Business Archives

Keep on trucking: A conversation with TCA Chairman John Culp

Linda Garner-Bunch - January 6, 2025

What changes will 2025 bring? That question is probably top of mind for anyone in the trucking industry, from the driver’s seat all the way to the C-suite. With a new administration stepping into power at the White House and the fate of key pieces of legislation hanging in the balance, one thing’s for sure. The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) will continue to amplify the voice of the truckload industry on Capitol Hill. And, according to TCA Chairman John Culp, motor carriers throughout North America will keep doing what they do best — move freight from Point A to Point B (and often Points C, D and E, as well) as efficiently and safely as possible. Read on as Culp shares a few insights about factors impacting the industry. Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman. It’s good to visit with you again! As we bid farewell to 2024 and embark on a new journey in 2025, what are your thoughts on the state of the freight industry? Most of us would agree that 2024 was a challenging year for the trucking industry as much of the industry has been operating below cost. The cost increases seen in transportation are very real, but keep in mind that depressed rates can only last so long. The economy is bouncing back — and trucking is resilient. Even though consumers were still cautious during the last quarter of 2024, we saw a definite uptick in consumer demand and spending leading up to the Christmas holidays, particularly on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. We are a consumer-driven society, and that will always be a positive thing for trucking. A lot of financial analysts noted that the third quarter of the year wasn’t that great compared to 2023, but we did see some of the first positive year-over-year reports. That’s a start. I believe we’re going to see improvement in most industries, and in trucking in particular, during the first half of 2025. We’ve still got challenges to face, but I think the pendulum is starting to swing in our favor. We have a new administration in Washington, effective with the swearing-in of President Donald Trump this month. According to reports I’ve seen, “Trump 2.0” is going to involve some pretty big policy changes. With Trump’s support of the oil and gas industry, do you see any possibility for changes in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) zero-emissions regulations and timeline? There’s a lot of attention on that right now. I anticipate that, at a minimum, the EPA’s timeline will be pushed back — and that will give the industry some breathing space. The general public, as well as many environmentalists, view the trucking industry as being one of the biggest contributors to air pollution and global warming, and even as being indifferent to environmental issues. Can you comment on this perception? First of all, it’s important to note that the trucking industry very much wants to be environmentally responsible; however, we feel strongly that we need a long-term comprehensive strategy that achieves our common objectives in a realistic, economically responsible way. Zero tailpipe emissions are simply not feasible in the truckload business. Still, we’re seeing a big push for electrification of both passenger and commercial vehicles from environmental groups as well as from vehicle manufacturers. What are some viable options to electric engines? People are beginning to understand that there ARE alternative fueling solutions that need to be explored. We’ve seen a lot of progress with renewable diesel using current internal combustion engines. Options like this can move the emissions needle a lot better than full-scale adoption of electrification — and in a much more affordable and sustainable manner. It’s going to be very interesting to see where it all goes. At TCA’s Fall Business Meetings just a few months ago, we heard from a representative of the EPA. It was a very productive session, and I believe the feedback TCA members gave the EPA about the feasibility of the impending emissions standards were well received. In short, our industry wants to do the right thing as far as the environment is concerned — but we want to do the right thing in the right way. I feel like we’ve got some momentum heading in the right direction. With the implementation of Phase II of the FMCSA’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse in mid-November, state driver licensing agencies are required to revoke the commercial driving privileges of any drivers in a “prohibited” status. How is this impacting the driver pool? I haven’t seen any specific numbers on drivers who were downgraded, but it’s just common sense to assume that there were quite a few drivers flying under the radar who shouldn’t have been behind the wheel of a truck because of drug and alcohol violations. Now they can’t slip through the system and go to another state and apply for a job, because information from each state is submitting data to the Clearinghouse. The Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse regulations are a good thing. Making sure we have drug- and alcohol-free professional drivers in commercial vehicles makes the road safer for everyone. For drivers who are prohibited from operating a CMV due to a violation, there is a return-to-duty process for them to pursue if they want to remain in the industry. If you need a refresher, Truckload Authority’s Cliff Abbott provides a good overview of updates to the Clearinghouse. Finding — and keeping — qualified drivers must be more important than ever for motor carriers. Do you have any advice for hiring managers and company executives? There’s actually a good piece about driver recruiting and retention in this edition of Truckload Authority. If you haven’t already, check it out! In short, though, company culture is the most important factor when it comes to driver retention. Drivers want to be heard and know that they are valuable members of the company. That doesn’t mean you can give them everything they want or that drivers shouldn’t be held accountable for their performance. But even if you can’t give drivers exactly what they want, you can let them know that you truly hear their concerns. Most importantly, you’ve got to be honest with your drivers. They want transparency; they want open communication. Drivers leave a company for many different reasons — pay, routes, benefits — but if your drivers feel that they are valued and that management cares about them and their needs, that’s when you build retention. The Biden administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, or BIL, is set to expire in September, and the administration made a flurry of allocations in late 2024 for various projects. While progress has been made in many areas, improvements to truck parking availability around the nation don’t seem to be happening at the rate that’s needed. What are your thoughts? Recently TCA’s Dave Heller noted that the BIL omitted funding for truck parking and that a lack of facilities is reaching epidemic proportions. Truck parking remains an issue for the industry, and like most problems, it’s not going to be solved overnight. This is one of the primary issues TCA is working very hard to make improvements on at the federal level. However, there are some positive things happening in Washington as far as the need for safe parking for our drivers. I’m encouraged. Access to truck parking isn’t just about productivity, even though data shows that each driver spends an average of 56 minutes looking for parking on a daily basis. That’s nearly an hour of lost time every single day! It’s also a matter of safety for our drivers, as well as the general motoring public. TCA will continue to advocate for additional truck parking, and as private businesses work to offer solutions, we will make progress. Are there other issues you’re hoping will be addressed by Congress in the near future? The attack on the independent contractor model (IC) at both the state and federal levels is very much at the forefront of the trucking industry right now. For so many people, the American dream is to be independent business owner. In the trucking industry, that means owning your own truck and having some control over how you run your business. As with any system, there have been “bad actors” that haven’t done things the way they should, but the IC is most definitely a valid business model; it has been for years. I hope that together we can make sure it remains a viable option and opportunity for drivers. It is vitally important to our industry. Overall, what do you believe the future of trucking will look like under the new presidential administration? Any time there’s an administration change in Washington there will be some degree of uncertainty. The most important thing for TCA to do is to work with whoever is leading the nation and to continue to advocate and advance the issues that are important to our industry. We will continue to do just that and work for our members to address our business challenges and to work to improve the driving job, and by doing this, to make our industry stronger. You can count on this: TCA will fight and battle every day for the truckload industry and provide value to our members. I’m optimistic that we will see opportunities for some successes in 2025. On a different topic, TCA’s annual convention is coming up in just a couple of months. Can you share any details about this year’s agenda? Truckload 2025: Phoenix is scheduled for March 15-18 at the Phoenix Convention Center. It’ll be great to see some sunshine and warm temperatures after the winter! A large part of TCA’s value is helping members be financially sustainable. We’ve got some important educational sessions and panel discussions lined up, and there will be great benchmarking opportunities. In short, it’s all about making the trucking industry better. Convention is a wonderful time for trucking industry professionals to gather together, share industry insights and, of course, enjoy a bit of socializing and networking. If you haven’t already registered, don’t waste any more time — visit tcaconvention.com to sign up and see the agenda. Can you tell me a little about this year’s speakers and entertainment? On Monday morning (March 17), Bob Costello, the American Trucking Associations’ chief economist, will present the 2025 Industry Economic Review. The entire industry is looking forward to better times ahead, and this session will help us make the most of the changes on the horizon. This year’s keynote speaker is Oz Pearlman, a renowned mentalist, magician and athlete. It promises to be very entertaining! And our featured speaker, Jeremy Gutsche, will share insights and tips on how to harness the power of AI in your business. To cap off the event, attendees will be treated to a private performance by the Gin Blossoms after Tuesday night’s closing banquet and awards ceremonies. As we close, do you have any additional thoughts to share with TCA members? On behalf of TCA’s leadership and staff, I’d like to thank our members for their continued participation and support. As an industry, we continuously work to keep the nation’s supply chain moving, regardless of the economy. Change is always on the horizon, but we will continue to work hard and to do what we do. The nation depends on us. To borrow an old phrase, we will “keep on truckin’.” Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It has been a pleasure visiting with you.

