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Homing pigeons fly the coop, shut down I-95 exit in Daytona Beach

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Officials are searching for the owner of nearly 75 homing pigeons that flew the coop, resulting in the shutdown of the Interstate 95 exit at International Speedway Boulevard this week. According to a press release from Florida’s Volusia County, shortly before 11 p.m. Tuesday, June 29, the Volusia Sheriff’s office began receiving reports of “500 white doves” blinding drivers on I-95 in Daytona Beach. The Florida Highway Patrol and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission were also called to the scene. Preliminary investigations at the scene revealed that a crate carrying more than 100 homing pigeons fell off a truck and burst open on the road. Because birds roost at night, the pigeons stayed on the road, until bright lights from vehicles startled the birds, causing them to fly into the air and create a hazard for drivers. For the safety of drivers and the birds, the exit ramp was shut down for almost three hours as the agencies worked together to capture the pigeons. More than 70 pigeons were recovered and are being housed at Volusia County Animal Services. However, officials said, the birds are not banded, making it difficult to know where the birds came from or who they belong to. “Our job is to help animals find their way home, whether they’re covered in fur, scales, or in this case feathers,” said Volusia County Animal Control Officer Alicia Dease. “We’re hoping someone out there might have information on where these birds came from or the truck that was carrying them. While homing pigeons aren’t as common as dogs or cats, they are cared about by someone, and we want to ensure they’re returned to their rightful owner.” Anyone with information regarding the pigeons should call Volusia County Animal Services at 386-248-1790 or email [email protected].

Two more plead guilty in Louisiana’s ‘Operation Sideswipe’ insurance scam

NEW ORLEANS — On June 23, James “Curtis” Williams, 66, of Gibson, Louisiana, and Ryan Wheaten, 53, of Lafayette, Louisiana, entered guilty pleas to conspiracy to commit mail fraud before U.S. District Court Judge Lance Africk. The two face charges as participants in “Operation Sideswipe,” an insurance scam that centered around staged automobile accidents with tractor-trailers occurring in New Orleans. According to the guilty plea, on March 27, 2017, Williams conspired with co-defendants Tanya Givens, John Diggs and Lois Russell to stage an accident with a tractor-trailer at the intersection of Chef Menteur Highway and Downman Road. Damien Labeaud and Roderick Hickman, who have pleaded guilty to staging other accidents, also participated in this accident. Hickman, while driving Russell’s car, intentionally struck the 18-wheeler and then fled the scene with Labeaud. Russell advised officers with the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) that she was the driver; then she, along with Williams, Givens and Diggs, made claims for personal injuries. In total, the victim trucking and insurance companies paid out approximately $272,500 for these fraudulent claims. Williams joined Hickman, Russell, Givens and Diggs in pleading guilty to this staged accident. On May 17, 2017, Wheaten, along with participants Labeaud, Mario Solomon, Henry Randle and Dakota Diggs participated in a staged automobile accident near U.S. Highway 90 East and Calliope Street. Labeaud and Solomon fled the scene. Randle falsely reported to the NOPD that he had been driving and that the tractor-trailer struck his vehicle. Shortly afterward, Labeaud and Solomon staged a second accident in the vicinity of Louisa and Chickasaw streets. After the staged accident, Wheaten, Randle, and Dakota Diggs made claims for personal injuries. The victim trucking and insurance companies paid out approximately $10,000 for these fraudulent claims. Bernell Gale, Troy Smith, Marvel Francois and another passenger were also involved. Wheaten, Labeaud, Solomon, Gale, Smith and Francois were all charged; all have now pleaded guilty. Both Williams and Wheaten face a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment. Upon release from prison, the two also face a term of supervised release up to three years, and/or a fine of $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to each defendant or twice the gross loss to any person under Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. The sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 27, 2021. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Louisiana State Police and the Metropolitan Crime Commission all aided in the case. The prosecution is being handled by assistant U.S. attorney Edward Rivera, assistant U.S. attorney Maria Carboni, assistant U.S. attorney Shirin Hakimzadeh and assistant U.S. attorney Brian M. Klebba, supervisor of the financial crimes unit.

