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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

Ruan continues rollout of Orange EV all-electric terminal trucks

By The Trucker News Staff -

DES MOINES, Iowa and KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Integrated supply chain solutions company Ruan Transportation Management Systems recently announced the deployment of an Orange EV pure electric terminal truck at an operations facility in St. Joseph, Missouri. With the addition of this fully electric unit, Ruan is expanding its heavy-duty electric vehicle fleet and further supporting a sustainable, energy efficient supply chain, according to a news release. “Ruan has kept pace with clean fuel advancements, implementing a variety of alternative fuels including compressed natural gas (CNG), renewable natural gas (RNG), biodiesel blends and renewable hydrocarbon diesel,” the news release stated. “These changes have eliminated hundreds of thousands of tons of carbon dioxide (CO2). Moving to zero-emission electric yard trucks was a logical next step in Ruan’s continuing drive toward a cleaner future.” Ruan Vice President of Fleet Services Brad Gehring said, “To provide clean, efficient solutions for our customers, Ruan tests and invests in the latest technologies. We recently marked the 18-month anniversary of deploying our first Orange EV truck to a 24/7 Minnesota operation, and the reliability has been unparalleled, exceeding up-time expectations.” Ruan plans to continue all-electric yard truck deployments in operations across the country where feasible. “We are excited to have another Orange EV customer scale up deployments after experiencing first-hand how well our trucks do the job,” said Zack Ruderman, Orange EV vice president of sales and marketing. “Orange EV deployments are a win-win, delivering solutions that are both economically and environmentally sustainable.” The St. Joseph project is partially funded with a Diesel Emission Reduction Act grant awarded through the Kansas City based Metropolitan Energy Center.        

Trucker Path’s new service promises to handle ‘all the back-office work’ for drivers

By The Trucker News Staff -

PHOENIX and LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Trucker Path, a load/dispatch mobile app for North American truckers, has announced a new service for drivers called Trucker Path DISPATCH. Chris Oliver, an executive with Trucker Path, said that the company handles “all the back-office work so drivers can just concentrate on driving. The personalized approach lets drivers determine their lane and commodity preferences, and then we find the loads they want to haul at profitable rates, eliminate forced dispatches, handle the check calls, and also help with finding parking and the best places to shut down at the end of a shift.” Trucker Path CEO said that the trucking industry has received tens of billions of venture and private equity investment in the past decade with very little supporting the individual driver. “Smaller carriers and owner operators often don’t get the same competitive advantages achieved through technology that larger carriers and brokers get,” he said. “Trucker Path DISPATCH is a tech-enhanced, highly-efficient, full-service dispatch service designed specifically to serve the back-office needs of the hundreds of thousands of small carriers and owner-operators who rely on the suite of driver-focused features Trucker Path provides.” Trucker Path DISPATCH features include: Load Sourcing & Negotiation Truck Navigation Status Reporting Compliance Monitoring Digital Paperwork “With over a million users on our app we have the unique advantage of directly contacting our drivers to ask them what they like and want,” Oliver said. “The features in this initial launch of DISPATCH were the top selections. Just like we do with all our offerings, we will continue to ask our community of drivers and continue to build this service until it has all the features they want and need.” To get started with Trucker Path DISPATCH, drivers must submit their Motor Carrier Authority, certificate of insurance and W-9 tax forms, sign a service level agreement and begin sharing their load and lane preferences with a personal dispatcher. The only cost to drivers is 5% per booked load.  