Driving excellence: National Carriers Inc unveils new batch of 2024 award winners

Dana Guthrie - January 6, 2025

IRVING, Texas — National Carriers Inc. has released the names of its Driver of the Month for the months of July, August and September of 2024. Glendol Moody, a native of Texas, Joel Rosado of New Jersey, and April Celestine from Louisiana were each named as a 2024 Driver of the Month. These drivers have each received a one-thousand-dollar bonus and are now eligible to be named 2024 Driver of the Year. The winner will receive an additional $10,000 bonus. Moody as was recognized for the month of July. He joined the firm in October of 2019 as a company driver servicing customers on its 48-state fleet. Immediately, he proved himself as a valued team member, and is now a leading driver trainer at the “Elite” fleet, according to a company press release. ”I am born and raised in the state of Texas,” Moody said. “My dad was a trucker, and I fell in love with it early on. In 1997 I began my career in the industry. When I researched coming to work at National Carriers, lead recruiter, Jerritt Judie, was straightforward with me with no BS. He promised the company would not be perfect, but everyone would try their hardest to make things work. My driver manager is Paul Whitley; we have a cordial and honest relationship. He is the best dispatcher I have ever had. What I enjoy most is training incoming drivers who are new to the industry. I have a teacher mentality, and I enjoy watching my students achieve. I don’t expect perfection, and I let students know my expectations at the start of their training. That removes stress for the student and allows them to concentrate on learning as they drive.” Rosado was awarded Driver of the Month in August. He resides in New Brunswick, N.J. and began driving at National Carriers in 2018. “Joel is our local dedicated driver on the East Coast,” said Mark Phillips, vice president of Refrigerated Operations. “This award for him is long overdue. Joel is always a professional and willing to do what is needed to complete the task at hand. He safely and efficiently operates in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. He has always been a go-to driver who performs. Simply put, he is a true professional. We appreciate Joel.” Rosado operates his truck within the Greater New York area servicing accounts throughout the region. What began as a specialized route for one customer has morphed into a vital service for many. “I chose National Carriers because the company is not too big or too small,” Rosado said. “During orientation, things just felt right. The best thing about working here is that everyone is on a first-name basis. I am familiar with the New York City traffic and directions. ‘Elite’ fleet drivers not familiar with the metro can drop their loaded trailers and head out of the area while I complete our customer deliveries. This is less stressful for both incoming drivers and me. I know the neighborhoods, and I know what needs done. I appreciate National Carriers recognizing me with this award.” Celestine was recognized as September Driver of the Month. She joined the “Elite” Fleet in October of 2018 and currently delivers refrigerated products to customers across the midwestern and eastern states. “This recognition is well deserved,” said Aaron Donbar, Celestine’s driver manager. “She has an ‘in it, to win it’ attitude. April is a team player who has her head on straight and stays focused. She is professional and does a damn good job.” As a past resident of New York City, Celestine feels confident with shipments and deliveries into difficult areas. “My granddad on my mother’s side was a trucker; my dad was a trucker,” Celestine said. “In 2004 I earned my Class-A CDL and became a trucker. Before my CDL, I used to watch trucks come and go on Interstate 10 and wondered where they were coming from or going to. I enjoy seeing the United States and I only have one state left to visit that I have not traveled to. Being named Driver of the Month was a great surprise to me.”

Industry veteran Erik Dietz named executive vice president at PrePass Safety Alliance

Dana Guthrie - January 6, 2025

PHOENIX, Ariz. — PrePass Safety Alliance has appointed Erik Dietz as its new executive vice president. “I am deeply honored to join PrePass Safety Alliance, an organization with a proven history of leveraging innovation to enhance highway safety and efficiency,” Dietz said. “I am eager to build on this success by growing relationships, driving technological advancements, and delivering impactful solutions that support our public and private partners in creating a safer, more efficient transportation system for all.” According to a company press release, Dietz, a seasoned leader in mobility intelligence and transportation technology, brings a wealth of experience in strategy, business development, and innovation to the Alliance. “Erik’s proven track record in fostering innovation, driving organizational growth, and enhancing safety through technology makes him an invaluable addition to our organization,” said Mark Doughty, president and CEO of PrePass Safety Alliance. “We are excited to have him join our efforts to further improve highway safety and operational efficiency for our state, federal, and industry partners.” According to the release, Dietz joined the Alliance following a distinguished career at Michelin Mobility Intelligence, where he served as president and COO. There, he spearheaded global strategies to enhance mobility solutions, leveraging connected driver data to improve road safety and drive sustainable transformation. Under his leadership, Michelin Mobility Intelligence achieved remarkable growth, launched transformative technologies, and expanded its global footprint. Dietz is also a Board Director for the Intelligent Transportation Society of America, further underscoring his commitment to advancing transportation innovation. In his new role, Dietz will lead the corporate development efforts and oversee strategic initiatives to strengthen PrePass Safety Alliance’s services and partnerships with state departments of transportation, motor carriers, and other transportation stakeholders. His leadership will focus on leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance safety, streamline operations, and create value for all participants in the commercial transportation ecosystem. Dietz holds a B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles, an MBA from the University of South Carolina, and completed his executive education at Harvard Business School. His expertise and vision will be instrumental as the Alliance continues to convene government and industry stakeholders to advance safety and efficiency in commercial transportation, according to the release.

