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Driver, passenger hospitalized after tractor-trailer falls off Atlanta bridge

ATLANTA — A truck driver and a passenger are hospitalized after the tractor-trailer they were in fell from off Fulton Street Bridge onto Pulliam Street in Atlanta early Thursday morning. The vehicle fell from the bridge at around 3:10 a.m. on Thursday, according to WGCL. It’s currently not clear what happened that led to the crash. Investigators were still trying to piece the incident together, according to most current reports. The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported that the truck broke through a metal fence on the Fulton Street bridge into the lot on Pulliam Street, just east of the Downtown Connector. Traffic was shut down while crews worked to remove the broken fence and the ramps from Interstate 20 to the southbound lanes of the connector were also shut down. WXIA reports that the truck driver was transported to Grady Hospital in Atlanta and is in serious condition. Pullman Street has reopened since the incident.    

Love’s adds 150 parking spaces with 2 new locations

OKLAHOMA CITY – Love’s Travel Stops opened two new locations in Pageland, South Carolina, and Moses Lake, Washington, on Thursday. The Pageland store adds 70 truck parking spaces and 60 jobs to Chesterfield County. The Moses Lake store adds 80 truck parking spaces and 85 jobs to Grant County. “As we open our 12th location in South Carolina and sixth location in Washington, we reaffirm Love’s commitment to provide quality services and products at competitive prices,” Greg Love, co-CEO of Love’s, said. “Our team members are ready to help customers get back on the road quickly and safely in Pageland and Moses Lake.” The locations are open 24/7 and offer many amenities, including: Pageland, South Carolina More than 9,000 square feet. Hardee’s (opening April 25). 70 truck parking spaces. 58 car parking spaces. Two RV parking spaces. Five diesel bays. Four showers. Laundry facilities. CAT scale. Bean-to-cup gourmet coffee. Brand-name snacks. Mobile to Go Zone with the latest GPS, headsets and smartphone accessories. Dog park. Moses Lake, Washington More than 11,000 square feet. Taco John’s (opening April 25). 80 truck parking spaces. 92 car parking spaces. Nine diesel bays. Seven showers. Laundry facilities. CAT scale. Bean-to-cup gourmet coffee. Brand-name snacks. Mobile to Go Zone with the latest GPS, headsets and smartphone accessories. Dog park. In honor of the grand opening, Love’s will donate $2,000 to nonprofit organizations in each community.  

Newest Howes HOF inductee ‘proud to do all these years and all these miles’

As a career driver with 52 years of service, Billy Stone was recently inducted into the Howes Hall of Fame. According to a news release, Stone “stands as a prime representation of the heart of the trucking industry. Stone has served as an impeccable driver, an inspiring mentor, and a dedicated family man.” With an exemplary driving record under his belt, Stone has logged more than 4 million miles over the years. That equates to more than eight round trips to the moon, or more than 160 times circling the Earth’s equator. He’s traveled far and wide across the entire North American continent, including Canada and Mexico. In fact, the only American state he has yet to visit is North Dakota, a bucket-list item he plans to check off this year with his son. As a young boy, Stone developed an interest in the trucking industry early on, with both his father and uncle being over-the-road drivers. In 1963, while working as a mechanic, he met and married Barbara Stone, his wife of 58 years. Barbara had family in the trucking industry as well, and when she spotted an ad for truck driving in the newspaper, she knew her new husband would be thrilled at the opportunity. Breaking into the trucking industry in 1966, Stone began his career at Whitaker Oil where, after just six weeks of training, he hit the road. After that, he never looked back, driving straight through until his retirement in 2018. For the next 10 years, Stone hauled everything from chemicals to exotic furniture before joining the team at Conyers Air Products & Chemicals in 1977. There, he quickly established himself as one of the company’s most admired drivers. “Mr. Stone is one of the most professional drivers I have had the pleasure to work with over the years,” Conyers Site Manager John Hardy said. “His commitment and dedication to safety has positively impacted generations of new drivers at the company.” With safety always at the forefront of his mind, after 35 years with Air Products & Chemicals, Stone reached a major milestone in 2012: He eclipsed 3 million miles without incident.   “I’ve been proud to do all these years and all these miles. But being recognized for it, that’s a big deal. It’s a feeling I can’t get over.” — Billy Stone     That means no accidents, fender benders or even so much as a broken taillight. Though he has accumulated numerous other awards, this one continues to be his most cherished. “Billy typifies what it means to be a truck driver – hard working, dedicated, conscientious and driven by strong family values,” said Rob Howes, executive vice president at Howes Products. “We built this hall of fame to make sure the stories and values of drivers everywhere are represented through people like Billy. As a truck driver, he’s part of a group that we are most proud of and shows how rewarding a career in driving can be. His mentorship and lead-by-example efforts help others realize that they too can achieve great heights in the trucking industry.” Dividing his time between running solo and as a team, Stone says he cherishes the relationships he built with the variety of partners he had while hauling hazardous gases and chemicals. However, closest to his heart is the inspiration he invoked in his nephew. Under Stone’s mentorship, he has also become a truck driver. Along with safe driving, Stone holds time with family as one of the most important things in his life. Being on the road for long stretches of time was difficult for Stone and his family. Before the age of cell phones, finding ways to keep in contact with his family was a top priority. Though he sacrificed many weekends and holidays away from them, Stone always tried to be a part of as many big and small family moments as possible. Barbara Stone explained, “It was just a way of life that we adapted to, and actually, it was exciting because it was different than other people’s way. But we enjoyed it.” A true family man on the road and off, Stone always made the most of his time at home. “My dad was gone for a while, you know, on the road. Then he would come back home and we’d spend a lot of time with him,” reminisced Stone’s son, Reed Stone. “Whenever dad would bring his truck home, we would become famous, because everybody in my neighborhood would see the truck parked in front of the house. It’d be a special time, a great time.” Though Stone credits the raising of his children to his wife, he never wasted a minute of time spent with them. It is clear by the pride and admiration with which they speak of him, he made a huge impact on their lives, and was never far from their hearts or minds. Erika Howes, vice president of business development at Howes, noted that Stone is the first hall of fame inductee of 2022 and the first nominated by the public. “The Howes Hall of Fame has gained a lot of momentum since we opened it in 2020, but this induction is extra special to us,” she said. “Billy is the driver we all know is out there, who goes unnoticed or underappreciated, but still works hard to make sure we all have what we need in our daily lives. He is the type of person we want to hear about from people in the field. Someone who inspires others, who goes above and beyond. Billy, and others like him, know they’re special to their family and friends, but we’ve developed this platform to let them know they’re special to all of us as well. It’s extremely important to us that people head over to the Hall of Fame and get nominating, so we can fill it with amazing inductees like Billy.” Stone is also the first inductee featured on the new Howes Hall of Fame Virtual Reality Platform – an experience launched at the Mid-America Trucking Show this year. Visitors with access to VR headsets compatible with AltspaceVR can dive into an immersive experience when visiting the site. The simulated Hall of Fame features games and challenges and can provide interactive experiences with other visitors from around the world. Both the current digital and new virtual versions of the Hall offer interesting facts about trucking, farming, the Howes company, and of course, the phenomenal inductees. “I’ve been proud to do all these years and all these miles,” Stone said. “But being recognized for it, that’s a big deal. It’s a feeling I can’t get over.” To visit the Howes Hall of Fame online, click here.

