The Trucker News Staff

ARVADA, Colo. – Interstate 76 eastbound through part of Colorado Friday was shut down after an 18-wheeler’s trailer collapsed under the weight of too much beer. According to the Arvada Police Department, the truck was overloaded with a large quantity of beer. “Too much beer is never a good thing,” the APD wrote on its Twitter page. There were no injuries reported. The highway was backed up for several hours.

HOBBS, N.M. — National Transportation Safety Board Vice Chairman Bruce Landsberg said Thursday that a 13-year-old was driving the pickup truck that struck a van in West Texas in a fiery collision that killed nine people. The truck’s left front tire, which was a spare tire, also blew out before impact, Landsberg said. One must be 14 in Texas to start taking classroom courses for a learner’s license and 15 to receive that provisional license to drive with an instructor or licensed adult in the vehicle. Department of Public Safety Sgt. Victor Taylor said a 13-year-old driving would be breaking the law. Although it was unclear how fast the two vehicles were traveling, “this was clearly a high-speed collision,” Landsberg said. The crash Authorities are trying to determine why the pickup truck the 13-year-old was driving crossed into the opposite lane before colliding head-on with the van, killing nine people including six New Mexico college students and a golf coach, as well as a 13-year-old boy. The University of the Southwest students, including one from Portugal and one from Mexico, and the coach were returning from a golf tournament. Also killed in Tuesday evening’s fiery crash was a man in the pickup with the boy. Two Canadian students were hospitalized in critical condition. The Texas Department of Public Safety identified the deceased as: Golf coach Tyler James, 26, of Hobbs, New Mexico; and players Mauricio Sanchez, 19, of Mexico; Travis Garcia, 19, of Pleasanton, Texas; Jackson Zinn, 22, of Westminster, Colorado; Karisa Raines, 21, of Fort Stockton, Texas; Laci Stone, 18, of Nocona, Texas; and Tiago Sousa, 18, of Portugal. Also killed were Henrich Siemens, 38, of Seminole County, Texas, and an unidentified 13-year-old boy who were in the 2007 Dodge 2500 pickup. Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Steven Blanco said Thursday that investigators have not yet confirmed who was driving either vehicle because of the severity of the crash and the fire that occurred afterward. Critically injured aboard the van were Canadian students Dayton Price, 19, of Mississauga, Ontario, and Hayden Underhill, 20, of Amherstview, Ontario. Both were taken by helicopter to the University Medical Center in Lubbock, about 110 miles to the northeast. “They are both stable and recovering and every day making more and more progress,” University of the Southwest Provost Ryan Tipton said Thursday of the two injured students. Underhill’s brother Drew said their parents, Ken and Wendy, flew to Texas. “Hockey was a big part of life for a while, but his true passion is golf,” Drew Underhill said. “From a small town in Ontario, he’s doing OK.” The Mexican Federation of Golf posted an online note of condolence to the loved ones of Mauricio Sanchez. Sousa was from Portugal’s southern coast, where he graduated from high school last summer before heading to college in the U.S., said Renata Afonso, head of the Escola Secundária de Loulé. “Any school would be delighted to have had him as a student,” she said. Stone’s mother wrote of her loss on Facebook Wednesday. “She has been an absolute ray of sunshine during this short time on earth,” Chelsi Stone said in a post. “We will never be the same after this and we just don’t understand how this happened to our amazing, beautiful, smart, joyful girl.” Stone graduated in 2021 from Nocona High School, where she played golf, volleyball and softball. She was a freshman majoring in global business management, according to her biography on the golf team’s website. James’ mother, June James, said she knew little about the circumstances of the collision. He coached the men and the women. “We don’t know what happened. It’s a huge investigation. We don’t have any idea as of yet,” James said during a brief phone interview. Team member Jasmin Collum had been scheduled to play but at the last minute decided instead to visit her parents in Houston, her mother said. “We knew all those people on board,” Tonya Collum said. “Basically, the whole team is gone or in the hospital.” The University of the Southwest is a private, Christian college located in Hobbs, New Mexico, near the state line with Texas. A memorial was set up Wednesday at the course near campus where the team practices. There were flowers, golf balls and a handmade sign with a cross and the initials USW. “It’s the very least we could to for the players, and of course Coach James,” said Rockwind Community Links Manager Ben Kirkes. “These kids were great kids, and they were great, great community members,” Kirkes said. New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said on Facebook that she is “deeply saddened” by the loss of life. “This is a terrible accident. As we await additional information from authorities, my prayers are with the community and the loved ones of all those involved,” she said. I am deeply saddened by news of a fatal crash involving students and staff from the University of the Southwest in Hobbs. This is a terrible, tragic accident. As we await additional information from authorities, my prayers are with the loved ones of all those involved. — Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (@GovMLG) March 16, 2022 Texas Gov. Greg Abbott also expressed sympathy. “We grieve with the loved ones of the individuals whose lives were horrifically taken too soon in this fatal vehicle crash near Andrews last night,” Abbott said. Statement on fatal vehicle crash near Andrews in West Texas: https://t.co/a1QYDoekfO pic.twitter.com/GnxvAqAtFy — Gov. Greg Abbott (@GovAbbott) March 16, 2022 The teams had been taking part in a golf tournament at Midland College, about 315 miles west of Dallas. “We are still learning the details about the accident, but we are devastated and deeply saddened to learn about the loss of our students’ lives and their coach,” University President Quint Thurman said in a statement. The university said on Twitter that counseling and religious services would be available on campus. Midland College said Wednesday’s play would be canceled because of the crash. Eleven schools were participating in the event. “All of the players and their coaches from the participating schools met together early this morning,” Midland College athletic director Forrest Allen said in a statement Wednesday. “We were all shocked to learn of this tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with USW as they grieve this terrible loss.”

