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Bendix safety systems now factory option on some Volvo trucks

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Volvo Trucks North America is offering the fifth generation of the SafetyDirect Processor (SDP5) from Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems as a factory-installed option on Volvo VNL, VNR and VHD models. The SDP5 Full processor features a driver-facing camera, added digital video recorder (DVR) storage and internal battery backup to help prevent data loss. The SafetyDirect system is fully integrated with Volvo Active Driver Assist (VADA), leveraging the flagship collision mitigation technology on select Volvo Class 8 models. “Customer safety continues to be at the forefront of Volvo Trucks’ core values, and we are committed to offering the latest in-cab safety technology,” said Ashley Murickan, product marketing manager for Volvo Trucks North America. “By leveraging data in near real time, the SafetyDirect system and its family of SDP5 processor technology enables fleet managers to assess driving trends and develop targeted training that addresses the actual issues taking place on the road.” The SDP5 driver-facing camera produces a high-resolution color image, supported by infrared technology for better visibility in low light conditions. Forward-facing and driver-facing cameras record continuously for up to 145 hours. The two camera angles help fleet managers better assess what has happened in front of the vehicle, as well as inside the driver cabin. “One of the advantages of the newest generation processor, the SDP5 Full, is certainly the driver-facing camera,” said TJ Thomas, director of marketing and customer solutions for Bendix. “The camera’s wide field of view helps capture the adjacent cab environment for a more complete analysis of what happens inside the cab during an event — including driver behavior and decision making or the presence of a passenger — providing critical information that aids in driver coaching.” In 2020, Volvo Trucks made the SafetyDirect SDP5 Base processor with Wi-Fi connectivity and DVR storage available on Volvo VNL, VNR and VHD models, and it remains a factory-installed option. The SDP5 Base processor can record up to 83 hours of video. The new SDP5 Full option increases that capacity by 70 percent, provides additional DVR storage and adds the driver-facing camera, all supported by the internal battery backup.

Virginia approves $24 billion for 6-year transportation improvement plan

RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia’s Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) in June approved fiscal year (FY) 2022 budgets for the commonwealth transportation fund, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) and the FY 2022-2027 Six-Year Improvement Program (SYIP), which allocates $24 billion to highway, rail and public transportation over the next six years. Among the recommended budget allocations for the commonwealth transportation fund budget are $47.8 million for the port trust fund, $26.7 million for aviation, $16.6 million for the space flight fund and $19.7 million for allocations and fees of the state’s department of motor vehicles. “The budgets and six-year program approved will advance our Commonwealth’s commitment to improving and maintaining infrastructure through the most critically needed projects,” said Virginia Secretary of Transportation Shannon Valentine. “The range of projects included will allow us to build and sustain economic opportunity for all Virginians.” The SYIP funding also includes $17.2 billion for highways and $5.8 billion for rail and public transportation. In total, $24 billion was allocated using SYIP funding. VDOT’s Highway Construction Program provides funding to 3,700 projects and supported by $4.1 billion in funding provided by others. It also includes funding for the new Interstate Operations and Enhancement Program ($0.8 billion), the new Virginia Highway Safety Improvement Program ($0.5 billion) and the new Special Structure funding program ($0.5 billion). DRPT’s SYIP approved $5.8 billion in allocations for rail and public transportation projects, including $4.2 billion for transit and transportation demand management initiatives and $1.6 billion for rail planning and preservation. VDOT’s FY 2022 budget has been set at $7.2 billion, and the state’s department of rail and public transportation has an $860.3 million budget for FY 2022.

In the soup: Truckload of ramen noodles flips into Arkansas lake

FAULKNER COUNTY, Ark. — A tractor-trailer carrying 20,000 pounds of ramen noodles landed on its side, partially submerged in Lake Conway at the intersection of Interstate 40 and Arkansas Highway 89 on July 13, according to a social media post by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC). No details about the crash were available, but AGFC reported that a HAZMAT crew was on the scene and no contamination of the lake was apparent. The truck was removed from the lake by a wrecker. According to the post, the driver and passenger were not seriously injured.

Transflo Lite offers free version of workflow tools app for drivers

TAMPA, Fla. — Transflo will soon offer a free mobile version of its cloud-based platform designed for company drivers and owner-operators. Transflo Lite, a free suite of workflow tools that can be used on mobile smartphones and tablets, will be available in late July. Using the Transflo Lite app, drivers will be able to scan, send, and receive workflow documents, including electronic bills of lading (eBOL) and proofs of delivery (ePOD). These contactless document transfers will help ensure driver safety and limit time spent at shippers and receivers, according to Transflo. In addition to document management, Transflo Lite provides free access to the Transflo Social Network, weather reports, driver emergency assistance, a location finder for truck stops, and express document scanning. Transflo Lite also integrates the CAT Scale, Pilot Flying J, Love’s, and TA and Petro apps, consolidating applications on drivers’ phones and tablets. “In today’s world of contactless paperwork, it’s imperative that trucking companies of all sizes, including single-truck owner-operators, have a trusted platform for document management,” said Michael Southworth, president of Transflo. “With Transflo Lite, we’re giving owner-operators access to the market leading Transflo platform at no cost, helping integrate and consolidate other applications and workflow tasks into one simple app.” Transflo Lite, available within the Transflo Mobile+ app, will be available on all iOS and Android devices via the App Store and the Google Play market by the end of July.

