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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

Truckstop.com CEO Paris Cole to retire

By The Trucker News Staff -

BOISE, Idaho — Paris Cole, chief executive officer for Truckstop.com, announced his retirement effective on April 1, 2022. Chief Operating Officer Kendra Tucker has been appointed as Cole’s successor. Cole will remain a member of the company’s board. Cole has spent nine years leading the company through tremendous growth by remaining committed to delivering best-in-class technology solutions to the freight transportation industry. “I am incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished during my tenure and while I am retiring from the business world, I plan to continue to actively serve in my community,” Cole said. “Under Kendra’s leadership, I know Truckstop.com will continue to thrive as she builds on our foundation and remains purposeful about our vision.” Tucker joined Truckstop.com as chief revenue officer in August 2020, and for more than 15 years, has grown and led teams across a variety of business models and industries. In September 2021, she was appointed COO for Truckstop.com and was responsible for sales, customer success, operations and corporate strategy. “To be able to continue to serve our customers and employees as CEO during this historic time in the industry is truly inspiring,” Tucker said. “As I step into this role, I believe we are well positioned to execute on our growth strategy while continuing to deliver best-in-class technology solutions to the freight transportation industry.” “We believe Truckstop.com has an extremely talented team of leaders and innovators with a well-established record of driving above-market growth,” Will Griffith, founding partner, ICONIQ Growth, said. “Kendra’s unwavering commitment to their customer’s success and track record for growth will help further evolve the company into its next chapter.”

2 killed after collision with tractor-trailer

By The Trucker News Staff -

JENNINGS COUNTY, Ind. — Two people are dead after a vehicle crossed the center line on Feb. 11 and collided with a tractor-trailer on U.S. 50 in western Jennings County, Indiana. Troopers from the Indiana State Police-Versailles Post responded shortly after 8 a.m. to a three-vehicle head on crash that claimed the life of two people in one vehicle. The initial investigation by troopers with the Indiana State Police-Versailles Crash Reconstruction Team indicated that a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, driven by Halle S. Elliott, 19, of Louisville, Kentucky, was traveling eastbound on U.S. 50 near County Road 575 West between Seymour, Indiana, and North Vernon, Indiana. For an unknown reason, Elliott’s vehicle crossed the center line into the path of a westbound 2014 Freightliner semi pulling a trailer, driven by Jacob E. Hyman, 28, of North Vernon, Indiana. Elliott’s vehicle struck the rear of Hyman’s trailer. The collision caused Elliott’s vehicle to turn sideways into the path of a westbound 2019 Ford Edge being driven by Robert A. Keener, 54, of North Vernon, Indiana. The front of Keener’s vehicle struck the passenger side of Elliott’s vehicle. Keener’s vehicle came to stop in the westbound lanes of U.S. 50. Elliott’s vehicle overturned, coming to rest just off the north side of the road. Elliott and her front seat passenger, Skyler S. Short, 20, of Hanover, Indiana, sustained fatal injuries in the collision. Both Elliott and Short were pronounced dead at the scene by the Jennings County Coroner’s Office. Hyman and Keener were not injured in the crash. The investigation into the crash is ongoing by the Indiana State Police-Versailles Post Crash Reconstruction Team. Toxicology results are pending. The families of Halle Elliott and Skyler Short have been notified. The highway was closed for approximately four hours for crash investigation and cleanup.

PACCAR Parts opens 250th TRP store 

By The Trucker News Staff -

RENTON, Wash. – TRP, PACCAR Parts’ brand of aftermarket parts for all makes and models of trucks, trailers and buses, celebrated the expansion of its retail store network with the grand opening of the 250th TRP store. Operated by Dobbs Truck Group – Peterbilt, TRP Jackson is the first TRP store location for the dealer group and the first TRP store to open in Tennessee. TRP Jackson offers customers a wide selection of quality parts supported by trained professionals with expertise in medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. In addition, the TRP Jackson store includes four service bays to maximize customer uptime. “Dobbs Truck Group is excited to expand our parts and service customer support with the opening of TRP Jackson,” Mike Clark, Dobbs Truck Group chief executive officer, said. “The new location dramatically improves our ability to provide parts and service support to all-makes customers. In addition, it is an honor to be the 250th worldwide TRP location. We value our partnership with PACCAR Parts as we expand capacity to support our customers.” Since the first TRP store opened in Europe in 2013, the store network has expanded to 40 countries to better serve customers worldwide. “We are proud to celebrate the milestone 250th global TRP store,” David Danforth, PACCAR Parts general manager and PACCAR vice president, said. “TRP stores are trusted in the industry to keep trucks on the road with trained service experts and offer a superior selection of quality all-makes replacement parts. Our products exceed customer expectations for quality and value and are backed by an industry-leading nationwide warranty.”