Louisiana agency lowers speed limit along US 165 in town of Richwood

BATON ROUGE, La. — Drivers traveling U.S. 165 through Richwood, located in Louisiana’s Ouachita Parish, will notice reduced speed limits along a portion of the route. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announced the new limits, along with additional safety measures being implemented, on June 29. The speed limit on U.S. 165 from Richwood Road to just south of the U-Pull-It Auto Parts has been reduced from 65 mph to 55 mph. In addition, the school-zone speed limit in the area has been lowered from 45 mph to 40 mph. “It can’t be reiterated enough that the safety of our roadways is top priority for all types of road users,” said Shawn Wilson, DOTD Secretary. “These corridor enhancements are an important improvement, but we continue to urge motorists, pedestrians, and other road users to remember that safety is a shared responsibility among all of us.” Overhead signs warning motorists of the possible presence of pedestrians have also been installed in the area. The southbound sign is located just south of Louisiana State Highway 15, and the northbound sign is located south of Charleston Drive. “I’m glad to see that many of the safety measures have been put into place, and that the street lighting project continues to move forward. The safety of our citizens is of utmost importance, and I continue to support bringing the lighting project to construction as quickly as possible, said Louisiana state Sen. Katrina Jackson (D-34). To further improve safety, a traffic signal will soon be installed at the intersection of U.S. 165 and Richwood Road No. 2, just north of Richwood Junior High School. This change comes as the result of a required traffic signal study performed for this location. According to a statement released by DODT, design plans continue to progress for a new street lighting system to be constructed on U.S. 165 in Richwood from Winnsboro Road to Charleston Drive, a little more than 3.5 miles of roadway. Currently, the project is scheduled to go to bid in May 2022. These changes are being implemented following in-depth data analysis of crash history and other factors for this particular section of U.S. 165, which is a busy thoroughfare for both motorists and pedestrians, DODT says. The targeted measures are aimed at improving safety for both motorists and pedestrians.

Trucker convicted of transporting children to engage in sexual activity

EL PASO, Texas – A federal jury has convicted a 59-year-old truck driver of transporting a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity and of possession of child pornography, according to a June 29 statement released by the Department of Justice’s U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Texas. Evidence presented during trial revealed that Travis Wayne Vavra was a long-haul truck driver who advertised free amusement park passes and cross-country trips for boys to explore the United States. As a result of the advertisement, Vavra transported a minor in his tractor trailer from the El Paso, Texas, area to different states, including New Mexico, Missouri, Arizona, California, Wisconsin, Illinois, Nebraska, Maryland, Oklahoma, and Louisiana on several occasions between May 2015 and June 2019. Vavra sexually assaulted the minor during these cross-country trips which began when the victim was 9 years old. Vavra had also previously molested two other victims, according to court records. On the date of his arrest, Vavra had posted another flyer for parents and boys advertising these free cross-country trips. Vavra was also found to be in possession of child sexual abuse material on his phone at the time of his arrest. Vavra remains in federal custody. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years to life in federal prison on the transportation of minors charge, and up to 20 years in federal prison for the possession of child pornography. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff and FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Coburn made today’s announcement. The FBI investigated and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Valenzuela and Richard Watts are prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, which was launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Love’s Travel Stops opens new location in Alamo, Michigan

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Love’s Travel Stops is serving customers with 59 truck parking spaces at its new travel stop that opened in Alamo, Michigan on June 24. The store, located off of U.S. Highway 131 at 7900 Adobe Road, also has 68 car parking spaces. “We’re excited to add another clean and well-maintained stop to the Midwest and add our ninth location in Michigan,” said Greg Love, co-CEO of Love’s. “Our team members are great people who care and are ready to get professional drivers and four-wheel customers back on the road quickly and safely in time for the thick of summer travel and one of the busiest times for hauling.” This location is open 24/7 and offers many amenities, including: More than 12,000 square feet; McDonald’s; 59 truck parking spaces; 68 car parking spaces; Three RV parking spaces; Six diesel bays; Five showers; Laundry facilities; Bean-to-cup gourmet coffee; Brand-name snacks; Fresh Kitchen concept; Mobile to Go Zone; CAT scale; and Dog park. In honor of the grand opening, Love’s will donate $2,000 to Plainwell High School.

Caltrans awards $34 million to fund transportation projects in local communities

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has awarded $34 million in state and federal funds to California’s cities, counties, tribes and transit agencies to improve the state’s transportation network. The grant money — which includes $25 million funded by Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 — will be used to plan sustainable transportation projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve the state highway system, enhance access to safe walkways and bikeways, and increase natural disaster preparedness. In addition, several of the projects are designed to facilitate the movement of freight within the state. “Investing in transportation planning is essential to our goal of providing a safe, sustainable system that advances equity and livability throughout the state,” said Toks Omishakin, Caltrans director. “These grants will help our communities create more connected routes for all residents, regardless of whether they travel by car, bike, foot or mass transit.” In total, Caltrans allocated $17.4 million in Sustainable Communities Competitive and Technical Grants to 50 local, regional, tribal and transit agencies for climate change adaptation, complete streets, transportation and land use planning, and natural disaster preparedness. This includes more than $4 million to fund planning for 13 projects that improve safety and access for people who walk and bike. $12.5 million went to Sustainable Communities Formula Grants, entirely funded by SB 1, to metropolitan planning organizations to further regional transportation plans and sustainable communities’ strategies. Nine projects were federally funded Strategic Partnership Grants that will plan for next-generation freeways, improve transit options between communities, research alternative funding for road repairs, and advance the timely and efficient movement of goods throughout the state. Caltrans awards transportation planning grants each year through a competitive process to encourage local and regional projects. Applications are evaluated on how they further state transportation goals by identifying and addressing statewide, interregional or regional transportation deficiencies on the highway system. For a complete list of projects that will be funded with these grants, click here.

