The Trucker News Staff

SALEM, Ore. — Parts of several major highways in Oregon remained closed Wednesday or shut down again due to snow from a blizzard earlier this week compounded by fresh snowfall in some areas and more rain and snow expected. Interstate 84 shut down Wednesday east of Pendleton and a 30-mile stretch of Highway 20 over the Santiam Pass was closed because snowplows couldn’t get through. A winter storm warning was in effect for the northern Oregon Cascades including Santiam Pass through midnight. The Oregon Department of Transportation Wednesday afternoon tweeted that tow operators have been busy on I-84 in eastern Oregon, and showed a clip of semitrailer trucks stuck on the snow-covered interstate. Major highways around Crater Lake National Park also remained closed and Hoodoo Ski Area was also closed Wednesday. In northwest Washington, authorities say a man walking along a highway was killed when a snowplow struck him Tuesday evening. The Bellingham Herald reports 47-year-old Aaron Cooper of Deming was walking along Highway 9 when a Whatcom County Public Works snowplow hit him, according to the Washington State Patrol. “The pedestrian had their back to traffic, and the driver of the snowplow did not see him until it was too late,” Trooper Jacob Kennett said. A wintry mix of precipitation was expected throughout the Puget Sound region Wednesday with possible snow accumulations in and around Bellingham. Authorities also urged people to delay trips over Snoqualmie Pass on Interstate 90 as another foot of snow fell on the pass in an already record-breaking year with more expected. “We’re gearing up for a massive storm, which could dump a couple of feet of snow by Thursday!” The National Weather Service in Seattle tweeted about Cascade Mountain passes. “If you can delay your trip over the next 24 hours pls do. We’re going to see very challenging driving conditions with major delays.” The Oregon Department of Transportation said Wednesday that “travelers need to be prepared for anything that comes their way and be ready for lengthy delays” as conditions evolve. I-84 was shut down for hours Monday in the Columbia River Gorge due to heavy snow, ice and gusting winds. The weather is expected to warm and bring more rain than snow to the region in the next few days and flooding could occur.

ROGERS, Ark. — An 18-wheeler driver hauling a load of sawdust was hospitalized on Wednesday after their rig flipped and caused an explosion in a northwest Arkansas intersection. According to THV11 in Little Rock, the crash knocked over power lines and backed up morning rush hour traffic in Rogers. At least one other vehicle was involved in the accident, though only the truck driver was reported to have been injured. A photo from the Rogers Police Department showed a compact car at the wreck scene covered in sawdust. Video of the crash, which included a large fireball, was captured by a nearby gas station’s security camera. Photos of the tractor did not appear to show any significant fire damage. Police said workers at the station helped pull the truck driver away from the wreckage. Below is video of the incident.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The matriarch of the J.B. Hunt trucking empire celebrated her 90th birthday on Wednesday night with a Hog call and a birthday cake. The Arkansas Razorbacks honored long-time supporter Johnelle Hunt at Bud Walton arena during halftime of the Arkansas basketball game against Vanderbilt. In 1961, Hunt and her late husband J.B. founded what’s now known as J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. The company is headquartered in Lowell, Arkansas, just 27 miles from Fayetteville. University of Arkansas Athletic Director Hunter Yurachek praised Hunt, clad in a Razorback Red pantsuit and sporting a wide smile, and her company for their long-time financial support of the college and its athletic programs. Yurachek presented Hunt with a cake during the halftime ceremony, saying it was an honor to host her at Bud Walton Arena. After blowing out a “90” candle that sat on top of the cake, Hunt and the entire arena erupted in the “Hog Call,” which is the university’s signature pep cheer at athletic and other events. In a tweet, the Razorback Foundation wrote: “Happy Birthday to an iconic Razorback fan!”

NASHVILLE – In light of the major backup seen on Virginia’s Interstate 95 earlier this week due to snow and ice, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) on Wednesday sent out a notice to motorists saying that they are “stocked and ready to clear roadways of ice and snow” ahead of Thursday’s predicted winter weather. According to a TDOT news release, salt supplies have been replenished in all 95 counties in preparation for the winter season, and crews have readied snow plows and brine trucks. TDOT said that crews were already out on Wednesday pre-treating state routes and interstates. “We prepare for winter weather months in advance,” TDOT Commissioner Joe Galbato said. “Our salt bins and our brine are fully stocked, and our employees are ready to mobilize in the event of inclement weather. Clearing our roadways as soon as we can is vital to keeping motorists safe and traffic moving in Tennessee.” TDOT’s statewide 2021/2022 winter weather budget is $25.6 million and includes salt, salt brine, overtime for employees and equipment maintenance. The department has salt vendors to refill salt bins as needed in all 95 Tennessee counties. TDOT currently has nearly 200,000 tons of salt and more than 1.5 million gallons of salt brine ready for use. Salt brine is a salt/water mixture used for pre-treating roads before a winter storm or to melt snow on roadways when temperatures are hovering around the freezing mark. Salt is applied to roads once the snow has started to accumulate. When snow hits Tennessee, TDOT ice and snow removal teams focus first on clearing interstates and heavily traveled state routes and specifically target areas vulnerable to freezing, such as hills, curves, ramps, bridges and interchanges. During prolonged weather events, crews may have to clear roadways repeatedly.

