Business

WASHINGTON – The American Trucking Associations is applauding the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act that includes language for which ATA strongly advocated to  implement reforms improving military base access, increase security for sensitive military freight and continue oversight of the Global Household Goods Contract; the legislation now heads to the president’s desk to be signed into law.     “All of these wins for trucking will benefit motor carriers as well as our national security,” said Ed Gilroy, ATA’s chief advocacy and public affairs officer.  “These successes are particularly noteworthy during a deeply divided Congress and were made possible due to our commitment to bipartisanship and deep relationships on both sides of the aisle.”   Base Access  According to an ATA press release, getting through the gates at U.S. military bases is a challenge for truck drivers and motor carriers, including those that regularly move service members, deliver personal packages or transport arms and ammunition.  Last year, ATA’s Moving and Storage Conference, the Government Freight Conference and their respective members worked with Congressmen John Garamendi (D-California) and Mark Alford (R-Missouri) to secure a provision in the NDAA intended to create a sensible, uniform base access process while maintaining robust security standards.  This year’s NDAA continues to keep the pressure on the Department of Defense to implement these changes.   “Whether carriers are hauling arms and ammunition or household goods, getting onto a base to deliver or pick up military freight has often been a hassle for truck drivers even though they are thoroughly vetted and routinely access secure facilities on their routes,” said Mike Matousek, director of the ATA Government Freight Conference.  “A workable, consistent standard across military installations is part of the solution.  We appreciate our congressional champions continuing to push DoD to move forward with these important reforms.”   “With more than 300,000 military families relocating each year, efficient and consistent access to military bases for movers and crew members is essential to meeting their needs while also supporting military readiness,” said Dan Hilton, executive director of the ATA Moving and Storage Conference.  “We applaud Congress for including this provision, and we welcome DoD’s engagement with movers and other industries who support national security.”   Security for Sensitive Freight   DoD requires motor carriers to comply with numerous rules in order to transport any military freight.  There are also additional safety and security requirements specifically for a class of freight called TPS (Transportation Protective Services), which includes AA&E (Arms, Ammunition, and Explosives), that motor carriers must abide by to haul those sensitive shipments.   Recently, DoD proposed to allow the tendering of certain TPS shipments to unqualified, non-TPS motor carriers and logistics providers during surges in AA&E transportation.  It is unlikely that a non-TPS motor carrier that has never previously met the necessarily high security thresholds for AA&E shipments and has never moved such shipments before would have the experience and operational protocols in place to safely move these sensitive goods, according to the release.  Following the ATA Government Freight Conference’s Call on Washington in May, the draft NDAA included a provision to preempt this shortsighted DoD proposal to waive longstanding critical safety and security requirements to transport small arms and ammunition.  Similar language was included in the NDAA that passed Congress.   “It’s not a stretch to suggest that only DoD-approved munitions haulers should haul DoD munitions, and our message has resonated with Congress,” Matousek said. “We are so thankful to Rep. Sam Graves (R-Missouri) for filing the amendment, to Readiness Subcommittee Ranking Member John Garamendi (D-California) for his bipartisan support, and to Readiness Subcommittee Chairman Mike Waltz (R-Florida) for engaging DoD on this issue.”   Global Household Goods Contract Program   ATA’s Moving and Storage Conference has been sounding the alarm about the serious flaws with the GHC Program, according to the release. Unless corrective action is taken, military readiness will be degraded and additional stress will be placed on servicemembers and their families during relocations. This issue was raised repeatedly during the Moving and Storage Conference Call on Washington in September.   “The moving industry is proud to provide members of the armed forces and their families with the highest level of service and support during their relocations,” Hilton said. “We are committed to working together with Congress and DoD to resolve challenges associated with the GHC.”   The NDAA included provisions to increase oversight of TRANSCOM by requiring:   1. An evaluation of the management and oversight of the GHC and the Defense Personal Property Program by Nov 1, 2025   2. An assessment of the GHC’s initial transition by Dec. 31. 

