logistics demonstrated a severe lack of oversight of its operations. The carrier could identify only a fraction of the drivers and vehicles operating under its authority, and was not even aware its drivers had hauled hazardous materials. In addition, the FMCSA statement notes that Jaypur Logistics failed to ensure its drivers were eligible to drive, allowing six drivers who were already prohibited in the FMCSA’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse to operate on its behalf. Twice Jaypur Logistics’ drivers have been cited for operating under the influence, and three times its drivers have been cited for on-duty possession of drugs or alcohol. Jaypur Logistics did not have a program to detect and deter the use of controlled substances by its drivers, did not have an effective program to ensure its drivers were qualified and licensed, did not have a program to control its drivers’ hours of service, and did not have a program to ensure its vehicles were appropriately inspected and repaired. FMCSA’s imminent hazard out-of-service order states that Jaypur Logistics’ “…complete and utter disregard for the (federal safety regulations) substantially increases the likelihood of serious injury or death for your drivers and the motoring public if your operations are not discontinued immediately.” Failing to comply with the provisions of the federal imminent hazard order may result in civil penalties of up to $29,893 for each violation. Jaypur Logistics may also be assessed civil penalties of not less than $11,956 for providing transportation in interstate commerce without operating authority registration, and up to $16,864 for operating a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce without USDOT Number registration. Knowing and/or willful violations may result in criminal penalties. A copy of the imminent hazard order issued to Jaypur Logistics is available here.  

NFI Expands zero-tailpipe emission fleet with Order of 60 Volvo VNR Electrics

By The Trucker News Staff -

GREENSBORO, N.C.  — Volvo Trucks North America customer NFI Industries is increasing its investment in electromobility solutions with its latest order of 60 Volvo VNR Electric trucks. The battery-electric freight trucks will be deployed in NFI’s Ontario, California, fleet throughout 2022 and 2023, in support of its goal of operating the first 100% zero-emission freight logistics fleet in the nation. “Volvo Trucks is proud to continue partnering with NFI on its electromobility journey as the company truly demonstrates its leadership and commitment to supply chain sustainability,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “NFI’s order of 60 Volvo VNR Electrics is a testament to the positive results fleets are experiencing with Volvo Trucks’ electromobility solution, and a signal to the market that local and regional freight transport can be reliably accomplished with zero-tailpipe emissions.” NFI started its electromobility journey with Volvo Trucks as part of the Volvo LIGHTS (Low Impact Green Heavy Transport Solutions) project that began in 2019. NFI started piloting two Volvo VNR Electric trucks in its commercial operations, demonstrating the ability for battery-electric trucks to transport goods under a variety of operating conditions. “Our experience with the Volvo LIGHTS project was a major factor in NFI’s decision to purchase VNR Electric trucks for our drayage operations,” said Bill Bliem, senior vice president of fleet services at NFI. “NFI started our electrification transition because we are committed to sustainability initiatives across our operations, and we are continuing to invest in Volvo Trucks because of the proven viability and success we have had operating the Volvo VNR Electrics in our real-world routes.” The 60 trucks ordered by NFI are the next-generation enhanced Volvo VNR Electric model with a six-battery-pack configuration, which provides an operational range of up to 275 miles. The enhanced Volvo VNR Electric, which began production in Q2 2022, also reduces the required charging time; the state-of-the-art 250kW charging capability provides an 80% charge in 90 minutes. Twenty of the trucks will be deployed as part of the Joint Electric Truck Scaling Initiative, or JETSI, project. Led by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) and jointly financed by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the California Energy Commission (CEC), the JETSI project will help significantly advance market penetration of zero‐emission heavy‐duty trucks and pave the way for freight logistics fleets to achieve emission reductions at scale. Thirty of the trucks will be deployed with funding support from California’s Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP). The HVIP project was launched by CARB as part of California Climate Investments to accelerate commercialization of battery-electric trucks by providing first-come first-served incentives to make advanced vehicles more affordable. Ten of the trucks are part of the SWITCH-ON project, a grant to Volvo Trucks to deploy battery-electric trucks in Southern California for regional freight distribution and drayage. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Targeted Air Shed Grant Program is providing the funding, supplemented by the South Coast AQMD for charging infrastructure, to improve air quality in the region. The infrastructure to support NFI’s zero‐emission fleet is being developed by Electrify America as part of the announcement made with NFI at ACT Expo 2021 to build the nation’s largest heavy-duty electric truck charging infrastructure project. The project will provide 19 350 kW ultra-fast chargers with 38 dispensers to support NFI’s growing battery-electric drayage fleet that serves the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.  