TRIP report: Nation’s 65-year-old interstate highway system needs complete overhaul

WASHINGTON — The nation’s Interstate highway system, originally funded in 1956, is now 65 years old — and there’s no question that it needs a lot of work. According to a report released in June by TRIP, the interstate highway system is congested, carries significant levels of travel, particularly by large trucks, and lacks adequate funding to make needed repairs and improvements. The findings of the report — America’s Interstate Highway System at 65: Meeting America’s Transportation Needs with a Reliable, Safe & Well-Maintained National Highway Network — show that this critical transportation link will need to be rebuilt and expanded to meet the nation’s growing transportation needs, TRIP said in a June 22 news release. The report looks at the interstate system’s use, condition and benefits, along with the findings of a 2019 report prepared by the Transportation Research Board (TRB), at the request of Congress as part of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, on the condition and use of the interstate system and actions required to restore and upgrade the Interstate system. The chart below ranks 20 states whose interstate systems are the most congested, have experienced the greatest increase in vehicle miles of travel (VMT) since 2000, are busiest (based on daily travel per lane mile), have the largest share of pavement in poor condition, and have the greatest share of bridges in poor/structurally deficient condition. Data for all states can be found here. According to the 2019 TRB report, the interstate system has a persistent and growing backlog of physical and operational deficiencies as a result of age, heavy use and deferred reinvestment, and is in need of major reconstruction and modernization. The TRB report concludes that annual investment in the interstate highway system should be increased approximately two-and-a-half times, from $23 billion in 2018 to $57 billion annually over the next 20 years. “The report released by TRIP confirms what American businesses experience every day — our interstate highway system, which was once the envy of the world, is in serious need of modernization,” said Ed Mortimer, vice president of transportation infrastructure at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “Commitment to modernization must be shared by federal, state and local leaders as well as the private sector. The interstate system plays a key national role in economic success and quality of life for every American, and we urge bipartisan solutions this year to address this critical issue.” The TRIP report found that travel on the interstate system from 2000 to 2019 increased by 26%, a rate nearly triple the rate at which new lane capacity was added. As a result, 47% of urban interstate highways are considered to be congested during peak hours. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, vehicle travel on U.S. highways dropped by as much as 45% in April 2020 but rebounded to only 6% below April 2019 levels by April 2021. The report also found that travel by combination trucks on the interstate increased at a rate more than double that of overall vehicle travel between 2000 and 2019. Combination truck travel on the interstate system increased 43% from 2000 to 2019, while overall vehicle travel increased 19%. “Our rapidly deteriorating infrastructure is a clear and present danger to our nation’s supply chain,” said Chris Spear, president and CEO of the American Trucking Associations. “Breakdowns in the interstate highway system add an annual $75 billion to the cost of freight transportation, and 67 million tons of excess carbon dioxide emissions are released into the atmosphere every year from trucks stuck in traffic congestion. This report quantifies how severe this crisis has become, and it underscores the urgent need for Congress to make real infrastructure investments that are backed by a fair and equitable user-based revenue source.” The design of the interstate system — which includes a separation from other roads and rail lines, a minimum of four lanes, paved shoulders and median barriers — makes it more than twice as safe to travel on as all other roadways. The fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles of travel on the interstate in 2019 was 0.55, compared to 1.3 on non-interstate routes. TRIP estimates that additional safety features on the interstate highway system saved 6,555 lives in 2019. “AAA supports increased federal investment for the Interstate Highway System,” said Jill Ingrassia, AAA’s executive director of advocacy and communications. “Significant funding is needed to ensure safe, efficient and reliable mobility across the United States. AAA urges Congress and the administration to come together to get this important work done.” TRIP’s report finds that while pavement smoothness on most segments of the interstate system is acceptable, the crumbling foundations of most highway segments need to be reconstructed, and that continued resurfacing — rather than addressing underlying foundational issues — is resulting in diminishing returns and results in shorter periods of pavement smoothness. As the aging system’s foundations continue to deteriorate, most interstate highways, bridges and interchanges will need to be rebuilt or replaced, according to the TRB report. Statistics from the TRIP report reveal that pavement on 11% of interstate highways are in poor or mediocre condition. Three percent of interstate bridges are rated in poor and structurally deficient condition, and 57% are rated in fair condition. According to TRB, restoring and upgrading the interstate highway system to meet the nation’s transportation needs will require a significant boost in funding, strong federal leadership and a robust federal-state partnership. The current FAST Act, the primary source of interstate highway funding, was extended by one year by Congress, and now expires Sept. 30, 2021. Reauthorization of a new, adequately and reliably funded long-term federal program is needed to ensure that a strong federal program supports the restoration of the interstate system. Based on the findings of the TRB Interstate report, TRIP has provided a set of recommendations for the restoration of the interstate highway system, which includes the foundational reconstruction of interstate highways, bridges and interchanges; improvement to roadway safety features; system right-sizing, including upgrading of some roadway corridors to Interstate standards; adding needed additional highway capacity on existing routes; adding additional corridors; and modifying some urban segments to maintain connectivity while remediating economic and social disruption. “The long-term vision that helped establish the current Interstate Highway System 65 years ago is needed again today,” said Dave Kearby, executive director of TRIP. “A modernized interstate system will be critical to the nation’s ability to fully recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and will require adequate investment in a federal surface transportation program that provides states and local government the funding and flexibility they will need to restore the nation’s most critical transportation link.”