FleetPride celebrates growth with acquisition of Louisiana shop

By The Trucker News Staff -

IRVING, Texas — FleetPride, Inc., the nation’s largest distributor of truck and trailer parts and service in the independent heavy duty aftermarket, has acquired the assets of Murray’s Diesel Repair of Shreveport, Louisiana, giving the company more than 300 locations across the nation, according to a news release. Founded in 2016 by Travis and Stephanie Murray, Murray’s Diesel Repair provides a full line of services to drivers and fleets throughout the Ark-La-Tex region. Separately, the Murrays will continue to operate Murray’s Auto Repair in Shreveport., which focuses on the repair of light duty vehicles. “This is a momentous acquisition for FleetPride,” FleetPride CEO Mike Duffy said. “Not only are we excited to welcome the entire Murray’s Diesel Repair team to our company, but this acquisition also pushes FleetPride to over 300 locations across the country. It is fitting that a strong, talented and dedicated team like the one at Murray’s Diesel Repair is the one that helped us get there.” Travis Murray said, “We’re very proud of this entire team for everything they have done to build a thriving heavy-duty repair business. With the backing of FleetPride’s nationwide support network and commitment to developing talent, we know they will be in good hands now and in the future.” Mike Harris, senior vice president of sales and operations for FleetPride, talked about the company’s growth. “To grow a nationwide heavy-duty parts and service network like ours, it takes a committed team that is passionate about serving customers,” Harris said. “I want to personally thank our FleetPride team members for all their hard work and determination as we pass the 300-plus location milestone. In addition to great acquisitions, I’m proud of our teams for executing on our strategic initiatives that pave the way for long-term growth as we evolve from a parts distributor to a technology-focused, full-scale solutions provider.”

Crash involving 2 big rigs ends in massive fireball; no injuries reported

By The Trucker News Staff -

ELYRIA TOWNSHIP, Ohio — Two truck drivers escaped injury on April 28 when one rig crashed into another that was stalled on the shoulder of the Ohio Turnpike in Lorain County. Ohio Department of Transportation cameras captured the accident, which created several explosions and a massive mushroom cloud of flames. Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers said the disabled semi had been hauling a hazardous material and continued to explode for an hour, according to WOIO in Cleveland. Both the eastbound and westbound lanes of the turnpike, as well as the I-90 overpass, were closed for several hours due to the fire. Police said the driver of the stalled semi is a 34-year-old man from Hemet, California. The driver who hit his truck was identified only as a 57-year-old man from Miramar, Florida. Neither driver was injured, and troopers said no charges have been filed.  

Omaha man accused of stealing tractor-trailer after being stuck in mud

By The Trucker News Staff -

HAMBURG, Iowa. – A man is accused of stealing a tractor-trailer on April 29 after the one he was driving got stuck in the mud. WOWT reports that Fremont County, Iowa, deputies believe that Joshua Osborne, 39, of Omaha, Nebraska, was driving a semi-tractor near Main and Willis in Hamburg, Iowa, when he got stuck in mud. Reports aid that Osborne then broke into another nearby semi and drove off. A caller contacted officers and told them that Osborne ditched the semi-trailer and fled to an abandoned house in the area. A Fremont K9 found Osborne and he was arrested. He is facing charges of operating without owner’s consent, third degree burglary and other charges. He is being held on a $5,000 bond as of the time of this report.

Blizzard closes Interstate 80 from Wyoming to middle-Nebraska

By The Trucker News Staff -

|UPDATE| According to the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP), gates are opening and Interstate 80 is reopening in the Panhandle. “Take a slow and watch for slick spots,” a NSP Facebook post stated. “Thanks for your patience and thanks to Nebraska Department of Transportation and our tow partners for their works to clear things up.” Gates are opening and I-80 is reopening in the Panhandle. Take a slow and watch for slick spots. Thanks for your patience and thanks to @NebraskaDOT and our tow partners for their works to clear things up. pic.twitter.com/qDUCbWB4Rr — Nebraska State Patrol (@NEStatePatrol) May 2, 2022 |PREVIOUS STORY| BIG SPRINGS, Neb. — A spring-time blizzard is wreaking havoc on roadways from eastern Wyoming through parts of Nebraska today as it sweeps east. According to the Nebraska State Patrol, as of 10:30 Central Daylight Time, Interstate 80 is closed from the Wyoming line to Big Springs, Nebraska. Officials say conditions are changing rapidly and advise anyone traveling along Interstate 80 to find a safe, alternate route around the storm or park. Snow conditions are expected through late afternoon and into the evening hours. For road conditions in this area, click here.   🚨🚨I-80 is now CLOSED from Wyoming to Big Springs due to the weather conditions and multiple crashes. I-76 into Colorado is open. Please don’t attempt to travel in these conditions. Troopers are working with @NebraskaDOT to clear stranded vehicles now. pic.twitter.com/u3ADbHcvj1 — Nebraska State Patrol (@NEStatePatrol) May 2, 2022

