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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

Georgia governor issues state of emergency targeting supply chain crisis

By The Trucker News Staff -

ATLANTA — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp issued a State of Emergency aimed at supply chain issues, which went into effect on Saturday. The executive order aims to soften many of the detrimental effects of the COVID-19 crisis that is still having impacts on the global supply chain. One of the biggest impacts will be on the number of hours that drivers are allowed to be on the road. “The federal rules and regulations limiting hours that operators of commercial vehicles may drive are suspended to ensure the supply chain for all supplies, goods, and services throughout Georgia is uninterrupted,” the executive order says. “This declared emergency justifies a suspension of Part 395 (driver’s hours of service) of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The suspension will remain in effect for 30 days or until the emergency condition ceases to exist, whichever is less.” But, this doesn’t mean that companies can require drivers to go nonstop. The order states that no motor carrier operating under the terms of this State of Emergency will require ill or fatigued driver to operate a motor vehicle. “A driver who notifies a motor vehicle carrier that he or she needs immediate rest will be given at least 10 consecutive hours off-duty before being required to return to service,” the order states. The order also gives additional details for securing oversized permits and guidance on the size/weight permitted for commercial vehicles. “Commercial vehicles operating outside the normal weight, height, and length restrictions under the authority of this State of Emergency shall be issued permits by the Georgia Department of Public Safety,” the order states. “Said vehicles shall be subject to any special conditions the Georgia Department of Public Safety may list on applicable permits.” Weight limits posted for bridges and similar structures will still be in effect and the executive order will not allow vehicles exceeding those limits to cross them. The executive order will also target prices of fuel, which have been a key factor in not only soaring prices for consumers, but also those delivering goods for them. “Price gouging related to goods and services necessary to prepare for and respond to this State of Emergency, including motor fuel and diesel fuel, would be detrimental to the social and economic welfare of the citizens of this State and is therefore prohibited,” the order states. Kemp’s executive order will expire on Sunday, May 15 and 11:59 p.m. unless he chooses to renew it. The full text of the executive order can be read here.

Ohio governor announces multi-million dollar increase for bridge projects

By The Trucker News Staff -

COLUMBUS – Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced Monday that he is increasing Ohio’s yearly funding allocation for local bridge projects by $47.5 million for the next five years, bringing Ohio’s annual investment in county and municipal bridges to $112.5 million per year. Funding provided by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) for bridges maintained by the state’s 88 county engineers will increase from $34 million to $74 million annually, and municipal-owned bridge funding will increase from $11 million to $18.5 million each year. The additional $47.5 million is part of the $104 million in bridge funding that Ohio will receive in each of the next five years as part of the recently enacted federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The law requires Ohio to invest $15.6 million of the $104 million each year into bridges owned by municipalities, townships, and counties, but Governor DeWine’s announcement today more than triples the amount going to local communities. “Many of the expensive repairs needed on small, locally-owned bridges cost far beyond what our communities can afford, which is why I’ve directed ODOT to devote more money to support local bridge projects,” DeWine said. “By partnering together to ensure the necessary improvements are made, those driving over Ohio’s bridges can feel confident that they are safe.” DeWine also announced that small locally-owned bridges will also be eligible for funding as part of ODOT’s Local Major Bridge Program, bringing the total number of eligible bridges from 54 to 238. The program pays for up to 80 percent of the construction and engineering costs for major bridge projects with a cap of $20 million. “ODOT will continue to aggressively address bridges throughout the state that are under our jurisdiction while at the same time doing everything we can to ensure our local partners have the resources they need to address their most critical issues,” ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks said. Local governments can apply for ODOT funding through the ODOT Office of Local Programs website. Ohio’s 88 County Engineers will continue to apply for funding through dedicated programs managed by the County Engineers Association of Ohio. ODOT’s total local bridge investment of $112.5 million in each of the next five years combines the new federal funding with other programs that aid local governments. The total investment for both state and local bridges is $407.5 million per year.  

Tractor-trailer driver charged in death of Pennsylvania siblings

By The Trucker News Staff -

LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — A tractor-trailer driver was charged Thursday in the fiery 2021 crash that led to the death of a brother and sister in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Cesar Torres, 38, of Florida has been charged with two counts of vehicular homicide, involuntary manslaughter, failure to stop at a red signal and driving at a safe speed in the deaths of Brandie, 21, and Leonard Kasper, 18, according to Pennlive. The siblings died of burns and smoke inhalation on May 22, 2021, after Torres allegedly ran a red light and crashed into the side of the pickup truck that they were in. The pickup truck and Torres’s truck both caught on fire. “The Lancaster County Coroner’s Office said the Kaspers died from a combination of thermal burns, smoke inhalation and multiple traumatic injuries sustained in the crash,” according to Pennlive. Torres’s tractor-trailer also became engulfed in flames, but he escaped without injury. “Prosecutors said a police investigation determined there was nothing preventing Torres from realizing he had a red light and was supposed to stop when he went through the intersection,” according to Pennlive. Pennlive reported that Torres was driving at approximately 31-33 miles per hour at the time of the crash and the pickup that the siblings was in was going 7.5 mph. The posted speed limit was 25 mph. Prosecutors say that Torres is solely the cause of the collision due to his failure to stop despite having sufficient time and distance to see the traffic light.

