Business Archives

Safety Series: ‘Impaired driving’ can be result of factors other than drugs and alcohol

Cliff Abbott - May 2, 2022

When most drivers think about “impairment,” they think of alcohol consumption, or possibly the use of illegal drugs. Those substances can certainly impair a driver’s judgment and ability, but they are by no means the only things that can do so. In fact, anything that slows your perception and reaction time can be an impairment, including distractions. Physical impairments can result from injury or illness. That’s why the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) prohibits driving after an injury that impedes a driver’s ability to perform the safety functions of the job. A broken hand, for example, might be set in a cast that doesn’t allow the driver to properly grip the steering wheel. A broken leg could impede the ability to use throttle and brake pedals. After healing from such injuries, a driver may be required to pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam before being allowed to return to work. There are other physical ailments that may not be listed in the regulations but can still impact a person’s driving ability. For example, a driver might be convinced to “tough it out” when beset by an illness such as the flu. The danger, however, is that nausea and fatigue can divert attention away from the task of driving safely. Often, it’s much safer to take the time to recuperate before hitting the road again. Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs used to treat minor illnesses can also impair safe operation of a vehicle. Some allergy medications, for example, come with warning labels indicating they can cause drowsiness. One popular allergy medication, Benadryl, contains 25 milligrams of diphenhydramine HCL — the same medication, at the same dosage, found in the popular sleep aid ZzzQuil. It’s also found in Tylenol PM and other pain medications that include “PM” in the name. Always check medication labels carefully for warnings of drowsiness or other impairments, and always follow directions. Unless you’ve used the medication before and are familiar with its effects, wait until you’re stopped for the day to take it. If you’re in doubt, a pharmacist can be a great resource for information. If you consult one, make sure you ask if it’s safe to take the medication and then drive a heavy truck. Your emotions can also impair your ability to drive. When your mind is focused on your anger at your dispatcher, for example, your decision-making abilities can suffer. If you’re distraught about events back home, such as a death in the family, you won’t be at your best behind the wheel. Every situation — and every person — is different, and only you can decide if it’s safe for you to drive. At the least, consider that your reactions to hazards might be slower than usual. Taking a break or a short walk, or making a phone call to someone you trust may help get you in the right frame of mind. If not, park it until you’re ready. Another impairment factor every driver deals with fatigue. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), driving while drowsy can cause impairment similar to that caused by alcohol consumption. Drowsiness makes a driver less attentive, slows reaction time and affects decision-making ability. The CDC estimates that being awake for 18 hours is the same as having a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of .05%, which is above the legal limit for commercial vehicle operators. Sometimes drowsiness is expected, particularly near the end of a long shift or after a particularly stressful day. But some causes of drowsiness aren’t as easy to identify, and sleepiness can creep up on you when you aren’t expecting it. Irregular sleep patterns, a common occurrence in the trucking industry, can result in poor sleep — and later, drowsiness. Poor sleep, caused by noisy conditions or other factors, can have the same result. As discussed earlier, some medications can cause drowsiness — but other medications might keep you from sleeping so you don’t get enough rest for your next shift. Many OTC medications include caffeine as an ingredient. Taking a BC Powder or an Excedrin Migraine painkiller before bed adds caffeine to your system and can interfere with sleep. Many energy drinks also contain caffeine. Drowsiness can also be caused by sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, that interfere with the body’s ability to obtain restful sleep. People with sleep disorders often snore loudly and can even stop breathing while asleep, causing the body to react spasmodically as the victim gasps for air. In many cases, the sufferer isn’t even aware that it happens; the only symptoms are fatigue and drowsiness the next day. Sleep apnea is more common among overweight and obese drivers, especially those who smoke, but can impact anyone. Diagnosing sleep disorders often involves an overnight sleep study, either in a clinical setting or using take-home equipment. Treatment often involves use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or automatic positive airway pressure (APAP) machine to keep airflow to the lungs consistent through the night. If you suspect you have a sleeping disorder, get tested. Food can be a cause of drowsiness, too. A big meal can result in the desire to nap when you’re trying to make miles. When driving, it’s often best to eat smaller meals, even if you have to eat more often. Keep in mind that mechanical issues with your vehicle can cause impairment. A burned-out headlight reduces your ability to see. Worn windshield wipers may not keep your view ahead clear. Mirrors that are dirty, out of adjustment or blocked by items in the cab don’t provide all the needed information. Finally, willful impairment is all too common. Willful impairment occurs when a driver chooses to divert attention away from the task of driving safely and onto something else, like answering a text message on a phone. Modern phones demand attention for calls, texts, social media alerts and more. Some states require hands free operation of phones and other devices, others prohibit their use while driving altogether. Communications or other devices provided by a carrier can be misused, too. Even dash displays like the LCD screens used for GPS or to control music or other features can distract, if you choose to let them. In the end, the best practice is to maintain an eye scan and keep your concentration on your most important task — getting home safely.

HDA Truck Pride launches e-commerce store

The Trucker News Staff - April 29, 2022

ST. LOUIS — HDA Truck Pride, a national, independent supplier of parts and service to the commercial vehicle aftermarket, has announced the launch of the HDA Truck Pride Store. “E-commerce is a vital part of doing business today. Our goal is to support our members by providing more efficient, easier to use tools,” said Laura Hewitt, vice president of technology for HDA Truck Pride. “We really wanted to enhance the user experience by improving navigation, search capabilities and site performance. The PhaseZero CxCommerce™ platform allowed us to do that.” PhaseZero’s CxCommerce™ is a software platform designed to connect distributors, customers and suppliers, and bring employees and customers closer together, according to a company news release. It also allows customers to purchase products through an online channel in addition to traditional counter or call-in service. “PhaseZero’s CxCommerce™ solutions bring sophisticated digital commerce technologies to HDA Truck Pride members, where they can focus on growth and becoming more efficient with today’s labor shortages and supply chain issues,” said Ram ChandraSekar, founder and CEO of PhaseZero. “Our solution and execution approach,” added ChandraSekar, “enables HDA Truck Pride members to respond quickly to changing market conditions and better serve their customers by offering flexible options. It also promotes both in-store or online employee interactions, allowing a traditional brick-and-mortar business to access the best available digital technology to complement its industry expertise, customer relationships, and last-mile delivery services.” The HDA Truck Pride store was launched this week during their annual meeting in Orlando. “Feedback from beta users has been great thus far so the annual meeting was the perfect opportunity to announce our launch, with PhaseZero. We are excited to collaborate to bring continuous innovation and enhance our digital experience offering over the coming months,” Hewitt said.

