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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

Buttigieg tours Maryland UPS facility, visits with vaccine delivery drivers

By The Trucker News Staff -

LANDOVER, Md. — On Monday, March 15, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg touted the American Rescue Plan as he toured a UPS facility in Landover, Maryland, that is delivering vaccines to the District of Columbia and Maryland. During the tour, Buttigieg, along with Sens. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Rep. Anthony Brown (D-Md.), met with UPS drivers who are delivering vaccines and saw demonstrations of how the vaccine is packaged and delivered across the area. “It was an honor to meet and thank the workers at UPS who are stepping up every day to deliver vaccines during this pandemic,” Buttigieg said. “As President Biden has said, help is on the way. The American Rescue Plan is a historic accomplishment that will help our national vaccination program get shots into people’s arms quickly and equitably. This will save lives.” Cardin stressed the importance of federal coordination in the vaccine effort, and thanked drivers for their service, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We need to get vaccines into the arms of every adult in this country and that can only be accomplished with critical coordination at the federal level,” Cardin said. “Thank you to all the delivery drivers and other essential workers who have shown bravery and dedication throughout the pandemic and now are on the frontlines delivering vaccines safely to state and local health departments for distribution. This is an incredibly complex task, but we will get it done and it will save lives.” The American Rescue Plan contains nearly $160 billion to provide the supplies, emergency response, testing and public health workforce to stop the spread of COVID-19, while distributing vaccines as quickly as possible and addressing racial disparities in COVID-19 outcomes. The transportation network plays a vital role in the success of the vaccination program, with drivers across the nation ensuring the vaccine and medical supplies are delivered in a safe, timely manner. “Today’s visit was a great opportunity to see firsthand how the Biden administration’s actions are leading to more vaccines on the ground and how Maryland’s workers are helping deliver on our top priority of getting these vaccines into the arms of Americans quickly,” Van Hollen said. “With the passage of the American Rescue Plan, it’s crucial that the state immediately deploy this historic federal support to improve vaccine access and reduce disparities in Maryland. We’ll be pushing to ensure just that, and I appreciate the efforts of Secretary Buttigieg and UPS, as together, we work to secure the timely delivery of vaccines across our state and country.” Brown, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, described the passage of the rescue plan as “historic,” pointing to the prioritization of quick, equitable administration of vaccines to the general public. “UPS facilities like the one in Landover are critical to ensuring states like Maryland get the vaccine supplies they need to protect the lives of our residents and defeat the COVID-19 pandemic,” Brown said. “This is a nationwide effort, requiring close cooperation and partnership between the public and private sectors. Working alongside Secretary Buttigieg and the tireless employees at UPS we will deliver for the American people and ensure better days are ahead.” Vaccine distribution has required significant innovation in the shipping and logistics industry, as well as partnership with federal, state, and local government to enable a massive delivery effort of vaccines, including some that need to be transported and held at super-cold temperatures, to every corner of the U.S.

Not-so-happy hour: Big rig hauling wine overturns after sideswiping truck on Maine Turnpike

By The Trucker News Staff -

LITCHFIELD, Maine — A tractor-trailer hauling bottles of wine along the Maine Turnpike Thursday, March 18, overturned after sideswiping a parked turnpike truck. According to a report from the Maine State Police, the incident occurred at 9:45 a.m. at mile marker 92 North in Litchfield. A turnpike truck, with amber lights flashing, was parked in the breakdown lane while the driver and a passenger retrieved construction signs along the turnpike. The northbound tractor-trailer, driven by William Rodney Harrington, 59, of Hartford, Connecticut, drifted into the breakdown lane, hitting the rumble strip. The noise alerted the workers, who moved to the ditch to avoid the oncoming truck. The tractor-trailer sideswiped the pickup and then continued into the ditch where the truck rolled over, spilling its load into the ditch. Michael Robinson, a 43-year-old Maine Turnpike worker, was hit in the leg from debris flying from the crash. He was treated at the hospital. Harrington was also treated for minor injuries at the hospital; he received a summons for a logbook violation and failure to move over.

Women of Trucking: Jana Jarvis encourages other women to explore careers in 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. Jana Jarvis, who joined the Oregon Trucking Associations as president in February 2015, was first exposed to the trucking industry early in her career while working for a battery manufacturer, and she quickly recognized how critical trucking is to the economy and U.S. supply chain. Jarvis said she has always had a positive impression of trucking and a deep respect for truck drivers. When, as a young woman she first began traveling alone, her father advised her, “If you need help, let a truck driver help you.” That positive impression eventually led to her current position with Oregon Trucking Associations. “I always knew that trucking was integral to economic growth and opportunity in our country. Our country moves the majority of all our goods and products through trucks,” she said, adding that there are many things she loves about working in the trucking industry. “It’s hard to pinpoint one thing. The people are fabulous. From the business owners to our association’s members, to the staff to the drivers,” she said, adding, “There’s a lot to be proud of within this industry.” The importance of the trucking industry is especially evident during times of crisis and recovery, she said, pointing to truck drivers across the nation who have continued to deliver essential goods throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. “I don’t know what industry could have possibly made me prouder as I watched the trucking industry’s work during the pandemic,” she said. Women who have an interest in trucking should definitely explore careers in the industry, Jarvis said, noting that she is proud to see the increasing number of women in trucking. “There’s a lot of opportunity for women in this industry. From driving a truck, to working at a trucking company, to running one, to being in an association, there’s tremendous opportunity for women,” she said. “We tend to think of the industry in masculine terms but it’s going through a bit of a transformation,” she continued. “When I say there’s opportunities for women in the industry, I mean it. It’s important we let women know that opportunities exist for them in trucking through a variety of jobs and career opportunities.”

