The Trucker News Staff

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

Carrier seeks to strengthen electric transport refrigeration through ConMet alliance

By The Trucker News Staff - January 28, 2022

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Carrier is further expanding its electrification capabilities through a new alliance with ConMet by adding wheel-based power generation that captures energy that otherwise would be wasted during braking events. The alliance advances Carrier’s broader zero-emission transport refrigeration solutions, with the availability of electric options for trailer, truck and light commercial vehicle customers before the end of 2022. This comes as news emissions regulations are on the horizon. “Teaming with ConMet allows Carrier to deliver more sustainable solutions to its customers, helping companies green their fleets and supporting their Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) goals,” Tim White, president of refrigeration at Carrier, said. “By the end of this year, we will have electric options for customers in trailer, truck and light commercial vehicle refrigeration applications and new technologies such as this wheel hub power generation solution for trailers that can help further address environmental regulations.” ConMet is a manufacturer of wheel hubs, structural plastic, aluminum casting components and advanced transport technologies for the commercial vehicle industry. ConMet’s eMobility division has developed the PreSet Plus eHub system, an in-wheel electric motor application that repurposes energy from coasting and braking, providing electric solutions for medium and heavy-duty commercial vehicle markets. When paired with a Carrier Vector unit, this technology can deliver a zero-emissions transport refrigeration solution. Carrier Global Corp. is a provider of innovative healthy, safe, sustainable and intelligent building and cold chain solutions. Carrier’s ability to reduce its customers’ carbon footprint by one gigaton as part of its 2030 ESG Goals is strengthened through this strategic alliance. “We see this alliance as a great strategic fit; Carrier and its customers are in a position to best leverage this electric hub system application and add scale,” John Waters, president of ConMet, said. “Our technology helps expedite the adoption of clean transport refrigeration solutions that will eliminate the need for diesel fuel engines.”

ACT Research: Used Class 8 retail sales volumes, prices climb higher in 2021

By The Trucker News Staff - January 27, 2022

COLUMBUS, Ind. – Used Class 8 retail sales volumes and prices closed higher in 2021 than they did in 2020. Used Class 8 retail volumes (same dealer sales) were 2% lower month-over-month. Longer-term, volumes were down 28% year over year, but up 7% year to date. Average prices were 2% higher compared to November, 66% more expensive than in December of 2020, and 40% greater year to date. Average miles were flat month over month but up 4% year over year, while average age increased 4% from November and was 7% older compared to December of 2020. “Used Class 8 same dealer retail sales volumes finished 2021 on a low note, dropping below the 4,000-unit mark for the first time in 20 months,” Steve Tam, vice president at ACT Research, said. He continued, “Positively, retail dealers were able to sell 7% more units in 2021 vs. 2020, putting COVID farther into the review mirror.” Tam said near-term channel results were wildly disparate, with auction sales more than doubling month over month while wholesale activity was lower. He said the auction and wholesale markets also experienced lower volumes compared to December 2020, with auction sales coming in 36% lower and wholesale deals lagging by 31%. “Looking ahead, our assumption is that the US will make some progress on the supply-chain front, leading to continued freight growth, albeit at a slower rate than we saw in 2021,” Tam said. “As a result, our new Class 8 truck sales forecast expects to see US sales improve, and by extension, used truck sales volumes should also improve, with used truck prices starting on a sequential decline path, but remaining higher year-over-year through most, if not all, of the first half of 2022. Key to this projection is the rate at which freight hauling capacity rebalances.”

