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Maersk executives: Recent Volvo electric truck order just the start of electrifying fleet

BALTIMORE — After the recent announcement that A.P. Moller-Maersk (Maersk) plans to order 110 additional Volvo VNR Electric Class 8 trucks to its North American fleet, increasing its total commitment to 126 trucks, Maersk officials said that this is just the beginning. Maersk expects to deploy 450 electric trucks in North America from various manufacturers in 2022-23, according to Narin Phol, regional managing director for Maersk North America. Meanwhile, the Volvo electric trucks will be delivered by the end of Q1 2023 to support increased demand from customers, according to company officials. “Our customers are looking for tangible actions on sustainable supply chains – not just conceptual,” a Maersk news release stated. “With this in mind, we move decisively towards building an end-to-end, landside decarbonization offering for our customers – in line with our target to extend Maersk net-zero efforts to all transport modes in our global operation. These investments in our North America network will generate valuable experience for the continued journey towards similar customer offerings across the globe.” Vincent Clerc, CEO of Ocean and Logistics at Maersk, said that the new order builds on the August 2021 order of 16 Volvo VNR Electric trucks as part of Maersk’s Environment Social Governance (ESG) strategy to decarbonize logistics. “The strategy is a key driver for zero carbon operations in trucking and an important part of Maersk’s goal of enterprise-wide, carbon neutral operations by 2040 with significant steps to be taken by 2030,” Clerc said. “Today’s order reflects the company’s responsible procurement efforts to integrate ESG into Maersk business activities.” Maersk executives said that their long-term goal in North America is to “move toward a fully electric trucking fleet to offer customers an environmentally-friendly alternative for short-haul trucking. We recognize the electric vehicle technology is in the early stages and we’re committed to working closely with our partners to pilot and optimize the technology to scale it across our operations.” The Volvo electric trucks will be used in Southern California for short-haul warehouse and distribution center operations. Electric charging infrastructure will be installed in April-May 2022 and operational in June 2022, the company said. Volvo Trucks, in partnership with our dealer TEC Equipment, will collaborate with Maersk on its fleet sustainability goals and commends the organization’s continued scaled investments in electromobility solutions. “Incredibly, this is the second time in less than a year that Volvo Trucks has had the opportunity to announce that a Maersk Company has placed the largest order of Volvo VNR Electrics to date, which underscores their organization’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America.

Michigan’s Belleville Rest Area to temporarily close for improvements

BELLEVILLE, Mich. ­- The Belleville Rest Area off westbound Interstate 94, west of Belleville Road, will be closed from 7 a.m. Monday, April 4, through Monday, April 25, while crews upgrade the exterior areas for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. During the closure, crews will replace the curb and sidewalks and install new benches, handrails, picnic facilities, tables, stoves and trash receptacles.

Corra group helps keep trucking, transportation companies DOT compliant

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Corra Group is assisting trucking and transportation companies with their U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) compliance needs by offering both a la carte and batch files for the company’s annual motor vehicle driving records requirements. The El Segundo, California, headquartered background checking service can deliver driving records for every state in the union, plus Canada and Puerto Rico. “It is essential that trucking and transportation companies meet all Department of Transportation compliance mandates,” Corra Group Co-Founder Nick Gustavson said. “This standard is vital at a time when there is a driving shortage and trucking groups are struggling to find new drivers and to keep their current drivers compliant and on the road. Gustavson said Corra Group offers batch file uploads of minimum 50 drivers. “The driving records return in less than a 48-hour turnaround,” he said. “Employers also have the option of ordering MVRS individually, at which point for most states they return in about 60 seconds.” Gustavson underlined that Corra Group offers driver PSP driver safety reports as well as CDLIS, criminal records searches and DOT employment verification. He noted that clients can request custom trucking packages in any way they see fit. He added that some of the services are necessary for DOT compliance, while some are elective background checks. “Clients simply upload to us a spreadsheet containing the required information in order to conduct batch file motor vehicle driving records,” Gustavson said. “Clients will provide release forms for each driver Corra Group is checking, and that’s about it. In 24 to 48 hours, the driving records are returned to clients. For those companies with less than fifty drivers, they are free to order each record individually. It’s a simple process and turnaround is very fast in most states.”  