Volvo VNR Electric Class 8 truck eligible for incentive programs in U.S., Canada

By The Trucker News Staff -

GREENSBORO, N.C. — The Volvo VNR Electric battery-electric Class 8 truck is now eligible for more than a dozen funding and incentive programs in North America, including up to $120,000 per vehicle from California’s Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP). These funding programs, which include point-of-sale vouchers, incentives and rebates, are designed to help fleets make cost-effective transition to zero-emission vehicles. “Funding and incentives are an important part of the total cost of ownership calculation for fleets deploying battery-electric trucks,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “With so many local and state-level funding opportunities available from coast to coast, combined with a robust sales and service support network from Volvo Trucks, there are more resources available than ever to guide and help make electrification seamless for customers.” Volvo Trucks North America began taking customer orders for its VNR Electric model in early December 2020, and production began early this year at the company’s New River Valley manufacturing plant in Dublin, Virginia. The Volvo VNR Electric is eligible for funding programs throughout the U.S. and Canada including: Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP) from California, which offers up to $120,000 per electric truck; South Coast Air Quality Management District Proposition 1B 2020 Goods Movement Emission Reduction Program from California, which offers up to $200,000 per electric truck; Southeastern Alternative Fuel Deployment Partnership Project (SEAFDP) from Georgia, which offers up to 100% of the incremental cost of the electric truck; Drayage Truck Replacement Program from Maryland, which offers up to $30,000 per electric truck; MOR-EV Trucks Program from Massachusetts, which offers up to $90,000 per electric truck; Michigan Fuel Transformation Program Part 1, which offers up to 70% of the total electric truck cost; New York Truck Voucher Incentive Program (NY-TVIP), which offers up to $185,000 per electric truck; New York City Clean Trucks Program (NYCCTP), which offers up to $185,000 per electric truck; Écocamionnage Program from Québec, Canada, which offers up to $175,000 per electric truck; Utah Clean Diesel Program, which offers up to 45% of the total cost of the electric truck; New Hampshire State Clean Diesel Program Diesel Emissions Reduction Act Program (DERA), which offers up to 45% of the total cost of the electric truck; and CleanBC Go Electric Commercial Vehicle Pilots Program from British Columbia, Canada, which offers up to 30% of the total project costs, including electric trucks and charging infrastructure. According to the manufacturer, the Volvo VNR Electric truck produces zero tailpipe emissions and significantly reduces heat, noise and vibrations, creating a clean, comfortable experience for drivers. The vehicle’s 264-kWh lithium-ion batteries, which charge up to 80% within 70 minutes, have an operating range of up to 150 miles based on the truck’s configuration and application. Regenerative braking can increase range by returning power up to 15% back into the battery, depending on the duty cycle. Battery monitoring technology relays the state of health for the energy source in real time, streamlining service needs and maximizing uptime.

Temporary closure of 86-mile stretch of Pennsylvania Turnpike will result in 100+ mile detour Saturday night

By The Trucker News Staff -

An 86-mile stretch of the Pennsylvania Turnpike between the New Stanton (Exit 75) and Breezewood (exit 161) interchanges will be closed in both directions from 11 p.m. Saturday, March 20, until 6 a.m. Sunday, March 21, according to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. During the temporary closure, crews will remove the County Ridge Road bridge, which carries traffic over the turnpike at milepost 144.85 in Bedford Township in Bedford County. Blasting will be used to remove the bridge; those living in the area have been notified but should expect to hear the blasts overnight. Motorists at the Breezewood and New Stanton interchanges will be given the following suggested detour routes: Westbound traffic: Exit the Pennsylvania Turnpike at the Breezewood interchange; Follow U.S. 30 west for 18.7 miles; Follow Interstate 99 north for 30.1 miles; Follow U.S. 22 west for 64.5 miles; Follow PA Toll Route 66 south for 13.9 miles; and Enter the Pennsylvania Turnpike at the New Stanton interchange. Eastbound traffic: Exit the Pennsylvania Turnpike at the New Stanton interchange; Follow U.S. 66 Business north for 0.2 miles; Follow Pennsylvania Toll Route 66 north for 14.2 miles; Follow U.S. 22 east for 63.7 miles; Follow Interstate 99 south for 30.4 miles; Follow U.S. 30 east for 18.3 miles; and Enter Pennsylvania Turnpike at the Breezewood interchange. The more than 100-mile detour is necessary because shorter alternate routes cannot safely accommodate the diverted traffic volumes. Expect higher traffic volumes on detour roads during the closure. Message boards will be placed to inform motorists of the closure. Vehicles will be allowed to enter the turnpike at the Somerset (Exit 110) and Donegal (Exit 91) interchanges and travel westbound. Vehicles will also be allowed to enter the turnpike at the Bedford interchange (Exit 146) and travel eastbound. Before the 11 p.m. closure March 20, information will be posted, and announcements will be made at the North Midway Service Plaza in Bedford County and the South Somerset Service Plaza in Somerset County warning customers of the closure. If customers remain in those service plazas after 11 p.m. March 20, they will be required to stay until the road reopens.