TravelCenters of America 50th Anniversary plans

By The Trucker News Staff - January 27, 2022

WESTLAKE, Ohio – TravelCenters of America Inc. (TA) is celebrating its 50th anniversary with giveaways, promotions and store upgrades. “Guest experience is a priority and plans include a robust capital investment strategy focused on travel center upgrades, reimagined food concepts and technology improvements,” a TA news release stated. TA representatives said that the company will focus on food variety and restaurant options in 2022, with plans to open several new full-service and quick-service restaurants, and more than 20 “The Kitchen” concepts. “As we enter our 50th anniversary year, our commitment to transform TA for our guests and shareholders is stronger than ever,” Jon Pertchik, chief executive officer of TA, said. “We are in the early stages of the transformation and have exciting plans for 2022; we are working hard to ensure we are here to serve all highway travelers for the next 50 years.” In addition, TA will implement digital enhancements, including mobile payment options, self-checkout and developments to its TruckSmart mobile app. TA opened five new locations in 2021, one new TA Truck Service Center and signed 26 franchise agreements. In 2022, TA expects to open 13 franchised travel centers and one company-owned location, hold a grand re-opening of a reconstructed site and grow its TA Truck Service presence. Upgrading Technology TA is also refreshing core systems and infrastructure to drive operational efficiencies and improve resiliency. In 2022, the company is focusing on several initiatives including refreshing site technology infrastructure and core business platforms with cloud-based solutions and enhancing data security and analytics, including Artificial Intelligence for fuel management. Alternative Energy and Sustainability In 2022, TA expects to expand diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) availability to all diesel lanes across its network, install additional biodiesel blending infrastructure and offer more EV charging stations. TA also plans to launch an innovative test project with the California Energy Commission, which will include designing, developing and deploying a distributed energy resource to power energy storage and EV charging solutions. In addition, TA continues plans to offer hydrogen fueling in California in collaboration with Nikola Corporation for heavy-duty trucks. 50th Anniversary In honor of its 50th anniversary, TA will hold several 50th anniversary-themed special events for its guests including unique offers such as 1970s pricing on certain products, music concerts at several sites in the fall and guest contests through its mobile app and on social media.

PACCAR recalling certain 2022 Peterbilt 579 tractors due to safety risk

By The Trucker News Staff - January 27, 2022

BELLVUE, Wash. — PACCAR Inc. (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2022 Peterbilt 579 tractors due to an issue with the chassis fairing step assembly that could lead to injury. The National Highway Safety Administration found that the bolts that hold the chassis fairing step assembly in the closed position may loosen and fracture the latch attachment, causing the fairing assembly to flex. The partially unsecured cab step can be dangerous due to unexpected movements while drivers or passengers enter or exit their truck’s cab. Drivers with the partially unsecured cab step on their trucks risk injury. Dealers will add new fasteners and a bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 19. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at (940) 591-4220. PACCAR’s number for this recall is 22PBA. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

ACT Research: U.S. trailer orders close 2021 nearly 16% lower than 2020

By The Trucker News Staff - January 27, 2022

COLUMBUS, Ind. – COVID-19’s impact was felt in 2021 as the numbers of trailer orders were lower compared to 2020, according to ACT Research. December net U.S. trailer orders of 26,382 units decreased nearly 18% from the previous month and were nearly 41% lower compared to December of 2020. Before accounting for cancellations, new orders of 28,000 units were down about 16% versus November, and almost 39% lower than the previous December, according to this month’s issue of ACT Research’s State of the Industry: U.S. Trailer Report. For the full year, net orders and new orders were 16% and 15% lower, respectively, compared to 2020, which included the coronavirus-stricken spring timeframe. “The 2021 order season softness resulted from the conservative order acceptance stance in the dry van and reefer categories, which more than offset improvement in the vocational segments,” Frank Maly, director of CV Transportation Analysis and Research at ACT Research, said. “With no indication of meaningful improvement in production levels in the near future, we expect the industry to continue on this pattern for the foreseeable future. Fleets will continue to struggle to find new equipment and allocation of production, and correspondingly order volume, will likely be the story for both fleet customers and the dealer channel.” Maly said that OEMs are continuing to struggle as far as ramping up their activity while being hampered by both supply-chain issues and staffing challenges. “Which one is generating the most pain?” Maly said. “Well, that seems to be a moving comparison, with some contacts indicating supply-chain disruptions rule, while others point to staffing. The latter ranges from consistent attendance, efforts to increase the workforce or a combination of the two. Both will continue to impede meaningful increases in production volumes in the short-to-medium term.” Maly said the end result is that 2021 closed with an 8.0-month backlog-to-build ratio, which means industry production is committed, on average, through August at current build rates.

