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The Trucker News Staff

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

Posts by The Trucker News Staff

CVSA honors Werner driver Allen Parker with 2021 IDEA award

By The Trucker News Staff -

GREENBELT, Md. — Allen Parker, a driver for Werner Enterprises, has been named the 2021 International Driver Excellence Award (IDEA) recipient by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA). Parker has been with Werner Enterprises for more than 34 years and has safely driven more than 4 million accident-free miles. “Whether it’s his professional activities, like the Werner Road Team and the Truck Convoy for Special Olympics, or his community involvement through his church and singing the national anthem at public events, Allen represents Werner Enterprises and the trucking industry as a caring professional,” said Jaime Maus, vice president of safety and compliance for Werner Enterprises. CVSA recognizes the exceptional careers of professional commercial motor vehicle drivers and their commitment to public safety through the IDEA award. “My reaction upon hearing the fantastic news that I’d received the International Driver Excellence Award was to be humbled,” Parker sad. “To be acknowledged by CVSA is truly an honor.” In addition to his stellar safe-driving history, Parker also does his part for the community. He sings the national anthem before the stock car races at the Jefferson County (Nebraska) Speedway and at the start of minor league baseball games. In addition, Parker participates in the World’s Largest Truck Convoy for Special Olympics. The convoy is a one-day celebration of the trucking industry, its allied partners and law enforcement, all working together to raise funds for Special Olympics. “This year, especially, the Alliance is honored to award a commercial motor vehicle driver for his safe-driving record and contributions to the community and the trucking industry,” said CVSA President Sgt. John Samis with the Delaware State Police. “We, in the commercial motor vehicle enforcement community, know how important commercial drivers are to the fabric of our society. But when the pandemic hit, the public quickly realized that almost everything we need is transported by truck, driven by a truck driver, at some point within the supply chain. Nominating Mr. Parker was Werner’s way of saying thank you. And selecting and naming him as this year’s IDEA recipient is CVSA’s way of saying thank you.” To apply for the award, nominees must have at least 25 cumulative years of crash-free driving in a commercial motor vehicle, must have a clean driving record for the past three years, must have no felony convictions, must have no safety-related driving suspensions in the past three years and must have no driver violations in the past three years, excluding form and manner violations. With decades of driving experience and millions of accident-free miles driven safely on the road, Parker knows what to do to ensure he is operating safely. “To achieve the miles I have driven is great, but they come one mile at a time,” Parker said. “Focusing too far ahead or behind removes my focus from where I am now.” CVSA’s IDEA isn’t the only award Parker has received during his driving career. He has received multiple President’s Safe Driving Awards from the Nebraska Trucking Association, Werner’s Safe Driver Awards, and one, two, three and four million accident-free miles awards from his company. “My job offers opportunities to meet new people every day and see new parts of the country,” Parker said. “I enjoy being outdoors and not confined to an office with walls. The sunrise ahead of me and the sunset behind me are my only boundaries.” When he has time away from driving, Parker travels with his wife, singing Southern gospel music at churches and gospel music events. In fact, he and his wife have recorded four albums in Nashville. “We also enjoy putting miles on our motorcycle and spending time with our grandkids and great-grandkids,” added Parker. Parker will receive his award at the 2021 CVSA Annual Conference and Exhibition in Wilmington, Delaware, this fall. He will be presented with a crystal trophy and $2,500. The nomination period for CVSA’s 2022 International Driver Excellence Award will open in September.

Love’s Travel Stops opens new location in Hillsboro, Tennessee

By The Trucker News Staff -

OKLAHOMA CITY — Love’s Travel Stops is now serving customers in Hillsboro, Tennessee, with a truck stop that opened March 25. The Hillsboro store, located off Interstate 24, adds 67 jobs and 88 truck parking spaces to Coffee County. “We’re excited to open our 17th location in Tennessee and bridge the gap between our Jasper and Christiana locations,” said Greg Love, co-CEO of Love’s. “This stop will help professional and four-wheel drivers get back on the road safely and quickly, while providing all of the products and services we’re known for at competitive prices.” The new location is open 24/7 and offers: More than 12,000 square feet; Hardee’s; 88 truck parking spaces; 69 car parking spaces; Three RV parking spaces; Seven diesel bays; Seven showers; Laundry facilities; Love’s Truck Care; Bean-to-cup gourmet coffee; Brand-name snacks; Fresh Kitchen concept; Mobile to Go Zone with the latest electronics; CAT scale; and Dog park. In honor of the grand opening, Love’s will donate $2,000 to Tennessee’s Coffee County Rescue Squad.