WIT announces Top Women to Watch in Transportation for 2022

PLOVER, Wis. — The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) recently announced its fifth annual list of Top Women to Watch in Transportation. These women were selected because their significant career accomplishments in the past 12 to 18 months, as well as their efforts to promote gender diversity within the industry. “This year, we were impressed with the number of nominations we received for highly-qualified and outstanding women who have excelled in a male-dominant industry,” said Brian Everett, group editorial director and publisher of WIT’s Redefining the Road magazine. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to recognize and highlight the achievements of 84 incredibly talented and valuable women.” Those recognized on the 2022 Top Women to Watch in Transportation list work for a broad range of company types, including motor carriers, third-party logistics companies, equipment manufacturers, retailer truck dealers, professional services companies, technology innovators and private fleets. Their job functions include corporate management (32%), operations/safety (27%), human resources/talent management (19%), sales/marketing (11%) and engineering/product development (6%). Another 5% are professional drivers. Individuals recognized as 2022 “Top Women to Watch in Transportation” are, in alphabetical order: Jennifer Albers, engineering manager, Yellow Peggy Arnold, road driver, Yellow Georgy Barlow, director of business development strategic accounts, Yellow Sanya Beard, owner/principal, Melrose Trucking and Transportation Jill Bezner-Ray, program manager, Peterbilt Motors Lisa Black, operations compliance manager, Aurora Elaine Bodnar, professional driver, CFI Kasey Brough, safety advisor, NAPA Transportation Inc. Ingrid Brown, CEO/independent owner-operator/FreightWaves HOST/FMCSA Voice of Safety, Rollin’ B LLC Naomi Brutscher, CDL examiner, Prime Inc. Navolia Bryant, chief people officer, Premier Trailer Leasing Susan Cagley, transportation manager of Toyota operations, Carter Logistics Inc. Cynthia Chiari, operating center manager, May Trucking Co. Sadie Church, director of recruiting and marketing, Artur Express Inc. Maria Coley, human resources director, CFI Traci Crane, Sr Manager Fleet Maintenance, CFI Paige Creo, director of marketing, Maven Machines Bronagh Curley, corporate services manager, New West Truck Centres (Freightliner Inc.) Melissa Davis, regional director of sales, Old Dominion Freight Line Lina DeJongh, terminal manager, Trimac Transportation Hayley Dobson, group vice president, Trinity Logistics Alexa Ekberg, product manager, Maven Machines Betty Elrod, chief marketing officer, Inflection Poynt Julia Epperly, account staff manager, Venture Connect Sondra Freeman, North America credit and collections manager, Trimac Transportation Molly Gibson, senior digital media strategist, CDLLife Nicole Glenn, founder and CEO, Candor Expedite Lindsay Goodman, vice president of national accounts, J.B. Hunt Kami Green, manager of payroll and accounts payable, John Christner Trucking Elizabeth Halko, vice president of operations, Proficient Auto Transport Inc. Angela Hargesheimer, group director of national accounts maintenance operations, Ryder System Inc. Amber Henson, account manager-operations, CFI Jackie Jacobs, senior fleet transaction analyst and project manager, Fleet Advantage Joëlle Jantzen, manager of human resources compliance, Yellow Tamar Jimenez, service center manager, XPO Logistics Inc. Katerina Jones, vice president of marketing and business development, Fleet Advantage Foster Kaman, manager of sales planning and support, Yellow Jennifer Karpus-Romain, executive director, Transportation Marketing & Sales Association Samka Keranovic, vice president and COO, US Truck Driver Training School Frederique Klein, director of finance, Navistar Alyssa Lamport, operations manager, Yellow Nona Larson, director of customer service, PACCAR Parts Rachel Lovell, vice president of people operations, Ascend Caroline Lyle, president, Virago Marketing Kelsey Mahay, Dealer Communications Manager, Navistar Michelle Mahoney, assistant director of operations, Carter Express Inc. Ann Marie Manos, associate director of service engineering and serviceability, Navistar Yvonne Mauriello, senior director of rental, Ryder System Ashley McClain, autonomous truck operations specialist, Aurora Jennifer Meyer, group logistics manager, Ryder Transportation Solutions LLC Britta Miano, director of customer excellence, Red Classic Veronica Millares, group director-sales strategy and operations, Ryder System Beth Paholke, fleet leader, Veriha Trucking Inc. Emily Phillips, vice president of advanced solutions, XPO Logistics Inc. Jennifer Piatt, elite support and diversity manager, Stoops Freightliner Ginny Polach, director of human resources, Sunset Transportation Kristi Randall, vice president, Artur Express Melissia Reeves, managing director of field operations, FedEx Freight Lorraine Reynoso, customer care and servicing manager, Crossroads Equipment Lease & Finance Becca Ridge, vice president of client services, CDLLife Su Schmerheim, independent owner-operator, Class Act Horse Transport LLC Michelle Siebert, director of finance, Artur Express Inc. Heather Smith, head of operations management, Aurora Robyn Smith, operating center manager, May Trucking Co. Carrie Snider, controller, Certified Express Jennifer Snyder, co-founder and general counsel, Fluid Truck Jin Stedge, co-founder and CEO, TruNorth Transportation Susan Stencel, director of customer logistics, Ryder Supply Chain Solutions Kim Stewart, regional vice president, Hogan Transports Lisa Strader, vice president of expedited operations, Covenant Roberta Tamburrino, president-freight audit and payment, AFS Logistics Angela Tracy, director of enterprise sales, Penske Truck Leasing Kendra Tucker, COO, Truckstop.com Amisha Vadalia, senior director of operations, Plus Raquel Valle, vice president of people and culture, Venture Logistics Ginnapher Velez, senior vice president of asset management, Clean Harbors Kathryn Venis, group director of customer logistics, Ryder System LouAnn Wagner, CEO, Texas Auto Carriers Inc. Tracy Walker, director of safety, Yellow Amy Wettstein, regional vice president of van truckload, Schneider Michelle Wiggins, director of sales, ReedTMS Logistics Pamela Wilday, independent contractor/driver, Prime Inc. Shelly Willingham, manager of engineering, Yellow Stacey Woods, senior vice president of human resources operations, XPO Logistics Inc. “This exceptional group of women have persevered through the uncertain times brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, exhibiting the true example of a leader,” said Ellen Voie, president and CEO of WIT. “The resilience displayed by these women supports and furthers the mission of the Women In Trucking Association to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments and minimize obstacles faced by women working in the industry.”