Need drivers? Make the most of new technology to navigate the driver recruitment funnel

Kris Rutherford - January 4, 2025

For years, motor carriers have searched for a secret formula to attracting and keeping the best drivers. Conversion Interaction Agency reports that driver recruitment advertising increased by 51% from April to September of 2024. That’s the highest increase since tracking began in 2020. In fact, no job in the United States is advertised more often than that of “truck driver.” Motor carriers should understand that they’re competing against other companies at the regional and local level for new drivers — and some long-time over-the-road (OTR) drivers are even turning to gig positions during their job searches. In short, the experts say, the old way of recruiting drivers is no longer effective. To recruit in an increasingly competitive market, hiring managers and recruiters must make the most of new technologies. The use of artificial intelligence is no longer a novel idea, either for business or in everyday life; it has become a necessity. When recruiters consider factors involved in encouraging drivers to enter their recruitment pipeline — or “funnel” — several factors should be considered. Online ratings matter First, when it comes to online reviews of carriers on a 1-5 scale), most employee reviews fall to the extreme — they either “love” you (4-5) or “hate” you (1-2). You may be surprised to find that the same factors are noted as top concerns at both ends of the scale — pay, equipment and management. While some carriers tend to ignore bad online ratings, writing them off to disgruntled employees or “troublemakers,” the truth is that these ratings are vital to a carrier’s ability to attract quality drivers and other employees. Consider this: According to recent surveys, more than 40% of existing drivers say they’re currently searching for a new job — and another 20% say they plan to look for a new job once the economy improves. When researching motor carriers, job seekers tend to believe online ratings (whether they’re accurate or not) over a company’s “party line.” While setting an online “rating goal” isn’t necessarily a good strategy, carriers that consistently fall below 3 on a 1-5 scale should take notice. Low ratings mean reviews don’t reflect the carrier in a positive light. The ever-increasing use of AI in the recruitment process is an excellent strategy to begin improving the recruiting process. But how? Honesty truly is the best policy Today’s drivers are interested in two things when searching for new employers — pay and operations planning. In addition, they want an honest and transparent recruitment process. Rule of thumb: Never promise anything you can’t deliver. All too often, carriers place emphasis on the recruiting process over retaining the good drivers they already have — and making empty promises is about the fastest way to lose drivers (and don’t forget, those “lost” drivers could well leave an online review of your company). When seeking to attract new drivers, having a reputation as an open, honest and transparent employer is vital. Keep in mind that drivers are no longer limiting their job searches to just one or two carriers. With online job postings so plentiful and easy to find, drivers can apply to multiple carriers at once with just a click of a button. Don’t be afraid of AI Carriers that use AI in recruiting see 10% to 30% more completed applications than those using the traditional method — and they see them quickly. The use of AI enables a recruiter to immediately contact a potential applicant and encourage them to complete the application process. With an “early bird gets the worm” mentality in recruiting, it’s easy to see how using AI tools can outshine the traditional recruitment process. The “machine learning” (data-driven improvement) of AI allows carriers to pinpoint their search for drivers geographically, provides recommended hiring budgets, offers analytics to improve online recruitment campaigns, and provides insight into improving job descriptions as recruitment tools. The advantages provided by AI lead to improvements in the recruiting process, resulting in more qualified applications and reduced lead-to-hire time. In addition, IA can provide insights for smarter recruiting. This all adds up to financial savings for company recruiting and hiring departments. Carriers using the AI process report that the cost of filling a driver position can be reduced by as much as two-thirds of the cost of traditional recruiting. Brad Vaughan, vice president of recruiting at Maverick Transportation, notes that AI helps channel applicants through the recruitment process. “You have to utilize top of the funnel advertising to develop your brand and develop your reputation,” he said. That’s just the beginning. “Then you’ve got to maintain your reputation by finding where you’re being rated on these various sites, from Google and Glassdoor to Facebook,” he said. “You have to respond (to these ratings) and acknowledge that you’re actively watching and listening.” Vaughan also notes that the use of social media in recruiting is increasingly important, sharing that, depending on the time of year, as much as 30% of Maverick’s hires are made through social media recruiting. The importance of creating a brand As Vaughan suggests, among the most promising aspects of AI is the ability to promote your brand in a market filled with carriers, most of which are potential employers. As noted earlier, for most job seekers, the top source of information about a potential employer is a carrier’s online reviews. Higher reviews not only benefit the carrier in terms of attracting more and better applicants, but they also save money. Conversion Interaction Agency statistics indicate that carriers receiving reviews of 3 or greater on the 1-5 scale save 48% on the cost of recruiting per application. In addition, the agency says, 57% of applicants want to be familiar with a carrier’s brand before applying to them. To succeed in today’s fast-paced, technology-heavy climate, carriers must diversify their recruiting marketing strategies. The recruiting funnel The recruiting funnel begins with a company pouring general brand marketing into the top and ends with good applicants being converted into employees at the bottom. At the top of the funnel is information one will find on search engines such as YouTube and Facebook. Videos are among the most effective methods of increasing your company’s brand recognition and improving recruiting at all levels of the funnel. “Video is just compelling, and you can use it in a lot of different places,” said Priscilla Peters, chief marketing officer for Conversion Interactive Agency. Today, almost anyone with a smartphone can record and create video clips to use in marketing and recruiting. “Video is vital, and I would use it across a lot of different channels — in your digital advertising, on your social advertising, on your website, in an email campaign,” Peters said. “You can make it translate a lot of different ways.” The recruitment funnel also helps carriers strategize and move quality leads from top to bottom much more quickly than traditional recruiting. Properly utilizing AI and the recruiting funnel may decrease the overall number of applications received — but recruiters will find that those emerging at the narrow end of the funnel are quality applicants who have the best chances of becoming good, long-term employees. The use of the recruitment funnel also allows a carrier to grow its online community, develop the type of community wanted, and encourages referrals through various channels. Of course, a carrier should never forget that its existing drivers are often the best source of information for prospective employees. If your drivers know and trust your company, they will often respond to negative comments and set the record straight. For most applicants, this carries much more weight than a similar response issued by the company’s recruiting department. For many carriers, the idea of implementing AI in the recruiting department may seem a bit overwhelming. The technology is new, and it is growing quickly. Fear that AI will replace existing systems leaves some within a company unwilling to give it a try. But when used properly, AI will supplement existing recruiting systems, not replace them. There will always be a need for the human element in human resources.

USDOT gives brokers, freight forwarders another year to meet financial responsibility requirements

Dana Guthrie - January 3, 2025

WASHINGTON — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) have extended the compliance date for broker and freight forwarder financial responsibility according to a post in the Federal Register. The FMCSA has amended its Nov. 16, 2023, final rule, “Broker and Freight Forwarder Financial Responsibility,” by extending the compliance date for certain provisions from Jan. 16, 2025, to Jan. 16, 2026. “FMCSA is taking this action because the agency determined that only its forthcoming online registration system will be used to accept filings and track notifications, and this functionality will not be added to its legacy systems,” FMCSA said in the post. “As the online registration system is not expected to be available before Jan. 16, 2025, FMCSA extends the compliance date to provide regulated entities time to begin using and familiarizing themselves with the system before compliance is required.” On Nov. 16, 2023, FMCSA published a final rule adopting regulations to implement 49 U.S.C. 13906(b) and (c) (88 FR 78656). The final rule became effective 60 days later, on Jan. 16, 2024. However, compliance with the provisions relating to immediate suspension, financial failure or insolvency, and penalties for trust or surety providers who fail to comply with the regulations was not required until Jan. 16, 2025, and full compliance with all of the final rule’s provisions is not required until 2 years after the effective date, beginning on Jan. 16, 2026. On Nov. 4, 2024, FMCSA published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), proposing to extend the compliance deadlines for the provisions of the Broker and Freight Forwarder Financial Responsibility rule from Jan. 16, 2025, to Jan. 16, 2026. The affected provisions relate to immediate suspension, financial failure or insolvency, and penalties for trust or surety providers who fail to comply with the regulations., In addition, FMCSA proposed to amend the expiration date of the temporary rule governing current practices, § 387.307T, and the compliance dates in § 387.307. This extension would create a single compliance date for all provisions in the rule, allow FMCSA to implement the new online registration system for filers to use, and ensure that filers are familiar with the online registration system and able to perform all duties mandated by the rule prior to the compliance date. The close of comments was initially set as Nov. 19, 2024. The Small Business in Transportation Coalition (SBTC) requested an extension of the comment period, and FMCSA granted a 7-day reopening of the comment period on Nov. 21, 2024, with the comment period closing on Nov. 29, 2024 (89 FR 92084). Comments and Responses FMCSA received 13 comments on this proposed rule with nine opposing the extension of the compliance date, two supporting it, one requesting an extension to the comment period, and one out of scope comment. The National Owner Operators Association (NOOA), the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), and seven individual commenters opposed delaying the compliance dates for the provisions outlined in the Nov. 16, 2023, final rule. First Century Financial Corporation and one individual commenter supported delaying the effective date for certain provisions outlined in the November 2023 final rule. SBTC requested an extension of the comment period, which was granted. One commenter addressed broker transparency issues, which fall outside the scope of this rule.