SHIPPEO expands North American logistics operations

By The Trucker News Staff -

PARIS – Shippeo announced on Feb. 9 that it’s expanding its North American operations and U.S. executive team, as well as enhancing its multi-modal visibility platform. The systemwide enhancements will support global customers and the company’s growing North American customer base. Shippeo’s aim is to provide customers with the critical visibility data needed to increase operational agility and efficiency, strengthen their company’s supply chain execution and deliver a better experience for their customers. Joining Shippeo’s executive team are Christopher Mazza and Brian Shultz, who will head up Shippeo’s U.S.-based growth initiative. Christopher P. Mazza, Shippeo senior vice president of international growth, will lead Shippeo’s expansion in North America and new markets. Mazza has extensive experience with freight and logistics technology solutions having held senior leadership roles with ClearMetal, XVELA, and International Assets Systems. In addition, he has served in operational and executive management positions with major ocean carriers including, Maersk, DSR-Senator and Hanjin. Brian Shultz, vice president of sales and marketing of the Americas, has been working in the international supply chain technology space for more than 20 years. He’s created and managed large logistics networks comprising all modes of transportation for logistics service providers, beneficial cargo owner shippers, 3PLs and 4PLs. Brian has held senior leadership roles within ABB, International Assets Systems (acquired by Blume Global) and Navis, in addition to years of international supply chain consulting. “There is no better time than now to accelerate Shippeo’s position within the North American market,” Lucien Besse, COO at Shippeo, said. “Visibility data analytics is vital to helping companies proactively manage supply chain issues, especially now, as ongoing market and infrastructure challenges continue to disrupt transportation flows and reliable logistics processes. We’re excited to deliver enhanced, innovative Shippeo visibility solutions to support and strengthen our global customers and North American companies.”

Fire devours tractor-trailer carrying cheese in Kansas

By The Trucker News Staff -

NEWTON, Kan. — A tractor-trailer carrying a load of cheese caught fire Saturday night near Newton, Kansas. Details are scarce, but according to a Newton Fire/EMS Facebook post about the incident, the tractor-trailer fire was a result from an accident. The Kansas Department of Transportation responded with a high loader to spread the melted and burned cheese in the ditch. Emergency Medical Services checked several people at the scene of the fire but all of them declined EMS transport to a hospital.

A.P. Moller-Maersk to acquire Pilot Freight Services

By The Trucker News Staff -

COPENHAGEN, Denmark— A.P. Moller-Maersk announced on Feb. 9 its intended acquisition of Pilot Freight Services from ATL Partners. With the intended acquisition of Pilot, Maersk officials say their aim is to extend the company’s integrated logistics offering deeper into the supply chain of its customers, according to a news release. “In Maersk we continue our path to develop truly integrated logistics offering for our customers, offering them better visibility, more control and resilience in their supply chains, Vincent Clerc, CEO of Ocean & Logistics at A.P. Moller-Maersk said. “Adding the capabilities of Pilot is especially important because it will allow us to create more exciting solutions for our customers and support them through the acceleration of the migration towards e-commerce. Furthermore, it will open significant cost synergy opportunities by leveraging the capabilities we have already developed in the network.” Throughout the pandemic, macro trends in the supply chain accelerated, such as the increased shift towards e-commerce, especially for big and bulky items. This shift is expected to continue and necessitate the creation of new distribution networks and solutions to support companies adapting their supply chains to these new consumer demands. “We are looking forward to joining Maersk,” Zach Pollock, Pilot Freight Services CEO, said. “This is the ideal outcome for our customers, company and employees who will be able to tap into the ambitious transformation of simplifying and integrating global supply chains which will enable us to perform on a larger stage.” The transition goes for numerous B2C vertical segments, such as retail, home furnishings and consumer electronics, as well as B2B segments, such as aerospace, automotive and healthcare. Pilot operates a North American facilities-based transportation network of 87 stations and hubs through which freight is transported and distributed to end customers. The company uses mainly third party providers of trucking and has access to controlled capacity which facilitates a high-quality first, middle and last-mile service offering. The scope encompasses full truckload and less-than-truckload for both B2C and B2B distribution including heavy and bulky shipments with white-glove service with a focus on expedited and time-definite services. The combined Pilot and Maersk scale will offer customers approximately 150 facilities in the U.S., including distribution centers, hubs and stations. “By investing in first mile, middle mile and last middle and integrating them we meet a clear customer demand, Narin Phol, regional managing director at Maersk North America, said. “This acquisition will add even more expertise and supply chain capacity to customers facing capacity constraints and multiple handoffs with providers in the B2C and B2B space. After completion of this transaction, we will be able to help them install stronger, more integrated supply chains with better visibility and better outcomes for consumers. We look forward to welcoming the Pilot team aboard the A. P. Moller-Maersk family.”

PETA to honor cows killed in big rig wreck

By The Trucker News Staff -

SAN ANTONIO — People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) announced on Friday that they plan to honor the memory of the cows that were killed in an 18-wheeler accident on Feb. 7 in Texas. “To memorialize the cows who were killed when a truck carrying 25 of these sentient beings overturned on Monday night at the I-37 and I-10 interchange in San Antonio, PETA plans to place a sky-high message near the crash site proclaiming, ‘See the Individual. Go Vegan.’” a PETA news release stated. “Cows died in terror and agony as a result of this crash, while the survivors were likely rounded up and taken to be killed for their flesh,” PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman said. “PETA’s memorial will encourage anyone disturbed by the thought of these brave animals suffering on the roadside or ending up under the slaughterhouse knife to go vegan.” PETA noted that there were at least 76 crashes or fires involving trucks carrying animals used for food last year. The truck driver told police that the truck shifted to the right side as he took an exit at the Interstate 37 and Interstate 10 interchange, causing him to lose control, according to KSAT. Police said the truck, which was carrying 25 cows, saw its gears lock up, causing it to hit a guard rail and cross over the median before the truck rolled over on its side, according to KABB. The driver is reported to have suffered a scratch on the forehead. There is still no report on how many cows were killed. Another 18-wheeler later arrived to transfer the surviving cattle.  