HARRISBURG, Pa. – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced Friday that it will no longer require weight class stickers on commercial vehicles. “Historically, trucks with a registered weight of 5,001 pounds or greater were required to display a truck weight class sticker on the inside of their vehicles windshield,” PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian said. “This was an antiquated and unreliable indicator for law enforcement and inconvenient for the industry/vehicle owners. The reliable way to determine the vehicle’s registered weight is for the law enforcement officer to review the current registration card.” A vehicle’s weight classification is printed on the vehicle’s registration card carried within a vehicle and produced during a vehicle stop. Eliminating weight class stickers will have no bearing on revenue as application fees are collected in accordance with established fee schedules. “Elimination of weight class stickers is a win-win for PennDOT and the trucking industry, saving costs and cutting needless red tape,” Rebecca Oyler, Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association (PMTA) President and CEO said. “PMTA has long supported this change and is pleased with this final rulemaking, which will benefit the owners of an estimated 1.6 million commercial and non-commercial vehicles.” All motor vehicle forms and publications related to weight class stickers are being updated to remove the reference of a “weight class sticker.” The updated forms will be available on our website at www.dmv.pa.gov. More information can be found on PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Service website under the Elimination of Truck Weight Class Stickers page. Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov.

WILLMINGTON, Conn. — A Connecticut State Police (CSP) trooper escaped serious injury Friday morning after his cruiser was struck by a set of tractor-trailer wheels and tires on Interstate 84 westbound at exit 70. The CSP wasn’t clear about whether the wheels came off of the 18-wheeler or if they were being hauled. The trooper was parked off the roadway in a dirt area at the time of the accident, according to a CSP news release. The big rig driver continued without stopping and has not been located, the CSP stated, noting that the trooper attempted to follow in pursuit but was unsuccessful. Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact Sgt. Merrill at Troop C at 860) 896-3200.

NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. — Howes Products has added another level to its digital Howes Hall of Fame with the use of virtual reality (VR). The new technology provides visitors to the online “hall” with an immersive 360-degree panoramic experience. Howes, a developer of fuel additives and lubricants, introduced the Hall of Fame in 2020 as part of the company’s centennial celebration. The Hall of Fame, which began as a simple fly-through video with a few clickable “hot spots,” highlights people, places and things that have made positive impacts on the trucking and agricultural industries. “We were thrilled to build out the Hall of Fame to what it is today,” said Rob Howes, executive vice president of Howes Products. “It’s beyond important to us to have this platform dedicated to these amazing people, places and organizations,” he said. “Everyone should know what a tremendous role they play on these industries, and how imperative the industries themselves are to this nation. The more attention we can bring to them, the better.” With the addition of VR, the Hall now provides an interactive, “all-access” experience. Visitors can look up, down and all around from 12 points in the Hall to explore various exhibits. The Hall of Fame is packed with vivid graphics and interesting information about trucking, farming, the Howes company and, of course, the Hall’s honored inductees. While the updated version of the Hall of Fame will remain available to all, this year, Howes is taking things a step further. Visitors using virtual reality headsets with access to AltspaceVR, a social VR platform, will soon be able to dive into a remarkably immersive experience when visiting the site. This virtual experience is as close to the real thing as one can get, according to company. The Hall will offer plenty of places for AltspaceVR users to explore, along with items to examine and games to play. Visitors can even interact with each other in real time. “This is probably one of the coolest things we’ve ever had the privilege of creating,” said Erika Howes, vice president of business development at Howes Products. “Not only is it something new, fun and exciting, but (it’s) something that has a true purpose, something that calls attention to the industries that we are so proud to be a part of, industries that are the backbone of America, and most importantly, the heart of these industries — the people and places that keep them moving,” she continued. “Having a place to go to celebrate these folks is just awesome,” she added. “The fact that anyone can visit, at any time, from anywhere, makes it that much more special. Now, not only can everyone see (the Hall of Fame) in a super-cool way, but people can truly experience it, which is incredibly unique. We’re proud to be the pioneers of something this different.” This VR experience will be launched at the Howes booth (#14172) during the Mid-America Trucking Show, March 24-26 in Louisville, Kentucky. The booth will have a full Hall of Fame set-up, allowing visitors to preview inductee videos and Hall of Fame memorabilia while waiting to try out the VR. Those who prefer not to step into the virtual world were able to watch through the eyes of others via a big-screen television that broadcasts the user’s point of view. To top it all off, the first Howes Hall of Fame inductee of 2022 will be announced. “It’s great to finally be able to be around people again. We’ve wanted to announce inductees in person since the beginning, and this is the first time we’re going to be able to do it,” Erika said. “What a great combo package to be able to meet the newest inductee, then ‘step into’ the Hall of Fame world. Everyone is truly buzzing with excitement.” After the show, the virtual experience will be accessible to anyone with VR headsets that support AltspaceVR. Users with their own headsets will be able to create personalized avatars and meet fellow visitors from all across the globe, right inside the Hall. Visitors to the site who don’t have VR headsets will still be able to access the 360-degree panoramic version of the exhibit, which is quite a journey in and of itself. To date, inductees in the Howes Hall of Fame include: Ellen Voie, co-founder and CEO of the Women In Trucking Association; Iowa 80 Truckstop, known as “The World’s Largest Truckstop”; Tony Justice, a singer, songwriter, storyteller and truck driver; Truckers Against Trafficking, a nonprofit organization that fighting human trafficking; and Peterson Farm Brothers, “Depicting what it is to be a farmer today.” The newest inductee will be announced at MATS later this month. To nominate a candidate as a potential inductee for the Howes Hall of Fame, click here and fill out the entry form.

