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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

California agency releases long-range plan for sustainable transportation system

By The Trucker News Staff -

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — By the year 2050, moving around California will be safer, cleaner and simpler, with more mobility options, according to Caltrans, the state’s transportation department. The California Transportation Plan (CTP) 2050, released by Caltrans this week, details the state’s long-range transportation vision and establishes a roadmap to improve mobility and accessibility in the state while reducing greenhouse gas emissions related to transportation. “California’s transportation system connects 40 million residents to jobs, housing, vital services and recreation,” said Toks Omishakin, director of Caltrans. “The plan sets a bold vision to foster economic vitality, protect our environment and meet the transportation needs of all Californians.” Rather than focusing on individual projects and budgets, according to Caltrans, the CTP 2050 is a comprehensive, ambitious plan that examines wide-ranging policies and strategies to meet key objectives, such as expanding economici opportunities, creating a low-carbon transportation system, enhancing safety and security on bridges and roads, enhancing quality of life, and more. By 2050, Caltrans estimates that California’s transportation system will need to support 45 million residents. In addition, the state has a goal of reducing transportation-generated greenhouse gas emissions by 80% from 1990 emissions levels by 2050. To help achieve these goals, Caltrans, in cooperation with local transportation agencies, included the following priorities in the CTP 2050: Safety: Provide a safe and secure system designed to eliminate transportation-related fatalities and serious injuries and withstand natural disasters. Climate: Achieve statewide greenhouse gas emission reduction targets and make the state’s transportation system more resilient to climate change. Equity: Eliminate transportation barriers and expand access across all communities, particularly in low-income neighborhoods and communities of color and for people with disabilities. Accessibility: Improve mobility across all modes of transportation, including transit, walking, biking and vehicle travel so all Californians can safely and easily reach their destination. Quality of life and public health: Enable vibrant, healthy communities through expanded walking and bicycling paths and convenient transit options to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on driving. Economy: Support a vibrant, resilient economy by improving freight movement and access to housing and jobs. Environment: Reduce the negative impacts of transportation by expanding low-carbon and sustainable mobility options. Infrastructure: Maintain a reliable transportation system that is sustainable and resilient to climate change and natural disasters. To view Caltrans’ CTP 2050 report, click here.

Love’s Travel Stops opens new location off I-86 in Bath, New York

By The Trucker News Staff -

OKLAHOMA CITY — Love’s Travel Stops is now serving customers in Bath, New York, thanks to a truck stop that opened Thursday, March 4. The Bath store, located off Interstate 86, adds 45 jobs and 56 truck parking spaces to Steuben County. “With this new location, we’re excited to better serve professional drivers in the Northeast by opening our third New York location,” said Greg Love, co-CEO of Love’s. “Our team members are great people who care and are ready to help get professional drivers and four-wheel customers back on the road quickly and safely.” This location is open 24/7 and offers many amenities, including: More than 12,000 square feet; Wendy’s; 56 truck parking spaces; 85 car parking spaces; Nine 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 (coming soon). In honor of the grand opening, Love’s will donate $2,000 to Haverling High School in Bath.

Trucking groups ask CDC to designate truck stops as COVID-19 vaccine sites

By The Trucker News Staff -

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — A group of organizations representing the trucking industry have asked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to use truck stops and travel plazas across the U.S. as COVID-19 vaccination sites. In addition to NATSO, which represents truck stops and travel plazas, the group includes the American Trucking Associations (ATA), the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), the National Private Truck Council, the National Association of Small Trucking Companies, St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund and the Tank Truck Carriers In a Feb. 25 letter addressed to CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, the group offered its assistance in meeting President Joe Biden’s goal of vaccinating 100 million people in 100 days. “Truck stops and travel plazas are designed to cater to the unique needs of truck drivers, who spend hundreds of days each year away from home,” said Lisa Mullings, president and CEO of NATSO. “Commercial drivers who are unable to access medical services in their home state or while driving a tractor-trailer already are accustomed to accessing these services at truck stops and travel centers. Designating our network as mobile vaccination sites will ensure efficient vaccinations for the essential truck drivers who deliver America’s needs as well as the employees who serve them.” Using truck stops and travel plazas as mobile vaccination sites would alleviate significant challenges faced by truck drivers in receiving the vaccine. Many states, for example, currently require proof of residency to receive a vaccine. Truck drivers, however, are often on the road for weeks or even months at a time, away from their home state. Under this plan, truck drivers would be allowed to receive a vaccine in any state, and they would be allowed to receive their second vaccination at a different location because of the difficulty in arranging their schedules to return to the primary vaccination site on a specific date or time. “TCA continues to be awed by the dedication of the hardworking men and women in our industry who put their own health and well-being on the line to ensure the vaccine makes it safely to its final destination, all while wondering when they will be able to receive their own shots,” said John Lyboldt, president of TCA. “We stand ready to help in any way possible to alleviate this concern, and urge the CDC to prioritize the trucking industry as the vaccination effort expands.” Dan Horvath, vice president of safety policy for ATA, said it’s important to make sure members of the trucking industry have access to the COVID-19 vaccine while on the road. “We cannot expect drivers — some of whom are actively transporting the vaccine — to return to their home domicile in order to receive the vaccine. Removing the red tape and using truck stops and travel plazas as mobile distribution sites exclusively for our industry will assist in making the vaccine available for those who choose to receive it,” he said. Donna Kennedy, executive director of the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, pointed to the vital role of truckers. “Throughout the last year truck drivers have continued risking their lives to bring us food, supplies, medical equipment, PPE, and now, vaccines,” she said. “It only seems right that our Highway Heroes, these essential workers, be prioritized with immunization against the virus. The St. Christopher Fund feels that it is vital for truck drivers to receive COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible, and that they have easy access to the vaccines. To help with this, we are working with pharmacies and NATSO to make a nationwide plan to have vaccine clinics at truck stops.”