18-wheeler blowout leads to man’s death on I-10 in San Antonio

By The Trucker News Staff -

SAN ANTONIO – A man is dead after an 18-wheeler had a blowout and crashed into his car and another vehicle on Interstate 10 in San Antonio. KSAT reported that the accident happened Wednesday just after 5 p.m. A preliminary report from the San Antonio Police Department said that the 18-wheeler was hauling gravel and traveling in the northbound lanes of I-10 when the accident happened. The blowout caused the 18-wheeler to swerve left and hit the Toyota Corolla, which the man who died was driving, as well as a Jeep Latitude. The collision caused the Corolla to hit a concrete barrier in the median, causing to travel on top of the barrier until it hit a metal pillar. The Corolla’s driver was taken to a hospital where he later died of his injuries. The driver of the jeep was also taken to the hospital with nonlife threatening injuries and his status is unknown at the time of this report.

Freightflow completes integration with Trucker Tools Smart Capacity®

By The Trucker News Staff -

RESTON, Va. and RENO, Nev. — Trucker Tools announced Thursday it had completed integration of its platform with leading transportation management software provider Freightflow. Reno, Nevada-based Freightflow is a cloud-based TMS built primarily for produce grower/shippers and brokers to manage the complex transportation needs of the perishable produce industry. Its software is currently used by grower/shippers, wholesalers and distributors, and produce-focused 3PLs to plan and execute timely transportation of goods to market while driving efficiencies and costs savings. Trucker Tools provides trip planning, shipment visibility, predictive freight matching, automated booking and digital document management solutions for brokers and carriers involved in truckload transportation. According to Butch Peri, founder and chief executive of Freightflow, the integration enables Freightflow customers to seamlessly post available loads in Smart Capacity® and quickly find a matching carrier. Capacity providers, using the Trucker Tools mobile driver app, can then accept the load, book it automatically, set up automated tracking and submit electronic documents to speed load management and payment. Shipper and carrier also benefit from an expanded pool of available carriers, with both grower/shipper and carrier working on a common, proven digital management platform that automates many formerly manual tasks. More than 95 percent of Freightflow’s traffic moves with refrigerated carriers, he noted. “Reliable, constantly updated in-transit visibility is critical for produce goods,” Peri said, adding that the Trucker Tools app updates shipment location status as frequently as every five minutes. “That combined with predictive freight matching and one-click booking really helps our customers streamline workflows, respond faster to the carrier, and reduce the overall time it takes to book and tender a load. That’s a significant benefit to all entities, the grower/shipper, wholesaler, distributor, 3PLs and carriers.” Freightflow has embraced the approach of evaluating and adopting best in class third-party technology offerings to complement and extend the capabilities of its platform, Peri noted. “We’re not going to invest development dollars reinventing the wheel,” Peri said. “We ask ourselves ‘what are the best tools that will benefit our customers,’ and then we integrate them into our platform. We find that in many cases both time to market and time to value are accelerated through this strategy.” “Rapid deployment and intuitive ease of use, particularly with mobile apps, is more important than ever,” Peri said. “As the industry continues to evolve, we want to partner long-term with providers who have proven development skill, have awareness of where the market is going digitally, and have a road map to get there. We’re looking not just at what Trucker Tools can do with us today, but over the next 10 years.” Launched in 2013, the Trucker Tools mobile driver app has been downloaded by some 1.7 million truckers and is actively used by nearly 190,000 small-fleet operators of 10 trucks or less. Nearly 350 freight brokerages and 3PLs use the Smart Capacity® digital freight-matching, automated booking and load tracking suite. Kary Jablonski, Trucker Tools chief executive, noted that interest in the Trucker Tools mobile app remains strong among owner-operators and the small fleet truckload community, as it has continued to rank as one of the top downloaded apps in any given month in transportation. “We are pleased and excited to be teaming up with Freightflow and bring to the table proven tools that will help produce shippers and distributors find and manage capacity more efficiently,” Jablonski said. The Trucker Tools mobile app is available for Android- and Apple-powered smartphones and is provided free of charge to independent truckers and small fleets. In addition to predictive load-matching, capacity visibility, automated booking and tracking, the all-in-one app has 17 of the most sought-after resources and tools drivers want for managing their business while on the road.  