Migrants feared death in blazing-hot trailer; truck driver arrested for human smuggling

By The Trucker News Staff -

GANADO, Texas — A truck driver is facing charges related to human smuggling after she was discovered carrying more than 60 people in a stifling-hot trailer with no venthilation. The incident began the morning of May 6 when Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Josue Alvarez conducted a motorist-assist on a red semi pulling a refrigeration trailer that was sitting on the side of the road near Highway 59 and County Road 202 in Ganado, Texas. Alvarez reported that he saw four or five people walking near the trailer when he pulled behind it, noting that the right back door of the trailer was slightly ajar. At that point, he made contact with the driver, Codi Denise Hartman. Hartman told Alvarez that she ran out of diesel when he asked if she needed any assistance. When asked what she was transporting, she said, “energy drinks.”   “It was hot like fire. We couldn’t breathe. We were going to die.” — Guatemalan citizen who was among those being smuggled to Houston   Alvarez said that when he asked Hartman for a bill of lading, she became nervous, telling him that it must be in the cab of the tractor. Alvarez said he saw several people through the cracked door of the trailer. He secured it and called for back-up, after which several of the people began banging on the doors and walls of the trailer asking for help. Alvarez immediately opened the trailer doors and saw many people, whom he described as “disheveled” in appearance. He said that upon opening the doors, approximately 60-100 people who had been trapped inside began fleeing on foot in several directions. Twelve people remained on the scene. Alvarez contacted Jackson County Emergency Medical Services to help those left behind. They were checked for extreme dehydration, and seven of them were taken to Jackson County Hospital. It was later determined that the air conditioning for the trailer was not functioning, compounding the choking heat effects inside. Officers were unable to find a bill of lading for the truck, and they also discovered that both the tractor and trailer had fictitious license plates. Hartman was arrested for charges related to human smuggling. Sixty-five people who were in the trailer were apprehended. All of them were determined to have entered the U.S. illegally by crossing the Rio Grande. They were transported to the Jackson County Jail for further investigation. When Alvarez interviewed Hartman, she said that she was contacted by an unindicted co-conspirator who claimed to know her through a friend, and she was offered $800 for a five-hour trip to drive “to somewhere in Houston.” Hartman said she drove to a Love’s Travel Stop in Donna, Texas, where she said the tractor-trailer was in the parking lot and an “unidentified Hispanic female” was in the passenger seat. Hartman claimed that the unidentified woman took a picture of her driver’s license before the trip and threatened her family if she talked to law enforcement. Hartman said that when she ran out of diesel, the unidentified woman exited and began walking alongside the highway. There was also a phone left in the cab that Hartman claimed belonged to the unidentified woman. Hartman said she was parked on the side of the road for about an hour before Alvarez arrived. She claimed she never opened the back doors of the trailer and that she believed that the cargo really was energy drinks. The report states that Hartman eventually admitted that the phone that officers found belonged to her. She said that she was instructed to buy a phone so she could communicate during the transport and that her personal phone was still at her house. Hartman gave consent to search through the phone found in the cab. Investigators found correspondence on the phone between Hartman and several other people. Investigators said that there was an audio message where Hartman stated “The door was not locked. They would not let me lock it, so I just started driving. I don’t know what the f*ck is going on.” A separate message from the same number said, “Look I’m sorry to bother you a lot but at the next truck stop I need u to stop and back the truck in where no one will see u n open the truck n check on the people make sure there good but check with your own eyes… But please check on them make sure they breathing.” Investigators also received statements from people who were in the trailer. One of the men in the back of the trailer said that were approximately 80 people in it and that they began knocking and striking the walls because they could not breathe. The man said that he “fell to his knees” once he got out of the trailer because he could not support himself. Another man, from Honduras, said that he stayed at a stash house before riding in the trailer. He told investigators that the people were in the trailer for approximately six hours before they encountered law enforcement. A Guatemalan citizen who was in the trailer said the group was moved to a second stash house where they stayed for approximately four days. There, they were fed ramen soup, eggs and salami. He said that on the last day at around midnight, a tractor-trailer backed up to the house and all the people were told to get in. He said each person’s phone was taken away, and they were told that they were being taken to Houston. He said that the trailer was hot when they entered and “never got cool.” He also said he never saw the driver, and no water was provided to the people in the trailer. He said that “it was hot like fire. We couldn’t breathe. We were going to die.” He said he was grateful to law enforcement for saving them because he knew he was about to die. A woman from Guatemala who was in the trailer said she recalls hearing dogs barking as the truck passed through the border patrol checkpoint, but the truck continued traveling north. She said it was very hot, and people began to bang on the walls of the trailer and yell, pleading to be let out. She said that at one point, the truck was stopped, and the door was cracked open a few inches to allow fresh air for the occupants. She said that it was very hot, and people took off their clothes because they were completely saturated with sweat. She said there was no water for the occupants of the trailer and people began eating the spoiled tomatoes fin an attempt to gain some moisture from the produce. Hartman was charged with bringing in and harboring certain aliens. She could face up to a decade behind bars and heavy fines.

