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CDL examiner charged with wire fraud

WASHINGTON — A Pennsylvania third-party commercial driver’s license (CDL) examiner is facing wire fraud charges after authorities say he provided pre-signed CDL skills examination score sheets to a co-conspirator and kept applicants’ examination fees. A news release from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General (DOT-OIG) states that Roberto Correas knowingly gave the score sheets to an unnamed co-conspirator, who would then complete them with passing scores. The applicants were then given fraudulently obtained CDLs, according to the news release. In addition, between September and October 2018, Correas allegedly conducted CDL skills examinations for an unnamed company that charged CDL applicants $275 for each examination. However, authorities say that Correas didn’t submit those payments to the company and instead kept the money. DOT-OIG is conducting this investigation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, assisted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

Slick travels: Winter weather arrives across nation

RICHMOND, Va. — Winter weather is here, and many across the nation are already dealing with icy roads, snowbanks and pileups. Departments of transportation are gearing up for a busy few months ahead. Following is a quick rundown of several states’ plans to deal with winter this season. Additionally, click here to review our winter-preparedness article, which ran back in September. And to stay on top of winter weather, click here for the National Weather Service’s forecast site. VIRGINIA The Department of Transportation has earmarked $211 million to fund winter operations. The agency said it has more than 2,500 Virginia DOT employees and additional contractors on call for snow removal operations statewide, with more than 10,800 pieces of snow-removal equipment – including trucks, front loaders, and motor graders – at the ready. Virginia also has more than 706,000 tons of salt, sand and treated abrasives and more than 2.4 million gallons of liquid calcium chloride – an additive to salt for deicing – and salt brine on hand. “Virginia motorists can be confident in [our] preparedness for our winter weather season,” said Kevin Gregg, Virginia DOT’s chief of maintenance and operations, in a statement. “We learned new processes last year due to the pandemic and a heavy snow season,” he added. “Those experiences, along with our continued training, have equipped us to handle the snow and ice that may impact the 128,000 lane miles of roadway we maintain across the Commonwealth.” KENTUCKY The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has doubled its fleet of tow plows, which can clear two lanes at once, from four to eight this year. KYTC – which said it has 1,365 state-owned and contracted snowplow trucks ready to winter weather – is basing two of its tow plows in Frankfort as part of a “strike force” that can be dispatched to lend support to crews in different regions statewide during major weather events. “Within the past 12 months we endured our first snow and ice season in the midst of a health pandemic and tackled back-to-back severe winter events this year that blanketed roads with sheets of ice and debris,” noted KYTC Secretary Jim Gray in a statement. “While the severity and frequency of weather events stands to be unknown, we are doing our best with the resources we have to keep critical state routes passable so citizens and commerce can keep moving,” he added. KYTC has also stockpiled over 300,000 tons of salt, one million gallons of brine for anti-icing efforts and 875,000 gallons of calcium chloride ahead of the 2021-2022 winter season. To enhance its winter weather response efforts, the Illinois Department of Transportation recently debuted an improved winter road conditions map on its popular “Getting Around Illinois” website. “Illinois winters are notorious for changing quickly and drastically, sometimes over just a few miles,” said Omer Osman, secretary of the Illinois DOT, in a statement. “These improvements to ‘Getting Around Illinois’ will give travelers information that’s more reliable and more local.” Instead of continuing to display conditions by county, the revamped map will show how weather events are affecting roads under the jurisdictions of the more than 120 snow-and-ice team sections that work out of Illinois DOT facilities throughout the state. The agency said its snowplow drivers out in the field would also relay road condition information through a cloud-based system. NEBRASKA The Nebraska Department of Transportation – together with the Nebraska State Patrol and the National Weather Service – has updated the state’s Nebraska 511 service with integrated weather information, updated icons and an improved user interface, among other new features. “Winter is often a long season in Nebraska, bringing cold temperatures, snow, and, at times, dangerous wind,” said John Selmer, Nebraska DOT’s director. “(We are) proud to partner with the Nebraska State Patrol and the National Weather Service to be as prepared as possible when winter weather strikes to keep roadways open, and when necessary, close them for the safety of the traveling public and our teammates,” he added. “The work we do, together with the information provided in our 511 service helps keep motorists moving while providing the best information possible for decision making,” Selmer said. COLORADO The Colorado Department of Transportation has launched a “Winter Driving in the Wild” educational video series for motorists to awareness of the laws, preparations and resources for safe and efficient winter driving. The series includes videos about the state’s passenger vehicle traction law, tire and snowplow safety, winter preparedness tips and a guide for winter driving resources. The agency noted it plans to issue new editions of the series throughout the 2021-2022 winter season. “Motorists who are unprepared for winter road conditions create dangerous situations for themselves and everyone on the road, not to mention the extended delays we see from spinouts, slideoffs and crashes,” said Andrew Hogle, Colorado DOT’s public information officer. “We’re excited to launch the ‘Winter Driving in the Wild’ series to share these crucial messages and have some fun with Colorado drivers at the same time,” he added. The videos can be seen by clicking here. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Journal contributed to this report.  