ATA advisory board to help strengthen relationships between trucking industry, law enforcement

By The Trucker News Staff -

ARLINGTON, Va. — The American Trucking Associations (ATA) on March 24 announced the formation of the Law Enforcement Advisory Board (LEAB), a new panel that will advise the ATA on ways to grow and strengthen relationships between the trucking industry and law-enforcement organizations across the country. The board is comprised of ATA members who have previous experience in federal, state and local law enforcement, as well as current and retired law-enforcement officials who have contributed positively to the partnership between both groups. “No two groups have a stronger and more consistent presence on our nation’s highways than law-enforcement officers and American truckers,” said Chris Spear, president and CEO of ATA. “Therein lies a strategic opportunity for greater collaboration, increased communication and new bonds. The incredible depth and breadth of experience represented on this board will be an invaluable asset for our industry, the law enforcement community, and the safety of the motoring public alike.” The 22 members of the advisory board include representatives of motor carriers, including drivers, as well as consultants, insurance experts, law-enforcement professionals and more. The board will meet bimonthly to identify areas of opportunity and provide recommendations on priority issues. During its inaugural meeting, held virtually last week, the board identified the primary issues it will focus on in the coming weeks and months, including combatting human trafficking; increasing truck parking capacity and ensuring driver safety at rest stops; commercial motor vehicle safety and security; and enhancing access to training for drivers and company safety personnel. The 22 LEAB members include: Derek Barrs, HNTB Corp.; Joe Allen Boyd, a professional driver for Walmart Inc.; Tim Cardwell, National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Assistance Center; Rick Cates, Marsh USA Inc.; Butch Day, Yellow Corp.; Jeff DeVere, DeVere Public Affairs and Consulting; Floyd Dixon, FedEx Freight; Fred Fakkema, Zonar Systems Inc.; Jeff Ferber, ABF Freight System; Kent Grisham, Nebraska Trucking Association; Chris Harris, ABF Freight System; Parker Harrison, Old Dominion Freight Line; Jim Kochenderfer, Werner Enterprises; Mike Martin, Old Dominion Freight Line; John McKown, a professional driver for UPS Freight; Ray Miller, McAnally Wilkins Insurance; Dana Moore, Texas Trucking Association; Myron Rau, South Dakota Trucking Association; John Spiros, Roehl Transport; Jeffrey Tippit, City of La Porte Police Department; Christopher Vinson, Midlothian Police Department; and Donnie Ware, ABF Freight System. LEAB members have current or previous affiliation with the following 27 law-enforcement entities: California Highway Patrol; City of La Porte, Texas, Police Department; Clay County, West Virginia, Sheriff’s Department; DeSoto, Texas, Police Department; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Florida Highway Patrol; Fort Smith, Arkansas, Police Department; Fremont, Nebraska, Police Department; Gassaway, West Virginia, Police Department; Howard County, Maryland, Police Department; Jackson, Tennessee, Police Department; Madison County, Florida, Sheriff’s Department; McKinney, Texas, Police Department; Midland, Texas, Police Department; Midlothian, Texas, Police Department; National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Assistance Center; North Carolina Highway Patrol; Ocean City, Maryland, Police Department; Pennsylvania Game Commission; Rowlett, Texas, Police Department; Sarpy County, Nebraska, Sheriff’s Office; South Dakota Highway Patrol; Texas Department of Public Safety; U.S. Air Force Security Police; U.S. Secret Service; U.S. Navy Military Police; and Washington State Patrol.

Women of Trucking: Volvo Group’s Mary Beth Halprin ‘born into’ transportation industry

By The Trucker News Staff -

In honor of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF) recognizes the growing number of women who are supporting the trucking industry and working to keep America moving forward. Mary Beth Halprin, who serves as vice president of public relations and corporate affairs for Volvo Group North America, joined the company in 2019. However, her roots in the transportation industry — and in marketing and communications — go back more than two decades. Raised in Michigan, Halprin grew up in the heart of the automotive industry. Her father was a car designer for Ford Motor Co., and his career inspired three of his daughters, including Halprin, to join the transportation industry. “I was born into the industry. I got my passion and foundation from growing up around so many who worked in various parts of the business,” Halprin shared, adding that she was also inspired by her sisters. One sister was an electrical engineer and one was a regional field rep for Ford dealers; both were among only a handful of few women in their career fields at the time. Working in the trucking industry is a passion for Mary Beth. “It’s something I truly enjoy,” she said. “I am humbled by how important trucking and transportation is to the U.S. economy. The industry itself is truly a global village.” Halprin said she is proud of the trucking industry’s philanthropic outreach, citing the role of many companies, including the Volvo Group, in helping those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the most recent industry relief efforts to help Texans recovering from severe weather. “To me, (my job is) fulfilling on so many levels because, I can see the way the industry impacts people’s lives,” she said. In addition, Halprin said she enjoys being a part of the innovations taking place within the trucking industry, adding there is a “need for all types of talent, skills and experiences.” “This is one of the best times to be part of the trucking industry,” she explained. “We are driving many new emerging technologies. We are reshaping how transportation of the future will look, be powered and how we will improve our environment. That’s exciting!” One of the items on Halprin’s bucket list is to earn her commercial driver’s license and have the chance to drive a truck on the open road.

