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Francine weakens and moves inland after lashing Louisiana

MORGAN CITY, La. — Francine weakened Thursday, Sept. 12, after striking Louisiana as a Category 2 hurricane that knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses, sent storm surge rushing into coastal communities, and raised flooding fears in New Orleans and beyond. As heavy rain drenched the northern Gulf Coast, New Orleans awoke to widespread power outages and debris-covered streets. Just before sunrise, large swaths of the city were without power, and home generators roared outside some houses. There were no immediate reports of deaths or injuries. Up to 6 inches of rain was possible in parts of Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee and Georgia, with up to 10 inches possible in some parts of Alabama and Florida, forecasters said. Flash flooding threatened cities as far away as Jackson, Mississippi; Birmingham, Alabama; Memphis, Tennessee; and Atlanta. Francine slammed the Louisiana coast Wednesday evening with 100 mph winds in coastal Terrebonne Parish, battering a fragile coastal region that has not fully recovered from a series of devastating hurricanes in 2020 and 2021. The system then moved at a fast clip toward New Orleans, lashing the city with torrential rain. In New Orleans, rushing water nearly enveloped a pickup truck in an underpass, trapping the driver inside. A 39-year-old emergency room nurse who lived nearby grabbed a hammer, waded into the waist-high water, smashed the window and pulled the driver out. It was all captured on live television by a WDSU news crew. “It’s just second nature I guess, being a nurse, you just go in and get it done, right?” Miles Crawford told The Associated Press in a telephone interview Thursday. “I just had to get to get him out of there.” He said the water was up to the driver’s head and rising. Crawford told the man to move to the back of the truck’s cab, which gave him more room and since the front end of the pickup was angled down, into deeper water. “I wasn’t really questioning whether I should do it — it was just who is going to get it done,” he recalled, adding that he never caught the man’s name. News footage from coastal communities showed waves from lakes, rivers and Gulf waters thrashing seawalls. Water poured into city streets in blinding downpours. Oak and cypress trees leaned in the high winds, and some utility poles swayed. By early Thursday, water was receding in Jefferson Parish, where streets flooded, but canals were still high, parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng said in a social media post. Pumps that operated through the night could not keep up with the storm, causing sewer system problems, she said. She asked residents to give the parish time to clear the streets, noting that the hazards after a storm can sometimes be more dangerous than the storm itself. As the sun rose in Morgan City, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) from where Francine made landfall, residents gathered tree branches that were strewn across their yards, where water rose almost to their doors. Pamela Miller, 54, stepped outside to survey the damage after a large tree fell on the roof of her home. “It was a really loud noise, a jolt, and that’s when we realized the tree had come down,” she said. “Luckily it did not go through the roof.” Jeffrey Beadle, 67, emerged from the hotel room where he sheltered for the night. Beadle left his home in low-lying Bayou Louis, about 10 miles outside town, on Wednesday as the rain picked up. He lived there for 30 years without any major damage, but he was worried this time would be different because his home was right in the hurricane’s path. He loaded his car in preparation to check on his home. “There’s nobody over on that end I can call,” he said, explaining that he did not know what he would find. “Hope everything’s good.” Sheriff’s deputies helped evacuate dozens of people, including many small children, who were trapped by rising water Wednesday evening in Thibodaux. Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre said deputies also rescued residents in the Kraemer community. The National Hurricane Center downgraded Francine from a tropical storm to a tropical depression with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph as it churned north-northeast over Mississippi. The system was expected to continue weakening and become a post-tropical cyclone later Thursday before slowing down and moving over central and northern Mississippi through early Friday. Power outages in Louisiana topped 390,000 early Thursday in Louisiana, according to the tracking site poweroutage.us, with an additional 46,000 outages reported in Mississippi. The sixth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, Francine drew fuel from exceedingly warm Gulf of Mexico waters. In addition to torrential rains, there was a lingering threat of spinoff tornadoes from the storm Thursday in Florida and Alabama. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said the National Guard would fan out to parishes affected by Francine. The Guard has food, water, nearly 400 high-water vehicles, about 100 boats and 50 helicopters to respond to the storm, including for search-and-rescue operations. By Jack Brook and Sara Cline, The Associated Press. Cline reported from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Associated Press writers Kevin McGill in New Orleans, Curt Anderson in St. Petersburg, Florida, Jeff Martin in Atlanta, and Russ Bynum in Savannah, Georgia, contributed to this story.

Warm oceans strengthened Hurricane Francine and could power more fall storms

Warm water in the Gulf of Mexico helped quickly strengthen Hurricane Francine, creating danger for Louisiana residents rushing to buy supplies and secure their homes ahead of the storm’s landfall Wednesday. Warm ocean water is essential for forming and strengthening hurricanes. Heat helps the water evaporate faster, fueling the storm and producing more rainfall. Mid-September is typically the peak of hurricane season and Francine moved through a part of the ocean that held an exceptional amount of energy. As of Wednesday afternoon, Francine had strengthened to a Category 2 hurricane with sustained winds of nearly 100 mph (161 kph). Hear’s how high Gulf of Mexico water temperatures are effecting Francine and the hurricane season: HOW HOT IS THE WATER? The Gulf of Mexico doesn’t need record setting temperatures to form hurricanes this time of year. Still, Francine traveled through water that at the surface, was somewhat hotter than average, but not record setting. The storm passed over a patch that was roughly 86 to 88 degrees (30 to 31 Celsius). What’s exceptional is the amount of heat deeper down. Storms churn up the ocean, bringing to the surface cooler water. Recently, however, that deeper layer was record-setting. It held more heat than at any point in the last decade, according to Brian McNoldy, a senior research associate at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science. “This past week was pretty exceptional,” he said. And Francine passed over a patch of water, called an eddy, that was especially hot. Near the coast, however, the water is a bit cooler than average, meaning there’s less energy to strengthen the storm. “It’s window for really intensifying is closed, so that’s good news,” he said. HOW DID FRANCINE REACT? Warmer water lower down matters most for large, strong storms that move slowly — that’s the recipe for churning up a bunch of deeper water. “On the opposite end of that, a weaker, smaller, quicker moving storm will hardly churn up the ocean at all,” said McNoldy. For these storms, the temperature of deeper water matters less. Francine isn’t extremely strong, so the energy stored deeper in the Gulf of Mexico didn’t matter quite as much, according to McNoldy. Still, conditions were favorable enough for the storm to rapidly intensify. On Tuesday afternoon, Tropical Storm Francine had sustained winds of 65 mph (105 kph). A day later it’s nearly 100 mph (161 kph). This type of quick change can make storms more dangerous, fast, surprising those in their path. “Our model projections are telling us this is the type of thing that should become much more common as we go forward into the 21st century, as global warming continues to increase,” according to Gabriel Vecchi, a hurricane researcher at Princeton University who also directs its High Meadows Environmental Institute. But there’s other factors reducing Hurricane Francine’s power, according to Bob Smerbeck, a senior meteorologist at AccuWeather. Nearby dry air has weakened its growth and as the storm gets closer to the coast, winds will disrupt the shape of the hurricane, further reducing its power. “Once it gets inland, it’ll weaken quickly, but it’s going to do a lot of damage along the way,” said Smerbeck. WHAT ABOUT LONG-TERM TRENDS? Federal forecasters predicted an intense hurricane season. And a big storm came historically early. Hurricane Beryl formed in late June and reached Category 5. But at the mid-point of the season, activity has been pretty average, with just six named storms this Atlantic Hurricane season. August was especially quiet, according to Robert West, a hurricane and climate researcher with the University of Miami and affiliated with the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration. But the Atlantic Coast is far from out of the woods. “It seems like the tropics are kind of waking up a little bit,” West said. The warm temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico will help, continuing to provide fuel. There are long-term trends at play, too. Climate change is heating up oceans around the world, although experts say it is difficult to connect specific hurricane seasons or storms to a warming planet, West said. And there are global weather patterns. Federal forecasters this summer said La Nina could develop. That’s where parts of the Pacific Ocean have cooler water surface temperatures. When that happens, it can reduce winds that weaken hurricanes. “This could be the beginning of a busy period here,” said Smerbeck.