Tractor-trailer driver hospitalized after collision with train in Texas

HOCKLEY, Texas — A tractor-trailer driver is hospitalized after a Wednesday collision with a train in Hockley, Texas. KHOU reports that the train was heading west on tracks parallel to Katy Hockley Road near Highway 290 when it struck the big rig. The tractor-trailer was hauling gravel, according to KTRK. “When the train hit, the 18-wheeler truck was torn away from the load of gravel and pushed a quarter mile down the railroad tracks,” KTRK reported. Photos posted by John Shannon, Harris County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Captain District 5, on Twitter show that engine of the train pressed against the wreckage of the tractor itself. District 5 units responded to a train bs 18 wheeler crash at 16955 Katy Hockley road. Driver was transported by lifeflight in critical but stable condition. Avoid the area. @HCSO_Patrol @SheriffEd_HCSO @HCSO_LECommand @HCSO_LECommand @HCSOTexas pic.twitter.com/mcLvDlnKVm — Captain Marcus A. Kinnard-Bing (@HCSO_D5Patrol) April 20, 2022 The truck driver was air-lifted from the scene of the accident. They were in “critical but stable” condition at the time of this report. KTRK said the driver is expected to survive.

Up $10B: Big truck freight value trending higher over 2021

WASHINGTON — Freight shipped across the U.S. borders with Canada and Mexico by all modes of transportation was valued at $112.5 billion in February 2022, down 1.1% from January 2022 ($113.7 billion) but up 17.3% from February 2021 ($95.86 billion) and up 17.2% from pre-pandemic February 2020 ($95.95 billion), according to the latest statistics released this week by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Freight between the U.S. and Canada totaled $56.2 billion in February 2022, up 18.6% from February 2021 ($47.4 billion), according to DOT figures. Freight between the U.S. and Mexico totaled $56.3 billion, up 16% from February 2021 ($48.5 billion). Also in February 2022, trucks moved $69.2 billion of freight, up 16.3% compared to February 2021 ($59.5 billion), and railways moved $15.3 billion of freight, up 19.0% from February 2021 ($12.8 billion). Big trucks accounted for nearly $40 billion in freight moving between the U.S. and Mexico in February and almost $30 billion between the U.S. and Canada. The busiest port for 18-wheelers was at Laredo, Texas, where just over $17.1 billion in freight was moved in February, according to the DOT. Computers and parts made up the bulk of the border shipments for trucks, totaling nearly $13 billion. Below are statistics representing February’s freight numbers as provided by the DOT. Total Transborder Freight by Border and Mode U.S.-Canada (both directions) (Dollars in Billions) Truck: $29.7 Rail: $8.6 Pipeline: $9.0 Air: $2.7 Vessel: 2.9 U.S.-Mexico (both directions) (Dollars in Billions) Truck: $39.5 Rail: $6.7 Vessel: $6.1 Air: $1.5 Pipeline: $0.9 Truck Freight: $69.2 billion (61.5% of all transborder freight) U.S.-Canada: $29.7 billion (52.8% of all northern border freight) U.S.-Mexico: $39.5 billion (70.2% of all southern border freight) Top three busiest truck border ports (43.9% of total transborder truck freight) Laredo, Texas: $17.1 billion Detroit, Michigan: $7.2 billion Port Huron, Michigan: $6.1 billion Top three truck commodities (46.5% of total transborder truck freight) Computers and parts: $12.9 billion Electrical machinery: $10.5 billion Vehicles and parts: $8.8 billion Rail Freight: $15.3 billion (13.6% of all transborder freight) U.S.-Canada: $8.6 billion (15.2% of all northern border freight) U.S.-Mexico: $6.7 billion (11.9% of all southern border freight) Top three busiest rail border ports (48.4% of total transborder rail freight) Laredo, Texas: $3.5 billion Port Huron, Michigan: $2.1 billion Eagle Pass, Texas: $1.7 billion Top three rail commodities (50.2% of total transborder rail freight) Vehicles and parts: $5.2 billion Mineral fuels: $1.3 billion Plastics: $1.2 billion

Law enforcement finds $5 million worth of cocaine in Florida tractor-trailer

ORLANDO, Fla. — Multiple law enforcement agencies recently took part in a massive multi-million-dollar drug bust involving an 18-wheeler. A tweet by the Florida Highway Patrol in Orlando said that K-9 Rico and Orlando Criminal Interdiction Unit team assisted  U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency in tracking down and finding 50 kilos of cocaine in a tractor-trailer unit. Great job to the Orlando CIU team and K-9 Rico for helping DEA get 50 kilos of cocaine off the streets. The drugs were located in a semi-truck at a storage unit. Street value is 5 million dollars. Great teamwork! pic.twitter.com/V2HBPCHiH3 — FHP Orlando (@FHPOrlando) April 19, 2022 Investigators said that the value of the cocaine is approximately $5 million.