Torc announces advisory council to foster collaboration with existing logistics companies

By The Trucker News Staff -

Blacksburg, Va. – Torc Robotics has announced the launch of the Torc Autonomous Advisory Council in support of its goal to be the first scalable, profitable, commercialized Level 4 truck operator. Level 4 autonomous vehicles allow a driver to give up complete control of their vehicle to a self-driving system on board. The TAAC is comprised of freight industry players who will provide strategic guidance to Torc as it integrates with the freight network and tackles challenges beyond highway driving. “Torc has a history of collaborating with our partners who are experts in their field,” Michael Fleming, Torc founder and CEO, said. “The Torc Autonomous Advisory Council (TAAC) is the next step in the process of incorporating deep industry insights and expertise as Torc works to commercialize autonomous trucking. We view this Council as a vital part of our work to integrate autonomous trucking into the existing freight industry while ensuring autonomous trucking benefits are realized with optimum safety.” The cross-functional TAAC has various trucking industry backgrounds in courier and parcel delivery, less-than truckload, full truckload, technology, and logistics. It will provide significant insights into the needs of the freight industry, validate logistics and operations development (hub logistics, tracking, etc.), and optimize safe autonomous trucking operations in the existing network. “We’re committed to testing and providing the most effective vehicle technologies for our customers and driving innovation when it comes to mobility,” Paul Rosa, Penske Truck Leasing senior vice president of procurement and fleet planning, said. “We believe it’s important to collaborate with other leading companies who are creating the next generation of transportation solutions to meet the future needs of our industry and enhancing the supply chain.” “Torc’s Autonomous Advisory Council will help shape the future of the trucking transportation industry,” Rob Reich, Schneider executive vice president and chief administrative officer, said. “We see great potential for this technology to improve efficiency while helping to lower cost. Being part of the Council allows carriers like Schneider to have a strong voice in how autonomous vehicles (AVs) are developed and tested, and how this technology will complement our professional over-the-road driver associates.” Some of the TAAC members include Baton, C.H. Robinson, Covenant Logistics, Penske Truck Leasing, Ryder System, Inc. and Schneider. Daimler Truck North America, a pioneer in autonomous driving, is the sole original equipment manufacturer on the Council. “At C.H. Robinson, we see the potential for AV technology to transform logistics and to essentially create a new mode of freight transportation,” Pat Nolan, C.H. Robinson vice president of North American Surface Transportation, said. “That’s why we’re joining the Torc Autonomous Advisory Council to help maximize the benefits for the industry, to ease the capacity crunch for shippers, and to serve as a voice for our 85,000 carriers. Making sure shippers have access to AV and making sure smaller carriers are represented in the conversation is critical. We know Torc shares that belief.”  

TruckPro acquires Young’s Gear Denali Drivelines

By The Trucker News Staff -

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — TruckPro, LLC has announced the acquisition of the assets related to the operations of Young’s Gear Denali Drivelines, Inc., owned by Daryl and Joy McGhan and located in Fairbanks, Alaska. Young’s Gear is the area’s leading undercarriage, drivetrain and suspension service and repair shop, specializing in manual transmission and driveshaft rebuilding, as well as provider of quality parts for light and heavy-duty vehicles. Young’s Gear was founded by Ron Young and has been serving the greater Fairbanks area for more than 45 years. “Daryl and Joy have built a successful business with a strong reputation for expert repair service and parts knowledge, making it a great fit for TruckPro,” Chuck Broadus, TruckPro’s chief executive officer, said. “This acquisition will strengthen our current operations and footprint in Alaska and provide customers access to broader product offerings. We are excited about the decades of superior driveline and transmission expertise their team brings to TruckPro and it is a privilege to welcome our new associates to the TruckPro family.” “We are thrilled to join forces with TruckPro and know our customers will benefit from their broader product offerings and additional inventory, backed by a strong nationwide distribution network,” Daryl McGhan, owner of Young’s Gear, said. “TruckPro is built on a similar culture of superior customer service, making them an ideal partner for us, and we look forward to growing our presence and contributing to its continued success.”  

Martin Brower integrates first Volvo VNR electric into its Montreal fleet to serve McDonald’s Canada supply chain