REAL Women in Trucking to host 5th annual Queen of the Road awards

LAS VEGAS — REAL Women in Trucking Inc. (RWIT) will host the fifth annual Queen of the Road awards amidst the glitz and glamor of Las Vegas on Aug. 14. The presentation will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Brio Italian Grille, 6653 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Five women will be honored during this year’s ceremony. Angela Baum, Darnise Harris and Mary Gomez are the 2021 Queen of the Road award recipients, and Brita Nowak and Jess Graham will be honored with the President’s Choice Trucking Industry Trailblazer award. Each award recipient will receive a Visa gift card, a Queen of the Road commemorative plaque, free RWIT membership and a Queen of the Road event T-shirt, as well as a prize pack from event sponsors. Other award nominees include Kenyette Godhigh-Bell, Cathy Vanerveer, Rebecka Tosh, Chelsey Warren, Robin Mills, Siobhan Clark, Nancy Brown, Tamie Cole, Christal Ruth, Linda Provence, Linda Arnone, Lesa Yo-yo Worley, Veronica Twyman, Kearsey Rothlander, Amie Cochran and Constance Moseley. “Long before ‘diversity’ and ‘inclusion’ were trending, REAL Women in Trucking was recognizing and supporting remarkable matriarchs of the trucking industry — women of color, lesbians, transgender individuals or those of different religions, abilities, backgrounds and identities — who were often invisible,” said Desiree Wood, president, REAL Women in Trucking. The Queen of the Road awards were inspired by these women truck drivers, who have overcome obstacles and supported others in the industry. The Queen of the Road Awards is sponsored by RoadPro Family of Brands. Those interested in attending this year’s awards ceremony can RSVP by emailing [email protected].

USDOT plans to award nearly $100 million to fund infrastructure projects across nation

WASHINGTON — U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced in late June that the Biden-Harris administration plans to award $905.25 million to 24 projects in 18 states under the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) discretionary grant program. “These timely investments in our infrastructure will create jobs and support regional economies, while helping to spur innovation, confront climate change, and address inequities across the country,” Buttigieg said. According to the USDOT, funding is prioritized to rural areas to address historic underinvestment. About 44% of proposed funding will be awarded to rural projects. INFRA projects were rated on the extent they applied innovative technology and whether they could deliver projects in a cost-effective manner. USDOT evaluated 157 eligible applications from 42 states, as well as Guam. Applicants collectively requested approximately $6.8 billion in grant funds, more than seven times the funding available. As required under the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, Congress has 60 days to review the department’s proposed project awardees. After the review period, the department is free to begin obligating funding. The following are a few of the projects selected to receive funding. For a complete list of projects, click here. Indiana: Clear Path 465 — $70 million The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) will be awarded $70 million in INFRA funding to complete the Clear Path 465 project. The project includes the reconstruction and expansion of the Interstate 465/Interstate 69 system interchange northeast of Indianapolis, approximately 4.5 miles of mainline I-465 from the White River to Fall Creek, and approximately 0.8 miles of I-69 from I-465 to 82nd Street. The project seeks to reduce travel times and improve safety by reconstructing and expanding the I-465/I-69 system interchange, and will ease freight congestion along the National Highway Freight Network. INDOT plans to build many of the new bridges, as well as a section of I-465, offline. “Offline” construction means the bridge or roadway will be constructed next to the existing roadway, not impeding any existing traffic flows. New Mexico: I-25 Interchange & Corridor — $25 million The Village of Los Lunas, New Mexico, will be awarded $25 million to design and construct a new interchange on Interstate 25 at Morris Road, a river crossing, four signalized intersections and approximately 4 miles of four-lane highway. The goal of the project is to establish a secondary east-west corridor from I-25 across the Rio Grande as an alternative to State Highway 6, which is presently the only east-west corridor for approximately 17 miles connecting communities east of the Rio Grande to I-25. Texas: I-35 Red River Project — $50 million The Texas Department of Transportation will be awarded $50 million to improve approximately 7.4 miles of Interstate 35 across Texas, Oklahoma and the Chickasaw Nation. The project includes widening the interstate, modernizing the corridor design by flattening curves, replacing the northbound and southbound bridges with wider and higher structures over the Red River, updating the frontage roads, installing a fixed concrete barrier in the median, adding retaining walls and culverts, installing intelligent transportation systems improvements (including dynamic message signs), adding pedestrian elements, and converting an interchange. The project is expected to reduce travel time on the corridor, especially for the approximately 20% of traffic that is freight-related. Accident reduction benefits result from reducing the curvature of the roadway in three major locations, adding a new lane in each direction, and adding lighting to the corridor. The new bridge structures will have a higher clearance over the river below, making the corridor more resilient to climate change. Minnesota: I-90 Reconstruction in McCook, Minnehaha Counties — $61.5 million The South Dakota Department of Transportation will be awarded $61,573,383 to reconstruct approximately 28 miles of Interstate 90 in McCook and Minnehaha counties, between mile markers 362 and 390. The project will remove and replace the existing surface on the I-90 eastbound lanes and westbound lanes, rebuild nine functionally obsolete and structurally deficient structures, provide safety and operational enhancements, and add truck parking spaces at the westbound and eastbound rest areas. The project is designed to improve a significant freight route that is nearing the end of its useful life and will soon have inadequate safety facilities for truck movement. The project includes innovative components such as fiber optic deployment, and a new e-Construction process that will streamline project delivery. The project will also ensure the replacement bridges will be resilient to increasingly frequent flooding.