Nominations sought for top transportation companies for women

By The Trucker News Staff -

PLOVER, Wis. — Nominations are open for the 2022 Top Companies for Women to Work For in Transpiration list. Sponsored by Navistar and Women in Trucking, the annual list highlights top companies that are exceptional workplaces for women in all roles of the transportation industry, according to a news release. Nominations close May 14. Winning companies are recognized in a news release, Redefining the Road magazine, conference, social media and more. Click here for full details and to make a nomination.

TMAF to Host National Middle School Art Competition

By The Trucker News Staff -

ARLINGTON, Va. — Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF) is seeking young artists in middle school to join their art competition. Students are asked to create a design for a big rig trailer wrap that depicts the theme, “What does trucking bring you?” TMAF trailer wraps cover 18 wheelers and travel America’s highways. “Trailer wraps are a great opportunity to educate motorists about the value of the trucking industry – and a great way to display the work of emerging young artists,” according to a news release. Some examples of designs may include images of important everyday items that trucks bring a child or his or her family and community. Do you know a middle schooler that you would encourage to enter the contest? If you would like to enter a student, grades 6-8, please provide us with the following: • The student’s name, city and school they attend • A parent or adult contact • Contact information: email and phone number • Send to: [email protected]    

Class 8 natural gas truck retail sales show gains

By The Trucker News Staff -

COLUMBUS, Ind – For the first two months of 2022, U.S. and Canadian Class 8 natural gas truck retail sales rose 21% year-to-date against comparisons of the same time period in 2021, as published in the quarterly report (AFQ: Alternative Fuels Quarterly) recently released by ACT Research. The ACT Alternative Fuels Quarterly (AFQ) details such adoption considerations as fuel prices, fuel/charging infrastructure development, equipment prices/products/technological developments and regulatory changes. Natural gas truck sales data and a forecast for new natural gas adoption are included. “Sales of natural gas-powered vehicles as reported by the six major truck OEMs, who account for approximately 60% of the heavy-duty natural gas market, were mixed in the December to February time period, with December and January experiencing strong year-over-year gains, but February lagging considerably,” said Steve Tam, vice president at ACT Research. “In the near term, December’s sales easily outshone January and February’s activity, which paled in comparison. Combined, sales in the three-month period extended and increased (year-to-date) gains meaningfully, a relatively new development.” Tam added, “Besides sales, the Alternative Fuels Quarterly analyzes the change in existing and planned alternative fuel/power infrastructure and equipment developments. We’re seeing an overall increase in electric charging stations, both existing and planned, but a continuing decline of total natural gas stations, particularly those planned for the future. That said, we still see articles about natural gas use in transportation, as well as discussions about hydrogen fuel cells and investments, but the overwhelming amount of trade-industry headlines continues to focus on electric commercial vehicle development.”