FMCSA: Driver who crashed rig into home, killing 1 and injuring 2, falsified DOT medical certification

By The Trucker News Staff -

WASHINGTON — California-licensed commercial driver’s license holder Daniel Tobon (aka Daniel Moran, Daniel Tabon), has been declared an imminent hazard to public safety by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and has been ordered not to operate any commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce. Tobon was served the federal order March 9. On December 31, 2020, Tobon was at the wheel of a tractor-trailer that crashed into a house in Mesa, Arizona, killing one person and seriously injured two others. A commercial driver’s license (CDL) holder, Tobon was exiting U.S. 60 at Crismon Road when the vehicle failed to stop at the off-ramp intersection, crossed over a center curb, struck a signal pole and crashed through a masonry block wall before smashing into the front entrance of the residence and destroying the structure. According to a crash report by the Mesa Police Department, it appeared Tobon made no attempt to avoid the crash. Local news reports also quoted police as saying Tobon did not recall the crash when questioned afterward. “Illness or physical impairment” were cited as possible influencing conditions for the crash. During the subsequent investigation, FMCSA discovered Tobon had fraudulently certified his DOT/FMCSA medical examination report form in both September 2020 and September 2018. The DOT medical certification process is designed to ensure CDL holders are physically qualified to safely operate commercial vehicles. Each driver is required to complete a health history section and certify that the responses are complete and true. The driver further certifies that he/she understands that inaccurate, false or misleading information may invalidate the examination and medical examiner’s certificate. Deliberate omission or falsification of information concealing a disqualifying medical condition may also result in civil penalties. FMCSA’s imminent hazard out-of-service order states that Tobon’s “… continued operation of a commercial motor vehicle while medically unqualified poses a significant danger to you and the motoring public … if not discontinued immediately.” Failing to comply with the provisions of the federal imminent hazard order may result in civil penalties of up to $1,928 for each violation. Knowing and/or willful violations may result in criminal penalties. Tobon may not operate a commercial motor vehicle until such time he is successfully completes a return-to-duty process, including obtaining a valid medical certification issued by a certified medical examiner.

Women of Trucking: Heather Paraino loves rich history, amazing people of the 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. Heather Paraino serves as the senior corporate counsel for UniGroup C.A., the parent company of moving services such as United Van Lines and Mayflower. Paraino has worked in the trucking industry since 1997 when, she said, she “jumped at the chance to join the UniGroup team, an iconic St. Louis company, right out of school.” “As a history-buff, it was so interesting to learn about the background and context of our nearly a century-old industry,” she said. “Trucking is one of the rare ‘legacy’ industries that not only remain vital to our national economy, but that continues to innovate,” she continued. “There are few other industries with such a rich history and personal family-owned culture that’s also innovating to remain relevant and vital to the U.S. and even world economies.” In addition to the rich history of moving and trucking, Paraino said she loves the industry because of the amazing people. “Maybe it’s because there’s such a strong family — often multigenerational — engagement in much of the moving industry, but I have found there to be a real sense of pride among United’s and Mayflower’s network of movers,” she explained. “As a woman, I have found it to be a welcoming and supporting industry to establish my career.” When asked what advice she would give to other women interested in joining the industry, Paraino encouraged them to join. “The industry is a great place for talented people to establish and grow their careers,” she noted. “There are also plenty of industry veterans who are willing to be mentors/helpful to someone just beginning their careers. You need only ask.” Paraino has held several leadership positions within the transportation industry. She was appointed Chair of the U.S. Department of Transportation/Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Household Goods Consumer Protection Working Group, and has been invited by the U.S. government to speak at conferences sponsored by the U.S. DOT. In 1997, she was named UniGroup’s Woman of the Year. Before going to work at UniGroup, she was as a legislative assistant for a member of the U.S. Congress.

February saw 6% drop in sales of used Class 8 trucks, increase in average miles, price age