Schneider marks 30 years of intermodal transport; touts service as sustainable shipping model

By The Trucker News Staff -

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Schneider is celebrating a milestone this year with the 30th anniversary of the company’s intermodal service. In 1991, in an effort to provide more options for its customers, Schneider launched its first intermodal route, between Chicago and Los Angeles, that combined road and rail modes for transporting freight. According to a company statement, both the carrier and its customers quickly grasped the benefits of intermodal shipping, and Schneider’s intermodal service grew exponentially. Schneider’s intermodal network now has more than 45 ramps with major railroads connecting intermodal containers across the U.S., Mexico and Canada. Intermodal has also opened a new wave of opportunities and innovations that Schneider continues to invest in. The company has approximately 22,300 intermodal containers and 20,600 intermodal chassis. “Thirty years ago, we chose to embrace change and deliver a better economic value for our customers by converting to intermodal,” said Mark Rourke, president and CEO of Schneider. “Today, we are a top intermodal provider, and I believe our best days are still in front of us as more and more customers look to transportation solutions that are environmentally friendly.” Intermodal transportation is a sustainable shipping option that uses less fuel and contributes much lower emissions, helping companies reduce their carbon footprint, according to Schneider’s statement. In addition, intermodal shipping allows larger capacity to ship more products in a cost-effective manner. With intermodal transport, the supply chain keeps moving at the borders of Canada and Mexico — Schneider containers pre-clear customs, giving nonstop, trucklike service. “Schneider’s intermodal business innovated and evolved to meet the needs of our customers,” said Jim Filter, senior vice president of intermodal operations for Schneider. “We reached this significant milestone because of the impact and success of an incredibly talented team of people. We are proud and look forward to more achievements to come.”