By The Trucker News Staff -

MONTREAL — Volvo Trucks North America customer Martin Brower, a leading supply chain solutions provider for restaurant chains around the world, has introduced its first Volvo VNR Electric Class 8 tractor to its global fleet. The zero-tailpipe emission tractor will be dedicated to pulling McDonald’s-branded trailers for food and beverage deliveries to McDonald’s restaurants in the Montreal area. Martin Brower has been a key supply chain partner for McDonald’s globally since it opened its first restaurant in the U.S. in 1956 and works closely with the restaurant leader to help reduce its global carbon footprint. “We are excited to partner with our long-time customer Martin Brower to be the first to deploy a Volvo VNR Electric in Montreal in collaboration with McDonald’s Canada,” Paul Kudla, managing director for Canada at Volvo Trucks North America, said. “It’s a strong statement when all key partners align towards clear greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals. We look forward to continued collaborations with both organizations as they begin their electromobility journey.” Ideally suited for local and regional freight distribution, the Volvo VNR Electric tractor will deliver to local McDonald’s restaurants within a range of 95 miles of Martin Brower’s Montreal Distribution Centre, located in the Baie-D’Urfé area. McDonald’s Canada is conducting a trial of the Volvo VNR Electric as part of a plan to assess the feasibility of scaling alternative fuel vehicles to service its more than 1,400 restaurants across Canada where possible. The Quebec location also provides the ideal opportunity to demonstrate the effectiveness and reliability of the battery-electric drivetrain and components in the heat of a Montreal summer and the cold, snow, and ice of winter. To ensure the Volvo VNR Electric tractor is charged and ready to support daily deliveries, Martin Brower has installed onsite charging infrastructure. “Our goal is to deliver innovative and meaningful solutions to help restaurants and our business create a more sustainable, ethical, and responsible future — every day, all over the world,” Julie Dell’Aniello, president of Martin Brower Canada, said. “By integrating the Volvo VNR Electric tractor into our fleet, we will gain valuable experience for future zero-tailpipe emission tractor deployments that will enable us to continue driving down Martin Brower’s greenhouse gas emissions so we can meet our sustainability targets.” In business for more than 60 years, Martin Brower has grown into a multi-billion-dollar company, that services more than 25,000 restaurants in 18 countries including more than 1,400 in Canada. Martin Brower’s global commercial fleet has grown to more than 2,300 vehicles, including almost 40 in Montreal. Utilizing the Volvo VNR Electric in its daily delivery routes for McDonald’s will enable Martin Brower to evaluate future opportunities to deploy additional zero-tailpipe emission tractors in their fleet. This is a key part of Martin Brower’s ambitious, long-term journey to achieving a significant reduction in carbon emissions per ton delivered by 2030 in collaboration with the Science-Based Targets initiative. The trial aligns well with McDonald’s global commitment to achieve net zero emissions across its global operations by 2050. The addition of the Volvo VNR Electric to the supply chain fleet is one way the Canadian company will contribute to McDonald’s global greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal. “The trial of the VNR Electric model vehicle in Montreal is another example of how we continue to evolve our business to meet the current moment and rise to future challenges,” Jacques Mignault, president and CEO of McDonald’s Canada, said. “Together with Martin Brower and Volvo Trucks, we look forward to understanding how this trial can help us get closer to McDonald’s global net zero emission goals.” The tractor will be serviced by Camions Volvo Montreal, which was recently announced as one of the first two Volvo Trucks Certified Electric Vehicle dealerships in Canada. Its sales team is fully educated to consult with customers that are considering investing in any of the Volvo VNR Electric model configurations. Its service team has also been fully trained and equipped to safely maintain and repair the Volvo VNR Electric’s drivetrain and components. “As a Volvo Trucks Certified EV Dealer, we are ready and able to support our customers with their greenhouse gas emission reduction transportation goals,” Jean-Francois Bibeau, general manager for Camions Volvo Montreal, said. “Electric is the future of transportation, and this is an exciting first step as we help to lead the transition to battery-electric tractors in Canada.” To learn more about Volvo Trucks North America and the Volvo VNR Electric, visit the company website.    

Nolan Transportation Group & Transportation Insight introduce new Beon Carrier web, mobile app

By The Trucker News Staff -

ATLANTA – Transportation Insight Holding Company has announced the rollout of a new carrier web and mobile application. Part of the Beon™ Digital Logistics Platform, the new carrier web and mobile app gives a network of 80,000 carriers direct access to intelligent tools that increase flexibility across carrier operations, from searching loads to modifying payment options. The web and mobile app provide carriers a direct integration point to Nolan Transportation Group & Transportation Insight’s digital freight and warehousing networks, and access to over $15 billion in transportation spend across small-to-mid-sized (SMB) shippers and Fortune 500 companies. Through Beon Carrier, carriers of any size get more freight, options, intelligence and support, giving them greater control of their assets and operations. Features include: Search, Submit Bids & Book Loads: The Beon Carrier load board allows users to easily find loads that match their needs, then bid and book with a single click.  Post It Now Feature & On-demand Freight Matching: Carriers can post their truck location via the Post It Now feature and leverage intelligent algorithms in real time to match their capacity with the best available options, at the right price. Posting multiple trucks is just as easy while managing all matching results with advanced search and filter functionality.  Easy Tender Acceptance: Whether it is dedicated lanes or intelligent freight matching, Beon Carrier lets users easily accept or decline freight tenders or submit a counter offer straight from the tender view.  Check Payment Status: Beon Carrier makes it easy to search and view the payment status of all recent loads and offers 24/7 support for any payment inquires.  Fast, Flexible Payment Options: Beon Carrier is introducing new payment options with direct deposit, offering 1 Day and 2 Day Pay for carriers with industry-low fees and the flexibility to modify payment terms for individual shipments. Drivers no longer need to deal with the hassle of delays at truck stops to get paid because they receive digital payment on the go.  Document Management on the Go: Easily upload documents or photos directly through the Beon Carrier app, allowing shipments and accessorials to be processed in a timely fashion. “Over the years, our carrier network has been critical to our growth and success as a business,” Geoff Kelley, president and chief operating officer at TI Holding Company, said. “We are building tech that scales with our carriers and their needs, giving them the tools and flexibility needed amidst ever-evolving market conditions. Beon Carrier levels the playing field for carriers of all sizes with digital products and tools that work for them, wherever they are.” Beon Carrier replaces the legacy NTGVision portal for carriers. Additional features and programs will be launched in the coming months, including improved track and trace within the app and carrier loyalty programs. “We’ve invested significantly in the design and optimization of our carrier-facing organization, for both people and technology,” Drew Herpich, chief commercial officer at TI Holding Company, said. “The most important role we play as a 3PL is making our carriers’ lives easier, while giving them the resources and tools to grow their business. I could not be more excited to see these products in the hands of our carriers and see our people continue to support them as they advance to the next level.” ​​​To learn more about the Beon Carrier web and mobile app, visit www.ntgfreight.com/beon-carrier. To learn more about the Beon Digital Logistics Platform or TI and NTG’s full portfolio of supply chain solutions, visit www.transportationinsight.com and www.ntgfreight.com. TI Holding Company is a portfolio company of Gryphon Investors, a leading private equity firm focused on profitably growing and competitively enhancing middle-market companies in partnership with experienced management.