Husband and wife sentenced to 4 years in Operation Sideswipe insurance scam

NEW ORLEANS — A New Orleans couple have been sentenced to 48 months in prison for conspiracy to commit mail fraud as part of an insurance scheme, dubbed “Operation Sideswipe,” to defraud trucking companies and their insurers. The sentencing was conducted by U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle in late June. According to documents filed in federal court, Anthony Robinson, 67, admitted to paying Damien Labeaud $2,000 to participate in a staged accident involving a tractor-trailer on Oct. 13, 2015. Robinson arranged for his wife — Audrey Harris, 54 — along with his daughter, Keishira Robinson and his neighbor, Jerry Schaffer, to go for a ride in Robinson’s vehicle. Before the accident, Robinson pulled over, left the vehicle and allowed Roderick Hickman to take the driver’s seat and intentionally collide with a tractor-trailer in the area of Alvar Street and France Road in New Orleans. After causing the collision, Hickman exited the vehicle and was picked up from the accident site by Labeaud. Robinson, who had been in Labeaud’s vehicle during the intentional collision, then got behind the wheel of his own vehicle to make it appear he had been driving at the time of the staged accident. Labeaud and Hickman previously entered guilty pleas for these actions. After the accident, Anthony Robinson, Harris, Keishira Robinson and Schaffer were referred to an attorney who paid Labeaud and Hickman to stage accidents. The attorney then referred Robinson and Harris to medical providers for treatment, including chiropractic treatment, injections, and neck and back surgeries. Attorneys filed fraudulent civil lawsuits on behalf of both of the Robinsons, Harris and Schaffer; all four allegedly provided false testimony in depositions taken in conjunction with the lawsuit. As a result of the lawsuit, the victim trucking and insurance company paid out about $4.7 million for the fraudulent claims. Specifically, the victim trucking company and its excess insurer paid out approximately $1,500,000 for the Robinson claim. Anthony Robinson received about $534,983 of that total amount, in addition to about $35,700 in loans or advances on his settlement from the law firms representing him. The trucking company’s insurer paid out about $2,100,000 for Harris’ claim. Harris received about $675,000 of that total amount, in addition to about $14,600 in loans or advances on her settlement from the law firm representing her. Following their 48-month sentences, Anthony Robinson and Harris will be subject to three years of supervised release. Additionally, both must pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Regarding restitution, Lemelle ordered that all conspirators be held jointly and severally liable for restitution in the total amount of $5,073,358.25. The restitution amount includes the total settlement paid by the victim trucking company and its excess insurer, as well as attorneys’ fees incurred by the trucking company while defending against the fraudulent civil lawsuit stemming from the staged accident. Lemelle previously sentenced Schaffer to 30 months in prison for his role in this accident, and Keishira Robinson previously pled guilty.

WIT names Amanda McLaurin as July Member of the Month

PLOVER, Wis. — The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has named Amanda McLaurin as its July 2021 Member of the Month. McLaurin is a student who is currently attending truck-driving school in Pennsylvania. McLaurin, who says she has wanted to earn her CDL since 2019, has several years of courier and delivery experience that she hopes to draw on as she finishes school and begin her trucking career. The maintenance and upkeep of a delivery vehicle can add up fast, so she began looking for a way to do what she loved — deliver freight, provide customer service and enjoy an independent work environment. McLaurin said her overall experience in CDL school has been a positive one. “If anything, I think being the only female in a class of eight has helped me adjust to the gender disproportion that still exists in the industry,” McLaurin said. “Just as important, I think it has also helped my classmates learn to be more considerate, respectful and sensitive. I believe that I have gained their trust and respect, and they have gained mine too.” McLaurin said she joined WIT because she was searching for a welcoming, female-driven environment in which she could ask all the questions she had as a newcomer to the industry. She wanted to connect with more experienced drivers and other women in the field, who could help guide her and encourage her in her steps toward becoming a trucker. “Don’t let anything distract you from pursuing your dreams,” McLaurin said of pursuing trucking. “When you are training, it’s not ‘you versus all the big boys.’ It’s you and the truck. Learn it, respect it, and mature in how you handle it. All you are responsible for is learning to drive safely, carrying yourself professionally and maintaining healthy boundaries,” she continued. “Do what you need to in order to achieve those three things. Your journey is your own. Travel it at your own pace, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you work hard, you can get your CDL and step into a world full of possibilities.” Because of stories like McLaurin’s — new drivers seeking mentors — WIT has partnered with LeadHER Alliance to develop a new program to connect recent female truck driving school graduates to experienced professional female drivers. The 10-month mentorship program, this month, is designed to support new drivers during the most transitional period of their truck driving career.