UPDATE: Hurricane Francine makes landfall in Louisiana as a Category 2 storm

Updated: Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, at 5:11 p.m. central time MORGAN CITY, La. — Hurricane Francine struck Louisiana on Wednesday evening as a Category 2 storm that forecasters warned could bring deadly storm surge, widespread flooding and destructive winds on the northern U.S. Gulf Coast. Francine made landfall in Terrebonne Parish, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) southwest of Morgan City, the National Hurricane Center announced at 4 p.m. CDT. Packing maximum sustained winds near 100 mph (155 kph), the hurricane crashed into a fragile coastal region that hasn’t fully recovered from a series of devastating hurricanes in 2020 and 2021. In Morgan City, gas stations had put plywood on the windows and moved trash cans inside, with a few pumps still serving the trickle of cars passing through shortly after dawn. Retired boat captain Pat Simon, 75, and his wife, Ruth, had loaded all their possessions in garbage bags and tied them down in the back of a rented U-Haul pickup truck as they evacuated their home near the banks of the Atchafalaya River near Morgan City. Hurricane season typically peaks around this time of year, but Pat Simon wasn’t overly concerned about Francine. “I don’t think it’s going to be that bad, like some of the other ones like Ida and Katrina,” he said. “I mean, we’ve had some bad ones.” Morgan City, home to around 11,500 people, sits on the banks of the Atchafalaya River in south Louisiana and is surrounded by lakes and marsh. It’s described on the city’s website as “gateway to the Gulf of Mexico for the shrimping and oilfield industries.” Larry Doiron, the owner of a Chevron station just outside of Morgan City limits, said he had enough gas to keep pumps operational through the storm. “We’re the only place out here for the sheriff’s department, the fire department. We have gas. All the locals depend on us,” he said. “We’re going to try and stay on top of it and hopefully take care of everybody. Francine drew fuel from exceedingly warm Gulf of Mexico waters to jump from a tropical storm to a Category 1 hurricane on Tuesday night. The National Hurricane Center said Francine might reach Category 2 strength with winds of 96 to 110 mph before crashing into a fragile coastal region that hasn’t fully recovered from a series of devastating hurricanes in 2020 and 2021. State officials said during a news conference Wednesday morning that the time to evacuate had expired. “Now is the time to hunker down and ride this storm out,” said Tony Robinson, FEMA’s regional administrator for Louisiana. Gov. Jeff Landry urged residents, who have often faced threats of hurricanes, to “stay off the roads, stay home and stay put.” Since the mid-19th century 57 hurricanes have tracked over or made landfall in Louisiana, according to The Weather Channel. Among them are some of the strongest, costliest and deadliest storms in U.S. history. “I know that we have been through a lot here in Louisiana, but I urge everyone to take the necessary preparations,” Landry said. The governor said the Louisiana National Guard was being sent to parishes that could be impacted by Francine. They have with food, water, nearly 400 high-water vehicles, about 100 boats and 50 helicopters to respond to the storm, including possible search-and-rescue operations. President Joe Biden granted an emergency declaration that will help Louisiana secure federal money and logistical assistance from partners such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Both Landry and Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves also declared states of emergency, authorizing them to quickly free up resources for disaster assistance. Francine was centered late Wednesday morning about 150 miles southwest of Morgan City and was moving northeast at 13 mph (20 kph) with maximum sustained winds of 90 mph, the Miami-based hurricane center said. Some additional strengthening was expected Wednesday morning and then Francine is expected to weaken quickly after it moves inland. A hurricane warning was in effect along the Louisiana coast from Cameron east to Grand Isle, about 50 miles south of New Orleans, according to the center. A storm surge warning stretched from the Mississippi-Alabama border to the Alabama-Florida border. Such a warning means life-threatening flooding could occur. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency said it distributed more than 100,000 sandbags to the southern part of the state and the Department of Education reported a number of school district closures for Wednesday and Thursday. Bands of heavy rain were hitting New Orleans Wednesday morning. The city’s historic streetcars that roll on South Carrollton Avenue had to ease past cars that motorists parked next to the tracks on the grassy median. The median is a few inches higher than the street and drivers sometimes park there to avoid street flooding. Francine is the sixth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season. Much of Louisiana and Mississippi could get 4 to 8 inches of rain, with the possibility of 12 inches in some spots, Brad Reinhart, a senior hurricane specialist at the hurricane center. The hurricane center said parts of Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida Panhandle were at risk of “considerable” flash and urban flooding starting Wednesday. The lower Mississippi Valley and lower Tennessee Valley could experience flooding later in the week as the soggy remnants of Francine sweep inland. Francine’s storm surge on the Louisiana coast could reach as much as 10 feet from Cameron to Port Fourchon and into Vermilion Bay, forecasters said. They said landfall was likely somewhere between Sabine Pass — on the Texas-Louisiana line — and Morgan City, about 220 miles to the east.

EEOC sues Wabash National for pregnancy discrimination

INDIANAPOLIS, In. – Wabash National, a nationwide producer of semi-trailers and other commercial trucking equipment, is being sued by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission who claims the company violated federal law when it failed to accommodate an employee’s known pregnancy-related limitation and subjected her to an unlawful medical inquiry. The suit comes five days after Wabash was hit with a a judgement requiring the company to pay $12 million in compensatory damages and $450 million in punitive damages related to a 2019 motor vehicle accident in which a passenger vehicle traveling at a high speed struck the back of a nearly stopped 2004 Wabash trailer. This is the first federal lawsuit claiming violation of the new Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. According to the EEOC’s lawsuit, Wabash denied a pregnant employee’s accommodation request to transfer to a role that did not require lying on her stomach. Instead, the company forced her to take unpaid leave and ultimately gave her no choice but to return to her position without modification. The company’s decision to deny the accommodation request caused her to fear for the health of her pregnancy, the EEOC said, and she was forced to resign nearly eight months pregnant. In response to her request, the company also unlawfully required medical documentation, and failed to accommodate even though it could have provided changes similar to those the company provides for non-pregnant workers with similar limitations, according to the suit. “Protecting pregnant workers is a strategic enforcement priority for the EEOC,” said EEOC Chair Charlotte A. Burrows. “This is the first lawsuit we’ve filed to enforce the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), but it’s just one of the many ways the EEOC has been working to fulfill the promise of the PWFA since it took effect. The EEOC will continue to use all its tools – including enforcement, education, and outreach – to ensure workers are aware of their rights, and that employers meet their responsibilities under this new law.” According to a press release from the EEOC regarding the lawsuit, the alleged conduct violated the recently enacted Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), as well as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The EEOC filed suit (EEOC v. Wabash National Corporation, Case No. 5:24-cv-00148-BJB) in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky, Paducah Division, after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement through the agency’s conciliation process. “The PWFA provides critical protections for employees who are too often pushed out of the workforce because of pregnancy, childbirth, or related needs,” said Kenneth L. Bird, the EEOC’s regional attorney in Indianapolis. “This case will educate the public about those protections and help to ensure that employers heed them.” EEOC Trial Attorney Kathleen Bensberg added, “No one should be forced to choose between their livelihood and the health of their pregnancy. We are eager to vindicate this worker’s rights and secure relief to prevent future pregnancy discrimination.” For more information on pregnancy discrimination, visit https://www.eeoc.gov/pregnancy-discrimination. For more information about the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, visit https://www.eeoc.gov/wysk/what-you-should-know-about-pregnant-workers-fairness-act.