Love’s announces new Speedco locations

OKLAHOMA CITY – Love’s Travel Stops is now serving customers at three new Speedco locations that are open 24/7. The locations in Mosheim, Tennessee, Monroe, Louisiana, and Mims, Florida, offer tire, lube and light mechanical services, as well as DOT inspections, for professional drivers and fleets. “As we continue into the holiday season, and one of the busiest times of the year for professional drivers, we’ll continue to deliver fast and convenient service at Speedco and Love’s Truck Care locations across the country,” said Gary Price, executive vice president of Truck Care. “Love’s has over 420 locations in 41 states that are ready to serve drivers and help get them back on the road quickly and safely.”

DOT grants loan for Chesapeake Bay tunnel project

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Build America Bureau (the Bureau) is providing a $338.6 million loan to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel District. The money will help with construction of the Parallel Thimble Shoal Tunnel of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (CBBT) crossing. The loan provides a portion of the financing for a 5,700-foot tunnel connecting two southbound trestles of the existing CBBT, a 17.6-mile structure linking the Norfolk/Virginia Beach areas to Virginia’s Eastern Shore. The CBBT first opened to traffic in 1964. It currently includes more than 12 miles of low-level trestle in each direction, two one-mile tunnels each running beneath a shipping channel, two bridges, almost two miles of causeway, four man-made islands and over five miles of approach roads, totaling 23 miles.  Because of its proximity to the shore, peak travel season occurs during the summer months (May 15 to Sept. 15) with a significant portion of this traffic occurring on weekends. “The Bureau is pleased to support the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Parallel Thimble Shoal Tunnel project by refinancing the original loan to take advantage of lower interest rates,” said Build America Bureau Executive Director Morteza Farajian. “(This) announcement will help the community save millions of dollars, address the economic harm caused by the pandemic, and keep important public works projects moving forward.”