DAT: Spot truckload posts jump 24% week ending Feb. 28

By The Trucker News Staff -

BEAVERTON, Ore. — Amid record freight volumes for the time of year, national average spot truckload van and refrigerated rates swung back up to early January levels during the week ending Feb. 28, according to DAT Freight & Analytics, which operates the industry’s largest load board network. The number of load posts on the DAT network was 24% higher and truck posts increased 11% compared to the previous week. Intermodal network disruptions pushed more freight into the spot markets as shippers sought to meet delivery deadlines with customers. For the month of February, load postings were up 162% compared to February 2020, when supply chains began to experience imbalances in demand due to COVID-19. National average spot rates for February, which include a calculated fuel surcharge, were $2.40 per mile for van, $2.56 per mile for flatbed and $2.69 per mile for refrigerated. Van and reefer pricing entered March much higher than these February averages. On March 1, the national average van rate was 18 cents higher at $2.58 per mile; the reefer rate was up 19 cents at $2.88. Trendlines Van volumes surge Dry van load post volumes surged 28% last week as supply chains continue to recover from a month of difficult weather. Truck posts increased 22% compared to the previous week, returning to more seasonal levels. The van load-to-truck ratio averaged 10.9 last week, up from 9.6 the previous week. The average ratio in February was 7.5, up from 1.8 in February 2020. The average spot van rate was higher on 91 of DAT’s top 100 van lanes by volume last week. Volume in those lanes increased 26.6%. Texas-bound loads increase Compared to the previous week, there was a 53% increase in load post volumes for flatbed freight coming into Texas markets. Reefer volumes increased 28%, and van volumes were up 25%. At $2.64 a mile, the average rate from Houston to Dallas was up 24 cents, while Dallas to Houston increased 35 cents to an average of $3.26 a mile. The number of loads moved each direction increased 226% compared to the prior week, although Dallas to Houston was the far busier lane. California keeps climbing Outbound load volumes from Los Angeles and Ontario, California, increased 18% and 36% week over week, respectively. The average outbound rate from Los Angeles rose 23 cents to $3.07 a mile, paced by L.A. to Dallas (up 43 cents to $2.94 a mile), Stockton (up 8 cents to $3.36), Seattle (up 18 cents to $3.45), Denver (up 17 cents to $3.83), and Phoenix (up 13 cents to $3.35). Reefer demand stays balanced Overall spot reefer volumes were up 15% compared to the previous week, balanced by a 15% increase in truck posts. The national average reefer load-to-truck ratio was up slightly to 21.2. The number of loads moved on DAT’s top 72 reefer lanes by volume was virtually unchanged compared to the previous week. The average spot reefer rate was higher on 56 of those lanes, lower on four, and neutral on 12. Compared to the same period in 2020, reefer load-post volume was up 306% last week. Demand for temperature-controlled equipment is exceptional for this time of year; we’re also entering a period where year-over-year comparisons will be skewed by the start of shutdowns in the U.S. due to the pandemic. Markets in the Midwest and West heat up Capacity continues to tighten in Twin Falls, Idaho, after a 13% increase in volume last week. The average outbound rate increased for the third week in a row, jumping 15 cents to $2.63 a mile. Volumes in this region are up 38% compared to the previous week and almost double from two weeks ago with growers reporting a shortage of trucks to haul apples, pears, onions, and potatoes, according to the USDA. A similar shortage of trucks was reported in the Imperial and Coachella valleys of California. Week over week, the average rate from Fresno gained 21 cents to $2.76 a mile, and Ontario was up 12 cents to $3.19. Outbound spot reefer loads from Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Grand Rapids, Michigan, both averaged more than $4 a mile last week. Green Bay increased 17 cents to $4.06, and Grand Rapids was up 19 cents at $4.07. National average spot rates are derived from DAT RateView, a database of $110 billion in actual market transactions and 249 million freight matches each year.

Charges pending against driver, passenger who crashed into semi during police chase

By The Trucker News Staff -

LAKE COUNTY, Ind. — The driver and passenger of a passenger vehicle that crashed into a tractor-trailer while attempting to flee Indiana State Police during the early hours of March 3 have been arrested pending felony and misdemeanor charges. At 12:45 a.m. Wednesday, March 3, Indiana State Trooper Dennis Griffin observed a black 2010 Volkswagen traveling east on Interstate 80/94 near Cline Avenue, at a high rate of speed. A radar check revealed the car’s speed as 96 mph in a posted 55 mph zone. Griffin pursued the Volkswagen, pacing it at 100 mph as the driver began to “make unsafe lane movements,” according to a statement from the Indiana State Police. When Griffin attempted to make a traffic stop, the driver of the Volkswagen accelerated, and a pursuit was initiated when the vehicle exited the interstate at Grant Street and then reentered the westbound lanes toward Illinois. As the pursuit continued, the driver turned off all the lights on the suspect vehicle in what Griffin believed was a further attempt to flee. While traveling without lights, the vehicle crashed into the trailer of a semi that was also traveling westbound. The two vehicles then stopped near Calumet Ave. Both occupants of the car were immediately taken into custody. Neither the driver of the semi nor the occupants of the Volkswagen were injured as a result of the crash. Troopers recovered a loaded .45 caliber Glock handgun from the scene and later seized a bag of suspected marijuana from the passenger. The driver, Aris J. Lawson, 25, of Chicago Heights, Illinois, and passenger, Kayla J. Davis, 23, of Sauk Village, Illinois, were transported to the Lake County Jail for booking. In addition to an outstanding warrant for possession of marijuana in Lake County, preliminary charges against Lawson include: Possession of a handgun by a convicted felon (Level 5 felony); Resisting law enforcement (Level 6 felony); Handgun, no license (Class A misdemeanor); and Reckless Driving (Class B misdemeanor). Preliminary charges against Davis include: Possession of a controlled substance (Class A misdemeanor); Resisting Law Enforcement (Class A misdemeanor); and Possession of Marijuana (Class B misdemeanor). All persons named are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court. All charges mentioned are merely accusations, actual charges will be determined by the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office.