Tech developer, Arizona DOT partner to help autonomous trucks safely navigate highway work zones

By The Trucker News Staff -

SAN FRANCISCO and PHOENIX — Highway work zones present hazards to both workers and motorists, with 123,000 work zone-related crashes reported in 2018, resulting in 757 fatalities, and the death toll for 2019 was 842, according to data from WorkZoneSafety.org. Those numbers predicted to continue an upward trend. Add autonomous commercial trucks to the mix, and public concern about work zone safety only increases. Obviously, the ability of self-driving vehicles to safely navigate through work zones is a critical component in the deployment of autonomous trucks for long-haul freight. Embark, a San Francisco-based developer of autonomous driving systems (ADS), and the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) are working to change that. In a first-of-its kind collaboration between a government agency and an automated driving system developer, Embark and ADOT have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to address safe interaction between automated commercial vehicles and highway work zones in Arizona, the two entities announced March 24. Like many state transportation agencies, ADOT is actively working to create safer work zones and reduce the number of crashes. “ADOT is committed to supporting technological innovations that improve the safety of our highways. Work zone safety and automated vehicles are key examples of this commitment,” said John Halikowski, director of ADOT. “We are proud of the work ADOT has done so far in advancing work zone safety and support the safe testing of autonomous vehicles. This collaboration with Embark creates the opportunity to combine those efforts. We look forward to the results of this effort and what lessons can be applied across the state.” Under the nonbinding, nonexclusive MOU, Embark and ADOT will work together to share data that will support the continued safe navigation of highway work zones by autonomous trucks. Using data collected from its operations, Embark will provide ADOT with feedback on mutually defined areas of interest such as infrastructure health, road design and quality of publicly available work zone data. Embark will also provide technical briefings to Arizona state officials to contribute to awareness of rapidly developing AV technology. ADOT, in turn, will share open-source data on work zones that can contribute to safe navigation. Both Embark and ADOT may seek to share with other public sector stakeholders any relevant findings that would facilitate the safe deployment of autonomous vehicles. “Safely navigating work zones is an important requisite for any driver, including autonomous trucks. By working with ADOT, we’ve accelerated our ability to understand and safely navigate corner cases, moving us closer to our goal of deploying autonomous trucks,” said Brandon Moak, co-founder and chief technology officer for Embark. Work zones present the most common variable in long haul trucking that must be overcome for automated deployment. According to a prepared statement, Embark’s trucks use a “sensors-first” architecture rather than relying on standard maps, allowing the vehicles to detect and react to lane closures and other dynamic changes in the road environment in a manner similar to that of a human driver. The goal is to develop technology that can safely react to lane closures as they appear on the road, including ones it has never seen before. “We are excited that our system’s ability to read signs, respond to traffic control devices and detect workers, combined with its ‘always-on’ state that never gets fatigued or distracted, can be an important contributor to road safety in Arizona,” Moak said.

Bestpass acquires Maryland Motor Truck Association tolling program

By The Trucker News Staff -

ALBANY, N.Y. – Bestpass recently acquired the Maryland Motor Truck Association (MMTA) toll management program, adding more than 400 commercial fleets to its customer base, Bestpass announced March 23. Former MMTA toll program customers now have full access to the Bestpass toll management system, from the customer web portal and online analytics to new transponder options and expanded toll coverage. “Maryland Motor Truck has been an invaluable partner for nearly two decades, and we’re enthusiastic to continue to serve their members and help them save even more time and money on their toll,” said Tom Fogarty, CEO of Bestpass. “We also welcome these new commercial fleet customers, and look forward to providing them with our first-in-class service and support.” Since MMTA launched its commercial toll program in 2002, Bestpass has provided back office and toll processing support, including tracking toll usage and accounts receivable services. “Offering toll management to our members has long been a point of pride for MMTA, and Bestpass has provided us with many of the tools necessary to deliver a robust and valuable program,” said Louis Campion, president and CEO of MMTA. “By fully moving the program to Bestpass, we can ensure continuity of operations and that our members will see even more value through expanded options.”

ACT’s February for-hire index points to another new low in truck driver availability

By The Trucker News Staff -

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The latest release of ACT Research’s For-Hire Trucking Index, which includes February data, showed a Driver Availability Index that has tightened to another new low point in the past three years. The ACT For-Hire Trucking Index is a monthly survey of for-hire trucking service providers. ACT Research converts responses into diffusion indexes, where the neutral or flat activity level is 50. The index tightened to a new low in February, to 23.6 from 25.0 in January, according to Tim Denoyer, ACT Research’s Vice President and Senior Analyst. “As fleets often like to be gearing up for springtime volume growth in February, the tightness in the driver market feels acute,” Denoyer said. This is the third straight month that the index had the tightest reading in the three-year history of its development. “The latest stimulus is yet another factor on a long list of driver constraints keeping the truckload market tight,” Denoyer said. “Demographics and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse are also factors inhibiting driver re-engagement, even in response to record spot rates and rising driver pay. “Significant additions to capacity this year are unlikely,” he concluded. The ACT Freight Forecast provides forecasts for the direction of truck volumes and contract rates quarterly through 2020 with three years of annual forecasts for the truckload, less-than-truckload and intermodal segments of the transportation industry. For the truckload spot market, the report provides forecasts for the next 12 months. In 2019, the average accuracy of the report’s truckload spot rate forecasts was 98%.