Producers Dairy deploys first Volvo VNR electric trucks to run in California’s Central Valley

The Trucker News Staff - April 28, 2022

FRESNO, Calif. — Producers Dairy, a dairy processor and direct-to-store supplier, will now deliver products with zero tailpipe emissions through the integration of two Volvo VNR Electric trucks into their fleet. The Volvo VNR Electric trucks are the first commercial battery-electric Class 8 trucks to be deployed in California’s Central Valley and were showcased at a recent event at Producers Dairy’s corporate headquarters in Fresno, California. The Volvo VNR Electric model was designed for local and regional distribution, pickup and delivery, and food and beverage distribution. The two Volvo VNR Electric units will be the first Class 8 battery-electric vehicles in the company’s fleet of more than 300 trucks and will serve regional distribution routes from its Fresno-based manufacturing facility to grocery stores in communities along the 40-mile stretch of Highway 99 from Selma to Madera, California. “Through the deployment of its first two Volvo VNR Electrics, Producers Dairy is truly leading by example on the path to a more environmentally friendly future, which is at the core of the company’s mission,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “Our team is grateful for the investment that our dealer partner, Affinity Truck Center, made in becoming the Central Valley’s first Volvo Trucks Certified Electric Vehicle Dealer to provide Producers Dairy and other customers in the region with premium support to maximize the uptime of their Volvo VNR Electric trucks,” he said. Producers Dairy is a third-generation family business run by the Shehadey family. With a focus on nourishing lives, the company says it prioritizes the health of its community, from the care of the dairy cows to the sustainable delivery of the naturally produced dairy products. “We are excited to integrate these first two Volvo VNR Electric trucks into our fleet as we work to reduce emissions on our local delivery routes,” said Scott Shehadey, president of Producers Dairy. “This investment in zero-tailpipe-emission technology aligns with our corporate mission to enhance the quality of people’s lives, and we are grateful to each of the organizations that supported us with today’s successful vehicle deployment, including Volvo Trucks, Affinity Truck Center, the California Air Resources Board, and AMPLY Power,” he continued. The project was supported by funding from CARB’s GGRF Zero Emission Drayage Truck Project as part of California Climate Investments. Producers Dairy received $1.25 million to buy, install and integrate two Volvo VNR Electric trucks into its larger fleet. “The deployment of two zero-emission battery-electric trucks at Producers Dairy’s Fresno-based manufacturing facility shows how companies can make innovative, real-world steps to improving air quality in the Central Valley region,” said Tania Pacheco-Werner, a CARB member representing the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. “I applaud the project partners for their collaboration on getting these fully electric trucks on the road and look forward to seeing Producers Dairy utilize the lessons learned from this deployment to scale up its battery-electric fleet and charging infrastructure in the future,” Pacheco-Werner said. Producers Dairy worked with AMPLY Power to design and install the supporting charging infrastructure for its Volvo VNR Electric trucks and utilizes AMPLY’s Omega digital solution to monitor charging infrastructure, optimize energy costs and maximize charger and vehicle uptime. The Fresno dairy processing facility includes two 150 kW DC fast chargers and has the ability to scale for increased capacity in the future. AMPLY Power will work with Producers Dairy to maximize charging efficiency and cost-effectiveness with intelligent charge management services, while ensuring that the trucks are available to complete their mission-critical deliveries. Affinity Truck Center’s Fresno dealership will support Producers Dairy with integration of VNR Electric trucks into its fleet through the Volvo Gold Contract, which incorporates maintenance, full coverage on components and towing and uptime services. “Deploying battery-electric fleet trucks can be a complex process that requires a customer to engage numerous stakeholders and begin planning 12-18 months in advance for charging infrastructure needs,” said Kim Mesfin, president of Affinity Truck Center. “As a Volvo Trucks Certified EV Dealer, we are ready to support fleets throughout the Central Valley with their electromobility goals — including identifying ideal routes and vehicle configurations, support with incentive funding, identifying infrastructure partners and maximizing vehicle uptime through the Volvo Gold Contract,” Mesfin added. Affinity’s sales team can consult with Central Valley fleets considering investing in battery-electric trucks in selecting ideal vehicle configurations by providing access to Volvo’s Electric Performance Generator tool, which enables fleet managers to simulate real-world routes for their VNR Electric trucks, taking into consideration the vehicle configuration and battery capacity, environmental factors such as terrain and ambient temperature, and specific route details, including traffic patterns.

Love’s Travel Stops opens new location in Minnesota, adds 102 truck parking spaces

The Trucker News Staff - April 28, 2022

OKLAHOMA CITY — Love’s Travel Stops is now serving customers in Rockville, Minnesota, thanks to a travel stop that opened Thursday, April 28. The store, located at Exit 164 (8708 Crossing Drive), adds 102 truck parking spaces and 40 jobs to Stearns County. “Love’s is pleased to open its third location in Minnesota and offer better access to Clean Places, Friendly Faces,” said Greg Love, co-CEO of Love’s. “Our Rockville location will provide amenities and employment opportunities to the community. Whether you’re a professional truck driver or four-wheel customer, we have what you need while you’re on the road.” The location is open 24/7 and offers many amenities, including: More than 13,000 square feet. Hardee’s restaurant (opening May 9). 102 truck parking spaces. 71 car parking spaces. Six RV parking spaces. Nine diesel bays. 10 showers. Laundry facilities. CAT scale. Speedco (opening later). Bean-to-cup gourmet coffee. Brand-name snacks. Fresh Kitchen concept. Mobile to Go Zone with the latest GPS, headsets and smartphone accessories. Dog park. In honor of the grand opening, Love’s will donate $2,000, to be split between the Rocori Area Food Shelter and the Parent Teacher Club at John Clark Elementary School.

What goes up must come down: Falling rates and rising fuel prices point to a downcycle for trucking