Auburn hopes to set standard in transportation research

AUBURN, Ala. — Mentioning the words Auburn University might conjure up visions of a football powerhouse and the school’s former all-star quarterback, Cam Newton. But what about transportation research? That’s what many at the Alabama university are working on in hopes of making the nation’s infrastructure more sound in the decades to come. In early 2021, Auburn University established the Transportation Research Institute (AUTRI) to meld together transportation-related research and educational programs at the school. “Thanks to the reputation of the units under AUTRI’s umbrella, extramural funding for transportation is greater than any other single area within Auburn’s research footprint and totaled more than $24 million in fiscal year 2020,” a university news release states. These units include the National Center for Asphalt Technology and its affiliated asphalt test track, the Highway Research Center, the Alabama Transportation Assistance Program and the GPS and Vehicle Dynamics Laboratory, just to name a few. “Auburn’s transportation programs need to remain in the forefront of innovation and competitiveness through the 21st century,” said Jim Weyhenmeyer, Auburn’s vice president for research and economic development. “This institute will be the vehicle to do that.” Behind the wheel is Larry Rilett, one of the nation’s foremost transportation thought leaders, who previously served as a distinguished professor of civil engineering and the Keith W. Klaasmeyer Chair in Engineering and Technology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, as well as director of the Mid-America Transportation Center and the Nebraska Transportation Center. Rilett, who serves as AUTRI director and also holds the Ginn Distinguished Professorship in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, has been a principal investigator or co-principal investigator on more than 50 research projects pertaining to intelligent transportation systems applications and large-scale transportation system modeling. He has authored or co-authored more than 250 journal articles, conference papers and technical reports. Rilett is the current president of the Council of University Transportation Centers. “I am a big believer in multidisciplinary research,” Rilett said. “Bringing all of Auburn University’s transportation and infrastructure-related research teams under one roof will position us to solve the complex challenges facing our nation’s multimodal transportation system and to educate the next generation of transportation professionals.” Auburn has hosted the annual Alabama Transportation Conference every year since 1958, but its research and education in transportation engineering dates back nearly 150 years to the inception of Auburn’s Department of Civil Engineering. In 1985, the university launched the Highway Research Center, which has saved Alabama taxpayers countless millions in road and bridge construction and maintenance costs through development of and guidance for the application of high-performance concrete in bridges, new designs for upgrading the structural capacity of steel girder bridges, new bridge load rating methods, new bridge foundation designs and construction guidelines, new sonic testing methods and scour screening tools for bridge foundations and new procedures to apply fiber-reinforced polymers in repairs of Alabama bridges. In 1986, in partnership with the National Asphalt Pavement Association Research and Education Foundation, Auburn created the National Center for Asphalt Technology, or NCAT, which provides the most comprehensive asphalt pavement research in the United States. Attracting millions of dollars in annual research funding across the country, NCAT is home to the nation’s premier, full-scale asphalt testing center and a 1.7-mile oval test track that has seen nearly 10 million miles of heavy traffic. The Alabama Transportation Assistance Program combines the resources of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Alabama Department of Transportation and Auburn University to bring the newest technological developments to state and local public works agencies in Alabama. In 2001, Auburn’s Department of Mechanical Engineering created the GPS and Vehicle Dynamics Laboratory, which has earned an international reputation for research into vehicle dynamics and transportation, as well as autonomous and unmanned vehicles. The lab consistently secures funding of approximately $5 million per year, and its research sponsors include manufacturers of automotive, industrial, agricultural, forest and construction equipment. A significant portion of its research is sponsored by the Department of Defense and provides a variety of engineering solutions for positioning, navigation and timing across all branches of the military. From advanced roadway design and aviation systems to next-generation vehicles and transportation-related logistics, all aspects of Auburn University’s rich history of excellence in transportation and infrastructure research will be strengthened through AUTRI. “Our nation faces a grand challenge in the design and implementation of the next-generation transportation infrastructure,” said Auburn Engineering Dean Christopher B. Roberts. “While Auburn engineers are already well known for their contributions to our nation’s transportation systems and infrastructure, the Auburn University Transportation Research Institute will heighten our stature as a powerful force in transportation research and education, while also strengthening our ability to address this critical national challenge.”

Port of Savannah accelerating expansion amid cargo surge

SAVANNAH, Ga. — The Georgia Ports Authority agreed Monday to accelerate a $150 million expansion at the Port of Savannah in response to a surge in cargo volumes that has cramped its container yard and kept ships waiting at sea. The state agency’s governing board approved a plan to increase by 25% Savannah’s capacity for cargo containers by June. The new space for storing containers waiting to be loaded onto ships, trucks or trains will cover roughly 150 acres (60 hectares), said Griff Lynch, the port authority’s executive director. He said more than a third of that new capacity should be ready by January and the port ultimately will be capable of handling 1.6 million additional cargo containers per year. “It was in our long-range plan, but we’re expediting it,” Lynch said. “None of this was planned for this year or next year.” Like other U.S. seaports, the Port of Savannah has scrambled to work through traffic jams caused by record volumes of shipping containers piling up as the economy rebounds from the pandemic. Savannah has the nation’s fourth-busiest port for cargo shipped in containers. The giant metal boxes are used to transport a wide range of goods from consumer electronics to frozen chickens. The surge caused Savannah’s port to see its busiest month ever in October, when the number of container units of imports and exports crossing its docks exceeded 500,000 for the first time. The port handled a record 5.3 million container units in the 2021 fiscal year that ended June 30. Officials have been using inland sites to temporarily store cargo and free up space at Savannah’s container terminal. The port authority was authorized by the federal government to use $8 million in leftover grant money to set up four such “pop up” container yards in different areas of the state. Lynch said efforts to reduce the backlog are paying off. The Savannah port had about 67,000 containers at its terminal Monday, he said, compared to roughly 85,000 in September. And the 13 ships anchored off the coast waiting to enter the port was about half the peak number months ago. “We’re not out of the woods yet,” Lynch said. “We think this will continue on up through the first quarter of 2022 at least.” The $150 million container yard expansion covers not only converting undeveloped land for container storage but also equipment. The board Monday agreed to spend $24.4 million on new electric-powered cranes to lift and move containers in that new space