Big rig wreck ignites Colorado wildfire

By The Trucker News Staff -

FOUNTAIN, Colo — A semi-truck accident along Interstate 25 sparked a wildfire early Tuesday morning near Colorado Springs, according to officials from the City of Fountain. Out There Colorado reported that crews responded to the crash at about 2:40 a.m. By then, however, the front end of the truck had already caught fire, and the flames reportedly spread to a woodland area between the interstate and Front Range Road, just outside Fort Carson. Firefighters from Hanover, Security and Fort Carson fought the blaze until they extinguished it at around 5 a.m. Officials said that the truck driver sustained only minor injuries and wasn’t taken to the hospital. No other injuries were reported.

White House releases new plan to deliver infrastructure projects on time, task, budget

By The Trucker News Staff -

WASHINGTON — The White House is releasing a new Permitting Action Plan to accelerate federal permitting and environmental reviews for projects related to the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which President Biden signed into law in November. According to a White House fact sheet, the action plan “outlines the administration’s strategy for ensuring that federal environmental reviews and permitting processes are effective, efficient and transparent, guided by the best available science to promote positive environmental and community outcomes, and shaped by early and meaningful public engagement.” The fact sheet continued: “Taken together, these new steps will help strengthen supply chains, lower costs for families, grow our clean energy economy, revitalize communities across the country, support good-paying jobs, and deliver infrastructure investments on task, on time, and on budget without unnecessary bureaucratic delay.” Key points of the plan include: Leveraging the interagency Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council’s expanded authorities under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to improve coordination among agencies, help avoid and resolve potential conflicts and bottlenecks, identifying and sharing best practices and accelerating information sharing and troubleshooting; Convening sector-specific teams of experts to facilitate interagency coordination on siting, permitting, supply chain, and related issues and promoting efficient and timely reviews; Leveraging the Department of Transportation’s Interagency Infrastructure Permitting Improvement Center to help facilitate environmental review and permitting for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law-funded transportation projects by developing guidance, sharing best practices, coordinating reviews, tracking project milestones and outcomes and exploring innovative approaches; Developing and preparing new approaches to permitting and environmental review that help address common issues, eliminating duplication, and site and design projects in a way that reduces resource conflicts and incorporates a climate-smart approach; and Working to reform outdated permitting laws and regulations, such as the Mining Law of 1872, to establish stronger environmental, sustainability, safety, Tribal consultation and community engagement standards. “Long overdue improvements to our nation’s ports, airports, rail, and roads will help ease inflationary pressures, create conditions for businesses to thrive and strengthen supply chains – which will ultimately lower costs for families,” according to the White House fact sheet. “Building new clean energy generation and transmission projects will improve access to affordable clean energy that powers homes and businesses at lower costs. Responsible and sustainable domestic sourcing of critical minerals and materials will power our clean energy economy and reduce reliance on unreliable foreign supply chains. And delivering clean residential water supplies, high-speed internet, healthy forests and open space to all Americans, especially those historically underserved, is critical to make us stronger.”

TravelCenters of America searching for best citizen truck driver

By The Trucker News Staff -

WEST LAKE, Ohio — TravelCenters of America is once again looking for the best citizen truck driver in the industry. The nomination period runs through June 30. The Citizen Driver award recognizes over-the-road professional truck drivers who exhibit citizenship, safety, community involvement, leadership, as well as health and wellness, the TravelCenters of America website said. This year’s competition will include two grand prize winners as well as 10 finalists, who will also receive awards. Family, friends and co-workers can nominate a truck driver who evokes public respect for the profession at TA-Petro.com/CitizenDriver. Grand prize winners will be honored with a ceremony at a later date. Last year, Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) members Dan Porter and Don Talley were selected as the grand prize winners. Porter, known by many as “Dusty,” has been in the industry for over 50 years, according to OOIDA. He served on the Werner Driver Advisory Committee and volunteered for the Special Olympics Truck Convoy and Trucking for a Cure. Porter’s dedication ceremony was held at the Petro location in Glendale, Kentucky. According to OOIDA, Talley has more than 2 million crash-free miles and 20 years of experience to his name. In an effort to promote the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund and Truckers Against Trafficking, he formed the Road Dog Crew. The Petro in Gaston, Ind., was dedicated in Talley’s name for being named a Citizen Driver.