COLUMBUS, Ind. – Preliminary used Class 8 retail volumes (same dealer sales) grew 20% month-over-month, but were 14% lower compared to February of 2021, according to the latest preliminary release of the State of the Industry: U.S. Classes 3-8 Used Trucks published by ACT Research. Other data released in ACT’s preliminary report included month-over-month comparisons for February 2022, which showed that the average retail price rose 8%, as average miles were flat and average age rose 1% compared to January. Compared to February of 2021, the average retail price was 85% higher, with average miles and age greater by 3% and 7%, respectively. ACT’s Classes 3-8 Used Truck Report provides data on the average selling price, miles and age based on a sample of industry data. In addition, the report provides the average selling price for top-selling Class 8 models for each of the major truck OEMs – Freightliner (Daimler); Kenworth and Peterbilt (Paccar); International (Navistar); and Volvo and Mack (Volvo). This report is utilized by those throughout the industry, including commercial vehicle dealers to gain a better understanding of the used truck market, especially as it relates to changes in near-term performance. “Presumably, the bumps in December and January new truck production freed the logjam of trucks headed to the used truck market,” Steve Tam, vice president at ACT Research, said. “As evidence, preliminary same dealer retail sales popped in February, more than the expected seasonal gain. More importantly, it is obvious that demand for used equipment remains robust. Regardless, inventory is still in short supply, so longer-term comparisons continue to be unfavorable.” Tam said preliminary average retail selling price for Class 8 trucks has yet to show any signs of retreat, climbing 8% month-over-month in February. “Near-term growth continues to be overshadowed by longer-term comparisons, where prices were up 85% year-over-year and 85% year-to-date,” Tam said. “It is also worth noting that the higher prices are shrugging off the fact that, collectively, used trucks are older and have more miles on them for just about every time period comparison. The presumption is that fleets have been forced to hold onto their trucks longer than normal as they await delivery of the supply-chain constraint delayed new units.”

WHITE COUNTY, Ind. – A Florida man is behind bars after his arrest in connection to the murder of a truck driver in Indiana. Miguel Ibarguren, 44, of Miami, Florida, is accused of killing Aristide Garcia, 63, of Los Angeles, whose body was found by crews cleaning Interstate 65 near the 187.5-mile marker near Monticello, Indiana. First responders said that Garcia’s body was found in a ditch on the east side of I-65. Garcia was pronounced deceased at the scene by the White County Coroner. Indiana State Police detectives and crime scene investigators responded to the scene to investigate. On March 10, the White County Coroner ruled that Garcia’s manner of death was a homicide. After the White County Coroner identified Garcia, detectives discovered that he was reported missing by his employer in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, after the semi-truck he was driving was located. During the investigation, Detectives worked to develop probable cause to arrest Ibarguren. It is believed that Ibarguren was Garcia’s co-driver for a national trucking company. White County Judge issued a warrant for Ibarguren’s arrest on March 13. Detectives found Ibarguren in Arlington, Texas, on March 15 where he was safely taken into custody with the assistance of the Arlington Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Ibarguren is currently being held in jail in Arlington and awaits extradition. Ibarguren is facing murder charges in the death of Garcia.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate passed a measure Tuesday that would make Daylight Savings Time permanent across the U.S. The next step is approval by the U.S. House of Representatives. Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Florida) will be leading a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi calling for immediate House passage of his bill, dubbed the “Sunshine Protection Act.” “If the legislation clears the House and is signed into law by President Biden, it will mean Americans will no longer have to change their clocks twice a year,” according to Axios. The Sunshine Protection Act is a bi-partisan bill co-sponsored by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island) and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Florida). It breezed by the Senate with unanimous consent. If approved by President Biden, Daylight Savings time will become permanent in 2023. Axios reported that health groups have called for ending the seasonal shifting of clocks. Health experts told the House during a hearing last week that sleep deprivation and health problems as negative effects associated with changing clocks. The last time Congress made Daylight Savings Time permanent was in the 1970s and that decision was reversed less than a year later after the early morning darkness proved dangerous for school children and public sentiment changed.