Cliff Abbott - April 28, 2022

Conditions for earning a profit in trucking are cyclical in nature. When freight is plentiful, rates tend to rise — and truckers buy more trucks to take advantage. At some point, however, freight levels decline and there are too many trucks available to haul it. Then, rates go down, and some truckers leave the industry until the supply and demand cycle equalizes again. Rinse and repeat. For more than a year, we’ve been in an “up” cycle. Spot rates rose first, as they always do, and truckers responded by buying more trucks. In addition, record numbers of new carriers, most of them one-truck outfits, were registered in 2021. Contract rates followed suit, and carriers reported record-setting quarterly and annual results. A shortage of parts and components, especially semiconductors, meant manufacturers couldn’t build trucks fast enough to satisfy demand (currently the wait time for a new truck is close to 11 months). Buyers took whatever was available, driving inventories of used trucks to record low levels. The dearth of available trucks had an effect on the freight market, prolonging the “up” cycle of more freight and higher rates. And so, the good times went on and on. Now, however, you’d better make sure your seat belt is fastened, because the ride is about to get rough. The first indication of change was spot rates. When freight is placed on the open market, rates are more volatile. When freight (demand) outgrows capacity (supply), rates go up. However, that situation has been reversing for a couple of months now. According to DAT Trendlines, spot loads posted on DAT’s board increased 2.2% in March compared to February. That’s good. At the same time, the number of trucks looking for loads on DAT boards increased 29.0%. That’s not good. Spot rates for van loads fell 2.2% in March and have already fallen nearly that far in April. Refrigerated rates are worse, falling 3.3% in March. Only flatbed loads have increased, by 6.9% in March. That’s mostly a reflection of the season. Over at Truckstop.com, similar results are being reported. The site reported that its Market Demand Index, the ratio of loads to trucks in their system, fell to its lowest level since December 2020. On the contract side, the downturn isn’t as evident … yet. The American Trucking Associations (ATA) reported that its for-hire Truck Tonnage Index rose 2.4% in March, the eighth straight month of improvement. ATA members tend to be larger carriers who primarily haul contract freight. “Clearly, contract freight was solid in March, witnessing the largest sequential gain since May 2020,” said Bob Costello, chief economist for ATA. Cass Information Systems reported an increase of 2.7% in its March Cass Freight Index for Shipments. The index for expenditures showed an increase of 33.2% over spending for shipping a year ago in March 2021. The Cass Indexes reflect multiple modes of shipping, including trucking, pipeline, rail, air and ship. Then there’s the cost of fuel. Diesel prices are not helping the situation for anyone. In March 2020 the national average price for diesel fuel was $2.85 per gallon, and it fell to less than $2.40 as COVID-19 restrictions reduced demand. By March 2021, the average gallon had risen to $3.07. In March 2022 it had risen to $5.25, an increase of more than 71%. The Russian invasion of Ukraine hasn’t helped the global price of petroleum. Russia supplies roughly 11% of the world’s supply, competing with Saudi Arabia for second place (the U.S. is first). Sanctions designed to deter Russian aggression have pushed diesel prices higher. The machines of war, including tanks, planes and ships, use incredible amounts of petroleum, further tightening world supply. Another issue that is likely to impact the freight situation with greater intensity is inflation. In February the Consumer Price Index had risen 7.9% over the past 12 months, a rate not seen since the 1980s. The number for March is expected to be higher. Petroleum prices certainly contribute to rising prices but aren’t responsible for all of it. Not counting food and energy, the consumer price index (CPI) is still up 6.4%. It’s about to get worse. The agricultural regions of Ukraine grow much of the grain used in Europe. As war continues, farming equipment, feed and fertilizer may be difficult to obtain, and crop yields might suffer. Additionally, Ukraine exports minerals, another industry that’s interrupted by war. Fifty percent of the world supply of neon, a substance necessary for the manufacture of semiconductors, comes from Ukraine. Now, we circle back to COVID-19 and its birthplace, China. The COVID “Stealth Omicron” variant BA.2 is surging through the country. The research firm Gavekal Dragonomics, which provides analysis and coverage of China’s economy, reported that 87 of China’s 100 largest cities by economic output are under restriction, with many shut down entirely. Shanghai, a city of more 25 million people, was completely locked down, although some restrictions have since eased at the time of this writing. Manufacturing in many sectors has stopped, as has transportation of products. Just as in Ukraine, spring planting could be severely impacted. People in lockdown situations can’t get to fields, and the availability of farming supplies may be restricted. None of this is good news for inflation or for trucking. Industry analysts are poring over the data, trying to predict when the market will enter a down cycle and how severe it will be. An April 14 posting by Freightwaves carried the headline, “Truck drivers are facing another bloodbath.” An April 3 posting on the “Wolf Street” website, owned by analyst Wolf Richter, noted that the “next phase in trucking boom-bust cycle has started.” An ACT press release on April 18 stated that the freight market was transitioning from mid- to late-cycle. ACT President and Senior Analyst Kenny Vieth thinks predictions of doom and gloom may be overblown. “To the extent that there’s a supply demand relationship correction, based on what we know right now, we think that it’s likely to be very shallow,” he said. Whether the coming downturn is a “bloodbath” or a “shallow correction,” the consensus is that conditions in trucking are about to get tougher. How bad it gets and how long it lasts will play out in coming months.

Roehl Transport celebrates 60 years of safety & service

The Trucker News Staff - April 27, 2022

MARSHFIELD, Wis. – Roehl Transport is celebrating 60 years of safety and service in 2022. The company has a variety of events planned throughout the year, including recently at the company’s annual awards banquet that recognized driver honorees for their accomplishments and all teammates for specific anniversary milestones. Everett Roehl started the Marshfield, Wisconsin-based company with a single truck in 1962. Now, six decades later under CEO Rick Roehl’s leadership, Roehl Transport has grown to more than 2,950 teammates with 2,250 trucks providing transportation services from locations across the United States. The family-owned company is built on values, with a cornerstone value of safety and a commitment to driver success. Rick Roehl started as a driver, like his father, Everett, and grandfather, Glenn. Rick still maintains his CDL, making time to get behind the wheel and do what the most important people of the company do — haul freight for Roehl’s customers. “At Roehl, safety is our cornerstone value. I’m so proud our drivers choose to drive the Roehl Way to protect others,” Rick Roehl said. “TeamRoehl works every day to deliver our loads and to make sure that everyone arrives home safely using our protective driving techniques. That’s how we deliver flawless transportation services to our customers.” Over the years, Roehl Transport has received some of the highest customer and industry honors, including winning the Quest for Quality Award from Logistics Management magazine fifteen times, the Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay Excellence Award 10 times, the Truckload Carriers Association’s Grand Prize for Safety twice, and the American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) President’s Award – Trucking’s Top Honor – four times, including in 2021. Roehl Transport was the first truckload carrier to win this award and the only one to win it four times. “Our teammates are industry leaders in safety, productivity and customer service,” Rick Roehl said. The company has repeatedly been recognized as a great place to work, including being listed by Forbes magazine as one of America’s Best Midsize Employers, being named a Military Friendly Employer by the publishers of GI Jobs magazine for nine years and a Top Company for Women to Work For in Transportation three consecutive years. “Our goal is to become the best trucking company in America, and I believe we are well on our way,” continued Rick Roehl. In addition to several locations in Wisconsin, Roehl has terminal operations in the Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and Phoenix areas, as well as in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Plus, the company has more offices and drop yards across America allowing Roehl Transport to serve a large geographic area of customers, drivers and non-driving teammates. “Having that large geographic footprint puts us in a position to continue our growth and commitment to safety and service,” Rick Roehl said.

J.B. Hunt recognized as a 2022 Best Employer for Diversity

The Trucker News Staff - April 27, 2022

LOWELL, Ark – J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc., one of the largest supply chain solutions providers in North America, was recently named a 2022 Best Employer for Diversity by Forbes, marking the second consecutive year the company has received the distinction. “Building and promoting an inclusive workplace is critical to our organization because it creates an environment where employees are empowered,” Shelley Simpson, chief commercial officer and executive vice president of people and human resources at J.B. Hunt, said. “Our employees bring diverse perspectives and ideas to the company, and we are confident they will continue to move us forward as an industry leader.” To determine the Best Employers for Diversity, Forbes partnered with Statista, a market research company, to survey more than 60,000 U.S. individuals who work for companies with at least 1,000 employees. Respondents were asked to rate organizations based on a set of criteria, including age, gender, ethnicity, disability, LGBTQIA+ & general diversity in their current workplace. Evaluations were also based on diversity among top executives and recommendations in which participants assessed other employers in their respective industries. J.B. Hunt offers various initiatives to promote the value of an inclusive workplace for employees, their families and communities. The company has multiple employee resource groups which provide employees the opportunity to connect with one another and encourage growth and development within the organization. Additionally, J.B. Hunt launched its Office of Inclusion in 2021, “to lead the company’s Enterprise Inclusion strategy and help foster a more inclusive culture,” according to a news release. J.B. Hunt is also working closely with the University of Arkansas Sam M. Walton College of Business to address inclusivity in the supply chain. The two launched a collaboration in 2020 to increase awareness of inclusion and diversity in the industry, and this year will award the first recipient of an endowed scholarship program to encourage students to pursue supply chain careers and contribute to the college’s diverse educational environment.