New ‘Taj Mahal’ North Carolina rest area features 30 truck spaces

By The Trucker News Staff -

FLETCHER, N.C. — A new rest area off Interstate 26 at the Buncombe/Henderson County line in North Carolina has opened. ​The facility features high ceilings, fine wood finishes, energy efficient plumbing, lots of natural light, and plenty of space for four-legged family members, according to a news release from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). “I jokingly call it the Taj Mahal of rest areas, but I’m only kind of joking,” Division 14 Resident Engineer Mike Patton told WYFF news. “We hope that drivers from our area and across the nation take a break from driving and enjoy this wonderful rest area.” The rest area also features dozens of parking for its visitors, with 90 passenger spaces and 30 semi-truck spaces. The corresponding westbound rest area is set to open in the middle of June. “NCDOT takes great pride in its rest areas, not only in the mountains, but across the state,” Division 13 Roadside Environmental Engineer Jeff Wait said. “Some of the finest rest areas in the country are located right here in western North Carolina. And depending on who you ask, this may be the best.” An average of 64,000 people per day drove this stretch of I-26 in 2019. Crews from Archer/Wright Joint Venture and subcontractors built the rest areas for approximately $5 million each as part of the $271 million project to widen I-26 in Henderson County. Some of the features include the following: 90 passenger car parking spaces 30 semi-truck parking spaces 4 handicap parking spaces Complete ADA compliance High-efficiency lighting Low-flow water systems Family restroom with changing table Patio picnic area Separate vending machine building Dedicated pet area with fire-hydrant

Embark Trucks completes industry-first autonomous testing in winter conditions

By The Trucker News Staff -

SAN FRANCISCO — Embark Trucks Inc., a developer of autonomous technology for the trucking industry, announced Monday, May 9, that it has successfully completed on-road testing in snowy conditions in Montana. The testing, which Embark announced earlier this year, was conducted to demonstrate the performance  of Embark’s patent-pending Vision Map Fusion (VMF) technology in regions that experience severe winter weather. According to a statement from Embark, results from the testing demonstrate that in about 90% of runs through the snowy conditions under study — which could result in delays for HD map-based autonomous driving systems — VMF should operate successfully or pause and resume travel within acceptable shipper delivery windows. Beginning in February, the company’s testing in Montana utilized Embark-powered trucks traveling on a 60-mile round trip route on public roads between Clinton and Missoula in varying winter weather situations. In addition to on-road testing, Embark developed a comprehensive weather model using more than8 billion historical weather data points, dating back over 10 years on all major U.S. routes, to analyze the impact of snow at a lane level across the U.S. The testing and weather analysis show significant technical and commercial promise, according to Embark. The company’s testing and performance review indicated VMF worked within tolerance thresholds for safe operation in snowfall rates up to 1/6 inch per hour and with snow accumulation of 1 inch on the road over three hours — conditions that cover most of the snowy weather based on Embark’s analysis. Embark plans to continue to study the impact of snowy conditions on other elements of the Embark Driver. Combining these performance results with historical weather patterns and typical shipper delivery timelines, Embark was able to estimate expected delivery performance. On northern lanes — those starting or ending outside of the Sunbelt — historical data shows that roughly one in five runs will experience some snowy conditions. Embark estimates its VMF system will operate within acceptable shipper delivery windows approximately 90% of the time on such runs. Embark will look to refine these initial findings in time through additional modeling and partner insights to account for associated considerations such as ice formation, sleet and heavy winds. According to the company statement, Embark’s proprietary, patent-pending VMF technology has enabled this progress by moving beyond lidar-centric mapping and localization solutions. By relying heavily on the camera-based sensing modality in snowy conditions, while also understanding and accounting for the degraded states of lidar returns and map conditions, VMF is able to fill in the gaps and mitigate the uncertainty created by accumulating snow on the roadway, unlocking critical shipping lanes and increasing uptime in areas where inclement weather can hamper operations. Embark plans to expand its autonomous driving capabilities and continue its northward national expansion following its anticipated Phase I Sunbelt rollout in 2024. Throughout the testing process, Embark worked with various partners to better understand the impacts of inclement weather on truck uptime and dispatching, gaining a deep appreciation for the difficult driving conditions that truck drivers must navigate on a regular basis during U.S. winters. “When we set out to develop our autonomous truck solutions, we planned to create a system that is capable of operating safely across America in all kinds of road conditions, broadening our scope to serve parts of the country that may be limited by snow or inclement weather,” said Alex Rodrigues, CEO of Embark. “While we continue to focus on our existing commercialization timeline, the validation of our VMF technology for use in northern states and regions that regularly experience seasonal snowy weather will prepare us for long-term deployments and growth and help us provide the most flexible solution possible for our carrier partners.”