Idaho DOT to add passing lane to US 95 North near Potlatch

POTLATCH, Idaho — Construction on a new northbound passing lane along U.S. 95 south of Potlatch, Idaho, began June 22, according to the Idaho Department of Transportation (IDOT). In addition, the existing passing lane for southbound drivers at Cove Road will be extended to provide safer opportunities to pass; construction on this portion of the project will begin in August. Through most of the construction period, U.S. 95 will be reduced to one lane of travel in each direction. During initial operations, the highway will be reduced to one lane as crews place barriers around work zones for safety. Work on the mile-long project will be completed in September. IDOT plans to add northbound and southbound passing lanes along U.S. 95 north of Potlatch, near Freeze Road and Beplate Lane, in 2026.

ACT Research: Analysts predict Class 8, freight markets will be ‘as good as it gets’ in Q3

COLUMBUS, Ind. — Good things are in store for the Class 8 truck market, according to ACT Research. In its Commercial Vehicle Dealer Digest, ACT reported that Class 8 net orders were soft in May, as full 2021 backlogs and fully opened 2022 order books constrained activity. “For Class 8, after a torrent of orders from October to March, orders moderated in April, before falling to a nine-month low in May,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president and senior analyst. “The order lines on the Dashboard graph illustrate the current rollover in the trend. A drop in the order trend preceded the opening of subsequent years’ orders in each of the last two cycles, with significantly higher orders booked ahead of the second year of the cycle. Given recent historical precedent, we would expect orders to rise materially in coming months.” Vieth noted that, although he expects orders to jump during the third quarter of 2021, there are two caveats. “First, through all but the most recent cycle, OEMs have typically not opened out-year order books until September-October,” he explained. “Second, at a recent conference, an OEM executive indicated that his company was at least contemplating some type of allocation system to best serve all of their customer constituencies in challenging market conditions.” In addition, ACT’s mid-year Transportation Digest indicates the economy, for freight, and for equipment utilization are “about as good” as the company’s analysts have ever seen. “Near term, volumes will be dictated by OEM and supplier capacity; the market will take as many trucks, tractors, and trailers as the manufacturers can make for this year and deep into next year,” Vieth said. “We’ve been on a wild 12-month return-to-near-normal ride, but having reached the ‘it’s as good as it gets’ stage, the next question company management and ACT’s clients are asking is, ‘When does it all end?’” The answer, Vieth said, pointing to the trajectory of ACT’s forecast, is “not any time soon.” “But even as a theoretical exercise, it’s worthwhile to run through the array of signals to watch for early, actionable signs of a pending change in direction,” he said. “Those include considerations like the yield curve, commodity prices, stock prices, purchasing managers’ surveys, spot freight rates, and ACT Research’s Class 8 Tractor Dashboard.”

Trucker Tools driver app acquired by Alpine Investors’ ASG

RESTON, Va. & WALNUT CREEK, Calif. — ASG, a portfolio company of Alpine Investors, has acquired Trucker Tools, a digital freight management platform that provides capacity management, predictive freight matching, automated booking, GPS-based visibility and digital workflow solutions for the transportation industry. “ASG has a proven track record of helping SaaS companies grow and build out reliable, resilient software services delivering enduring value and competitive advantage,” said Prasad Gollapalli, founder and CEO of Trucker Tools. “Their philosophy, mindset and approach complement Trucker Tools culture and values, and are well-aligned with our laser-focus on superior customer engagement and product performance. We are excited to leverage the ASG team’s skills and experience as we chart this next chapter in our sustainable growth journey.” Gollapalli founded Virginia-based Trucker Tools in 2013. With nearly 20 years of experience in management and product strategy for trucking, Gollapalli built a shipment tracking solution for drivers, owner-operators and small fleets that provides capabilities for a driver to book load shipments straight from their phones. He brought on Murali Yellepeddy who has 20 years of experience in building and delivering enterprise-grade, concurrent, customizable mobile and web platform applications built for devices. The two then expanded the platform’s scope to address additional driver needs and deepen a digital connection with freight brokers. Trucker Tools later launched predictive, digital freight matching and automated one-click booking, streamlining the way brokers find available trucks, and enabling drivers to prioritize, select and book loads straight from their phones. As part of the acquisition, Trucker Tools will welcome Jesse Buckingham, a former executive at two high-growth logistics technology businesses, as chief revenue officer. “ASG and Alpine’s access to resources and their deep experience building successful SaaS (software as a service) companies is a tremendous advantage that will further improve our product development, delivery and platform utility for 3PLs, brokers and truckers,” Gollapalli said. He added that the acquisition will help Trucker Tools’ employees, suppliers, partners, its more than 300 3PL and broker-customers, and the more than 1.3 million truckers and 165,000 small-fleet operators who rely on the Trucker Tools mobile app to secure freight, automate the booking process, provide real-time automated tracking, digitally manage documents, and optimize how they route and run their trucks.