Walmart celebrates grand opening of South Carolina distribution center

The Trucker News Staff - April 27, 2022

RIDGEVILLE, S.C. – Walmart associates and managers recently joined local residents and elected officials for the grand opening of Walmart’s highly anticipated $220 million import distribution center in Ridgeville, South Carolina. The event featured remarks from Gov. Henry McMaster and Mike Gray, senior vice president of supply chain operations at Walmart; as well as a congratulatory video from John Furner, president and CEO of Walmart; and concluded with a ribbon cutting ceremony. “Our team of more than 980 associates from Dorchester County and the surrounding communities are excited to officially open the doors to our new Import Distribution Center,” Jeff Holzbauer, general manager of Import Distribution Center No. 8980 at Walmart U.S., said. “South Carolina is home to some of the country’s most convenient and efficient modes of transportation, including the Port of Charleston and Interstates 26 and 95. Being a member of this community means having the advantage of the region’s existing infrastructure as well as a pool of experienced associates familiar with it. Cutting this ribbon today signifies our commitment to that community.” Dorchester County was selected as the location due to South Carolina’s business friendly environment as well as the proximity to the nearby deep-water Port of Charleston, a news release stated. The new center will store and sort imported goods that arrive through the Port of Charleston — the country’s eighth-largest port — for delivery to 850 regional Walmart and Sam’s Club locations across the Southeast. Once fully operational, the facility is expected to increase local port volumes by approximately five percent. During the grand opening event, Holzbauer shared that the new facility is well on its way of surpassing its initial hiring goal of 1,000. Working alongside the Department of Commerce, Walmart expects to soon employ more than 1,300 local full-time associates at the new facility. During the grand opening ceremony, Walmart celebrated its commitment to the community by presenting $10,000 to Going Places, a local nonprofit organization whose mission is to bring joy to kids-in-need through the gift of bicycles. The new Ridgeville facility is located at 1030 Timothy Creek Rd. The 3 million square-foot facility (equivalent in size to 52 football fields) will become Walmart’s first Import Distribution Center in the state of South Carolina to leverage the port.

Despite strong March, truck builders struggle to get parts, materials

Cliff Abbott - April 26, 2022

U.S. sales of new Class 8 trucks rose by a whopping 35.8% in March compared to February sales figures, but the increase isn’t a sign that production is returning to pre-COVID normal. According to Kenny Vieth, president and senior analyst at ACT Research, much of the increase was seasonal. “It’s certainly better news, but truckers just don’t buy a lot of trucks in January and February anyway,” he said. The last month of each quarter is usually strong for sales, as carriers use truck purchases to adjust quarterly financial results. The calendar gets some credit, too. This year, March contained 23 working days compared to 20 for February, increasing production days by 15%. The 20,813 trucks reported sold by manufacturers in March topped February’s 15,326 by 5,487. That number, however, was 7.5% lower than the 22,512 trucks sold a year ago, in March 2021. Of the trucks sold, 15,536 were road tractors while 5,277 were vocational, destined to be fitted with dump, trash, concrete or other bodies. Production is still hampered by shortages of semiconductors, plastics, steel and other components — but there’s a new twist. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has halted the production of neon production in that country. Neon is used in the production of semiconductors, and half of the world supply comes from Ukraine. “I think there’s still neon in the supply chain right now, but if (it’s) half the planet’s supply of neon, I don’t think it’s something you could snap your fingers and make up,” Vieth said. “As we look to the second half of the year, that’s a concern.” Another supply-chain issue that’s likely to get worse is the resurgence of COVID-19 in China. “Shanghai just entered their fourth week of lockdown,” Vieth said. “There are 42 cities in China right now that are locked down with a total population of 375 million people.” That’s an issue for truck builders that order subassemblies from China, especially in electronics. “The deck appears to be stacked against any strong rebounds in the near term,” Vieth added. That’s not all. President Joe Biden recently issued an executive order requiring that only steel manufactured in the U.S. be used for federal construction contracts greater than $35 million. U.S. made steel is already among the most expensive in the world, and the new requirement will result in higher costs for infrastructure projects. It will also drive more buyers to the global market, driving prices up there too. In the meantime, the backlog of new trucks ordered but not yet built sits at 251,100 for all of North America. That’s about 11 months of production — if no further orders are received. Several sources have published opinions that the days of plentiful freight and record-setting rates are nearly over. Rate increases have slowed in the spot market and fuel costs have skyrocketed. Owner-operators who paid premium prices for trucks and are now absorbing increased fuel costs will find profit margins squeezed as the market adjusts. While there are some doom and gloom predictions, Vieth says ACT is still somewhat bullish on the market. “To the extent that there is a freight correction or a supply-demand relationship correction, based on what we know right now we think it’s likely to be very shallow,” he said. Truck prices continue to rise on both the new and used truck markets. Manufacturers may apply additional surcharges to prices to offset the costs of materials, surcharges from their suppliers and transportation costs. “Then there’s the CARB regulation that starts Jan. 1, 2024,” Vieth said. “We think that’s a pretty expensive mandate for California and the states that have announced that they will follow the CARB requirements.” According to Vieth, pent-up demand for new trucks will continue through the end of the year as carriers continue buying to replace aging equipment, and a pre-buy is possible as carriers stock up on 2023 models to avoid 2024 CARB requirements. Both of these conditions will help keep truck sales strong. All of the major truck manufacturers saw increased sales in March, according to data received from Wards Intelligence. Freightliner sales rose by 1,800, from 5,891 in February to 7,691 in March for a gain of 30.6%. Year to date, Freightliner has sold 20,096 Class 8 trucks on the U.S. market, down 10% from the same point last year but good enough for 40.0% of sales among all manufacturers. Daimler-owned Western Star delivered 658 trucks in March for a 43.7% increase over February sales of 458. Year-to-date sales of 1,681 Western Star trucks are running 25.9% ahead of 1,335 sold at the same point last year, good for 3.3% of the new truck market in the U.S. International’s 2,338 trucks sold in March beat February sales of 1,514 by 54.4% and were 1.9% better than sales of 2,294 in March 2021. Year to date, the company has sold 5,802 Class 8 trucks, good for 11.6% of trucks sold and an increase from the 10.1% market share at the same point of 2021. Volvo sold 2,200 trucks in March, up 35.4% from February sales of 1,625 but 11.1% behind March 2021 sales of 2,474. Year to date, 5,229 Class 8 Volvos have been sold, good for 10.4% of the U.S. market but 10.3% behind sales a year ago in March 2021. Mack Truck saw a sales increase of 26.8% with sales of 1,246 in March compared with 983 in February. Year to date, Mack sales of 2,912 lag behind the 3,897 sold at the same point of last year by 25.3% and their share of the new Class 8 market has fallen from 7.2% to 5.8%. Kenworth sales of 2,987 trucks in March bested February sales by 41.0%. Year to date, Kenworth sales have improved 4.0% from the same point last year and the company holds 14.6% of this year’s market. Peterbilt’s 3,239 units sold in March topped February results by 39.2% but year-to-date sales of 7,189 are down 13.1% from the same point in 2021. Look for truck sales to keep lagging behind last year as manufacturers continue to struggle with supply chain constraints.