Connecticut Truck Driving Championship set for June 11

By The Trucker News Staff -

WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. — Motor Transport Association of Connecticut will once again hold the 71st Connecticut Truck Driving Championship. This year’s family-friendly event will be held June 11 at the FedEx Freight facility at 130 Old County Circle in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. The Truck Driving Championship will be followed by the awards ceremony and catered barbecue from Bear’s BBQ. This year’s field competition starts at 10 a.m., with the awards program and barbecue scheduled to start about 3 p.m. The driver roll call is set for 7:30 a.m. The registration fee is $100 per driver and includes a commemorative event polo shirt (for drivers who register by May 16) and one ticket to the barbecue dinner. Drivers who win their class at the state level will have the chance to compete at the national level. This year’s American Trucking Association (ATA) Nationals will be held in Indianapolis Aug. 16-20. Drivers are encouraged to bring family and friends.  

Foley RIG360 expands truck center service, support at Olathe location

By The Trucker News Staff -

OLATHE, Kansas — Foley RIG360 Truck, which operates a network of on-highway truck service centers across Kansas and Western Missouri, has opened a new full-service, on-highway truck center in Olathe, Kansas, with easy access to Interstate 35 and U.S. 69. “Our on-highway truck centers help support our customers with all their truck needs,” said Michael Swartz, general truck service manager for Foley RIG360 Truck Centers. “(Offering) everything from general service and preventive maintenance to financing large repairs or engine rebuilds, Foley RIG360 Truck Centers are ready to help our customers find solutions.” The new Olathe location has a streamlined layout, new tools and additional parts capacity to allow Foley RIG360 to increase customer uptime and provide enhanced support. With the addition of Olathe, Foley RIG360 now operates 12 truck centers across Kansas and Western Missouri. Foley RIG360 is a member of the nationwide RIG360 Truck Service Network, which has more than 65 locations across 12 states in the US. Foley RIG360 is also a partner of HDA Truck Pride and can offer competitively priced parts for all on-highway truck makes and models, including Peterbilt, Kenworth, Freightliner, International, Mack and more. The Olathe facility also houses Foley Equipment’s new and used construction equipment sales, machine service, parts center and rental store. The FoleyRIG360 Truck Center is at 19968 W. 157th Street in Olathe, with easy access from 157th and 159th Streets, just two blocks from U.S. 169.    

PrePass now available on Pedigree Technologies’ Cab-Mate ELD

By The Trucker News Staff -

PHOENIX — PrePass Safety Alliance announced Tuesday, May 10, a new partnership with Pedigree Technologies that brings PrePass, North America’s leading preclearance program, to the OneView platform. With the technology, drivers receive notification on the Cab-Mate ELD to either bypass or pull into a weigh station, all while the truck travels at highway speed. In addition, fleets receive real-time driver safety alerts for work zones, traffic congestion, dangerous slowdowns, available truck parking, traffic incidents, rest areas, gusty winds, steep grades and “no commercial vehicle” areas. Drivers access this information directly on the Cab-Mate ELD tablet, eliminating the need to switch between apps or devices. “PrePass Safety Alliance is thrilled to provide PrePass on the Pedigree Technologies OneView Platform,” said Mark Doughty, president and CEO of PrePass Safety Alliance. “This partnership between two trucking technology leaders will help fleets become more efficient and improve safety while saving time, fuel, and money. Our goal with this integration is to provide technology that helps motor carriers deliver their goods safely and on time. Something more important now than ever.“ The PrePass app works with an optional RFID transponder to support electronic toll payment as a bundled service. Customers also receive access to INFORM Safety software to help assess safety performance and improve safety scores. INFORM supplies inspection, violation, and weigh station bypass data dashboards available only through PrePass.

Tractor-trailer driver pinned in vehicle after hitting tollbooth plaza

By The Trucker News Staff -

HOUSTON — The driver of a tractor-trailer carrying fruit found themselves pinned in their vehicle after falling asleep at the wheel and overturning their vehicle. KPRC reports that the wreck happened Sunday, May 8, in north Harris County, Texas, on the northbound lanes of the Sam Houston Parkway and Veterans Memorial. KTRK reported the crash happened at about 3 a.m. when the big rig lost control and slammed into an outside wall of the toll plaza, causing it to flip onto its side. Deputies reported that the driver fell asleep and hit a tollbooth plaza. The truck landed on its side and the driver wound up pinned for a short period of time. Photos show boxes of fruit littering the roadway, resulting in a cleanup. Two lanes were blocked off as crews worked to flip the 18-wheeler back over and clearing the fruit as well as diesel fuel. No injuries were reported and the driver is expected to be OK.