TMAF salutes the women of trucking: Amber Edmondson blazes trail at helm of family business

In honor of Women’s History Month in March, Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF) recognized several women who are forging new roads in the trucking industry. Amber Edmondson, president, CEO and co-owner of Trailiner Corp., is one of those women. In 1999, Edmondson’s grandfather, who founded the Springfield, Missouri-based refrigerated truckload carrier, encouraged her to join the family business while she was completing a college degree in business. Following graduation, she was asked to remain with the company and mentor with one of the executives. “Now it’s 23 years later and I’m still here,” she said, noting that she has learned all aspects of the business since joining the team. In 2018, she and three cousins joined together to buy the company. As president and CEO of Trailiner, Edmondson focuses on the business strategy, working to position the company for future opportunities and growth. In addition, she ensures the business runs smoothly and that her team has the support it needs. “I work to empower my team to do the things they need to do,” she said. Life in the trucking industry is ever-changing, and that’s just fine with Edmondson. “What I love most about trucking is that no day is the same. There’s always something that keeps it interesting,” she said. “You also get to interact with a broad, diverse group of people.” She says some of the most memorable moments during her career include being affiliated with American Trucking Associations and the Truckload Carriers Association. “I have gotten to meet people across the industry, and it’s interesting to hear other people’s stories — especially those with similar stories to mine,” she said. “I like hearing the stories of other people who are working in a family business — those who are working to keep the family atmosphere while keeping the business running from generation to generation.” Edmondson encourages other women who are considering a career in trucking to join the industry. “There are an unlimited number of opportunities for women in trucking,” she said. “Women have the freedom of being out on the open road as a driver or working their way up in a company. There are a lot of women in executive leadership positions in trucking now,” she continued. “The opportunities are out there if you’re willing to put in the work and pursue those opportunities.”