Back to school: Would-be drivers should carefully consider options for CDL training

Cliff Abbott - April 25, 2022

The new commercial driver’s license (CDL) training requirements that went into effect in February will result in fewer drivers being trained by friends or family members and higher attendance at CDL schools. Unfortunately, tuition for these schools can present a problem, especially if you’re currently unemployed — the reason many drivers get their CDL in the first place. Fortunately, the trucking industry’s continuous need for new drivers has resulted in a variety of programs that allow new drivers to earn their CDL and acquire necessary skills at no cost to the student. But these programs almost always come with a commitment on your part — a commitment that usually has consequences attached. Some offers are very reasonable while some could be considered downright predatory in nature. If you’re considering earning your CDL and working in trucking, there are some things to know before you begin the process of selecting a school. One of the first things to decide is whether to attend a publicly funded program or opt for a private school. Publicly funded programs are usually offered by community colleges. The courses are typically (but not always) longer than those offered by private schools, allowing more material to be presented. The tuition tends to be less expensive, too, because the school receives part of its funding from tax dollars. The downside of publicly funded schools is that it may take longer to get your CDL and get to work, and there are often fewer financing options available. Privately owned schools, on the other hand, may offer shorter program lengths and more financing options, including carrier-financed tuition. These schools are often the choice of students with minimal cash who want to get to work as quickly as possible. Whichever type of school you choose, it’s important to consider multiple options and to read contracts carefully. Those who take the first offer that sounds good are often disappointed later. Loans are one source of financing, but keep in mind that loans that originate through financing companies don’t often offer the most favorable interest rates and terms. If your credit rating isn’t a good one, you could be offered a loan with high interest rates — if you qualify at all. Carriers often send recruiters to schools to make hiring presentations to the students. Most of these presentations offer some sort of tuition reimbursement program that provides a monthly amount to you, in addition to your regular pay, for the purpose of paying off your school loan. Choose wisely, however, because most carriers require you to choose them as your first trucking employer out of school. If you decide to change jobs, the next carrier may not offer tuition reimbursement. Another consideration is carrier financing. In essence, the carrier pays the cost of your tuition in exchange for you agreeing to work for them for a specified length of time or for a certain number of driving miles. Some carriers operate their own training schools, while others contract with private schools to train for them. Many drivers get their start in the industry this way, but the conditions can vary widely. It’s critical that you ask questions and carefully read any contracts before you sign. The first question you should ask: How much will I owe? You should know what the school’s usual cash tuition cost is, so you’ll want to verify that the carrier isn’t charging you more. Many carriers make deals with schools for reduced tuition in exchange for a certain number of students. This amount is strictly confidential and can be half, or even less, of what you’d pay in cash. Be sure you understand what’s included in the total amount you owe. Most carriers provide additional training after CDL school to help you learn industry basics that often aren’t covered in class. Does the total obligation include charges for this training, too? You’ll also need to know how long it will take to satisfy your obligation to the carrier. At some carriers, you’ll be free and clear after six months or so; others will require a year or more. Some require you to meet specified mileage goals. Some require you to run as a team with another driver or may restrict you from working in a regional or other desirable fleet until your debt is paid. Perhaps the most important question this: What happens if I leave the carrier before the debt is paid? That’s usually covered in the contract you sign. Most stipulate that you agree to pay whatever amount you still owe. Often, carriers will make payment arrangements with you. As long as you continue payments, you’ll be fine, but be aware that some carriers are very aggressive in their debt-collection practices. In fact, the term “predatory” could be applied to some offers. There are carriers who require drivers to “pay back” amounts much higher than what was paid for tuition. Additional charges can be tacked on for their driver-finishing process, which may require you to team with another driver for months at a reduced “trainee” pay rate. Drivers who leave, regardless of the reason, are sometimes mercilessly hounded for payment, and negative information is often reported to credit reporting agencies. Other carriers who attempt to hire these drivers receive formal letters threatening legal action for “interfering with their contract.” Carefully read contracts and ask questions of recruiters. If their answers are vague or evasive, move on to another carrier. School instructors can be a great resource of information. Many of them were hired because of their industry experience, and some will have personal knowledge about carriers they have dealt with. Former students may have also shared their experiences with teachers. The internet can provide a wealth of information about carriers, but view personal stories with a degree of skepticism. Disgruntled drivers often post critical information about carriers — but they seldom include their own misdeeds in their rants. Look for trends rather than individual postings, and consider viewpoints from a variety of sources. Finally, do your best to honor your commitment to the carrier. Doing so will help establish your record as a person of integrity who doesn’t change jobs when things are difficult. Once you get a year of experience, you’ll know more about the industry and what works best for you and your loved ones.

Yellow Corporation reaffirms commitment to reducing carbon footprint

The Trucker News Staff - April 23, 2022

NASHVILLE — Yellow Corporation continues to make significant strides in its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. Since the fourth quarter of 2020, Yellow has replaced nearly one third of its older, over-the-road long-haul trucking fleet, which has long served as the backbone of the company’s freight delivery operations. Compared to the tractors that are being replaced, the new units are approximately 30% more fuel efficient and that is expected to result in a corresponding reduction in CO2 emissions. “Trucking is a crucial industry, responsible for delivering 72% of the nation’s freight. We respect the significant role truckers play and, therefore, are proud to do our part to operate sustainably and protect the environment,” Darren Hawkins, CEO of Yellow Corporation, said. “Reducing our Greenhouse gas emissions by 30% with our new fleet equipment is just one step.” Part of the company’s strategy includes the purchase of nearly 1,200 new Volvo VNR tractors and another 200 in the coming months, for a total of 1,400 new tractors. The Volvo VNR model is credited with improved energy efficiency and is equipped with advanced safety features. Yellow’s Interim Vice President of Equipment Services Don Hinkle said, “Safety and sustainability are among our core values. These new engines are not only more energy efficient but the aerodynamic investments we are making in our new trailers lead to even more efficiencies and further reductions in CO2 emissions.” “Safety and sustainability are part of our DNA, and we are proud to partner with companies such as Yellow Corporation that share these virtues,” Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America, said. Yellow has implemented other strategies to benefit the environment, including operating fully electric yard tractors used to reposition trailers at many of the company’s California terminals and partnering with railroads to move trailers on flatcars over long distances, including through Midwestern and Western states. This intermodal transportation strategy can reduce emissions by up to 65% compared to truck-only transportation. In addition, as part of the One Yellow transformation, company network engineers are designing new city operations dispatch plans that will eliminate overlapping service routes, reducing mileage and related emissions. Yellow is also reinforcing its 17-year partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay voluntary emissions reduction program. Yellow is one of 15 original Charter Partners of the SmartWay program, which now counts more than 3,000 leading supply chain companies as signatories.