Arkansas Trucking Association: Daily cost of I-40 Memphis bridge closure to trucking industry decreases sharply

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., AND MEMPHIS, Tenn. — While the Interstate 40 Hernando de Soto bridge remains closed to traffic, work by the Arkansas and Tennessee Departments of Transportation (ARDOT, TDOT) to improve traffic flow along the detour route on I-55 has helped alleviate at least some of the closure’s impact on the trucking industry, according to the Arkansas Trucking Association. The I-40 bridge was abruptly closed to traffic May 11 after a significant fracture was discovered in one of two 900-foot horizontal steel beams that are critical to the structure’s integrity. While the I-40 bridge is closed, all interstate traffic in the Memphis area is being rerouted to I-55, which crosses the Mississippi River a few miles south of I-40. ARDOT and TDOT share financial responsibility for the structure. While ARDOT is responsible for routine and special inspections of the structure, TDOT is responsible for physical maintenance and repairs. TDOT has enlisted Kiewit Infrastructure Groups to handle the repair of the bridge. In addition, TDOT has taken steps to facilitate traffic flow across the I-55 river bridge while coordinating repair efforts to the I-40 bridge. Since the bridge’s closure, the trucking industry has absorbed more than $70 million in unanticipated costs, the Arkansas Trucking Association said June 24. However, the latest data on traffic congestion along the detour route suggests that the average cost to the trucking industry has reduced from an estimated $2.4 million to $936,000 a day. “We commend the Arkansas and Tennessee Departments of Transportation for acting in response to the concerns of the trucking industry and implementing measures to improve traffic flow on this major east-west shipping corridor,” said Shannon Newton, the association’s president. “When the bridge first closed, delays were regularly exceeding an hour. Now, thanks to ARDOT’s traffic engineering, implementing strategic lane shifts, that delay is down to only 15 minutes,” she said. Operational cost data provided by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) shows that the average cost of operating a truck is $71.78 an hour, or $1.20 a minute. On June 9, ARDOT enacted a series of lane changes in West Memphis, Arkansas, in an effort to reduce merging points to reduce conflicts and improve traffic flow. “In just the two weeks since ARDOT reconfigured traffic in West Memphis, we have saved roughly $21.9 million in expenses as the estimated cost per day decreased from $2.4 million to $936,000,” Newton continued. “Trucking is still losing nearly a million dollars a day, but these improvements are proving significant to an industry that is already struggling to meet demand.” Truck traffic over the Mississippi River has decreased only slightly from 26,500 trucks per day down to 23,500 trucks, the Arkansas Trucking Association noted. “Using the latest ATRI data, we estimate those 3,000 trucks that are re-routing 60 miles or more from the I-55 bridge are losing $513,000 per day in lost time and increased mileage while the cost of the 15-minute delay for the 23,500 trucks using the I-55 bridge is an estimated $423,000,” Newton said. “We are confident the ARDOT and TDOT are working with the utmost expediency to re-open the bridge so that is it safe for all traffic.” According to a June 25 statement from TDOT, “significant progress” is being made on the repairs, and an in-depth inspection of the structure continues. As of June 25, TDOT said, the following steps have been implemented in the repair of the bridge: 108,000 pounds of structural steel plating has been added to the tie girder; More than 4,400 permanent bolts have been used to connect the steel plates; 1,202 feet of 472 welds have been inspected and tested; Eight 3-inch-diameter high-strength post-tensioning rods have been used; and More than 1.2 million pounds of tension has been removed from the fractured section of the bridge and transferred to a composite section. Both ARDOT and TDOT have created websites devoted to the status of repairs to the I-40 bridge. Click here to access the ARDOT site and here for the TDOT site.