Women of Trucking: Rikki Shinkle discovers ‘second family’ in trucking industry

By The Trucker News Staff -

In honor of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF) recognizes the growing number of women who are supporting the trucking industry and working to keep America moving forward. Rikki Shinkle has worked for MTS for more than 15 years. In her role as fleet manager of the Dayton, Ohio, terminal, she oversees the company’s trucking operations, including managing on-time deliveries and pickups, ensuring the safety of drivers and making sure customers are happy. Shinkle, whose father, uncle and husband are all professional truck drivers, said a career in trucking “fell into my lap” more than 25 years ago when she took a summer job at a small distribution center in West Virginia that was owned by a family member. Later, after a friend suggested that Shinkle apply for a job in trucking as a full-time career, she transitioned into dispatch while working for Meyer Distribution. When asked what she loves most about working the trucking industry, Shinkle said it is working with the drivers. “I love hearing their stories,” she said. Rikki encourages other women who are interested in joining the trucking industry to strongly consider doing so. “I would tell them that the trucking industry is a second family and home,” she said.

Put winter in the rear-view mirror with springtime maintenance tips from Bendix

By The Trucker News Staff -

ELYRIA, Ohio — As spring arrives across North America, it’s important to take preventive maintenance steps and address the tolls that a season of wild temperature swings and corrosive road chemicals can take on vehicles. The experts at Bendix offer a few tips to help commercial truck owners put winter’s troubles in the rear-view mirror. Tough times for trucks “Winter weather is hard on all the physical components of your air brake system,” said Richard Nagel, director of marketing and customer solutions for Bendix. “You’ve got the contrast of freezing temperatures and heat coming off the engine; you get trapped moisture due to freeze-thaw cycles, thermal cycling and humidity; you get metals expanding and contracting and plastics softening and hardening. It’s the same reason pavement cracks and potholes grow in the winter.” That means drivers and technicians need to pay extra attention this time of year with both visual checks and keen awareness of component performance. Because of their exposure on the road, air dryers mounted on the frame rail are susceptible to corrosion, particularly the seats around the purge and pressure protection valves, as well as the governor connection. Steel air tanks can also corrode and develop small punctures. Dirt, sand and road chemicals can mix with water and form residue that can clog and prevent proper operation of air dryer parts such as the pressure protection and purge valves. Inspections should also include an eye for cracking or breakage of plastic air-line tubing that connects the dryer to the truck’s air system. Push-to-connect air fittings can also be affected by chemicals and temperature cycling. In the cab and on the road Behind the wheel, there are other indicators of winter damage to an air brake system. “Just because you don’t immediately see or hear any leaks doesn’t mean they’re not present,” Nagel said. “If you notice that it’s taking significantly longer to charge the tanks — say, three or four minutes compared to one or two — then that’s a sign that your air brake system is losing air. The same thing applies if you notice the system charging more often. And an increase in charging cycles also means more air going through the dryer, which affects the life of the dryer cartridge.” Additionally, if the air dryer cartridge wasn’t replaced in the fall, now is a good time to switch it out. Drivers might notice a general “stickiness” in the feel of the brakes, as if they’re responding more slowly to the push of the brake pedal. This can indicate valve seals in the system that have had their lubricant degraded through corrosion, or possibly by the use of de-icing solutions if the air system froze during the winter. “That’s why we never recommend adding anything to the air system — although we recognize that some situations may call for the drastic measure of using a brake antifreeze compound,” Nagel said. “If you’ve had to do this, then spring is a great time to check for leaks around brake valves where O-rings might have been exposed to these chemicals or replace valves that may be sticking internally due to loss of lubrication. Some fleets even routinely just change out air valves as part of post-winter preventive maintenance.” It’s all connected Higher-level air-connected technologies like antilock braking systems (ABS) can also suffer from difficult winter conditions. “Wire harnesses get chipped by gravel or experience corrosion, and once the wires get wet, they can short out,” Nagel said. “Any wiring on the chassis is at risk, and our technical support team says post-winter electrical shorts and the resulting air brake valve malfunctions are the No. 1 source of calls to Bendix this time of year.” As more trucking systems depend on a reliable supply of compressed air — including Automated Manual Transmissions (AMTs), emissions controls and full stability — proper maintenance of the air system is key to keeping vehicles on the road and in good operating condition. This spring, spending some extra time addressing the ravages of winter can help enhance fleet safety and ease the road ahead for the men and women at the wheel.