Drivewyze launches e-inspection service in select states

DALLAS — In an effort to improve speed, efficiency and accuracy at weigh stations, Drivewyze has launched open enrollment for automated electronic inspections (e-inspections) at weigh stations in Maryland, Maine and Virginia. Software activation is free for Drivewyze PreClear customers and available through participating Drivewyze ELD partners. “This is the beginning of streamlining inspections, which is a major win for fleets and drivers, plus for those in law enforcement,” said Brian Heath, CEO and president of Drivewyze. “For those using our weigh station bypass service, it means in-station inspections no longer require drivers to manually submit their HOS files and inspectors can complete inspections in a matter of minutes versus the traditional 30- to 60-minute processing time at weigh stations. Our system automates traditional manual processes, and everyone benefits. It’s a major step forward in the modernization of roadside inspections.” According to Heath, Drivewyze e-inspections are an industry first and represent the power of an innovative ecosystem of ELD providers, public partnerships with leading enforcement agencies, and the desire of carriers to eliminate delays and improve their safety scores. While e-inspections are currently available in only three states, other states are expected to offer the service as their software is upgraded or enhanced to process e-inspections. “We’ve done testing and trials with major fleets and state inspection sites to prove the accuracy and efficiency of e-inspections,” Heath said. “We’ve found that a clean Level 3 inspection can be reduced from a 30-minute detention to mere minutes. That allows the driver and fleet to improve or maintain their safety score while logging more miles. It also frees the inspection officer from time-consuming manual data entry so they can concentrate efforts on trucks that truly do need inspecting.” Currently, drivers undergoing an in-station inspection must go through manual steps on an ELD to transfer their logs to the inspection site’s computer, including entering the officer’s inspector code. “This not only takes time; manual entry leads to input errors,” said Heath. “If the driver, for example, mistypes the officer’s inspector code and the logs can’t be transferred, it’s an HOS violation. Likewise, if a driver isn’t familiar with the ELD and doesn’t know how to transfer logs or locate the driver instruction sheet, the carrier can be dinged on their safety score. With the advent of e-inspections to automate HOS data transfer, problems sending logs to inspections sites are no longer an issue.” Here’s how an e-inspection works: The ELD automatically sends the driver’s logs to the roadside inspection site when an e-Inspection is started, eliminating manual transfer steps entirely. An officer conducting the inspection can view vehicle, carrier and driver-level information and has their inspection report form automatically pre-filled at the start of their inspection. The inspector evaluates the vehicle and driver, and decides if any further validation or investigation is required without having to manually search multiple systems to verify the Carrier, Vehicle, and Driver credentials. When the officer is satisfied, the inspection can be completed at the touch of a button, saving significant time and improving the accuracy of the inspection. “Drivers and law enforcement have tough jobs,” said Daniel Patterson, director of safety at Western Express, which participated in e-inspection trials. “Being able to efficiently transfer data to make inspections more seamless and a positive experience for both parties is very important to us. E-inspections allow us to achieve the goal of gathering more data and increasing the safety of our roadways. We are very excited for this program to expand throughout more states and increase the effectiveness of our partnership both with Drivewyze and with law enforcement agencies.”

Arizona DOT approves 5-year plan to improve freight corridors

PHOENIX — Four corridors for passenger and freight traffic will be expanded and improved under the Arizona Department of Transportation’s (ADOT) five-year construction program. The plan, which includes more than $1 billion in pavement preservation projects, was approved by the state transportation board last month. The 2022-2026 Five-Year Program will fund several projects to widen highways and improve safety that include: Adding lanes along Interstate 17 between Anthem Way, Arizona, and Sunset Point, Arizona. Construction on the $328 million project will begin in 2022. Replacing the Gila River bridges on Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Casa Grande, Arizona. Construction for the $83 million project is targeted for 2023. Constructing the first phase of the Interstate 40/U.S. 93 West Kingman interchange. The $70 million project is expected to begin by 2024. Widening U.S. 93 between Tegner Street and Wickenburg Ranch Way. The $41 million project is scheduled for 2022. More than $1 billion will be funded on pavement preservation projects designed to upgrade 581 lane miles of pavement currently rated as “fair” or “poor” condition to “good” condition. Funding is generated by the users of transportation services, primarily through gasoline and diesel fuel taxes and the vehicle license tax. Both the Maricopa County and Pima County regions have independent revenue streams established through voter-approved sales taxes that allow for more expansion projects to take place in those areas. The widening projects on I-17 and I-10 are advancing through ADOT’s partnership with the Maricopa Association of Governments, the regional planning agency that has committed some of the funds for those improvements. “I want to thank the board for their thoughtful consideration and approval of this plan that works to address the need for new infrastructure while maintaining existing highways, all within the constraints of limited funding resources,” said John Halikowski, ADOT director. “The improvements to these Key Commerce Corridors represent two of the most critical transportation priorities in Arizona. The additional lanes are important to improve safety and efficiency while the state continues to attract jobs, businesses and economic growth. At the same time, ADOT is investing most rural highway funding to preserve existing roads and bridges to keep them in good condition for the movement of people and freight.” Through the five-year program ADOT will allocate $320 million per year for rehabilitation of bridges and roadways throughout the state’s highway system. These projects include repaving and repairing highways, along with repairing or reconstructing bridges. The plan also includes $407 million over five years for projects that improve highway safety, efficiency and functionality, such as smart technology or addition of shoulders. To review ADOT’s full 2022-2026 Five-Year Program, click here.