By The Trucker News Staff -

COLUMBUS, Ind. — Preliminary figures show same-dealer sales of used Class 8 trucks fell 6% month over month and 8% year over year in February, but are 5% higher on a year-to-date basis compared to this time last year, according to the latest release of the State of the Industry: U.S. Classes 3-8 Used Trucks published by ACT Research. “Somewhat belying history, February used truck sales volumes took a step down from January, which is typically the weakest sales month of the year. What is different this time is that the inventory of used trucks is in short supply,” said Steve Tam, vice president of ACT. “Owing partially to strong used truck sales in the second half of 2020 and to supply chain-constrained, lower-than-expected new truck build and sales, dealers are having a hard time sating used truck buyers’ appetites.” Other data released in the preliminary report includes month-over-month comparisons for February 2021, which shows the average price for used Class 8 trucks rose 1%. Average miles were up 5% and average age was 3% higher compared to January. Compared to February of 2020, average price was 17% higher, while average miles and age rose 2% each. “Demand continues to be stoked by a robust freight market that is yielding some of the highest spot freight rates on record,” Tam said. “While we believe used truck prices will continue to increase, the gains do come with an expiration date, as the supply-demand balance between trucks and freight will equalize and used truck price comparisons will get increasingly tougher.” ACT’s Classes 3-8 Used Truck Report provides data about average selling price, miles and age, based on a sample of industry data. In addition, the report provides the average selling price for top-selling Class 8 models for each of the major truck OEMs — Freightliner (Daimler); Kenworth and Peterbilt (Paccar); International (Navistar); and Volvo and Mack (Volvo).

FMCSA halts Alabama carrier and driver for safety violations

By The Trucker News Staff -

WASHINGTON — Alabama-based carrier Woods Dependable Towing LLC has been declared an imminent hazard to public safety by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The company was served the federal order March 8. A separate imminent hazard order was also served by FMCSA to Woods Dependable Towing truck driver Samuel Lee Wren, who holds an Alabama-issued commercial driver’s license (CDL). The order prohibits Wren from operating any commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce. Wren was served the federal order March 3. During a compliance investigation conducted by the FMCSA on Woods Dependable Towing, numerous serious violations of federal safety statutes and regulations were discovered, including: Failing to have a systematic inspection, repair and maintenance program for its vehicles. In the past 24 months ending January 2021, Woods Dependable Towing’s vehicles were subject to 31 unannounced roadside inspections; on 16 occasions (a rate greater than 50%) Woods Dependable Towing trucks were immediately ordered out of service for serious safety violations. The national average for commercial vehicles ordered out of service following roadside inspections is 20.7%. The safety violations listed against Woods Dependable Towing included inoperable lights, deficient braking systems, and flat and/or worn tires with exposed fabric, ply or structural belt material. In reviewing the carrier’s maintenance records, FMCSA investigators found no evidence that vehicles were periodically inspected as required. In two instances, annual periodic inspection forms were found to be falsified. Failing to systematically monitor its drivers as required to ensure compliance with federal hours-of-service regulations to prevent fatigued driving. Investigators found evidence that drivers had submitted falsified records-of-duty-status. In the instance of driver Samuel Lee Wren, evidence was found that he routinely disabled his mandatory electronic logging device (ELD). While driving for Woods Dependable Towing, within a span of approximately three weeks in the fall of 2020, Wren had two separate single-vehicle crashes, one in Tennessee and the other in Ohio. In both instances, Wren received driving citations from state law-enforcement officers. FMCSA investigators found that prior to and on the day of the Tennessee crash, Wren had exceeded the allowable on-duty driving hours and that he had falsified his records-of-duty-status. Failing to ensure its CDL drivers are qualified. During its compliance investigation of Woods Dependable Towing, FMCSA investigators found that in May 2020, even though driver Samuel Lee Wren had been informed that he tested positive for a controlled substance, which prohibits him from operating a commercial motor vehicle, the carrier permitted Wren to continue to drive its trucks. The FMCSA imminent hazard out-of-service order to Woods Dependable Towing states that the carrier’s “complete and utter disregard for ensuring compliance with (federal safety regulations) substantially increases the likelihood of serious injury or death for your drivers and the motoring public if your operations are not discontinued immediately.” Woods Dependable Towing may be assessed civil penalties of up to $27,813 for each violation of the out-of-service order. The carrier may be assessed civil penalties of not less than $11,125 for providing transportation requiring federal operating authority registration and up to $15,691 for operating a commercial vehicle in interstate commerce without necessary DOT registration. If violations are determined to be willful, criminal penalties may be imposed, including a fine of up to $25,000 and imprisonment for a term not to exceed one year. Wren may not operate a commercial vehicle until such time as he successfully completes the statutorily required return-to-duty process overseen by a substance abuse professional. Wren may be assessed civil penalties of up to $1,895 for each violation of his federal imminent hazard order. Knowing and/or willful violation of the order may also result in criminal penalties. A copy of the imminent hazard order to Woods Dependable Towing can be viewed here.

March edition of Expediter Services IN-SITE 2021 Webinar Series places spotlight on Panther Premium Logistics, a service of ArcBest

