The Trucker News Staff

LAREDO, Texas — Over a 24-hour period during Memorial Day weekend, U.S. Border Patrol agents in the Laredo sector apprehended more than 160 undocumented individuals during two separate alleged human smuggling attempts. The first incident was after midnight on Friday, May 28, when a tractor hauling a tanker trailer approached the Border Patrol checkpoint on U.S. 83. During primary inspection, a service K-9 alerted to the vehicle, and agents referred it to secondary inspection. There, a nonintrusive scan revealed more than 50 people hidden inside the tanker. All were Mexican nationals, and were determined to be in the U.S. illegally. The driver, a U.S. citizen, and the hidden passengers were taken into custody by the Border Patrol. The second incident took place the next morning, when a commercial tractor-trailer approached the checkpoint on Interstate 35. During the immigration inspection, a service K-9 alerted an agent, and the driver was referred for a secondary inspection. Instead, the driver disregarded the agent’s instructions and drove north on I-35. Border Patrol agents stopped the vehicle near mile marker 31 on I-35 and discovered more than 100 people hidden inside the trailer; the individuals were from the countries of Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Ecuador and the Dominican Republic. The driver, a U.S. citizen, along with the concealed individuals, were placed under arrest pending further investigation.

LEWISTON, Idaho — The Idaho Transportation Board (ITB) approved dozens of new road projects across every corner of the state during a monthly meeting held May 19. The projects include $350 million in construction work that is expected to begin in 2022. Many of the projects are part of Idaho Gov. Brad Little’s “Building Idaho’s Future” transportation funding solution. “Idaho is the fastest-growing state in the nation,” Little said. “To keep up with the demands of a fast-growing state, our historic transportation funding solution helps save Idahoans’ time, keeps us safe on our roads, and makes our state’s economy even stronger. I appreciate the Idaho Transportation Board for acting quickly to put these new funds to work.” Approved projects include $170 million of Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation (TECM) funds to expand Idaho State Highway 16 from its current location at U.S. 20/26 (Chinden Blvd.) to Interstate 84. The board also dedicated $37 million of TECM funds to expand U.S. 20/26 to four lanes from Middleton Road to Interstate 84. Both projects should be under construction next year and will likely be bonded. In addition, the board approved about $140 million in projects with one-time funds from the Building Idaho’s Future program, along with federal and state COVID relief funds. This statewide group of projects is focused on critical maintenance and safety needs for highways and bridges from Ashton in eastern Idaho, to the Magic Valley and north to Wallace, Idaho. “We want to thank the Idaho Legislature and governor for one of the most significant transportation investments in state history,” said ITB Chairman Bill Moad. “Our goal as a board is to be great stewards of this funding. We will work with the department to pick the projects across Idaho that will have the greatest return on investment in improving safety, increasing mobility and addressing Idaho’s rapid growth.” In addition to $350 million in construction that will begin next year, the board approved nearly $170 million for project development. This includes environmental planning, design and right-of-way acquisition. “Project development is very important,” Moad said. “The board wants the department to have projects ready for the Building Idaho’s Future program and to be constantly advancing additional work for any future federal or state funding opportunities. It is our goal to put the money to work as soon as it becomes available.” The TECM fund was increased to $80 million through House Bill 362 signed by Little earlier this month. The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will leverage those ongoing funds into a Building Idaho’s Future bonding program that could yield as much as $1.6 billion. The goal is to have major safety and expansion corridors financed over the next six to eight years with the bond proceeds. ITD staff will present potential projects and corridors to include in the bonding program to the Idaho Transportation Board by the end of this year. To review a full list of approved projects, click here.

