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The Trucker News Staff

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About The Trucker News Staff
The Trucker News Staff produces engaging content for not only TheTrucker.com, but also The Trucker Newspaper, which has been serving the trucking industry for more than 30 years. With a focus on drivers, the Trucker News Staff aims to provide relevant, objective content pertaining to the trucking segment of the transportation industry. The Trucker News Staff is based in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Posts by The Trucker News Staff

2 shot, several vehicles struck by gunfire on Utah’s I-15

By The Trucker News Staff -

JUAB COUNTY, UTAH — The Utah Department of Public Safety (UDPS) is urging motorists to use caution on Interstate 15 between Nephi and Scipio in Jaub County after several vehicles, including an 18-wheeler, were shot at around 3 a.m. Tuesday. Two people who were traveling in passenger cars were struck by bullets and suffered non-life-threatening injuries, according to a UDPS news release. UDPS said that extra patrols have been set up in the area, and investigators are following up on several leads and evidence trails. Witnesses to the shooting described a light-colored SUV, possibly a Jeep Cherokee, as the suspect’s vehicle. The public is urged to be alert in the area and report any suspicious activity. If anyone has information about or witnessed the shooting incident, they are urged to contact the UDPS dispatch at (801) 887-3800.  

Werner Enterprises acquires NEHDS Logistics

By The Trucker News Staff -

OMAHA, Neb.,— Werner Enterprises, Inc., one of the nation’s largest transportation and logistics companies, has announced it has signed a definitive agreement and has closed on the acquisition of Monroe, Connecticut-based NEHDS Logistics, LLC for $64 million. That includes a $4 million earnout, according to a Werner news release. NEHDS operates a fleet of over 400 delivery trucks primarily in the Northeast and Midwest U.S. corridors. The company delivers primarily big and bulky products using two-person delivery teams performing residential and commercial deliveries through a network of 19 cross dock, warehouse and customer facilities. “The addition of the NEHDS operations, management team, talented staff and strong customer relationships to the Werner family represents a significant step forward in our Final Mile delivery program. The combination of award winning service that NEHDS provides to its clients, along with the comprehensive portfolio of trucking capability, final mile logistics services and technology will bring the Werner and NEHDS customer base many advantages,” said Derek Leathers, Werner’s chairman, president and chief executive officer. Leathers further stated that NEHDS’s skilled drivers, operations team, independent contractors and facilities network “strengthen our big and bulky products delivery offering by adding asset and employee-based operations with experience in complex deliveries to our already established national network of independent contractor agent locations. We expect this transaction to be accretive in 2022 and anticipate cost synergies in several areas of the business.” The NEHDS leadership team, drivers, non-driver associates and independent contractors will remain with the business, and NEHDS will be rebranded into Werner Final Mile. Leathers continued, “Both companies share a passion for valuing its professional drivers, associates and customers. We look forward to welcoming the NEHDS team and working together to maintain and grow the excellent relationships with current customers, independent contractors, employee drivers and office associates. We are excited at the opportunity to create additional value for new and existing customers. We remain committed to profitably growing our Logistics portfolio.” Gerry Burdo, founder and president of NEHDS, said of the deal: “With a deep heritage of compassion for all associates, contractors and customers, we are grateful to unite with a likeminded company in Werner that has similar core values to NEHDS. Werner’s technology, logistical expertise and geographic footprint is extremely attractive in partnering together. I am personally grateful for the opportunity to join the Werner team along with our entire management team, associates and contractors.” Werner financed the transaction through a combination of cash on hand and existing credit facilities. Beginning in fourth quarter 2021, NEHDS financial results will be included in the Werner Logistics segment.

Passenger car destroyed under semi

By The Trucker News Staff -

COOK COUNTY, Ill. – There were no serious injuries reported Tuesday after a passenger car became wedged underneath a semi-trailer on the Tri-State Tollway just outside of Chicago. Police responded to the incident just after 11:40 a.m. near mile marker 30 on Interstate 294. No further details about the incident were provided. A passing motorist captured this video, however.