Groups urge use of COVID-19 relief funds on supply chain woes

WASHINGTON — More than a dozen transportation industry associations across the nation are asking the federal government to authorize use of COVID-19 relief funds to help alleviate ongoing supply chain issues. Nineteen agencies sent a letter to U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Nov. 29, writing: “We request relief for government agencies and businesses who have and continue to face unprecedented pandemic-induced supply chain delays and shortages that may undercut the anticipated benefits of the IIJA (the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act).” The letter noted that private companies and government agencies are reporting both shortages of and increased prices on manufactured steel, steel and plastic piping, paint, concrete materials, and many other items – with cost increases ranging from 15 percent to a doubling or tripling on some items like manufactured steel. “Lead times for procurement and delivery of many of these materials has dramatically increased as well, and prospects for the coming year are worse,” the letter stated. Additionally, the American Traffic Safety Services Association found in a recent poll of its members that 64 percent are “either unsure or pessimistic” about their ability to meet their customers’ needs for roadway safety projects due to material shortages. And some 60 percent believe material shortages will continue for at least seven more months and likely for more than a year. The letter stated one solution to those issues would be for Treasury to “clarify” the use by state and local governments of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds from the $1.9 American Rescue Plan (ARPA) passed in March to mitigate the effects of supply chain delays on material shortages and price increases. “The ARPA states that these funds should be used to ‘mitigate the fiscal effects stemming from the public health emergency with respect to the Coronavirus [COVID-19] disease.’ Since the pandemic is clearly the driving force behind these supply chain delays and shortages, we believe it is clear that such utilization of the funding would fall within congressional intent of the legislation,” the letter stated. “Accordingly, we respectfully request that the Department of the Treasury update its ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ document and regulations for ARP funds, clarifying that recipient governments can use them to mitigate the effects of supply chain delays and shortages, such as for material price increases and the effects they are having on project costs.” The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) co-signed a March 28 letter with 35 other transportation organizations to Yellen in May along a similar tact for “clear guidance and flexibility” regarding the use of ARP funds to support transportation infrastructure projects.      

Knight-Swift acquires Midwest Motor Express

PHOENIX — Knight-Swift transportation announced Monday it has purchased Midwest Motor Express (MME) and Midnite Express Inc. in a $150 million cash transaction. Founded more than 100 years ago, MME provides less-than-truckload (LTL), full truckload and specialized and transportation service to the upper midwestern and great northwestern regions of the United States. According to a Knight-Swift news release, “the MME regional footprint complements our current southeastern and midwestern LTL presence alongside our AAA Cooper Transportation (\ACT) brand, which together cover over half of the United States. The MME acquisition reflects progress on our ongoing commitment to building a nationwide LTL footprint, leading to the further diversification of our revenue streams.” The news release further stated that “on a longer-term basis, we have identified potential areas of revenue and cost synergies that are expected to lead to growth and margin expansion consistent with our return-on-investment targets while preserving MME’s brand, locations, people and culture.” Knight-Swift CEO Dave Jackson said he is excited to welcome MME to the Knight-Swift organization. “MME is our next step toward a nationwide LTL network,” he said. “While preserving and supporting MME’s identity and culture, we expect to bring many synergies from Knight-Swift. MME and ACT have minimal regional overlap, and we expect they will be a benefit to one another.” Marlin Kling, president and CEO of MME, said: “We believe that combining our company with North America’s truckload industry leader, Knight-Swift, and being part of building the next nationwide LTL network is an exciting development for MME and its employees. We look forward to achieving synergies, sharing best practices, and creating value for all Knight-Swift stakeholders.”