Herschel Evans of Yellow Corp. chosen as Lytx Coach of the Year

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — Herschel Evans, a driver for Yellow Corp., has been named 2021 Coach of the Year by Lytx, a provider of machine vision and artificial intelligence-powered video solutions for trucking fleets. Each year, Lytx honors trucking professionals who champion safety and who go above and beyond in their work, using the Lytx Driver Safety Program. Lytx recognized drivers in six categories — government, services and utilities, transit and motor coach, for-hire trucking, private trucking and waste, and construction. “Herschel being honored for outstanding work, dedication and excellence in safety is no surprise to me,” said Darren Hawkins, CEO of Yellow. “He’s one of our best, most top-notch employees — not only as a driver but also as a community service leader. I’m proud of Herschel and glad to have him on our team at Yellow.” As a Yellow Million Miler driver, Evans has driven more than 3 million accident-free miles and maintained a flawless driving record. He has been honored with the 2018 Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance International Driver Excellence Award, was named a 2020 TravelCenters of America Citizen Driver, and earned the 2021 CEO’s Award at Yellow. An ambassador of safety and driver training, Evans is a Road Team Captain for the American Trucking Associations and is a member of the Yellow Safety Committee and Accident Review Board as well as the Mid-Atlantic Professional Truck Drivers Association. He volunteers for Convoy of Care and founded the Safety Drive for a Cure annual event, which benefits the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. “It takes more than an outstanding on-the-job performance to be selected for the Lytx Coach of the Year award,” said Del Lisk, vice president of safety services. “We look for a candidate who is an outstanding performer at work, but also someone who goes above and beyond to make a positive contribution to their community and society as a whole. With over 30 pages of safety commendations, letters of community support and history of volunteer work, Herschel’s selection was a no-brainer.” Evans was selected as Coach of the Year in the for-hire trucking category and was recognized as the top coach in all six industry categories. “I’m very honored Lytx recognized me as its 2021 Coach of the Year. Thank you to Yellow for numerous opportunities to serve in leadership roles and in helping develop other fellow drivers as safety champions,” Evans said. “It means a lot to me, being able to help others become better, safer drivers and to have such a great tool in the Lytx Driver Safety Program.” Yellow uses the Lytx Driver Safety Program and DriveCam Event Recorders in its trucks to review any accidents and issues to provide feedback and visual teaching for drivers, Yellow Driving Academy students and terminal managers.

Fleets incorporate Volvo VNR Electric Class 8 trucks for local, regional routes

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Volvo VNR electric Class 8 trucks are making inroads in fleet use for local and regional routes. According to Volvo, the Volvo VNR Electric significantly reduces emissions, paving the way for decarbonized transportation, reduced CO2 emissions and cleaner air. In early June, Manhattan Beer Distributors, a New York City-based beer and beverage distributor, placed an order for five Volvo VNR Electric Class 8 trucks — the first zero tailpipe emission, battery-electric trucks to be deployed in the company’s fleet of more than 400 delivery trucks. The distributor plans to use the VNR Electric models to serve retail customers throughout metropolitan New York City, Long Island and surrounding counties from one of the company’s warehouses located in Hunts Point in the Bronx “As a bold first mover and leader in bringing battery-electric Class 8 trucks to New York, Manhattan Beer Distributors is demonstrating to the industry that environmental and economic sustainability can go hand in hand,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “This is an exciting milestone for both of our organizations, and we are honored they have continued to partner with Volvo Trucks to reduce their carbon footprint.” The five Volvo VNR Electric trucks purchased by Manhattan Beer Distributors are the first commercial sale of this model outside of California. “Manhattan Beer Distributors prides ourselves on implementing sustainable practices into all our operations and investing in the future because it’s the right thing to do,” said Simon Bergson, president of Manhattan Beer Distributors. “We are excited to offer a zero-emission delivery solution to our customers and look forward to putting more Volvo VNR Electric trucks into our fleet operations.” Also in June, Penske Truck leasing took delivery of two VNR Electrics from Volvo Trucks North America, expanding its fleet of battery-electric Class 8 models available in Southern California. Penske operates more than 333,000 trucks. “Our companies share a common mission of providing top-tier, comprehensive service to help fleets maximize uptime and reliability,” Voorhoeve said. “We look forward to seeing positive results with these first two battery-electric units and working alongside Penske to expand its VNR Electric fleet in the future.” Penske deployed the VNR Electric trucks as part of the Volvo LIGHTS (Low Impact Green Heavy Transport Solutions) project, a collaboration with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) and 12 other organizations to develop a blueprint to successfully introduce battery-electric trucks and equipment into the market at scale. “As early adopters, Penske Truck Leasing is helping lead the deployment of zero-emission trucks in Southern California through the Volvo LIGHTS project,” said Wayne Nastri, executive officer of South Coast AQMD. “By reducing emissions in the local freight logistics industry, we can help deliver cleaner air to the region.”