Michigan trooper drags man from 18-wheeler’s path on busy highway

By The Trucker News Staff - January 26, 2022

RURAL MICHIGAN — A chilling video circulating online that was taken from the dashcam of a Michigan State Police (MSP) vehicle shows a trooper pulling a man from the path of an oncoming 18-wheeler. According to the MSP, the video was captured on Dec. 27, 2021. In the video, a 22-year-old male can be seen exiting a passenger car that is pulled to the shoulder of a multi-lane highway. The man then walks to the far left lane of the highway and lies down. A short time later, the trooper is seen running over to the man and dragging him to safety just before a tandem-trailer FedEx truck zooms by. The MSP said that the man was taken to a local hospital for a mental evaluation. Further details about the incident weren’t released. See the video below. Lifesaving – On 12/27, a trooper pulled a 22 year old male from the roadway, saving him from being run over by a semi-truck. Subject was taken to a local hospital for a mental health evaluation. This is another example of many things troopers do. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/nUwkxz4Lyf — MSP First District (@MSPFirstDist) January 7, 2022

Ascend acquires Dedicated Transportation Solutions

By The Trucker News Staff - January 26, 2022

ATLANTA — Ascend LLC (Ascend) announced Wednesday that it acquired Dedicated Transport Solutions (DTS), of Greenville, South Carolina. The addition of DTS strengthens Ascend’s coverage of the southeastern seaboard in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and into Louisiana, Texas and Ohio. “Bringing DTS into the Ascend family continues our mission to transform the regional truckload sector by leveraging technology, building density and offering driver-friendly routes and policies,” Ascend CEO Michael McLary said. “The company continues to build a robust and reliable network with the assets to support planned, and unplanned customer needs in the South, Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions.” The acquisition of DTS expands Ascend’s dedicated contract carriage business and broadens the company’s footprint while building network density. “Given the challenging nature and headwinds of the supply chain for shippers, by joining Ascend, DTS’s customers will enjoy the expanded capacity and capabilities of the combined company,” Scott Stowers, president and founder of DTS, said. DTS was established in 2004 to provide shippers with a premier fleet outsourcing option, providing professional transportation management. DTS has 24 independent operating and geographic locations, servicing local and national customers along the southeastern seaboard plus Louisiana, Texas and Ohio. The DTS acquisition increases Ascend’s assets to more than 1,000 tractors and more than 3,000 trailers.

Iowa police ‘Facebook shame’ speeding big rig driver

By The Trucker News Staff - January 26, 2022

RURAL IOWA — The Iowa Department of Motor Vehicle Enforcement (MVE) recently chastised a trucker in a Facebook post for traveling well over the posted speed limit. According to the post, an officer stopped the rig after clocking the driver at 79 miles per hour in a 55 mile-per-hour zone. “At the time there was blowing snow and reduced visibility,” the Facebook post stated. “It’s needless to say this speed is excessive at any time, regardless of weather conditions. It’s not uncommon for our officers to come across excessive speeds like this is large commercial vehicles.” The post went on to state that “speed is one of the largest contributing factors to accidents involving commercial motor vehicles. MVE officers are committed to stopping dangerous driving behaviors like this. Please watch your speed and drive safe. Let’s all get there safely!”