Women of Trucking: Natashia Gregoire inspired by ‘front-row view’ of trucking industry

By The Trucker News Staff -

In honor of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF) recognizes the growing number of women who are supporting the trucking industry and working to keep America moving forward. As the managing director of communications and culture for FedEx Freight, Natashia Gregoire oversees FedEx’s corporate communications, including internal and external communications, as well as the company’s culture; diversity, equity and inclusion; and citizenship efforts. Gregoire started at FedEx in 2012 and has supported the FedEx global business through a number of communications roles. In 2019, she transitioned to her current role in 2019, an opportunity she says allows her “to truly learn more about the day-to-day operations up close.” “Over the past two years at (FedEx) Freight, it’s been remarkable to be among our incredible team members who move the goods we consume and show up day after day to transport essential supplies during the pandemic,” Gregoire said. “I feel so lucky to have this front-row view to how trucking moves our economy.” The best thing about working in the trucking industry, she said, is getting to know people and hear their personal stories. “Every day, I get to hear and learn so much about our drivers — the places they have been, the experiences they have and the impacts they are making for our customers and communities,” she explained. “It is truly amazing work, and I am excited to be a part of telling those stories every day.” Gregoire encourages other women to consider the diverse career opportunities available to women in the trucking industry, from driving commercial vehicles to serving in support and leadership roles. “Trucking, like any other industry, needs professionals of all types — HR, finance, marketing, etc.,” she said. “I encourage women to explore the opportunities that trucking has to offer and find their lane. “I know some amazing, trail-blazing women in the industry who are paving the way from the cabs of our trucks to the executive offices of companies like FedEx Freight,” she continued. “Ten years ago, I would not have envisioned myself working in trucking, but today I’m serving in a leadership role that is helping to shape the culture of the organization.”

Border patrol discovers over $1.3 million in narcotics hidden in truckload of spinach

By The Trucker News Staff -

OTAY MESA, Calif. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Otay Mesa commercial facility on March 10 discovered more than $1.3 million worth of methamphetamine hidden in a shipment of fresh spinach. The narcotics were wrapped in paper and labeled with pictures of spinach. At approximately 6:30 p.m., CBP officers encountered a 49-year-old Mexican citizen driving a tractor-trailer transporting a shipment manifested as fresh spinach. During the inspection, the CBP officer referred the driver to the port’s X-ray imaging system. During the X-ray exam, CBP officers identified abnormalities within the shipment and referred the truck and trailer for a detailed inspection at the dock area. A CBP team screened the truck and trailer and a detector dog alerted to the shipment. CBP officers searched the shipment and discovered 127 wrapped packages of methamphetamine, weighing more than 580 pounds, mixed in with the boxes of fresh spinach. “CBP officers continue to expedite legitimate trade and travel without letting their guard down when it comes to protecting our country,” said Rosa Hernandez, port director of the Otay Mesa Port of Entry. “We are aggressively combating the flow of illegal narcotics and preventing them to reach our communities.” CBP officers turned the driver over to the custody of agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, who later transported him to the Metropolitan Correction Center in San Diego. CBP officers seized the tractor, trailer and narcotics. The driver will face federal charges.

Idaho transportation agency’s expansion of US-95 one step closer to kickoff

By The Trucker News Staff -

MOSCOW, Idaho — Plans to expand U.S. 95 south of Moscow, Idaho, are one step closer to construction, according to the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD). The agency announced March 18 that it has been granted a permit from the Army Corps of Engineers to proceed with the project. “This permit was one of the last few hurdles to get our plans out to construction and make the highway safer,” said Ken Helm, the ITD project manager who has overseen expansion efforts since 1998. “Now we can finally address the last two-lane section between Lewiston (Idaho) and Moscow.” The permit approves the evaluation and mitigation of permanent wetlands that will be affected by shifting the highway less than a mile to the east and adding two more travel lanes. The new route will be flatter, feature wider shoulders and have fewer access points to improve safety. According to IDT, the expansion will reduce travel times for the 7,300 drivers who take this route each day. “Our next step is to finish working with property owners to acquire the last remaining parcels of land necessary for expansion,” Helm said. “We aim to bid this project this summer, which means we could start construction this fall.” Construction is expected to take two years and has an estimated price tag of $60 million. For more information, click here.