EL CAJON, Calif. — The driver of a semi hauling large beams on a flatbed died Tuesday afternoon after one of the beams crashed through the cab and impaled them. According to the California Highway Patrol, the blue, single-cab Peterbilt stopped in the number one lane of Interstate 8 just before 3 p.m. in East County. The driver was not named, and there were no other vehicles involved in the incident. CHP didn’t say what made the load shift, and the investigation is ongoing.

PERRIS, Calif. — The “Everyday Heroes” Kenworth T680 Next Generation was auctioned in December at Ritchie Bros. in Perris, California. The winning bid was submitted by Serg Kodryanu, CEO of Freestyle Transport, and resulted in $260,000 being donated in support for Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT). TAT, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, is dedicated to stopping human trafficking by educating, mobilizing and empowering the nation’s truck drivers and rest stop employees. Mexico’s Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative is scheduled for March 15-17. In the U.S., the initiative is next week, Jan. 11-13. In Canada, it’s scheduled for Feb. 22-24. In addition to the proceeds raised by the sale of the Kenworth T680 Next Gen, TAT received $68,000 in additional donations from industry suppliers and trucking companies. “Truckers Against Trafficking is an incredible organization that is utilizing our industry to help victims of human trafficking,” Kodryanu said. “After I learned the numbers of how many victims have been affected by human traffickers, I immediately felt it in my heart to make it our company’s mission to support such a great and noble cause as TAT and its mission to stop this terrible crime. “With drivers and other members of our industry spread throughout North America, we have a great opportunity to identify and report suspicious activity and help potential human trafficking victims,” Kodryanu continued. “Our new Everyday Heroes truck will help us spread awareness of human trafficking to other drivers and communities across the country.” Freestyle Transport, a Vancouver, Washington-based company that specializes in delivering refrigerated and dry van freight throughout the lower 48 states, placed the winning bid during an online auction hosted by Ritchie Bros. According to Edward Little, president of Freestyle Transport and who is TAT trained, the company is in the process of getting all its executives, staff, drivers and volunteers TAT trained. He says the company looks forward to increasing awareness about the crime of human trafficking through its new Everyday Heroes Kenworth T680 Next Gen. “I’ve been a longtime supporter of Truckers Against Trafficking and its mission to educate members of our industry to identify potential cases of human trafficking,” Little said. “As a former driver, I saw firsthand the opportunities our industry has to help human trafficking victims. We’re thrilled to have purchased the Everyday Heroes truck and help support such a great organization.” Don Blake, new sales manager at Inland Kenworth, a TAT board member and the driving force behind the auction, expressed his thanks. “The Everyday Heroes Kenworth T680 Next Gen auction was a fantastic success, thanks to Freestyle Transport and our incredible sponsors, who generously donated parts and money to build this special truck,” he noted. “Our goal was to build off the success from the previous two Everyday Heroes Kenworth trucks sold at auction by generating a larger donation to TAT than ever before. We were able to do just that, thanks to heightened interest in the new Kenworth T680 Next Gen and Greg Evigan’s involvement in promoting TAT and this auction.” Evigan is known for his starring role in the television series “B.J. and the Bear,” which aired from 1979 to 1981. “Truckers Against Trafficking is a tremendous organization,” Evigan said. “Congratulations to Freestyle Transport. Your generous bid for the Everyday Heroes truck will make a difference in our communities and help those in need. It was a pleasure to be involved in this project, driven by Don Blake, to promote the Everyday Heroes truck auction and raise awareness for human trafficking.” According to Kendis Paris, TAT executive director, the $328,000 TAT received between the Everyday Heroes truck sale and additional donations surpassed the 2019 Everyday Heroes donation of $162,000 ad is the largest one-time gift in the organization’s history. The funds will help TAT expand its work within the trucking industry and further partnerships with law enforcement. “We are so grateful to have Serg Kodryanu and Freestyle Transport submit the winning bid,” Paris said. “We appreciate Serg’s generous purchase and support, which will help us fund our programs. The Everyday Heroes Kenworth T680 Next Gen will serve as a great addition to its fleet.” The Kenworth T680 Next Gen is fully loaded with a 76-inch sleeper and features the PACCAR powertrain with a PACCAR MX-13 510-hp engine, PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission and PACCAR DX-40 tandem rear axles. According to Little, the company’s new T680 Next Gen will join Freestyle Transport’s fleet of 47 trucks and will make runs to and from Washington state and Florida to generate more exposure to the specially decaled TAT truck throughout the country. “Don Blake’s dedication to TAT and its goal of ending human trafficking is a great example of how one person’s passion, commitment and effort can make a significant positive impact and difference in the lives of thousands,” said Genevieve Bekkerus, Kenworth director of marketing. “Don truly is an inspiration to all of us, and an excellent representative of Inland Kenworth and the Kenworth dealer network. He has put a lot of time and effort into making this auction happen, and it’s been a pleasure to support him in such a great cause,” she said. “The trucking community once again showed its generosity by coming together to support TAT and the fight against human trafficking.” Human trafficking is an industry estimated to be worth $32 billion in the U.S. alone, and $150 billion globally, according to TAT. To further its education, TAT operates the Freedom Driver’s Project, a mobile exhibit that educates members of the trucking industry.