New Pilot brings 55 big rig parking spots to Missouri

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – There are now 55 more semi-truck parking spaces in western Missouri just north of Kansas City thanks to a new Pilot Travel Center that just opened along Interstate 29. Pilot officials said the new center in Faucett, Missouri, is located at the site of the former Farris Truck Stop at exit 35. The store “brings to the area a fully modernized facility that includes a Taco Bell, truck parking, spacious restrooms and showers and a wide selection of road-ready food, beverages and gear,” according to a news release. “We’ve been serving travelers in the state of Missouri for nearly 30 years and look forward to fueling more journeys with the opening of our 23rd location in Faucett,” said Jason Nordin, chief operator of Pilot Company. “We appreciate the history of the Ferris Truck Stop and are passionate about being that friendly place the community and drivers can count on for all their travel and trucking needs. Our team members, including some familiar faces that worked at the Ferris Truck Stop, are excited to welcome guests to experience everything our new travel center has to offer.” To celebrate the new location, guests are invited to attend a grand opening event at 11 a.m. Central Standard Time on Dec. 9. The event will include a ribbon-cutting, giveaways and a giving back check presentation of $5,000 to Mid-Buchanan R-V School District as part of Pilot Company’s longstanding commitment to supporting the communities it serves. The new Pilot Travel Center is expected to contribute an estimated $2.78 million in state and local tax revenue and will add approximately 50 jobs to the local community. The new Pilot features more than 12,800 square feet and offers many amenities, including 10 gasoline fueling positions and eight diesel lanes with high-speed pumps, along with a host of food offerings, seven showers, a driver’s lounge, public laundry and more.  

Sysco to electrify chunk of fleet by 2030

HOUSTON — Foodservice distribution giant Sysco Corporation has announced plans to reduce its global emissions by electrifying 35 percent of its U.S. tractor fleet by 2030. The company said in a Nov. 22 news release that the measure is the equivalent to adding nearly 2,500 electric trucks to its fleet. In addition, the company will source 100% renewable electricity for its global operations by 2030, according to the news release. “Sysco’s new science-based emissions reduction target aligns with the Paris Agreement and is an integral part of the company’s roadmap to reducing its carbon footprint over the next decade,” the news release stated. “At Sysco, we recognize and take seriously our role as a global industry leader,” said Neil Russell, the company’s senior vice president of corporate affairs and chief communications officer. “We understand that taking action now on climate change is important to the future of our planet and have developed an actionable, achievable plan with a clear roadmap to meaningfully reduce emissions. Over time, we believe we will be able to do more and are motivated to further our work across the value chain to quicken the pace of innovation and provide a pathway for other companies to participate in climate action. “To ensure we hold our selves accountable, our CSR strategy is now an integral part of our new business strategy, our Recipe for Growth, which is designed to advance our pace of leadership, further differentiate Sysco, create a sustainable competitive advantage and make a positive impact on the world.”  

Love’s, Operation Homefront distribute holiday meal kits to military families

OKLAHOMA CITY – The holidays can be especially tough on military families who may spend thousands of miles apart on some of the most special days of the year. Additionally, the hardship of missing a loved one can be compounded if there is a financial need. As a way to make things easier, Love’s Travel Stops and Operation Homefront distributed 125 meal kits to preregistered families on Dec. 4 through Operation Homefront’s Holiday Meals for Military. Representatives from the Oklahoma City Thunder, including mascot “Rumble the Bison,” joined Love’s and Operation Homefront to hand out the kits, which included Thunder tickets. Operation Homefront is a national nonprofit whose mission is “to build strong, stable and secure military families,” according to a Love’s news release. In all, this year’s Holiday Meals for Military will put meals on the tables of more than 15,000 military families nationwide. “This is Love’s second year in a row to have hosted a Holiday Meals for Military event, and we couldn’t have been more excited,” said Jenny Love Meyer, chief culture officer and executive vice president of Love’s. “We love to see how excited the families are when they pick up the kits, and this year’s event was made better by the surprise element of tickets from our friends at the Thunder.” The event took place at Love’s Corporate Office in Oklahoma City. Meal kits included all the essentials for a traditional holiday meal and four ticket vouchers to a Thunder game of the family’s choice. “Military families are often far from loved ones during the holiday season, making it difficult for them to enjoy the traditions many Americans look forward to,” said Robin Carter, senior director of Operation Homefront. “Thanks to the continued support of generous partners, including Love’s, our Holiday Meals for Military program allows us to provide much-needed support to our military families so they can enjoy the holidays. It’s a tangible ‘thank you’ from the communities they have worked so hard to protect.” More information is available about Operation Homefront by clicking here.

Four-state crackdown on commercial vehicle safety to begin

LANSING, Mich. – State police agencies from four states will join forces this week for a campaign to crack down on highway safety along Interstate 94. Dubbed “Eyes on 94,” the initiative aims to reduce commercial vehicle crashes, according to the Michigan State Police (MSP). “This enforcement effort is a great example of the commitment by the MSP, Indiana State Police, Illinois State Police, and the Ohio Highway Patrol to reach our common goal of increasing traffic safety and reducing crashes,” said Capt. Michael Krumm, commander of the MSP Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division. “We hope to increase awareness by being visible on the I-94 freeway, which is prone to weather-related crashes involving interstate commercial vehicle drivers this time of year.” The operation will begin Monday and end Friday. Police said they will be looking for violations such as improper passing, speeding, improper lane use, distracted driving and driver following the car in front of them too closely.  