1 killed in fiery tractor-trailer crash on I-65 in Indiana

By The Trucker News Staff -

WHITE COUNTY, Ind. — A truck driver is dead following a March 23 crash on Interstate 65 that involved two tractor-trailers and a passenger van. At about 11 a.m. local time, Indiana State Police responded to an accident and large fire involving multiple vehicles on southbound I-65 at the 187 mile marker. Preliminary investigation by Devin Farmer, an Indiana state trooper, revealed that a red 2017 Freightliner, pulling a tanker trailer containing a food-grade material, was driving northbound in the right lane on I-65 near the 187 mile-marker. For reasons unknown, the Freightliner swerved into the left lane and sideswiped a white 2014 GMC van, driven by James Harrington, 66, of Thomasville, North Carolina. The GMC stopped in the median, and the Freightliner continued across the cable barrier and into the southbound lanes. A blue 2019 Volvo tractor, driven by Frank Duran Jr., 56, of Chicago, was traveling southbound in the right lane, pulling two trailers. The Freightliner hit the two trailers, shearing one of them in half, and then caught on fire. The Freightliner and both trailers came to rest in the ditch on the west side of the southbound lanes. The Volvo continued southbound and stopped on the right shoulder. The driver of the Freightliner was pronounced dead at the scene by the Carroll County Coroner. The driver’s name is being withheld pending identification and notification to the family. Harrington and Duran were both uninjured in the crash.

Caltrans receives $2.15 million grant for research on road user charge

By The Trucker News Staff -

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Caltrans in mid-March announced it has received a $2.15 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to study impacts of a potential road user charge program in rural communities. The grant builds on Caltrans’ ongoing research for possible alternatives to the state gas tax to fund road and highway maintenance. In a road charge system, drivers could be charged for the miles they travel rather than the gasoline they use. “As the state looks toward a zero-emission future, California needs to study alternatives to the gas tax to fund our transportation infrastructure,” said Toks Omishakin, director of Caltrans. “It is critical that we fully understand how a road charge program may uniquely impact rural communities and work together to find solutions.” With the grant, Caltrans will study the viability of GPS technology in differentiating between public and private roads. The project will also identify priorities and analyze potential benefits of a statewide road-charge program in rural and tribal communities. Caltrans will use volunteers for the study, which is expected to be completed in 2023. Caltrans received the grant as part of the USDOT Surface Transportation System Funding Alternatives Program, which supports projects that test alternative tools — such as road use charges — to fund transportation maintenance. This program was established in conjunction with the federal Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST) of 2015, which was designed to provide long-term funding for surface transportation nationwide. This project will be Caltrans’ third road charge study. The initial California Road Charge Pilot launched in 2016 and ran for nine months. During that time, more than 5,000 vehicles from all over the state reported more than 37 million miles driven, using both manual methods and technical methods with optional location‐based services. Caltrans launched a second project in January 2021 to determine a user-friendly method for gathering data. Based on recommendations from the original pilot report, this project simulates a road charge using four technologies — pay at the pump/charge point, usage-based insurance, ride-sharing and autonomous vehicles. California is also partnering with Oregon, which has a voluntary road charge program, on a pilot project to explore issues related to interoperability between states and to help develop a potential regional system. For more information about the California Road Charge program, click here.

Women of Trucking: Sherri Garner Brumbaugh follows father’s footsteps into trucking, ATA leadership

By The Trucker News Staff -

In honor of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF) recognizes the growing number of women who are supporting the trucking industry and working to keep America moving forward. In addition to serving as president of Ohio-based Garner Transportation Group — a company founded by her parents, Fern and Jean Garner, in 1960 — Sherri Garner Brumbaugh is the current chair of the board of the American Trucking Associations (ATA). She is the second member of her family to be elected ATA chair. Her father led the federation from 2002-2003. When Brumbaugh was elected as chair by ATA’s board of directors during the association’s Management Conference & Exhibition, she spoke at the conference through a video message, sharing the story of her involvement in the trucking industry. Trucking became a part of Brumbaugh’s life at a young age, when she rode along with her father. During her pre-teen and teenage years, she helped with the family business; ultimately returning to her roots as part of a trucking family as an adult. Brumbaugh said one of the many issues that’s important to her is supporting the trucking industry’s efforts to combat human trafficking. She works closely with Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT), and trains every new employee at Garner Trucking with the TAT training resources to identify human trafficking. America’s truck drivers, described as “our eyes and ears on the road,” are uniquely positioned to identify and report suspected cases of human trafficking. Employees at Garner Trucking are empowered to recognize the signs of human trafficking during their first orientation session. Throughout her almost 35 years of experience in the trucking industry, Brumbaugh has served in a variety of leadership positions, including the board of directors of the Ohio Trucking Association, the Indiana Motor Truck Association and Truckload Carriers Association. She also served as the acting Secretary of the Advisory Committee on Human Trafficking for the U.S. Department of Transportation; the committee provided recommendations to former Secretary Chao to address human trafficking issues as they relate to all U.S. transportation sectors. Brumbaugh said she hopes to be a role model for other women, bringing more women into trucking as both drivers and executives. Garner Trucking has received numerous recognitions in recent years, including being awarded as a Top Trucking Company for women to work for in transportation.

