The Trucker News Staff

SAN ANTONIO — A tractor-trailer struck and injured a sheriff’s deputy who was escorting a funeral procession on April 21 in Bexar County, Texas. The 18-wheeler struck the 57-year-old Bexar County Sheriff’s Deputy at approximately 11:35 a.m. at Somerset and Old Somerset Road in San Antonio while he was guiding a funeral procession, according to KSAT. The deputy was on his motorcycle going southbound when the northbound 18-wheeler clipped him, according to KENS. Officials told KSAT that the truck driver saw the deputy’s emergency lights and tried to stop but was unable to because of wet conditions. The trailer slid and struck the deputy, knocking him into a metal guardrail. The deputy reportedly had a broken leg, a broken ankle, a fractured rib and road rash. He was taken to an area hospital for treatment of his injuries. KSAT said the officer was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. KENS reports that it’s unclear if the driver of the tractor-trailer will face any charges at this time.

CHICAGO — Repairs to the bridge carrying Black Road over Interstate 55 in Shorewood, Illinois, and Joliet, Illinois, began April 26, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) To complete the work, Black Road will be reduced to one lane in each direction over the bridge. In early June, Black Road will remain one lane in each direction, with lane widths reduced to 9 feet, 6 inches. Motorists can also expect intermittent overnight lane closures on I-55, between Jefferson Street (U.S. 52) and Caton Farm Road. In addition, northwest Frontage Road, from south of Black Road to Jefferson Street will be closed to through traffic for the duration of the project. Will County: Repairs to the bridge carrying Black Road over Interstate 55 begin April 26 and will reduce the bridge to one lane in each direction. The northwest Frontage Road from south of Black Road to Jefferson Street will be closed to through traffic. https://t.co/BleDm2EEHa pic.twitter.com/Gnke0QVufi — IDOT District 1 (@IDOTDistrict1) April 25, 2022 This work also will require intermittent overnight lane closures on I-55 between Jefferson Street (U.S. 52) and Caton Farm Road. https://t.co/UW20mLCKm4 — IDOT_Illinois (@IDOT_Illinois) April 25, 2022 Motorists should follow the posted detour. Access to local residences and businesses will be maintained throughout construction. The $1 million project, which consists of a new bridge deck overlay, structural steel and joints repairs, is expected to be completed in September. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Alternative routes are strongly encouraged. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and be on the alert for workers and equipment. Over the next six years, IDOT is planning to improve more than 3,535 miles of highway and nine million square feet of bridge deck as part of the Rebuild Illinois capital program, which is investing $33.2 billion into all modes of transportation. Accomplishments through year two included approximately $5.2 billion of improvements statewide on 3,020 miles of highway, 270 bridges and 428 additional safety improvements. Find traffic and road conditions visit www.gettingaroundillinois.com.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has declared Pennsylvania-licensed commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver Elwood M. Roberson to be an “imminent hazard” to public safety and ordered him to immediately cease operating any CMV in interstate commerce. Roberson was served the federal order on April 25. On Feb. 11, Roberson was operating a CMV to transport propane, a hazardous material, on River Road in Manor Township, Pennsylvania. According to an FMCSA report, Roberson crossed the center line of the road and sideswiped an oncoming vehicle. Roberson was taken into custody and administered a blood alcohol test by the Manor Township Police Department. Roberson’s blood alcohol content was 0.21, more than five times the 0.04 legal limit for CMV drivers. Under FMCSA regulations, drivers with a commercial driver’s license are subject to a variety of prohibitions on use of alcohol prior to and while driving CMVs, including a prohibition on using any alcohol within four hours of driving and a prohibition on driving with an alcohol concentration of .04 or greater. Roberson is now listed as prohibited in FMCSA’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse and faces possible criminal charges in Pennsylvania. FMCSA’s imminent hazard order states that Roberson “failed to exercise an appropriate duty of care to the motoring public while operating a CMV that was transporting propane, a hazardous material. Specifically, (he) ignored FMCSRs relating to alcohol use and the safe operation of a CMV. These violations and blatant disregard for the safety of the motoring public demonstrated by these actions substantially increases the likelihood of serious injury or death to [him] and the motoring public if not discontinued immediately.” Failing to comply with the provisions of the federal imminent hazard order may result in civil penalties of up to $2,072. Knowing and/or willful violations may result in criminal penalties. A copy of the imminent hazard order issued to Roberson is available here.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — According to the latest release of the State of the Industry: U.S. Classes 3-8 Used Trucks, published by ACT Research, used Class 8 retail volumes (same dealer sales) in March were 11% higher month over month. Longer term, volumes were down 27% year over year. Average prices were 8% higher compared to February, and 90% more expensive than in March of 2021. Average miles and age were down slightly from February, at -2% and -4%, respectively, with miles up 2% year over year and age 1% higher than last March. The report from ACT provides data on the average selling price, miles and age based on a sample of industry data. In addition, the report provides the average selling price for top-selling Class 8 models for each of the major truck OEMs — Freightliner (Daimler), Kenworth and Peterbilt (Paccar), International (Navistar), and Volvo and Mack (Volvo). This report is utilized by those throughout the industry, including commercial vehicle dealers, to gain a better understanding of the used truck market, especially as it relates to changes in near-term performance. “Used Class 8 same dealer retail sales volumes enjoyed a second straight month of improved volumes in March, rising 11% sequentially,” said Steve Tam, vice president at ACT Research. “Typical seasonality called for a 13% increase, so while better recent new truck sales may have contributed, the gain was not unanticipated,” he continued. “Positively, March new truck sales were meaningfully higher, exceeding expectations, and as the associated trades work their way through the process, they should also contribute to improved used truck sales.” When asked about the future of the US used truck market, Tam said, “Looking ahead to near-term expectations, sales usually slow to below-average levels in April and May, returning to normal in June and July. As has been the case for more than a year now, it will be the supply chain that dictates the pace and timing of new truck deliveries, which in turn largely control the tempo of the used truck market.” He concluded, “The foremost topic in used truck dealers’ minds is where values are headed. Driven by new truck market and supply-chain challenges, it seems no truck customers, new or used, can get the equipment they want when they want it. And while some progress is being made with regard to part shortages, limitations are likely to persist through 2022 and into 2023.”