Transportation titan turns 125: Great Dane’s legacy of innovation and leadership

Dana Guthrie - January 3, 2025

CHICAGO, Ill. — Great Dane is marking its 125th anniversary in 2025 with the historic milestone commemorating a quasquicentennial of achievement and a steadfast commitment to delivering exceptional transportation solutions to customers. “For 125 years, Great Dane has proudly shaped the trajectory of the transportation industry,” said Rick Mullininx, president and COO of Great Dane. “This milestone is a testament to the resilience of those who’ve gone before us, and those who work tirelessly today to uphold our reputation as industry leaders. We’ve been tried and true for 125 years and the future looks great.” According to a company press release, since its founding, Great Dane has been a pioneering leader, embodying quality, dependability, and innovation at every touchpoint—principles that have been at the core of the company’s success for 125 years. With more than a century of expertise, the company remains at the forefront of the industry by delivering products equipped with unique features found nowhere else in the market. Throughout its storied history, Great Dane has embraced change, staying ahead of industry trends and leveraging cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional customer solutions. This forward-thinking approach has allowed Great Dane to maintain its leadership position and evolve with the needs of its customers. “Our focus has always been—and always will be—providing our customers with the best products and the best experience possible,” said Chris Hammond, evp of sales for Great Dane. “Many of our customers have been partners for decades, and we look forward to the future, remaining committed to creating value for the businesses we serve.” According to the release, Great Dane has exciting plans to continue shaping the future of freight by bringing to market transportation solutions to enhance fleet efficiency and safety, as well utilizing technology internally for increased productivity across teams. Additionally, Great Dane is investing in sustainability initiatives, using materials and offering features that can reduce carbon footprints, for protecting the environment and supporting their customer’s sustainability goals. A series of special events, community programs, and digital showcases will highlight Great Dane’s achievements and continued commitment to excellence. To stay informed about commemorative events and Great Dane’s ongoing innovations, visit www.greatdane.com or follow the company on social media.

Clearinghouse Phase II: Make sure your team understands the latest FMCSA testing requirements

Cliff Abbott - January 3, 2025

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse has unquestionably achieved much of its intended purpose. The burden of chasing down former employers of drivers in an effort to obtain drug and alcohol testing results has changed drastically. The required information is now just a query away in the Clearinghouse. No more playing the system One key benefit is that drivers who failed drug or alcohol tests are no longer able to apply to carrier after carrier in an attempt to find one that won’t perform background checks before making a hire. Clearinghouse regulations specify that those drivers shouldn’t be eligible to perform safety-sensitive functions until they undergo a return to duty (RTD) program administered by a substance abuse professional (SAP) — but without a sound reporting system, states that issued CDLs to those drivers remained unaware. All of that began to change in January 2017, the effective date of rule that established the Clearinghouse. Carriers are now required to report testing results to a central entity and query the same entity to review the records of prospective drivers. Of course, it took a few years for the Clearinghouse database to build, but carriers could now determine if a driver was in a prohibited status with a few mouse clicks. Phase II now in effect A second final ruling, known as “Clearinghouse II,” took effect on November 18, 2024. Under the provisions of the ruling, state driver’s licensing agencies (SDLAs) are now required to downgrade the licenses of any driver in a “prohibited” status until they’ve completed an RTD program as recorded in the Clearinghouse. Before Phase II went into effect, state agencies had the ability to submit queries; however, the individual computer systems in each state weren’t always able to communicate with the Clearinghouse to receive status changes in a timely manner. Now, all that’s changed. Oral fluid testing is close Another Final Ruling, effective December 5, 2024, clarifies training requirements for Oral Fluid Testing collectors. The ruling may seem irrelevant, given the long wait for the DOT to certify laboratories to test specimens, but it’s an important clarification. The original ruling specified that those who train the collectors have at least a year of experience performing collections, but until the program actually gets underway, no one will have ANY experience. The laboratory issue may be sorted soon as well. “We feel that testing should be able to begin by the end of the 1st quarter in 2025 and should definitely be going by the 2nd quarter,” said Jo McGuire, executive director of the National Drug & Alcohol Screening Association. “All of the labs are in validity testing with the approved device now.” McGuire remarked that it’s important for carriers to be ready when the testing becomes official. “We are continuing to train trainers and are ready to train collectors as of December 6. Devices are now available to order from Abbott.” Abbott Toxicology will be a supplier of testing supplies and a provider of laboratory services. The delay in certification, it appears, occurred because labs didn’t want to invest in supplies and process until testing cut-off levels were established in a Final Rule. Once certain that the levels had not changed from the original proposed rule, progress was made quickly. Benefits of oral fluid testing Besides offering another option for testing, Oral Fluid collection eliminates some of the issues around urine testing. Since the need for observed tests is gone, questions of gender and who is qualified to observe are mute. Oral fluid collection does away with shy bladder incidents as well as dilution or alteration of specimens. Collection facility regulations are reduced as well, since the need for a private bathroom is eliminated, as are requirements to restrict access to water. Impact on carrier policy During the 2024 Accelerate! Conference and Expo hosted by the Women In Trucking Association, a distinguished panel of drug and alcohol policy experts moderated by McGuire discussed the need for each carrier to have a strong policy that is clearly communicated. That policy should include the carrier’s right to use Oral Fluid testing at its discretion. “It needs to be in the policy for pre-employment,” said Mia Hicks, manager of risk and compliance at DISA Global Solutions. “We’re going to do this and if it escalates, we’re going to do that.” Don’t wait to update policies Even with constantly shifting processes, motor carrier policies need to be clear and must be shared with everyone concerned prior to actual testing. Prospective drivers should be informed that they will be subject to any form of testing for drugs and alcohol that the carrier deems appropriate, within the laws and regulations in effect at the time of testing. Still waiting for hair follicle testing A long-awaited ruling about another form of testing still hasn’t happened. The use of Hair Follicle Testing for DOT supervised employees, included in the FAST Act that became effective in December 2015, has still not been approved for use. In fact, the Spring 2024 Unified Agenda published by the Department of Health and Human Services called for a proposed rulemaking by October 2024 to include hair testing in Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs. It didn’t happen. “I recently heard a great quote that summarizes this slow walk in a nutshell,” said David Heller, senior vice president of safety and government affairs for the Truckload Carriers Association. “Innovators will beat regulators every time, which is evidenced by the success stories of motor carriers across the country that have adopted hair follicle testing for their own programs.” While hair follicle testing results are not currently shared in the Clearinghouse, some carriers have been using the technology as a supplement to the USDOT’s testing regimen. Hair follicle testing has proven superior to urine testing for identifying drug use much farther in the past, and it provides many of the benefits of oral fluid testing, such as gender issues and elimination of the need for bathrooms. “TCA has not been quiet on this issue,” Heller said. “This topic has been discussed with both regulators and legislators in DC, and it will continue to be brought up until our industry has guidelines that will allow for this alternative measure.”