Authorities say theft ring stole nearly $1M in semi-trailers, pallets

By The Trucker News Staff -

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Florida authorities have arrested two men in connection with a cargo theft ring that saw more than $700,000 in wooden pallets and 25 semi-trailers stolen. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), 45-year-old Bobby John Herrera, Jr. from West Palm Beach and 36-year-old Nicholas Nigel Howard of Opa Locka have been charged with a combined 67 felonies related to the caper. In late July 2021, PCSO detectives began investigating a reported theft of seven semi-trailers from two different distribution centers – Saddle Creek Logistical Services in Auburndale, Florida, and the Walmart Distribution Center in Winter Haven, Florida, – that contained a large quantity of wooden pallets. During the initial investigation, detectives were able to identify three semi-trucks filled with pallets that they say had been either stolen or burglarized by Herrera. Herrera is the owner of JCI Pallet in Plant City, Florida. Security footage obtained by detectives from both Saddle Creek Logistics and the Walmart Distribution Center showed a series of thefts where Herrera drove his company’s 2015 Freightliner semi-truck onto the facilities and illegally removed semi-truck trailers filled with wooden pallets waiting to be delivered to other distribution centers and businesses. “Herrera was able to circumvent security procedures at the distribution centers to steal the semi-trailers and their contents,” according to the PCSO. When PCSO detectives traveled to JCI Pallet and met with Herrera, they showed him one of the security videos. Herrera reportedly said, “That looks like me,” according to the PCSO. Herrera was initially arrested in September with the assistance of the Plant City Police Department and transported to the Hillsborough County Jail, where he was later released on a $4,000 bond. As the investigation continued, detectives learned that Howard, the on-site manager of JCI Pallet, assisted Herrera in removing stolen trailers filled with pallets from two different distribution centers, affecting four different companies. Over the months of May, June and July of 2021, the two men planned and coordinated the theft of 25 semi-trailers, which contained almost 5,000 wooden pallets. The stolen trailers and pallets combined are worth approximately $935,663, the PCSO said. “The victims of Herrara’s and Howard’s organized cargo theft conspiracy were Saddle Creek Logistics, Walmart, 48Forty Solutions and Monison Pallets,” according to the PCSO. “Detectives tracked the stolen trailers filled with wooden pallets to JCI Pallet, where they were emptied before being returned or abandoned without the stolen cargo. Two of the trailers stolen by Herrera were determined to be empty when they were stolen from the distribution centers.” All of the stolen trailers were eventually recovered. Additionally, a business in Alabama, Smith and Company, had hired Herrera to deliver pallets to Saddle Creek Logistical Solutions, but he never delivered the product. “Instead, he submitted a fraudulently signed bill of ladings (detailed shipment of goods delivered) and invoices for pallets never delivered,” according to the PCSO. “My detectives, in partnership with the Plant City Police Department, did an outstanding job investigating this organized crime enterprise, said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. “This type of theft negatively impacts the consumer when business have to raise costs to account for this type of loss. We will work hard to make sure Herrera and Howard are held accountable for these cargo thefts. They won’t have the opportunity to steal while they are in prison.”

Trucking company owner sentenced for cocaine, marijuana distribution

By The Trucker News Staff -

LAFAYETTE, La. – A New Iberia, Louisiana, man has been sentenced to 70 months in a federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, on drug trafficking charges. According to a news release from acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook, Rusty Ross Honore, 42, was also ordered on Nov. 17 to pay a $10,000 fine. Honore pleaded guilty on July 21, 2021, to one charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana. At that hearing, Honore admitted that he conspired with two other individuals “to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana in the Western District of Louisiana,” the news release stated. “Law enforcement agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) had information to believe that Honore was distributing cocaine in the Lafayette area,” according to the news release. “In March 2020, they began an investigation into his drug trafficking activities. Through the investigation of law enforcement agents, including the use of surveillance and other investigative techniques, agents found that Honore and his co-conspirators possessed and distributed approximately 207 pounds of marijuana and 2 kilograms of cocaine.” Honore has a previous federal felony conviction for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana from 2006. He was released from prison in 2012 and his period of supervised release ended in 2014.