Edison Energy partners with Sawatch Labs to guide organizations on vehicle electrification for fleets 

By The Trucker News Staff -

IRVINE, Calif. — Global energy advisory Edison Energy has partnered with Sawatch Labs to help corporate fleet owners save money and more quickly achieve Net Zero goals as they choose which vehicles to switch from gasoline and diesel to electric power. Companies with fleets from 10 vehicles to tens of thousands can benefit from a new level of detail in telematics data, thanks to Sawatch’s minute-by-minute analysis. The ultra-granular data will help Edison Energy clients better budget, track, and time their conversion to EVs. Sawatch Labs, a Denver-based firm dedicated to fleet electrification and optimization analytics, has helped a broad spectrum of clients — from small towns to Fortune 50 companies — identify electric vehicle replacement strategies. Additionally, Sawatch currently supports Xcel Energy’s Fleet Electrification Advisory Program and the U.S. Department of Energy’s EVWATTS program and has partnered with Verizon Connect. “We can make feasibility assessments and charging decisions easier as you work to meet an organization’s carbon and financial goals, while ensuring drivers’ needs are met,” Meghan Weinman, managing director of transportation electrification at Edison Energy, said. Sawatch and Edison recently worked together for one of the largest private-sector fleets in the country, on a program that will result in multiple millions in fleet savings. Weinman said they are making their partnership official to provide a seamless experience for clients with any size fleet who want to make sure they are optimizing their investments in EVs. “At Sawatch, we’re able to do a deep dive on real-time data and help clients optimize decision making on a vehicle-by-vehicle basis,” Matthew Helm, CEO and founder of Sawatch Labs, said. “Edison then provides a much broader analysis and can incorporate our results into a sustainability strategy and charging infrastructure implementation in order to meet transportation goals. They really take the client from simple vehicle recommendations to the ins and outs of an action plan. That’s a wonderful part of what we are now offering together.” “The implications for carbon reduction are far-reaching,” Weinman said. “When you convert your fleet to EVs, you go from Scope 1, direct gasoline emissions, to Scope 2, electricity consumption. What many organizations want to do, and what we can do with Sawatch, is to be able to track the amount of reduction that you’re seeing between those two sources of carbon. Having better analytics, better visibility, and a better idea of what kind of reduction you’re getting is going to be crucially important to organizations across the board in mitigating carbon emissions.” Transportation accounted for 27% of carbon emissions in 2020–the most of any sector. With commutes to in-person workplaces increasing after pandemic shutdowns, it will remain an important way for companies to reduce emissions. More than 2.5 million EVs have been sold in the U.S. since 2010, their exponential growth fed by record-high gasoline prices and SEC’s proposed requirement that companies disclose their carbon footprint. “Electricity prices are stable,” Weinman said. “Meanwhile, gas prices remain wildly variable. As companies like GM and Ford commit to a fully electric future, now is a great time for companies to plan and analyze so they can get their purchasing aligned and make the necessary preparations.” Sawatch Labs and Edison Energy will both be attending the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo and Conference this May 9-12 in Long Beach, California.  

Mastery Logistics Systems announces deployment of cloud-based Mastermind TMS with Werner Enterprises, Inc. 

By The Trucker News Staff -

CHICAGO — Mastery Logistics Systems announces the deployment of its MasterMind TMS with Werner Enterprises, one of the nation’s largest transportation and logistics companies. MasterMind TMS, a cloud-based transportation management system from Mastery Logistics Systems Inc., is designed to manage complex transportation needs for shippers, carriers and logistics service providers. It is the first cloud-based transportation system for Werner in company history and supports Werner’s business units and operations. “The implementation of MasterMind across our logistics network is a big step forward for Werner’s Cloud First, Cloud Now strategy,” Daragh Mahon, executive vice president and chief information officer of Werner, said. “Utilizing this new TMS, Werner will gain more technological agility across its tech stack, providing efficiencies for our associates, drivers and customers.” Built by supply chain and logistics experts, MasterMind TMS provides Werner with control and collaboration across its business units and customers. The system helps deliver significant industry enhancements, including visibility, information and operational efficiencies, allowing Werner to meet customer capacity needs and continue delivering exceptional customer service. The MasterMind TMS also proves to be a great fit in furthering the company’s Werner EDGE initiative. “As part of our Werner EDGE initiative, we are committed to becoming the first transportation and logistics company fully leveraging the cloud,” Mahon said. “This collaboration with Mastery is another milestone in that journey. In addition to benefitting our own technology advancement, this partnership also provides an opportunity for both Mastery and Werner to accelerate supply chain automation, visibility and productivity across the entire transportation and logistics ecosystem.” Werner initially announced the strategic partnership with Mastery in November 2020, including an equity investment and ongoing strategic advisement by Werner to drive continued product development, all while improving standardization within the organization and the industry at large. “Seeing Werner teams celebrating the MasterMind launch is a milestone for every team member at Mastery. We are thrilled with the implementation and deployment progress,” Alycia Klocke, vice president of implementation at Mastery Logistics Systems, said. “The collaboration between our teams has been phenomenal,” Jeff Silver, Mastery CEO, said. “It has allowed us to implement and launch MasterMind® with enhancements to support the complex operations of one of North America’s largest transportation providers. We love Werner and the people we work with there and are ecstatic to be able to play a role in their success.”