Tractor-trailer falls off I-95 after being struck by car

By The Trucker News Staff -

MILFORD, Conn. — A tractor-trailer fell onto Route 1 in Milford, Connecticut after being knocked off Interstate 95 on Wednesday afternoon, according to Connecticut State Police. The tractor-trailer was knocked off Interstate 95 and fell onto Route 1 in Milford Wednesday afternoon, according to state police. Firefighters initially responded to a call at approximately 3:30 p.m. that a tractor-trailer was overturned near exit 39 on I-95 South, according to WVIT. Images posted to the Milford Professional Firefighters’ Facebook page show that the trailer was nearly flattened by the fall. “Responding crews said the truck was turned onto its side and the driver was able to self-extricate,” WVIT reported. CSP told WVIT that the driver of the truck lost control after they were hit from behind by a car that tried to pass another vehicle in the breakdown lane of I-95. The impact caused go over the guardrail. WVIT reports that the truck’s driver and the driver of the car were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

Tractor-trailer hits three parked vehicles in Pennsylvania, shuts down Route 422

By The Trucker News Staff -

ANNVILLE, Pa. — A tractor-trailer struck three parked vehicles, shoving one onto a home’s front porch, during an early morning crash Friday in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania. WGAL reports that the crash took place on Route 422 in Annville Township. They reported that one of the vehicles was a converted school bus that was being used as an electrical service vehicle. Pennlive reported that the crash cause Route 422 to be closed. “Authorities say the tractor trailer was hauling water this morning when it struck several vehicles and ended up on the front porch of this home. The crash is still under investigation,” Trenice Bishop, traffic anchor Fox 43, stated on Twitter. Authorities say the tractor trailer was hauling water this morning when it struck several vehicles and ended up on the front porch of this home. The crash is still under investigation. @fox43 @fox43traffic pic.twitter.com/gvrMvCXefV — Trenice (@TreniceB_WBAL) April 15, 2022 No injuries have been reported. Traffic has reopened in both directions, according to WGAL.  

New bill would allow truck drivers to collect overtime pay

By The Trucker News Staff -

WASHINGTON — A Michigan congressman has introduced legislation aimed at allowing truck drivers to receive overtime pay – something that is currently prohibited by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Rep. Andy Levin, D-Mich., announced the bill, dubbed the Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act, on Thursday. The bill would repeal the motor carrier overtime exemption in the FLSA. Levin said that the bill is designed so that truck drivers are fairly compensated for all of the hours they work. “While fixing the discrepancy in existing law is long overdue in its own right to bring us one step closer to truly fair labor standards for truckers, my bill also highlights that we are at a crucial moment for the industry writ large,” Levin said in a news release. “Truck drivers across the country face brutal working conditions marked by inadequate pay and long hours. Despite their tireless work, truck drivers do not receive overtime pay for overtime hours. As a result, the trucking industry faces an extremely high turnover rate as truckers cannot keep up with the thankless demands of their work. We all stand to benefit when truckers are paid what they’re owed.” The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), which supports the legislation, said the original design of the exemption passed in the 1930s was to prevent truckers from working too many hours. The reality, OOIDA says, is that the “outdated law” prevents truckers from receiving fair compensation. “We know that for too long, too many people throughout the supply chain have placed little or no value on a driver’s time,” OOIDA President Todd Spencer said. “This is partly because of the FLSA overtime exemption.” OOIDA said that requiring overtime for truckers will force shippers and receivers to move freight in an expedited fashion or compensate drivers for the time they are stuck at the facility. “Shippers, receivers and carriers have never been forced to account for all the hours they keep drivers waiting since it costs them nothing to do so,” Spencer said. “By repealing the FLSA exemption, this bill would help make sure that drivers are compensated for all the hours they work. We thank Rep. Levin for finally standing up for truckers on this issue.” The introduction of the legislation follows the U.S. Department of Transportation’s recent recommendation to eliminate the exemption to improve the supply chain. The bill also is supported by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the Institute for Safer Trucking, the Truck Safety Coalition, Citizens for Reliable and Safe Highways, and Parents Against Tired Truckers. OOIDA said the safety advocates recognize the connection between fair compensation and retaining safe and experienced drivers. “Every second Congress allows the FLSA motor carrier exemption to exist, lives are recklessly and needlessly put at risk,” Truck Safety Coalition President Dawn King said. “I know firsthand the ultimate price that is paid by the failure to fairly compensate truck drivers for their time. We thank Rep. Levin for taking action to eliminate this lethal loophole. The GOT Truckers Act will undoubtedly save lives and substantially reduce truck crash deaths and injuries.”