WASHINGTON — According to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHSA) Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is recalling certain Western Star and Freightliner trucks because of the potential for a high-pressure fuel leak. The NHSA report states that the leak can increase the risk of a fire occurring “in the presence of an ignition source.” The fuel tubes between the fuel rail and the injectors for cylinders four, five and six may fatigue and crack, which can result in a high-pressure fuel leak, according to the DTNA. The recall of components in the diesel fuel system could affect about 2,843 units of the following makes and model years: 2019-2021 FCCC XCP Chassis vehicles; 2019-2022 Freightliner 114SD; 2020-2022 Western Star 4700; 2020 Western Star WJ121; 2021 Western Star WF110; 2021-2022 Western Star 49X; 2021-2022 Freightliner Cascadia P4; and 2022 Western Star 47X. As a remedy, dealers will replace the fuel tubes and install vibration isolators. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Feb. 10, 2022.  

TRENTON, Ontario — Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are searching for suspects in a butter heist that saw more than $200,000 worth of the creamy dairy product stolen from two semi trailers. According to the OPP, authorities were called to a trucking facility in Trenton, Ontario, at around 9:45 a.m. on Dec. 26. “Investigation determined that at approximately 11 p.m., on Dec. 25, 2021, four suspects broke into the facility after being dropped off near the location by someone driving a black SUV,” an OPP news release stated. “After entering the compound, two transport trucks were stolen and utilized to steal two trailers, which were each loaded with approximately 20,000 kilograms of butter, with a combined retail value of about $200,000.” Police shared a photo of the suspect vehicle — a black SUV — that dropped off the alleged thieves. Both transport trucks and their trailers were found Monday, but the butter had disappeared. One was found on McCulloch Avenue in Etobicoke and the other on Attwell Drive in Toronto.

HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) is reminding drivers that a toll increase announced earlier this year is set to take effect just after midnight Sunday. In July, the PTC approved a 5% toll increase for all E-ZPass and PA Turnpike Toll By Plate rates for the entire system except the Southern Beltway (PA Turnpike 576) west of Pittsburgh. This is the first time in six years that the annual increase has been less than 6%. “Like its previous increases since 2009, the measure is generally required to meet escalating debt-service costs resulting from the PTC’s required payments to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to fund off-Turnpike transportation needs under the state’s Acts 44 and 89,” according to a PTC news release. “Act 44 of 2007 required the PTC to provide PennDOT with $450 million annually for highways, bridges, and public transit, while Act 89 of 2013 modified those payments and dedicated the full amount to public transit. Under Act 89, the PTC’s annual transit payments to PennDOT will be reduced to $50 million in July 2022, and $450 million will be provided from the state’s General Fund.” The PTC made its final $450 million payment in July 2021, bringing the total amount it transferred to $8 billion since 2007. The $50 million annual payments — which commence next summer and run through July 2057 — will result in nearly $1.8 billion more to be transferred. RATE INCREASE EXAMPLES The most common toll for a passenger vehicle will increase from $1.60 to $1.70 for E-ZPass customers and from $3.90 to $4.10 for Toll By Plate customers. The most common toll for a five-axel tractor trailer will increase from $13 to $13.70 for E-ZPass customers and from $26.60 to $28 for Toll By Plate customers. The passenger-vehicle toll at the westbound Delaware River Bridge will increase from $6.10 to $6.50 for E-ZPass customers and from $8.20 to $8.70 for Toll By Plate customers. E-ZPass drivers will continue to pay the lowest toll rates across the PA Turnpike, with some customers saving nearly 60%. After the 2022 increase is applied, E-ZPass and Toll By Plates rates for both passenger and commercial vehicles will round up to the next dime. To find updated 2022 toll rates, click here.