Study details COVID-19’s impact on trucking industry

By The Trucker News Staff -

ARLINGTON, Va. — COVID-19 has affected just about every aspect of life. The trucking industry is no exception. According to a recent analysis of the operational costs of trucking by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), in addition to faster truck speeds, COVID-19 impacts were considerable. The research is based on detailed 2020 financial data provided directly by motor carriers of all sectors and fleet sizes. The various line-item cost centers clearly document the numerous impacts that the COVID-19 pandemic had on trucking and the economy in general. The study noted that dead-head miles increased to 20.6%, annual operating miles decreased to 89,358 miles per truck, and fuel costs declined by nearly 20% to 30.8 cents per mile. Independent of COVID-19 impacts, insurance costs continued their climb, rising more than 18% to 8.7 cents per mile — the highest in the report’s history, according to ATRI. The report documents the effect that faster truck speeds, due to low overall traffic levels, had on multiple line-items, as well as the sector and commodity volatility that occurred as consumers were forced to dramatically change spending habits. “The COVID-19 pandemic made 2020 a historically unprecedented year for the global economy,” the report stated. “Despite encountering numerous logistical difficulties, the trucking industry performed with admirable consistency, and so did its marginal costs. Carriers were able to take advantage of some unexpected windfalls, such as unusually low fuel costs and highway traffic, to offset heightened expenses in other areas.” While truck driver wages increased from 2019 to 2020, benefits costs per mile decreased. Overall truck driver compensation was 73.7 cents per mile. Separately, safety and retention bonuses increased by 10.5% and 14.2% respectively, but starting bonuses dropped by 10% — reflecting the soft driver marketplace in early 2020 for many sectors. Overall, the average marginal cost per mile incurred by motor carriers in 2020 decreased 5 cents per mile to $1.64. When the per-mile costs are converted to hourly costs, the report found that total hourly costs dropped slightly to $66.87. “In the face of a COVID-19 economy, our industry tightly managed costs and operations, while delivering essential goods to market. We also led the way out of the COVID-19 recession in the latter half of the year. I expect 2021 to continue the positive trends for our industry,” said Cully Frisard, COO of Frisard Companies. For request a free copy of the full report, click here.

Holiday cargo: Drivers who transported the 2021 US Capitol Christmas Tree describe ‘trip of a lifetime’

By The Trucker News Staff -

WASHINGTON — On Oct. 24, the 2021 Capitol Christmas Tree was harvested from California’s Six Rivers National Forest and began a four-week journey from the West Coast to Washington, D.C. Popularly known as “The People’s Tree,” the stately evergreen displayed on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building is selected from a different national forest. This year’s tree, an 84-foot white fir, made 17 tour stops along a 4,000-mile trek across the nation before arriving in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 19. System Transport, headquartered in Cheney, Washington, was tasked with transporting the tree using a new Kenworth T680 Next Gen. For the six-member team of System Transport drivers selected to ensure the tree arrived safely to its destination, the trip was the experience of a lifetime. Members of the team include Jeremy Bellinger, William (Bill) Brunk, Mike English, Terry Jefferson, Robert E. Lee and John Schnell Jr, a driver for James J. Williams Transport, a sister company of System Transport. “Christmas has always been such a special holiday to me and my family, so to spread the holiday cheer throughout the country was truly an honor,” said Bellinger, who has driven 3 million miles over the course of his 21-year career with System Transport. “I’ve been involved in transporting equipment to British Columbia for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver and have hauled utility poles in response to wildfires in California, but being one of the drivers responsible for transporting the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is truly the highlight of my career,” he noted. System Transport selected Jefferson, along with Lee, a yard manager and former company driver, to transport the tree from the harvesting site through U.S. Forest Service roads. The other four drivers divided the remainder of the journey. According to Schnell, who split time driving the Kenworth T680 Next Gen with fellow driver English from Sacramento, California, to Tulsa, Oklahoma, said the holiday spirit was on full display at the tour stops during their leg of the tour. “The turnout at the tour stops, especially in small towns, was really something. To bring the holiday spirit to each of the stops and see so many people come out to participate in the celebrations was special,” Schnell said. “I’ve known about this tour for quite some time but never imagined I’d be one of the drivers involved. To have the opportunity to transport the Capitol Christmas Tree is something I’m proud of and is an experience I’ll always remember.” Transporting “The People’s Tree” was the first time each of the six drivers had a chance to sit behind the wheel of a Kenworth T680 Next Gen. According to English, who drives a Kenworth T680 classic for System Transport, the technology inside the T680 Next Gen is what initially caught his attention when he stepped inside the cab for the first time. “The new electronics, like the (15-inch) digital display, was something I grew fond of once I learned how to adjust the gauge settings to show the ones I wanted to appear on the screen,” he said. “The Next Gen offers a comfortable and enjoyable ride and is a step above the T680 that I drive regularly for System Transport.” With prior experience hauling windmill blades and utility poles for System Transport, the drivers were prepared heading into the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Tour to handle the challenges of hauling a more than 100-foot long trailer. “It was difficult at times navigating some of the narrow streets along tour stops, but we all have plenty of experience hauling oversized equipment for System (Transport), so we were ready for it,” Schnell said. Bellinger, who drove the last day of the tour and was responsible for delivering the tree to the U.S. Capitol, said he worked out a deal with Brunk for the opportunity. Bellinger and Brunk were responsible for hauling the tree from the tour’s first stop in Crescent City, California, to Sacramento, and again from Tulsa to Washington, D.C. “I have some family in D.C., and planned on flying my family out from Washington (state) to see us deliver the tree to the Capitol, so I wanted to be the one behind the wheel when the tree arrived,” Bellinger explained. “The deal was, if I got to drive the truck to the Capitol, Bill (Brunk) would drive the truck over the Golden Gate Bridge. It was a win-win. It was an incredible experience to be involved in this tour and celebrate the holiday season with my family at the end of it.” A lighting ceremony is planned for Dec. 1 on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington.