TMAF salutes the women of trucking: Erica Denney finds true calling in trucking industry

In honor of Women’s History Month in March, Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF) recognized several women who are forging new roads in the trucking industry. Erica Denney, director of sales for Denney Transport, is one of those women. Even though her family owned a trucking company, working in the industry was not something Denney planned for. In fact, the former college volleyball player says she never really looked beyond collegiate athletics while at Penn State, other than thinking she might “go into the beef industry.” “But I did love my transportation class the most, so maybe that was a hint (of things) to come,” she said. After college, Denney took a job in insurance. After about a year, her father called and asked her to help out with the family business, Denney Transport. “I never looked back, and have been at Denney for six years,” she said, adding that her job involves selling niche services for the company’s truckload and less-than-truckload (LTL) services. When asked what she loves most about trucking, Denney is quick respond: “The people, and what we are all trying to do.” The trucking industry plays a pivotal role in the supply chain, delivering the necessities of everyday life as well as the luxuries. “When I go to the grocery store, I think, ‘We brought that.’ Your favorite dessert at Starbucks? We brought that. Your designer bag, the medicine you need. If we stopped, the country would stop.” Denney encourages young people to enter the industry. She served as a coach for the American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) Trucking U, where she spoke to college students studying business or transportation. In addition, she was part of the LEAD ATA Class of 2019, where she shared business practices with peers. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Denny said she quickly discovered a need for more education about the trucking industry and how critical it is to the supply chain. “Trucking is here to stay. We are flexible, and we work on the fly,” she said. Denney also expressed concern about the industry’s worker shortage, noting that the average age of drivers is now close to retirement age. Her advice to young people who are interested in a career in trucking? “Trucking can open so many doors, and you can feel good about what you do. It’s such a large industry, but it has a close-knit, family feel. We back each other,” she said. “What other industry does this? It’s so cool to think that at the end of the day, we aim to accomplish the same thing.”

Georgia Port extends growth trend, adding new truck gate

SAVANNAH, Ga. – The Port of Savannah’s container volume grew nearly 18 percent in February, the latest figure available, extending year-over-year increases to 19 consecutive months for the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA). To better accommodate that growth, the GPA Board has expedited more than $538 million in capacity expansion projects initially anticipated years into the future. “Today’s action by the board will result in an unprecedented expansion, ensuring our ability to implement flexible solutions to meet our customers’ evolving needs,” GPA Executive Director Griff Lynch said. “This growth plan is part of an overall strategy to enhance operations, accommodate increased demand, and deliver the world-class service and reliability that have become synonymous with GPA.” At the recent board meeting, Lynch reported the Port of Savannah moved 460,413 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent unit) in February, an increase of 69,610 TEUs, or 17.8 percent. A TEU shipping container’s internal dimensions measure about 20 feet long, 8 feet wide and 8 feet tall. In light of the sustained increase in cargo volumes, Georgia Ports is planning major investments in both Brunswick and Savannah. These expansion projects will increase the Port of Savannah’s annual capacity from the current 6 million to 9.5 million TEUs by 2025. GPA will develop 85 additional acres, which will include vehicle processing facilities at the Port of Brunswick. The new pavement and buildings are slated to be complete in 2023, significantly increasing capacity. Colonel’s Island Terminal has another 355 acres permitted for development. Additionally, the board gave the go-ahead to the Garden City Terminal West expansion, which Lynch designated a “permanent pop-up yard” – a reference to the six temporary yards GPA has established at inland markets. The project adds 90 acres of container storage, a truck gate and rubber-tired gantry cranes to serve the existing Garden City Terminal footprint. The development will increase the Port of Savannah’s annual capacity by 1 million TEUs in phases through 2023 and 2024. “With the completion of the Savannah Harbor deepening, we have the water depth to more easily accommodate big ships,” Lynch said. “Our current projects will complement the harbor expansion by giving us the landside capacity we need to handle larger container volumes.” GPA will also add a truck gate and access road to link Garden City Terminal to another 90-acre parcel just upriver. The Authority is building a transloading facility with a cross-docking warehouse there that is expected to be complete by April 2023. The facility addresses a demand for cross-dock services in Savannah, allowing customers to move cargo directly from the docks to destination markets or distribution centers. The board also agreed to order seven new ship-to-shore cranes for the Port of Savannah. Along with a previous eight-crane order in November 2020, this will bring Savannah’s fleet to 42. “Considering the ambitious slate of work, we have set to expand our operations, customers can confidently build GPA into their immediate and long-term growth plans,” Joel Wooten, GPA board chairman, said. “Our berth and terminal capacity improvements further strengthen Georgia’s position as the gateway to the U.S. Southeast and beyond.” Expected cost of the recently approved projects equate to 33 percent of the $1.6 billion GPA spent on new infrastructure over the past 10 years. The growth will be funded through a combination of bonds and internal GPA capital.