National Carriers names Kenny Hume May Driver of the Month

IRVING, Texas — National Carriers Inc. (NCI) has named company driver Kenny Hume its May Driver of the Month. A first-generation Class A CLD holder, Hume left a 20-year career in retail to pursue life on the road. He has now driven for NCI for six years. “I enjoy this lifestyle — the freedom and challenges associated with being on time with my loads, plus the opportunity to see great scenery along the way,” Hume said. NCI provides drivers with a scorecard to track its ratings among other company drivers, he explained. These ratings determine recipients of quarterly bonuses in fuel economy, utilization and safety. Drivers who are in the top 25% in these three areas earn an additional bonus and are named to the President’s Award of Excellence. “Kenny is an outstanding representative of what our firm is focused on: safety, service, and citizenship,” said Ed Kentner, spokesman for NCI. “He does his job at the highest level, not for recognition, but as a challenge to himself to strive for perfection. Whether delivering into the heart of New York City or a rural setting, he is prompt and professional.” As National Carrier Inc.’s May Driver of the Month, Hume received a $1000 bonus and became a finalist for 2021 Driver of the Year. NCI’s Driver of the Year will receive a $10,000 bonus.

Arkansas launches state’s first public trucking school, offers four training sites

MALVERN, Ark. — Arkansas is preparing to launch the state’s first public trucking academy, with driver training offered at four locations. The Arkansas Trucking Academy (ArkTA) is a consortium of Arkansas State University (ASU) Three Rivers, University of Arkansas (UA) Cossatot, UA Rich Mountain and UA Hope/Texarkana. On Wednesday, June 23, Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson spoke at an unveiling event at the ASU Three Rivers Campus in Malvern. “(ArkTA) is another pace-setting workforce solution that has grown out of conversations between leaders in industry and education. Arkansas’s businesses had a problem, our educators stepped in to fill it, and we are able to support it with an Arkansas Regional Workforce grant,” he noted. It’s a model for partnerships between the private sector and government. Because of that, we soon will be putting more trucks on the road with first-rate drivers at the wheel.” New classes will begin on the campuses located in Nashville, Mena, Malvern and Hope. Through a combination of virtual/simulation instruction, traditional classroom instruction and practical over-the-road experience, students will receive 160 contact hours of noncredit training per course. Students who successfully complete the course will be prepared to test for their CDL. A total of 20 courses will be offered annually, five courses per college, and slots are limited to four students per course. The maximum cost per student is $1,300. With the increased demand in the trucking industry, ArkTA co-chair and UA Rich Mountain Chancellor Phillip Wilson said he is grateful for the partnership across two university systems to bring the program to fruition. “Creating opportunities and growing Arkansas’ workforce is always a top priority in Arkansas community colleges,” said Wilson, who also serves as chair of the Arkansas Community Colleges association. Shannon Newton, President of the Arkansas Trucking Association, expressed strong support for ArkTA and emphasized the challenges the trucking industry in Arkansas is facing. “In Arkansas, the trucking industry supports one in 10 jobs in the private sector in Arkansas. We rank No. 1 in the country per capita employed in the trucking industry,” Newton explained. “So certainly, as an advocate of the industry, it is my job to help people understand the role trucking plays in your everyday life (and) also help solve the challenges the industry is facing,” she said. “The driver shortage is actually the No. 1 challenge in the trucking industry right now.” The first course will begin Aug. 2, 2021. For more information or to apply, visit www.ArkTruckingAcademy.com.

PETA calls for designated safety corridor along Virginia’s SR 10 near Smithfield Foods

SMITHFIELD, Va. — People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is asking the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to designate a portion of State Route 10 in Virginia as a highway safety corridor pursuant to Va. Code 33.2-253. According to statement from PETA, the stretch of State Route 10 between U.S. 58 in Suffolk and State Route 666 in Isle of White County “has seen more crashes of trucks carrying animals raised for their flesh than a similar length of any other road in the country.” PETA has documented at least nine rollovers — within the proposed corridor — of Smithfield Foods-bound trucks hauling live pigs. The most recent rollover was in May 2021. “We urge VDOT to establish a safety corridor because all these crashes leave pigs mangled and bloody, and those who aren’t killed on impact suffer for hours, crying out from overturned trailers,” said Daphna Nachminovitch, senior vice president of PETA. “PETA is calling on officials to make this portion of highway safer for everyone, (and calling on) anyone disturbed by animals suffering in trucks and on the roadside — or in slaughterhouses — to go vegan.” Daniel Paden, vice president of evidence analysis for PETA, on June 21 sent a letter to VDOT Commissioner Stephen Brich asking the agency to designate that portion of the road a highway safety corridor. According to Paden’s letter, a representative for Smithfield Foods “admitted that wrecks of trucks carrying live pigs in this area occur ‘all the time,’ and a former chief of the Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department said that he had responded to more than 100 such crashes.” The letter notes the danger to livestock haulers, pointing to the death of truck driver William Lewis, who was killed in April 1998, and adding that “at least half of the other crashes of this nature that PETA has documented on SR 10 have injured the truck driver, if not others.” In addition, the letter says, the accidents along State Route 10 result in significant demands on first responders. “Ejected animals must be corralled. Others are eventually shot on site, and dead ones must be dumped into trucks. Trailers need to be pulled upright, and utility lines and other damaged property must be addressed. Traffic is often diverted for many hours,” the letter reads, adding that “each crash causes profound suffering for scores of animals.” In a November 2020 wreck, the letter continues, “at least 160 pigs were trapped in an overturned trailer for at least four hours before being removed, according to police records.” After separate crashes in September 2008 and August 2019, “screaming pigs lay on top of one another for hours in a trailer, only for workers to strike and force them onto another trailer,” the letter states, adding that incidents in October 2011 and November 2013 resulted in the death of 127 animals. “After drivers crashed in October 2005 and March 2004, pigs were left for hours with severe injuries and even shot in the head repeatedly,” the letter continues. Paden’s letter also points out a statement attributed to the editorial board of The Virginian-Pilot: “Just because the animals are destined for the dinner plate, that’s no reason to allow needless suffering on the side of our highways.” Following the May 2021 crash, Paden says, owners and employees of businesses along the proposed corridor “expressed frustration” concerning the accidents. The letter concludes, “We respectfully ask that the agency designate this part of SR 10 a highway safety corridor to encourage everyone to exercise extra caution while driving through it. Erecting signs warning of the penalties for speeding and criminal driving violations there, along with an increased police presence, would make this stretch of Virginia’s roads safer for all.”