PrePass expands Missouri weigh station bypass network to include 19 locations

By The Trucker News Staff -

PHOENIX — PrePass has more than a dozen new weigh-station locations in Missouri to its mobile bypass app, bringing the total number of Missouri Department of Transportation-operated sites in the network to 19. The PrePass app gives qualified carriers the option to expand bypass opportunities using iOS, Android and select telematics mobile devices, with or without the PrePass transponder. In addition to alerting drivers to approaching weigh stations, the PrePass app also delivers proactive notifications of upcoming road hazards. PrePass ALERTS is a mobile safety and productivity tool designed to notify drivers about upcoming road safety conditions. ALERTS currently sends drivers proactive alerts for work zones, available truck parking, gusty wind areas, rest areas, steep grades, brake-check areas, chain-up areas, runaway truck ramps and “no commercial vehicle” roads. The new PrePass mobile app sites in Missouri include: Bloomsdale: Interstate 55 southbound; Caruthersville: Interstate 155 westbound; Charleston: Interstate 57 southbound; Eagleville: Interstate 35 southbound; Foristell: Interstate 70 eastbound AND westbound; Harrisonville: U.S. 71 southbound; Joplin: Interstate 44 eastbound AND westbound; Kearney: Interstate 35 northbound; Mayview: Interstate 70 eastbound AND westbound; Platte City: NB Interstate 29 northbound; Clair: Interstate 44 eastbound AND westbound; Steele: Interstate 55 northbound; and Watson: Interstate 29 southbound. “Motor carriers work hard to earn the right to bypass weigh stations. PrePass carriers set the standard for commercial motor vehicle safety and efficiency in America,” said Mark Doughty, president and CEO of the PrePass Safety Alliance. “At the same time, Missouri Department of Transportation and Missouri State Highway Patrol have a primary responsibility to ensure safe highways for all motorists,” he continued. “PrePass Safety Alliance is proud to partner with the state of Missouri on new technologies like the PrePass bypass app that help safe drivers efficiently move freight at highway speeds, while allowing officials to focus on other commercial vehicles that need the most attention.”

Averitt associates totaled 5,000 hours of community service in 2020

By The Trucker News Staff -

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. — Averitt Express associates combined gave more than 5,000 hours of community service as part of the company’s Team Up Community Challenge in 2020. With 76 Averitt facilities, employees served 5,342 hours, helping 118 organizations in efforts including clothing, food and toy drives, disaster relief, mask sewing and donations, litter cleanups, and blood donations. As a result of hours served, Averitt’s executive team is matching dollars for hours with a donation of $53,420 to Averitt Cares for Kids, the company’s employee giving program. “I’m very proud of how our team stepped up to make a difference in our communities during 2020,” said Gary Sasser, Averitt’s chairman and chief executive officer. “While navigating the realities of COVID-19, our associates found unique and innovative ways to help others while at the same time keeping safety top of mind. That’s a prime example of what our team is all about, and I’m excited to see the ways our associates make a difference in the future through the Team Up Community Challenge.” Together, the Team Up Community Challenge and Averitt Cares for Kids make up Averitt Charities. The mission of Averitt Charities is to help those in need through a partnership company that gives back to the communities Averitt serves. The Team Up Community Challenge is a year-round initiative where each facility across Averitt’s network is encouraged to donate at least 40 hours of service to various charitable causes. For more information, click here.

CAT Scale Rig of the Week — Dan Baker

By The Trucker News Staff -

For a western-themed Kenworth W900 Icon, what could be a better name than “The Duke” as a tribute to the greatest western icon, John Wayne? The Duke’s driver, Dave Baker, says he can’t think of anything more fitting. Under the hood, the 2016 Kenworth has a C15 CAT engine and an 18-speed transmission. The inside of the truck features silhouettes of John Wayne with his famous quote, “Tomorrow hopes we have learned something from yesterday,” on the floor in the sleeper. Dave loves everything about the truck, but is quick to note that he is only the driver — not the owner.  In 2017, he started driving for Fleener Bros, and the following year he was behind the wheel of “The Duke.” Do you use the CAT Scale app and have a rig you’d like us to feature as the Cat Scale Rig of the Week, send photos to [email protected].