Truckstop stats show overall drop in load postings, spot rates during Labor Day week

Following strong gains during the previous week, broker-posted spot rates in the Truckstop system for van equipment declined during the week ended Sept. 6 (Week 36) by more than usual during the week that includes Labor Day, according to analysis by FTR Transportation Intelligence. The drop in refrigerated spot rates was the largest for a comparable week since at least 2008. The decrease in dry van spot rates was much smaller, but it was the largest for a Labor Day week since 2014. Another notable development was that rates for flatbed equipment broke their streak of week-over-week decreases by rising for the first time in 12 weeks. Historically, the current week (week ending Sept. 13) is consistently weaker for spot rates than the week including Labor Day. Although load availability fell sharply, as it always does during a week that includes a federal holiday, the drop in truck postings was notably sharper. The Market Demand Index increased to 59.4, the highest level in five weeks. Total load activity fell 14.8%, which is not a particularly large decrease for the week that includes Labor Day. Load postings were about 11% below the same 2023 week and about 34% below the five-year average for the week. Total truck postings fell 17.8%, and the Market Demand Index — the ratio of load postings to truck postings in the system — rose to its highest level in five weeks. The total broker-posted rate ticked up by less than 1 cent after rising a little more than a cent during the previous week. Rates were about 4% below the same week of 2023 — the largest year-over-year deficit in 13 weeks — and nearly 11% below the five-year average. The current week (week 37) historically is consistently weaker for spot rates than week 36 for all equipment types. • Dry van spot rates declined just over 2 cents after rising 6.5 cents in the prior week. Rates were more than 5% below the same 2023 week — the largest negative year-over-year comparison since March — and 16% below the five-year average for the week. Dry van loads dropped 20% during the holiday-impacted week. Volume was nearly 30% below the same 2023 week and almost 44% below the five-year average. • Refrigerated spot rates fell just over 10 cents after jumping 13 cents during the previous week. Rates were 5.7% below the same week last year — like dry van, the largest year-over-year deficit since March — and more than 13% below the five-year average. Refrigerated loads fell 19.5% during Labor Day week. Volume was more than 17% below the same 2023 week and close to 37% below the five-year average for the week. • Flatbed spot rates increased more than 2 cents after falling nearly 3 cents in the prior week. Rates were about 4% below the same 2023 week — the weakest year-over-year comparison in 13 weeks — and more than 9% below the five-year average for the week. Flatbed loads declined 9.2%. Volume was 6.5% above the same week last year but almost 31% below the five-year average.

Grand jury shocker: Jeffersonville man cleared of felony charges in crash that left semi dangling off Louisville bridge

LOUISVILLE, Ky.  — In a stunning move, the driver of a pickup truck charged for his role in the four-vehicle crash in March that left a semi dangling off the side of the 2nd Street Bridge had most of his case dismissed by a Jefferson County grand jury last week. Trevor W. Branham, 33, of Jeffersonville, was charged on four counts of wanton endangerment and one count of operating on a suspended license. A grand jury returned a “no true bill” on the felony wanton endangerment charges on Thursday, meaning there was not enough evidence for the case to move forward. Dashcam video of a truck driver’s harrowing journey off of a Louisville bridge showed Sydney Thomas driving a semi-truck across the George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge on March 1 when Branham, who was driving pickup driver cut her off, causing her to swerve into the opposite lane and through the bridge’s guardrails. The rig dangled over the Ohio River with Thomas inside for a period of time until rescuers could save her. Witnesses told police that Branham was speeding and weaving in and out of traffic when he hit a stalled vehicle, crossed into the opposite lanes, hit another car with two people inside and then hit the tractor-trailer, according to the arrest report. Thomas’ trailer ended up between the bridge’s girders, balanced on the edge with the cab hanging over the water, and there was constant fear during the rescue that the truck could shift at any moment, Louisville Fire Chief Brian O’Neill said at a press conference after the rescue. Thomas was unharmed, but three other vehicles and two people were taken to the hospital. The suspended license charge was sent back to Jefferson District Court. A hearing on that charge has been scheduled for Sept. 27. A spokesman for the Jefferson Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office said the grand jury determined there was not enough evidence to show that Branham was “engaging in conduct creating a substantial danger or serious physical injury.” Attorney Scott Barton, who represents Branham, said the county attorney rushed to judgement because the accident was highly publicized in the media. “We feel terrible for the victims,” he said. “However, it was glamorized, it was like a movie scene.. But it was a car accident, a terrible tragedy that happens every single day. There was no excessive speed, no alcohol … .”  

Tropical Storm Francine forms off Mexico and is expected to hit Louisiana as a hurricane

MIAMI (AP) — Tropical Storm Francine formed Monday off the coast of Mexico and was expected to drench the Texas coast with up to a foot (30 centimeters) of rain before coming ashore in Louisiana Wednesday night as a hurricane. “We’re going to have a very dangerous situation developing by the time we get into Wednesday for portions of the north-central Gulf Coast, primarily along the coast of Louisiana, where we’re going to see the potential for life threatening storm surge inundation and hurricane force winds,” said Michael Brennan, director of the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami. Francine is taking aim at a stretch of coastline that has yet to fully recover since hurricanes Laura and Delta decimated Lake Charles, Louisiana, four years ago. The hurricane center said Francine is located about 245 miles (395 kilometers) southeast of the mouth of the Rio Grande, and about 480 miles (770 kilometers) south-southeast of Cameron, Louisiana. Francine’s top winds Monday morning were about 50 miles per hour (85 kilometers per hour). A tropical storm is defined by sustained winds between 39 mph and 73 mph (62 kph and 117 kph). Francine should be a hurricane as it approaches the northwestern Gulf Coast on Wednesday, pushing a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters), forecasters said. “Francine is expected to bring heavy rainfall and the risk of considerable flash flooding along the coast of far northeast Mexico, portions of the southernmost Texas coast, the Upper Texas Coast, southern Louisiana, and southern Mississippi into Thursday morning. A risk of flash and urban flooding exists across portions of the Mid-South from Wednesday into Friday morning,” the hurricane center warned.

Wabash National hit with $462M verdict over 2019 accident that killed two

LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Wabash National has announced it is evaluating all available legal options in response to the verdict by a St. Louis jury resulting in the company being found liable for $12 million in compensatory damages and $450 million in punitive damages related to a 2019 motor vehicle accident in which a passenger vehicle traveling at a high speed struck the back of a nearly stopped 2004 Wabash trailer. On Friday, the industrial manufacturing company said that it believes the $12 million charge will be covered by its insurance policies, but that the outcome of the case could materially hit its financial condition, operations and cash flows. “While this was a tragic accident, we respectfully disagree with the jury’s verdict and firmly believe it is not supported by the facts or the law,” said Kristin Glazner, general counsel and chief administrative officer for Wabash. “No rear impact guard or trailer safety technology has ever existed that would have made a difference here.” After a two-week trial, a St. Louis City jury awarded the verdict on Thursday to two St. Louis families. The accident resulted in two fatalities following a rear-end collision by a passenger vehicle with a tractor-trailer owned and operated by co-defendant GDS Express. Both 30-year-old Taron Tailor, who was driving, and his passenger, 23-year-old Nicholas Perkins were instantly killed on May 19, 2019, when their car went underneath the rear of a trailer along Interstate 44 and 55 near the 7th Street exit. Simon Law attorneys John Simon and Johnny Simon tried the case with co-counsel Brian Winebright of Cantor Injury Law and Lisa Tsacoumangos of Brown & Crouppen represented the families of the victims. Some of the evidence presented at trial dated to the 1967 underride crash that killed Hollywood actress Jayne Mansfield. During closing arguments, Johnny Simon told jurors Wabash failed to build safer RIGs for 30 years and this would have cost Wabash about $15 million a year. The jury awarded punitive damages at $450 million, which was the estimated amount Wabash saved by failing to include the safer RIGs for those 30 years. Compensatory damages included $6 million to the Perkins family and $6 million to the Tailor family. According to a statement on Wabash’s website, the accident occurred nearly two decades after the trailer involved was manufactured in compliance with all existing regulatory standards. Wabash also maintains that despite precedent to the contrary, the jury was prevented from hearing critical evidence in the case, including that the driver’s blood alcohol level was over the legal limit at the time of the accident. The company also stated the fact that neither the driver nor his passenger was wearing a seatbelt was also kept from the jury, even though plaintiffs argued both would have survived a 55-mile-per-hour collision had the vehicle not broken through the trailer’s rear impact guard. “Wabash stands firmly behind the quality and safety of all its products, and this ruling will not prevent the company from continuing to provide its customers with products that contribute to safer roads,” the company said.