USDOT grants up to $2M loan for Maryland bridge project

By The Trucker News Staff -

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced that its Build America Bureau has provided a $200 million low-interest loan to the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) for the Governor Harry W. Nice Memorial/Senator Thomas “Mac” Middleton Bridge Replacement Project. The bureau helps communities across the country reduce the costs of infrastructure projects by providing Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loans, known as TIFIA loans and other types of financing. The $672 million project will replace the 83-year-old bridge, which carries U.S. 301 over the Potomac River between Maryland and Virginia. This project will expand capacity by doubling the number of lanes from two to four and ensure a higher vertical clearance over the navigable waterway, allowing taller vessels to pass under the bridge. “The new Nice Bridge will address the four-mile-long daily backups and enhance roadway safety by creating a median barrier and wider lanes,” said Deputy Transportation Secretary Polly Trottenberg. “With 18,000 vehicles a day crossing, many of which are commuters headed to large employers like Naval Support Facility Dahlgren and Naval Support Facility Indian Head, this is a critical safety and quality of life improvement for the region.” “This loan helps deliver a long-awaited  new bridge that will last at least 100 years,” said Bureau Executive Director Morteza Farajian. “By financing a third of the costs, we are helping bring this project to fruition sooner and at less cost to taxpayers, improving connectivity between local communities in Maryland and Virginia.” The bureau was established as a “one-stop-shop” during the Obama Administration to help states and other project sponsors carry out infrastructure projects. The bureau offers low-interest, long-term credit programs, technical assistance, and best practices in project planning, financing, delivery and operation. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, signed by President Biden in November 2021, expands project eligibility for the Bureau’s TIFIA credit program and extends maturity of the loans, giving borrowers additional flexibility. To date, the DOT has closed more than $37.9 billion in TIFIA financings, supporting more than $130.7 billion in infrastructure investment across the country.

Electric charging at truck stops mentioned as part of federal effort to reduce emissions

By The Trucker News Staff -

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has announced a new program that unlocks $6.4 billion in formula funding for states and localities over five years that includes adding electric charging stations at truck stops. The new Carbon Reduction Program (CRP), created under the President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, “will help states develop carbon reduction strategies and address the climate crisis facing our nation,” according to a news release. “As the sector generating the most carbon emissions in the U.S. economy, transportation must play a leading role in solving the climate crisis,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “The Carbon Reduction Program will help reduce pollution from transportation and move us closer to the President’s ambitious goal of cutting emissions in half by 2030.” The CRP will fund a wide range of projects designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from on-road highway sources — from installing infrastructure to support the electrification of freight vehicles or personal cars, to constructing Bus Rapid Transit corridors, to facilitating micro-mobility and biking. Under the CRP, states must also develop carbon reduction strategies in consultation with Metropolitan Planning Organizations to identify projects and strategies tailored to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in their states, although states and localities may begin using the CRP funds even before plans are developed and reviewed. “This new program provides states and local agencies in both urban and rural areas the flexibility and funding needed to reduce emissions and build a more sustainable transportation network that will benefit all travelers,” said Deputy Federal Highway Administrator Stephanie Pollack. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes transformative investments in our nation’s transportation infrastructure, and this is one of the key programs that will help address the climate crisis.” Eligible projects include on- and off-road trail facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists and other nonmotorized forms of transportation and projects that support the deployment of alternative fuel vehicles. These types of projects, which are determined at the state and local level but could be supported with federal funding, include zero emission vehicles and facilities, projects that support congestion pricing and travel demand strategies; truck stop and port electrification systems to reduce the environmental impacts of freight movement and carbon dioxide emissions at port facilities; and public transportation projects such as the construction of bus rapid transit corridors or dedicated bus lanes. Micro-mobility and electric bike projects, including charging infrastructure, may also be eligible. A growing number of companies with fleets of big rigs are already purchasing electric tractors, with Pepsi Co. and J.B. Hunt among them. FHWA previously announced state-by-state totals, which included funding for the CRP. In total, the U.S. Department of Transportation has sent $52.5 billion to states for Fiscal Year 2022 for Federal-aid Highway Program apportionments, which is determined by a formula set by Congress. For more information about the new Carbon Reduction Program and guidance, visit FHWA’s web site and fact sheet. The five-year funding table for total estimated CRP state-by-state funding for Fiscal Years 2022-2026 is available here.