Transflo eyes significant growth; hires 2 new logistics executives

The Trucker News Staff - April 21, 2022

TAMPA, Fla. – Transflo, a mobile, cloud-based platform that automates the supply chain process for more than 65,000 North American trucking companies and thousands of brokers and shippers, has announced significant leadership changes within the organization. The changes are part of the company’s growth plan and dedication to further removing friction from the supply chain, according to a news release. Renee Krug has been named CEO of Transflo, allowing Frank Adelman to become Transflo’s chairman of the board. Bill Vitti was announced as president and chief revenue officer. “This is an exciting time for Transflo,” said Adelman, who served as the company’s CEO for the past eight years. “More than $115 billion in freight spend flows through our platform annually and we are on an accelerated path in rolling out leading edge SaaS and AI based solutions, resulting in impressive double-digit expansion in our customer base. Bringing in Renee and Bill — two industry leaders with deep sector expertise, and a track record of innovation and executing strategic initiatives — will further amplify our momentum. From shippers to brokers, to carriers and drivers, to factoring and financial solutions — we offer a full holistic suite of solutions that will further extend our leadership position through our offerings.” Krug called Transflo an industry leader and noted that there have been more than 2 million downloads of the company’s mobile app, which is used by 600,000 truck drivers each day. She added, “Our market position provides unrivaled connectivity, visibility, solutions, and data. With our unique insight into the market, we will bring differentiated, innovative, and data-driven solutions to all of our stakeholders.” According to Adelman, the recent equity investment by the private equity firm Bregal Sagemount, who joins prior investors True Wind and Carousel Capital, along with the leadership additions, will be transformational. “The investment from Sagemount was a strategic and significant investment to provide capital that will accelerate our product roadmap, hire more top talent, and invest in our future,” Adelman said. “Renee and Bill are uniquely qualified to help lead us to more rapid growth, both organically and through strategic acquisitions.” Krug has a diverse background in the transportation industry, having recently served as CEO of GlobalTranz, a leading third-party logistics provider with more than $2 billion in annual revenue. She also has experience on the carrier side from her leadership roles at Swift Transportation, America’s largest full truckload carrier, and shipper experience from Honeywell. In 2018, Krug was presented with the Distinguished Women in Logistics Award by Women in Trucking. Vitti joins Transflo as president, with more than 25 years’ experience in the transportation industry. Most notably, he served as chief commercial officer for Truckstop.com, “where he helped drive the company to unicorn status with a valuation of over $1 billion,” the news release stated. Vitti was also president of Swift Logistics, a leading brokerage and 3PL provider, and head of marketing and strategy for Swift Transportation. “Both Renee and I have worked on the carrier, shipper and broker side, as well as in 3PL and freight software, giving us 360-degrees of visibility of the marketplace,” Vitti said. “This unique perspective allows us to better serve the logistics industry. We’re excited about the leading-edge platform and offerings that Transflo provides its customers to drive efficiencies and profitability and were compelled by the plans for aggressive growth over the next several years. We look forward to helping Transflo continue to evolve to meet the increasingly complex needs of the logistics industry.” Phil Yates, a partner at Bregal Sagemount and former lead investor in Truckstop.com, said, “We are excited to partner with Renee and Bill as they look to lead Transflo forward. The company has the financial backing, talent and strategic roadmap to do something very special. This is an important period for Transflo, and we are eager to assist in the company’s next phase of growth.”

Love’s adds 150 parking spaces with 2 new locations

The Trucker News Staff - April 21, 2022

OKLAHOMA CITY – Love’s Travel Stops opened two new locations in Pageland, South Carolina, and Moses Lake, Washington, on Thursday. The Pageland store adds 70 truck parking spaces and 60 jobs to Chesterfield County. The Moses Lake store adds 80 truck parking spaces and 85 jobs to Grant County. “As we open our 12th location in South Carolina and sixth location in Washington, we reaffirm Love’s commitment to provide quality services and products at competitive prices,” Greg Love, co-CEO of Love’s, said. “Our team members are ready to help customers get back on the road quickly and safely in Pageland and Moses Lake.” The locations are open 24/7 and offer many amenities, including: Pageland, South Carolina More than 9,000 square feet. Hardee’s (opening April 25). 70 truck parking spaces. 58 car parking spaces. Two RV parking spaces. Five diesel bays. Four showers. Laundry facilities. CAT scale. Bean-to-cup gourmet coffee. Brand-name snacks. Mobile to Go Zone with the latest GPS, headsets and smartphone accessories. Dog park. Moses Lake, Washington More than 11,000 square feet. Taco John’s (opening April 25). 80 truck parking spaces. 92 car parking spaces. Nine diesel bays. Seven showers. Laundry facilities. CAT scale. Bean-to-cup gourmet coffee. Brand-name snacks. Mobile to Go Zone with the latest GPS, headsets and smartphone accessories. Dog park. In honor of the grand opening, Love’s will donate $2,000 to nonprofit organizations in each community.

Freightflow completes integration with Trucker Tools Smart Capacity®

The Trucker News Staff - April 17, 2022

RESTON, Va. and RENO, Nev. — Trucker Tools announced Thursday it had completed integration of its platform with leading transportation management software provider Freightflow. Reno, Nevada-based Freightflow is a cloud-based TMS built primarily for produce grower/shippers and brokers to manage the complex transportation needs of the perishable produce industry. Its software is currently used by grower/shippers, wholesalers and distributors, and produce-focused 3PLs to plan and execute timely transportation of goods to market while driving efficiencies and costs savings. Trucker Tools provides trip planning, shipment visibility, predictive freight matching, automated booking and digital document management solutions for brokers and carriers involved in truckload transportation. According to Butch Peri, founder and chief executive of Freightflow, the integration enables Freightflow customers to seamlessly post available loads in Smart Capacity® and quickly find a matching carrier. Capacity providers, using the Trucker Tools mobile driver app, can then accept the load, book it automatically, set up automated tracking and submit electronic documents to speed load management and payment. Shipper and carrier also benefit from an expanded pool of available carriers, with both grower/shipper and carrier working on a common, proven digital management platform that automates many formerly manual tasks. More than 95 percent of Freightflow’s traffic moves with refrigerated carriers, he noted. “Reliable, constantly updated in-transit visibility is critical for produce goods,” Peri said, adding that the Trucker Tools app updates shipment location status as frequently as every five minutes. “That combined with predictive freight matching and one-click booking really helps our customers streamline workflows, respond faster to the carrier, and reduce the overall time it takes to book and tender a load. That’s a significant benefit to all entities, the grower/shipper, wholesaler, distributor, 3PLs and carriers.” Freightflow has embraced the approach of evaluating and adopting best in class third-party technology offerings to complement and extend the capabilities of its platform, Peri noted. “We’re not going to invest development dollars reinventing the wheel,” Peri said. “We ask ourselves ‘what are the best tools that will benefit our customers,’ and then we integrate them into our platform. We find that in many cases both time to market and time to value are accelerated through this strategy.” “Rapid deployment and intuitive ease of use, particularly with mobile apps, is more important than ever,” Peri said. “As the industry continues to evolve, we want to partner long-term with providers who have proven development skill, have awareness of where the market is going digitally, and have a road map to get there. We’re looking not just at what Trucker Tools can do with us today, but over the next 10 years.” Launched in 2013, the Trucker Tools mobile driver app has been downloaded by some 1.7 million truckers and is actively used by nearly 190,000 small-fleet operators of 10 trucks or less. Nearly 350 freight brokerages and 3PLs use the Smart Capacity® digital freight-matching, automated booking and load tracking suite. Kary Jablonski, Trucker Tools chief executive, noted that interest in the Trucker Tools mobile app remains strong among owner-operators and the small fleet truckload community, as it has continued to rank as one of the top downloaded apps in any given month in transportation. “We are pleased and excited to be teaming up with Freightflow and bring to the table proven tools that will help produce shippers and distributors find and manage capacity more efficiently,” Jablonski said. The Trucker Tools mobile app is available for Android- and Apple-powered smartphones and is provided free of charge to independent truckers and small fleets. In addition to predictive load-matching, capacity visibility, automated booking and tracking, the all-in-one app has 17 of the most sought-after resources and tools drivers want for managing their business while on the road.