Lightning could worsen out-of-control wildfire east of LA

HIGHLAND, Calif. — An out-of-control wildfire in the foothills of a national forest east of Los Angeles threatened tens of thousands of buildings and forced hundreds of residents to flee Sunday, Sept. 8, amid a days-long heat wave of triple-digit temperatures. The so-called Line Fire was burning along the edge of the San Bernardino National Forest, about 65 miles east of Los Angeles. As of Sunday morning, the blaze had charred about 27 square miles of grass and chaparral, leaving a thick cloud of dark smoke blanketing the area. The fire burned so hot Saturday that it created its own thunderstorm-like weather systems of pyroculumus clouds, which could bring more challenging conditions such as gusty winds and lightning strikes, according to the National Weather Service. Firefighters also faced steep terrain, which limited their ability to control the blaze, officials said. The fire remained uncontained Sunday afternoon. County officials, who declared an emergency Saturday evening, issued evacuation orders for Running Springs, Arrowbear Lake, areas east of Highway 330 and other regions. Running Springs resident Steven Michael King said he had planned to stay to fight the fire and help his neighbors until Sunday morning, when the fire escalated. He had prepped his house to prevent fire damage but decided to leave out of fear smoke could keep him from finding a way out later. “It came down to, which is worse, being trapped or being in a shelter?” he said outside an evacuation center Sunday. “When conditions changed, I had to make a quick decision, just a couple of packs and it all fits in a shopping cart.” Arrowbear Lake resident Michael Lee said he left his home with his dog Saturday afternoon. Lee, a photographer, had turned back to retrieve a camera and didn’t get to the evacuation center in Highland until nearly seven hours later. “I wanna get back to home,” Lee said sitting in his car outside the evacuation center. “The triple-digit weather down here is nasty.” State firefighters said three firefighters had been injured and more than 35,000 structures were threatened, including single and multi-family homes and commercial buildings. Authorities issued evacuation orders for several areas. Thunderstorms expected later in the day could make it even more challenging to rein in the fire. “Afternoon thunderstorms could cause new ignitions and potentially influence activity around the fire perimeter,” state firefighters said in a Sunday morning update. “Hot and dry conditions mixed with thunderstorms are expected to challenge firefighters for the next few days.” The affected area is near small mountain towns in the San Bernardino National Forest where Southern California residents ski in the winter and mountain bike in the summer. Running Springs is on the route to the popular ski resort town of Big Bear. Joe Franco, a worker at Noah’s Restaurant in the downtown section of San Bernardino, said his friends in the surrounding evacuation zones were gearing up to leave at moment’s notice. Smoke from the fire had already blanketed downtown San Bernardino, Franco said. “They’re just kind of hanging on tight and getting their stuff ready to move,” Franco said of his friends. “Normally they’re here, but a lot of people are not coming today.” The fire prompted Redlands Unified School District to cancel Monday classes for roughly 20,000 students. Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency for San Bernardino County Saturday night. More firefighters were expected to arrive Sunday. State officials said vegetation is critically dry in the area and temperatures reached more than 100 degrees (39 degrees Celsius) on Saturday, with relative humidity ideal for the fire to spread. The blaze began Thursday evening, and the cause is under investigation. More than 600 firefighters were battling the fire, supported by water-dropping helicopters that hovered over homes and hillsides, along with other aircraft, according to state firefighters. Cal Fire officials didn’t return calls on Sunday seeking more information about three injured firefighters. The fire produced coiling clouds of dense smoke, and flames could be seen cresting hillside ridges. No homes or other structures had been damaged or destroyed. The National Weather Service said downtown Los Angeles hit a high of 112 degrees Fahrenheit Friday, which marked the third time since 1877 that a temperature that high has been reached there.

Nominations are open for 2025 Best Fleets to Drive For

NEWMARKET, Ontario, Canada — The nomination period for the 2025 Best Fleets to Drive For awards is now open. This marks the 17th edition of the program, produced by CarriersEdge, a provider of interactive online training for the trucking industry. All for-hire fleets operating 10 or more tractor-trailers in the US or Canada, regardless of freight segment, are eligible to participate in the program. Between now and Oct. 31, 2024, company drivers and independent contractors can click here to nominate the companies they work for. Once nominated, fleets that choose to participate in the program will complete a questionnaire and interview, providing information about driver programs across a range of categories. In addition, a selection of drivers from the carrier will be surveyed, supplementing the information provided by management. To determine the winners, company responses and driver surveys will be compiled and scored, and the top 20 scorers are identified as the year’s Best Fleets to Drive For. There are two categories — small carrier and large carrier. The top-scoring fleet in each category will be crowned Best Overall Fleet for the category. In addition, the program has a Hall of Fame comprised of companies that have been noted as a Best Fleet for 10 consecutive years or for seven years plus an overall award. The top-scoring fleet in the Hall of Fame will also be honored as an overall winner in that category. The Top 20 Best Fleets, the overall winners, and fleets entering the Hall of Fame will be recognized at the Best Fleets to Drive For Education & Awards Conference March 3-4, 2025, at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, North Carolina. “Despite coming through some of the most challenging conditions the industry has seen in decades, fleets have managed not to lose sight of the importance of supporting their drivers,” said Jane Jazrawy, CEO of CarriersEdge. “We’re excited to hear about the new, innovative ways companies are making a difference for their people.” For more information about the Best Fleets to Drive For program, including best practices and details about past winners, click here.

$3.5M in federal funds earmarked for CDL training across US

In late August, the Federal Motor Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced plans to divide $3.5 million in funding between 27 providers of CDL training, including colleges and other facilities, through the Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training (CMVOST) Grant Program. Grant amounts range from $101,000 up to $139,980. According to a press release from the FMCSA, the funds are intended to provide additional training for current CDL holders and to help provide career opportunities in transportation for military veterans and residents of underserved communities. The funding is a part of the Biden administration’s “Trucking Action Plan,” geared toward improving U.S. supply chains and supporting transportation workers. The release listed three goals for the CMVOST program: Expand the number of CDL holders with enhanced operator safety training. Provide opportunities for current and former members of the Armed Forces, and, Increase training opportunities in rural, refugee and underserved communities. “At FMCSA, our job is all about safety,” said FMCSA Deputy Administrator Vinn White. “That includes safety of the roadways and safety of our nation’s commercial motor vehicle drivers. So, we are proud to make this funding available and are committed to working with the awardees to put it to good use.” The FMCSA began accepting applications for the CMVOST grants in March. Recipients must be accredited educational institutions recognized by the Department of Education or non-accredited institutions that were approved by the U.S. Department of Labor, state approving agencies and the Veterans Administration to accept VA benefits. The schools also must accept Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grants. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) announced a total recommended award of $509,775 to four Iowa community colleges, including Des Moines Area Community College, Iowa Central Community College, Hawkeye Community College and Western Iowa Tech Community College. “Improving pathways for eligible individuals to secure commercial driver’s licenses is a simple way we can boost the economy. These resources will unlock good-paying jobs, address labor shortages in the trucking industry and streamline supply chain operations,” Grassley said in a news release. “I’ve seen firsthand the efficacy of commercial driver’s license programs in Iowa and am confident our community colleges will use this federal investment to build on their proven successes.” A list of colleges and award amounts follows. Individuals who are interested in applying for training under the CMVOST grants should contact the appropriate training institution. Alabama: Wallace State Community College – $129,500 Arizona: Pima County Community College District – $131,043 California: Nordic Enterprises – $135,000 Colorado: Aims Community College – $137,560 Georgia: Central Georgia Technical College – $130,240 Illinois: Lake Land College – $133,131 Indiana: Ivy Tech Community College – $129,870 Iowa: Des Moines Area Community College – $127,400 Hawkeye Community College – $132,375 Iowa Central Community College – $119,000 Western Iowa Tech Community College – $131,000 Kansas: Johnson County Community College – $139,980 Maryland: Cecil College – $108,675 Community College of Baltimore County – $132,000 Wor-Wic Community College – $133,700 Ohio: Clark State Community College Inc. – $126,000 Oregon: Klamath Community College – $135,286 Linn-Benton Community College – $130,543 Pennsylvania: Community College of Allegheny County – $126,875 Lehigh Carbon Community College – $135,600 Texas: Collin County Community College District – $133,400 Houston Community College – $130,500 Lone Star College-North Harris – $101,000 North Central Texas College – $137,500 Texas State Technical College – $132,916 Virginia: Tidewater Community College – $131,385 Washington: Walla Walla Community College – $128,521

Estes ushers in ‘new era’ for safe driving recognition with revamped million-mile program