New TA Express now open in heart of Pennsylvania’s Amish Country

RONKS, Pa. — TravelCenters of America Inc. (TA) has opened a new TA Express in Ronks, Pennsylvania — right in the heart of Lancaster County’s Amish Country. The Ronks area is visited by thousands of tourists annually and offers a variety of attractions including covered bridges, hiking trails, restaurants and art galleries. The Westlake, Ohio-based company operates the TA, Petro Stopping Centers and TA Express network across the U.S. The new TA Express is a franchised site, formerly known as Lancaster Travel Plaza, and offers fueling, convenience items, dining options and other services for professional drivers as well as tourists. Located at 2622 Lincoln Highway East, TA Express Ronks offers a convenient stopping point for travelers heading through Pennsylvania’s state capitol of Harrisburg to U.S. Route 30 and through Lancaster County heading to the nation’s east coast. Professional drivers will receive the benefits of TA’s UltraONE loyalty program and other services. Amenities at this location include: Subway and Champs Chicken; Convenient store with coffee, snacks and merchandise; Six diesel fueling positions with Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) on all lanes; Four gasoline fueling lanes; 30 truck parking spaces; 12 car parking spaces; Two private showers; and Laundry facilities. The Ronks site is the first TA Express in Pennsylvania, and increases TA’s total nationwide network of travel centers to 274, including 41 franchised locations. “We anticipate more traffic in our travel centers as families start to take road trips again after the long pandemic,” said Dave Raco, vice president of franchising for TA. “The TA Express in Ronks is strategically located in a place where our services are needed; it offers a quick, clean and convenient option for all travelers as they visit Lancaster County and drive along this popular route.”

Bridgestone joins forces with Kodiak to add ‘smart’ tire tech to autonomous trucks

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Bridgestone Americas announced last week that it has taken a minority investment in Kodiak Robotics, a U.S.-based self-driving truck company. According to a June 16 statement, this will allow Bridgestone to integrate its smart-sensing tire technologies and fleet solutions into Kodiak’s Level 4 autonomous trucks. In addition, the two companies plan to pilot future autonomous and smart tire technologies to further enhance vehicle intelligence. “Automated vehicles offer a number of benefits to commercial fleet customers and society, including safer roads with fewer unexpected incidents, and upwards of 20 percent savings in fuel and efficiency,” said Paolo Ferrari, who serves as global chief solutions officer for Bridgestone Corp. and president and CEO of Bridgestone Americas. “Advancements in tire-centric technologies are critical to unlocking greater innovation in mobility, while also delivering significant sustainability benefits,” he continued. “This investment will enable Bridgestone and Kodiak to work together to co-develop advanced mobility solutions with speed and precision that will revolutionize commercial trucking.” Kodiak’s fleet of Level 4 self-driving long-haul trucks, with a safety driver on board, move freight autonomously in the state of Texas, and the company plans to deploy driverless trucks in the next few years. Full vehicle intelligence is vital to safe, efficient and sustainable autonomy, according to a prepared statement from the two companies. The statement also notes that Bridgestone’s cloud-based technologies use connected vehicle data to help predict tire health and maintenance and to optimize tire lifespan. Together, Bridgestone and Kodiak plan to link vehicle-based, smart-sensing tire technologies to improve safety and efficiency in the next generation of autonomous trucks. “After an extensive diligence process, Bridgestone has chosen Kodiak as an autonomous trucking partner,” said Don Burnette, co-founder and CEO of Kodiak Robotics. “Bridgestone’s investment is a huge moment for Kodiak and a great validation of our industry-leading autonomous system.” As part of the partnership, Nizar Trigui, chief technology officer and group president of solutions businesses for Bridgestone, will join Kodiak’s board of directors as an observer.