Link cuts ribbon on 50,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing, training facility

By The Trucker News Staff -

SIOUX CENTER, Iowa (PRNewswire) — Link Mfg., Ltd. announced Thursday the opening two new facilities. Link’s 50,000-square-foot Plant 4 manufacturing and training facility is located on the company’s Sioux Center, Iowa, campus, and its new Suspension Controls Engineering Center is in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Both locations will help Link accommodate its recent growth in staffing, manufacturing capabilities, engineering, software development and sales. “The new Sioux Center and Grand Rapids facilities reflect the growth and momentum Link has continued to enjoy leading up to and following its recent suspension controls product line acquisition,” Jim Huls, president of Link Manufacturing, said. “Link’s strategic focus on suspension, suspension controls and specialty products helped drive our expansion initiatives, and these new spaces will enable us to comfortably manage the positive impact as we continue our 42-year evolution.” Link’s Plant 4 in Sioux Center is now the manufacturing core for all the company’s mechanical and electronic air management products, including its SmartValve Electronic Height Control Systems and Smart Air Management Systems dynamic air suspension control technology. Targeted sectors of the building are temperature controlled, which is critical for the precision manufacturing and assembly of many of the air management system’s sensitive valve and electronic components. The light manufacturing space also offers Link the broad flexibility of being able to configure new manufacturing cells for other products as the need arises. The new Plant 4 will also serve as Link’s new consolidated shipping and receiving hub, continuing to leverage Iowa’s location near the geographic center of the country and thus major transportation corridors. “Our new ‘Synergy Team Room’ is also located in Plant 4 and will be used for large company gatherings, corporate events, for continuing education and for new employee onboarding,” Huls said. “And we’ve been doing a lot more onboarding lately, with the addition of 50 new local staff in association with and in anticipation of the Sioux Center Plant 4 opening.” Link’s new 15,000-square-foot Grand Rapids-based Suspension Controls Engineering Center will help focus a new segment of Link’s product engineering team specifically engaged in developing and expanding Link’s growing suspension control technologies. Expert staff at the new location will also be engaged in the integration of the company’s SmartValve and SAMS air management systems with Link’s Road Optimized Innovations (ROI) technology. The Michigan staff’s expertise in electrical engineering, software development, testing and sales will help broaden Link’s overall capabilities and effectiveness. The Grand Rapids location also puts Link in close physical proximity to a rich industry talent pool, as the company continues to expand its focus into the whole-vehicle suspension control segment of the commercial vehicle market. With its Michigan assets online, Link will continue to expand its reach into medium- and heavy-duty truck, tractor, trailer, motorcoach, transit bus, shuttle bus, recreational vehicle and specialty vehicle markets. The new Suspension Controls Engineering Center will also enhance Link’s world-class testing capabilities. Already certified to IATF 16949 standards at its Iowa facility, Link’s Michigan location will focus on new product prototype testing and validation. New capabilities include temperature and humidity cycle testing, submersion testing, tension elongation and compression testing, pressure, leak and lifecycle testing and optical comparison testing. The company will also perform warranty testing for all valve and suspension control products at the facility. In addition to its original Sioux Center location and its new Grand Rapids center, Link maintains engineering and manufacturing facilities in Nisku, Alberta, Canada. The company currently employs more than 250 team members. “Link’s expansion in Sioux Center and Grand Rapids shows that its roots are growing ever deeper in the heartland of Iowa, even as it continues to exert new gravitational influence near the center of the commercial vehicle universe,” Huls said. “What started with a revolutionary cab suspension in 1980, leading to ROI technology in 2019 and smart air management capabilities acquisition in 2021, is continuing to lead to growth, and ultimately to a new class of vehicle suspensions and suspension control systems.”  

Diamond Rio to headline at Walcott Truckers Jamboree concert

By The Trucker News Staff -

WALCOTT, Iowa — Known for their hits like “Meet in the Middle” and “Norma Jean Riley,” Diamond Rio will be taking the stage at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 15, as part of the Iowa 80 Truckstop’s 43rd Anniversary Walcott Truckers Jamboree. The event runs from July 14-16 at exit 284 along Interstate 80 in Walcott. “With their 22 Top 10 singles and multiple platinum and gold albums, they will have the crowd dancing all evening,” Heather DeBaillie, vice president of marketing for the jamboree said. “The Walcott Truckers Jamboree is an iconic summer event, and we look forward to celebrating America’s truckers and the hard work they do to keep this country rolling.” Also included in this year’s Jamboree will be the Super Truck Beauty Contest, Antique Truck Display, Iowa pork chop cookout, vendor exhibits, Trucker Olympics, two fireworks displays, a 100th birthday party for Iowa 80 Trucking Museum’s 1922 Walter Sno-Fighter, along with many other events and activities. Admission, parking and concerts are free. Complimentary shuttles will be provided from the parking area to the event grounds. More information is available by clicking here.