TEC Equipment expands into Midwest with acquisition of Volvo franchise rights

By The Trucker News Staff -

PORTLAND, Ore. – TEC Equipment, Inc. has purchased the Volvo franchise rights from North American Truck & Trailer in Omaha and Lexington, Nebraska; Sioux City, Iowa; and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The acquisition also includes the rights for TEC to take over as Omaha’s Hino dealer in the medium-duty market. These four new locations join TEC Equipment’s existing 28 locations and expand its operations to a total of eight states. “We’re excited to bring four new locations to the TEC Equipment network,” David A. Thompson, founder and president of TEC, said. “This acquisition of franchise rights that include South Dakota, Nebraska and 30 counties in western Iowa means we can now serve our long-haul customers as they make their way across the country via I-80. It also expands the reach of TEC’s Best Business Partner commitment to better serve current and new customers in the Great Plains.” TEC will continue to support new Volvo sales throughout the region, as well as offer customers over 47 years of experience in all-makes parts and service expertise. The Omaha location will remain a Certified Uptime center, in addition to being a certified Cummins repair facility. Lexington’s store will continue its full-service operations in its current location. TEC’s Sioux City location remains in the same location as prior Volvo operations, with Sioux Falls’ Volvo operations moving to an alternative location, both opening around June 1. “We saw an opportunity to expand our footprint into an area of the country that not only yields great potential, but also fits well within our current network,” Greg Schuttenhelm, COO of TEC, said. “Being our customers’ ‘Best Business Partner’ means bringing the full-service trucking solutions our customers need – whether that’s a new Volvo or Hino, an all-makes replacement part, or truck insurance for their fleet.” Both Nebraska locations are currently open, and Sioux City and Sioux Falls locations will reopen in June. Once open, all four locations will offer: Volvo sales, OEM parts and authorized service. Cummins authorized service. Used truck sales. All-makes parts and service. In-house financing. More services and capabilities will be announced as they become available.  

Tractor-trailer driver dead after truck flips on Louisiana highway

By The Trucker News Staff -

WEST BATON ROUGE, La. — A tractor-trailer driver is dead after his truck smashed through a guardrail and flipped in West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, early Saturday morning, May 7. WBRZ reports that Arturo Vaquera Martinez, 54, of Texas was driving a 2015 Freightliner in the northbound lanes of LA 415 when, for unknown reasons, he failed to navigate an entrance ramp curve to US 190 westbound. The truck then went off the road through the guardrail before overturning. Martinez was declared dead at the scene. Police are still investigating the circumstances of the crash.

Volvo Autonomous Solutions introduces autonomous transport solution targeted at key customer segments