TruckPro acquires Young’s Gear Denali Drivelines

The Trucker News Staff - April 17, 2022

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — TruckPro, LLC has announced the acquisition of the assets related to the operations of Young’s Gear Denali Drivelines, Inc., owned by Daryl and Joy McGhan and located in Fairbanks, Alaska. Young’s Gear is the area’s leading undercarriage, drivetrain and suspension service and repair shop, specializing in manual transmission and driveshaft rebuilding, as well as provider of quality parts for light and heavy-duty vehicles. Young’s Gear was founded by Ron Young and has been serving the greater Fairbanks area for more than 45 years. “Daryl and Joy have built a successful business with a strong reputation for expert repair service and parts knowledge, making it a great fit for TruckPro,” Chuck Broadus, TruckPro’s chief executive officer, said. “This acquisition will strengthen our current operations and footprint in Alaska and provide customers access to broader product offerings. We are excited about the decades of superior driveline and transmission expertise their team brings to TruckPro and it is a privilege to welcome our new associates to the TruckPro family.” “We are thrilled to join forces with TruckPro and know our customers will benefit from their broader product offerings and additional inventory, backed by a strong nationwide distribution network,” Daryl McGhan, owner of Young’s Gear, said. “TruckPro is built on a similar culture of superior customer service, making them an ideal partner for us, and we look forward to growing our presence and contributing to its continued success.”

Martin Brower integrates first Volvo VNR electric into its Montreal fleet to serve McDonald’s Canada supply chain

The Trucker News Staff - April 17, 2022

MONTREAL — Volvo Trucks North America customer Martin Brower, a leading supply chain solutions provider for restaurant chains around the world, has introduced its first Volvo VNR Electric Class 8 tractor to its global fleet. The zero-tailpipe emission tractor will be dedicated to pulling McDonald’s-branded trailers for food and beverage deliveries to McDonald’s restaurants in the Montreal area. Martin Brower has been a key supply chain partner for McDonald’s globally since it opened its first restaurant in the U.S. in 1956 and works closely with the restaurant leader to help reduce its global carbon footprint. “We are excited to partner with our long-time customer Martin Brower to be the first to deploy a Volvo VNR Electric in Montreal in collaboration with McDonald’s Canada,” Paul Kudla, managing director for Canada at Volvo Trucks North America, said. “It’s a strong statement when all key partners align towards clear greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals. We look forward to continued collaborations with both organizations as they begin their electromobility journey.” Ideally suited for local and regional freight distribution, the Volvo VNR Electric tractor will deliver to local McDonald’s restaurants within a range of 95 miles of Martin Brower’s Montreal Distribution Centre, located in the Baie-D’Urfé area. McDonald’s Canada is conducting a trial of the Volvo VNR Electric as part of a plan to assess the feasibility of scaling alternative fuel vehicles to service its more than 1,400 restaurants across Canada where possible. The Quebec location also provides the ideal opportunity to demonstrate the effectiveness and reliability of the battery-electric drivetrain and components in the heat of a Montreal summer and the cold, snow, and ice of winter. To ensure the Volvo VNR Electric tractor is charged and ready to support daily deliveries, Martin Brower has installed onsite charging infrastructure. “Our goal is to deliver innovative and meaningful solutions to help restaurants and our business create a more sustainable, ethical, and responsible future — every day, all over the world,” Julie Dell’Aniello, president of Martin Brower Canada, said. “By integrating the Volvo VNR Electric tractor into our fleet, we will gain valuable experience for future zero-tailpipe emission tractor deployments that will enable us to continue driving down Martin Brower’s greenhouse gas emissions so we can meet our sustainability targets.” In business for more than 60 years, Martin Brower has grown into a multi-billion-dollar company, that services more than 25,000 restaurants in 18 countries including more than 1,400 in Canada. Martin Brower’s global commercial fleet has grown to more than 2,300 vehicles, including almost 40 in Montreal. Utilizing the Volvo VNR Electric in its daily delivery routes for McDonald’s will enable Martin Brower to evaluate future opportunities to deploy additional zero-tailpipe emission tractors in their fleet. This is a key part of Martin Brower’s ambitious, long-term journey to achieving a significant reduction in carbon emissions per ton delivered by 2030 in collaboration with the Science-Based Targets initiative. The trial aligns well with McDonald’s global commitment to achieve net zero emissions across its global operations by 2050. The addition of the Volvo VNR Electric to the supply chain fleet is one way the Canadian company will contribute to McDonald’s global greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal. “The trial of the VNR Electric model vehicle in Montreal is another example of how we continue to evolve our business to meet the current moment and rise to future challenges,” Jacques Mignault, president and CEO of McDonald’s Canada, said. “Together with Martin Brower and Volvo Trucks, we look forward to understanding how this trial can help us get closer to McDonald’s global net zero emission goals.” The tractor will be serviced by Camions Volvo Montreal, which was recently announced as one of the first two Volvo Trucks Certified Electric Vehicle dealerships in Canada. Its sales team is fully educated to consult with customers that are considering investing in any of the Volvo VNR Electric model configurations. Its service team has also been fully trained and equipped to safely maintain and repair the Volvo VNR Electric’s drivetrain and components. “As a Volvo Trucks Certified EV Dealer, we are ready and able to support our customers with their greenhouse gas emission reduction transportation goals,” Jean-Francois Bibeau, general manager for Camions Volvo Montreal, said. “Electric is the future of transportation, and this is an exciting first step as we help to lead the transition to battery-electric tractors in Canada.” To learn more about Volvo Trucks North America and the Volvo VNR Electric, visit the company website.

Link cuts ribbon on 50,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing, training facility