ADOT urges drivers to respect work zone speed restrictions

PHOENIX – Drivers who speed past the 55 mph limit while traveling through the Arizona Department of Transportation’s (ADOT) largest-ever urban freeway reconstruction project could end up getting a ticket as ADOT increases its efforts to encourage motorists to slow down in the project work zone. In the Phoenix metro area, the Interstate 10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project stretches for 11 miles from the Loop 202 Santan/South Mountain Freeway interchange to Interstate 17 near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The ADOT project team is initiating a campaign to raise awareness of work zone safety that includes added Department of Public Safety patrols in the area. “The I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project is one of the most visible work zones in the state but speeding through any work zone can be deadly and costly for drivers, their passengers and of course workers in these zones,” Project Manager Amy Ritz said. In addition to the added enforcement, ADOT is using overhead message signs and billboards to share safety information and has produced a public service announcement featuring I-10 Broadway Curve project team members asking drivers to slow down. “One aspect of this project that has taken me by surprise is the number of people who risk their lives, and the lives of others every day, to save about three minutes,” Ritz said. “That’s how much time you save if you drive these 11 miles at 75 mph compared to the posted 55 mph limit. The time it takes to listen to a hit song is not worth someone’s life.” For more information: https://i10broadwaycurve.com/work-zone-safety/

97 tons of litter removed from South Carolina highways

COLUMBIA, SC — South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) employees spent March 30 picking up litter in every county of the state as part of the agency’s “Spring Spruce Up” campaign and to support Lt. Governor Pamela Evette‘s Grab-A-Bag SC effort.  The one day cleanup event resulted in more than 97 tons of litter being removed from South Carolina highways. “I am encouraged by the spirit of our SCDOT team and the volunteers who spent an entire day cleaning up our beautiful state, Secretary of Transportation Christy A. Hall said. “A problem this large requires everybody to pitch in and do their part.” SCDOT’s “Spring Spruce Up” is one of two annual anti-litter campaigns. A similar event is also held in the fall.

MoDOT to close I-44 in south St. Louis County beginning April 8

ST. LOUIS – Drivers heading along Interstate 44 in south St. Louis County the weekend of April 8 should consider alternate routes or allow extra time as the Missouri Department of Transportation will close the interstate to remove the Big Bend Bridge. Work to remove the bridge near Crestwood and Kirkwood will begin at 6 a.m. Friday, April 8, as crews will close the right lane on eastbound and westbound I-44, around the clock. Crews will start closing both eastbound and westbound I-44 at 7 p.m. Friday, April 8, with all lanes being closed by 9 p.m. Big Bend over the interstate will also be closed by 9 p.m. Friday. Traffic will be routed up and over the ramps, but drivers can expect much slower travel times through the weekend. Drivers on Big Bend are highly encouraged to use alternate routes to get to I-44 during this weekend’s closure to reduce the impact to through interstate traffic. Three lanes on the interstate will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, April 11. One lane in each direction on I-44 will remain closed through August. Big Bend over the interstate will remain closed through August. Drivers heading eastbound from southbound Big Bend can take I-44 westbound to Lindbergh and turn east. Drivers heading westbound from northbound Big Bend can take I-44 eastbound to Elm and turn west.

Vegas police bust big rig driver after K9 finds cocaine in tomato shipment

LAS VEGAS — A Las Vegas Metropolitan Police K9 officer named Nuggetz helped bust a truck driver on March 25 after 230 pounds of cocaine were found in a shipment of tomatoes. Police said the bust happened at 2:30 a.m. after they stopped driver Nanak Singh near Interstate 15 and St. Rose Parkway for driving erratically. “The nervous driver had a story that didn’t add up,” police said. Officers searched the truck, with Nuggetz’ help, and found the load of cocaine hidden among tomatoes. Police say the drugs have an estimated street value of $10.5 million. The driver and a passenger — Chandra Prakash — were booked into jail for trafficking a controlled substance.  