Love’s Travel Stops opens new locations in Ohio, New Mexico

By The Trucker News Staff -

OKLAHOMA CITY – Love’s Travel Stops is opening new locations in North Canton, Ohio, and Santa Teresa, New Mexico. The stores combined add 150 truck parking spaces and 150 jobs to the communities they’re located in. “We’re excited to offer the services and amenities Love’s is known for at our 21st location in Ohio and 14th location in New Mexico,” Greg Love, co-CEO of Love’s, said. “Our team members are ready to help get professional truck drivers and four-wheel customers back on the road quickly and safely.” The locations are open 24/7 and offer many amenities, including: North Canton, Ohio More than 13,000 square feet. Hardee’s. (Opening March 7) 70 truck parking spaces. 59 car parking spaces. Nine diesel bays. Eight showers. Laundry facilities. CAT scale. Speedco. (Opening in March) Bean-to-cup gourmet coffee. Brand-name snacks. Fresh Kitchen concept. Mobile to Go Zone with the latest GPS, headsets and smartphone accessories. Dog park.   Santa Teresa, New Mexico More than 13,000 square feet. Chester’s Chicken, Godfather’s Pizza and Subway. (Opening Feb. 15) 86 truck parking spaces. 77 car parking spaces. Six RV spaces and hookups. (Hookups opening later) Eight diesel bays. Six showers. Laundry facilities. CAT scale. Bean-to-cup gourmet coffee. Brand-name snacks. Fresh Kitchen concept. Mobile to Go Zone with the latest GPS, headsets and smartphone accessories. Dog park.   In honor of the grand openings, Love’s will donate $2,000 to Ohio Troopers Caring and $2,000 to a nonprofit in Santa Teresa to be decided later.

Pennsylvania troopers won’t face charges in trucker killing

By The Trucker News Staff -

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) troopers involved in the October 2021 slaying of a truck driver at a rest area will not face criminal charges after an investigation found they acted in self-defense. Clinton County, Pennsylvania, District Attorney Dave Strouse has completed his review of the shooting of Nurgazy Mamyrov, 27, during an incident that the PSP responded to on Interstate 80 East. Strouse said he watched several hours of PSP dash camera footage, surveillance video and civilian-recorded videos of the incident before determining that PSP troopers acted reasonably under the circumstances when they fired their weapons at Mamyrov in their own defense; therefore, they bear no criminal liability for their actions. The incident began at approximately 3:45 a.m. on October 5, 2021, after PSP received a 911 call transfer reporting that an armed man was chasing motorists in the rest area located near mile marker 194 along I-80 East in Greene Township in Clinton County. The 911 caller reported that he had been chased by the then-unknown man, who was armed. The caller said he believed the man had “shot out” the windows of his vehicle. When troopers arrived at the rest area, they located Mamyrov inside of a tractor-trailer arguing with another man located just outside of the rig. Both men were arguing in Russian. Police took the man outside of the vehicle into custody and attempted to get Mamyrov to exit his truck, but he refused to comply with repeated requests from police. Witnesses informed police that Mamyrov had chased other motorists earlier in the morning and had physically attacked at least one other motorist with some type of weapon prior to the police arrival. Mamyrov continued to refuse to comply with repeated requests to exit his truck and brandished a large sharp object in his hand as he sat in the driver’s seat of the truck. Using several patrol vehicles with their overhead emergency lights engaged, PSP formed a roadblock in an effort to prevent Mamyrov from driving his tractor-trailer onto I-80 East. PSP attempted to get Mamyrov to comply by spraying a chemical irritant into the cabin of the truck, which proved ineffective. Approximately 58 minutes after police arrived on the scene, Mamyrov started the ignition of the tractor-trailer. Mamyrov continued to refuse police requests to turn off his truck, exit the vehicle, or put his hands out through the window. PSP deployed “spike strips” beneath several sets of tires on the truck in an effort to impede its ability to move. Approximately 110 minutes after police arrived on the scene, Mamyrov released his airbrakes and accelerated rapidly at several PSP Troopers who were standing behind the patrol car roadblock. Troopers then fired their weapons at Mamyrov’s vehicle as it approached their position. Mamyrov struck several patrol vehicles, one of which swung violently from the collision and hit a Trooper. The trooper was nearly crushed by the vehicles but escaped with only a mild head injury. Mamyrov then stopped his truck, reversed it for a short distance and accelerated rapidly forward again, driving through the PSP vehicles and dragging them along the way. Troopers continued to fire upon the truck until it struck two commercial vehicles near the I-80 entranceway. The truck became stuck against one of the vehicles, and troopers were able to enter the truck and disable the ignition. Mamyrov’s truck traveled approximately 321 feet forward through the roadblock before it was disabled. When troopers entered the vehicle, they observed that Mamyrov had suffered significant gunshot wounds to vital parts of the body. EMS was on the scene shortly after the incident concluded, but Mamyrov succumbed to his injuries at the scene. An autopsy confirmed that Mamyrov died of multiple gunshot wounds.