Estes expands reach with acquisition of 11 terminals from now-defunct Yellow

Dana Guthrie - January 2, 2025

RICHMOND, Va. — Estes has been approved by the court to complete the purchase of 11 additional terminals from former Yellow Corp., including seven owned properties and four leased terminals across the country; once these additional purchases are completed, Estes will have purchased 37 owned and leased terminals and 15 Estes-owned terminal leases once possessed by the former trucking company. “These additional terminals are another example of Estes’ commitment to investing in resources that create more capacity, opportunity and resiliency for our company and those we serve,” said Angela Maidment, vice president, corporate real estate and legal affairs. “Estes’ creativity in both investing and acquiring real estate, plus growing our equipment base, will support our continued expansion and allow us to begin 2025 on a positive, growth-minded note, especially one that didn’t see Estes incur any debt or jeopardize our strong financial position.” The seven owned properties include: A 167-door, 52.7-acre Tracy, Calif. terminal A 75-door, 13.5-acre Fort Wayne, Ind. terminal An 80-door, 21.9-acre Jeffersonville, Ind. (Louisville, Ky.), terminal A 136-door, 39.2-acre Hagerstown, Md. terminal A 67-door, 8.6-acre Omaha, Neb. terminal A 216-door, 42.9-acre Cincinnati, Ohio terminal A 198-door, 95-acre Ringgold, Ga. (Chattanooga, Tenn.) terminal The four leased properties are in Norway, Mich. (Iron Mountain); Dunmore, Penn. (Scranton); Miami, Fla.; and Orange, Calif. “This is another exciting growth opportunity for Estes, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work and dedication of Angela [Maidment] and her team,” said Webb Estes, president and COO. “This year, our ability to not only add properties to our network, but for Kevin Fitz and his facilities maintenance team to quickly get them up to Estes standards has been a testament to all the collective efforts of Team Estes. We again look forward to serving more customers, more efficiently with these latest acquisitions.” According to a company press release, Estes has invested heavily in real estate and equipment in 2024, adding nearly 7,000 trailers and over 700 doors through six new terminals and the relocation of 14 others to larger facilities. Year to date, Estes has a total of 12,028 doors, up 704 doors since January 1, 2024, which is a 6.2% year-over-year increase.

Fleet Advantage and Kids Around the Corner Foundation: A year of community service and giving

Dana Guthrie - January 2, 2025

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Fleet Advantage announced its 2024 calendar year-end milestones for its Kids Around The Corner Foundation (KATC), highlighting an exceptional year of charitable giving and community engagement. “On behalf of the entire Fleet Advantage team and the KATC Committee, we’re immensely proud of our achievements this year,” said Elizabeth Gomez, KATC committee chair. “Our commitment to community support remains unwavering, and we look forward to continuing our efforts to make a positive impact in the lives of those we serve.” This year marks the 10-year anniversary since KATC’s inception in 2014. The foundation has supported local nonprofits that benefit children and families in the communities where Fleet Advantage’s employees and clients live and work. Since its inception, the foundation has donated $1 million to children’s charities on behalf of its employees and customers, according to a media release. Throughout 2024, KATC made significant strides achieving record-breaking donations totaling $365,425.00 to 48 organizations, including 13 new partnerships. These contributions to typically smaller organizations that do not have a big network reflect a growing commitment to addressing the needs of children and families. In addition to financial support, KATC actively engaged in hands-on volunteering to foster direct community involvement, conducting seven in-person volunteer events. As part of its holiday initiatives, Fleet Advantage employees and their families volunteered on Thanksgiving Day at The Caring Place Miami and Broward Outreach Centers. The foundation also participated in the “Giving Back on Good Friday” event, further demonstrating its dedication to service. KATC also made a significant impact on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 3, donating to 4KIDS of South Florida, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing homes and support for foster children. All donations received on that day were matched 100% by a partner organization and this initiative effectively doubled the contributions made to support vulnerable children. “One of the standout initiatives this year was the foundation’s largest backpack drive to date, where KATC provided 200 backpacks to students in need,” the release said. “This effort included a new partnership with Henderson Behavioral Health, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing behavioral health services to the South Florida community and even garnered local news coverage, showcasing the impact of the foundation’s work.” The release also noted that for the second consecutive year, KATC partnered with Junior Achievement of South Florida (JASF) to promote financial literacy in South Palm Beach County. This partnership allowed JASF to expand its reach into communities that previously lacked access to these vital educational programs. The foundation’s efforts have not gone unnoticed, where it was submitted for consideration in multiple prestigious awards, according tot he release. These include the Progressive Grocer Impact Awards, American Logistics Aid Network Humanitarian Logistics Awards (in the Employee Engagement category), and Monitor Best Companies Awards (in the Community Impact category). Gomez was also recognized as a finalist in Monitor’s Converge 2024 Awards in the community impact category, which significantly increased awareness within Fleet Advantage about the importance of giving back and led to a substantial increase in employee donations and charitable giving.

Tesla reports 1.1% sales drop for 2024, first annual decline in at least 9 years

The Associated Press - January 2, 2025

DETROIT (AP) — Tesla’s global sales rose 2.3% in the fourth quarter after a sluggish start to the year that contributed the electric car company’s first year-over-year sales decline since at least 2015. The annual decline for the Austin, Texas, company came despite offers such as 0% financing, free charging and low-priced leases. Tesla delivered 495,570 vehicles from October through December, boosting deliveries to 1.79 million for the full year. But that was 1.1% below 2023 sales of 1.81 million as overall demand for electric vehicles in the U.S. and elsewhere slowed. The fourth-quarter boost came with a cost. Analysts polled by FactSet expected Tesla’s average sales price to fall to just over $41,000 in the quarter, the lowest in at least four years. That doesn’t bode well for Tesla’s fourth-quarter earnings, which the company said it would announce on Jan. 29. In 2022, Tesla predicted that its sales would grow 50% most years, but the prediction ran into an aging model lineup and increased competition in China, Europe and the U.S. In the U.S., analysts say most early adopters of technology already have electric vehicles, and more mainstream buyers have concerns about range, price and the ability to find charging stations on longer trips.