ZETA report highlights opportunities, challenges of electrifying fleets

By The Trucker News Staff - February 3, 2022

Washington, D.C. – The Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA) published a report Wednesday analyzing the opportunities and challenges to electrifying public and private vehicle fleets in the U.S. “Medium- and heavy-duty vehicles represent only 4% of the vehicles on the road, but they are responsible for nearly a quarter of all pollution from the transportation sector — which is the most polluting sector in the U.S.,” Leilani Gonzalez, the report’s lead author, said. “It is imperative that the federal government follows ZETA’s recommendations to facilitate the electrification of these vehicles as expeditiously as possible. After all, because of their long lives, gasoline- and diesel-powered fleet vehicles that roll off the production line in 2030 will still be polluting communities for the next two decades and beyond.” The report also makes recommendations to policymakers, utility companies, charging companies and fleet managers to accelerate the electrification of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. ZETA recommends that federal policymakers amend the tax code to allow businesses to receive tax credits for purchasing commercial medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles and installing electric charging infrastructure. ZETA also encourages federal regulators to collaborate with utility companies and charging companies to modify the electrical grid to accommodate emerging technologies like managed charging practices and discounted time-of-use rates to incentivize EV charging during off-peak hours. The report shows that electrifying the country’s medium- and heavy-duty vehicle fleets will provide fuel and maintenance cost savings for fleet operators, improve public health and minimize environmental damages by significantly reducing the emission of toxic pollutants, increasing domestic energy production and ensuring energy security. The report also states that electrifying fleets will generate new jobs in the vehicle manufacturing, charging installation and trucking industries. “As these vehicles travel throughout the country, individuals living near roadways, railyards, and ports — who are often disproportionately low-income and people of color — experience the worst health and environmental impacts,” Gonzalez said. “Electrifying the United States’ medium- and heavy-duty vehicle fleets will create more environmental equity for the United States’ frontline communities by boosting public health and mitigating environmental degradation. And, these fleet transitions will create jobs and save fleet operators money, too.”

White House, USDOT announce major funding for rural highways

By The Trucker News Staff - January 25, 2022

WASHINGTON – President Biden and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) on Tuesday announced more than $1.2 billion for the Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS). Funds will be used toward the completion of designated corridors in 11 states in the Appalachian region, according to a DOT news release. For Appalachia, completion of the ADHS will mean: $8.7 billion more in goods and services per year; $4.2 billion more in gross regional product; $2.7 billion in increased worker pay and adding more than 46,000 jobs, according to the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), an economic development agency of the federal government that partners with state governments and counties in the region. Freight‐carrying trucks account for just 4.3 percent of all traffic on the road systems of the 13 Appalachian states but represent approximately 14 percent of all vehicle‐hours of travel time savings attributable to these ADHS routes, according to the ARC. “It is notable that the largest source of benefit for car travel is time savings, while logistics cost savings are as important as time savings for truck travel,” according to an ARC report. Much of the freight transported through the region travels long distance to destinations outside of Appalachia. The region’s corridors serve as important national transportation links, according to the DOT. Under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, annual funding for the ADHS will increase 146% compared to Fiscal Year 2021, providing dedicated funding to the ADHS to spur economic growth in this historically isolated region, the DOT news release stated. The total amount that will be available to the states in Fiscal Year 2022 is $246 million. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said that every American community deserves reliable access to the country’s transportation system. “Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we now have historic resources to improve transportation and create jobs for people in Appalachia, and around the country,” Buttigieg said. Deputy Federal Highway Administrator Stephanie Pollack said: “Ensuring rural regions are connected to the rest of America’s cities and towns is key to our nation’s economic success. That’s why releasing the dedicated funding that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided for the Appalachian Development Highway System is a priority for the Biden-Harris Administration.” The ADHS was initiated in 1965 because Appalachia was underserved by the interstate highway system, which sometimes bypassed the rural region’s rugged terrain. The system is a network of 33 distinct corridors (about 3,000 miles) linking the region to interstates and providing access to regional and national markets. It includes 13 states connecting New York to northern Mississippi. Today, more than 85 percent of the ADHS is completed. By 2040, 100 percent of the network is expected to be complete and open to traffic. The funding announced today – over $1.2 billion throughout the five years of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – will help finalize the network. In implementing the ADHS program, the DOT’s Federal Highway Administration works closely with the ARC, whose mission is to promote innovation, partnership and investment to build communities, strengthen the economy and improve socioeconomic conditions in Appalachia, according to the DOT news release. “Since ARC’s founding in 1965, one of its first priorities was to coordinate construction of a highway system that would provide improved access to all that the region has to offer,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. “Thanks to funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’re moving closer to completing the Appalachian Development Highway System to better connect businesses within the region to domestic and international markets. In addition, it is providing residents with safe and reliable access to jobs, education, health care, social services, and recreation.” Construction of the ADHS has increased economic activity across the region – including job creation and business expansion. According to a 2017 analysis, more than 168,000 jobs were created or maintained due to increased economic activity associated with the ADHS while $9 billion was added to the gross regional product. The ADHS also saves 231 million hours of travel time annually.