Burglary suspect dies after rear-ending tractor-trailer on I-94

By The Trucker News Staff -

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. — A burglary suspect is dead following a high-speed chase that ended when they drove under a tractor-trailer on I-94 near Michigan City, Indiana. At approximately 8:06 p.m. on Feb. 9, the Michigan City Police Department responded to a call on a burglary in progress. A Michigan City police officer initiated a pursuit of the suspect who fled the scene in a white 2009 Chevrolet Impala. The pursuit eventually went onto I-94 westbound from U.S. 421. A Lowell trooper in the area observed the vehicle traveling westbound at a high rate of speed after it entered Porter County. The trooper activated his emergency lights and siren as the vehicle continued to flee. When the vehicle approached the 22 mile-marker, the driver made a sudden lane change and rear-ended a tractor-trailer that was traveling in the middle lane. This impact resulted in the vehicle traveling underneath the semi and being wedged under the trailer. The driver of the semi pulled over to the right shoulder where troopers attempted to render aid to the driver. As a result of the impact, the driver was pinned inside the vehicle and suffered fatal injuries. The driver of the semi was not injured. The deceased has been identified as Olajuan R. Nuttall, 29, from Michigan City, Indiana. At the time of the pursuit, the suspect had five active warrants for various felonies and misdemeanors all originating in LaPorte County.

Truck driver found dead in single-vehicle crash

By The Trucker News Staff -

INDIANAPOLIS — A truck driver has died following a single-vehicle crash in Indiana. At approximately 3:36 p.m. on Feb. 8, emergency responders were called to the scene of an 18-wheeler crash on Interstate 70’s westbound lanes near the 112-mile marker. The Greenfield Fire Department found a tractor-trailer off the right side of the roadway in a ditch. The driver, Scott Brandenburg, 54, of Clarksville, Indiana, was unconscious and unresponsive as paramedics administered lifesaving efforts. Soon after, Brandenburg was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger, who was in the sleeper berth at the time, suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Investigators determined Brandenburg was driving westbound on I-70 when, for unknown reasons, he veered off the road to the left, then crossed the grassy median into the eastbound lanes. The truck then crossed back through the median into the westbound lanes, coming to a rest in a ditch on the right side of the road. The right lane of I-70 westbound was closed for nearly seven hours while the crash was investigated, and the damaged semi was removed. The investigation is ongoing.

Peterbilt announces Allstate Peterbilt Group as Dealer Group of the Year

By The Trucker News Staff -

DENTON, Texas ­— Peterbilt Motors Company announced has announced Allstate Peterbilt Group as the 2021 North American Dealer of the Year at their annual dealer meeting in Phoenix. Dealer of the Year is the most prestigious award given at the annual awards ceremony and is bestowed upon the dealer group that “best represents Peterbilt’s commitment to excellence and the never-ending pursuit of driving customer uptime,” according to a company news release. The announcement came on Feb. 9. “It’s my pleasure to present Allstate Peterbilt Group the 2021 North American Dealer Group of the Year award and recognize them for their 50 years of excellence,” Jason Skoog, PACCAR vice president and Peterbilt general manager, said. “Since joining the Peterbilt family in 1971 with a single location in South St. Paul, Minnesota, Allstate Peterbilt Group has grown to 23 locations across five states. Their commitment to providing their customers the very best experience represents the level of class Peterbilt customers have come to expect,” In addition to the 2021 Dealer Group of the Year award, Allstate Peterbilt Group also received the 2021 PACCAR MX Engine Dealer Group of the Year award, which “honors the dealer organization that provides exceptional sales effort, strong aftermarket support and has ingrained the MX Engine into their culture and organization’s structure,” the news release stated. This is the third consecutive year they have taken home this award. Eleven Allstate locations earned Platinum Oval awards, which are given “to elite Peterbilt dealership locations that have demonstrated outstanding performance,” the company stated. Fifteen of their locations earned Platinum Service Center recognition due to their dedication and commitment to customer uptime. “What we have accomplished over the last 50 years has exceeded my wildest expectations, and it’s a direct reflection of the amazing group of individuals at Allstate Peterbilt Group that strive every day to provide our customers the highest level of excellence,” Don Larson, owner and dealer principal of Allstate Peterbilt Group, said. “I’m honored to accept the 2021 Dealer Group of the Year award on their behalf and look forward to what’s to come in the future.” This is Allstate Peterbilt Group’s third Dealer Group of the Year award, having also received the honor in 2017 and 2012. In 2021, Allstate Peterbilt Group saw strong increases in retail market share in both the Class 8 and Medium Duty segments. Their focus on after-sales saw double-digit growth in both parts and service retail sales. They also expanded their service capacity with the opening of a new parts and service location and added to their fleet of 35 mobile service vehicles to further expand market coverage and increase uptime for their customers. “We are very proud of the growth Allstate Peterbilt Group experienced in 2021, and we expect to continue gaining market share in the years to come with the strong lineup of trucks Peterbilt has on the road today,” Jeff Vanthournout, president of Allstate Peterbilt Group, said.