Truckload prices jumped as February’s winter weather stressed fragile supply chains

By The Trucker News Staff -

PORTLAND, Ore. — According to the DAT Truckload Volume Index, freight pricing rose and national average load-to-truck ratios for dry van and refrigerated freight hit record highs in February as severe weather across much of the U.S. distressed supply chains and disrupted transit times. The Index, which measures dry van, refrigerated and flatbed loads moved by truckload carriers, declined 9.8% from January to February, reflecting a reduction in freight movement for the month. However, demand for truckload capacity tightened as contracted carriers struggled to fulfill service commitments. During the week of Feb. 21, DAT achieved record network volumes with more than 10 million loads posted, an increase of 42% from the previous high recorded in June 2018 — and a 174% improvement over the same period in February 2020. Nationally, the van load-to-truck ratio averaged 7.5 in February compared to 4.3 the previous month, and the reefer ratio was 15.9, up from 8.2 in January. The flatbed ratio jumped from 47.9 in January to 62.2 last month. The impact on truckload pricing was significant, according to DAT analysts. Dry van spot rates averaged $2.41 per mile in February, up from $2.36 in January and 63 cents higher than in February 2020. Increases were even greater in the temperature-controlled sector, where reefers were in demand to keep traditional dry freight from freezing. Reefer spot rates averaged $2.70 a mile, up 9 cents month over month and 62 cents year over year. “The scope of the weather system and impact on people and infrastructure at once constricted freight volumes and made it more expensive to move goods long distances over the road,” said Ken Adamo, chief of analytics at DAT. “After a decline in January and early February, pricing unexpectedly shot back up to post-holiday levels and strained fragile supply chains.” In addition to record-level spot market volumes, intermodal network disruptions pushed more freight into the spot markets as shippers sought to meet delivery deadlines with customers. At $2.58 per mile, the national average spot flatbed rate hit its highest point since August 2018 as the movement of building products and raw materials for manufacturing increased. The flatbed load-to-truck ratio was 62.2 compared 47.9 in January and 20.4 in February 2020. Load-to-truck ratios reflect the number of available loads on the DAT network of load boards relative to the number of available trucks and indicate levels of supply and demand in the truckload marketplace. The DAT market outlook in March is for spot rates and truckload freight volumes to fall from record highs but remain elevated as they track a more normal pattern of activity. Strong import volumes continue to put pressure on supply chains as shippers try to replenish their inventories. Demand for refrigerated trailers will continue to build as shippers move domestic and imported produce. Supply chains are adjusting to more than $600 million in weather-related agricultural losses across Texas, including citrus crops; cold- and warm-season vegetables; livestock grazing materials such as oats, rye grass and triticale; and landscape plants, according to agricultural economists at Texas A&M University. The start of produce season in southern Florida will further tighten capacity. Flatbed carriers are benefiting from high demand for farm and construction machinery. The Port of Baltimore is the No. 1 roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) port in the U.S. and handles the majority of the East Coast’s market share of imported RoRo cargo annually. Last month, total tonnage of RoRo equipment was up 301% year over year compared to February 2020. “Starting in March, you can give far less weight to year-over-year comparisons because you’re going to see some pretty wild numbers,” Adamo said. “Shifting consumer demand and imbalanced supply chains in 2020 make it more important than ever to rely on the industry’s best analysis and historical data, going back multiple years, as you forecast the rest of 2021 and into 2022.”

Pennsylvania-based PGT Trucking opens new terminals in Arizona, Arkansas

By The Trucker News Staff -

ALIQUIPPA, Pa. — PGT Trucking Inc. on March 18 announced the official opening of two new locations, one in Phoenix, Arizona, and one in Fort Smith, Arkansas. PGT, which is celebrating its 40th year in business this year, has more than 30 company and agent locations across the U.S. The addition of the Phoenix terminal and the relocation of the Poteau, Oklahoma, staff to Fort Smith will allow PGT to expand its transportation solutions to meet the growing needs of current customers and new business, according to a company statement. The Phoenix terminal, located on the north side of the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport at 2625 East Air Lane, extends PGT’s footprint westward. “We are excited to offer additional shipping solutions into the Southwest by way of our new Phoenix location,” said Chad Marsilio, COO for PGT. “Our terminal is made up of experienced drivers and staff who are ready to provide capacity to our diverse customer base.” The relocation of the Poteau terminal to 3315 Cavanaugh Road in Fort Smith, Arkansas, provides a convenient, accessible hub positioned closer to the carrier’s customers. “The (Fort Smith) terminal is conveniently located right off of Interstate 540 and U.S. Highway 71, making it more accessible to our drivers,” Marsilio said. “It is closer to PGT’s customer network, which gives us more freight options. The on-site shop provides drivers with direct maintenance support, and the terminal is run by the same great staff we had in Poteau.”