3 dead after SUV fails to yield to Arizona trooper, collides with tractor-trailer

By The Trucker News Staff -

PHOENIX — Three people are dead after an SUV collided with a tractor-trailer after not yielding to Arizona state troopers. The incident happened in the morning hours of April 21 when an Arizona state trooper tried to stop the driver of a Toyota SUV for reckless driving on westbound Interstate 10 near mile post 214, east of Eloy, Arizona. The SUV’s driver, Kevin Avila, 18, of Phoenix did not yield to the trooper’s lights and siren, entering the dirt median, where it rolled over. The SUV then entered the eastbound traffic lanes of I-10, where it traveled with a tractor-traveler that was traveling eastbound. A box truck heading east on I-10 also sustained damage in the collision. There were nine people in the SUV, five of which were airlifted to hospitals in the Phoenix and Tucson area with serious to critical injuries. Three of the nine people in the SUV were killed, with two declared dead at the scene and another one dying at the hospital. The deceased are Alexis Miguel Fuentes De La Cruz, 22; Omar Ortiz-Ramirez, 36; and Raúl Carranza-Alonso, 39. All three of the deceased were Mexican nationals. One of the other occupants of the SUV is still hospitalized and four were treated and released from the hospitals. The driver of the tractor-trailer and box truck sustained minor injuries. They were treated and released from Tucson and Phoenix area hospitals. Avila was treated and released from a Tucson-area hospital before being booked into the Pinal County Jail. Avila faces three counts of first-degree homicide, seven counts of endangerment and seven counts of aggravated assault. The AZDPS Vehicular Crimes Unit is conducting the criminal investigation for this incident. Investigators are working to complete the next-of-kin notification process.

1 dead after fiery crash involving car, 2 semi-trucks on I-94

By The Trucker News Staff -

ALBION TOWNSHIP, Mich. — One person is dead after a fiery crash involving two semi-trucks and a car on Thursday afternoon. WILX reported that police said the crash happened when a semi-truck hit a car that had rear-ended another semi-truck. The car and one of the semi-trucks caught on fire. The driver of the car was declared dead at the scene. One of the semi drivers was taken in for treatment and the other truck driver was uninjured. Michigan State Police gave updates via tweet. Marshall troopers currently on scene of a 3 vehicle fatal crash involving 2 semis.#RoadClosedEB I-94, mm #121, Albion Twp, Calhoun County, is shut down for investigation & cleanup. Please use alternate route until further notice. Additional info coming soon. pic.twitter.com/LLzyuyEhEn — MSP Fifth District (@MspSouthwestMI) April 28, 2022 WKZO reports that the eastbound lanes of Interstate 94 were shut down into the night for an investigation and cleanup. WILX said the freeway reopened at about 1:30 a.m. Friday.