OKLAHOMA CITY — Love’s Truck Care Academy recently launched in Amarillo, Texas, where it graduated its first class of level five diesel technicians. The five-week, in-residency training program grows the skill set of newly hired Love’s Truck Care and Speedco diesel technicians so they can provide industry-leading service to customers. Love’s Truck Care Academy is a paid, accelerated training program to develop diesel technicians in seven heavy-duty systems with classroom and hands-on experience, according to a news release. Technicians learn how to diagnose, troubleshoot and repair issues commonly found in trucks. Upon graduation, technicians are placed at a Love’s Truck Care or Speedco location as a level five diesel technician. They’re also given a tool set valued at $3,500 that’s theirs to keep after a year on the job. “Our team members are our number one asset, and Love’s Truck Care Academy provides the tools and training needed to help those team members grow into the best in the industry,” said Gary Price, executive vice president of total truck solutions for Love’s. “The goal of the Academy is to best equip our team to get customers back on the road quickly and safely. This program is the first of its kind in the truck care industry and we look forward to expanding it in the future.” A second Love’s Truck Care Academy is scheduled to open later this year in El Reno, Oklahoma. “Another training path Love’s offers is its prestigious mechanic apprenticeship program, which allows apprentices to earn a competitive wage while working toward the designation of a diesel technician,” the news release stated. Upon successful completion of the apprentice program, apprentices receive a tool kit which is theirs to keep after one year of employment as a technician. Newly hired diesel technicians can make between $22 and $27 an hour plus commission. Those interested in a career at Love’s can visit jobs.loves.com.

OLDHAM COUNTY, Texas — A tractor-trailer driver is dead after high winds caused him to lose control of his truck on April 23 on Interstate 40 near Adrian, Texas. KVII-TV reports that Singh Bahadur, 34, of Manteca, California, was driving east on I-40 Saturday morning when a high crosswind lifted his semi-trailer off the highway. Bahadur reportedly tried to get the trailer back onto its wheels, but wound up traveling into the center median, with the vehicle rolling onto its left side. KVII-TV reports that Bahadur was partially ejected and pronounced dead at the scene.

ELLIS, Kan. — A Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) trooper was struck by an 18-wheeler along Interstate 70 Tuesday while conducting a safety inspection on another rig. According to a KHP Facebook post, the trooper, identified only by his last name of Summers, was not seriously injured. The post states that Summers was standing “at/in the (driver’s) door of the truck he was inspecting when this happened. Thankfully he was not seriously injured, this could have easily been much worse!” Kansas law requires drivers to move over for a stationary emergency vehicle on a multi lane highway. “We are out every day trying our best to make sure Kansas roads are safer for everyone to travel on, please give us room to do this!” the Facebook post states. Summers’ trooper vehicle, a Dodge Charger, was severely damaged and pushed underneath the tractor-trailer he was inspecting. The door of the tractor was forced forward and destroyed.