Semi strikes school bus in Florida; 5 children hospitalized

LEE COUNTY, Fla. — An 18-wheeler rear-ended a school bus Wednesday afternoon in rural Florida, sending five students to the hospital, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). An FHP report stated that the big rig, driven by a 34-year-old Seffner, Florida, man, was driving behind the bus heading north along U.S. 19 when he failed to stop in time after the bus stopped. The bus, which had its flashing red lights activated, had 10 students on board, ranging in ages from 8 to 13, according to authorities. Five of the students were transported to UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida. Two were listed in serious condition. The School Board of Levy County released the following statement about the accident on its Facebook page: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to them, as well as all of our school students, families and staff. Crisis counselors are present at Yankeetown School today and are available to our students and staff. Please continue to pray for those who were injured and impacted by this tragic accident.”

New York reminds active military, veterans of option to expedite, simplify process of getting CDL

ALBANY, N.Y. — The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Division of Veterans’ Services on Thursday encouraged active military members and veterans to apply for a waiver of the commercial driver license (CDL) skills road test when they apply for a CDL. Those who have military experience driving commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) may be eligible to skip the CDL road test. The waiver has been in place since 2012 and has helped more than 2,000 active-duty military and veterans get a CDL. “DMV is proud of the hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers who have served, and it is our duty to help them transition back into the civilian workforce,” DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder said. “This waiver allows them to put their valuable skills and experience to work while also helping to address the critical shortage of commercial drivers.” “We are grateful for the opportunity to continue this successful collaboration with our partners at DMV to provide this licensing opportunity for as many service members and veterans as possible,” New York State Division of Veterans’ Services Director Viviana DeCohen said. “We will continue to inform New York’s veterans and service members of their ability to access the waiver for their CDL so they can continue to serve their communities in this important role.” To be eligible, applicants must have a valid New York state or out-of-state driver license, meet all requirements for a New York state CDL and have experience operating a military CMVs. The waiver must be applied for at a DMV office. Applicants must also pass all applicable written tests. To see all the requirements for a military skills test waiver, visit the DMV website. Those who meet the requirements will be issued a CDL after passing the written exams. The license class, endorsements and restrictions will depend upon the type of CMV the driver operated in the military. Recently, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a variety of state actions to increase the number of truck and bus drivers, including a plan to allow qualified third parties to offer the road tests. This would create more testing locations statewide and expand capacity at existing state-run sites, reducing the time it takes to get qualified CDL drivers on the road. The DMV is now actively working to roll out the first phase of the governor’s initiative. In addition, in September, Hochul introduced a variety of measures by multiple state agencies to get more drivers into school buses. “Under the governor’s leadership, the DMV expedited the process for obtaining a CDL for those who do not qualify for a road test waiver by removing the 14-day waiting period between the permit test and the road test,” a news release stated. “The DMV also increased testing capacity for written exams and opened new CDL road test sites. For school staff who held an existing CDL, the state set up expedited testing to obtain a permit that allows them to drive vans and buses temporarily. Those interested in obtaining a CDL can find more information at https://dmv.ny.gov/commercial-drivers. For more resources for active military, veterans and their families, visit the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services.  