Arkansas log truck driver ditches rig to save busload of kids

OLA, Ark. — An Arkansas log truck driver ditched his fully-loaded rig recently to avoid slamming into the back of a school bus carrying around 45 kids on their way to class. According to a report from FOX 16 news in Little Rock, Arkansas, on the morning of April 14, Paul Wiggins was driving along Highway 7 in the rural community of Ola when thick fog prevented him from seeing a school bus that had stopped on the roadway. The bus had its flashing red lights on, and Wiggins said he was traveling slow already due to the fog. But he didn’t see the bus in time. He said if he hadn’t ditched his truck, it would have crashed into the bus. “All at once you see these little red lights in front of you and you know you can’t stop,” Wiggins told FOX 16. Wiggins said he never thought twice about avoiding the collision, adding that he “couldn’t live with myself if I had killed some kids or other people.” Wiggins was trapped inside his rig, which was lying on its driver’s side, for about an hour before he was rescued. The first thing he did when he got out was ask about the kids. “I asked them if I missed the bus, and they said, ‘Yeah, you missed it,’ and that was a big, big relief,” said Wiggins, who is suffering from bruises on his arms and legs after the wreck. Two Rivers School District bus driver Kenneth Hill thanked Wiggins for his bravery. “Some of my kids looked at me and said, ‘Mr. Kenneth, that man’s a hero, he saved our life,’ and I said, ‘He sure did,’” Hill said. A Go Fund Me page has been created to help Wiggins with his daily expenses, a down payment on a replacement semi-tractor to pull his log trailer, or possibly even a new truck if enough funds are raised. To assist Wiggins, click this link: https://gofund.me/96e17b95

Major work planned for stretch of Colorado’s US 160

RURAL COLORADO — On May 2, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and contractor Paonia, Inc. will begin a project to install fiber optic cable and additional dynamic safety signage on U.S. 160 between Pagosa Springs and the east side of Wolf Creek Pass. According to a CDOT news release, the work will be completed in May of 2023, with a winter suspension anticipated from late November through mid-February. The project duration dates are subject to change depending on weather conditions. This $7.9 million project was made possible, in part, through a $4.4 million Advanced Transportation and Congestion Management Technologies Deployment grant awarded by the Federal Highway Administration, the news release stated. The fiber optic cable will connect with existing fiber that was installed in 2017 along a 16-mile stretch of the U.S. 160 mountain corridor from Wolf Creek Pass east tunnel to the community of South Fork. “These electrical and fiber upgrades will benefit surrounding communities, travelers, emergency service providers and CDOT’s traveler information systems by connecting new and existing equipment to the power and fiber backbone,” said Shoshana Lew, CDOT executive director. “Information gathered by highway closed circuit cameras and weather stations uses this technology to further improve CDOT’s online communications for travelers. Enhanced information for road and weather alerts and improved web camera images will be accessible to the public via CDOT’s traveler information site www.cotrip.org.” The project will also include the installation of new and upgraded dynamic signs that will provide additional safety and warning messages to all Wolf Creek Pass travelers regarding road and weather conditions, lowered speeds and the westside hairpin turn. During the project, crews will accomplish the following: Excavate a trench approximately six to 10 feet from the edge of east- and westbound U.S. 160 and install conduit and fiber optic cable from west of CO Highway 84 to the western base of the pass at Treasure Falls, from Mile Point 144 to MP 159; Cut the asphalt between the highway’s outer white line and the shoulder and install conduit and fiber optic from Treasure Falls to the ski area (MP 159 to MP 168); the majority of this work will be done on eastbound U.S. 160, with a short section of work along the westbound lane from Treasure Falls east for 1.5 miles; Upgrade the westbound U.S/ 160 downhill speed warning system at MP 167.34 approaching the west-side hairpin curve; Install a new variable message sign on westbound U.S. 160 west of the ski area, MP 167.22 Install six variable speed limit signs for westbound travelers and seven closed-circuit TV poles between the hairpin curve and the ski area, MP 160 to MP 167; Install fiber optic between the snowshed and the eastern base of the pass, from MP 168 to MP 174, where existing conduit lies (the conduit was previously installed during the 2017 project, between the snowshed area and South Fork, MP 168.5 to 186); Add in-pavement detection systems that detect longer loads and communicate with dynamic speed limit signs; and Create a U.S. 160 Wolf Creek Pass Fiber project map. TRAVEL IMPACTS Beginning in early May, crews plan to start work at MP 144.5 east of Pagosa Springs near the CO 84 junction and work their way east toward Wolf Creek Pass. Initially, work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Depending upon the section under construction, U.S. 160 may be reduced to single-lane traffic intermittently in either direction, throughout the duration of the project. When work is underway across any of the four bridges, in the valley east of Pagosa Springs, motorists will encounter single-lane, alternating traffic, with delays that could extend beyond 15 minutes, depending on traffic queues. The speed limit will be reduced through the work zones to 40 mph. Traffic fines in the construction zone will be doubled.