Diesel trucking companies conspire to violate Clean Air Act

By The Trucker News Staff -

DENVER – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announced Friday that Pro Diesel Inc. and Endrizzi Diesel, LLC. pleaded guilty to conspiring with a Colorado-based diesel shop to remove or alter the monitoring component of emissions control systems on Class 8, commercial heavy-duty diesel trucks and semi-trucks, thereby violating the Clean Air Act. According to plea agreements, between July 2017 and May 2020, Iowa-based Pro Diesel Inc. paid a Colorado diesel shop identified as “E.D.” more than $76,000 to disable on-board diagnostic (OBD) systems on 34 Class 8 trucks. Between January 2017 and December 2020, Missouri-based Endrizzi Diesel, LLC paid E.D. more than $149,000 to disable the diagnostic systems on approximately 60 class 8 trucks. Both diesel shops pleaded guilty to one count of violating Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. On-board diagnostics systems are monitoring devices required under the Clean Air Act to be installed on vehicles to monitor emissions control systems and to ensure they are functioning properly. Tampering an OBD is frequently referred to as “tuning.” One purpose for “tuning” an OBD is to allow the vehicles to continue to seemingly operate normally while the emissions control system is disabled. This reduces the high costs associated with maintaining or repairing components of the emissions control systems on heavy-duty diesel trucks.  However, as a consequence, tampered vehicles spew substantially more deleterious pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, non-methane hydrocarbons and particulate matter into the air, presenting a risk to the environment and public health. Nitrogen oxides from tailpipe emissions are a major contributor to the creation of ozone on the front range. Tests conducted by the EPA have found that completely deleting a diesel truck’s emissions controls can increase the truck’s tailpipe emissions of nitrogen oxide by a factor of approximately 310 times, carbon monoxide by a factor of approximately 120 times, and non-methane hydrocarbons by a factor of approximately 1,100 times. The pollutant increase is even greater when the emission controls on Class 8 vehicles, such as the ones tampered with here, are disabled. Through a remote connection, individuals at E.D. would run software programs to reprogram or “tune” the vehicle’s on-board diagnostic systems. These programs would tamper with, render inaccurate, and disable the monitoring functions of the OBDs so they would no longer detect malfunctions in the emissions control systems. Defendant Pro Diesel will be sentenced by Judge Daniel Domenico on June 14. Defendant Endrizzi Diesel will be sentenced by Judge Regina Rodriguez on June 29. These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca Weber and Special Assistant United States Attorney Linda Kato.  

Girl Scouts have ‘blast’ looking at big rigs

By The Trucker News Staff -

OMAHA, Neb. — A quiet neighborhood in Omaha was recently awakened by the sounds of big rig horns being tested and engines humming as the Nebraska Trucking Association (NTA) Women’s Council held a presentation of big trucks to a group of 40 Girl Scouts.     According to an NTA Facebook post, “the girls were from Daisies, Brownies and Junior level troops and had a blast not only learning about trucking but got hands-on experience inside three trucks.” Nebraska State Patrol Investigator and NTA Women Council Volunteer Kris Hunzeker also taught a coloring book exercise and Rice Krispy treat truck craft. The scouts also learned the different parts of the big rigs, and each girl earned a Girl Scouts trucking badge for attending. “Thank you to Werner Enterprises, Williams Transportation Inc, Lift Solutions, Inc., and Platte River Concrete Co. and all our volunteers and troop leaders for making this a great event for possible future Women in Trucking,” the Facebook post stated.  

PacLease names TLG Peterbilt PacLease as its North American Franchise of the Year