Senators reintroduce bill to promote women in trucking

By The Trucker News Staff -

WASHINGTON — The Promoting Women in Trucking Workforce Act was reintroduced in Congress in late February by members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, including Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.). “In Wisconsin, we make things, and we need to ensure we have a strong workforce to transport our goods to market,” Baldwin said. “Removing the barriers that get in the way of women pursuing and retaining careers in trucking is key. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort with Sen. Moran, because more job opportunities for Wisconsin women will lead to more economic security for working families.” The Promoting Women in Trucking Workforce Act (S.2858) was originally introduced Nov. 14, 2019, and was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The bipartisan legislation, designed to support women in the trucking industry, directs the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) to establish and facilitate a Women of Trucking Advisory Board to promote organizations and programs that (1) provide education, training, mentorship, or outreach to women in the trucking industry; and (2) recruit women into the trucking industry. “Over the past year, we have relied on the essential service the trucking industry provides to transport critical resources to Kansas and across the country during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Moran said. “As the trucking industry continues to face a driver shortage, we must find new ways to recruit and retain drivers, including supporting women pursuing careers in trucking.” The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that women make up 46.8% of the nation’s total workforce but make up just 24% of the U.S. trucking industry — and only 7% of drivers are women. “Truckers are essential to keeping Nebraska’s economy running, but the industry is experiencing a shortage of drivers,” said Senator Fischer. “Examining ways to encourage more women to enter the trucking industry is good policy and could connect more women with good jobs.” Tester noted that, while women are a growing force in transportation, they still face obstacles when pursuing careers in trucking. “This bill is a hat trick, ensuring we’re breaking down barriers for Montana women, bringing more good-paying jobs to the Treasure State, and strengthening our workforce so we can deliver more of our world-class products to market,” he said. The legislation received support from shipping and trucking organizations, including FedEx, American Trucking Associations (ATA), the Women In Trucking Association (WIT), United Parcel Service (UPS) and others. “While the trucking industry has taken great strides over the last decade, growing the number of women truck drivers by 68% since 2010, the fact is that women remain underrepresented in the industry,” noted Edwin Gilroy, ATA’s senior vice president. “We agree that more work needs to be done. The Promoting Women in Trucking Workforce Act represents a tangible step toward a stronger and more diverse trucking workforce.” Ellen Voie, president and CEO of WIT, said she believes the proposed advisory board would help increase opportunities for women in a variety of occupations within the trucking industry, including drivers, technicians, company owners, trainers and more. “Although women have strengthened their presence in supply chain in the past few years, we know there are still issues that cause women to reject a transportation career,” she said. “Our goal is to better identify these concerns and address them to create a more diverse industry. Under the bill, the Women in Trucking Advisory Board would identify barriers that hinder the entry of women to the trucking industry, work across organizations and companies to coordinate formal education and training programs, and help identify and establish training and mentorship programs for women in the industry. The legislation also requires the FMCSA administrator to submit a report to Congress on the board’s findings and recommendations. “Working with Congress to make careers in trucking appealing, sustainable and successful for anyone who wants to enter our industry is a priority for the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association,” said Todd Spencer, the organization’s president. “We support the Promoting Women in Trucking Workforce Act because it will not only help more women begin careers in trucking, but will improve conditions for drivers currently behind the wheel.” U.S. Reps. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) and Sharice Davids (D-Kan.) introduced the bipartisan companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Love’s to limit trucker services at Ormond Beach, Florida, location during Bike Week

By The Trucker News Staff -

ORMOND BEACH, Fla. — In expectation of unusually heavy traffic as motorcyclists converge on the Ormond Beach/Daytona Beach area during Florida’s Bike Week, the Love’s Travel Stop on Interstate 95/U.S. 1 in Ormond Beach will provide truckers with fuel-and-go services only during the day beginning Friday, March 5, and continuing through Sunday, March 14. Overnight parking for commercial drivers will also be impacted. About 15 spots will be available during Bike Week; drivers must vacate the spots by 7 a.m. each day. According to a statement from Loves, Daytona Harley Davidson, located next door to the Ormond Beach travel center, is a “major participant” in the annual motorcycle event and rally, resulting in unusually heavy traffic. “In past years, the increased traffic volumes for professional drivers waiting to fuel — combined with the significant influx of cars, trucks and motorcycles — has caused severe traffic jams, forcing state police to close the exit. Love’s wants to provide necessary fueling for professional drivers. To ensure that occurs, drivers will need to continue moving in and out of the lot during the day,” the statement notes. For more information about restrictions at this location during Bike week, click here.