Make-A-Wish to host annual Mother’s Day Truck Convoy in Pennsylvania

LANCASTER, Pa. — Make-A-Wish® Philadelphia, Delaware and Susquehanna Valley will hold the 33rd Annual Mother’s Day Truck Convoy on Sunday, May 8. The convoy had been scaled back in both 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. Jennifer Davis, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish® Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley, said, organizers “are excited to return this event to its full scope, including the convoy carnival, auction, an addition of food trucks and an unlimited number of truck drivers this year. We are counting on the local community, especially truck drivers, to make the convoy a success.” The funds raised at the convoy typically support more than 75% of the wishes granted in the Susquehanna Valley each year, according to a news release. This will be the first year that a full convoy, including unlimited trucks and the convoy carnival. Both will be held at the new location, the Manheim Pennsylvania, Auto Auction. “We are thrilled to be partnering with Make-A-Wish® for the Mother’s Day Truck Convoy for our third year,” said Joey Hughes, general manager of the Auto Auction. “The Mother’s Day Truck Convoy is an important fundraising event for Make-A-Wish® and our team at Manheim Pennsylvania Auto Auction is honored to host it at our location.” The convoy carnival opens at 8 a.m. and includes games, music, costumed characters, food trucks and hundreds of big trucks, including fire trucks. The convoy departs Manheim Auto Auction at 1:30 p.m. on May 8. “I’m incredibly proud of the convoy committee, who are working tirelessly to bring our full Mother’s Day Truck Convoy and family carnival to Manheim Pennsylvania Auto Auction this year,” said Terry Finch, convoy committee chairperson. “I believe I speak for all of them when I say we’re thrilled that the convoy is back, and we can’t wait for everyone to see what we have in store at our new location.” Road Pro Family of Brands is serving as the presenting sponsor of the event. “Giving back to the communities we serve has been in our company’s DNA for generations, and we look forward to being a part of another successful event,” said Gina Bonafede, director of marketing communications for Road Pro. Drivers can register at wishconvoy.org. For more information about Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley, visit wish.org/philadesv

Mississippi providing CDL training for homeless people

“Eventually, I think I want to get my Class A and get on the road, drive big trucks.” — Montresa Harney, a formerly homeless woman who is now a trained Class C CDL holder JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is working with community partners to eliminate homelessness and help alleviate a truck driver shortage that is facing transit agencies within the Magnolia State. Through a program called D.R.I.V.E. (Developing Responsible Individuals with Valuable Education), MDOT and its partners are providing housing assistance, job training and employment for the homeless, according to an MDOT news release. Participants in the program are completing commercial driver’s license (CDL) training and obtaining employment through MDOT’s Public Transit Division. “MDOT’s Public Transit Division and Mississippi Home Corporation have teamed up with community partners to reduce homelessness and help alleviate the serious driver shortage that is facing transit agencies within the state through the D.R.I.V.E. service,” the news release stated. Montresa Harney was homeless with her seven children but was able to turn her life around through this very program, which assisted her with job training, employment and housing assistance. Harney recently obtained her Class C CDL through the program, and MDOT connected her with a job in public transit. “I can drive anything under 26,000 pounds, so like a school bus, light transit, driving elderly people to their appointments,” Harney said. “It was very rewarding especially the patients I met. I love talking to them, they love talking to me it was very rewarding.” Harney said she now has a new lease and outlook on life. “Eventually, I think I want to get my Class A and get on the road, drive big trucks,” she said. “I would encourage people to do it, if you’re thinking about getting your license, class A,B,C — go ahead and do it you know because you get to meet a lot of people who will support you.”

Blue lights on big rig a no-no in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wisc. — As part of their #WednesdayWisdom Facebook series, the Wisconsin State Patrol (WSP) on Wednesday called out a truck driver for having blue lights installed on the back of their rig. “Blue and flashing lights are prohibited on non-police vehicles in Wisconsin,” the post states. “Headlights can be white or amber. Taillights must be red. A vehicle must have at least two headlights and not more than two fog lights and spotlights.” The post received hundreds of comments. Mark Hughes wrote: “How about enjoy a rig with some cool lights…and not harming a soul. To many complainers in this world…SMH.” Bruce Cooper wrote: “Definitely need to outlaw the strip lights and make it a law to know how to adjust fog and head lights.” “What a great job on protecting us from the harmful color of light,” Steven Ward wrote. “These laws are about as useless as tint laws. Just a money grab is all.” The WSP included these links with text of the state’s laws that govern vehicle lighting.