When one of North America’s largest, privately owned freight carriers was looking for a way to rewards its most loyal and safest drivers, Estes Express Lines wanted to go above and beyond for its employees.  To accomplish this, the team decided to revamp the Estes Million Mile Program. The new program is data-driven and boasts greater accuracy, real-time mileage tracking and greater flexibility, along with other updates.    “Our main focus is to move freight, but it’s also to move freight safely,” said Curtis Carr, vice president of safety/risk management at Estes. “We are looking out for our drivers’ well-being, and the motoring public’s well-being. This is an opportunity to reward our drivers and to honor our drivers for the accomplishments that they have reached.”   A couple of months ago, Estes leaders traveled to terminals throughout the country to honor the company’s nearly 2,500 drivers who have reached the one-, two- and three-million-mile mark with Estes. Another 1,500 drivers were recognized for hitting the another 500,000 milestone after each million-mile mark. In addition to the accolades, drivers received a coveted Estes-branded jacket.    “I’ve handed out well over 200 of the jackets myself,” Carr said. “They remind me of the letter jackets in high school. It has the driver’s name on it and a patch that signifies what they have accomplished. It has the company logo on it and is something they can wear with pride.  “It was hard to get people to put them on in the July heat for photos though,” Carr said with a laugh. Estes’ Million Mile Program began in 2000, with driver eligibility based on longevity with the company; this criteria is a standard process still used by many carriers. The new program relies on data and technology to track the distance each driver puts on the road. According to Estes, reaching one million miles can take an average of eight to 10 years, depending on the role of the driver.   Greg Richardson, Estes’ vice president of human resources, also champions the changes made to the program.   “This is one of the greatest awards and pieces of recognition that any driver can receive,” Richardson said. “Consider that our drivers — or any drivers — are doing more than just driving. They are on the road every single day, (making) pick up and deliveries, bumping up against docks (and other) hard areas to really navigate,” he said. “If they’re able to do that for a million consecutive miles without having an incident, it’s just nothing short of amazing. It really, really boggles my mind.”   Richardson says he has an immense appreciation for drivers and the professionalism that exists in the industry.    “They are able to have a calm demeanor and navigate their jobs every day to the degree that they do,” Richardson said. “I don’t like driving my car 5 miles. They just have the ability to do things that I don’t think everybody can do, and this is their reward for what they do.”  Carr also admires drivers for their dedication to their craft.   “To put it in perspective, think about how many miles you drive annually in your car,” Carr said. “How many miles would you guess? Just for perspective, our regional vice president in the northeast, he was with me when we went to present many of (the awards). (He) drives 30,000 miles a year. If you look at that (number), after 30 years, he’s still 10,000 miles shy of where these guys have gotten in their career.”   Carr noted that when the company started the original program in 2000, the industry standard was that 12 years equals one million miles.   “Those 12 years were based on a 55 mph limit in most areas,” Carr said. “Now, with speed limits up to 65 mph, it’s outdated. That’s what people thought back then, that 12 years equals one million miles. We have the records now that can actually show their milage. Our drivers can reach this in seven or eight years.”   Investing in the Million Mile program’s refresh to reward and recognize safe drivers is part of Estes’ commitment to safety. Estes The carrier is frequently recognized as a safe trucking company. In 2024, Estes won six awards from the American Trucking Associations (ATA) for its safe driving in the line haul, LTL and local categories.      “Every mile matters to a driver, and we want Estes drivers to know that we see them, we appreciate their commitment to safety and we have great respect for the skill they provide,” said Carr said. “Having real-time access to the miles they’ve clocked will be a game changer for the program and will motivate our drivers to continue to drive safely.”     

FTR’s preliminary stats show August Class 8 orders up 2% over July but down 16% year to date

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Orders of new Class 8 tractors in August rose 2% month over month to 13,400 units, according to a preliminary report released Sept. 5 by FTR Transportation Intelligence. However, the year-to-date (January-August) total of 271,000 units is down 16% from 2023. The 2% month-over-month gain was well below seasonal expectations; the average m/m gain from July to August has hovered around 20% for the past seven years, according to FTR. August orders came in below seasonal expectations as the average month-over-month increase from July to August has been around 20% over the past seven years. “The combination of a stagnant truck freight market and full or nearly full 2024 order boards presumably are the main factors behind a smaller than typical increase,” the FTR release noted. Based on performance for the year to date, the release continued, orders are running slightly below replacement demand levels at an average of 18,735 net orders per month. The typically slower order period from April through August has averaged 14,885 orders per month. Despite three consecutive months of lower year-over-year orders, strong early-year performance has kept 2024 year-to-date net orders up 14% over 2023. “OEMs this month faced a somewhat mixed market, though overall conditions were stable,” said Dan Moyer, senior analyst/commercial motor vehicles for FTR. “The conventional market outperformed the vocational sector, driving most of the m/m improvement. Despite stagnant freight markets, fleets continue to invest in new equipment, albeit at a slower pace,” he said. “We expect further reductions in backlogs once the final Class 8 market data is released later this month and continued growth in already record-high inventory levels. Pressure on OEMs to reduce production rates is mounting.” FTR will release its final report in mid-September.

California wildfire grows as heat wave creates worry; South Dakota conditions improve

A growing wildfire in Northern California forced hundreds of people to evacuate as a heat wave Wednesday threatened to make fire conditions worse. In the Midwest, a wildfire kept residents of South Dakota’s second-largest city on edge, ready to flee if flames moved dangerously close. The expanding blaze near the remote California mountain community of Sierra Brooks was uncontained. Authorities expanded evacuation orders for a total of more than 530 residents Tuesday evening after strong winds pushed flames through dry brush and timber about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of Lake Tahoe. The Bear Fire grew to more than 4.7 square miles (12 square kilometers) and sent up a plume of smoke visible some 25 miles (40 kilometers) away in Reno, Nevada. Across California, red flag warnings for increased wildfire risk were issued. The desert communities of Palm Springs, Twentynine Palms, Needles and Barstow were heating up, with highs of up to 118 F (47.7 Celsius) in Death Valley’s Furnace Creek expected at week’s end. In Southern California’s Santa Barbara County, officials issued a health alert due to spiking temperatures in inland areas. The health department urged residents to stay indoors during the day and take other measures to avoid heat-related illnesses. Cooling centers were set up across Los Angeles County. The wildfire news was better in South Dakota: The battle to contain the First Thunder Fire got a boost Wednesday from cooler weather and lighter winds. Officials were optimistic homes in Rapid City would remain safe. The First Thunder Fire was reported Monday just a few miles (kilometers) from Rapid City, a community of 80,000 residents near Black Hills National Forest. Mount Rushmore National Memorial, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) away, is far out of harm’s way. The fire burning nearly 160 acres (65 hectares) was fueled by uncommonly hot and dry weather — Tuesday’s high in Rapid City was 96 degrees Fahrenheit (35.6 Celsius), well above the normal early-September high of 75 (23.9 Celsius). Winds gusted to 45 mph (72 kph). As late as Tuesday evening, residents in an evacuation warning area of Rapid City were being told to pack their bags, gather vital belongings and be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. By Wednesday morning, the temperature was far cooler, the winds calmer and the air more humid. “Firefighters got a good handle on the wildfire last night,” an update from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office said. “It’s currently at 157 acres. Weather conditions are very favorable today. They are mopping up a large portion on the west side and are hoping to get everything contained and under control today.” Officials don’t yet know what caused the fire that burned across a steep, rocky area. No structural damage was immediately reported. Pennington County, South Dakota, Fire Administrator Jerome Harvey said those residing in the Rapid City area are in a “red zone” where wildfires can occur at virtually any time. “You need to be prepared for that,” Harvey said at a news conference Tuesday. “These kinds of events can happen on a year-round basis. There is no longer a defined fire season.”