FMCSA extends COVID-19 regulatory relief

By The Trucker News Staff -

WASHINGTON — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is extending the regulatory relief for drivers hauling certain cargo as part of its previous COVID-19 emergency declaration. The extension runs until Feb. 28, 2022. It was previously set to expire Nov. 30, 2021. The extension allows for regulatory relief for commercial motor vehicle operations by providing direct assistance in support of emergency relief efforts related to COVID-19 and is limited to the transportation of: Livestock and livestock feed. Medical supplies and equipment related to the testing, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19. Vaccines, constituent products, and medical supplies and equipment including ancillary supplies/kits for the administration of vaccines, related to the prevention of COVID-19. Supplies and equipment necessary for community safety, sanitation, and prevention of community transmission of COVID-19 such as masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, soap and disinfectants. Food, paper products and other groceries for emergency restocking of distribution centers or stores. Gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and ethyl alcohol. Supplies to assist individuals impacted by the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g., building materials for individuals displaced or otherwise impacted as a result of the emergency). Direct assistance does not include non-emergency transportation of qualifying commodities or routine commercial deliveries, including mixed loads that include a nominal quantity of qualifying emergency relief added to obtain the benefits of this emergency declaration To be eligible for the exemption, the transportation must be both of qualifying commodities and incident to the immediate restoration of those essential supplies. Click here for the full FMCSA information sheet.

Road improvements set to begin in Indianapolis area

By The Trucker News Staff -

INDIANAPOLIS — As part of Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb’s Next Level Roads program, the Clear Path 465 project will improve safety and traffic flow on Interstate 465 and Interstate 69 where they connect on the northeast side of Indianapolis, according to the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT). INDOT  has divided the multi-year project into two construction contracts, with work expected to begin in 2022 on the first project to rebuild and add lanes to 4.5 miles of I-465 between the White River, just west of Allisonville Road, and Fall Creek. The Clear Path 465 project will be built in multiple phases to keep I-465 and I-69 open to traffic, and INDOT is coordinating with other state and local projects in the region. Traffic shifts will be used to help maintain the existing number of I-465 lanes during the day. During some construction phases, the left lane of northbound and westbound I-465 will cross the median as an express lane for cars only, with no exits in the work zone. The right lane of eastbound I-465 will also be converted to an exit-only lane at I-69 and Binford Boulevard. Three multi-year ramp closures needed to keep I-465 traffic moving during construction are expected to begin in spring of 2022: The Allisonville Road on-ramp to eastbound I-465; The Shadeland Avenue/56th Street on-ramp to northbound I-465; and The Northbound Binford Boulevard on-ramp (loop ramp) to westbound I-465. Beginning in 2023, INDOT expects to begin work on about 1 mile of I-69 from 86th Street to I-465. This second construction contract will change how I-69 and Binford Boulevard connect with I-465 and 82nd Street. Interstate ramps between I-465 and I-69 will be transformed with high-speed, direct movements that improve safety by reducing traffic weaving and merging. Visit ClearPath465.com to view a virtual fly-through video of the future I-69 and Binford Boulevard interchange movements at I-465 and 82nd Street. INDOT has also announced a refurbishment of its website, ClearPath465.com, and the agency has updated its social media platforms.