Former Roadrunner Transport executive sentenced in fraud scheme

WASHINGTON — A former executive for Roadrunner Transportation Systems Inc. has been sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for his role in a securities and accounting fraud scheme. According to a news release from the United States Attorney of the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Peter R. Armbruster, 62, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, participated in a sophisticated accounting fraud scheme that resulted in Roadrunner filing materially false financial statements with the SEC for the third quarter of 2016. He was sentenced on Nov. 30. According to court documents and evidence produced at trial, Armbruster inflated Roadrunner’s reported income by misrepresenting the company’s expenses. The news release noted that “his actions caused the investing public to lose tens of millions of dollars when Roadrunner eventually announced that it would need to restate its previously filed financial statements, triggering a sharp drop in the company’s stock.” On July 29, following an 11-day trial, a jury convicted Armbruster of four counts of violating federal securities laws, including misleading a public company’s auditors, securities fraud, and keeping false books and records. “This sentence reflects the serious harm an executive caused by deliberately misleading shareholders, auditors, and the general public about the financial health of a publicly traded company,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “People deserve better from corporate management. The Criminal Division remains committed to fighting white-collar crime, protecting investors, and safeguarding the integrity of our markets from C-suite executives who commit accounting and securities fraud.” “Peter Armbruster failed to honestly perform his corporate duties, costing investors tens of millions of dollars in losses,” said acting Assistant Director Jay Greenberg of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “Corporate fraud remains a top priority for the FBI, as stamping out illegal activity like this scheme is essential to preserving confidence in our collective ability to invest for a brighter tomorrow. This sentencing shows that the FBI and our law enforcement partners vigilantly protect American investors from corporate fraud while holding accountable those who undermine our way of life.” Special Agent in Charge Andrea M. Kropf of the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Midwestern Region said: “This sentencing sends a strong message that those who commit transportation-related financial fraud will be held accountable. Together with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners, we will continue to identify, investigate, and pursue those who perpetrate complex criminal schemes for profit.” The FBI’s Milwaukee Division and the Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General are investigating the case.

FMCSA declares South Dakota owner/driver as imminent hazard

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has declared Rapid City, South Dakota-based Hall Trucking to be an imminent hazard to public safety and has ordered the carrier to immediately cease all interstate and intrastate operations. The federal order, which was served Nov.19, further specified that the company owner and truck driver, Clayton Hall, who holds a South Dakota-issued commercial driver’s license (CDL), be immediately ordered out-of-service, prohibiting him from operating any commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce. According to an FMCSA news release issued Friday, an FMCSA investigation found Hall Trucking to be “egregiously noncompliant with multiple federal safety regulations, including: controlled substances and alcohol use and testing; commercial driver’s license standards; qualification of drivers and; driving of CMVs.” In June 2020, owner/driver Hall tested positive for amphetamines and was notified that, as required by federal safety regulations, he was prohibited from operating a CMV until such time he successfully completed the statutorily required return-to-duty process overseen by a Substance Abuse Professional.  Hall’s drug test result was also reported to FMCSA’s CDL Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. Despite the disqualification, Hall continued to operate a CMV on at least 20 occasions, including at least three interstate trips in October 2021. FMCSA investigators further discovered that a Hall Trucking employee driver did not have a current medical examiner’s certificate required by federal regulation for interstate commercial operations.  Additionally, the individual possessed an “intrastate only” CDL, which did not allow him to legally operate a CMV outside South Dakota state boundaries.  Despite these prohibitions, the individual, on at least three occasions in 2021, was dispatched by Hall on commercial interstate trucking trips. FMCSA’s imminent hazard out-of-service order states that Hall Trucking’s “,..complete disregard for the [federal safety regulations] substantially increases the likelihood of serious injury or death for its drivers and the motoring public if its operations are not discontinued immediately.” Failing to comply with the provisions of the federal imminent hazard order may result in civil penalties of up to $28,142 for each violation. Hall Trucking may also be assessed civil penalties of not less than $11,256 for providing transportation in interstate commerce without operating authority registration, and up to $15,876 for operating a CMV in interstate commerce without USDOT Number registration. Knowing and/or willful violations may result in criminal penalties.