The Trucker News Staff - April 16, 2022

SIOUX CENTER, Iowa (PRNewswire) — Link Mfg., Ltd. announced Thursday the opening two new facilities. Link’s 50,000-square-foot Plant 4 manufacturing and training facility is located on the company’s Sioux Center, Iowa, campus, and its new Suspension Controls Engineering Center is in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Both locations will help Link accommodate its recent growth in staffing, manufacturing capabilities, engineering, software development and sales. “The new Sioux Center and Grand Rapids facilities reflect the growth and momentum Link has continued to enjoy leading up to and following its recent suspension controls product line acquisition,” Jim Huls, president of Link Manufacturing, said. “Link’s strategic focus on suspension, suspension controls and specialty products helped drive our expansion initiatives, and these new spaces will enable us to comfortably manage the positive impact as we continue our 42-year evolution.” Link’s Plant 4 in Sioux Center is now the manufacturing core for all the company’s mechanical and electronic air management products, including its SmartValve Electronic Height Control Systems and Smart Air Management Systems dynamic air suspension control technology. Targeted sectors of the building are temperature controlled, which is critical for the precision manufacturing and assembly of many of the air management system’s sensitive valve and electronic components. The light manufacturing space also offers Link the broad flexibility of being able to configure new manufacturing cells for other products as the need arises. The new Plant 4 will also serve as Link’s new consolidated shipping and receiving hub, continuing to leverage Iowa’s location near the geographic center of the country and thus major transportation corridors. “Our new ‘Synergy Team Room’ is also located in Plant 4 and will be used for large company gatherings, corporate events, for continuing education and for new employee onboarding,” Huls said. “And we’ve been doing a lot more onboarding lately, with the addition of 50 new local staff in association with and in anticipation of the Sioux Center Plant 4 opening.” Link’s new 15,000-square-foot Grand Rapids-based Suspension Controls Engineering Center will help focus a new segment of Link’s product engineering team specifically engaged in developing and expanding Link’s growing suspension control technologies. Expert staff at the new location will also be engaged in the integration of the company’s SmartValve and SAMS air management systems with Link’s Road Optimized Innovations (ROI) technology. The Michigan staff’s expertise in electrical engineering, software development, testing and sales will help broaden Link’s overall capabilities and effectiveness. The Grand Rapids location also puts Link in close physical proximity to a rich industry talent pool, as the company continues to expand its focus into the whole-vehicle suspension control segment of the commercial vehicle market. With its Michigan assets online, Link will continue to expand its reach into medium- and heavy-duty truck, tractor, trailer, motorcoach, transit bus, shuttle bus, recreational vehicle and specialty vehicle markets. The new Suspension Controls Engineering Center will also enhance Link’s world-class testing capabilities. Already certified to IATF 16949 standards at its Iowa facility, Link’s Michigan location will focus on new product prototype testing and validation. New capabilities include temperature and humidity cycle testing, submersion testing, tension elongation and compression testing, pressure, leak and lifecycle testing and optical comparison testing. The company will also perform warranty testing for all valve and suspension control products at the facility. In addition to its original Sioux Center location and its new Grand Rapids center, Link maintains engineering and manufacturing facilities in Nisku, Alberta, Canada. The company currently employs more than 250 team members. “Link’s expansion in Sioux Center and Grand Rapids shows that its roots are growing ever deeper in the heartland of Iowa, even as it continues to exert new gravitational influence near the center of the commercial vehicle universe,” Huls said. “What started with a revolutionary cab suspension in 1980, leading to ROI technology in 2019 and smart air management capabilities acquisition in 2021, is continuing to lead to growth, and ultimately to a new class of vehicle suspensions and suspension control systems.”

Rand McNally acquires Australia-based Fleetsu

The Trucker News Staff - April 14, 2022

CHICAGO and PERTH, Australia — Rand McNally is expanding its global reach. TELEO Capital, which purchased Rand McNally in Q4 2020, has bought Fleetsu, combining the fleet organizations as part of a pledge to significantly increase its investment in solutions for the transportation market. “The transaction brings together Rand McNally’s fleet business with Fleetsu’s platform, data and analytics capabilities to create a global enterprise that will bring innovative solutions to vehicle fleets worldwide,” a news release stated. “Together, the new combined Rand McNally aims to help fleet operators maximize business productivity through access to real-time, on-the-road data, providing valuable insights that solve for today’s challenges like driver location and safety, engine performance and vehicle efficiency.” Fleetsu has secured a number of major global truck and automotive original equipment manufacturer contracts, including Toyota Motor Corporation, Australia, as its platform is viewed as a best-in-class vehicle and truck solution for OEMs as well as fleets. “Rand McNally is committed to delivering innovative products and services that improve fleet and driver efficiency, safety, and security,” Aaron Dannenbring, CEO of Rand McNally said. “Fleetsu takes our existing expertise to the next level as we now offer the industry’s best connected fleet platform complementing our already robust hardware, navigation, planning and publishing businesses. The combination of Rand McNally and Fleetsu creates a world-class connected vehicle powerhouse.” According to Allied Market Research, the global fleet management market is experiencing unprecedented growth with forecasts predicting the industry to more than double by 2030, reaching $52.5 billion in value. With growth happening across all sectors of the industry, but particularly in telematics and connectivity, the business climate is ideal for Rand McNally and Fleetsu coming together. “The acquisition of Fleetsu is an exciting step in Rand McNally’s transformation of its fleet and navigation product offerings,” Joseph Roark, TELEO Capital operating partner and Rand McNally chairman, said. “Fleetsu’s cutting edge platform, analytics and data capabilities will allow Rand McNally to offer a connected vehicle solution across the full fleet supply chain. The acquisition further expands Rand McNally’s footprint as a global provider to long-haul and local fleets, field service companies, government, auto and truck OEMs (both fuel and EV platforms) and vehicle rental fleets.” “Fleetsu has quickly built a reputation grounded in being hyper-focused on meeting the needs of our customers, no matter how complex,” said Jakub Felinski, Fleetsu’s founder, who will be driving new solutions as chief innovation officer of Rand McNally. “With Rand McNally’s strong navigation and transportation expertise and our already deep bench of leading engineers focused on creating technology data solutions, we are confident that we will be moving the industry forward,” Felinski said. “We look forward to expanding our combined global business that writes a new chapter for connected transportation, led by technology.”

Love’s Travel Stops adds almost 80 truck parking spaces in Waterloo, New York

The Trucker News Staff - April 14, 2022

OKLAHOMA CITY – Love’s Travel Stops is now serving customers in Waterloo, New York, thanks to a travel stop that opened Thursday. The store adds 78 truck parking spaces and 75 jobs to Seneca County. “The store in Waterloo will offer the amenities Love’s is known for like fresh food and drinks and today’s latest technologies in its Mobile to Go Zone,” Greg Love, co-CEO of Love’s, said. “We’re pleased to serve customers at our fifth location in New York and help get them back on the road quickly and safely.” The location is open 24/7 and offers many amenities, including: More than 11,000 square feet. Subway (opening 4/18) and Wendy’s (opening 4/14). 78 truck parking spaces. 60 car parking spaces. Seven RV parking spaces. Eight diesel bays. Seven showers. Laundry facilities. CAT scale. Speedco (opening later). Bean-to-cup gourmet coffee. Brand-name snacks. Mobile to Go Zone with the latest GPS, headsets and smartphone accessories. Dog park. In honor of the grand opening, Love’s will donate $2,000 to the Seneca County House of Concern.

Fleet Advantage helps corporate truck fleets certify GHG output

The Trucker News Staff - April 10, 2022

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Globe Newswire) — Fleet Advantage announced Thursday their program helps corporate truck fleets certify their greenhouse gas emissions output, recently mandated under a proposed rule issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Fleet Advantage is the only finance lessor that has been certifying such measures for a decade with a focus on tractor trailer fleets that operate high annual mileages. The SEC on March 21 issued a proposed rule designed to enhance and standardize climate-related disclosures divulged by public companies. Under the proposal, a registrant is required to adhere to GHG emissions disclosures within qualitative governance disclosures within their annual reports. Comments on the proposed rule are due 30 days after its publication in the Federal Register or May 20, 2022. “We have been preparing our corporate clients for this event since our inception and are proud of the measures we put in place to reduce emissions along with supporting certification,” John Flynn, CEO of Fleet Advantage, said. “We were committed to a philosophy of making change within the industry when we opened our business in 2008, and today we continue to innovate strategies to maintain our commitment.”