Mississippi governor announces major infrastructure initiative

By The Trucker News Staff -

JACKSON, Miss. – Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves has announced the signing of multiple pieces of legislation, appropriating hundreds of millions of dollars for major infrastructure improvements across the state. The investments include road and bridge repairs, drinking water improvements and more. Reeves also discussed a range of line-item vetoes that he had made concerning spending earmarks that he had deemed irresponsible uses of taxpayer dollars. “We’re strengthening our roads, bolstering our bridges, and increasing access to clean drinking water,” Reeves said. “These investments will not only help us pave roads but pave the pathway to economic prosperity. By building better roads and constructing stronger bridges we give Mississippians the tools necessary to run their businesses, provide for their families, and get to work safely.” The discussed legislation included: HB1630, Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) Appropriation $1.426 billion appropriation for MDOT. $45 million for maintenance program. $35 million for capacity program which provides for new construction of major projects needed to add efficiency to system. $40 million needed for a federal match that will go towards street projects. $100 million for the Emergency Road and Bridge Repair Program, which focuses entirely on local roads and bridges. Legislative authority to make salary adjustments for staff, greater flexibility to invest budget into team. SB2822, Mississippi Municipality and County Water Infrastructure Grant Program Act of 2022 Makes $450 million available for grant program. $400 million in one-to-one match grant, $50 million in additional grants to small municipalities. Authorizes multiple rounds of water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure grant projects. HB1538/HB1421, ARPA Rural Water Associations Infrastructure Grant Program & Appropriation Invests $300 million into the program. Money will assist rural water associations in the construction of eligible drinking water infrastructure projects. Government should be in the business of attempting to steward taxpayer money responsibly to projects of great importance. Over the course of the review process, Reeves determined that there were a range of earmarked expenditures that were less appropriate ways of expending money. Line-Item Vetoes: $1 million to build a parking lot at the Jackson Convention Center. $1 million to the Scenic River Development for their golf course. $250,000 to Briarwood Pool. $2 million for the City of Jackson Planetarium. $500,000 to the City of Greenville for green space next to the Federal Courthouse. $13.25 million for, among other things, a golf park and trail at LeFleur’s Bluff. $1 million to the City of Pascagoula to assist with renovations of city offices. $50,000 to Arise and Shine, Inc. in Copiah County. $200,000 to Summit Community Development Foundation for costs associated with the Stand Pipe project. $7.5 million in earmarks that would be distributed to private companies through the Mississippi Development Authority without the normal financial/economic impact analysis. In a Facebook post, Reeves explained his veto decisions. “We vetoed $14 million in golf course spending. I’ve been trying for a long time to get the state out of the golf course business,” the post read. “One of these projects was for a golf course that we already gave to another entity. The other was to revive a closed golf course in Jackson that is surrounded by three other publicly accessible golf courses within five miles. It’s just not a good investment when we have so many other critical needs.” The post continued, “We vetoed $2 million of state taxpayer money for the defunct planetarium. The Jackson city council actually made a similar decision recently. I think the reason is simple. Jackson needs investment in safety. We need more police, not planetarium spending that has already proven to be wasteful. When we get that fully funded, we can consider luxury items. “I vetoed some spending that is simply not state taxpayers’ responsibility: a privately-owned pool, green space around a federal courthouse, city office upgrades, and a parking lot for a convention center that the state gave up long ago in order to end a losing investment. We gave it up for this express reason: to avoid putting you on the hook for these types of expenses. I also vetoed some money that would have gone to private interests that are better served in existing state programs that have accountability and oversight—not earmarks. “Want to make sure you know why we make these decisions! It always makes people, even my friends, angry when we can’t spend on everything they want. But it’s important to be responsible with the money because it doesn’t belong to politicians—it is yours.”

Driver hits disabled semi-truck, causing fiery explosions on Ohio Turnpike

By The Trucker News Staff -

LORAIN COUNTY, Ohio – A crash between two semis led to several fiery explosions on the Ohio Turnpike Wednesday evening. WOIO reports that a semi-truck on the eastbound lanes of the Ohio Turnpike hit a disabled semi-truck then hit a concrete median Wednesday evening near Elyria Township, Ohio. Ohio State Highway Patrol told WOIO that the impact caused both vehicles to become fully engulfed in flames. The hazardous material being hauled by the disabled semi ignited, causing explosions for an hour. The dangerous situation caused both the east and westbound lanes of the turnpike as well as the Interstate 90 overpass to close for several hours due to the massive fire. Video obtained by WOIO shows several of the explosions. Troopers told WOIO that the disabled semi was driven by a 34-year-old man from Hemet, California, and the driver who hit him was a 57-year-old man from Miramar, Florida. Neither driver was injured. No charges have been filed as of this reporting and troopers said that alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the crash.