Lessons from the road: A thorough pre-trip inspection is the best start to a safe day

Professional drivers learn early to maximize their hours for rest by minimizing their hours spent on other activities. In a career field where many over-the-road drivers are paid on a per-mile basis — or at least the number of miles specified in the load assignment — it’s no wonder that they don’t want their time eaten up by activities that don’t add to their paychecks. Unfortunately, this is one reason many drivers don’t bother with daily pre-trip inspections. Another reason for skipping this vital step is complacency. Modern trucks are incredibly durable. Inspecting the same components every day without finding a discrepancy gets boring and leads to a “Why bother?” attitude. There are other reasons that drivers forego pre-trip inspections, but the reality is that none of them are good enough. Any component on any truck can break at any time, even on a brand-new one. While a thorough pre-trip inspection doesn’t guarantee that a breakdown won’t occur after five minutes of driving, catching a problem early CAN help prevent catastrophe later. Check the tires. Tires are one area that take a tremendous beating. Objects in the road, potholes, heat and even manufacturing defects can result in failure. Slow leaks, for example, are often undetected. In a tandem configuration, as the pressure in the damaged tire goes down, the adjoining tire takes on more weight. This causes a build-up in heat that can cause more damage. Even tires that maintain proper pressure can have problems. Objects imbedded in the tire tread can work their way into the tire’s interior, potentially ruining the tire. Bruises to the tire’s side wall can blister, eventually causing a failure. Many drivers, however, don’t check tires — or if they do, it’s with a thump and a quick look at the outside sidewall. The spaces between tandem tires and the sidewalls of the inside tire rarely get a good look; tractor side fairings and fenders make inspection more difficult. Air supply is critical With so many of today’s trucks equipped with airbags instead of springs, the air supply is critical — and there are more air lines and valves to be inspected and observed. In addition, airbags must be mounted, just as springs are, so there are always mounting brackets and fasteners that need inspecting. Air dryers are commonplace these days, so some drivers rarely bother with draining air tanks. But air dryers can fail, and most need the desiccant replaced. As they age, air compressors can develop piston “blow-by,” introducing oil vapor into the air lines that can accumulate in valves and components. Add a little dust and some cold weather, and the resulting sludge can cause valves to malfunction. Inspecting air dryers and keeping them in tip-top shape is important, and so is occasionally bleeding the air tanks to see if moisture has accumulated. Check fluids Modern tractors are equipped with sensors that indicate when fluid levels are low, but good drivers don’t wait for a light to come on. A thorough pre-trip inspection includes checking fluid levels and topping them off when necessary. Windshield washer fluid won’t cause a shutdown — but when it runs out during a period of poor visibility, accidents can occur. Oil and fluid leaks can be detected before they form puddles on the ground beneath the vehicle. It’s important to look over the engine, checking for oil, fuel or coolant leaks. Small leaks today can lead to big problems tomorrow. Don’t forget the nuts, bolts and lighting Nuts and bolts are critical to holding things together, and some of them are under tremendous stress on a truck. Your truck’s fifth wheel is bolted directly to the frame; it handles not just the weight of the trailer, but also huge amounts of side-to-side and forward-and-backward stress. Mounting bolts can loosen or break, and they can easily go undetected without an inspection. Lug nuts also absorb stress and can work themselves loose, or even break. Rust trails coming from any nut or bold are an indication they may be loosening. Chrome lug nut covers can make rust more difficult to see. LED lighting has helped to make your truck’s marker, clearance and other lights much more dependable than in the past … but bulbs still fail and wiring still corrodes. Lights should be inspected daily, but don’t skip taking a look at wiring. Inspection may mean getting under the trailer, but it’s worth it. Follow a routine A good pre-trip inspection follows a routine process, so items aren’t neglected. Always start at the same spot — for example, the driver’s door — and proceed in the same direction each time you inspect. An internet search for an inspection checklist turns up all kinds of options published by safety groups, carriers and insurance companies. Your state’s CDL manual will have an excellent checklist. If you’d like your inspection to match what the inspectors look for during roadside inspections, you can get a checklist directly from the agency who decides the inspection process, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance. They provide a “cheat sheet” here. Don’t neglect periodic inspections during your trip, too. Stopping at a rest area for a quick restroom break? You can check the tires and lights on one side of your vehicle on the way to the restroom and the other side on the way back. You can observe running lights, leaks under the truck and loose or missing equipment as you walk. Finding problems early allows you to make good decisions about how and when to make repairs. It’s easy to get out of the habit of performing pre-trip inspections. Some drivers still “inspect” by thumping the tires and looking at the lights, risking a miss of a critical problem. Fix what you find When you do find problems, make good decisions about what to do. Dropping a trailer with defects for the next person to deal with could put someone in danger later and doesn’t say much for the driver’s integrity. Ignoring problems on the tractor can be risky. Nobody wants their trip interrupted by a stop for repairs, but a delay might be preferable to a service call on the side of the road later.

All eyes are on truck parking issue as feds work on funding proposals

in late June, Congressional leaders announced that $200 million of the House Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee funding bill will be earmarked for truck parking. On July 12, the bill, HR 9028, was placed on the House calendar. This bill directs the Department of Transportation (USDOT) to provide competitive grants for projects that provide public parking for commercial motor vehicles and improve the safety of commercial motor vehicle drivers. States, metropolitan planning organizations, tribal governments and local governments are all eligible for these grants, which “must be used for projects on federal-aid highways or a facility with reasonable access to such a highway or a freight facility,” according to the bill. In providing grants, the USDOT must determine the following criteria: That there is a shortage of commercial motor vehicle parking capacity in the corridor in which the project is located; That the eligible entity has consulted with motor carriers, commercial motor vehicle drivers, public safety officials, and private providers of commercial motor vehicle parking regarding the project; That the project will likely increase the availability or utilization of commercial motor vehicle parking, facilitate the efficient movement of freight or improve highway safety, traffic congestion, and air quality; and That the eligible entity has demonstrated the ability to provide for the maintenance and operation of the facility. In addition to the $200 million for truck parking, the House funding bill addresses a number of other trucking industry priorities, such as strengthening the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program and blocking a waiver requested by California that would create a patchwork of meal and rest break rules, something many believe would undermine safety and the supply chain. The bill would also prevent the Federal Highway Administration from moving forward with its proposal to impose greenhouse gas emissions performance measures on state departments of transportation and metropolitan planning organizations. Additionally, the bill would prohibit the implementation of any congestion tolling programs, such as the one planned by New York City that has now been indefinitely suspended. A lack of safe parking has been near the top of industry issues for decades. According to a USDOT study, 98% of truck drivers regularly experience problems locating safe parking. An analysis by the American Transportation Research Institute found that the average driver sacrifices 56 minutes of drive time per day in search of a parking space, resulting in $6,813 in lost wages for drivers each year. This new investment in truck parking would build on the progress that has been made through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that ATA championed, which has already allocated funding to build roughly 2,000 truck parking spaces. Hailey Betham, manager for government affairs at the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), says the group is closely watching the government’s progress on this issue. Aside from the announced funding proposal in late June, the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act is also working its way through the federal government. If passed, the act would provide $755 million over three years to expand parking capacity. “Currently, there are many variations of the truck parking bill,” she said. “We have The Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act (HR 2367 and S 034), which we hope to see more movement, as the Senate bill currently resides in the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, and we are actively trying to garner more co-sponsors to see more movement.” Betham noted that the Senate’s version of the House Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee funding bill does not include this language, noting, “We hope we see the same funds allocated in future revisions of their funding bill.” “If we see the $200 million towards truck parking projects in both FY25 THUD funding bills, this will be a victory for our industry as it is a step forward to seeing more movement for HR 2367 and S 1034,” she said. The legislation has the potential to have a profound impact on the trucking industry. “The need for truck parking is not just important, it’s urgent,” Betham said. “An increase in truck parking will not only prevent road accidents, but also provide safety for our nation’s drivers, especially our women drivers. Drivers will be protected in an area with accessible restrooms and lighting, free from fear even when they sleep through the night.” Like TCA’s Betham, the American Trucking Associations’ president and CEO, Chris Spear, is cheering on the efforts in Washington to create more truck parking. “The severe shortage of truck parking places an enormous burden on truck drivers, who often don’t know if they will be able to find a safe place to sleep when they finish their shift,” Spear said. “This significant investment to expand parking capacity would help alleviate stress on truck drivers, move freight more efficiently, and make the roadways safer for all motorists.” Spear thanked the members of the House Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee “for prioritizing this funding that will benefit truck drivers and our supply chain, and we are especially appreciative of the decisive leadership of Congressman Womack for ensuring this provision was incorporated in the final bill.” This story originally appeared in the September/October 2024 edition of Truckload Authority, the official magazine of the Truckload Carriers Association.