FleetPride acquires Nationwide Truck Service

By The Trucker News Staff - January 25, 2022

IRVING, Texas — FleetPride, Inc. has announced it acquired the assets of Nationwide Truck Service of Louisville, Kentucky. Founded in 1989 and owned by Eric Adkins, Nationwide Truck Service offers a wide range of repair services from its 21-bay facility and mobile repair units in addition to 24/7 roadside support, according to a FleetPride news release. The Service Center at 355 Farmington Ave. will team up with the existing FleetPride parts branch at 4670 Jennings Lane in Louisville, the news release stated. Adkins and his son, Jake Adkins, will remain involved in the day-to-day operations. “This is an outstanding opportunity for our valued customers and our team,” Eric Adkins said. “Our customers will appreciate the access to a nationwide network of parts and service, and our employees will have the ability to grow and advance in FleetPride’s new service organization.” “We are truly excited to welcome Eric and Jake Adkins and the entire Nationwide Truck Service team to the FleetPride family,” said Cory Anderson, general manager and vice president of service at FleetPride. “Over the past three decades, the Nationwide team has become one of the most trusted independent service providers, which customers have come to depend on, in Louisville.” Mike Harris, senior vice president of sales and operations at FleetPride, said that growth through acquisitions remains a chief focus of the company. “We believe our value proposition resonates with owners of parts and service companies who are seeking a succession plan, or a partner that can provide a long-term foundation for their employees and customers,” Harris said. “We look forward to the partnership with the Nationwide Truck Service team to carry on their tradition of service excellence while expanding service capabilities to our existing customers including large regional and national fleets.”

Arkansas rolls out new motorist helpline

By The Trucker News Staff - January 25, 2022

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas officials have unveiled a new tool to help keep motorists safe as they travel across the state’s 16,000 miles of roadways. According to an Arkansas State Police (ASP) news release, using a four-digit speed dial feature, *ASP (*277) is now available on any AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon cellular phone operating in the Natural State. Callers will be connected to an ASP Highway Patrol Division troop headquarters nearest the caller’s location, the news release stated. Twelve troop headquarters, each equipped and staffed with its own telecommunications dispatch center, are scattered across the state. “The Department of Public Safety is proud of the collaboration between state agencies and private wireless carriers to provide motorists a simple one-touch connection with the Arkansas State Police, regardless of their location when the call is made,” said Jami Cook, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Public Safety. Wireless calls sent to *ASP should be limited to non-emergency inquiries or reports, according to the ASP. The nationwide standard 911 remains the primary telephone number to use when law enforcement or emergency services are needed. Calls routed through the 911 network are always answered first and take priority over the *ASP calls. “The types of calls we anticipate receiving include those from stranded or lost motorists,” said Colonel Bill Bryant, ASP director. “Additionally, we encourage callers to use the *ASP speed dial for reporting suspicious activity they may notice on the highway or safety concerns related to dangerous driving of others.” The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) has taken on the responsibility of making information about *ASP available to motorists where it’s most needed – Arkansas highways. ARDOT is producing more than 200 large blue reflective metal signs that display the *ASP wireless phone instructions. The signs are being erected at all interstate highway entry points for vehicle traffic entering the state, at all interstate interchanges within the state and posted alongside several of the more heavily traveled U.S. and Arkansas highways inside the state’s borders. “This project has proven to be a collaborative effort by many, all working together, to help make traveling Arkansas a safer experience and better serve the citizens and our visitors,” said Lorie Tudor, director of the Arkansas Department of Transportation. The Division of Arkansas Tourism estimated during 2019 more than 36 million people traveled on Arkansas highways as a means for leisure or business transportation. Cellular phone customers who are provided wireless services by companies other than AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon should check with their provider to determine whether the *ASP speed dial service is available on their network. *ASP is not designed to function from a landline telephone.