Averitt Express celebrates 50 Years

By The Trucker News Staff -

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. — Averitt Express celebrated 50 years of operation Oct. 1 with events at facilities across the country, including its corporate headquarters in Cookeville. “On Oct. 1 and dating back to National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (Sept. 12-18), the festivities at Averitt’s facilities included special ceremonies, grab-and-go meals and employee prize drawings for wireless headsets, GPS units, gift cards, televisions, iPads and more,” a company news release noted. For the grand company-wide prize, five over-the-road drivers had their names drawn to be assigned a brand-new 2022 Freightliner truck. The winners were: Crystal Austin of Hickory, North Carolina; Rey Cabigquez of Little Rock, Arkansas; Troyshawn Downey of Greensboro, North Carolina; Tim Johnson of Charlotte, North Carolina; and Rebecca Sanders of Jackson, Tennessee. In 1958, Thurman Averitt founded the company as Livingston Merchant’s Co-Op in Livingston, Tennessee. By 1969, Averitt had incorporated his company and renamed it Averitt Express. While making regular deliveries in Nashville, Averitt befriended Gary Sasser, who was a dock worker at the time. Sasser asked Averitt one day if he would be interested in selling his company. After some thought, Averitt agreed. On Oct. 1, 1971, Gary Sasser, at the age of 21, purchased Averitt Express, which consisted of two associates, three tractors and five trailers. Today, Sasser serves as Averitt’s chairman and CEO, and Averitt Express is one of the nation’s leading transportation and logistics providers. The company now employs more than 9,000 people and operates approximately 4,600 tractors, 15,000 trailers and 140 facilities across the country. “In 1971, I was just a 21-year-old kid who was going to night school, but I knew that I wanted to be in the transportation industry,” said Sasser, who also took logistics training while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. “I was surprised when Mr. Averitt agreed to sell, and it didn’t take long to face my first challenge: How to make payroll,” Sasser recalled. “We actually sold the trucks and leased them back just so we could have some operating capital to give everyone a paycheck. We learned a lot in those early days.” One of those lessons had to do with the cost of doing business. Sasser is often asked why he never changed the company’s name from Averitt Express. “The simple answer is, it was too expensive. By the time we could afford it, the Averitt brand was well established, so there was no reason to make the change,” he explained. “From Day 1, we surrounded ourselves with good people, people who shared our vision. The industry had a reputation for not being service-minded. We wanted to change that. We sat down as a group and figured out what we could do best, where we wanted to go and how to get there,” he said. “From early on, we knew we weren’t in the trucking business; we were in the service business. Trucks were just the tool, like computers, telephones and forklifts.” Sasser believes people are the most important assets a company can have. “The two most important things we committed to from the very beginning was to focus on people and service. It’s people who deliver the freight, not trucks. And when our people provide outstanding service, customers trust us with more and more of their business, allowing us to grow. That’s what secures our future,” he concluded.

Trucker with history of heart problems crashes through store, dies

By The Trucker News Staff -

LUFKIN, Texas — The Lukin Police Department is investigating after the driver of an 18-wheeler crashed through the local AutoZone parts store on Timberland Drive. Police said the accident, which killed 62-year-old truck driver Brian Golliday, happened at around 4:25 a.m. when the southbound big rig left the road at the Tulane intersection for an unknown reason. Golliday’s family told Lufkin police officers that he had a history of heart problems. The rig then traveled several hundred yards before entering and exiting the AutoZone building, finally coming to rest in a Kiwanis Park tree line behind a neighboring office building. “When officers and firefighters arrived on the scene, they found that the driver was deceased,” a news release stated. “Firefighters worked for 30 minutes to extricate him from the cab.” The truck tore down power lines after leaving the road. Initially, 900 homes were without power. Two vehicles in the AutoZone parking lot were also damaged in the accident.