By The Trucker News Staff -

BELLEVUE, Wash. — TLG Peterbilt PacLease, a PacLease franchise with eight leasing locations in six states, has been named the PacLease 2021 North American Franchise of the Year. Headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, the franchise offers Peterbilt’s full line of medium-and heavy-duty trucks for lease and rental. According to Ken Roemer, president of PACCAR Leasing, TLG Peterbilt PacLease grew its fleet by 38% in 2021 over 2020 and added Charlotte, North Carolina, as a new operation in its portfolio of leasing locations. “TLG Peterbilt PacLease had an outstanding year,” Roemer said. “They increased their PacLease footprint and adopted new technology to improve both communication and uptime for their customers. They do an excellent job of creating real partnerships with their customers by providing the right solutions and excellent products backed by great customer service.” In addition to the North American Franchise of the Year award, PacLease also recently recognized its top U.S. and Canadian franchises. PacLease named Allstate Leasing (headquartered in South St. Paul, Minnesota, with 10 locations) and Gabrielli PacLease (headquartered in Jamaica, New York, with 11 locations) as its U.S. Franchises of the Year for Peterbilt and Kenworth. Burnaby, British Columbia-based Inland PacLease (with 19 Canadian locations) took home the honor as the Franchise of the Year for Canada. Allstate Leasing is not new to winning national awards from PacLease, having won the top North American Franchise of the Year award in 2019. “Allstate continues to excel every year, thanks to their dedication to customer service,” Roemer said. “In addition to having fully-dedicated service locations for PacLease customers, they’ve improved their flow-through when it comes to PMs for their customers. They’ve fully implemented PACCAR Leasing’s voice-guided preventive maintenance program that guides a technician through the service process quicker and more accurately. It’s just one more example of how they’re providing more uptime for their customers.” For Gabrielli PacLease, this was the franchise’s first national award. “They have done an excellent job of expanding their customer base,” Roemer said. “Customers are demanding quality equipment that is backed by exceptional service and that is what Gabrielli provides. They also continue to expand and will be opening two more PacLease locations this year. What’s more, they’ve built a very diverse rental fleet, allowing them to meet the needs of all of their customers.” In Canada, Inland PacLease – a two-time PacLease Canadian award winner – is a long-standing PacLease franchise, having opened its doors in January 1984. “They have the PacLease network’s highest customer retention rate, which speaks volumes for the level of service they provide,” Roemer said. “Their company-wide collaborative approach with customers is very evident, and a model for others to follow.” Overall, Roemer said in a year that was challenged by numerous global issues impacting transportation, he was extremely pleased with how PacLease franchises pivoted to keep customers operating trucks. “Our franchises had to be creative,” he said. “They had to extend leases and maintain an older fleet while awaiting new truck deliveries – all while providing outstanding customer service. Our franchises did an excellent job of working through obstacles to help their customers succeed. I am very proud of the outstanding people that make up the PacLease network.”

Illinois to debut app that makes navigation easier for oversize loads

By The Trucker News Staff -

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has announced a new app that provides audible route navigation for oversize/overweight loads. The app was created as part of an innovation competition among IDOT employees, according to a news release. Developed in partnership with ProMiles, this new mobile app provides audible turn-by-turn navigation for those moving oversize/overweight loads on permitted routes. The app enables drivers to keep their eyes on the road while driving, reduces the risk of infrastructure damage that may occur when oversize/overweight loads veer off course and facilitates the movement of goods critical to our economy and the nation’s supply chain. “This year’s contest has once again produced a bounty of innovations from creative employees throughout the state,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “With an eye toward ingenuity, this contest is yet another example of how our team is always looking to improve the services we provide to the people of Illinois.”  

Crash awareness event sees more than 200K enforcement stops across nation

By The Trucker News Staff -

COLUMBUS, Ohio — From March 12-20 across the nation, law enforcement agencies conducted 208,126 traffic law enforcement stops that included 83,544 violations for speeding, 11,527 violations for lack of seat belt usage, 9,759 commercial motor vehicle enforcement stops and 12,867 commercial motor vehicle inspection stops. The event was part of the Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort (CARE) and saw 76 law enforcement agencies participating, according to a CARE news release. During that time there were also 190 crash fatalities and 4,473 crash injuries. Total crashes equaled 15,009. There were 3,299 people cited for driving under the influence and 5,366 people using cite for distracted driving and cell phone use. The event also netted 2,344 felony arrests and 21,149 motor assists. In Ohio, troopers arrested 164 impaired drivers and had more than 10,800 enforcement contacts during the Operation CARE Spring Break and St. Patrick’s Day Mobilization. The patrol partnered with 30 other Ohio law enforcement agencies for the initiative, with a total of 76 agencies participating across the nation, according to a news release. “Driving safely is something that all motorists can do to keep each other safe,” said Colonel Richard S. Fambro, patrol superintendent with the Ohio State Patrol. “Driving sober and wearing your safety belt are crucial to making sure that you and other motorists get to your destinations safely.”

FMCSA warns of e-mail scams

By The Trucker News Staff -

WASHINGTON — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is warning of a phishing scam. Phishing involves e-mails that appear to be legitimate but are not. They attempt to lure unsuspecting recipients into some type of scam, usually involving money. “… you may receive from the FMCSA “Assistant of Administration” claiming you need to “complete your most recent up-to-date membership License certificate,” an FMCSA news release stated. “If you receive any suspicious email from [email protected] or any other entity that you are not expecting or looks suspicious, please delete the email from your inbox. Once the email has been deleted, go into your deleted mail and delete it from your deleted mailbox. Doing this will limit the exposure of the phishing email.” The news release further stated that “the only legitimate way to log in to the Training Provider Registry is via login.gov. Never enter your email address and password into a third-party website claiming to give you access to the Training Provider Registry.” The FMCSA notes that the key to knowing if a website is an official government site is to make sure that it ends in .gov or .mil. Also, check the URL and make sure it appears this way: “https://” The https:// ensures that users are connecting to the official website and that any information they provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.