System Transport selected to transport 2021 US Capitol Christmas Tree

EUREKA, Calif. — The holiday season will be a little brighter this year with the help of System Transport, the motor carrier selected to transport the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from California’s Six Rivers National Forest to Washington, D.C. Each year, the U.S. Forest Service selects a tree from a national forest to serve as the “People’s Christmas Tree.” System Transport was selected as the hauler for the 2021 tree at the recommendation of Kenworth Truck Co. and because of the carrier’s reputation in the trucking industry on the West Coast according to Bruce Ward, president of Choose Outdoors. Choose Outdoors is a nonprofit partner that works with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service to coordinate the annual public engagement initiative. The tree will be harvested in late October before making the in-state and cross-country journey to Washington, D.C., arriving at the U.S. Capitol in late November. The tree will be decorated with thousands of handmade ornaments made by Californians, and will be lit up throughout the month of December. System Transport first opened its doors 1972 with only one truck and a trailer. Today, the company employs more than 1,000 people and operates more than 800 trucks. System Transport is headquartered in Spokane, Washington, and has terminals in Caldwell, Idaho; French Camp, Fresno and Bloomington, California; Phoenix; Denver; Olathe, Kansas; Ennis, Texas; and Gary, Indiana. The carrier transports all types of flatbed freight, primarily throughout the west coast to the Midwest. The company and staff have been recognized with several awards, including Goodyear Highway Hero, Great West Safety Award, Carrier of the Year from USG, Platinum Carrier from Lowe’s, Supplier Excellence Award from General Electric, Western Regional Carrier of the Year from Firestone, Carrier of the Year from Home Depot and Excellence Award from SmartWay. “As a second-generation family-owned and operated company, Christmas is a special time of year for u,” said Dennis Williams, president and CEO of Trans-System Inc., the parent company of System Transport. “We are proud to be a part of the annual tradition that brings the Christmas spirit to our nation’s capital, and to all the families who gather around their own trees to share the spirit of the season.” Kenworth returns for the eighth year as a sponsor of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree program. A specially decaled Kenworth T680 Next Generation, equipped with a 76-inch mid-roof sleeper, will be used to transport the 51st U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. “Just like our theme ‘Six Rivers, Many Peoples, One Tree’, this campaign brings together many peoples to prepare and safely deliver one special tree to Washington D.C.,” said Ted McArthur, forest supervisor for Six Rivers National Forest. “This journey would not be possible without the support and assistance of strong demonstrated partnerships making this our greatest tour to date.” For more information about the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Program, visit www.uscapitolchristmastree.com

Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence winner will receive a Kenworth T680 sleeper

KIRKLAND, Wash. — Kenworth, FASTPORT and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative are joining together for the sixth year to discover America’s top rookie military veteran driver, who has made the transition from serving in the U.S. armed forces to driving for a commercial fleet. “Kenworth’s ongoing participation in the Transition Trucking program is one way to recognize the importance of our veterans and thank them for their service,” said Laura Bloch, Kenworth’s assistant general manager for sales and marketing. “We urge trucking fleets to nominate their best rookie drivers who have served our country and encourage service members transitioning from the military to consider the trucking industry as their future career.” Kenworth will provide the top award for this year’s Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence recognition program — a Kenworth T680 equipped with a 76-inch sleeper and the PACCAR Powertrain featuring the PACCAR MX-13 engine, PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission, and PACCAR DX-40 tandem rear axles. “An estimated 200,000 veterans transition from the military into the private sector each year,” said Brad Bentley, president of FASTPORT. “FASTPORT’s mission is to educate and inform veterans about career opportunities in the nation’s trucking industry. The ongoing driver shortage makes recruiting from the military more important than ever before. We look forward to awarding a well-deserving veteran with a Kenworth T680 in the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence program this year.” The top driver will be determined by an expert panel of judges. To qualify, drivers must meet three minimum eligibility requirements. He or she must have: Been active military or member of the National Guard or Reserve; Graduated from a PTDI-certified, NAPFTDS or CVTA member driver training school and have a valid CDL; and First been hired in a trucking position between Jan. 1, 2020, and July 31, 2021. “The trucking industry thrived last year despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, proving its position as a sustainable career pathway,” Eric Eversole, vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and president of Hiring Our Heroes. “The 2021 Transition Trucking award campaign is another opportunity to highlight the impact veterans are making in the transportation industry and introduce a new generation of veterans to the real economic opportunity a career in trucking can represent.” The deadline for nominations is July 31, 2021. Full criteria and online nomination forms can be found on the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence website.