Elgin Industries welcomes Chris Anderson as COO

Dana Guthrie - January 2, 2025

ELGIN, Ill. — Chris Anderson, executive vice president of Elgin Industries, has also been elected COO by the company’s board of directors. The company was founded in 1919 by Martin Skok Sr. and today is led by Skok’s grandson, Bill Skok, who serves as president and CEO. “Chris has played an invaluable role in helping to guide and grow our company during a period of historic change in the transportation and industrial markets,” said Bill Skok. “His skills and dedication to customer success have helped us become a leading partner to engine, vehicle and equipment manufacturers, aftermarket parts distributors, engine builders and performance enthusiasts around the world.” Anderson, who joined Elgin in 2000, will retain his duties as corporate executive vice president while assuming the responsibilities COO. He previously was executive vice president of the company’s Elgin World Trade operating unit. According to a company media release, Elgin serves original equipment (OE) and aftermarket customers from its U.S.-based engineering, manufacturing and distribution complex. The company’s brand and product portfolio includes Elgin engine and chassis components; Elgin PRO-STOCK and Elgin BLACK ICE performance parts; and Elgin Rxemedy lubricants and additives. The company also is a leading provider of advanced heat and cryogenic treatment services. Anderson resides in Geneva, Ill., with his wife, Brannon, and two children. He received a bachelor’s degree from Miami (Ohio) University, Oxford, Ohio. He is active in a number of industry initiatives, including having served as a member of the Board of Directors of the MEMA Automotive Overseas Council since 2018.

ATA’s efforts pay off: Credentialing reform bill clears final hurdle

Dana Guthrie - January 2, 2025

WASHINGTON — The American Trucking Associations (ATA) is applauding the House passage of the Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act; the bill now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. “For far too long, the truck drivers who keep our country running have been subjected to an outdated, inefficient credentialing system that does not respect their time and money,” said Chris Spear, ATA President. “That begins to change today. By taking the final step needed to eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, Congress will provide essential supply chain workers with overdue relief from redundant background checks and fees. The Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act is a bipartisan victory for common sense. We commend Members of Congress, especially Senator Roger Wicker and Congressman Garret Graves, who stood up for truckers, making it easier and less costly for hardworking Americans to obtain the credentials they need to do their jobs.” The Senate passed the bill unanimously in November. In a press release, the ATA thanked Representatives Garret Graves (R-Louisiana), Adam Smith (D-Washington), Mark Green (R-Tennessee), Michael Guest (R-Mississippi), Salud Carbajal (D-California) and Dina Titus (D-Nevada) for authoring the bill and working tirelessly to get it across the finish line. ATA also thanked House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana) for his instrumental role in scheduling a vote before the end of the congressional session. This was the final step in the legislative process since the bill, which was introduced in the Senate by Senators Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), Jon Tester (D-Montana), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), and Angus King (I-Maine), passed the upper chamber unanimously last month. ATA has been at the forefront of the push to pass this bipartisan legislation to eliminate redundant fees and background checks for essential supply chain workers, according to the release. Beginning last year, ATA assembled a group of over 150 organizations representing trucking, rail, energy, organized labor, agriculture, third-party logistics providers and other key supply chain stakeholders in support of the Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act. “The bill has been a mainstay in ATA’s Call on Washington program this year, which has facilitated 700 meetings between ATA’s member companies and lawmakers on Capitol Hill since the beginning of this Congress,” the release said. “ATA also leveraged its 50-state federation to put pressure on key Members of Congress. As part of this comprehensive, ongoing advocacy effort, ATA President and CEO Chris Spear headed to Capitol Hill to meet one-on-one with the bill’s original sponsors and committee leaders to shore up support.” According to the release, the Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act cuts through red tape to allow workers to apply existing valid background checks to multiple TSA-managed credentialing programs, such as the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) programs. By eliminating duplicative screenings and harmonizing these programs, the bill would codify formal recommendations by the Government Accountability Office dating back to 2007. These recommendations were reaffirmed in 2020 in a comprehensive security assessment conducted by the Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center. The bill does not make any modifications to the backend security threat assessment conducted on individual applicants, ensuring that they undergo the same level of review as they do under current law.

ATA names 5 drivers as national finalists for Driver of the Year Award

Dana Guthrie - January 2, 2025

WASHINGTON — The American Trucking Associations has announced the five professional truck driver finalists for the 2024 ATA National Driver of the Year Award sponsored by DMC Insurance, one of the trucking industry’s top awards. According to an ATA press release, the award acknowledges one notable professional driver for their career-long professional achievements and their excellence and commitment to safety on the road. The National Driver of the Year is selected from a pool of outstanding state Drivers of the Year submitted by ATA’s affiliated state trucking associations. Each candidate’s qualifications and achievements are examined by a group of industry safety professional judges who narrow down the nominees to a group of finalists. Here are the finalists for 2024: Jay Williams has spent 20 years of his driving career with TCW Inc., accumulating over three million accident-free miles. Williams was the winner of the TCW 20 Year Safe Driving Award in 2023 as well as becoming the Tennessee Driver of the Year in 2024. Rollie Fugate has driven for Wal-Mart for 24.5 of his 47.5-year career on the roadways. Fugate has accumulated an impressive six million accident-free miles. Mr. Fugate was awarded the Nevada Driver of the Year Award for 2023. Michael Bortz has driven for Sorensen Transport for 21 of his 43 total years in the industry. Bortz has accumulated 4.85 million accident-free miles over his career without sustaining a single accident. Recently Michael was awarded the 2024 Montana Driver of the Year Award. Danny Tankersly has driven for WEL Companies for 14 of his 36 career years as a driver. During his time on the road, Mr. Tankersly has amassed 4.6 million accident-free miles and counting. Tankersly has been awarded the WEL Companies Driver of the Year Award 11 times, as well as a 13-year Safe Driving Award Winner, and recently the WMCA 2023 Driver of the Year. Thomas Miller has driven for 25 years for Prime Inc. out of Missouri. Miller has accumulated 3.5 million accident-free miles as a Prime employee and 3.8 million accident-free miles in his career. He has also been awarded multiple awards including but not limited to MOTA Professional Excellence Award (2019), Missouri Trucking Association Driver of the Year (2016/2023), as well as serving as one of ATA America’s Road Team Captains. The Safety Management Council Awards & Recognition Committee judges each video submission and selects a winner. The winner will be announced at ATA’s Safety, Security and Human Resources National Conference and Exhibition, which will be held in Louisville, Kentucky, April 23-25.

NMFTA’s Digital LTL Council launches API tech to enhance logistics process

Dana Guthrie - January 1, 2025

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) and its Digital LTL Council have announced the upcoming rollout of its latest application programming interface (API) technology: Pickup Request and Visibility Standard. “The overall goal is to make the logistics process smoother for supply chain professionals,” said Keith Peterson, director of operations for NMFTA. “This launch directly addresses feedback from the industry and aligns with our mission to fully digitize the less-than-truckload (LTL) shipment lifecycle over the next few years. To make this vision a reality, NMFTA is collaborating with carriers, shippers, and 3PLs to develop APIs that will streamline the entire shipment process. This is just the beginning, with more initiatives planned to drive innovation and benefit our industry in the new year.” According to an NMFTA media release, the new standard minimizes phone calls and streamlines coordination for all parties involved in shipment order pickups. The technology has been designed to make it easy for carriers, shippers and third-party logistics providers (3PLs) to apply a single standard on which to make a request and monitor the status of the driver to pickup the shipment. This latest development will help businesses streamline operations, future-proof IT infrastructure, and enhance code accuracy. In leveraging the Pickup Request and Visibility Standard, users can request and receive an acknowledgment as well as gain visibility into the status of the pickup and get notice of delays or other updates from the carrier. To learn more about the Digital LTL Council and its API standard, click here.