MIAMI, Fla. — Ryder System Inc. has announces the appointment of John J. Diez to president and chief operating officer (COO), effective Jan. 1, 2025; in this new role, Diez will continue to report to Ryder chairman and CEO Robert E. Sanchez with responsibility for the general management of all business operations of Ryder’s three business segments. Cristina Gallo-Aquino, most recently senior vice president, controller, and principal accounting officer since August 2020, has been promoted to succeed Diez as executive vice president and chief financial officer (CFO), also effective Jan.1, 2025. In this role, Gallo-Aquino will oversee all of Ryder’s financial management functions, including finance and accounting, treasury, tax, audit, investor relations, and continue to serve as principal accounting officer. “At Ryder, we have a commitment to talent development at all levels in our organization,” Sanchez said. “This includes providing leadership opportunities in positions that broaden our team’s capabilities through rotational assignments, as well as providing roles of increasing responsibility that contribute to the long-term progress and stability of our company. These appointments are an example of that commitment. Both executives bring a powerful combination of industry knowledge to their new roles, complemented by a deep understanding of Ryder’s overall business operations and how our business units collaborate.” According to a media release, during his 22-year tenure at Ryder, Diez has held a variety of senior business and financial management roles with increasing responsibility. Prior to his current role serving as the company’s executive vice president and chief financial officer since May 2021, he was president of Ryder’s FMS business, leading all areas of global fleet operations, as well as president of the company’s DTS business unit where he led strong revenue growth and improved business returns. Gallo-Aquino joined Ryder in 2004 and has extensive financial and accounting experience. Prior to her current role, she served as vice president and chief financial officer for the company’s FMS business unit and vice president and corporate controller.

Toronto, ON — The Erb Group has been named Carrier of the Year 2024 by Lactalis Canada in recognition of its long-standing partnership, exceptional service quality, and outstanding commitment to overcoming challenges. “This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Erb team, from terminal staff to drivers and corporate support,” said Marty Otten, vice president of Sales. According to a company media release, the award was presented during Lactalis Canada’s inaugural Carrier Awards Meeting held on December 5 at the Delta Hotel in downtown Toronto. The event brought together carrier partners from across Canada, with approximately 90 attendees. Of the five awards presented, The Erb Group was honoured with the top accolade for its multifaceted service offerings and dedication to ensuring exceptional outcomes, even in the face of major challenges. This recognition celebrates The Erb Group’s role as a critical partner in Lactalis Canada’s mission to deliver high-value, time-sensitive freight to customers nationwide. The company’s ability to provide tailored solutions and seamless collaboration were noted as key factors in earning this distinction. “Being recognized by one of the world’s largest dairy producers is a significant achievement, and it reflects the strength of our partnership with Lactalis Canada,” Otten said. “The Erb Group is proud to be part of this success and remains committed to delivering excellence.” According to the release, as a leader in temperature-controlled transportation for over 65 years, The Erb Group continues to build strong relationships with its partners, supporting industries such as food and beverage with innovative, reliable refrigerated solutions across Canada and North America.