Tractor-trailer driver facing intoxication manslaughter charge in deadly Texas collision

HOUSTON — A tractor-trailer driver is charged with intoxication manslaughter in connection to a Monday crash that left a woman dead on a Texas freeway. KHOU reported that Pablo Isai Frias, 31, was charged on Wednesday. He is accused of being intoxicated when he collided with the back of a Chevrolet Tahoe, killing the driver, at East Freeway in Houston. Houston Police said in a news release that the tan Tahoe, a Kenworth tractor-trailer, a Ford Transit and a Peterbilt tractor-trailer were traveling eastbound near 7800 East Freeway (East Interstate Highway 10) about 11:35 a.m. on Monday. “The Transit stopped due to traffic on the freeway and the Kenworth came to a stop behind it,” the release stated. “The Tahoe was possibly attempting to move to another lane and struck the rear of the trailer attached to the Kenworth. The Peterbilt then struck the rear of the Tahoe.” The accident caused all eastbound lanes of the East Freeway at McCarty St. to be shutdown, causing delays. The 30-year-old woman driving the Tahoe was pronounced dead at the scene. Frias, who was driving the Peterbilt, was evaluated by investigators and determined to be intoxicated. He was arrested at the scene and subsequently charged for his role in the crash. No other injuries were reported. Frias’s bond has been set at $100,000, according to KHOU. Intoxication manslaughter considered a second-degree felony in Texas. This A conviction could lead to two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. Anyone convicted of intoxicated manslaughter must also serve 240 hours of community service at a minimum

Governor, INDOT award more than $107 million through Community Crossings

Muncie, Ind. – Indiana Gov. Eric J. Holcomb and Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) Commissioner Mike Smith have announced that 224 Indiana cities, towns and counties received a combined $107.8 million in state matching funds for local road projects through Community Crossings, a component of the governor’s Next Level Roads program. “Continuing to modernize and enhance our transportation infrastructure is critical to the economic success in and around our incredible communities and ultimately Hoosiers’ prosperity itself,” Holcomb said. “Community Crossings makes immediate impacts on improving local roads and bridges across Indiana. Those improvements translate to a safe, reliable, robust transportation infrastructure that benefits residents and business in every corner of our state and every place in between.” The Community Crossings initiative has provided more than $1 billion in state matching funds for local construction projects since 2016, according to a news release. Communities submitted applications for funding during a highly competitive call for projects in January. Applications were evaluated based on need and current conditions and impacts to safety and economic development. Funding for Community Crossings comes from the state’s local road and bridge matching grant fund. “Community Crossings improves safety and reliability of local roads as well as enhances connectivity in all 92 Indiana counties,” INDOT Commissioner Mike Smith said. “INDOT is excited to join with our local partners to deliver on these high-priority projects and I look forward to the transformative effect of this work in our communities in the months ahead.” To qualify for funding, local governments must provide local matching funds of 50 percent for larger communities or 25 percent for smaller communities and have an asset management plan for maintaining existing roads and bridges. State law requires annually that 50 percent of the available matching funds be awarded to communities within counties with a population of 50,000 or fewer. State lawmakers identified long-term funding for Community Crossings as part of House Enrolled Act 1002, passed by the legislature and signed into law by Gov. Holcomb in April 2017. The list of all communities receiving matching funds in the 2022 winter/spring call for projects is online at www.in.gov/indot/communitycrossings. The next call for projects will open in July 2022.

Montana officials urge drivers to move over for accidents after semi’s close call with wrecker crew

RURAL MONTANA — The Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) is reminding drivers to move over for emergency vehicles after a collision between a semi-truck and a heavy wrecker on Homestake Pass April 17. According to an MHP Facebook post, a wrecker and other emergency officials were responding to a jackknifed tractor-trailer when another tractor-trailer struck the heavy wrecker, sending the wrecker crew diving for their lives. The post notes that all emergency vehicles at the scene, including the wrecker, had flashing lights illuminating the scene. No one was injured. “Please slow down, pay attention, and move over for emergency vehicles,” the MHP Facebook post states. “It’s the law.”  

Spending by freight shippers remains high; volume drops slightly

MINNEAPOLIS — The volume of truck freight shipments dropped for the second consecutive quarter and spending by shippers remained at record levels in the first quarter of 2022, according to the U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index released on Wednesday. The full report is available by clicking here. Truck freight spending was up 27.5% year-over-year and 1.2% compared to the fourth quarter of 2021. This marked the fourth consecutive quarter that spending increased for shippers, keeping the total measure at the highest recording in the history of the index. “Surging diesel prices in the last two months added to a truck freight market that was already at very tight capacity due to a lack of drivers and equipment,” said Bobby Holland, U.S. Bank vice president and director of Freight Data Solutions. “This confluence of challenges put significant spending pressures on shippers.” Diesel is often the second highest expense for shippers. At the end of 2021, diesel was already at $3.62, up nearly $1 from a year earlier, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Then in February the price per gallon jumped to $5.25 and ended the quarter at $5.19, according to the EIA. Truck freight shipments were down 2.2% compared to the Q4 2021. Still, compared to the first quarter of 2021, truck freight volume was up 1.1%. Bob Costello of the American Trucking Associations (ATA) noted that he was surprised the contraction in truck freight volume wasn’t more significant as shippers faced multiple headwinds in the last few months. These included: Rising consumer inflation; The temporary closure of the Ambassador Bridge, a key trade route between the U.S. and Canada; and Disruptions caused by the Omicron variant. “We usually see a drop off in volume in February and March, so with all of the challenges for shippers to start the year, I was expecting there to be a sharper decline in shipments,” said Costello, the ATA’s senior vice president and chief economist. “At the same time, factory output hit the highest level since 2008, businesses added 1.7 million workers to payrolls, and retail numbers were solid. It seems that these economic forces helped power the freight industry through an otherwise difficult quarter.” REGIONAL DATA WEST SHIPMENTS First quarter: 3% Year over year: 17.5% WEST SPENDING First quarter: -3.7% Year over year: 42.2% The West was the only region to have increased truck freight volumes in Q1 2022, the third increase in the last four quarters. Strong port volumes and continued home building in the region supported the increase in freight shipments. MIDWEST SHIPMENTS First quarter: -3.1% Year over year: -4.3% MIDWEST SPENDING First quarter: 2.9% Year over year: 22% Shipments dropped for the third consecutive quarter in the Midwest. The region, with a significant amount of auto production, was particularly impacted by the Ambassador Bridge closure and continued semiconductor shortage. NORTHEAST SHIPMENTS First quarter: -1.8% Year over year: 2.9% NORTHEAST SPENDING First quarter: 2.9% Year over year: 31.3% The 31.3% increase in spending by shippers in the Northeast in the past year was the third highest, behind the West and the Southwest. SOUTHEAST SHIPMENTS First quarter: -4% Year over year: -2.9% SOUTHEAST SPENDING First quarter: -1.4% Year over year: 20.8% Besides the Midwest, only the Southeast – which also has a significant auto industry presence – had a drop in shipments year-over-year; the Southeast joined the West with truck freight spending dropping versus the preceding quarter. SOUTHWEST SHIPMENTS First quarter: -2.1% Year over year: 7% SOUTHWEST SPENDING First quarter: 8.4% Year over year: 36% The Southwest had the highest quarterly, and second highest year-over-year spending increase – behind the West – due in part to a capacity crunch in the region and rising diesel fuel prices. To see the full report including in-depth regional data, visit the U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index website. For more than 22 years, organizations have turned to U.S. Bank Freight Payment for the service, reliability, and security that only a bank can provide. The U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index measures quantitative changes in freight shipments and spend activity based on data from transactions processed through U.S. Bank Freight Payment. The business processed $37 billion in 2021 for some of the world’s largest corporations and government agencies.  