FMCSA grants Werner’s driver training request

WASHINGTON – Certain commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders driving for megacarrier Werner Enterprises, Inc. will be allowed to operate without a commercial driver’s license (CDL) holder in the passenger seat, according to a new ruling from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which granted the ruling this week. The exemption has been previously granted to other trucking companies, including CR England, CRST and New Prime and only applies to permit holders who have passed the CDL skills test but have not yet obtained the CDL document from their home state. The CDL holder also will have to remain in the vehicle but will not be required to sit in the front seat. A filing on the Federal Register states that the FMCSA “has analyzed the exemption application and the public comments and has determined that the exemption, subject to the terms and conditions imposed, will likely achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be achieved absent such exemption.” Werner contends that an exemption from this regulation will benefit the company and trucking industry in three ways: Improving efficiency of freight operations by maximizing driver employment during an historic driver shortage; creating immediate employment and compensation opportunities to qualified drivers; and improving the overall safety of the new driver experience, according to the Federal Register posting. “Werner believes it will face a significant burden in all three areas if this exemption is not granted,” the post states. “Werner asserts that 49 CFR 383.25(a)(1) has created a significant burden on its operations. Prior to the implementation of the regulation, a new driver’s State of domicile issued temporary CDLs to drivers who passed the CDL skills test. The temporary CDL made it possible for Werner to place the new driver as ‘on duty’ and route him or her to the state of domicile to obtain a CDL without entering a second driver into an ‘on duty’ status, thus allowing productive freight movement for Werner and compensation for the new driver.” Werner officials said they believe that applying the exemption only to drivers who have passed the CDL skills test, hold a CLP, and operate the CMV under supervision of a CDL holder who is somewhere in the vehicle, will ensure an equivalent level of safety. “Werner believes that there is no difference between the CLP holders who have passed the CDL skills test and other truck drivers on the road,” according to the Federal Register post. “In fact, Werner notes that by allowing a CLP holder who has passed the CDL skills test out of State to drive en route to their State of domicile with a CDL holder present in the vehicle, safety will be improved over current regulations, which allow a new CDL holder to drive unsupervised immediately after receiving his or her CDL documentation. Werner will ensure this level of safety by maintaining proper, up-to-date records for all drivers in possession of a CLP who have passed the CDL skills test.” The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) opposed the measure, calling it “another example of large carriers using the false premise of a driver shortage to get around safety regulations.” OOIDA argues that there is not a driver shortage and contends the issue is a driver retention problem that could be fixed by improving pay and working conditions. “In reality, evidence from the federal government and industry analysis show that driver turnover is the problem,” OOIDA wrote in comments signed by President Todd Spencer. “For one, FMCSA estimates that over 400,000 new commercial driver’s licenses are issued every year. On top of that, the U.S. Department of Labor did not find any indications of a driver shortage when examining the issue in 2019. Instead, they identified the high turnover experienced by large carriers as one reason for the perception of a shortage.” The Agriculture Transportation Coalition (AgTC), American Trucking Associations (ATA), Idaho-Oregon Fruit and Vegetable Association, Truckload Carriers Association, truck drivers and some individuals submitted comments supporting Werner’s application for exemption. For example, AgTC said, “The AgTC supports Werner’s application for exemption to allow commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders who have successfully passed the commercial driver’s license (CDL) skills test to be able to drive a CMV without having a CDL holder seated beside them in the CMV.” The ATA stated, “Given the ongoing driver shortage, ATA is vitally interested in removing employment barriers to increase efficiency without hindering safety. As such, ATA appreciates the opportunity to comment on this important petition. Specifically, ATA believes that granting Werner’s exemption would achieve an equivalent or greater level of safety, mitigate the impact of state driver’s licensing agency (SDLA) processing delays, address the needs of a mobile workforce, and minimize costs and burdens for the trucking industry.”

Volvo VNR Electric named 2022 Commercial Green Truck of the Year

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Green Car Journal has named Volvo’s VNR Electric, a Class 8 battery electric model featuring zero operating emissions and a driving range of up to 275 miles on electric power, as its Commercial Green Truck of the Year. Additionally, eight commercial trucks were recognized with the magazine’s 2022 Green Car Product of Excellence™ award. These include the Freightliner eCascadia, International eMV, Kenworth T680E, Lion Electric Lion6, Mack LR Electric, Nikola Tre BEV, Peterbilt 579EV and SEA Hino M5 EV. “The need to dramatically reduce emissions and encourage use of clean fuels has grown significantly since Green Car Journal’s first issue three decades ago,” Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and GreenCarJournal.com, said. “While serious effort has been devoted to ‘greener’ consumer vehicles for years, focus has only recently expanded to lower- and zero-carbon commercial trucks. The magazine’s Green Car Awards™ have evolved to recognize their environmental achievement.”