Vanguard Truck Centers opens new Volvo Trucks dealership in Houston

By The Trucker News Staff -

HOUSTON — Volvo Trucks North America dealer Vanguard Truck Centers has invested $23 million in a new facility — one of four locations in the Houston, Texas area — in addition to a full-service body shop, offering customers increased uptime, service and support. Positioned on 23 acres on the north side of U.S. Highway 90 at 12935 Crosby Freeway, the 120,000-square-foot dealership features a spacious and well-staffed parts service counter, a lobby and a showroom, as well as a 45,000-square-foot warehouse with a mezzanine level. The expanded facility houses a regional call center with citywide dispatch service for parts delivery across the greater Houston area. The site stocks more than $8 million in parts inventory, and orders are fulfilled through Volvo Trucks’ recently announced e-commerce platform PartsASIST to maximize uptime. The facility has 44 service bays staffed by 42 technicians — 21 of whom are master technicians — and operates a 24/7 mobile service fleet. The service area includes a covered four-lane drive-up for inclement weather. The service center, which is also equipped to service CNG vehicles and the new Volvo VNR Electric model, is fully heated and air conditioned, with energy-efficient features for the comfort of employees and customers. “Vanguard Truck Centers is a perfect representation of our dealer network’s exceptional dedication to its employees and customers,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president at Volvo Trucks North America. “The impressive new flagship facility supports Vanguard’s and Volvo Trucks’ market growth in the Houston area and surrounding region.” The 151 on-site employees at the new facility enjoy the use of spacious, well-equipped locker rooms, complete with showers, and there are multiple break rooms. The large employee training center includes a meeting area for internal and customer events, while the driver’s lounge features theater seating, work areas and complimentary Wi-Fi. Like the majority of the 20 Vanguard Truck Centers spread across the U.S., the new Houston facility is a Certified Uptime Dealer. To earn certification, Volvo Trucks evaluates dealer service locations for 31 rigid process standards, all supporting maximized uptime. These standards range from expedited check-ins, streamlined communications and separate bays for faster repairs. “Our goal is to exceed customer expectations with our entire product and service offering,” said Tom Ewing, president and CEO of Vanguard Truck Centers. “As a leading Volvo Trucks dealer, our new location in Houston will demonstrate the standards of excellence that both Volvo Trucks and Vanguard Truck Centers are known for.”

‘Some sort of road usage levy necessary,’ says USDOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg

By The Trucker News Staff -

WASHINGTON — Restoring the solvency of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) must occur in a way that is “sustainable, predictable, defensible, and affordable” with “some sort of road usage levy necessary” on all vehicles in the future, according to Pete Buttigieg, secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). Speaking at the virtual 2021 American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Washington Briefing on Feb. 25, Buttigieg stressed that restoring the solvency of the HTF “is really the order of the day, especially when we have coming around the corner reauthorization of surface transportation legislation.” The current Fixing America’s Surface Transportation or FAST Act funding measure — extended for one year as part of a broad continuing resolution signed in October 2020 — expires on Sept. 30. Yet Buttigieg noted in his remarks that while the federal tax on motor fuels has not been increased since 1993, and the HTF has not been solvent since 2008, “the gas tax is not a long-term solution (for regaining HTF solvency) anyway. I don’t think that is where energy will be in this administration, especially as there are so many different (funding) possibilities on the table like user-pay through a VMT (vehicle miles traveled) fee.” However, when it comes to switching to a VMT fee, “the trouble is no one has yet put together a solution to resolve privacy concerns,” Buttigieg said. “But the future of the (HTF) revenue side is not looking like what we have today.” Buttigieg also touched on a range of other topics during his speech. The “first order of business” at USDOT right now is to understand how the agency can be “that good partner” to state, local and tribal governments across the country, according to Buttigieg. “We have to understand that transportation investment is about a lot more than dollars and cents; it is about American values at stake, even in work that seems so very technical,” he said. “We’ve got to make sure everything we do leads to less pollution and to infrastructure that is more resilient in the face of climate change; that accelerates equitable growth but also increases the global competitiveness of the country.” He also noted that addressing equity and climate change will require the “whole of government” and true coordination between all of USDOT’s modal agencies. “We need to be consistent at the state and local levels,” Buttigieg said. “But there is so much more to this: It’s about land-use decisions, road shifts to make it safer to walk and bike, that transit gets the right support. These are not just transportation questions; these are housing questions, energy questions, and justice questions.” In terms of transportation priorities, safety comes first, followed by job creation and support for equity and climate change policies, Buttigieg stated. “But we will do all of that yet be flexible enough so state and local governments can craft specific solutions. It can’t be a one-size-fits-all approach,” he said. “We also must make sure smaller communities have access to the ideas and opportunities of the larger ones. ‘Complete Streets’ is a prime example for the benefits of applying those principles to smaller communities as well. There is a lot of promise there.” To watch Buttigieg’s address on YouTube, click here. This story originally appeared on the AASHTO Journal website Feb. 26, 2020.

Fleet Advantage donation of $15,000 will help people with special needs, developmental disabilities

By The Trucker News Staff -

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Kids Around the Corner, a charitable foundation created by Fleet Advantage to support communities, in February donated $15,000 to Arc Broward, a South Florida organization dedicated to helping advance and enrich the lives of people with special needs and developmental disabilities. “Especially since the beginning of last year, corporations have realized how much more important of a role they play in contributing to the development of their local communities,” said Elizabeth Gomez, marketing and business development coordinator for Fleet Advantage. “We are proud to donate to such a worthy cause here in South Florida that is focused on the development of a diverse group of people, as well as contribute toward the development of programs that enrich their lives and introduce lifelong opportunities.” Fleet Advantage recognizes the importance of supporting organizations that play a vital role in the well-being of local communities. “We are so grateful for this generous donation and our relationship with Fleet Advantage,” said Dennis Haas, president and CEO of Arc Broward. “It has been a challenging year to say the least, and support from community partners like Fleet Advantage reminds us that we really are all in this together.” Arc Broward’s programs play a significant role in helping to provide opportunities to more than 1,200 children and adults. Through donations and community programs, the service helps change perspectives and enrich lives of thousands of people and families in the South Florida community.