Former trucking company owner charged in $40M Ponzi Scheme

NEW YORK — A former New York trucking company owner has been indicted for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with various alleged fraud schemes relating to his trucking business. According to an April 19 news release from United States District Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams and Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the FBI Michael J. Driscoll, Franklin Ray, who operated CSA Business Solutions LLC, was previously convicted of wire and bank fraud in the Eastern District of Michigan and was released from prison in 2010. Joseph Winget, Ray’s co-defendant, has also been arrested in connection with Ray’s alleged New York scheme, according to the news release. “We allege Ray used his purported trucking companies as vehicles for fraud, including by submitting fraudulent applications for small business loans during the Covid-19 pandemic, and by fleecing investors into giving him tens of millions of dollars to participate in a business that was a scam,” Williams said. “Ray knew that his actions were illegal, having been convicted of similar crimes more than a decade ago. Ray may not learn a lesson from his latest actions, but he will face justice for them.” Driscoll said that Ray “operated a Ponzi scheme that defrauded hundreds of investors of more than $40 million. Mr. Ray was even bold enough to continue his alleged activity subsequent to his most recent arrest.  Today’s charges will force him — yet again — to face the consequences of his illegal activity in the federal criminal justice system.” According to court documents, beginning in at least June 2021, Ray began to offer investors an opportunity to invest in his trucking and logistics company, CSA Business Solutions LLC. Specifically, Ray and the investors entered into contracts pursuant to which, for each $20,000 contributed by the investor, CSA Business Solutions LLC would procure and operate a truck in its trucking business, the court documents state. Ray told investors that the trucks would perform delivery services for a multinational e-commerce company and/or a multinational shipping company, and that the investors would be entitled to 77% of the net income of the trucks, according to the court documents. “After the investors purchased the rights to trucks from CSA Business Solutions LLC, Ray sent them falsified spreadsheets at regular intervals, purporting to show the performance of their trucks during the relevant period,” the court documents state. “In truth and fact, CSA Business Solutions LLC operated few trucks and had minimal revenues from trucking activities.  Instead, investors in the Truck Investment Scheme received payments from new investments into the scheme or from other sources.  Ray ultimately induced approximately 275 investors to purchase over 2,000 trucks, totaling at least $40 million in fraudulent investments.” Ray is also charged with carrying out fraudulent schemes to obtain over $1.9 million in government-guaranteed loans designed to provide relief to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic on behalf of CSA Business LLC and another Michigan-based trucking company. In connection with the Small Business Administration (SBA) Loan Fraud Schemes, the court documents state that Ray submitted false information and forged documents to the SBA and commercial lenders. He further claimed that these businesses engaged in significant trucking business, but they had minimal revenues and trucking activity. Ray’s co-defendant, Winget, is charged with participating in one of the SBA Loan Fraud Schemes on behalf of CSA Business Solutions LLC, resulting in $1.1 million in fraudulently obtained loans, according to the court documents. Finally, Ray is charged with fraudulently inducing a New York City based real estate company to pay a $175,000 deposit in order to pay for startup costs associated with setting up a joint venture between the company and CSA Business Solutions LLC. “Ray induced the company to enter into the Joint Venture by misrepresenting CSA Business Solutions LLC and his own personal business experience,” according to the news release. “Ray spent the funds on personal expenses, including private airplane trips. The Joint Venture was never formed.” Ray and Winget were arrested in early March 2022, and a CSA Business Solutions LLC bank account was seized at that time. After his arrest, Ray continued to operate the Truck Investment Scheme, according to the news release. “Ray misled investors about why he did not make expected payments after his arrest and hid the fact of his arrest and the seizure of the bank account,” the news release stated. “During this period, Ray caused the opening of new bank accounts on behalf of CSA Business Solutions LLC and continued to solicit and accept investor funds for trucks that did not exist.”