Pilot Company guests break record in vet giving campaign

By The Trucker News Staff -

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., — Pilot Company and its guests have raised a record-breaking $1.75 million to help military veterans transition into the private workforce after their duties are completed. The three-week, in-store round-up campaign benefited the nonprofit group Call of Duty Endowment. This amount more than triples the original 2021 goal of $500,000 and will support a brigade-sized group of veterans – more than 3,000 service members – in their search for employment. “We’re proud to support military service members and their families every day with a year-round discount at our stores,” said Shameek Konar, CEO of Pilot Company. “For Veterans Day, it was important that we do something special to not only thank Veterans, but also support them. We are overwhelmed by the generosity of our guests and the hard work of our team members to raise this record-setting amount for the Call of Duty Endowment that will help thousands of Veterans find their next career.” As a part of its giving-back commitment, Pilot Company has partnered with the Endowment since 2019 to support the nonprofit’s goal to help 100,000 Veterans secure post-service employment by 2024. From Oct. 25 – Nov. 15, guests were invited to join the cause by rounding-up their change at the company’s more than 750 participating U.S. travel centers, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to the Endowment. Pilot Company matched $100,000 of the donations. To help raise awareness for the Call of Duty Endowment’s mission and recognize Veterans, the campaign was featured on the Pilot Flying J No. 1 Chevrolet in two Xfinity Series races: at the Martinsville Speedway on Oct. 30 and at the Phoenix Raceway on Nov. 6. The Pilot Flying J No. 1 Chevrolet featured a camouflage picture collage of Veterans that have received employment assistance through the Endowment and of Pilot Company team members that are Veterans, including the company’s Founder, Jim Haslam II. On Veterans Day, Pilot Company thanked all active-duty service members and veterans with a free $10 meal* through the myRewards Plus™ app. Military members that verify their status with ID.me in the myRewards Plus™ app can always get special savings, including a year-round 10% discount on food and beverages*, at the company’s participating Pilot Flying J Travel Centers and One9 Fuel Network locations. For more information about the Call of Duty Endowment, go to callofdutyendowment.org. To learn more about Pilot Company, including career opportunities and its giving-back initiatives, visit pilotcompany.com/about.    

Fuel your business with cash flow

By The Trucker News Staff -

Covering the expenses and operating costs of your business can dictate your financial flexibility as you make a living on the road. Trucking can be unpredictable; that’s why you need to make sure you have the resources necessary to keep moving. You need to have a strong financial business plan to make sure that your company can survive any unforeseen expenses. When developing your business plan, make sure to incorporate costs in the following items. Don’t let fuel costs or late insurance payments run your business. You can stay ahead of these by working with a trustworthy factoring company to maintain consistent cash flow. Covering costs efficiently becomes possible when you are paid at a reasonable time for the loads you run and can rely on consistent cash flow. 1. Unexpected Expenses Variable costs and unplanned expenses can put your cash flow to the test. They can be tied to unexpected repairs of equipment, delays in the supply chain, or fluctuations in the market that are affecting your operations. Planning for these setbacks requires an emergency fund to make sure that you are able to handle whatever comes your way. Consider working with a factoring company that doesn’t require a minimum amount of loads factored, so you can pick and choose which customers you factor and decide how much of your weekly revenue needs to be allocated for your emergency fund. 2. Fuel Expenses In 2019 alone, 45.6 billion gallons of fuel were consumed by truckers. Fuel is a major expense that you need to allocate funds for. The right factoring company does more than provide cash flow, and it has resources to help ease the stress of fuel expenses. Taking advantage of their fuel discounts that often come from fuel cards can help save you more with every gallon. They can also provide fuel advances, so you can make sure that you have funds available to deliver your load on time. The Capital Fuel Card comes stocked with the fuel discounts that will save carriers the money that they need to keep America moving: Save an average of 20¢ per gallon at discounted locations. Accepted at over 8,000 truck stops nationwide. Line of credit and prepaid options available.   3. Business Expenses Getting a handle on daily costs allows you to start preparing for the future. As you grow your business, you may find yourself wanting to add more trucks or drivers to your fleet. This investment comes with many associated costs for your business that you need the capital to handle. For instance, investing in quality trucks and equipment will ensure longevity and fewer breakdowns that slow you down. Having the necessary cash flow is imperative for these types of purchases as you scale your trucking business as they come with continuous expenses. 4. Insurance Expenses The cost of annual insurance is another factor that requires a large allocation of capital. Make sure that you are working with a company that can find the lowest insurance rate possible while still keeping you protected. You don’t want to be in a situation that you are overpaying for insurance or underpaying and not fully covered. The team at Marquee Insurance Group is a great resource to help you find the proper insurance coverages for your business. The future of your business lies not only in your profitability, but also in your consistency. Do you have a set profit goal? How did your bottom line end up compared to what you had planned for? Do you have all the components necessary to see results? Even with a strong business plan and organized finances, you could still find yourself facing setbacks due to unforeseen expenses and inconsistent cash flow. One of the keys to a successful business plan is accounting for your financial ability to grow your net worth. OTR Capital specializes in giving you the cash you need to operate and look ahead to the future growth. Consistent cash flow is possible when you are able to get paid on time for running your loads instead of waiting on your hard earned money. Some factoring companies might offer the singular solution of factoring, but OTR Capital is committed to finding solutions for every area of your business through strategic partnerships in insurance, tech, fuel, and beyond to curb the cost of running your business. Courtesy of OTR Capital