BEAVERTON, Ore. — According to a recent media release, DAT Freight & Analytics has acquired the operations of Trucker Tools LLC, a company that specializes in load visibility, automated booking, digital freight matching, and carrier engagement for commercial trucking. The release stated that the acquisition will expand DAT’s ability to provide real-time GPS tracking and load optimization on the DAT One platform. DAT One is the industry’s largest marketplace for spot truckload freight, with more than 668,000 loads posted daily and market rates based on $1 trillion in freight transactions. “Real-time load tracking and digital freight matching are among the most dynamic technologies in our industry today and part of an important evolution in how truckload freight transactions are conducted,” said Jeff Clementz, Chief Executive Officer, DAT. “Tracking and visibility have become critical needs for all of our customers, and we couldn’t be more excited to deliver best-in-class solutions to them with Trucker Tools’ capabilities.” “This is a tremendous opportunity for Trucker Tools to grow and benefit from the resources, expertise, and market reach of DAT,” said Kary Jablonski, CEO of Trucker Tools. “By joining DAT, we’re better positioned to shape the future of our industry while unlocking new opportunities for customers, employees, and partners.” Trucker Tools provides real-time visibility for more than 750 leading freight brokers and accelerates load tendering, rate negotiation, load booking, and digital document management through its Smart Load Board. Its popular Trucker Tools app helps 350,000 owner-operators, carriers, and drivers find and book loads on the spot market and manage replies to their offers and bids. DAT acquired Trucker Tools from ASG, a portfolio company of Alpine Investors. Trucker Tools will operate under its current leadership, with Jablonski joining the DAT executive team. “The technology and talented people behind Trucker Tools are an ideal fit for DAT,” Clementz said. “We share a passion and commitment to helping customers be more effective and profitable, whether they’re a one-person operation or part of a large enterprise. Together, Trucker Tools’ real-time tracking and visibility and DAT’s freight matching and analytics solutions will streamline the way freight brokers, carriers, and shippers do business.”

WALCOTT, Iowa — Trucker Buddy International and the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum were both awarded funds during the December 2024 grant cycle of the Go Iowa Fund Grant Program, according to a media release from the Iowa 80 Truckstop and CAT Scale Co. The Go Iowa Fund was established to provide a structure for Iowa 80 Group employees and others to request money to support good causes, organizations or philanthropies that they are involved in. Any Iowa-based charity or organization that serves Iowa residents or students can apply. Grants are awarded twice a year. Trucker Buddy International is an Alabama-based nonprofit organization that partners professional truck drivers with classrooms all over the U.S. as pen-pals. The program’s goal is to help strengthen positive opinions about truck drivers. The Iowa 80 Trucking Museum is a 100,000-square-foot museum in Walcott, Iowa, that’s dedicated to preserving trucking history. The museum features over 130 trucks manufactured between 1903 and 1997, along with vintage signs, toy trucks, and other petroliana. Admission to the museum is free. Other non-industry organizations that will receive funding include the Walcott K-8 School, Walcott Hearts and Hands, Lutheran Services of Iowa, Junior Achievement and Davenport Central High School. For more information on or to apply for the Go Iowa Fund Grant Program, click here. Applications for the next grant cycle will be accepted through June 1, 2025.

MIAMI, Fla. — Ryder System Inc.’s annual United Way workplace campaign contributions for 2024 totaled $1.150 million—setting a record in the company’s more than 40-year history supporting United Way. “Each year, Ryder employees show up and demonstrate extraordinary dedication to the United Way,” said Robert Sanchez, Ryder Chairman and CEO and past chairman of the board for United Way Miami. “Reaching this new giving record is a testament to their commitment to helping others, and I am so grateful to everyone who contributed. I’d also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to this year’s campaign co-chairs, Kendra Phillips, vice president for transportation management and brokerage, and Bill Dawson, senior vice president & chief of operations, for their exceptional leadership in making this achievement possible.” According to a company press release, the total 2024 donation includes employee donations and a contribution from the Ryder Charitable Foundation. This year’s workplace giving campaign, themed “Providing essential help right HERE,” united Ryder employees across the U.S. through five days of virtual and in-person fundraising activities, reflecting the company’s culture of giving back and service. The theme highlighted the United Way mission to elevate lives through initiatives in Health & Wellbeing, Education, Resilient Communities, and Economic Mobility, according to the release. Funds raised enable United Way chapters throughout the country to continue the critical mission of addressing local community needs and providing access to quality education, healthcare, and financial resources to create stronger communities where Ryder employees also live and work. “For more than 40 years, Ryder and United Way have partnered to provide essential resources to families in need, and this record-breaking $1.150 million donation ensures we can continue addressing critical challenges and creating a brighter future for our community,” said Symeria Hudson, president and CEO of United Way Miami, the chapter serving the community where Ryder is headquartered. “Ryder’s commitment to community-building and philanthropy has a tremendous impact, and their support for United Way makes a difference in the lives of individuals through programs and initiatives that provide access to health & wellbeing, education, resilient communities and economic mobility.”