Veteran Carriers donates $20K to Georgia tornado victims

SAVANNAH, Ga. —  Veteran Carriers, a Savannah trucking company owned by retired U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party’s veterans (TACP) Cliff White and Rob Cooch, recently donated $20,000 worth of VISA gift cards, food and checks to Bryan County Family Connections and God’s Pit Crew to help victims from an early April tornado that struck the Pembroke/Bryan County, Georgia area. “On April 5, at approximately 5:10 p.m., an EF-3-plus tornado that was roughly half-a-mile wide hit the north end of Bryan County. Twenty-two homes were completely destroyed, 23 homes were majorly affected and 59 homes have minor damages. The countryside is ravaged. With the help of Richmond Hill Police Department, Georgia State Patrol, the City of Pembroke and surrounding communities and local businesses, we are in the process of clearing land and aiding our residents,” said Bryan County Public Relations Officer Deputy Jennifer Fleming. White described those hit by the tornado as his neighbors. “Seeing the devastation caused to residents that may not have insurance prompted us to act,” he said. “They need immediate help. Whether it’s gas for tractors, moving all the trees, feeding volunteers, buying food and handing out VISA gift cards — we wanted to help our neighbors. It’s a blessing to give back to my community, that’s what life is all about, utilizing your network for good. Everyone has their struggles – their ups and downs, being able to make it a little easier for our Bryan County neighbors is the least we can do.” On April 14, Veterans Carriers set up a food station at the Homestead, Georgia, community to feed first responders and volunteers. They also delivered fresh, hot meals to surrounding households and went door to door to hand out VISA gift cards to anyone in need. A $3,000 check was presented to the God’s Pit Crew, a non-profit disaster relief organization that cuts trees, rebuilds homes and delivers relief aid all over the world.  Meanwhile, a $7000 check was given to Bryan County Family Connections, a community collaborative dedicated to improving the quality of life in Bryan County. Founded three years ago and now with more than 30 of their 105 employees being military veterans, Veteran Carriers’ White and Cooch host two annual fundraisers for the TCAP: a car show and a golf tournament. TACP is a small group in the Air Force with 1,500 members that align with the Army echelon, from a conventional echelon to the Rangers to Special Forces. Veteran Carriers is a veteran-owned and operated company based in Savannah, Georgia, adjacent to the largest container terminal in North America. Operating with over 100 trucks, Veterans Carriers specializes in intermodal/drayage shipping and storage. Established in 2017, Veterans Carriers can transport containers to and from port, rail ramps or shipping docks and deliver the goods with the capacity to serve all the lower 48 states. The company is proud of the veterans they employ, their annual car show, Trucking for a Cause fundraiser to benefit TACP families and Feed a Trucker Campaign. Visit www.veterancarriers.com for more information.

MVT Solutions testing demonstrates fuel savings for rear trailer device

LAS CRUCES, N.M. — MVT Solutions on Tuesday, April 19, announced the test results for Aerovolution’s Booster-Tail for Class 8 tractor-trailers. The Booster-Tail, located at the rear of the trailer, uses natural air pressure to self-deploy at highway speeds. No additional deployment hardware or driver intervention is needed. Testing in February 2022 demonstrated that using the technology resulted in a fuel savings of 5.04 gallons per 1,000 miles, according to MVT. “We wanted to get fuel economy data for the unique geometry of our device,” said Lee Telnack, president of Aerovolution. “I was happy with the test results because they confirmed what we knew, and they echoed results we got from CFD studies.” The tests were conducted on an International LT sleeper tractor with a Cummins X15 15-liter engine and a 53-foot Hyundai dry van loaded to 72,000 pounds and traveling 65 mph. A test was run with the Booster-Tail in place; then the aerodynamic device was removed and the test was run again. “We are quite impressed with the Booster-tail,” said Daryl Bear, lead engineer and COO for MVT. “It is a much simpler design that overcomes many of the issues experienced with former boat tails including driver involvement and complexity, yet it still captures the fuel savings.” “The test results speak for themselves and confirm the device works operationally and fleets will get a good ROI from it,” said Telnack. According to Bear, the fuel economy improvement of 5.04 gallons per 1,000 miles (4.18%) represents a “substantial fuel savings.” The full report can be downloaded at https://m-v-t-s.com/certified-technology/aerodynamics/aerovolution-booster-tail/.  

Police exchange gunfire with suspect during alleged attempt to steal big rig

GARDEN CITY, Ga. — A man who allegedly tried to steal a semi-truck reportedly fired on police in a Monday morning incident in Garden City, Georgia. Garden City Police told WJCL they were called to the scene when it was reported a man was trying to steal a semi-truck. When they arrived, they learned the man found a firearm inside the truck. He refused to exit the vehicle. The Savannah Police SWAT Team were called in to assist in apprehending the man. Shortly after that, the man fired the gun, which resulted in the officers returning fire. A standoff ensued and with the assistance of SWAT members, officers were able to take the man into custody. Following the incident, the man was taken to a hospital by ambulance for minor injuries and mental evaluation.

Virginia State Police counting on truckers to help fight human trafficking

ROANOKE, Va. — In partnership with U.S. Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign and Virginia Trucking Association (VTA), the Virginia State Police (VSP) will be conducting Operation Safe Passage, a high-visibility, human trafficking prevention and public outreach initiative through Wednesday, April 20. VSP Motor Carrier Safety troopers will be positioned at various truck stops, motor carrier service centers and rest areas across the Commonwealth to engage with drivers and to distribute educational materials to raise awareness about #humantrafficking, a news release stated. “Preventing human trafficking and providing support to its victims have been a priority of Governor (Glenn) Youngkin and his administration since stepping into office in January,” said Public Safety Virginia Secretary Bob Mosier. “I am extremely pleased to see the Virginia State Police taking an aggressive and active stance towards addressing what has become a global pandemic. Virginia has no tolerance for the exploitation of any human being, and is committed to apprehending, prosecuting and bringing to justice anyone associated with this crime.” Colonel Gary T. Settle, VSP superintendent, said that with tens of thousands of trucks and commercial vehicles traveling through and across Virginia each day, the statewide event has life-saving potential. “Commercial drivers can be our added eyes and ears when it comes to identifying the common indicators of human trafficking victims and perpetrators,” Settle said. “This campaign is about putting an end to a very serious crime that intentionally preys on vulnerable adult and juvenile populations.” According to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), during 2021, the agency arrested 2,360 individuals nationwide in connection with human trafficking. From those cases, more than 720 trafficking victims were identified and offered critical assistance. According to Polaris, a nonprofit resource and advocacy center combating human trafficking, there were 179 reported cases of trafficking and 77 traffickers identified in Virginia in 2019 alone. “HSI Washington, D.C. stands firmly behind our partners at the Virginia State Police as we engage in Operation Safe Passage,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Ray Villanueva. “We remain committed to ensuring the safety of our community and the prosecution of those who attempt to victimize our citizens.” Dale Bennett, president and CEO of the VTA, said that truck drivers are uniquely positioned to recognize human trafficking. “They are family men and women, whose own children could be targeted for trafficking, so they’re able to talk to their peers and spread the message about human trafficking awareness,” he said. “The trucking industry has a duty to help solve this problem, and we are committed to saving lives and protecting the communities we serve.” State police troopers will also be conducting routine motor carrier inspections during the course of Operation Safe Passage. For more information, tips on how to ID human trafficking victims, and/or to report this crime, click here. Anyone who suspects human trafficking is encouraged to report it by dialing #77 on a cell phone to reach the nearest Virginia State Police Emergency Dispatch Center or to call 911.  