Cummins to produce natural gas powertrains for commercial vehicle market

DALLAS/FORTH WORTH and COLUMBUS, Ind. — Cummins Inc. and Rush Enterprises Inc. on June 29 signed a letter of intent for Cummins to acquire 50% equity interest in Rush Enterprises’ Momentum Fuel Technologies. Momentum Fuel Technologies offers the industry’s first complete compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel system solution for Classes 6-8 trucks, according to a company statement. “This collaboration shows Cummins’ continued commitment to natural gas powertrains,” said Srikanth Padmanabhan, president of the engine business at Cummins. “This partnership will improve customers service for both compressed natural gas (CNG) and renewable natural gas (RNG) through an improved support network. We are thrilled to expand our network of clean and reliable power solutions.” The proposed transaction is expected to close later this year, subject to completion of customary pre-closing activities and entering into mutually agreeable transaction documentation. The joint venture between Rush Enterprises and Cummins will produce Cummins-branded natural gas fuel delivery systems for the commercial vehicle market in North America. “The immediate environmental benefits of CNG and RNG, combined with upcoming regulatory requirements, will drive growth in natural gas vehicles for the foreseeable future,” said W.M. Rush, CEO and president of Rush Enterprises Inc. “This partnership will enable Rush Enterprises to continue to provide unparalleled support to our customers through our mutual, wide-ranging portfolio of Cummins’ and RushCare aftermarket solutions and keep trucks up and running across the country.” The joint venture will offer aftermarket support through Rush Truck Centers dealerships and Cummins distributors which will be able to service both the engine and the fuel delivery system. The partnership between Cummins and Rush Enterprises will benefit customers by providing them with access to an extensive CNG vehicle parts and service network. Both Cummins’ and Rush Enterprises’ respective networks, which together represent over 250 locations in the U.S. and Canada, will be equipped with certified technicians and access to a comprehensive CNG vehicle parts inventory.

North Carolina DOT plans improvements to streamline commercial truck traffic in Nash County

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) announced in late June that improvements are planned for Nash County. Two bridges over Interstate 95 will be replaced and Exit 145 will be refigured to better handle commercial truck traffic. NCDOT has awarded a $23 million contract to Barnhill Contracting Co. to replace the following bridges that cross I-95: Swift Creek School Road (N.C. 33) bridge at Exit 150, and Watson Seed Farm Road overpass. According to NCDOT, both b​ridges are reaching the end of their useful life. They will be replaced with longer bridges designed to accommodate the future widening of the interstate. During construction, these bridges will be closed with marked detours. Under the same contract, the Gold Rock interchange at Exit 145 along I-95 will be modified as follows: Permanently remove the Halifax Road overpass and realign that road to form a diamond-type interchange at Exit 145, with roundabouts at the entrance and exit ramps, and ​​​Improve the intersection of N.C. 4 and N.C. 48 by adding a left turn lane on N.C. 48. The contractor is scheduled to begin improving the Gold Rock interchange in August. The N.C. 33 bridge will be closed beginning this fall for about nine months for reconstruction. When the new N.C. 33 bridge opens, the contractor will close the Watson Seed Farm Road overpass for a similar duration. All projects associated with this contract are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2023.

PA Turnpike approves 5% toll increase for 2022 reflecting lowest increase in six years

HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) announced July 6 the approval of a 5% toll increase for 2022 for both E-ZPass and toll-by-plate customers. The increase is slated to start at 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 2, 2022 and will be effective across the entire system except on the Southern Beltway (PA Turnpike 576) west of Pittsburgh. E-ZPass drivers will continue to receive the lowest toll rates across the PA Turnpike. Non-E-ZPass customers can download the PA TOLL PAY smartphone app to create an autopay account. Like all previous annual increases since 2009, the measure is generally required to meet escalating debt-service costs resulting from the PTC’s payments to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for transit operations under Pennsylvania Acts 44 and 89. This year, however, there is one significant difference: Under those statutes, the PTC plans to make its final annual payment of $450 million later this month. “[This] action is the first time in six years that the rate of increase is under 6%,” said PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. “Starting in July 2022, our transit funding requirement to PennDOT under Act 44 of 2007 will be cut to $50 million annually. Finally, we are seeing a light at the end of this very long tunnel. In addition to breathing a huge sigh of relief ourselves, it enables us to begin to offer some relief to customers from those heftier toll increases and refocus on essential improvements to our roadway.” Beginning in July 2022, the $400 million in annual transit funding that had been provided by the PTC will be funded by the Commonwealth’s Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax (MVSUT) as prescribed by Act 89 of 2013. Act 89, however, does not eliminate the commission’s debt, future debt service or funding obligation. Even with this relief, the PTC is still responsible for annual payments to PennDOT of $50 million until June 2057, and it must continue to pay down debt incurred from previous borrowing needed to fund Act 44 payments. “The Act 44 sunsetting spelled out in Act 89 of 2013 is critical if the PTC is to remain fiscally sound as an organization and for the economic vitality of Turnpike-connected communities,” Compton said. “But it’s important for customers understand that, even with the reduced obligation, we are still looking at annual toll increases of 5% from through 2025, 4% in 2026, 3.5% in 2027, then 3% annually from 2028 to 2050.” Because of borrowing required by the Act 44 funding plan, the PTC currently has annual Act 44 debt-service obligations of nearly $400 million. Due to the terms of these bonds, the PTC’s Act 44 debt service will continue to rise even though borrowing has ended. Act 44 debt service will grow to an annual maximum of nearly $600 million by 2038 before it starts to decrease. Because of the PTC’s action, the most-common toll for a passenger vehicle next year 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 Class 5 tractor-trailer will increase from $13 to $13.70 for E-ZPass and from $26.60 to $28 for those who use toll-by-plate. The cashless toll for a passenger vehicle 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. The PTC also approved the toll-rate schedule for the opening of the Southern Beltway slated for October. Tolls for the Southern Beltway will include the application of the 45% additional charge that is in place on the turnpike system. However, there will be no January 2022 toll increase for the Southern Beltway. The PTC first started making Act 44 payments to PennDOT in August 2007. It has increased tolls annually since 2009, providing $7.45 billion in toll-backed funding to PennDOT in 14 years. 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. The PTC will post a 2022 trip calculator and toll schedule online this fall. Visit https://www.paturnpike.com/toll/tollmileage.aspx.