TCA Chair John Culp speaks out about current issues in trucking

Change of Seasons: An interview with TCA Chairman John Culp Fall is a busy season for the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) as well as for motor carriers and other industry stakeholders. Shorter days, cooler temperatures and hints of the glorious autumn foliage to come set the stage for September, when the trucking industry and the general public take time out to extend a special word of thanks to the nation’s professional truck drivers. Also in September, TCA’s staff and members converge on Capitol Hill for the association’s fall business meetings and the annual Call on Washington. On a hot, muggy Friday morning in late August, I had a chance to sit down with TCA Chairman John Culp. In addition to visiting about upcoming events, we discussed several critical issues that impact not only members of the trucking industry, but also the nation’s supply, the global economy and the everyday lives of North American residents. Read on as Culp shares his thoughts and insights. Linda: As pretty much anyone with ties to the trucking industry knows, September is traditionally a time set aside to celebrate drivers. While National Truck Driver Appreciation Week actually takes place September 15-21 this year, many carriers plan special events and ceremonies throughout the month. What are some ways employers can show their appreciation to these hard-working men and women? John: National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is a great week and it’s fun to celebrate. I hope that carriers appreciate their drivers every week of the year — but it’s great to have a specific time of the year for companies to host special events and recognize drivers. A lot of carriers, including Maverick Transportation, prepare meals for drivers. These may be buffet-style cookouts, meal cards or to-go meals packaged for drivers whose schedules don’t allow them to attend the on-site events. At Maverick, the company leadership makes a point of visiting our terminals and firing up the barbecue grills. It’s a great way to visit with drivers, answer questions they might have and just tell them, “Thank you.” We also shoot a video every year featuring our non-driving employees celebrating and thanking our drivers for what they do for our company. Some of our customers also enjoy taking part in National Truck Driver Appreciation Week at their shipping locations or at one of our terminals. They know drivers are critical to their success, and they want them to feel appreciated. Many give away hats, travel mugs or other swag. It’s a great way for them to let drivers know they want to be a shipper of choice. As I mentioned previously, I hope the nation’s truck drivers feel appreciated every day of the year. They are not only critical to our nation’s supply chain, but they are also the backbone of our companies. They are our customer-facing representatives with our clients where the rubber meets the road.   Linda: That’s a great point! How can companies make sure their drivers know that driver appreciation isn’t just a once-a-year event? John: I believe the best way is through driver engagement in the company. This is vital at all levels of the company, from the corner office to the back office to the safety team — drivers need to know they’re valuable employees. When you’ve got a mobile workforce, like drivers, you have to look at engagement strategies that are different from the ones you use with the office crew. In short, it’s all about communication — and that can be challenging when you don’t have a chance to visit with drivers face-to-face on a regular basis. For in-depth insights from human resources and retention specialists at various sizes of carriers about how to give, check out this story.   Linda: In addition to driver appreciation, TCA has some pretty big events planned for September — namely the Fall Business Meetings and the annual Call on Washington scheduled for September 11-12. Are the meetings just for committee and board members, or can anyone take part? John: You do not need to be a member of a committee to attend the committee and board meetings on Wednesday, September 11. At these meetings, we’ll be talking about numerous issues that impact the truckload industry, including cargo theft, truck parking, employee misclassification, EPA emission rules, hair follicle testing, and much more. All of our members are encouraged to take part in helping shape the future of TCA. In addition, during Wednesday night’s reception, attendees will have a chance to hear insights from political analyst Nathan Gonzales, editor and publisher of Inside Elections and political commentator on NBC’s Meet the Press and Nightly News. We also will have our 2023 Professional Drivers of the Year joining us for the meetings and our visits on the Hill.   Linda: That sounds like a great initiative, and it’s great that the drivers have a chance to tell members of Congress what it’s actually like out there on the road. The visits to Capitol Hill are the day after the meetings, correct? John: Yes, this year’s Call on Washington is on Thursday, September 12. It’s going to be a great day to be on the Hill! The voice of the truckload industry is gaining momentum in Congress, and it’s because of TCA and its members working to bring important issues to the forefront in Congress. It’s an amazing experience to visit with senators and representatives who help shape the nation’s laws and regulations, and to be able to share with them the goals and needs of the trucking industry. The importance of our industry is not well understood by many of our legislators, and we’re working to increase awareness of the challenges we face and the impact they have on our nation’s economy.   Linda: Your mention of regulations brings us to another topic that we’ve visited before — the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s emissions mandates and the industry’s response to the pressure. In recent weeks, other industries, and even some U.S. legislators, have voiced opposition to the timeline for implementation. John: That’s true, and if you check out Gloves Off, written by Truckload Authority’s John Worthen, you’ll see an overview of those complaints. It’s important to keep in mind that the trucking industry is not dismissing the issue of pollution caused by emissions. Unfortunately, the public seems to believe we don’t care about the environment. That’s not true at all! Environmental stewardship is important to our industry, and we have made a lot of progress over the past few decades in reducing our engine emissions — and we are continuing to do so. For example, if you compare the emissions of a Class 8 truck manufactured in 1988 to a modern truck, it takes 60 new trucks to produce the amount of emissions caused by just ONE truck in 1988. Even since 2010, manufacturers have made great progress in reducing emissions. However, pre-2010 trucks make up a large percentage of the total trucks on the highway. If we could incentivize fleets and truck owners to replace those old engines with modern, cleaner-burning engines, I believe it would have an immediate — and obvious — impact. The short answer is that EPA’s timeline for implementation is not achievable and needs to be adjusted to allow manufacturers to develop the technology that is needed to meet the mandates. Until then, we need to focus on real-world steps we can take now as a part of a long-term strategy to protect our environment.   Linda: Another area of focus lately has been on the budget items noted in the House Appropriation Committee’s bill for fiscal year 2025, which were released back in June. For the most part, I’ve seen positive response from the industry about the items pertaining to trucking. John: Absolutely. There certainly seems to be some movement on issues TCA and other industry groups have been working to raise awareness of, like the truck parking issue. The bill earmarks $200 million in grants for public parking for commercial trucks. If you haven’t already, take a look at this update on predatory towing legislation for more information. It’s too early to say where all that funding will end up, but it’s encouraging that legislators at both the federal and state levels are understanding the need for truck parking. Another issue addressed in the bill — and something that up until now has mostly been addressed on a state-by-state basis — is the issue of predatory towing. This is a very real issue for the trucking industry, and it’s not limited to just exorbitant rates and junk fees. Towing companies and impound lots holding shippers’ cargo hostage and refusing to release it to its rightful owner (which is NOT the trucking company) is another big problem that TCA and others are working to correct. Now, I’m not saying that the towing industry is bad; in fact, it’s an integral part of the trucking industry. And there are a lot of very reputable, very good towing companies. But, as in any area of business, there are bad players, there are bad practices and procedures that need to be addressed. Under the bill, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) would work to develop guidelines and regulations at all levels of government. It’s a step in the right direction.   Linda: Also in June, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Advisory Committee on Underride Protection filed a report that has caused consternation in the trucking industry. In my understanding, the committee recommends that new and existing trucks and trailers be fitted with side underride guards. What are your thoughts? John: I have not read the report but know that the cost of implementing side underride guards on new and existing trucks and trailers is astronomically expensive — and when compared projected benefits, it is simply not economically feasible to implement. There are many technologies that this money could be used for that can produce a far greater impact on highway safety. We need to make smart economic decisions on how we invest in safety, for the good of the motoring public and for the consumers in our country who depend on efficient transportation of the goods they purchase. (For information about the report and industry reactions, check out this story.)   Linda: It sounds like there are a lot of issues on the table right now — all the more reason for TCA members to take advantage of the Call on Washington! But moving on to less “weighty” issues, what are some upcoming programs you’d like to bring to members’ attention? John: We have a couple of big events throughout the year that honor the men and women who have served or are serving in our nation’s military — The Wall That Heals and Wreaths Across America. THE WALL THAT HEALS TCA member carriers, in partnership with the Vietnam Veteran Memorial Fund (VVMF), transport The Wall That Heals to communities for display throughout our country all year. It is a traveling memorial exhibit including a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., bearing the names of the 58,281 men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam. The last stop this year will be in Panama City, Florida, November 14-17. Transporting and helping construct The Wall That Heals during its annual tour is an unforgettable experience that involves entire communities, and it honors a group that did not receive proper recognition for many years. If you would like to learn more, check out the VVMF website, vvmf.org. WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA The other event is Wreaths Across America. TCA members have participated in transporting wreaths to veteran cemeteries since 2008. This year the laying of the wreaths will be on November 14. This has been said by others many times before, but it’s true: Freedom has never been free — and it never will be. We should never forget the sacrifices that people have made for our country and our freedom. I’m always proud to see the number of companies that participate in these efforts and that encourage their employees and drivers to take part. And, of course, drivers love working with Wreaths Across America, whether they’re transporting the wreaths to the national cemetery in Arlington or to veteran cemeteries in their own communities. While Wreaths Across America Day comes around once a year, the mission continues all year long. If you’re not already involved in these or other community-service initiatives, I strongly encourage you to do so. In addition to giving back, it’s a great way to promote the image of the trucking industry in the eyes of the public.   Linda: I believe our time is nearly up. Do you have any other news you’d like to share with TCA’s membership? John: I do. Our new TCA Elite Fleet program will kick off soon. The program is designed to recognize carriers who offer a best-in-class workplace for drivers and independent contractors in the North American truckload industry. It’s a certification program that will not only recognize the 2025 Best Places to Drive, but will also provide our members companies with opportunities to Improve the job of the professional driver, which is a key component of our membership value proposition.   Linda: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I look forward to our next visit. This story originally appeared in the September/October 2024 edition of Truckload Authority, the official magazine of the Truckload Carriers Association.