6-State Trooper Project netted arrests for drugs, weapons

COLUMBUS — The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) and other members of the 6-State Trooper Project recently collaborated to remove drugs and illegal weapons from multiple communities. According to a news release, the initiative began on Thursday, March 10, and ended on Saturday, March 12. The high-visibility enforcement included the Indiana State Police, Kentucky State Police, Michigan State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, West Virginia State Police and the Ohio State Highway Patrol. During the 6-State Trooper Project, the OSHP made 20 illegal weapon arrests and 134 drug arrests, the news release stated. In all, the six participating agencies made 487 drug arrests and 76 for illegal weapons. “By stopping drugs and illegal weapons from being on our roadways, we are making an impact in our communities,” said Colonel Richard S. Fambro, OSHP superintendent. “The partnerships with our neighboring states help make the roads safer for everyone to travel into and out of Ohio.” The 6-State Trooper Project is a multi-state law enforcement partnership aimed at providing combined and coordinated law enforcement and security services in the areas of highway safety, criminal patrol and intelligence sharing.    

FMCSA responds to suggestions about teen driving program

WASHINGTON – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has answered several comments filed as part of the public comment period for the new Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot (SDAP). The comment period ends on June 17. Click here to participate. The SDAP will allow individuals between the ages of 18 and 20 to drive large trucks from state to state in what has become one of the most hotly debated issues in the trucking industry today. According to current law, truck drivers must be at least 21 to cross state lines, but the new apprenticeship program will let 18- to 20-year-old truck drivers deliver goods outside their home states. The apprenticeship pilot program was required by Congress as part of the infrastructure bill signed into law November 15, 2021. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) offered full details of the pilot program in late January. The program is regulated through the FMCSA, which will screen the teens to make sure they don’t have any driving-while-impaired violations or traffic tickets. Under the apprenticeship program, younger drivers can cross state lines during 120-hour and 280-hour probationary periods — as long as an experienced CDL driver is in the passenger seat. Trucks used in the program must have an electronic braking crash-mitigation system and a forward-facing video camera, and their speeds must be limited to 65 mph. Once these young drivers successfully complete the probationary periods, they will be allowed to cross state lines on their own — but their carriers must monitor their performance until they are 21. No more than 3,000 apprentices can take part in the training at any given time. The FMCSA should reach out only to carriers with excellent safety records to take part in the program, according to the DOT. The program will run for up to three years, and each participating motor carrier must turn in a report to Congress analyzing the safety record of the teen drivers and making a recommendation noting whether the younger drivers are as safe as those 21 or older. In the future, Congress could expand the program with new laws. Of the 144 comments received, 134 comments were from individuals while 10 comments were from organizations, associations, or motor carriers. A total of 31 comments supported the SDAP, which consisted of 25 individuals and 6 organizations, associations, or motor carriers. A total of 102 comments were opposed to the SDAP, which consisted of 98 individuals and 4 organizations, associations, or motor carriers. The majority of these comments cited previous studies showing age as a factor in safe driving performance, concerns that drivers would not be compensated properly, or that the industry would “take advantage” of younger drivers. A total of 11 comments, all from individuals, were neutral towards the SDAP. A sampling of comments is listed below. RECOMMENDATION Extend the probationary period to 6 months. RESPONSE While there is no prohibition toward individual carriers, or even individual drivers on a case-by-case basis having the probationary period extended, FMCSA has decided this would fundamentally alter the intention behind section 23022 of the IIJA and therefore has not included this recommendation as part of the pilot program design. RECOMMENDATION Require additional performance benchmarks, such as mountainous driving. RESPONSE FMCSA does not consider mountainous driving to be broad enough to be required by all apprentices, as some may never require mountainous driving. These additional performance requirements should be considered at the discretion of each carrier and experienced driver to impart the knowledge required for apprentices operating in each unique circumstance. RECOMMENDATION Require that apprentices continue utilizing required technology throughout the entire pilot program. RESPONSE Apprentices will be required to continue operating a vehicle equipped with onboard monitoring systems (OBMS) until they turn 21 years old and no longer require an exemption to operate in interstate commerce. Regarding other technology, such as active braking collision mitigation systems and governed speed limiters, FMCSA has determined it is best to follow the requirements as laid out in the IIJA to enable naturalistic data collection of how these drivers would operate in a real-world setting. Furthermore, by requiring these technologies only during the apprenticeship period, data may be gathered to allow additional insights into the benefits of these technologies for this age group. RECOMMENDATION Increase the requirements for experienced drivers to have 5 consecutive years with no violations, crashes, etc. RESPONSE FMCSA does not find benefit or reason to increase the requirement on experienced drivers from that which is described in the IIJA. RECOMMENDATION Ensure experienced drivers are logged as on duty, not driving when monitoring apprentices. RESPONSE FMCSA agrees that experienced drivers must be logged as on duty, not driving when they are in the passenger seat observing apprentice drivers. This will be made clear to program participants. RECOMMENDATION Visibly identify drivers with high visibility markings, such as stickers. RESPONSE FMCSA disagrees with this recommendation as it has the potential to bias the data collection by creating a potential for behavior changes in surrounding drivers that decreases the integrity of naturalistic data collection. Furthermore, this could impact the ability to properly compare safety performance of these drivers with other drivers. RECOMMENDATION Revoke a driver’s CDL and expel carriers for any crashes resulting in death, injury, or property damage. Substantial violations of program rules should have penalties including suspension of an experienced driver’s CDL, suspension of apprentices from the program, and/or fines for motor carriers. RESPONSE FMCSA does not have the authority to revoke CDLs, as these are issued by State driver’s licensing agencies. FMCSA retains the right to remove an exemption from a participating driver, carrier, or both if they are determined to present a safety concern. FMCSA cannot impose fines on a motor carrier for failing to meet the requirements of a voluntary pilot program; however, FMCSA retains the right to revoke a motor carrier’s participation in the study if they fail to meet the requirements of the program. RECOMMENDATION Add a requirement for becoming a registered apprentice with U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). RESPONSE FMCSA agrees that participating carriers must have a registered apprenticeship with the DOL. RECOMMENDATION Increase minimum rate of liability insurance to $10 million for participating carriers. RESPONSE Minimum financial liability requirements are set by regulatory statute. FMCSA does not have the authority to increase this rate for participating carriers. RECOMMENDATION Reduce monthly burden by clarifying what safety event data is required. RESPONSE FMCSA has clarified that the safety event data provided will be the summary of safety events (including participating driver identification, time, date, and type of safety event for each event) as opposed to all recorded video data. It is intended that this data will be the reduced data from a carrier’s OBMS provider which can be used for coaching or training purposes. RECOMMENDATION Have a hotline number to report violations of program rules. RESPONSE Participating drivers will be provided with information on how to report coercion or potential violations of the program through the research team. RECOMMENDATION Conduct regular, anonymized surveys of trainers and apprentices to assess compliance. RESPONSE FMCSA is confident the monthly data provided as a requirement of participation in the study will illuminate any areas of non-compliance with the program. RECOMMENDATION Carriers must submit electronic logs from electronic logging devices on a quarterly basis. RESPONSE Carriers are required to submit monthly exposure data that will cover the same information contained in electronic logs as well as additional information, such as days away from home duty station. RECOMMENDATION FMCSA should produce guidance literature to orient all trainers and apprentices. RESPONSE FMCSA will develop materials for electronic distribution to participating carriers who can then provide this information to their participating drivers that contains information on participation requirements and contact information for the research team in case there are questions from the driver. Additionally, FMCSA will maintain the website (fmcsa.dot.gov/safedriver) with frequently asked questions and resources for participating carriers and drivers. RECOMMENDATIOM FMCSA should establish an independent oversight board for the program composed of experienced drivers, industry stakeholders, and safety and training experts to meet quarterly and produce regular assessments of program safety. RESPONSE FMCSA will be reviewing safety data on a monthly basis to determine if there are any immediate safety concerns. As authorized by 49 CFR part 381, FMCSA may remove a driver, carrier, or terminate the program at any time if safety concerns are identified. RECOMMENDATION FMCSA should require carriers, as a condition of their participation in the program, to report driver and trainer compensation during the time they are working in the program. RESPONSE Carriers will have to report compensation information on apprentice drivers to comply with the DOL RA requirements. RECOMMENDATION Compensable working time should follow the definition recognized by the DOL’s Wage and Hour Division. RESPONSE FMCSA does not have authority to regulate compensation or wages. Additionally, some commenters felt that becoming a registered apprentice with DOL would be too burdensome and is an additional requirement that was not in the IIJA. While this requirement was not specifically part of the IIJA, FMCSA maintains that a registered apprenticeship with DOL is an important step in the safety and monitoring oversight of the SDAP to minimize the risk of apprentice drivers experiencing coercion, unfair wages, or other practices that could lead to unsafe behaviors from apprentice drivers.  