Knight-Swift Transportation acquires LTL carrier AAA Cooper for $1.35 billion

PHOENIX — On July 5, Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc., acquired 100% of Dothan, Alabama-based AAA Cooper Transportation. AAA Cooper is a less-than-truckload (LTL) carrier that also offers dedicated contract carriage and ancillary services. The enterprise value of the transaction was $1.35 billion. “We have long had interest in the LTL space and admired the success of AAA Cooper,” said Dave Jackson, Knight-Swift CEO. “We feel honored to be stewards of the AAA Cooper brand and, similar to previous acquisitions, AAA Cooper will continue to operate independently, while benefitting from the many synergies we expect through Knight-Swift.” The purchase price consideration consisted of $1.3 billion in cash, $10 million in Knight-Swift shares and approximately $40 million in assumed debt, net of cash. Cash for the transaction was funded from a new $1.2 billion term loan provided by Bank of America to Knight-Swift. The transaction is expected to be immediately accretive to Knight-Swift’s adjusted earnings per share. Reid Dove, CEO of AAA Cooper, has been appointed to the Knight-Swift board of directors and will continue to serve as the CEO of AAA Cooper. “In seeking our first LTL partner, we had three main requirements — the scale for entry with significant market share, the profitability and management depth to operate independently and provide a platform for compelling growth opportunities, and a world class culture. We were excited to have identified AAA Cooper as a partner that meets all three requirements, and I couldn’t be happier to finally find the right time for both of us to create a partnership,” Jackson said. “This transaction firmly positions us as a meaningful player in the LTL space, where we intend to grow both organically and through future acquisitions.” Dove noted that joining the Knight-Swift team is “an exciting combination for the AAA Cooper team members and customers.” “It will allow us to pursue new opportunities and accelerate our growth. We will continue to operate as an independent company, headquartered in Dothan, Alabama, and will do so with the support and partnership of the strongest provider in the full truckload space,” Dove said. “This is the fusion of two excellent companies in their respective sectors of the transportation industry, which makes this a win for our people, our customers, and for the newly expanded Knight-Swift team.”

South Dakota man indicted for 2020 theft of fuel truck

PINE RIDGE, S.D. — A South Dakota man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle, according to Dennis Holmes, acting U.S. attorney. Cole Brewer, 29, was indicted May 20, 2021. On June 16, he entered a plea of not guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann. If convicted, Brewer faces 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years supervised release, and a payment of $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered. The charge alleges that Brewer stole a Freightliner fuel truck from Hay Springs, Nebraska, in June 2020 and transported the truck across the state line. The investigation is being conducted by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. attorney Eric Kelderman is prosecuting the case. Brewer was detained pending trial. A trial date has not been set.

Washington State opens new bridge, roundabout at Puget Sound to streamline freight mobility

FIFE, Wash. — The four-lane Wapato Way East Bridge and new State Route 99 roundabout over Interstate 5 made its debut in late June and is now open to traffic, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). “This important step forward in the Puget Sound Gateway Program brings us that much closer to improving connections to our ports and distribution centers,” said Washington’s Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee. “Hundreds of thousands of jobs in our state depend on trade — from the farms of eastern Washington to the industrial centers of Puget Sound. We are investing in a future that will keep Washington products competitive on a global scale and provide new transportation choices for all.” According to WSDOT, the newly opened Wapato Way East Bridge doubles the capacity of the two-lane bridge it replaces. The multi-lane roundabout on State Route 99 also reduces delays for drivers and freight haulers heading to and from the Port of Tacoma. “It’s exciting to see this milestone in the Puget Sound Gateway Program,” said Washington State Transportation Secretary Roger Millar. “It sets the stage for us to complete critical infrastructure to benefit all travelers and illustrates how WSDOT considers freight, commuters and active transportation in our projects. This program enhances the economic competitiveness of the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma and helps create family-wage paying jobs in close proximity to residential areas in South King and Pierce counties, shortening commutes for workers and providing multimodal alternatives to driving alone to Seattle.” The bridge and roundabout replace the nearby 70th Avenue East Bridge, which is now closed and are expected to be removed. According to a statement from WSDOT, the project is a milestone in the Puget Sound Gateway Program’s State Route 167 Completion Project, which will eventually extend the route between Puyallup, Washington, and the Port of Tacoma. Although drivers can now use the Wapato Way East Bridge, construction will continue through the summer to extend the nearby Interurban Trail and connect it to a 12-foot-wide pedestrian and bike-friendly path on the bridge. Kickoff of the next stage of State Route 167 construction, the building of a new 2-mile-long highway between I-5 and the Port of Tacoma, is planned for 2022. “To stay competitive, we must respond to the needs of the shipping industry and the demands of the economy for greater maritime efficiency,” said Port of Tacoma Commissioner Dick Marzano. “Road investments like the completion of SR 167 are key to port connectivity, helping to ensure that we continue to serve as an economic engine for Pierce County and the state while also easing congestion.”