Massive fire breaks out at Indiana Love’s

By The Trucker News Staff -

GARY, Ind. — Firefighters responded to a large fire at a Love’s Travel Stop in Gary Thursday. The building at 32nd Avenue and Grant Street houses a gas station convenience store and a Denny’s restaurant, but the fire does not appear to have reached the gas or diesel pumps. No further information has been provided by officials at the scene.

ClearFlame Engine Technologies announces plant-based fuel breakthrough

By The Trucker News Staff -

GENEVA, Ill (PRNewswire) — ClearFlame Engine Technologies announced Thursday it has completed an on-road demonstration of its proprietary technology that enables a heavy-duty truck diesel engine to operate on 100% renewable plant-based fuels. “This demonstration proves the workability of our technology that takes the dirty diesel fuel out of heavy-duty trucks,” said BJ Johnson, ClearFlame CEO and co-founder. “The transportation sector is currently the largest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions. Simply hoping that we get to net-zero greenhouse emissions by 2050 is not good enough. If we want to get serious in the fight against climate change, we need more solutions that can enable swift decarbonization today, particularly for heavy-duty trucks, which are among the worst offenders.” The demonstration of ClearFlame’s engine technology was implemented by taking a Class 8 diesel truck running on a Cummins X15 500hp 15L heavy-duty engine, commonly used for long-haul truck and off-highway applications and converting it to run on renewable E98 ethanol. While the wide availability, cost-effectiveness, and lower emissions of ethanol make it the fuel of choice today for the engine, ClearFlame’s technology is fuel agnostic and can run on a range of renewable fuels. “Due to the incredible work and dedication of our engineering team we’ve taken a massive step in showing the world how our technology is a game-changer for decarbonization of the heavy-duty transportation sector,” Julie Blumreiter, ClearFlame’s co-founder and chief technology officer, said. “This vehicle is truly one-of-a-kind – the only Class 8 truck to run on 100% ethanol fuel without any additives and without any diesel fuel. Driving this vehicle today is actually less carbon-intensive than a comparable electric-powered truck. The ClearFlame-enabled engine meets the performance and efficiency requirements customers expect from their diesel trucks, while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fuel costs.” The trucks equipped with ClearFlame’s engine technology will reduce CO₂ emissions while lowering air quality emissions — particulate matter (soot) and Nitrogen Oxides (smog). Diesel engines release billions of tons of CO2 into the atmosphere each year, and projections suggest that even with a growing number of alternatives, only 25% of new heavy-duty trucks in 2035 will be zero emissions, which means the remaining 75% will overwhelmingly rely on fossil fuel — unless other alternatives are developed. ClearFlame’s technology can be used anywhere diesel engines are used today and leverage existing infrastructure — fuel production and distribution, engine manufacturing and remanufacturing processes, and the heavy-duty parts & services industry. The company is currently focused on heavy-duty markets that don’t have sufficient alternatives to liquid combustion. ClearFlame will continue testing its trucks under various operating conditions throughout Q1 2022, with customer beta testing underway by the end of 2022. In addition to long-haul trucking, the technology enables emissions reduction for hard-to-electrify applications in a wide range of industries, including agriculture, power generation, and other off-highway markets. ClearFlame is also working with John Deere on a pilot demonstration project for an off-highway engine platform, demonstrating the versatility of the company’s technology as a retrofit option or original equipment integration. The technological milestone comes less than four months after the company announced it secured $17 million in Series A Financing, led by Bill Gates-founded Breakthrough Energy Ventures, with participation from Mercuria, John Deere, and Clean Energy Ventures.

FMCSA declares Mexican-licensed driver an imminent hazard to public safety

By The Trucker News Staff -

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has declared Mexican-licensed commercial driver J. Rafael Arizaga-Tapia, also known as Nibardo Andrade-Mendoza, to be an imminent hazard to public safety and ordered him to immediately cease operating any commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce in the U.S. Arizaga-Tapia was served the Federal order on Feb. 4. On June 24, 2021, Arizaga-Tapia was notified he tested positive for controlled substances. As a result of the positive test, Arizaga-Tapia was prohibited from performing any safety-sensitive function, including operating a commercial vehicle (CMV). At the time of the positive test, Arizaga-Tapia held a valid LF license and a valid Washington State driver’s license. FMCSA’s review of Arizaga-Tapia’s driving history for his LF and Washington driver’s license revealed prior offenses for speeding, driving under the influence and refused tests. His Washington driver’s license also has an ignition interlock device restriction. After the positive test, Arizaga-Tapia obtained an LF under the name Nibardo Andrade-Mendoza.  It is a violation of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for a CMV driver to have more than one driver’s license. On or about Nov. 12, 2021, Arizaga-Tapia, using the name and LF of Nibardo Andrade-Mendoza, was operating a CMV on State Road 97 near Orondo, Washington. The CMV he was operating failed to negotiate a curve, left the road, crashed through the guardrail, and fell into a ravine. Arizaga-Tapia was in possession of opened and unopened beer cans, and subsequent blood tests showed a measurable alcohol concentration in his system.  At the time of the crash, Arizaga-Tapia’s LF was still listed as prohibited in FMCSA’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. FMCSA’s imminent hazard out-of-service order states that Arizaga-Tapia’s “blatant and egregious violations … and ongoing and repeated disregard for the safety of the motoring public demonstrated by these actions substantially increases the likelihood of serious injury or death to you and the motoring public.” Failing to comply with the provisions of the Federal imminent hazard order may result in civil penalties of not less than $3,268.  Knowing and/or willful violations may result in criminal penalties. A copy of the imminent hazard order issued to Adversity Transport is available here.