LONG BEACH, Calif. —  BATCH Freight (BATCH) has announced “Smart Jobbing”, a core AI functionality for intelligent load planning and management as a part of its Advanced Trucking & Logistics Automation System (ATLAS) solution. According to a company press release, with an emphasis on maximizing capacity utilization and minimizing operational inefficiencies, ATLAS is transforming how carriers move freight, significantly benefiting both truck drivers and shippers. “In today’s competitive freight industry, managing multiple loaded and empty container shipments can lead to unwanted accessorial fees such as detention or bobtails for shippers,” BATCH said. “Recognizing this challenge, BATCH developed ‘Smart Jobbing’ advanced planning functionality that enables the batching of multiple loads into a single job, maximizing routing efficiency while allowing truck drivers to complete more loads and earn more money per day, driving accelerated on-time deliveries and excellent service to shippers.” Harnessing Technology for Enhanced Operational Efficiency ATLAS is integrated with marine terminals, rail ramps, warehouses, distribution centers, and yard management systems across the US. As an orchestration engine, ATLAS considers various restrictions at these locations as well as their operating hours, employing sophisticated algorithms to manage appointments and facilitate matches between outbound and inbound loads. This ensures that shipments move quickly and efficiently with maximum throughput at these facilities with minimal human interaction. To further streamline drayage and truckload operations, ATLAS automates the scheduling of appointments at marine terminals, rail ramps, and warehouses, utilizing smart route matching AI to efficiently batch loads for all import and export shippers. After batching dual transaction and roundtrip loads into high-quality ‘Smart Jobs’, ATLAS’ intelligence matches these jobs with the most qualified carriers based on their scorecard and personal preferences, optimizing earning potential for truck drivers and improving service quality for BATCH’s shippers. This enhances operational efficiency and significantly reduces carbon emissions by minimizing empty miles, aligning with BATCH’s commitment to sustainability. “Our proprietary Smart Jobbing AI processes large amounts of data real time to analyze patterns and spot trends,” said Mirna Kusalovic, BATCH CTO. “It focuses on optimizing the resource allocation, ensuring the containers are matched and stitched efficiently into a single Smart Job that reduces idle-time and maximizes utilization.” Benefits of ATLAS for the Freight Industry According to the release, the implementation of ATLAS brings a host of benefits for carriers, shippers, and the environment: Increased Load Capacity: By enabling truck drivers to complete more loads each day, BATCH enhances the overall capacity of the carrier network, reducing the risk of additional fees such as demurrage and per diem charges. Cost Reduction: With mid-size bundles exhibiting lower cancellation and rescheduling rates, carriers can fill their schedules more efficiently. This leads to higher margins per load as carriers are willing to accept slightly lower costs when they have enough loads to fill their day. Enhanced Satisfaction: By minimizing unproductive time and ensuring timely deliveries, BATCH boosts satisfaction among carriers and shippers alike. This fosters strong, long-lasting partnerships and loyalty to the platform. Sustainability: Reducing unproductive miles translates to fewer CO2 emissions, reinforcing BATCH’s commitment to environmentally responsible logistics. A Vision for the Future The release noted that BATCH is dedicated to positioning itself as a leader in the freight technology industry through the innovative application of automated AI solutions. By utilizing machine learning to make complex, holistic decisions for load bundling, ATLAS sets a new standard in operational efficacy that is years ahead of other freight tech and TMS software companies. BATCH plans to launch ATLAS as a public subscription solution in early 2025.