Plus partners with Good Machine to transport equipment used to promote sustainability

CUPERTINO, Calif. — Autonomous truck technology developer Plus is partnering with Good Machine venture studio in a pilot project to transport equipment used in sustainability efforts. Supported by Schmidt Futures, Good Machine is a venture studio that works to address socio-ecological issues. As part of the pilot program, Plus’s automated trucks will help transport equipment used for Good Machine’s sustainability efforts to address wildfires, food insecurity, and illicit wildlife poaching and fishing. The partnership kicked off in mid-June, with Plus’s autonomous truck hauling equipment from Winnemucca, Nevada, to San Francisco to be used for a wildfire-detection project in California. The wildfire detection project aims to use stratospheric balloon technology to detect fires early and report them to relevant authorities to help reduce catastrophic damage. Additional hauls will take place over the next year of the pilot program. According to a statement released by Pilot and Good Machine, a key benefit of using semitrucks equipped with Plus’s autonomous driving tech is a 10% reduction in fuel consumption (compared to the most efficient driver), resulting in an equal decrease in carbon emissions. “Sustainability is part of the core mission for both Plus and Good Machine,” said Shawn Kerrigan, COO and co-founder of Plus. “By joining forces, we are creating a win-win-win for our companies and the environment. Plus is delighted to serve as an enabler of Good Machine’s inspiring sustainability efforts by using our fuel-efficient autonomous trucks to transport the equipment and supplies needed to launch these projects,” Good Machine has a broad portfolio of projects addressing global issues caused by climate change and marine pollution. ReefGen, an underwater planting robot, is being used to revive marine ecosystems and coral tourism around the world. Fresure is a shipping container outfitted with solar panel energy to keep perishable foods cold during handling and storage, which reduces post-harvest losses and increases the available food supply to address food insecurity. Good Machine and its portfolio companies work with a number of partners, including Johns Hopkins University, Minderoo Foundation, National Science Foundation, the Nature Conservancy, Schmidt Futures, Wildlife Conservation Society, WorldFish and others. “At Good Machine, we believe that solutions to the world’s most pressing problems need to be inventive, sustainable, and scalable,” said David Solomon, CEO of Good Machine. “We are excited to collaborate with a mission-aligned partner in Plus that is commercializing a sustainable commercial transportation solution which reduces the carbon footprint of our shipping needs.”

Iowa DOT partners with ag industry to help first responders better handle livestock-transport crashes

AMES, Iowa — It’s not unusual to travel down an Iowa interstate alongside a semitruck loaded with livestock or poultry. What is not often seem is the aftermath when one of these trucks crashes. To address these issues, the Iowa Pork Producers Association has developed a webinar series highlighting and overcoming specific challenges in a livestock carrier crash. Crashes involving livestock often require the assistance of animal handlers and veterinarians. It may be necessary to round up loose animals and construct temporary holding pens — causing additional delays and complications at the crash site. If the first responders are not trained in how to deal with traffic crashes involving livestock, there is an increase in risk to the people and animals near the incident. “We recognized that crashes, especially rollover crashes that involve livestock, can impact both public safety and animal welfare,” said Jamee Eggers of the Iowa Pork Producers Association. “We developed this series that includes topics like animal handling and scene management to help responders understand what they might encounter. First responders aren’t typically trained animal handlers, and animal handlers don’t typically understand traffic incident management. The more we can educate first responders on what to expect and who to contact, the safer we’ll all be in the event of an incident.” Since these incidents do not occur often, Eggers said it is important to develop relationships between animal care specialists and first responders. “From a road user perspective, the cost of these incidents is very high because they often take several hours to clear,” said Bonnie Castillo, traffic incident manager for the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT). “Much of that time is spent trying to find the resources to provide care for the animals involved. If we can get the word out to responders on who to contact, that will speed up clearance times, reducing the inconvenience and increasing safety to the other drivers on the road.” Eggars said response to the webinars has been positive. “We used real-world examples that resonated with the attendees (of the webinars),” Eggers said. “These examples generated a lot of great questions and allowed us to provide resources that folks may not have been aware of. The series started conversations between people who don’t typically interact, but the relationships are essential in an emergency.” This training is also being considered as part of the Statewide Traffic Incident Management conference being planned for 2022. Castillo said exercises with IDOT district staff, the Iowa State Patrol and others are also in the planning stages as funding is available.