Washington police seeking suspects in big rig shooting

By The Trucker News Staff - January 25, 2022

KING COUNTY, Wash. — The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is investigating two separate drive-by shootings, one of which involved an 18-wheeler, that occurred over the weekend of Jan. 21. On that date, WSP said a semi was traveling westbound on Interstate 90 near mile marker 32 when a white passenger vehicle fired a gun toward the driver. A bullet hit the semi’s door, cause interior damage, according to the WSP. The driver was not injured. According to the WSP, “the victim indicated that he observed a passenger pulling a shotgun back into the vehicle after he heard the gunfire.” On Jan. 23, a passenger car was also struck by gunfire in this same area. No injuries were reported. Anyone with information is asked to e-mail Detective Olsen at [email protected].

Iowa trucking company owner sentenced in $1.4M tax fraud scheme

By The Trucker News Staff - January 25, 2022

CEDAR RAPIDS — A former trucking company owner who withheld federal taxes from his employees’ paychecks but did not forward the money to the Internal Revenue Service has been sentenced to 21 months in federal prison. Mark Warm, 57, of Jesup, Iowa, received the prison term on Jan. 20 after a Sept. 2, 2021, guilty plea to one count of willful failure to pay over employment taxes to the IRS. In a plea agreement, Warm admitted that he was the owner of Warm Trucking, Incorporated and was responsible for the company’s finances, according to a news release from the United States Attorney’s Office Northern Iowa District. Warm admitted that, from 2013 through 2019, he was responsible for withholding income taxes and Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes from the pay of Warm Trucking employees and was responsible for forwarding those withholdings to the IRS. However, Warm also admitted that for those seven tax years, he failed to forward the money he withheld from his employees’ pay to the IRS, even though he knew he was required to do so, according to the news release. In the plea agreement, Warm admitted he also failed to pay to the IRS other taxes owed by Warm Trucking. In total, Warm failed to send the IRS more than $1.4 million in taxes owed by Warm Trucking, the U.S. attorney’s office said. Warm was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams to 21 months in federal prison. He was ordered to make $1,406,561.66 in restitution to the IRS. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. “Mr. Warm’s failure to pay employment taxes for seven years was an attempt to dodge his obligations to his employees and to the United States,” said United States Attorney Sean Berry. “Our system and our citizens depend upon employers like Mr. Warm to pay what they owe in employment taxes. This sentence shows that willfully failing to do so is a crime and there will be consequences.” “Today’s sentencing sends a message that paying both individual and business taxes is an obligation you will be held to. When Mr. Warm made the decision to evade paying his employment taxes, he made a conscious decision to cheat his employees and all law abiding tax-payers,” said IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge, Tyler Hatcher of the St. Louis Field Office. “As the 2022 tax season gets underway, IRS-CI wants it to be clear that, along with the Department of Justice, we will investigate and hold accountable those who cheat our tax system and cause harm to others.” Warm was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on a date yet to be set. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation.

Iowa, Nebraska joining forces against speeding

By The Trucker News Staff - January 25, 2022

AMES, Iowa — The Iowa and Nebraska departments of transportation, the City of Omaha, Nebraska, and more than 20 agencies and organizations are asking motorists to watch their speed as part of Speeding Awareness Week, which began on Monday. As traffic volumes have rebounded from an initial decline during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, speeding has remained a serious issue, according to a news release from the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT). “These two factors, speeding and high traffic volumes, have resulted in a staggering number of speeding tickets in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro areas,” the news release stated. “And while areas across the country are dealing with excessive speeding issues, Omaha and Council Bluffs metro area agencies are hoping to combat the problem via an educational campaign before traffic volumes increase even more during the spring and summer months.” “Metro area law enforcement agencies and first responders have noticed that speeding has increasingly become a factor in crashes, both in minor incidents and more serious crashes,” said Austin Yates, an engineer with IDOT. “This is an issue that can’t be ignored. Any speeding puts more lives at risk, which is why we partnered up to declare this week Speeding Awareness Week.” Speed impacts those outside of vehicles, too. Speed changes can have real-life consequences for pedestrians. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, if a person is hit by a vehicle going 20 miles per hour, there is a 10 percent chance of fatality. The chance of fatality increases to 40 percent if a vehicle is going 30 mph and then increases to an 80 percent chance of fatality if the vehicle’s speed is at 40 miles per hour. “Speed limits are posted as they are for one very good reason – safety,” said Jeff Sobczyk, Vision Zero coordinator with the City of Omaha. “The risk of fatalities even at relatively low speeds is too great to make any speeding worth it.”