Padilla announces nearly $150 million for California zero-emission vehicle charging and fueling infrastructure 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla has announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation will award $149.7 million for five California projects to build zero-emission vehicle charging and fueling infrastructure, including over $100 million for medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles.   “Decarbonizing the transportation and goods movement sectors is essential for fighting the climate crisis and protecting public health in communities along busy corridors,”  Padilla said. “To successfully meet California’s critical climate goals, we need to scale up our charging and fueling infrastructure up and down the state through transformative projects like the West Coast Truck Charging and Fueling Corridor Project. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these investments will help slash vehicle emissions, create good-paying green jobs, and provide cleaner air for millions of Californians, including disadvantaged tribal and low-income communities.”  The funding comes through the Federal Highway Administration’s Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program, which was created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.  According to a media release, the California Department of Transportation will receive $102.4 million for its West Coast Truck Charging and Fueling Corridor Project, which will deploy charging and hydrogen fueling stations for zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles along 2,500 miles of key freight corridors in California, Oregon and Washington. The project will enable the emissions-free movement of goods through major ports, freight centers, and agricultural regions along the West Coast. Padilla joined the Democratic members of the California congressional delegation last year in urging Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg to support the project.  “The Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program aims to strategically deploy electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and other alternative fueling infrastructure projects in urban and rural communities in publicly accessible locations, including downtown areas and local neighborhoods, particularly in underserved and disadvantaged communities,” the release said.    Additional California recipients include:  Fort Independence Indian Community — $15.1 million. The project will install a reliable, resilient and sustainable EV charging hub along the U.S. Route 395 corridor, a designated Alternative Fuel Corridor, and the only north-south passage along the Sierra Nevada range. The project’s aim is to contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging the use of EVs and powering the charging hub through a solar micro-grid with combined heat and power generation and battery backup.  The County of Los Angeles, City of Los Angeles, and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority — $15 million. The project will develop a comprehensive network of publicly accessible, community-based EV charging infrastructure consisting of 18 DC Fast Chargers and 1,263 Level 2 chargers across 15 community facilities, four park and ride multi-modal transportation hubs, and 1,000 curbside light poles, while creating 3,000 high-quality jobs.  San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) District — $14.1 million. The project will install Level 2 EV charging ports at all BART-managed parking facilities for use by customers and community members. By installing chargers at BART stations that are close to multifamily housing, workplaces, medical facilities, schools, and retail, the project’s goal is to support robust EV adoption across a wide range of socioeconomic groups and road users, prioritizing deployment at stations in or near disadvantaged communities.   Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians — $3.2 million. The project will install 70 EV charging stations to increase EV charging infrastructure in the Reservation and along U.S. Route 50, a designated Alternative Fuel Corridor in El Dorado County. The project’s purpose is to support economic development on tribal lands by attracting travelers to tribal amenities on a heavily trafficked tourist route.  According to the release, Senator Padilla has consistently fought for emissions reductions across the transportation and freight sectors. Earlier this year, Padilla successfully pushed the Administration to launch a National Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy to guide the national deployment of zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty freight transportation vehicle (ZE-MHDV) charging and fueling infrastructure, which followed his efforts to call on the Joint Office to prioritize the deployment of ZE-MHDV as part of its core mission.  Additionally, Padilla applauded the EPA’s release of the strongest national greenhouse gas standards in history for HDV emissions to begin in model year 2027, following a series of efforts he led. He also supported the Biden-Harris Administration’s announcement of the first-ever national goal to transition to a zero-emissions freight sector for the truck, rail, aviation, and marine industries, along with a commitment to develop a national zero-emissions freight strategy. Last month, Padilla announced nearly $500 million from the Inflation Reduction Act for the South Coast Air Quality Management District, which will help decarbonize the transportation and freight sectors and improve air quality for Southern California residents.  “Padilla previously announced $168.5 million in funding from the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program for the deployment of publicly accessible EV charging and alternative fueling infrastructure,” the release said. “Last year, Padilla, Senator Cory Booker, and Representative Nanette Díaz Barragán introduced the bicameral EVs for All Act, legislation that would increase access to EVs for residents of public housing across the nation. He and Representative Mark DeSaulnier also previously sent a letter urging the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration to prioritize investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in clean charging and fueling projects to help reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality in the most impacted communities.”   

Mystery truck driver saves mom and two children in flash flood

OXFORD, Conn.  — An Oxford, Conn. woman is seeking help finding the truck driver who rescued her family from last week’s flash flooding. According to WTNH , Gonxhe Kalici was driving along Oxford Road, which was passable, until the storm swallowed the street. “This flash flood just comes out of nowhere and stalls my car,” Kalici said. “[My car] wouldn’t start, and I see the water climbing up to the windshield.” Kalici said she was on her way home from her mother’s house with her two sons, 13-year-old Ajet and 11-year-old Armand. “When I heard my boys calling my mother just to say goodbye, because they were drowning, I told them, ‘We’re not dying today,’” Kalici said. That’s when the mother of two jumped into action. Cellphone video appears to show Kalici pulling one of her sons out of the sunroof of her 2020 Audi A4, with a tanker truck pushing through the floodwater. Kalici said the truck driver opened his door and reached out. “He helped [my sons], put them inside, and I went in,” Kalici said. “From there, we drove to safety.” Ed Zulai, owner of the nearby Oxford House Tavern, recorded the 10-second video while watching the rescue from his porch. “We saw water rushing everywhere,” Zulai said. “Both sides of the building were being covered, and her car was just about completely engulfed in water; then here [the truck driver] comes pretty much out of nowhere and saved her.” Kalici said the trucker drove a short distance along the flooded roadway to nearby emergency crews — but she hasn’t seen him since, and is now trying to track him down to thank him personally. “He’s our guardian angel,” Kalici said. “He was there at the right time.” Kalici and Zulai said the moment was chaotic and happened so fast, that the only thing they remember about the driver is that he was a dark-skinned man driving a blue tanker truck. If you know anything about the man, or if you’re the driver, email reportit@wtnh.com.

Semi-truck crash spills chemicals, catches fire in Georgia

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — Cobb County and Marietta, Ga. firefighters responded to the scene of a semi-truck crash on Interstate 75 South where the truck carrying barrels of brake fluid crashed, causing it to catch fire and the barrels to leak, then explode early Friday morning. According to the Cobb County Fire Department, a semi-truck hauling the barrels of brake fluid crashed into a support beam under the Windy Hill bridge at the I-75 SB and Delk Road at Exit 261. “The truck then caught fire and the cargo barrels began leaking, burning and exploding,” the department said. “The fire has been extinguished. Cobb HazMat team is mitigating the chemical spill.” No other vehicles were involved in the crash, and the driver appeared uninjured at the time, according to the fire department. Traffic has been diverted off of the area, but the on-ramp is currently blocked. The express lanes are also closed To get around the current traffic delays, HWY 41/Cobb Pkwy is an alternate route. This is an on-going story and The Trucker will continue to follow it.