By The Trucker News Staff -

Expediter Services (ES), a leader in capacity solutions and ownership opportunities within the trucking industry, will present the second webinar of its IN-SITE 2021 Online Series on Wednesday, March 24. The live event will take place at 2 p.m. EDT; replays of the webinar will be available online following the conclusion of the live presentation. With this edition of the IN-SITE 2021 series, ES will begin a series of webinars highlighting the partner motor carriers within the ES community. Panther Premium Logistics, a Service of ArcBest, will be the first motor carrier in the spotlight during IN-SITE 2021’s Start Your Own Trucking Business: Where The Rubber Meets The Road Series. This webinar will be focused on the key considerations owner-operators, independent contractors and aspiring entrepreneurs should review during the carrier recruiting process. Cory Robertson, a manager on the ground floor of fleet recruiting with Panther Premium Logistics, will be featured on the expert panel. Robertson will be joined by David Withers and Meghan Turner from ES. Withers is the senior director of operations for ES, while Turner serves as the company’s director of recruiting. Among the topics discussed by the panel will be the commitment by ES and Panther Premium Logistics to position the members of the ES Community for real success in trucking when the rubber meets the road. The panel discussion for this edition of the IN-SITE 2021 webinar series will be moderated by Leah Shaver, president and CEO of the National Transportation Institute (NTI). Founded in 1995, NTI has earned the reputation as a leader in the trucking industry for tracking company driver and owner-operator compensation history, changes and benchmarks. Shaver, who also serves as a host on SiriusXM’s Road Dog Trucking Radio Channel 146, will lead the discussion in the style of a fireside chat. The live event and access to the replay are free to anyone who is interested in attending the webinar. Registrations for this edition of the IN-SITE 2021 Series are available through the following link: https://globalmeet.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1441046&tp_key=d62b687729 “Everyone in our industry is aware that the demand for professional drivers to fill openings across trucking has never been greater. Additionally, the capacity provided by owner-operators, independent contractors and aspiring trucking entrepreneurs is continuing to grow in value,” said ES President Jason Williams. “This part of our IN-SITE 2021 series will be looking at the extremely competitive market for talent behind the wheel. Most importantly, we’ll be examining how asking the right questions can close the gap between your expectations established during the recruiting process and your actual experience,” Williams continued. “I believe our panel discussion will be very insightful, especially for those professional drivers who are looking to become owner-operators, independent contractors and others who are thinking about what it takes to start a business in trucking.” Webinar attendees webinar will learn how ES and Panther Premium Logistics have partnered to create a simple and straightforward way to be your own boss. The panel discussion will include details on the following: How the expedited driving opportunities are available for both tractors and straight trucks through Panther. How Panther works with solo, team and dedicated driving opportunities. How Panther utilizes the ES Path to Ownership plan within its fleet. How ES has helped more than 250 drivers, including more than 110 women, become business owners during the past 18 months. How Panther established a program that allows new entrants to the industry to move from straight trucks to tractors. How becoming an owner-operator has never been easier when working with the programs offered by Panther Premium and ES. How entrants into the ES Path to Ownership program have the opportunity to start driving with Panther in as little as 14 days — regardless of a program participant’s credit standing.

Kenworth’s new 15-inch digital display now standard on W990, T880 models

By The Trucker News Staff -

KIRKLAND, Wash. — Kenworth’s new 15-inch digital display system will be offered as standard equipment on Kenworth’s T880 and W990 models, Kenworth announced March 9. The fully digital, high-definition Digital Display is already standard on the recently launched Kenworth T680 Next Generation model. The intuitive, adjustable display can be customized, allowing drivers to match their preferences, while automatically displaying critical content, and was created using driver observation, user testing, iterative prototyping and meticulous design work for an advanced user experience. “We met with drivers from vocational and over-the-road applications as a key part of our design process,” said Laura Bloch, Kenworth’s assistant general manager for sales and marketing. “As a result, we put in place the vocational-specific enhancements to benefit our vocational customers. The digital display will serve as a valuable tool for T880 and W990 operators alike.” Kenworth’s digital display allows seamless viewing selection between two minimized views, basic view, maximized view and a customizable favorites view. Drivers can easily scroll up and down using the standard Kenworth Next Gen SmartWheel, which also puts cruise control and radio functions at the driver’s fingertips. The minimized views show truck speed, tachometer and standard content in the header and footer area for drivers who prefer fewer gauges. The basic view on-screen content adds gauges such as fuel, air, coolant and oil pressure. A simple scroll of the Kenworth Next Gen SmartWheel to the maximized view will show additional gauges specified on the truck — such as axle temperatures, torque, air filter, and brake application — for drivers who prefer to view all featured truck information. There is also a specific screen and tachometer mode available for power takeoff (PTO) engagement and operations for vocational customers who use vehicle-mounted equipment such as pumps, dump trucks or cement mixers. New set points can be controlled either by dash switches or using the steering wheel. Regardless of the display mode selected, the driver will automatically receive screen alerts regarding any warnings or faults that might occur. The digital display also enhances truck functionality when the truck is parked. Pressing the Exterior Light Self-Test switch runs a full system check for a quick analysis and status summary of multiple systems. The display screen also offers a Trip Summary view when the driver shuts off the truck for the day. If equipped, the system can provide a Driver Performance Assessment report and coaching advice. A Drive Summary, which reports statistics on information such as average fuel economy, idle time, cruise control usage, as well as any potential mechanical issues, also appears at day’s end. The display system’s offers nearly 50 different layout possibilities with a wide range of possible gauge sensors. There are more than 4,500 possible gauge view combinations, including several that a driver could construct into a “favorites” view.