Kenworth’s battery-electric T680E eligible for $120,000 voucher incentive in California

By The Trucker News Staff -

KIRKLAND, Wash. — The new Kenworth T680E battery-electric vehicle is now available — and it qualifies for a $120,000 voucher incentive available to qualifying California purchasers from the California Air Resources Board (CARB). This financial incentive is offered through the 2021 CARB Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP). For drayage fleets, the Kenworth T680E is eligible for $150,000 vouchers through HVIP as part of CARB’s Project 800 initiative. The new Project 800 initiative aims to support the deployment of zero-emissions trucks serving California ports by setting a goal of 800 zero-emission drayage truck orders in 2021. The increased voucher amount will only be available for a limited time. According to a statement from Kenworth, the new T680E provides a true zero-emissions solution that can help fleets and truck operators achieve green program objectives, while maintaining the performance, reliability and cab comfort of the T680 on-highway flagship model. The zero-emission Kenworth T680E has an estimated operating range of 150 miles, depending on application, and can be fully charged in approximately three hours. Designed for pickup and delivery, regional haul, and drayage applications, the T680E is initially available as a day cab as either a tractor or straight truck in a 6×4 axle configuration. The new model is offered in 54,000-pound and 82,000-pound gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR). Kenworth and Meritor collaborated closely on the T680E development. The Class 8 battery-electric vehicle is powered by Meritor’s Blue Horizon 14Xe tandem electric powertrain, with smooth shifting and operation. In addition, the Kenworth T680E is equipped with 536 hp continuous power and up to 670 hp peak power and 1,623 lb-ft of torque, and the vehicle has a top speed of 70 mph. To receive a voucher, vehicle purchasers and participating dealers must meet all applicable project requirements as identified in the HVIP Implementation Manual. For more information, contact a Kenworth dealer or visit CARB’s HVIP website. The CARB site offers a direct link to information about the Kenworth T680E. The HVIP program anticipates accepting new voucher requests this spring. Kenworth dealers are ready to take orders as soon as HVIP reopens. Kenworth dealers and customers with questions about any battery electric vehicle incentive programs in the U.S. and Canada may contact Alec Cervanka of Kenworth at [email protected].

Gaston College training program helps make truck driving a family tradition

By The Trucker News Staff -

DALLAS, N.C. — The Truck Driver Training program at North Carolina’s Gaston College has helped put four members of one local family on the road to rewarding careers. Danicqua Knox, who will graduate from the program in March, is the latest family member to go through the program, following her mother and two brothers. Danicqua’s mother, Deborah Knox, became interested in truck driving as a career about 19 years ago, but circumstances prevented her from pursuing it until several years later. When the timing was right, she researched various driving schools and decided the Gaston College Truck Driver Training program was the best fit. She entered the program in January 2011 and graduated in March of that year. “Graduation was the best day of my life,” Deborah said. “In my opinion, the program instructors were the best any school could ever have.” When Deborah first started driving, her children took turns traveling on the road with their mom. Her sons, Dontavius Cooper and Steven Good Jr., both of whom worked in the warehouse industry at the time, enjoyed the experience and decided to follow in their mother’s footsteps. Cooper graduated from the Gaston College program in 2013, Good graduated two years later. Deborah’s mother, Easter Walker, also became interested in the industry, and became a professional driver after training at a different school. Deborah and her sons have worked for several different companies, driving different types of trucks and trailers, and gaining experience. “They say that when you love what you do for a living, it stops being a job and becomes a lifestyle,” Deborah said. “I have loved being in the trucking business.” The COVID-19 pandemic adversely impacted the trucking industry in 2020, and at one point Deborah and Cooper, who were working for the same company, were furloughed. A few weeks later, they were both hired by a trucking company that contracts with Amazon. “Everything has been good so far,” said Deborah. “So good that my other son, Steven, got a job here as well.” Danicqua said she is enjoying the Gaston College Truck Driver Training program, and she has been riding with her mother on weekends to get some extra training. She looks forward to graduating and continuing what has become a family tradition of truck driving. “I’d like to say thank you to the school and instructors, and to all the people that helped me, and my family, get started in our careers,” Danicqua said. The Truck Driver Training Program at Gaston College, a collaborative program with Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, provides the training required for students to operate tractor-trailers and earn their commercial driver’s license (CDL). The program is certified by the Professional Truck Driving Institute (PTDI). “Gaston College has one of the best Truck Driver Training programs in the South,” said Donna Blake, coordinator of occupational and continuing Education. “We know this because our students who obtained their CDLs through our program spread the word to their family and friends about how excellent our program is, and these folks enroll in the program themselves,” Blake continued. “Students have great-paying jobs waiting for them when they graduate from this program. It is truly an honor to work with students who are going places and earning a great living after graduation from the Gaston College Truck Driver Training Program.” To find out more about Gaston College’s Truck Driver Training program, contact Blake at [email protected] or 704-922-2267.