HDA Truck Pride launches e-commerce store

By The Trucker News Staff -

ST. LOUIS — HDA Truck Pride, a national, independent supplier of parts and service to the commercial vehicle aftermarket, has announced the launch of the HDA Truck Pride Store. “E-commerce is a vital part of doing business today. Our goal is to support our members by providing more efficient, easier to use tools,” said Laura Hewitt, vice president of technology for HDA Truck Pride. “We really wanted to enhance the user experience by improving navigation, search capabilities and site performance. The PhaseZero CxCommerce™ platform allowed us to do that.” PhaseZero’s CxCommerce™ is a software platform designed to connect distributors, customers and suppliers, and bring employees and customers closer together, according to a company news release. It also allows customers to purchase products through an online channel in addition to traditional counter or call-in service. “PhaseZero’s CxCommerce™ solutions bring sophisticated digital commerce technologies to HDA Truck Pride members, where they can focus on growth and becoming more efficient with today’s labor shortages and supply chain issues,” said Ram ChandraSekar, founder and CEO of PhaseZero. “Our solution and execution approach,” added ChandraSekar, “enables HDA Truck Pride members to respond quickly to changing market conditions and better serve their customers by offering flexible options. It also promotes both in-store or online employee interactions, allowing a traditional brick-and-mortar business to access the best available digital technology to complement its industry expertise, customer relationships, and last-mile delivery services.” The HDA Truck Pride store was launched this week during their annual meeting in Orlando. “Feedback from beta users has been great thus far so the annual meeting was the perfect opportunity to announce our launch, with PhaseZero. We are excited to collaborate to bring continuous innovation and enhance our digital experience offering over the coming months,” Hewitt said.  

Armed robbery suspect arrested after crashing into tractor-trailer

By The Trucker News Staff -

ATLANTA — An armed robbery suspect was arrested this week after a high-speed chase ended with him colliding with a tractor-trailer. WSB-TV reports that officers received an armed robbery call near midnight on April 25. Police told WSB-TV when they arrived, suspect Tyrone Morrow intentionally rammed an officer’s vehicle while fleeing in a Ford Focus. Morrow led police on a chase after refusing to yield at a traffic stop. The pursuit didn’t last very long, with Morrow colliding with a tractor-trailer when he attempted to get off the interstate onto an exit ramp. Morrow was taken into custody with reported minor injuries. Police told WSB-TV that the tractor-trailer driver was not injured. Morrow was treated and released, then taken to Fulton County jail where he is facing charges of aggravated assault, felony fleeing and eluding, felony obstruction, armed robber and possession of a firearm  during the commission of a felony.

Research firm: ‘Sky isn’t falling’ in transportation industry

By The Trucker News Staff -

COLUMBUS, Ind. — ACT Research is responding to a recent op-ed piece that ran in a transportation trade publication proclaiming that “the sky is falling” in the transportation industry. According to ACT officials, their staff has received many questions surrounding the issue. “To be fair, for the first time since Q2’20 transportation metrics stopped moving ‘up and to the right’ in Q1,” said ACT President and Senior Analyst Kenny Vieth. “While a mid-2022 deceleration in freight activity and rates has long been anticipated in ACT’s freight market research and the timing of the turn was as anticipated, the magnitude of the correction was considerably larger than expected,” he continued. When asked why he doesn’t think the sky is falling, Vieth explained, “Recognizing the uptick in caution flags, there is still much to like about the current situation. As a result, our forecasts for 2022 and 2023 are virtually unchanged: Carrier profitability, pent-up demand and prebuying remain large forces that should propel the industry into the end of 2023. And, while the risk of stagflation has grown, part of the ‘-flation’ are hot U.S. and Canadian job markets. As well, consumer debt service as a percentage of disposable income is near trough levels and corporate profits are at all-time highs, so there is greater capacity economy-wide to absorb shocks.” Vieth said that on the freight front, there are two points to make. “First, carrier profits were at all-time record levels in 2021, and TL fleet contract rates are still expected to rise double digits this year,” he said. “The second point is used vehicle prices,” he continued. “We are likely near the top, and valuations are likely to fall as freight market constraints ease, but currently used inventories are half their year-ago levels, which will cushion that decline. And, when freight volumes do roll-off, there is considerable high-priced capacity that is likely to exit the market, thereby putting a pretty high floor under freight rates.” The Trucker recently published an article sounding some concerns about the coming months in the trucking industry; however, in that article, Vieth also sought to tamp down the “doom and gloom.” Whether the coming months will be a “bloodbath” or a “shallow correction,” the consensus is that conditions in trucking may get a lot tougher. How bad it gets and how long it lasts will play out in coming months.