Oregon Transportation Commission allots $65 million to improve freight mobility, relieve congestion

By The Trucker News Staff -

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Transportation Commission (OTC) on March 15 announced its approval of an Enhance Highway Discretionary Program that will address congestion and freight mobility issues on state highways, a move the commission says will impact the state’s trade-based economy. OTC has set aside $65 million in funding for projects that will improve the functionality of the state’s highways, such as auxiliary lanes and passing lanes, truck climbing lanes, freight improvements, intelligent transportation systems and other technology, and more. While projects will be focused on congestion relief and improving freight mobility, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) will factor in safety, equity, climate and multimodal accessibility as it selects projects. ODOT will engage area commissions on transportation and metropolitan planning organizations to get input on priority projects. These groups will be asked to provide feedback on the proposed projects before bringing the final list before the OTC for approval in the draft Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). The OTC plans to distribute project across the state, with a minimum of 30% of the total funding going to rural areas. Once the OTC approves the basic outlines of the program, ODOT will begin gathering potential projects later this year.

Women of Trucking: Renee Amar discovers rewarding role as industry advocate

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. After a career in policy and public affairs, which included jobs working for the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry and the National Federation of Independent Business, Renee Amar joined the Louisiana Motor Transport Association (LMTA) in November 2020, serving as the organization’s executive director. “The trucking industry is important to our economy. (Everyone) is impacted by the trucking industry,” said Amar, who describes herself as a “huge advocate” for the business community. “I’m passionate about the impact (the trucking industry has) on the economy and telling that story,” she continued. “I don’t think people truly realize how much trucking impacts their lives.” Amar takes great pride in her job and the essential role that truck drivers play during crises, when making deliveries becomes especially difficult. During severe weather, such as the hurricanes that frequently impact Louisiana, she said it’s time to “put your problem-solving cap on” and figure out how to make deliveries when “roads don’t look like how they normally do, and you don’t have access to certain things.” When the nation was hit by crippling winter storms in February, Louisiana was dealt an ice storm that caused power outages, treacherous travel conditions and other crises. Amar’s role was coordinating water deliveries to Louisiana communities, a job she said she found rewarding. “I was a part of connecting some really great people with potable water — getting them in touch with members that will drop whatever they are doing to go pick up what is needed and have it delivered,” she said. “It’s incredibly moving to me. We’re not just integral as part of the process — this is a set of people that are unlike any other.” Amar encourages other women to join the trucking industry. “You’ll meet some of the best people you’ve ever met before,” she said, adding that the women in trucking are “some of the most tenacious, persistent, smart and sophisticated women that I’ve ever met.”

Two leave scene on foot after hitting tractor-trailer on Indiana interstate

By The Trucker News Staff -

LAKE COUNTY, Ind. — Two Indiana residents have been arrested after allegedly crashing a car into a tractor-trailer and then leaving the scene on foot. On Saturday, March 13, a trooper with the Indiana State Police responded to a report of a crash involving a car and a semi truck on eastbound Interstate 80/94. When the trooper arrived at the scene, she observed a Buick Regal on the inside shoulder, abandoned, with extensive, disabling damage to the passenger side and multiple broken windows. There was a tractor-trailer on the outside shoulder. The investigation would later show the truck and trailer had been struck by the Buick. The driver of the truck was not injured in the crash. A male and female, reported to have been in a passenger car involved in the crash, were later found walking eastbound on the westbound side of the highway. The male was identified as Anthony Hampton, 21, of Michigan City, Indiana; the female was identified as Mersadis Schroder, 24, also of Michigan City. It was determined that Schroder was driving the Buick at the time of the crash. Investigation by troopers showed that the two fled the scene of the crash carrying bags. Further investigation resulted in the subjects denying any knowledge of whose bags they were carrying or what was in the bags. The backpack Schroder was carrying contained a scale, plastic bags, paraphernalia and multiple butane lighters. Both Schroder and Hampton were transported to the Lake County Jail for processing. Hampton was preliminarily charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, a Level 6 felony, and False Informing, a Class A Misdemeanor. Schroder is preliminarily charged with Possession of a Synthetic Drug or Lookalike, False Informing, Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Crash, Operator Never Licensed and Possession of Paraphernalia, all misdemeanor offenses.

Auto transport company owner sentenced for fraud, other charges

By The Trucker News Staff -

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Michael Chaves, 41, owner of Rumford, Rhode Island-based CAT Inc., an auto transport company, was sentenced on March 10 by U.S. District Court Judge William Smith to 30 months in federal prison for falsifying U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)/Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) records. Following 30 months in prison, Chaves is to be in federal supervised release for three years. Additionally, Chaves fraudulently obtained more than $400,000 from various financial institutions by employing schemes during which he obtained $332,000 in loans and funds from several banks and credit unions by providing fraudulent earning statements, tax returns, motor vehicle purchase contracts, and Department of Motor Vehicle documents; caused the fraudulent wire transfer between financial institutions of $72,864.28; and executed a scheme by submitting 15 fraudulent checks he created to an automobile seller’s bank account from which he obtained $64,453. He was found guilty of taking steps to avoid paying personal income taxes owed to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by mingling business and personal expenses, diverting third-party income using a check casher, and creating fraudulent third-party checks. He maintained approximately 15 different bank accounts using at least five different company names, according to information presented to the court. Chaves also failed to implement a driver alcohol or controlled substances testing program and allowed drivers to exceed their hours of service. Chaves committed fraud, using another person’s identity to continue to illegally operate his auto-hauling business after being ordered to shut down by the FMCSA. On Aug. 22, 2020, Chaves pleaded guilty to 10 charges, including aggravated identity theft, five counts of bank fraud, two counts of wire fraud, and tax evasion. A restitution order will be forthcoming from the court. In addition to restitution to be paid in the fraud schemes connected to the operation of his auto transport company, the order will include a payment by Chaves to Amazon. Court documents alleged that Chaves defrauded Amazon through theft of inventory by falsely represented returns. According to the allegations, Chaves ordered products from Amazon and, at times, replaced the original products with lesser-value replacements — often items that were different than the ones he originally ordered — before returning the packages to Amazon for refunds. Chaves’ alleged Amazon refund scams were discovered during the investigation of CAT Inc. by the IRS Service Criminal Investigation and U.S. DOT Office of Inspector General.