Yellow Corporation opens two new truck driving academies

By The Trucker News Staff -

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — Yellow Corporation is adding two new driving academies to its stable of 14 schools to prepare the next generation of professional truck drivers for careers in transportation. The new academies are in Marietta, Georgia, and Cincinnati, both of which are considered gateways to the South and Midwest. “We’re pleased to offer additional driver training locations,” Darren Hawkins, Yellow chief executive officer, said. “Our goal is to train 1,000 new drivers through our academies this year. Our drivers are top shelf and trained by the best.” Yellow’s Driving Academies are owned and operated by the company. Its driving professionals provide student instruction and peer-to-peer mentorship. “Everything we teach emphasizes safety: safety of our drivers, colleagues, customers and the driving public. That remains our top priority,” Hawkins said. Students enrolled in the academies are provided classroom training combined with hands-on, behind-the-wheel instruction with experienced safety professionals. The program is tuition-free for all participants. At the completion of their instruction, trainees sit for the commercial driver’s license test and, upon passage, complete their initial apprenticeship training with veteran Yellow drivers. When all driving qualifications are met, graduates will join Yellow’s team of 14,000 professional drivers. “For anyone aspiring to a career that provides a good salary and full benefits that gets them on the open road and not behind a desk, trucking is a smart choice,” Hawkins said. “Many of our drivers spend their entire careers with Yellow.” Some in the U.S. trucking industry say there is a shortage of drivers needed to keep pace with the high demand of goods ordered by consumers and manufacturers. According to the American Trucking Associations, the industry is currently 80,000 drivers short and will need another one million drivers over the next decade to replace those drivers who retire or exit the industry. Yellow has 16 established Driving Academies nationwide: Marietta, Georgia; Charlotte, North Carolina; Chicago; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Denver; Fort Worth, Texas; Hagerstown, Maryland; Indianapolis; Kansas City, Kansas; Memphis, Tennessee; Nashville; Pico Rivera, California; Portland, Oregon; Salt Lake City; and South Bend, Indiana. The Company plans to open additional locations in 2022. Yellow’s 16 Driving Academies are certified as Department of Labor apprenticeship programs. The Department of Labor apprenticeship program is designed to provide paid on the job training while workers train for a highly skilled job. Learn more about the Yellow Driving Academy: https://www.myyellow.com/us/en/careers/driving-academy.

NTSB: Excessive speed caused multivehicle crash in Pennsylvania

By The Trucker News Staff -

​​​WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has determined that a motorcoach’s loss of control due to unsafe speed led to the deadly multi-vehicle crash near Mt. Pleasant Township, Pennsylvania, on Jan. 5, 2020. The motorcoach, which was carrying 59 passengers, traveled around a curve at night in light snow. It ran off the right side of the road, hit the adjacent embankment and overturned — blocking both westbound lanes and shoulders of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Within seconds, two trucks towing semitrailers behind the motorcoach hit it. A westbound car and another truck towing a semitrailer drove off the road to avoid the wreckage and came to rest wedged side by side against each other. The motorcoach driver, two passengers and the driver and co-driver of the second truck died in the crash. Forty-nine of the motorcoach passengers and the co-driver of the first truck were injured.  The NTSB found during its investigation that the regulatory speed limit on the turnpike was 70 miles per hour. An advisory speed sign of 55 mph, posted at the curve where the crash occurred, recommended that motorists reduce their speed before entering. The motorcoach driver entered the curve at 77 mph and struck the embankment at a speed of about 60 mph before overturning, the NTSB investigation concluded. The first truck hit the motorcoach at a speed of about 21 mph, causing minor damage. The second truck crashed into the first truck and the motorcoach, causing catastrophic damage; its last recorded speed was 56 mph. All three trucks involved were equipped with forward collision avoidance systems. The system on the second truck was inoperative at the time of the crash because of a misalignment in the radar on which the system depended. “This investigation is a tragic reminder that speed kills,” NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said. “But it’s about more than driver behavior, which is why our recommendations take a comprehensive approach to promote safe speeds. This includes engineering safety into our policies, regulations and our infrastructure to save lives.” Contributing to the severity of the crash was the high initial and impact speed of the second truck, the NTSB stated. The report emphasized that variable speed limit signs might have prevented or mitigated the crash. Also, advanced speed-limiting technology in vehicles could help commercial vehicle drivers avoid exceeding speed limits. Further, connected vehicle technology, if installed on the trucks, might have prevented, or mitigated the crashes, the NTSB concluded. Based on the findings of the investigation, the NTSB issued safety recommendations to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Federal Communications Commission, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. NTSB issued additional safety recommendations to the American Trucking Associations, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, American Bus Association, the United Motorcoach Association, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, the FedEx Ground Package System, United Parcel Service of America, the Transport Workers Union, the Amalgamated Transit Union and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.  The recommendations address issues including excessive speed for wet pavement conditions, the lack of standards for commercial vehicle collision avoidance and mitigation systems to enhance safety (including forward collision avoidance systems and connected vehicle technology) and onboard video event recorder systems for commercial vehicles. An abstract of the final report, which includes the findings, probable cause, and all safety recommendations, is available at https://go.usa.gov/xtGGs. The full, final report will be published in the next few weeks. The docket for the investigation is available at http://go.usa.gov/xtGY8​ 