Annual trucking trends report shows impact of pandemic on industry

ARLINGTON, Va. – The amount of freight truckers moved in 2020 fell to 10.23 billion tons from 11.84 tons in 2019, primarily due to the pandemic. These statistics are from the latest edition of the American Trucking Associations’ American Trucking Trends. “We knew that the pandemic had a significant impact on our industry, but this year’s Trends shows that despite those challenges, the trucking industry remained our nation’s lifeline – delivering the life-saving and life-sustaining essentials our country needed in a time of great need,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. “Trends is an indispensable resource for anyone looking to understand the trucking industry.” Among the findings in trends: In 2020, trucks moved 10.23 billion tons of freight – down from 11.84 billion tons the previous year. The industry collected 80.4% of the nation’s freight bill, unchanged from the previous year, while generating $732.3 billion. Trucking employed 7.65 million people in industry-related jobs, including 3.36 million professional truck drivers. Women made up 7.8% of the nation’s drivers – an all-time high – and minorities account for 42.3% of truck drivers. Trucking remains a small business industry: 91.5% of fleets operate six or fewer trucks, and 97.4% operate less than 20. Trucks moved 70.9% of the value of surface trade between the U.S. and Canada and 83.8% of cross-border trade with Mexico, for a total of $695 billion worth of goods. “Having good data is a prerequisite to making good decisions – and year in and year out, Trends provides the kind of up-to-date, accurate data about the industry that decision makers need,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “That data is why Trends is found on the desks of countless elected officials, regulators and industry executives across the country.”    

ATRI study examines trucker motivation, satisfaction levels

ARLINGTON, Va. – It should come as no surprise that company drivers and owner-operators/independent contractors ranked income as highly important in a new study from the American Trucking Research Institute (ATRI). In fact, it came second only to job security. And in terms of income satisfaction, 68.9% of company drivers and 80.1% of owner-operators/independent contractors said they were very satisfied/satisfied with their income. ATRI said its research includes data from more than 2,000 professional truck drivers, of whom more than two-thirds are owner-operators/independent contractors. The analysis also examined the various compensation models used with company drivers and owner-operators/independent contractors and driver satisfaction levels with each. More than 50% of owner-operators/independent contractors in ATRI’s dataset reported net incomes of over $75,000 in the previous year, while nearly 70 percent of company drivers indicated their annual wages fell in the $50,000 to $100,000 range. A large percentage of owner-operators/independent contractors expected they would experience significant decreases in their job satisfaction (73.0%) and annual income (68.3%) if they were reclassified as a company driver. “ATRI’s analysis validates what we know to be true with our professional truck drivers – those who choose to be owner/operators are often motivated by the desire to be in charge of their schedule and work environment,” said Eric Fuller, president & CEO of U.S. Xpress Enterprises, Inc. “Understanding what motivates our company drivers and owner/operators allows us to better tailor offerings as we continue to focus on recruitment and retention.” In addition to examining the differences between company drivers and owner-operators/independent contractors, ATRI’s analysis also offers insight into the different motivating factors for female truck drivers versus their male counterparts. To access the full report, click here.

Texas big rig driver killed in pileup

VAN HORN, Texas – An El Paso big rig driver was killed Sunday in a seven-vehicle pileup on Interstate 10 in West Texas. According to the Culberson County Sheriff’s Office, Juan Lopez Martinez, 63, died after his 2016 Peterbilt slammed into the rear end of a 2017 Freightliner tractor-trailer, causing a large chain-reaction collision. The accident happened in a construction zone with traffic slowing and merging into one lane, authorities said. Eight people were taken to the hospital for treatment.    