Schneider donated more than $2 million, 5,000 hours of volunteer time to support communities in 2020

By The Trucker News Staff -

GREEN BAY, Wis. — During 2020, the Schneider Foundation worked to support nonprofits by donating more than $2 million in grants to more than 400 organizations across North America. The year also saw the launch of Schneider’s Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Program with grants totaling more than $75,000 going to 11 nonprofit organizations across North America. The grantees were nominated mostly by Schneider associates and will help organizations inspire dialogue and take concrete actions for change. “Guided by our core values, which include respect for all, we strive to be a positive force in the areas we work and live,” said LuEllen Oskey, director of the Schneider Foundation. “Schneider has a history of giving back, and after the struggles of this past year, we recognize that our financial contributions make an impactful difference in our local and regional communities.” The foundation seeks to support communities and organizations through a variety of initiatives, including: In-kind Donations: Schneider transports shipments for nonprofits in need of assistance; 25 in-kind loads totaled approximately $42,000 in 2020. Pay It Forward: The Schneider Foundation randomly selects 100 associates who, in turn, select a charity of their choice to receive a $100 donation. Dollars for Doers: Associates who volunteer 50 hours in their community receive a $250 donation to support the nonprofit organization of their choice, totaling $10,500 in 2020. Giving Orange: Schneider associates donate funds to help fellow associates in a time of need. In 2020, 13 associates received a total of $7,800 in assistance from the fund. United Way: Schneider is a long-time supporter of United Way. The support campaign went virtual in 2020 through activities such as electronic bingo and an online auction. The company exceeded its annual goal, raising $230,641. The COVID-19 pandemic created unique, unprecedented hardships across the nation, and the Schneider Foundation redirected part of its annual budget to support pandemic relief efforts, including: The Brown County United Way received $40,000 for pandemic relief. HSHS St. Vincent/St. Mary’s Foundation received $10,000 for personal protection equipment. Operation Community Cares (organized through Paul’s Pantry) received $10,000 to provide home delivery services of food/hygiene products. Feeding America received $10,000 to purchase bulk supplies that were distributed to individual local food pantries. In addition, the foundation made donations of $30,000 to the Greater Green Bay Back to Business Grants, and $2,500 to the De Pere Chamber for small business relief grants. “As our communities continue to work towards recovery, we will continue to leverage the Schneider Foundation and support the important work of nonprofits across the country,” said Mark Rourke, Schneider’s president and CEO. “Despite the disruptions to everyday life, our incredible associates dedicated over 5,000 hours of time to volunteering in their local communities.”

Analysts say infrastructure investment, green initiatives could be good news for truckers

By The Trucker News Staff -

COLUMBUS, Ind. — According to the recently released North American Commercial Vehicle On-Highway Engine Outlook, published by ACT Research and Rhein Associates, the Biden administration’s focus includes prioritizing investment in new low-carbon technologies to strengthen the nation’s competitiveness, improve its air quality and add good-paying jobs in a growing economic segment. “The trucking industry has rebounded strongly, with spot freight rates at record highs and increased new truck order intake leading to strong industry outlooks for the medium and heavy-duty segments,” said Kenny Vieth, president and senior analyst for ACT. “The year-long shift to more home deliveries because of COVID continues to influence the trucking industry, and these reduced-distance routes and increasing last mile deliveries are ideal candidates for alternative powertrain adoption.” The report also notes that, while the trucking industry might escape short-term focus, longer-term efforts, such as infrastructure investment, will be good for truckers, particularly vocational trucks. In addition, analysts believe green initiatives will drive demand for zero-emission commercial vehicles. “In 2020, truck penetration peaked at just over 32% in a depressed Class 8 market. For smaller displacement engines, non-captive suppliers represented more than 90% market share,” said Andrew Wrobel, senior powertrain analyst for Rhein. “Captive engines account for almost 70% of Class 8 tractor applications, where engines over 14 liters continue to increase share, ending 2020 around 55% share.” When asked about alternative fuels, Wrobel commented, “Demand for natural gas-powered trucks has shown modest growth, with further slow growth anticipated, and despite the current pandemic, electric vehicle product development and new introductions continue.” The North American On-Highway Engine Outlook highlights power-source activity for commercial vehicle Classes 5-8, including five-year forecasts of engines volumes and product trends. The report is tied to ACT’s detailed monthly reports.