Russia tensions, winter weather play major roles in diesel fuel price increase

By The Trucker News Staff -

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.— The price per gallon of diesel fuel continues to rise, hitting nearly $5 in some parts of the U.S. What’s driving these prices up? The answer is that it’s complicated and there’s more than one factor. The price of diesel fuel on Monday averaged $3.951 in the U.S., up 10.5 cents from the previous week and $1.15 more than this time last year, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The most expensive place to buy diesel fuel in the U.S. right now is in California where the average price is $4.948 per gallon — more than a dollar higher than the current national average, according to AAA. The state with the lowest average diesel cost in Oklahoma where it’s going for $3.479 per gallon. AAA says that winter weather and geopolitical tensions are two of the biggest factors driving up prices right now. Currently, the price of oil is in the low-$90s per gallon, almost $30 more than last August. Tracy Noble, spokesperson for AAA Mid-Atlantic, says tensions between Russia and Ukraine have been pushing crude oil prices higher “almost daily.” Cold weather in the U.S. has driven up demand for heating oil. Last week’s winter weather caused millions of Americans to stay home, increasing the demand for heating oil. There is also concern about how Russia will react to potential western sanctions. If they withhold crude oil, which is a possibility, that will put pressure on a global market that is already tight. “This shows how events on the other side of the globe can have a noticeable impact right here in the U.S,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “And unfortunately for drivers, they are reminded of this by higher prices at the pump.” AAA says the last time that the U.S. saw prices this high was in 2014. Prices have been steadily increasing since January 2021 and have yet to show any sign of stabilizing or decreasing anytime soon.

Feds warns of disruptions to travel, governmental operations ahead of possible trucker protests

By The Trucker News Staff -

WASHINGTON — U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials have issued a bulletin warning that American truckers could begin protesting COVID-19 restrictions along the nation’s highways, causing major disruptions to travel and commerce. The bulletin began circulating among several national media outlets late Wednesday evening. CNN is reporting that DHS “has received reports of truck drivers planning to potentially block roads in major metropolitan cities in the United States in protest of, among other things, vaccine mandates for truckers.” The DHS warning was first reported as a Wednesday afternoon exclusive by Yahoo News. “The convoy will potentially begin in California as early as mid-February and arrive in Washington, DC, as late as mid-March, potentially impacting the Super Bowl LVI scheduled for 13 February and the State of the Union Address scheduled for 1 March,” the bulletin said. “While there are currently no indications of planned violence, if hundreds of trucks converge in a major metropolitan city, the potential exists to severely disrupt transportation, federal government operations, commercial facilities, and emergency services through gridlock and potential counterprotests,” the bulletin continued. A DHS spokesperson told CNN in a statement that the department “is tracking reports of a potential convoy that may be planning to travel to several U.S. cities. We have not observed specific calls for violence within the United States associated with this convoy, and are working closely with our federal, state, and local partners to continuously assess the threat environment and keep our communities safe.” For nearly two weeks, Canadian truckers have been protesting a new rule that requires them to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 or face a two-week quarantine in their homes after they return across the US-Canadian border. Others have joined to rally against mask mandates, lockdowns, restrictions on gatherings and other Covid-19 preventative efforts in the country. Wendy Rogers, a Republican state senator from Arizona, wrote on Twitter Monday: “If truckers shut down the Super Bowl it would partially be payback for Colin Kaepernick and the kneeling.” Rogers was referring to former the NFL quarterback’s efforts to protest racial inequality by kneeling during the playing of the national anthem before football games. Rolling Stone magazine labeled Rogers as “a fringe figure, deep in the far right.” U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., appeared on Fox News recently to encourage “Canadian trucker-style protests against public health regulations.” Paul, however, did not specifically mention Sunday’s Super Bowl game. Meanwhile, on social media, several Facebook pages have cropped up talking about the issue of a trucker strike. One such page, Convoy to DC 2022, has disappeared after a week or more of rabid activity. On the Truckers For Freedom 2022 Facebook page, there are more than 52,000 followers. Lisa Vaughn wrote the following on the page on Thursday: “I am going to put this out there. Alomost every other country in this world is goingbto start their Trucker Freedom Convoy. I understand you have to organize, but l think it would have a much bigger impact if, WE AS THE WORLD STOOD UP TOGETHER. Showing we will not Take it anymore, abd we will not back down, we are done with the BS. It would be the first time in history that the wold united as one. Just a thought.” Hutch Mike wrote: “A big crackdown is coming so we need everyone to start the world Truckers for Freedom this weekend. We are talking mostly to USA which are lazy, Europe starts this weekend, the Canadians need our support now not later when the arrests will come. We all need to start the caravans now! Tell everyone from the states and join firstly the Super Bowl Protest which we have announced on our previous post and on our channel. If you can’t go there grab a few friends and go to your state capital. Film and post here on this thread and on our group. We need action now not when the spring comes! Don’t wait for anyone, THERE IS NO “Official” date, stop waiting for leaders! The Alaska convoy for example has already started! So the precedent is already set, act now! Stop discussing and thinking and…This weekend, on the 13rd start driving start honking and film yourself. Share this info. Also if you wan’t and can go to the Mexican border then go there! but for the love of GOD, stop talking and start driving! This is it.” A Facebook page called Convoy to Super Bowl has apparently been taken down by the social media giant. On the Facebook page Trucker Hangout, there is also talk of a trucker protest. Ben Plumb wrote under a photo that reads “The March to Freedom Convoy to DC 2022,” which, according to the post, is set to begin on March 1: “Please plan ahead and prepare your food pantries, water, gas and any other needs. These truckers are going to be tied up and want you to be prepared. These truckers are planning to go across the country on March 1st 2022 to peacefully fight for our freedom, giving you time to prepare your food, water and fuel sources. They do not want you to think they are attacking the people. These great truckers are fighting for our freedom and health, standing the ground on the front lines for us! They need our full help and cooperation. If you can join, remember to keep it peaceful as they will make us the enemy! Warning the shelves maybe empty for some time–think local, buy local and grow local! Thank you to all truckers, whether you are leading in the convoy or keeping the needs of the people stocked!!!!! Bring it home truckers, “FREEDOM” their biggest load!!! #Convoy for #Freedom” Attempts by The Trucker to contact someone at Homeland Security to discuss this issue have so far been unsuccessful.