Love’s offering 12 Days of Christmas for truckers                  

By The Trucker News Staff -

OKLAHOMA CITY – Love’s Travel Stops is celebrating professional truck drivers and the holiday season with its second annual 12 Days of Christmas giveaway. Customers can enter to win prizes daily on Love’s Facebook page, beginning Black Friday, Nov. 26. For each entry made, Love’s and its vendor partners will donate $1 to the St. Christopher Truckers Fund (SCF) up to $25,000. “We’re excited to give away some of our customers favorite items for Love’s second annual 12 Days of Christmas,” said Mark Romig, director of merchandising for Love’s. “We’ve kicked the campaign up a notch this year with the donation to SCF, and Love’s is proud to partner with vendors to further support the life-changing work the foundation does.” From Nov. 26 to Dec. 7, customers can enter daily on Love’s Facebook page for chances to win items like a Sirius XM Tour Edition radio, Garmin GPS, refurbished iPad Mini 2 and more. On Dec. 7, the grand prize of 100,000 (equivalent to $1,000) My Love Rewards points will be given away to one lucky driver. In addition to the giveaway, each entry on Facebook will benefit fellow drivers through the St. Christopher Truckers Fund. Each time someone enters to win, Love’s and its vendor partners will donate $1 to SCF up to $25,000. “SCF is honored to be a part of Love’s second annual 12 Days of Christmas campaign. We want to thank Love’s and its vendor partners for expanding this campaign to include a donation that will support so many drivers needing assistance because they are out of work due to an injury or illness,” said Shannon Currier, director of philanthropy and development for SCF. “Your generosity and heart for drivers is a blessing.” For more information on Love’s 12 Days of Christmas, visit facebook.com/lovestravelstops. For more information on SCF, visit truckersfund.org.

Maine closes historic bridge to commercial traffic

By The Trucker News Staff -

TOPSHAM, Maine — The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) has banned all commercial vehicles from using the 90-year-old Highway 201 Frank J. Wood Bridge in Topsham after severe deterioration over the past several years. According to a MaineDOT news release, any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) greater than 26,000 pounds is prohibited from using the bridge. Overweight vehicles should use the Route 1 Bypass as a detour route. MaineDOT says that about 30 trucks still try to use the bridge each day. “Too many vehicles were not complying with the limit,” said MaineDOT Chief Engineer Joyce Taylor. “Restricting the bridge to all commercial traffic will make enforcement efforts easier. We need to take these steps to extend the life of the current structure until we can replace it.” To help enforce the bridge’s weight restrictions, MaineDOT has installed cameras and license-plate readers on the bridge. “Our team of engineers has also been working with local and state police,” the news release stated. “Prior to this new posting, law enforcement efforts had required on-site weighing of vehicles to determine whether they were overweight. Now, they won’t need to do that.” The Frank J. Wood Bridge, which carries Highway 201 between Brunswick and Topsham, was originally constructed in 1931. “It is a fracture critical bridge, rated in poor condition, and getting worse,” the news release stated. “During the last inspection, conducted in mid-September, bridge engineers found severe section loss on the structure.” The original estimated construction cost to replace the Frank J. Wood Bridge was $13 million. The total service life cost of the bridge over 100 years was only $17.3 million. The original estimated construction cost of rehabilitating the bridge was $15 million with a total service life cost over 75 years of $35.2 million. In short, replacing the bridge was determined to be more cost effective, both initially and over the long-term. MaineDOT, the organization tasked with this bridge project and overseeing almost 3,000 bridges and spans statewide, along with the FHWA, chose the replacement alternative following a lengthy and full National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. Additionally, MaineDOT worked with a municipally-appointed design advisory committee to design a new bridge that meets all needs, including those of bicyclists and pedestrians, and which enhances this unique urban setting between two communities and celebrates its remarkable views of the Androscoggin River, the Pejepscot Falls and historic redeveloped mills. Since estimated construction costs were first calculated, the cost of bridge work has increased dramatically. Over the past 14 months, the price of steel has more than doubled, and raw material costs are going up at the same rate across the board. In addition, there is a labor shortage in the construction industry, putting upward pressure on prices. “We understand and respect the passion of the relatively small group that wants to keep the existing 90-year old bridge, but the reality is this bridge is in poor condition and getting worse,” Taylor said. “The extended debate and legal challenges have cost all Maine people many years and many millions of dollars. Given the condition of the existing bridge, the reliability and cost-effectiveness of the new bridge, the planned enhancement of pedestrian and bicycle amenities, and the support of local officials, the time has come to move forward as soon as possible.”  