FTR reports trailer orders fell in February

By The Trucker News Staff -

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — FTR reports that preliminary U.S. net trailer orders continued to moderate in February, falling 23% month over month to a total of 23,100 units. Although orders fell, the figure is still 64% above February last year. February order activity is very consistent with seasonal trends, following a record-setting fourth quarter in 2020, according to FTR analysts. “Fleets have placed large orders for trailers in response to the robust freight demand,” said Don Ake, FTR’s vice president of commercial vehicles. “OEMs are under pressure to fill these orders due to bottlenecks in the supply chain. Suppliers are facing worker shortages; some raw materials are scarce and there are still delays getting some imported parts through the West Coast ports. Once the situation improves, production will be steady, at high volumes for an extended time.” Trailer orders for the past 12 months total 322,000. Freight markets continue to be secure, with more trailers needed to meet the growing demand. Most fleets have already placed all orders for 2021 delivery, especially for dry and refrigerated vans. Flatbed orders and other vocational segments are expected to continue to recover until entering the summer months. “2021 will be another fantastic year for the trailer industry once the supply chain stabilizes,” Ake said. “Freight growth should continue to be vibrant throughout the year. Consumer freight has been elevated for months and now manufacturing freight is poised to bounce. Demand for trailers will continue at elevated rates, right into 2022. Fleets desperately need more trailers right now, and this trend will continue until supply catches up with demand.”

Women of Trucking: Tracy Denora discovered love of industry as a teen

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. Tracy Brito Denora has spent nearly 20 years with the New Jersey Warehousemen & Movers Association (NJWMA), and she is now the first woman to serve as the company’s executive director. Denora first started working in the trucking industry when she was in high school during the 1980s, working for her family’s moving company, Apollo Moving & Storage a North American Van Lines Agent in Newark, New Jersey. After college, she worked as the production manager for a magazine publishing company for 10 years. “Moving is what I know best and love, and I enjoy helping New Jersey moving companies in any way I can, whether it’s assisting in their license renewals, tariffs or everyday moving issues,” Denora said, referring to her return to the industry. Her goal, she said, is to raise public awareness of the dangers of not using licensed public movers and prevent the risk of consumers falling victim to moving scams. Denora strongly encourages other women to pursue careers in the trucking and moving industry. “Go for it! Don’t be hesitant (because of) the stigma that this industry is predominately male. (It’s) simply not true,” she said. “In the last decade I have seen so many women work their way up to senior management and owners. (NJWMA has) two women on our board of directors that own their own moving company. We have created a NJWMA Women Moving Women Group, and the size of our group doubled by our second meeting this past February. “I am proud of every woman in this industry; they are fierce!” Denora said.

Michigan DOT opens temporary M-30 bridge following 500-year flood

By The Trucker News Staff -

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan State Highway 30 temporary bridge over the Tobacco River in Gladwin County was opened to traffic March 11 by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). The M-30 corridor had been closed for 10 months because of infrastructure and flooding issues in the wake of a 500-year flood in May 2020. “Gov. [Gretchen] Whitmer asked MDOT to prioritize restoring flood-damaged roads and bridges, and she is thrilled by the way the department and contractors responded,” said Paul Ajegba, state transportation director. “Their hard work helped restore mobility for commuters and the flow of commerce across these communities.” The temporary steel structure, which was prefabricated and assembled on-site to help reduce costs and speed restoration of the corridor, is intended to be used for five to seven years. Once the permanent bridge is built, the temporary bridge will be removed and stored for potential future construction and emergency events. The 230-foot structure cost $4.5 million for the bridge components and installation. By using a temporary structure, MDOT was able to reopen the roadway less than one year following flood damage. The long-term structure of the river system is not known at this time. Following the 500-year flooding event in May 2020, MDOT and local officials closed nearly 30 roads and bridges across several counties, including two in Midland and Gladwin counties. MDOT will begin working on a permanent bridge design for M-30 over the Tobacco River and replacing the M-65 structures at Big Creek and Jose Drain in Arenac County, also damaged as a result of May flooding. Infrastructure damages from the flood are expected to exceed $100 million, according to MDOT. MDOT is beginning to receive installments of emergency federal funding to offset costs of the repairs. The road closures cut communities in half and forced commuters and residents to take detours. For local resident Beth Kelley, the bridge closure meant an hour drive to her parents’ home at the peak of road closures and detours. “I used to be able to pop down the road to visit my parents, and for almost a year that simple trip has turned out to be really cumbersome,” Kelley said. “Every road that has reopened over the last several months has helped to make that commute shorter. For them living on the north side of the bridge, even simple grocery store runs have taken twice as long, so our family is thrilled to have the road reopening. We’re so thankful for all of the hard work that has happened out here and of the community for banding together in this challenging time.” MDOT has also completed repairs to the U.S. 10 bridge at Sanford Lake and Saginaw Street, as well as the M-30 bridge and the Curtis Road bridge over the Tittabawassee River.