Atlas Canada expands reach with Orbit Brokers acquisition

Dana Guthrie - January 1, 2025

OAKVILLE, ON — Atlas Canada has acquired Orbit Brokers; effective Jan. 1 the acquisition will enhance Atlas Canada’s ability to deliver seamless customs clearance solutions for clients across Canada and the United States, according to a company press release. “We are thrilled to announce that Orbit Brokers has been acquired by Atlas Van Lines, a leader in the industry,” said Clayton Castelino, president of Orbit Brokers. “This exciting new chapter opens incredible opportunities for our team, clients, and partners. We are pleased to join forces with Atlas, and we look forward to combining our expertise and values to provide even more innovative, seamless, and reliable services to our clients worldwide.” Expanding Capabilities and Supporting Atlas Canada’s Agent Network According to the release, Orbit Brokers specializes in handling both commercial and personal customs clearance needs, offering efficient and compliant import solutions into Canada. With their expertise in navigating complex Canadian import regulations and providing local delivery services, Orbit Brokers enhances Atlas Canada’s ability to deliver comprehensive, end-to-end logistics solutions. “Orbit Brokers’ proven track record in customs brokerage perfectly complements our service model, ensuring our agents and clients benefit from an integrated, seamless solution for all relocation and logistics needs,” said Fred Haladay, president and COO of Atlas Canada. The release noted that the acquisition not only broadens Atlas Canada’s capabilities in customs clearance but also positively impacts Atlas’ trusted agent network by enabling them to offer expanded services to their clients, including streamlined supply chains and optimized customs processes. As part of this integration, Orbit Brokers will report into Connect Logistics, a division and company of Atlas Canada. This alignment strengthens Atlas’ operational framework, allowing Orbit Brokers to enhance the value provided to Connect Logistics’ current and future clients while contributing to innovative solutions that optimize supply chain efficiency and ensure seamless customs clearance services. “By integrating Orbit Brokers’ personalized approach, advanced expertise, and technology-driven solutions, Atlas Canada reinforces its commitment to delivering improved delivery options, streamlined processes, and exceptional value to its agents and clients alike,” the release said.

Truckloads of cheer: Truck Master Warranty donates toy trucks to children’s hospitals

Dana Guthrie - January 1, 2025

AKRON, Ohio and KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Truck Master Warranty donated hundreds of toy trucks to Ohio’s Akron Children’s Hospital and Children’s Mercy Hospital of Kansas City to brighten the holidays for children spending Christmas and Hanukkah in the hospital and bring smiles to their faces during a challenging time. “A toy truck is a timeless gift,” said Rob Fox, Truck Master Warranty CEO. “I got one as a child, my kids got them, and even my grandkids. It’s a classic holiday gift that has never ceased to bring a smile to kids’ faces.” According to a company media release, Truck Master Warranty aims to not only serve its customers but also contribute to the communities where its employees live and work. As the company’s growth has expanded its employee base nationwide, Truck Master Warranty has more opportunities to give back to local communities, proudly sharing its success by supporting local hospitals and other institutions spreading goodwill. Representatives from Truck Master Warranty personally delivered the toy trucks to both hospitals and spent time interacting with the children as they enjoyed their presents. The donations reflect a heartfelt commitment to giving back to the community and spreading joy to families during the holiday season. “We certainly appreciate this large gift of toy trucks from Truck Master Warranty and delivered just in time for Santa’s visit with our patients,” said Vicki Parisi, director of Volunteer Services for Akron Children’s. “The community support for our patients and the doctors, nurses and other providers who care for them is something we never take for granted and it becomes even more special and magical during the holiday season.” Truck Master Warranty invites other businesses and individuals to join in spreading holiday cheer by supporting local charities and hospitals. To learn how to donate to Akron Children’s Hospital, visit www.akronchildrens.org or to Children’s Mercy Hospital, visit www.childrensmercy.org.

Dole renews its commitment to fight childhood hunger in 2025 with No Kid Hungry collaborations

Dana Guthrie - January 1, 2025

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Dole Food Company has renewed its partnership with No Kid Hungry, a national campaign working to end childhood hunger in America, for a fifth consecutive year in 2025 by announcing its active participation in two initiatives. “We feel privileged to be able to work with No Kid Hungry for a fifth consecutive year to help them battle childhood hunger and ensure that every child has the healthy food they need to develop and flourish – not just during the holidays but throughout the year,” said William Goldfield, Dole Food Company’s director of corporate communications. “Addressing hunger and food insecurity for children is at the core of the Dole global mission of providing the tools and products to make the world a healthier place for all.” According to a company press release, Dole’s alliance with the national nonprofit began in summer 2020 in response to the impact of COVID-19 when schools closed and millions more U.S. children were left facing hunger. Now through January 2025, Dole is one of a handful of national brands offering a seasonal giveback offer to help ensure every child has a full plate for the holidays and throughout the year. The produce leader is challenging its millions of fresh fruit customers in December and January to scan the QR code on their DOLE Banana sticker or DOLE Pineapple tag to donate and help provide hungry children access to the nutritious food they need to thrive. According to Share Our Strength, the national non-profit behind the No Kid Hungry campaign, every $1 can help connect a child with 10 healthy meals. Dole is also encouraging Americans to get 2025 off to a healthier, more active start by once again serving as the presenting sponsor of Get Fit for No Kid Hungry, a month-long campaign created to unite the nation’s top fitness, health and wellness experts, brands and enthusiasts in a new year fundraising challenge to get fit and give back to hungry kids. In addition to sponsoring the program, Dole is encouraging its own group of influencer partners to inspire their followers to get fit and give back in the New Year by donating to No Kid Hungry. “In addition to returning as presenting sponsor of Get Fit, which sets a healthy, active tone for 2025, we’re excited to be part of No Kid Hungry’s mission to fill the holiday plates of every child and promote healthy, balanced eating at the same time. It is a perfect way to kick-off the New Year,” Goldfield said. A leader in the health and wellness influencer and blog space since 2009, Dole recruited partners from Homemade and SoHookd to participate and fundraise as part of Dole’s Get Fit team, according to the release. “We are so grateful to be partnering with Dole for the fifth year,” said Allison Shuffield, managing director, corporate partnerships at Share Our Strength. “Their dedication to promoting health and well-being for all families makes them the perfect partner for helping to raise the critical funds and awareness needed to end childhood hunger.” Led by nationally recognized chef Joel Gamoran, Homemade is the largest livestream cooking platform and community in the world. Homemade features free, interactive classes plus opportunities for home cooks to connect with the best ingredients, products, and brands in the food world. The platform also produces its own year-long cooking show on PBS called “Homemade Live!” which features celebrity guests and is distributed on multiple streaming partners and on Alaska Airlines. SoHookd is a turnkey business-to-business wellness platform for employers with a mission to inspire healthy lifestyles and unlock access to wellness for all. SoHookd’s platform offers customizable programs that address wellness with a holistic approach – from nutrition and fitness to mental health and self-care, enhancing productivity and enriching the employee experience. Through their cost-effective solutions, organizations can create personalized wellness experiences that encourage and reward healthy behaviors. Visit the Get Fit calendar to see the full list of online classes. Dole is encouraging its millions of social media followers, employees, customers, Dole Nutrition News e-newsletter subscribers, growers, retailers and other industry partners to contribute to the effort. The collaboration between No Kid Hungry and Dole has been highlighted by nutrition education, fund raising campaigns and at-retail initiatives to help give the nearly 14 million kids in the U.S. who are living with hunger access to three healthy meals a day, according to the release. For more information about Dole’s partnership with No Kid Hungry, visit the nonprofit’s Dole partner and Get Fit for No Kid Hungry pages NoKidHungry.org/GetFitLive.