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. – Beginning the week of May 2, the eastbound lanes on West Lake Street under the Tri-State Tollway (Interstate 294) will be closed to traffic through the end of the month with a posted detour, and traffic shifts and overnight closures will be needed on ramps connecting I-290 to Lake Street/North Avenue. The closures and detours needed are for Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways-led local roadway and bridge construction in Elmhurst and Northlake to accommodate the Illinois Tollway’s North Avenue Interchange Project on the Central Tri-State Tollway. Electronic message signs and construction signage will be put in place to alert drivers in advance of closures and detours, which are necessary to safely accommodate a work zone. Up-to-date closure information will be posted on the Tollway website in the Daily Construction Alert. All work is weather dependent. Lane closures on eastbound West Lake Street are scheduled to begin the week of May 2 and a detour will be put in place directing traffic east on North Avenue (Illinois Route 64) and south on Railroad Avenue to access West Lake Street. Traffic is scheduled to remain in this configuration until the end of May. In addition to accommodate construction, traffic shifts will be put in place on the ramp connecting eastbound I-290 to Lake Street/North Avenue and nightly closures will be scheduled on the ramp connecting westbound I-290 to eastbound Lake Street/North Avenue, from 8 p.m.-5 a.m. the following morning. Construction in this area is being coordinated with Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways, the Illinois Department of Transportation, the City of Elmhurst and the City of Northlake, as well as local fire and police departments. Construction updates, project information, maps and detour information for work that is part of the North Avenue Interchange Project at I-294 are available in the Projects section on the Tollway’s website at www.illinoistollway.com as well as on the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways website at maps.cookcountyil.gov/hwyproject. Ongoing lane closures and traffic shifts are scheduled to continue over the next three years on these local roadways to allow Cook County to complete the roadway improvements which includes pavement reconstruction, bridge work, watermain reconstruction, drainage installation, and traffic signal modifications. The project will include work to realign a portion of County Line Road to accommodate the reconstruction and widening of the Central Tri-State Tollway and for the North Avenue Interchange Project, which includes construction of a new ramp connecting southbound I-294 to County Line Road to provide new access to North Avenue and Lake Street and to help reduce congestion at the interchange and on local roads. In addition, the North Avenue and Lake Street (U.S. Route 20) intersection will be reconfigured to improve traffic flow and provide new direct access to eastbound North Avenue. Drainage improvements are planned to help alleviate flooding in the area during periods of heavy rainfall. Construction of detention ponds to hold stormwater and the installation of new storm sewers will help address flooding along North Avenue. In partnership with the Illinois Tollway and cities of Northlake and Elmhurst, Cook County is leading the project’s design and will be constructing the project improvements. This work is part of the Tollway’s 15-year, $14 billion capital program, Move Illinois: The Illinois Tollway Driving the Future.  

LOWELL, Ark. — J.B. Hunt recognized 69 of its company drivers who have driven 2-4 million safe miles during its annual Million Mile celebration. The company made the announcement in a LinkedIn post. ““This celebration is one of our favorite events of the year,” Nick Hobbs, chief operating officer and president of contract services, said. “It takes a great amount of patience and dedication to drive two million-plus safe miles, and we’re honored to recognize the men and women who go above and beyond each day to ensure J.B. Hunt remains one of the safest fleets on the road.” J.B. Hunt drivers and employees took part in the Million Mile Walk of Fame, a company tradition to celebrate the Million Mile drivers and their families. During the celebration, corporate employees lined four flights of stairs to congratulate drivers with cheers, applause and high fives. In addition to the Walk of Fame, drivers were treated to an honorary lunch, an awards ceremony, and a visit with company leadership. Drivers will also receive recognition on J.B. Hunt’s Million Mile Wall, which includes more than 4,000 company drivers who have achieved at least one million safe miles. J.B. Hunt implemented the Million Mile program in 1996 and hosted its first celebration in 2001. Since its beginning, the Million Mile event has been the premier celebration for J.B. Hunt drivers and their families. The celebration was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic, so in 2021, J.B. Hunt recognized drivers who reached their million-mile accomplishment during a two-week event.  

ST. IGNACE, Mich. ­- Without binoculars it would be tough to see from shore the large chunks and spears of ice that sometimes plummet from the towers and cables of the Mackinac Bridge. A new video released by the Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) and the Michigan Department of Transportation includes footage and still images of kitchen table-sized sheets and 20-foot-long spears of ice shattering on the bridge deck to help explain why the bridge must be closed when ice is falling. No injuries have been reported due to falling ice on the Mackinac Bridge, though the potential is real. MBA Maintenance Supervisor Joe Shampine has been in a vehicle struck by falling ice, so he’s seen up close the damage it can do. “Seeing all these big chunks come down… it could hurt somebody really bad, if not kill,” Shampine said. “We see it all the time. It comes down and it’ll crush you. It’ll kill you.” That hazard is what prompts the authority to close the bridge while ice is falling, most dangerous when it falls from 300 feet up near the top of the towers and cables. “In the case of falling ice, it is so dangerous, that it’s cut and dried that we have to close the bridge,” MBA Bridge Director Kim Nowack said. “We know it’s a big inconvenience and we absolutely hate to close the bridge. We only do it in extreme circumstances.” Mackinac County 911, using its RAVE Alert System, sends updates and information from the MBA to users’ cell phones any time the bridge has a partial or full closure due to weather or other conditions. Messages also will be sent when a full closure is reduced to a partial closure or when the bridge reopens to all traffic. To sign up, text “MacBridge” to 67283. Details and updates are also available around the clock at www.MackinacBridge.org/Conditions. Updates are posted on the Mackinac Bridge’s Twitter page, @MackinacBridge, as well as on freeway dynamic message signs. Fast facts: When ice falls from the bridge’s towers and cables, the Mackinac Bridge Authority closes the bridge to traffic for safety. Ice chunks, sheets and spears that fall hundreds of feet from the bridge’s towers and cables have damaged vehicles and have the potential to injure or kill vehicle occupants. The Mackinac Bridge has closed due to falling ice 28 times since 1995, for an average duration of roughly five hours per closure.