Interstate 70 closed in western Kansas as snow moves in

By The Trucker News Staff - January 25, 2022

TOPEKA, Kan. — Interstate 70 in western Kansas was closed Tuesday from Goodland to the Colorado border as winter weather moves into the state from Colorado. The Kansas Department of Transportation announced the interstate and several other roads in northwest Kansas were closed because of weather and several crashes reported in Colorado. Some western Kansas counties are under a winter storm warning until 5 p.m. Tuesday. Forecasters say some parts of the region could receive up to 8 inches of snow. The Kansas Highway Patrol said on Twitter that troopers in western Kansas were working several crashes because of low visibility and poor road conditions.

Feds withdraw vaccine mandate

By The Trucker News Staff - January 27, 2022

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration is withdrawing the vaccination and testing emergency temporary standard, effective Wednesday, Jan. 26, after the Supreme Court blocked the requirements earlier this month. “Although Congress has indisputably given OSHA the power to regulate occupational dangers, it has not given that agency the power to regulate public health more broadly,” the court wrote in an unsigned opinion. Under the defunct rules, businesses with 100 or more employees had to ensure their employees were fully vaccinated, or submitted a negative Covid test weekly to enter the workplace. It would have covered some 80 million private-sector employees. American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear issued the following statement on the issue: “We successfully challenged this misguided mandate all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, because it was a clear overstep of OSHA’s authority, and because it would have had disastrous consequences for an already-overstressed supply chain. The Supreme Court bounced it, and we are pleased to see the agency has now formally withdrawn it, sending this ETS to the dustbin where it belongs. “The American people depend on us to deliver their essential goods each and every day, and we’ll continue to fight any proposals out of Washington that hinder our ability to do so safely and efficiently. That includes any attempt by OSHA to create a similar, permanent standard without going through the legally required process, including an actual risk-based analysis.” ATA led a coalition of state trucking associations and national business groups in challenging the ETS in federal court and filing an emergency application to the U.S. Supreme Court for a stay. Of the 14 emergency applications, the coalition’s was one of only two that the Supreme Court chose to hear oral arguments on. In an e-mail to members on Tuesday, David Heller, vice president for governmental affairs for the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) said that TCA is continuing to monitor the issue. In a previous statement, Heller praised the Supreme Court for their ruling against the vaccine mandate, adding that “is a victory for the trucking industry.” Heller added: “It is imperative that the professional truck driver has the ability to safely, efficiently and effectively deliver our nation’s freight so that our economy and this nation can continue to thrive.”