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — An Arizona truck driver who was critically injured in a June 4 wreck on Interstate 80/90 Toll Road near Howe, Indiana, died while undergoing surgery for injuries sustained in the crash, according to the Indiana State Police (ISP). According to a report from ISP, Michael S. Lohman, 53, of Glendale, Arizona, was driving a 2018 Kenworth tractor-trailer westbound on the toll road Friday afternoon when he approached traffic that was stopped or slowed because of road construction. Lohman allegedly failed to stop and crashed into the rear of a 2021 International truck driven by Ben M. Tehrani, 37, of Brentwood, California. A third vehicle, a white 2013 Volvo tractor-trailer driven by Elvis Maksuti, 36, of Waukegan, Illinois, was also struck during the collision. Arriving at the scene shortly after 5 p.m., ISP troopers found the three commercial vehicles with heavy damage and debris strewn across the westbound lanes of the interstate; all westbound traffic was blocked. Both of Lohman’s legs were severed, and he sustained a severe head injury. Troopers applied tourniquets to both of Lohman’s legs in order to control bleeding prior to emergency medical personnel arriving. Lohman was flown from the scene by Parkview Samaritan helicopter to Fort Wayne, Indiana, for critical care, where he later died during surgery. Lohman’s 12 year old son, who was a passenger in the tractor-trailer, suffered minor injury. He was transported by ambulance to Parkview hospital in LaGrange for medical evaluation. He was later released from the hospital and transported Fort Wayne, where he has been reunited with his mother. Tehrani sustained minor injury to his neck; he was also transported by ambulance to Parkview in LaGrange for evaluation. Maksuti was not injured, according to ISP. Lohman was not wearing his seatbelt, but his passenger and the other drivers were all properly restrained. All notifications to the Lohman family have been made. ISP reports that further investigation of the accident revealed that a primary cause of the crash was distracted driving due to cellphone usage. The crash remains under investigation by an ISP Crash Reconstruction Team. Once the crash investigation is complete, the full report will be turned over to the LaGrange County Prosecutor for review and determination of any charges to be filed. ISP was assisted at the scene by Parkview EMS, Howe Fire Department, Parkview Samaritan, Indiana Toll Road Maintenance personnel, Grate’s Wrecker Service and several good Samaritans who stopped to help.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Three graduating seniors have been selected to receive scholarships from the Arkansas Trucking Association (ATA). Each student will receive a $7,500 scholarship from the Carl Tapp Memorial Scholarship Fund to support their pursuit of careers in medium/heavy duty truck technology. This year’s scholarship recipients include Caiden Sallee of Gentry, Arkansas; Channlyn Vaughn of Jonesboro, Arkansas; and Ricky Watkins of Rogers, Arkansas. “Without trucks, America stops; and without skilled technicians, trucks stop,” said Shannon Newton, president of ATA. “Truck drivers and diesel technicians are essential to a healthy economy. In fact, one in 10 working Arkansans has a career in trucking. And that’s what we’re providing with these scholarships — the opportunity to launch careers. We welcome this year’s scholarship recipients into our industry where they will learn to ensure the safety of trucking equipment on the roads we all share.” Sallee graduated from Gentry High School, where he studied diesel electrical systems and was in the top 10% of his class. He plans to attend Northwest Technical Institute this fall. “I want to become a diesel mechanic because it’s what I love doing,” Sallee said. “I love working hard and the variety of work that diesel mechanics do.” Vaughn, who graduated from Westside High School this month has a passion for diesel technology and has been working on cars since she was 8 years old. “Being a diesel technician has been a dream and lifelong goal of mine,” she said. “Growing up in a shop, I’ve never thought of a different career. I look forward to taking on the challenges ahead, as they are just stepping stones to my future.” Watkins graduated from Rogers Heritage High School, where he served as captain of the wrestling team. He plans to enroll at Northwest Technical Institute to begin his formal studies. “By becoming a technician, I will be helping thousands of Americans to get products all over the country,” Watkins said. “Because without trucks there would be nothing. No products in stores. No cars to drive. No fuel in gas stations. So, I think the career I chose is a pretty important one.” ATA normally selects just one student to receive this scholarship, according to Kenneth Calhoun, founding member of the scholarship committee. “The competition for the scholarship was so strong this year that we couldn’t pick just one, so instead we went with three students,” Calhoun said. “It’s a great problem to have: So many bright, aspirational problem-solvers wanting to become medium and heavy-duty truck technicians. I look forward to seeing their careers advance and watching as they become ambassadors for our industry.” The ATA’s Maintenance & Technology Council established the Carl Tapp Memorial Scholarship Fund to celebrate Carl Tapp, the council’s first chairman, and his career-long commitment to nurturing new talent in the industry. Candidates were evaluated based upon their interest and performance in STEM courses, teacher and mentor recommendations and personal interviews with the scholarship committee of industry experts. For more information about the scholarship fund, visit www.arkansastrucking.com/tech-scholarship.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The inaugural “Highway to Hope” virtual benefit concert, held May 16, raised more than $75,000 to help support over-the-road and regional truck drivers recently out of work because of injury or illness, the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund (SCF) announced. The concert was headlined by country music singer Wynonna Judd with her husband Cactus Moser and the Big Noise Band, along with other country music artists who support the trucking industry, including John Schneider, Billy Dean, Lindsay Lawler and Heath Sanders. The first-ever virtual concert for SCF was emceed by a familiar voice in the trucking industry, Radio Nemo host Jimmy Mac, along with support from Radio Nemo’s Donna Horton and production and live streaming by Tanner and Blake Brandell from Omni Production LLC in Springfield, Missouri. “SCF’s mission is all about hope,” said Shannon Currier, director of philanthropy and development for SCF. “Hope for drivers when they need financial assistance because of an injury or illness, hope for a healthy life on the road with our health and wellness programs, and hope and encouragement during those long days, weeks and months on the road away from their families.” According to SCF, corporate sponsors from the trucking industry “came out in droves” to support the event and to provide assistance to the nation’s truckers. Top tier presenting sponsors included NASTC (National Association of Small Trucking Companies) and freight transportation and supply management company Averitt Express. “We are so appreciative of all the artists for their time, all the sponsors for their support, and every individual that purchased a ticket to this amazing event,” said Donna Kennedy, executive director of SCF.