First IN-SITE 2022 webinar from Expediter Services to highlight carrier partner Forward Air, explore truck ownership opportunities

By The Trucker News Staff -

Expediter Services (ES), a leader in capacity solutions and ownership opportunities within the trucking industry, is pleased to announce the company will be presenting the initial webinar of its IN-SITE 2022 Online Series. The free webinar is entitled 2022, It’s All About You: Spotlighting Forward Air & Truck Ownership Opportunities. The debut webinar for the IN-SITE 2022 series will focus on the current conditions related to truck ownership and starting a trucking business while also highlighting the opportunities with Forward Air, which is one of the partner carriers within the ES Community. The live webinar event will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 22, from 2-3 p.m. EST. Replays of the webinar will be available for all who register for the event. Free registrations for the live event and access to the replay of the webinar are available through the following link: https://driverwave.com/l/expediterservices-webinar-feb2022. The panel discussion for this edition of the IN-SITE 2022 webinar series will be moderated by Leah Shaver, the president and CEO of the National Transportation Institute (NTI). Founded in 1995, NTI has earned the reputation as a leader in the trucking industry for tracking company driver and owner-operator compensation history, changes and benchmarks. Shaver, who also serves as a host on SiriusXM’s Road Dog Trucking Radio Channel 146, is one of the foremost experts in the trucking industry on topics related to compensation, driver recruiting and driver retention. The panel for the opening session of the IN-SITE 2022 webinar series will feature Meghan Turner, the director of recruiting for Expediter Services, and Rachel Gilbert, the director of talent marketing and OTR capacity development for Forward Air. The market outlook for 2022 and the opportunities for independent contractors and owner-operators will be among the topics that the panel will be discussing during the webinar. Live attendees and on-demand viewers of the webinar will also hear about the collaborative efforts between Forward Air and ES that have paved the way for professional drivers to become truck owners and successfully operate small businesses within the industry. “When we started the IN-SITE Online Series in 2020, it was initially the platform that our team at ES developed that allowed us to reach out to professional drivers and entrepreneurs across the trucking industry during a time when in-person events were not practical,” said ES President and Co-founder Jason Williams. “One of the many things we have learned through hosting the IN-SITE webinar series the past two years is that we have been able to make a difference for our audience through the information and perspectives that are shared by our panelists and our moderator. “Our team at ES is working hard with our partners in the ES Community to develop another strong series of webinars for IN-SITE 2022,” Williams added. “We are once again looking forward to addressing key topics related to opportunities for starting and growing small businesses in the trucking industry. We have always been focused on making the IN-SITE Series a valuable resource for trucking entrepreneurs. As we’ve done now for the past three years, I would like to invite anyone who is interested in exploring truck ownership or growing your existing trucking business to join us for our live event or through the on-demand replay. You will see that we have a strong and supportive community that is focused on helping people achieve success in trucking.” ES has planned free webinar events and podcast releases throughout the year as part of the overall IN-SITE 2022 Online Series. The upcoming webinars and podcasts in the series will continue to have topics of interest for owner-operators, independent contract drivers, fleet owners and any aspiring entrepreneurs within trucking. To stay up to date on the latest with IN-SITE 2022, visit https://essuccessintrucking.com/insite2022/. PODCAST PREVIEW OF THE WEBINAR The latest edition of the Success In Trucking Podcast from ES features an interview with IN-SITE 2022 Webinar Moderator Leah Shaver, who is the president and CEO of the National Transportation Institute. During the podcast interview, Shaver will be discussing what she sees on the horizon for the trucking industry in 2022 and what attendees of the upcoming ES webinar on Feb. 22 can expect during the debut edition of the IN-SITE 2022 Webinar Series.