Eaton Cummins announces new, high-tech transmissions

By The Trucker News Staff - January 24, 2022

GALESBURG, Mich. — Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies (ECATT) has released specifications for its new Endurant XD series transmission, which will include Endurant XD and Endurant XD Pro models. The Endurant XD series are purpose-built, high-performance, automated transmissions designed for on-highway applications with high gross combined weight ratings (GCWR), such as double and triple trailer trucks, along with severe-duty on/off highway applications. Production of the Endurant XD series will begin in the third quarter of 2022, according to an ECATT news release. Truck manufacturers are expected to announce availability of Endurant XD series at a later date. According to the news release, “the Endurant XD series features a twin-countershaft design with helical gearing and large bearings optimized for higher engine torque. A new 18D ratio set with 20.5:1 overall ratio with small, even steps ensures smooth shifts and excellent performance in all driving conditions. It’s packaged in a clean, contained design with internal wiring and sensors to minimize exposure and corrosion for improved reliability.” Overall, its design is 225 pounds lighter than comparable UltraShift PLUS models. A new input shaft driven Power Takeoff (PTO) system delivers power to an eight-bolt bottom mount and four-bolt rear mount that can operate independently of the transmission gear. The four-bolt rear mount features an external pressurized lube port and a large center distance. Total combined PTO capacity is 160 horsepower or 610 pound-feet of torque. ECATT designers said that in order to mitigate maintenance costs, “we designed the Endurant XD series to be the most efficient, heavy-haul transmission we’ve ever produced. The highly efficient design features a Precision Lubrication system for up to 2 percent better fuel economy than UltraShift PLUS. Additionally, smart features such as new internal oil temperature and fluid pressure sensors help protect the transmission from damage.” New for the Endurant XD series are performance goals, which combine transmission shift points and clutch calibrations with new software. Endurant XD is rated for engines with a maximum torque rating of 1,650 to 1,850 pound-feet and is designed for on-highway applications up to 166,000 pounds GCWR. “Endurant XD delivers a pleasant driving experience with improved skip shift ability and smoother shifts compared to previous 13- and 18-speed automated transmissions,” said Ken Rocker, Endurant XD series product manager for ECATT. The company touts in its news release that the Endurant XD Pro adds “even more capability and unique features for severe service applications. It has an unlimited GCWR, best in class PTO functionality and the longest maintenance intervals in its class. For long reversing distances and deep axle ratios, the Endurant XD Pro can be configured with up to six reverse gears. Endurant XD Pro can be paired with the most powerful engines, including the Cummins X15 series, with torque ratings from 1,650 to 2,050 pound-feet.” Additionally, “Endurant XD Pro utilizes Eaton’s Extreme Duty clutches, which feature robust components designed for increased durability, improved noise and vibration, in addition to higher thermal capacity for enhanced low-speed maneuverability,” the news release stated. Software features to the Endurant XD Pro include Rock Free, which helps avoid getting stuck in sand, mud or snow by using the accelerator to rock the vehicle free, and the off-highway performance goal, which is an optimized calibration for operation on natural rolling terrain and soft soil. “Endurant XD Pro has the right mix of hardware and intelligence to give drivers more confidence in the most challenging applications such as construction, heavy haul, towing & recovery, and logging,” Rocker said. “No other automated transmission can match its combination of capability, efficiency, and maintenance requirements.”

FMCSA proposes reducing motor carrier fees

By The Trucker News Staff - January 24, 2022

WASHINGTON — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is asking for public feedback on a proposal to reduce the annual registration fees states collect from motor carriers, motor private carriers of property, brokers, freight forwarders and leasing companies for the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) Plan. The proposed fees for the 2023 registration year would be reduced below 2022 rates by approximately 27 percent. The reduction in annual registration fees would be between $16 and $15,350 per entity, depending on the number of vehicles owned or operated by the affected entities, according to an FMCSA filing with the Federal Register. Annual fees for truck brokers and leasing companies would be slashed from $59 to $43 annually. For 2022, total revenues collected are expected to exceed the maximum annual revenue entitlements of just over $107 million, according to the FMCSA. In accordance with federal law, fee adjustments must be requested by the UCR Plan when annual revenues exceed the maximum allowed. Also, if there are excess funds after payments to the states and for administrative costs, they are retained in the UCR Plan’s depository, and subsequent fees must be reduced as required by law. Money collected from the fees is generally used to pay for state highway safety programs in 41 states that participate in the program. The 2023 fee reduction is based on the almost $24 million in excess collections over the past three years, in addition to the amount estimated to be in excess for 2022.

C.H. Robinson taking applications for scholarship program

By The Trucker News Staff - January 24, 2022

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Multi-model transportation services company C.H. Robinson has announced that it will be offering 25 $2,500 scholarships to employees and dependent children of its 73,000 contract carriers. The company’s scholarship program has been an annual event for almost a decade, according to a news release. Applications will be accepted Jan. 18 through Feb. 28. The Contract Carrier Scholarship is open to employees or dependent children of carriers that have been with C.H. Robinson for a minimum of one year as of the application date. Applicants must also: be between the ages of 16 and 24 or regular, full-time employees of the qualified carrier; be high-school seniors, high-school graduates or current post-secondary undergraduates; pursue undergraduate study in any field for the entire 2022-23 academic year at an accredited or bona fide college, university or vocational-technical school and enroll in full-time study if they’re a dependent. However, students can enroll in part-time study if they are employees. Scholarship winners are chosen on the basis of their academic record, school and community activities, work experience and a statement on their educational and career goals. Full scholarship details are available by clicking here.