TUCSON, Ariz. — In late May, Jorge Armando Lopez-Espinoza, 42, a Mexican citizen, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Rosemary Marquez to 46 months in prison for attempting to smuggle ammunition from the United States into Mexico. According to court records, in May 2020 Lopez-Espinoza conspired with others to smuggle 8,000 rounds of ammunition from Nogales, Arizona, across the border to Mexico using his tractor-trailer. Law enforcement agents intercepted the shipments of ammunition before Lopez-Espinoza acquired them. On May 14, 2020, Lopez-Espinoza picked up boxes he believed to contain the 8,000 rounds of ammunition, hid them in his tractor-trailer and attempted to enter Mexico through the Nogales Port of Entry. Lopez-Espinoza later admitted he believed he was smuggling ammunition in the boxes, that he expected to be paid for doing so, and that he had previously smuggled ammunition into Mexico in exchange for payment. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation in this case, with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Angela Woolridge, assistant U.S. attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson handled the prosecution.

OTTOWA, Ontario — Effective Sunday, June 6, the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority will be closing the Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge linking Ogdensburg, New York, and Johnstown, Ontario, to all traffic from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. every Sunday to Thursday, reopening for the weekend at 6 a.m. each Friday. These closures, which are expected to last until Oct. 16, are due to construction by the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority on the United States span of the bridge. Because of these scheduled closures, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is recommending commercial drivers and travelers entering or exiting Canada use either the Thousand Islands Bridge or the Seaway International Bridge. The CBSA port of entry at Prescott will remain open with minimal staffing for administrative and security purposes and to ensure a CBSA presence in the event of any unforeseen emergency. There will be no overnight closures on the following days: Canada Day: Thursday, July 1; Independence Day: Monday, July 5; Labor Day: Monday, Sept. 6; and Columbus Day (U.S.)/Thanksgiving Day (Canada): Monday, Oct. 11. Travelers are encouraged to manage their crossing by checking border wait times using the CanBorderApp and to cross at the least busy port of entry in the area. While the CBSA will not compromise safety and security, every effort will be made to minimize processing times. For the latest information on the closures, visit the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority website.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois Gov. Jay Robert Pritzker and Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) on May 19 announced the release of a $20.7 billion multiyear plan to improve the state’s roads and bridges over the next six years. This commitment, fueled by the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital plan will reinforce the state’s transportation industry and create thousands of jobs as the state seeks to spur economic growth following the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest multiyear plan builds on an infrastructure investment made over the past two years, with more than 2,700 miles of state and local roadways and 290 bridges already improved through the Rebuild Illinois program. “Rebuild Illinois is about investing for the future — supporting this generation and the next, making sure we have good jobs and the roads to get there, and building a state where opportunity is just around the corner for everyone, no matter where you’re standing,” Pritzker said. Passed in 2019, the Rebuild Illinois plan promotes economic growth by investing a total of $33.2 billion into the state’s aging transportation system. Rebuild Illinois is not only the largest capital program in state history, but also the first one that touches all modes of Illinois transportation — roads and bridges, transit, waterways, freight and passenger rail, aviation, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations. Based on current funding levels, the state’s fiscal year 2022-27 Proposed Highway Improvement Program aims to improve 2,779 miles of roads and 7.9 million square feet of bridge deck. Of the $20.7 billion planned over the six years of the program, $3.32 billion has been set aside for the upcoming fiscal year. Included in the program are a variety of projects that will create economic opportunity, enhance quality of life and improve safety on both the IDOT and local transportation systems, according to a prepared statement from Pritzker’s office. Project selection was based on objective criteria, such as pavement conditions, traffic volumes and crash history. Of the major elements in the plan for IDOT roads and bridges, investments include $5.79 billion for highway reconstruction and preservation; $4.82 billion for bridge improvements; $2.59 billion for strategic expansion; $1.43 billion for system support such as engineering and land acquisition; and $1.21 billion for safety and system modernizations. “Under the governor’s leadership, we are continuing to build and sustain infrastructure that gives Illinois its competitive edge and strengthens our status as the transportation hub of North America,” said Omer Osman, acting Illinois transportation secretary. “This latest multiyear program means we will keep making historic improvements in our transportation system, just as we have throughout the pandemic.”