Peach State Truck Center adds Western Star lineup to Birmingham Freightliner dealership

By The Trucker News Staff -

ATLANTA — Atlanta-based Peach State Truck Centers has acquired the Western Star franchise from Long-Lewis in Birmingham, Alabama. The Western Star brand will be added to the company’s Birmingham Freightliner dealership, bringing the two Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) lines under one roof. “We are excited to sell and support the Western Star line of products throughout central Alabama. The introduction of the new 49X comes at a perfect time as Alabama invests in more infrastructure projects, creating significant demand for quality vocational work trucks,” said Rick Reynolds, president and dealer principal of Peach State Truck Centers. “As we continue to strive to be the dealer and employer of choice, this move ensures further alignment with Daimler Trucks North America and enhances our ability to offer the leading vocational truck brand with world class parts, service and support for our customers in central Alabama.” Christopher Bisanz, general manager of Birmingham Freightliner, said he believes the move will provide “I’m looking forward to adding both an expanded product line and some very talented individuals to our already experienced team,” Bisanz said. Birmingham Freightliner and Western Star will offer all makes and models of Western Star products, including its newest model, the 49X, a next-generation vocational truck built to meet the need of the most demanding applications. Underpinned by a stronger, lighter chassis and equipped with an all-new-X series cab, the 49X delivers versatility in a purpose-built package. The all-new Detroit DT 12 Vocational series of transmissions and industry-leading Detroit Assurance suite of safety systems offer proven innovation for best-in-class safety, improved productivity and maximum uptime. “Alabama is a very important market for Western Star, and we are proud to be represented in Birmingham by an outstanding dealership like the Peach State group,” said Peter Arrigoni, vice president of vocational sales for DTNA. “Peach State has a history of industry-leading performance and success with the Western Star brand. We could not be more pleased with their decision to open a Western Star franchise at their Birmingham location.”

Penske Logistics announces 2020 ‘wall of fame’ inductees

By The Trucker News Staff -

READING, Pa. — Penske Logistics this month announced the carrier’s Class of 2020 Driver Wall of Fame inductees, as well as members of the Platinum, Gold and Silver classes, as part of the company’s Premier Driver Recognition Program. The program is open to professional Penske drivers in the U.S. and Canada. The Premier Driver Recognition Program has four levels to honor consecutive safe driving without an accident: Diamond (20 years), Platinum (15 years), Gold (10 years) and Silver (5 years). All 18 members of the 2020 Driver Wall of Fame are Diamond Class members. This is the fourth Driver Wall of Fame class. There are now 68 all-time members on display at Penske’s global headquarters in Reading, Pennsylvania. The Penske Logistics 2020 Driver Wall of Fame inductees include: Perry Bastian, Pennsylvania; Kevin Baty, Michigan; Esequiel Carmona, Texas; Saturnino Garcia, California; Gabriel Gurrola, Texas; Ronald Hayduke, Tennessee; David Hertzberg, Michigan; Randolph Jezewski, Michigan; Joseph Kilgo, Ohio; Ricky Kiper, Kansas; Robert Morgan, Maryland; Robert Morris, Ohio; James Reda, Michigan; Donald Reinert, Michigan; Gregory Sabo, Michigan; Chris Secord, Ontario, Canada; Roland Simpson, Michigan; and Mark Willoughby, Michigan. A total of 615 drivers were recognized in Penske’s 2020 Platinum, Gold and Silver classes; 19 drivers achieved Platinum status, 62 reached Gold level and 534 were recognized for achieving Silver status. “We are very proud to welcome all four classes of our Premier Driver Recognition Program,” said Marc Althen, president of Penske Logistics. While the Diamond Class is especially impressive, our Platinum, Gold and Silver classes have also achieved stellar status in their professional truck driving careers. Their continued dedication to servicing our customers safely and professionally is the benchmark for all drivers across our industry.”