From grandmother’s house to the warehouse, Thanksgiving weekend traffic will be heavy

By The Trucker News Staff -

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — It’s going to be a busy Thanksgiving weekend on the nation’s roads. AAA predicts that more than 53.4 million people are expected to travel, the highest single-year increase since 2005. With that, the organization is providing a list of the worst places and times to travel over the holiday weekend. “This Thanksgiving, travel will look a lot different than last year,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president, AAA Travel. “Now that the borders are open and new health and safety guidelines are in place, travel is once again high on the list for Americans who are ready to reunite with their loved ones for the holiday.” NRIX, which provides location-based data and analytics on travel, in collaboration with AAA, predicts drivers will experience the worst congestion heading into the holiday weekend as commuters leave work early and mix with holiday travelers. Major metro areas across the U.S. could see more than double the delays versus typical drive times, with drivers in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles and New York City likely to experience more than three times the delays. “Thanksgiving is one of the busiest holidays for road trips and this year will be no different even during the pandemic,” said Bob Pishue, Transportation Analyst, INRIX. “Drivers around major metros must be prepared for significant delays, especially Wednesday afternoon. Knowing when and where congestion will build can help drivers avoid the stress of sitting in traffic.” Daily worst and best travel times: THURSDAY WORST: 12-3 p.m. BEST: Before 11 a.m. FRIDAY WORST: 1-4 p.m. BEST: Before 11 a.m. SATURDAY WORST: 2-7 p.m. BEST: Before 12 p.m. SUNDAY WORST: 1-7 p.m. BEST: Before 12 p.m. Source: INRIX

Wynonna Judd to sing at Truckers Christmas Group’s online concert

By The Trucker News Staff -

WICHITA, Kans.— The Truckers Christmas Group (TCG) will present the Truckers Save Christmas Concert at 6 p.m. Central Daylight Time on Nov. 27, with special guest Wynonna Judd, who will perform a song exclusively during the live event. The lineup also includes Bill Weaver, Ken Freeman, Joey Holiday, as well as Jeremiah Craig, Tim Hicks and a lot of surprises as well. To view the concert, click here for free access to the Transportation Network Channel. The concert can also be viewed on Facebook by clicking here. The TCG is made up of “Truckers coming together to help their fellow trucker and his/her family to be able to have a Christmas when they would not otherwise be able to,” according to their Facebook page.

Indiana construction could slow down Thanksgiving travel

By The Trucker News Staff -

MARION COUNTY, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is reminding motorists to plan ahead for the Thanksgiving holiday as routes may be impacted by work currently being performed during the North Split Interchange closure. Saint Clair Street will reopen briefly starting at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 24, for holiday travel, and close again from Nov. 29 to Dec. 10 for pile driving operations, according to an INDOT news release. The detour for this closure follows 10th Street, and the south sidewalk will remain open to pedestrians. Market Street will be closed through Dec. 15 for structure demolition. The detour for vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians follows Washington Street. INDOT also reminds motorists that the I-65/I-70 collector/distributor (C/D) ramp to Michigan Street is open to traffic while the C/D ramp to Ohio Street is currently closed. Additionally, the current eastbound Ohio Street closure at College Avenue has been extended and is now scheduled to reopen on or after December 3, 2021. All eastbound Ohio Street traffic will be redirected to New York Street via College Avenue for the duration of this closure. Access to downtown Indianapolis will be maintained via: I-70 westbound collector/distributor (C/D) ramp exit ramp to Michigan Street (13-ton declared vehicle weight restriction in effect) Pine Street entrance ramp to I-70 eastbound from New York Street and Michigan Street I-65 northbound/I-70 eastbound exit ramp to Washington Street (13-ton declared vehicle weight restriction in effect) I-65 northbound and southbound to Martin Luther King. Jr./West Street I-65 southbound to Meridian Street I-65 northbound to Meridian and Pennsylvania Streets All existing ramps on I-70 west of the South Split Project information can be found at northsplit.com.