HOUSTON — Trillium, a provider of alternative fuel systems and renewable fuels, recently converted three Love’s Travel Stops in Illinois to solar energy. The solar energy systems were designed and built by Trillium, marking eight Love’s locations across the country that use solar power to fuel operations. “Trillium is excited to continue working with Love’s in expanding its use of on-site, solar power generation,” said JP Fjeld-Hansen, vice president of Trillium. “Trillium is proud to produce green energy for these locations, as well as for the residents of Hamel, Kankakee and Knoxville.” The new solar-powered Love’s in Illinois are: 9191 State Route 140 in Hamel; 3407 South State Road 45/52 in Kankakee; and 1405 Knox Highway 9, Knoxville. According to a statement from Love’s and Trillium, solar energy does not produce air pollution or greenhouse gases, which can create environmental benefits. The solar power systems are interconnected with each participating Love’s location and will offset the electrical load consumed by the stores. Excess power produced will be exported to each city’s power grid via a net metering program offered by the local electric utilities.

NEW ORLEANS — Five people pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit fraud as part of a big rig crash scam, according to U.S. Attorney Duane Evans, announced May 25. Lois Russell, 61 of Gibson, Louisiana; Tanya Givens, 43, of Gibson, Louisiana; Henry Randle, 64, of Gibson, Louisiana; John Diggs, 60, of Thibodaux, Louisiana; and Dakota Diggs, 25, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, entered a plea of guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud, arising out of staged automobile accidents with tractor-trailers occurring in New Orleans, Louisiana. According to the guilty plea on March 27, 2017, Russell, Givens and John Diggs conspired with passenger James “Curtis” Williams 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 already pleaded guilty to staging other accidents, also participated in this accident. Hickman, while driving Givens’ car, intentionally struck the 18-wheeler and then fled the scene with Labeaud. Russell then advised the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) that Givens was driving at the time of the staged accident, and she, along with Givens and John Diggs, made claims for personal injuries. In total, the victim trucking and insurance companies paid out $272,500 for these fraudulent claims. Also according to the guilty plea, Randle and Dakota Diggs, along with Labeaud, Mario Solomon and Ryan Wheaten, participated in a staged automobile accident near U.S. Highway 90 East and Calliope Street in New Orleans in 2017. Labeaud and Solomon fled the scene. Randle falsely reported to the NOPD that he had been driving and that the tractor-trailer had struck his vehicle. Shortly thereafter, Labeaud and Solomon went on to stage another accident in near Louisa Street and Chickasaw Street with Bernell Gale, Troy Smith, Marvel Francois and another passenger. Labeaud, Solomon, Wheaten, Gale, Smith and Francois were also charged. Labeaud, Solomon, Gale Smith, and Francois have already pleaded guilty. Randle, Dakota Diggs and Wheaten made claims for personal injuries. The victim trucking and insurance companies paid out approximately $10,000 for these fraudulent claims. Russell, Givens, Randle, John Diggs and Dakota Diggs face a maximum sentence of five years. Upon release from prison, they 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. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 15, 2021, before U.S. district judge Lance Africk.

ARLINGTON, Va. — The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) Board of Directors has approved the 2021 Top Research Priorities as identified by the Research Advisory Committee (RAC). ATRI’s RAC developed the list of recommended research topics at its meeting held in Atlanta May 4-5, and the ATRI Board reviewed and approved the list of recommended topics at its recent meeting. ATRI’s RAC selected research topics that examine workforce, infrastructure, legal, and operational issues, which align with multiple top concerns identified in ATRI’s annual Top Industry Issues Survey. Because of the heightened attention on electric vehicles, two of the top priority studies will examine the impact of the deployment of electric trucks on the trucking industry. The 2021 ATRI Top Research Priorities include: Understanding how to best integrate 18- to 20-year-olds into the trucking industry: This research will utilize a case-study approach to document best practices for recruiting, training and retaining younger people into trucking careers. Charging infrastructure considerations for electric trucks: From examining power demand scenarios to availability of grid connectivity and vehicle charging requirements, this research will be a trucking industry-focused assessment that identifies the electrical infrastructure issues associated with deploying electric trucks. Marijuana and other drugs: This study focuses on the impacts of the decriminalization of marijuana and other substances on the trucking industry. As more states move to decriminalize marijuana and other drugs, this study would update ATRI’s 2019 report by examining roadway safety and workforce impacts in those states changing their controlled substance laws. Quantifying the impacts of driver-facing cameras on fleets and drivers: This analysis will focus on safety, litigation and workforce impacts from deployment of driver-facing cameras. Understanding the environmental impacts of zero-emission trucks: This research will be a comparative environmental impact study of the full lifecycle — manufacturing, operations and disposal — of electric versus diesel Class 8 trucks.