TCA to hold first ever Profitability Program (TPP) Best Practices Summit

Dana Guthrie - December 31, 2024

The Truckload Carrier Association will hold its first ever TCA Profitability Program (TPP) Best Practices Summit on Jan. 22 in Birmingham, Ala. According to a TCA press release, the exclusive event will bring together top-performing carriers, industry leaders and TPP experts for a day of actionable insights and peer-to-peer learning designed to help you drive profitability and operational excellence. “Whether you’re a seasoned TPP member or just learning about the program, this summit offers something for everyone looking to improve their truckload operations,” the TCA said. A welcome reception will be held on Jan. 21 from 5:00-7:30 p.m. hosted at the McLeod Software headquarters to allow for networking opportunities with fellow attendees and to meet industry leaders before the Jan. 22 summit. Refreshments will also be served. Agenda highlights for the Jan. 22 summit include: CFO & Financial Panel The CFO financial panel will discuss key takeaways learned and how they have adopted strategies discussed at their TPP group meetings. How the process changes have impacted various aspects of their business. Chris Kelly, Navajo Express Kayla Hasselmann, CFO, Grand Island Express Carl Svendsen, Chief Strategy Officer, Halvor Lines Maintenance & Equipment Panel The maintenance panel will cover how to measure your department for productivity, cost cutting methods used, technician handling, training, and many more. Highlight KPI’s used to benchmark your maintenance program. Panelists will explain their practices and spur on questions from the attendees. With the ever changing landscape of higher equipment costs and specialized training we will all benefit from the sharing session. Danny Abernathy, Maintenance Spokesperson, Cargo Transporters Tanya Morrow, President, Ploger Transportation Mike Eggleton, Raider Express Safety & Risk Management Panel During the Safety and Risk Management panel, panelists will discuss best practices with some of North America’s safest fleets. Diving into topics such as: Is safety & risk a philosophical discussion? How do you measure your results? What’s the correlation between Safety & People? Name your best practice for safety & risk? Pete Hill, Hill Brothers Transportation Garth Pitzel, Associate VP, Safety and Driver Development, Bison Transport Shawn Nelson, Director of Driver Profitability, RE Garrison Operations Panel In this session panelists will explore what drives operational excellence and profits. The term “operations” is often used as an all-encompassing term for the day to day, revenue generating activities in trucking. This discussion will include advice from expert panelists as they share how they have achieved success in four core components of Operations: Drivers, Fleet Management, Customer Service and Planning. Ed Nagle, Nagle Toledo John McLaughlin, CFO, Freymiller Steve Hitchcock, COO, Duncan Trucking, LTD People Management/HR Panel The most successful carriers in TPP recognize people as a key component in growth. This discussion will dive into hiring and developmental strategies that foster organizational success. Outline KPI’s used to ensure your headcount is balanced. We’ll share some insightful wisdom around developing and maintaining your culture. Industry leaders will share tips regarding their best practices for managing people while maintaining fiscal responsibility for your company. Nicky Morrison, Controller, Prime Roy Cox, CEO/President, Best Cartage Kyle Kristynik, President, Jetco A question and answer forum will be held following the final session. Registration is open to all for-hire carrier and private fleet representatives.

Congestion pricing lawsuit: New York trucking industry refuses to back down; vows to take fight ‘as far as we need to’

Dana Guthrie - December 31, 2024

NEW YORK — After a decision from the Honorable Judge Lewis Liman of the Southern District of New York (SDNY) to reject the Trucking Association of New York’s (TANY) motion for preliminary injunction against the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) Congestion Pricing Plan, TANY released a statement on behalf of its president, Kendra Hems. “(The Dec. 23) decision is a direct rejection of the wishes of the nearly two-thirds of New Yorkers who do not support implementing congestion pricing,” Hems said. “The fact is, it is unfortunate that we had to file this lawsuit in the first place. As we have said from the beginning, the disproportionate pricing structure unfairly targets trucking operators (4% of all NYC vehicle traffic) on a per-trip basis, while passenger vehicles (which constitute 87% of all NYC vehicle traffic) are only charged once per day. This burden—which is far heavier for the trucking industry than any other—will have significant downstream impacts on the entire economy.” In May, TANY filed a lawsuit against the MTA over the issue of raising tolls for drivers. In June, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul indefinitely delayed implementation of a plan to charge motorists big tolls to enter the core of Manhattan, just weeks before the nation’s first “congestion pricing” system was set to launch. The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of New York on May 30, argued that the congestion pricing policy unfairly targets trucking and logistics companies, which are charged far higher rates than passenger vehicles. Under the finalized plan, trucks would be subject to a charge of $24 or $36 per trip into the congestion zone below 60th Street in Manhattan, depending on their size, compared to just $15 per day for passenger vehicles. While the goal of the plan is ostensibly to reduce vehicle traffic during business hours, the MTA is also required to raise at least $1 billion per year with congestion pricing, per a legislative directive from Albany — meaning the agency is incentivized to maximize revenue by targeting those with inelastic schedules, like trucks. “…by not choosing to engage in negotiations with our industry and find a middle ground by introducing pricing parity with passenger vehicles, the MTA has subjected New Yorkers to the likelihood of a quality-of-life crisis in Manhattan—unstocked store shelves, the decimation of New York’s world-renowned restaurant industry, and a lack of immediate access to life saving medications. Especially amidst our ongoing affordability crisis, and with inflation ticking back up again, congestion pricing will be debilitating for the average New Yorker,” Hems said. New York will become the first U.S. city to join a handful globally with similar congestion pricing schemes, including London, Stockholm, Milan and Singapore, which is credited with pioneering the first such program in 1975. “We will continue to advocate for the needs of the communities we serve. As such, we will take this challenge as far as we need to,” Hems said.

Federal court reinstates Beneficial Ownership Information reporting requirements

Dana Guthrie - December 31, 2024

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) has notified its members and is working to alert others in the trucking industry that Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements have been reinstated by a federal court. “OOIDA has long opposed this requirement and continues to do so,” the group said. On Dec. 26, a federal appeals court reinstated a nationwide injunction halting enforcement of BOI reporting requirements, reversing an order the same court issued earlier that week. The Corporate Transparency Act requires most small businesses with 20 or fewer full-time employees to submit company information to the U.S. Treasury Department. Companies filed since January 1, 2024 generally have 90-days to file, but there are different deadlines depending on when the business started. BOI is imposed by the Act and enforced by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). To file beneficial ownership information, go to fincen.gov/boi. OOIDA members can also call the association for assistance at 800-444-5791.