Yellow driver Robert Herber achieves 5 million safe miles

By The Trucker News Staff -

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — After nearly five decades of professionally driving for YRC Freight, Robert Herber has logged his 5 millionth consecutive mile without a single preventable accident. YRC recently reverted to its roots, renaming itself Yellow Corp. Herber has been involved with the freight industry for most of his life. His first taste of the industry was unloading cars at a cattle feed mill in his native Burkes County, Pennsylvania. During Herber’s 45-year career with Yellow, he has worked out of seven different terminals across the country. He currently drives a dedicated route from Jackson, Mississippi, to Jacksonville, Florida. “Throughout his career, Robert has demonstrated great dedication to the highest levels of professionalism and safety,” said Yellow CEO Darren Hawkins. “We thank Robert for continuing to be an outstanding example for Yellow and congratulate him on reaching this extraordinary milestone.” Herber credits his remarkable safety record to consistency and maintaining habitual checklists. His method is rooted in the Smith System, a set of industry-accepted safety practices. Over the years, Herber has developed his own set of requirements to meet while he drives his route. “Everyone has his or her own system that works best. The important thing is to stay consistent and make sure you are following a pattern,” Herber said. “I’m not comfortable until I’ve followed all steps of my own system; if I don’t complete steps fully the first time, I’ll pull over and double check everything. The rest is by the grace of God. I never thought I would be driving for this long.” In addition to being recognized for each million-mile safe driving milestone, Herber has participated in Maryland’s State Truck Driving Championship, even proceeding to the national championships. “Robert’s unwavering record represents Yellow’s safety focus with excellence,” said Tamara Jalving, vice president of safety for Yellow. “Drivers like Robert are what allow us to continue delivering award-winning service to our customers while keeping highways safe. We are proud to recognize his incredible achievement.” When he is not driving, Herber and his wife have enjoyed attending street rod shows everywhere from Atlanta, Georgia, to Fort Worth, Texas. They also spend their time volunteering in their hometown of Meridian, Mississippi. In 2018, Herber was selected Man of the Year by the Center Hill Community Development Club for his service to the community.

Women of Trucking: Mandy Graham believes trucking is truly the ‘backbone of America’

By The Trucker News Staff -

In honor of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF) recognizes the growing number of women who are supporting the trucking industry and working to keep America moving forward. As far as career aspirations went, Mandy Graham said that as a girl, she knew she wanted a lifelong career that was full of adventure and allowed her to make a difference. Joining the trucking industry provided the opportunity for both. Graham has had various roles in trucking during the past two decades, beginning her career as a dispatcher and eventually moving into the commercial insurance side of the industry. From providing relief during national disasters to delivering medical supplies and groceries, she said she is honored to be a part of the trucking industry, adding that each day brings new challenges and opportunities. As a dispatcher, she learned firsthand the dedication, hard work and sense of duty that truck drivers share. Later, her journey at Great West Casualty Co. started in underwriting support. With experience and education came new positions, bringing more direct involvement with motor carriers and the industry. In 2017, she was promoted to her current position of chief operating officer for Great West Casualty Co. Working with the people of the trucking industry is the highlight of her career, according to Graham. “Our industry is driven by family-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, owner-operators, you name it. There is no single ‘right recipe’ for a motor carrier,” she explained. “They vary in size, specialty, service area, the list goes on. Every trucker has their own unique story, yet they all play an important part in our industry and share the qualities of dedication and resiliency. Graham said she has always been amazed at truck drivers’ commitment to service, regardless of what is thrown at them, adding that trucking truly is the backbone of America. She believes that anyone who is looking for a career that provides daily adventure with a sense of purpose and community, they can find a professional home in trucking. “I would encourage anyone, including women, who are considering joining the industry to do so,” she said. “It is much more diverse than one might think and that is a large part of what makes it special.”

XPO dubs planned spinoff company GXO, plans to complete transaction later this year

By The Trucker News Staff -

GREENWICH, Conn. — XPO Logistics Inc., which in December 2020 announced plans to spin off the logistics segment of its existing business, on March 18 announced the planned name for the new company — GXO Logistics Inc., with a marketing tagline of “Logistics at full potential.” “Today, we took an exciting step forward on our path to spinning off our logistics segment,” said Brad Jacobs, chairman and CEO of XPO. “The new company is called GXO — three letters that stand for the game-changing opportunities we’re bringing to the table for customers, employees and shareholders, with a nod to our XPO heritage,” he continued. “GXO will take this legacy into the future as an independent public company, with countless ways to deliver logistics at full potential.” Once the planned spinoff is complete, XPO and GXO will operate as separate pure-play businesses, focused separately on transportation and logistics. XPO will remain a global provider of freight transportation, primarily less-than-truckload and truck brokerage, while GXO will be the second largest contract logistics provider in the world. Malcom Wilson, XPO’s CEO for European operations, has been selected to serve as CEO of the newly formed GXO. “The new company’s brand identity captures the qualities that make us an industry leader — our ability to deliver faster, leaner, smarter logistics for customers at lower cost, using advanced automation and data science,” Wilson said. “I’m looking forward to leading our global team to the many new opportunities in our future.” XPO on March 18 also announced it has filed a confidential initial Form 10 registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for the planned spinoff of its logistics business. The transaction is expected to be completed during the second half of 2021.