By The Trucker News Staff -

Volvo Autonomous Solutions, a Volvo Group company, announced on Thursday that it will offer a new hub-to-hub autonomous transport solution, designed to serve four main customer segments: shippers, carriers, logistics service providers and freight brokers. Each solution will be configured to suit the business needs of the specific segments while addressing the growing demand for goods movement in North America. VAS also announced that it will partner with global logistics provider DHL Supply Chain as its first customer to pilot the hub-to-hub solution, representing Volvo’s goal to develop a business model with customers that will address all the steps required to bring its autonomous solutions to market with a safe, sustainable approach. VAS, in collaboration with Aurora, has been working on a technical solution to offer autonomous trucks in the U.S., while also developing a complete Transport-as-a-Service solution for integrated and scalable autonomous freight capacity for highway applications. Presented today, the Autonomous Transport Solution will be configured to different customer-segment requirements to transport freight autonomously on major U.S. highway networks. “Today, the increasing demand for freight is outgrowing capacity and solutions must be bolder, safer, smarter and more sustainable to move the world forward,” Nils Jaeger, president of Volvo Autonomous Solutions, said. “This is more than an autonomous truck – it is the Autonomous Transport Solution, which we believe will create value for the entire transportation ecosystem, all with optimized operations that reduce emissions and increase safety.” This is the first step in positioning a dedicated North American operation that is rooted in global experience with autonomous technology applications. DHL and the Volvo Group have a long history of working together, and this new collaboration will help pave the way for VAS’s logistics service providers customer segment. The strategic partnership is rooted in a common goal to bring best-in-class technology that brings new levels of efficiency, safety and quality in autonomous freight for North America and beyond. The future deployment of the Class 8 Volvo VNL autonomous trucks will be DHL’s first TaaS operation globally. As a diversified logistics service provider and carrier with a holistic view of global supply chains, DHL represents an ideal early adopter of autonomous truck technology. “DHL is excited to partner with a leading-edge transportation company in Volvo Autonomous Solutions. We are full-speed-ahead on the adoption of the next wave of transportation solutions including autonomous trucks and confident that global leaders like Volvo will help to accelerate their development,” Jim Monkmeyer, President of Transportation at DHL Supply Chain North America, said. “We see huge potential in advanced technology solutions like autonomous trucks to address the needs of our customers around efficiency, reliability and increased capacity, which only hastened during the pandemic. But our collaboration aims higher than an autonomous truck – we hope our partnership with Volvo will help shape a safer and more sustainable future for all.” VAS is working across all four customer segments to finalize strategic partnerships with key customers – segment leaders who will pilot the Autonomous Transport Solution. These partnerships will allow VAS to understand the needs of each specific segment in real-world applications and develop and adapt the offerings based on inputs and findings experienced across the entire transportation network.

Maine State Truck Driving Championship set for May 21

By The Trucker News Staff -

HERMON, Maine — The Maine State Truck Driving Championship is Saturday, May 21, at Dysart’s Trailer Shop in Hermon, Maine. The purpose of the TDC is to showcase the safety, skills, and professionalism of Maine’s professional drivers. This event is open for spectators to come watch big rigs and the drivers that operate them, perform challenging maneuvers necessary for their daily work in a fun and competitive atmosphere. Transportation companies from around Maine will be providing tractors and trailers for contestants to use in the event. There are nine different classes drivers can enter: Step-van Straight-truck Three-axle Four-axle Five-axle Five-axle sleeper Tanker Flat bed Twin trailers

Stertil-Koni distributor IAE expands in Western Ohio

By The Trucker News Staff -

STEVENSVILLE, Md. – Heavy duty bus and truck lift leader Stertil-Koni announced Thursday that it has expanded the exclusive territory representation of its award-winning distributor, Indiana Automotive Equipment — headquartered in Maxwell, Indiana — to now include the western Ohio territory. This region includes all counties surrounding the Interstate 75 corridor from Toledo to Cincinnati and all locations to the west. The move also highlights the success IAE has rapidly achieved in its existing, exclusive territory – one that includes Indiana and Kentucky. “We are proud to deliver dedicated expertise in both the sale and service of the entire Stertil-Koni product line,” IAE President Chris Susott said. “What’s more, IAE has built a robust service department that is equipped to inspect, maintain, and repair existing equipment.  Further, all IAE equipment installations are performed with in-house, factory trained and certified technicians.” For its performance in 2021, IAE was recently presented with two coveted awards at the Stertil-Koni annual distributor meeting.  First, IAE received the prestigious Aspire Program Award, which salute Stertil-Koni distributors that have achieved marked, incremental sales gains on a year-over-year basis. IAE was also honored with Stertil-Koni’s 2021 Rookie of the Year Award, recognizing it as the top-performing new distributor in the Stertil-Koni exclusive distributor network – a region that spans the U.S. and Canada. “Under the firm leadership of Chris Susott, IAE has fused a singular focus on product expertise with the delivery of exceptional customer care,” Stertil-Koni President Dr. Jean DellAmore said. “That is a powerful combination which has provided a big win for the customer, for Stertil-Koni and of course, IAE.  We look forward to their continued growth and contribution to our collective performance.”  

Tractor-trailer crashes into Pennsylvania home

By The Trucker News Staff -

HEGINS, Pa. — A tractor-trailer smashed into a Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, home Friday morning. The home was along East Main Street in Hegins Township. Details leading up to the accident were not available. WNEP reports that the truck’s driver was trapped inside the truck following the accident. They also reported that no injuries were reported from inside the house. Sacramento Community Fire Company posted photos of the wreck on their Facebook page. Both the truck and the house appear to have sustained massive damage.