Michigan governor announces multiple road rebuilding projects

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Monday that multiple road rebuilding projects are expected to begin. The projects include U.S. 23 resurfacing and bridge work in Arenac County, U.S. 127 resurfacing in Gratiot County, the Interstate 69 Rebuilding Michigan project in Lapeer County, year two of the Interstate 75 resurfacing project in Bay County, U.S. 31 resurfacing project in Manistee and Mason Counties, Interstate 96 road and bridge improvement project in Kent County, and the Interstate 196 interchange connection project in Kent County. Based on economic modeling, the projects are expected to directly and indirectly support 1,287 jobs. “Across Michigan, we are fixing the damn roads to save motorists time and money,” Whitmer said. “Investments like these in Arenac, Bay, Gratiot, Kent, Lapeer, Manistee and Mason counties will ensure our bridges and roads are safe for years to come and ensures that drivers can go to work, drop their kids off at school, or run errands. This year, Michiganders will see more orange barrels and cones than ever before as we move forward at record pace to fix roads and bridges across Michigan. Since I took office, we’ve repaired, rebuilt, or replaced over 13,000 lane miles of road and 900 bridges, supporting nearly 82,000 jobs. And both my Rebuilding Michigan Plan and the recently enacted Building Michigan Together Plan will turbocharge our efforts to fix our roads with the right mix and materials, making them much less susceptible to our notorious pothole seasons, all without raising taxes by a cent.” U.S. 23 Project in Arenac County The Michigan Department of Transportation will begin several phases of work on the U.S. 23 Connector, including overnight work to demolish the U.S. 23 Connector bridge over M-13. This work is part of an overall $37 million investment to resurface 6.4 miles of US-23 from I-75 to Grove Street in the city of Standish, including repairs to 19 bridges. Based on economic modeling, the project is expected to directly and indirectly support nearly 470 jobs. Funding for this project is made possible by Whitmer’s Rebuilding Michigan program to rebuild the state highways and bridges that are critical to the state’s economy and carry the most traffic. The investment strategy is aimed at fixes that result in longer useful lives and improves the condition of the state’s infrastructure.