TFI International buys D&D Sexton

MONTREAL – TFI International Inc., a North American transportation and logistics industry, has announced its purchase of Carthage, Missouri-based D&D Sexton. According to a TFI news release issued on Nov. 29, “D&D has been a family-owned business for more than 40 years, specializing in refrigerated transportation and serving a long-standing customer base with both long-haul over-the-road services as well as local and shuttle operations.” D&D has more than 150 company drivers and owner operators and close to 40 non-driving employees. Operating more than 120 tractors and nearly 400 refrigerated and dry van trailers, D&D generates annualized revenues in excess of $25 million. The acquired business will operate within TFI International’s CFI group of companies. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. “D&D is an excellent strategic fit with the organization, culture and business model of our CFI operating company, adding strategic capacity and valuable, longstanding customer relationships to its temperature-controlled business,” said Alain Bédard, chairman, president and CEO of TFI International. “In addition to an overlapping refrigerated freight network, D&D brings significant experience in local and shuttle operations. We see multiple near-term opportunities around costs, routes and pricing to enhance profitability, as well as longer-term opportunities to optimize equipment and the capacity network design, taking D&D to the next level of excellence. We extend our warmest welcome to the entire D&D team and look forward to their many upcoming contributions to TFI International’s continued growth.”

FTC launches inquiry into supply chain disruptions

WASHINGTON — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is asking tough questions to major companies about why the supply chain is so clogged. The agency has ordered nine large retailers, wholesalers and consumer goods suppliers to “provide detailed information that will help the FTC shed light on the causes behind ongoing supply chain disruptions and how these disruptions are causing serious and ongoing hardships for consumers and harming competition in the U.S. economy,” according to an FTC news release. The orders are being sent to Walmart Inc., Amazon.com, Inc., Kroger Co., C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc., Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc., McLane Co, Inc. Procter & Gamble Co., Tyson Foods, Inc. and Kraft Heinz Co. The companies will have 45 days from the date they received the order to respond. “Supply chain disruptions are upending the provision and delivery of a wide array of goods, ranging from computer chips and medicines to meat and lumber,” FTC Chair Lina M. Khan said. “I am hopeful the FTC’s new … study will shed light on market conditions and business practices that may have worsened these disruptions or led to asymmetric effects. The FTC has a long history of pursuing market studies to deepen our understanding of economic conditions and business conduct, and we should continue to make nimble and timely use of these information-gathering tools and authorities.” In addition to better understanding the reasons behind the disruptions, the study will examine whether supply chain disruptions are leading to specific bottlenecks, shortages, anticompetitive practices or contributing to rising consumer prices, the news release stated. The orders require the companies to detail the primary factors disrupting their ability to obtain, transport and distribute their products; the impact these disruptions are having in terms of delayed and canceled orders, increased costs and prices; the products, suppliers and inputs most affected; and the steps the companies are taking to alleviate disruptions; and how they allocate products among their stores when they are in short supply. The FTC is also requiring the companies to provide internal documents regarding the supply chain disruptions, including strategies related to supply chains; pricing; marketing and promotions; costs, profit margins and sales volumes; selection of suppliers and brands; and market shares. In addition, the agency is soliciting voluntary comments from retailers, consumer goods suppliers, wholesalers, and consumers regarding their views on how supply chain issues are affecting competition in consumer goods markets. These comments provide an opportunity for market participants to surface additional issues and examples of how supply chain disruptions are affecting competition. Meanwhile, U.S. manufacturing activity grew at a faster pace in November with producers trying to keep up with demand amid ongoing supply shortages and delays. The Institute for Supply Management, a trade group of purchasing managers, said Wednesday that its index of manufacturing activity rose to a reading of 61.1 in November, just above September’s 60.8. Any reading above 50 indicates growth in the manufacturing sector. The manufacturing sector has recorded 18 straight months of growth going back to spring of 2020 when the pandemic broke. Sub-categories of new orders, production and employment all grew at a faster pace in November, though many respondents commented that they are still struggling to hire, despite some modest progress over the past three months. ISM’s report said that 86% of the employment comments related to hiring, with 51% of those respondents saying they are struggling to fill positions, an increase from October. Businesses are also struggling to keep their inventories stocked due to elevated demand. ISM’s customer’s inventories index registered a reading of 25.1 in November, the 62nd straight month that it’s been what is considered too low. While it’s not good for stores to have sparse or empty shelves, it will likely spur more production ahead to remedy that situation, the ISM report said. Prices are still elevated, but retreated somewhat in November to a reading of 82.4 from 85.7 in October. Thirteen of the 15 manufacturing categories reported growth last month, led by apparel and furniture. The only two that contracted were printing and primary metals. ISM said the broad sentiment of its panel remained strongly optimistic, but they “remain focused on the importance of improving supply chain issues to respond to ongoing high levels of demand,” said Timothy R. Fiore, head of ISM’s manufacturing survey committee.