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California air regulators approve changes to climate program that could raise fuel prices

The Associated Press - November 10, 2024

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California air regulators voted to approve changes to a key climate program aimed at reducing planet-warming emissions that has a wide swath of critics and could increase gas prices statewide. The California Air Resources Board voted to make significant updates to the low carbon fuel standard, or LCFS, which requires the state to reduce the environmental impact of gas and other transportation fuels by incentivizing producers to cut emissions. The plan, approved late Friday, Nov. 8, at the end of a 12-hour meeting, will increase the state’s emission reduction targets and fund charging infrastructure for zero-emission vehicles. It also will phase out incentives for capturing methane emissions from dairy farms to turn into fuel. Environmental groups have criticized the program for stimulating the production of biofuels, which are derived from sources including plants and animal waste, when they say the state should focus more on supporting power for electric vehicles. They argue the proposal fails to adequately address those concerns. The oil industry, state lawmakers and others have said the agency hasn’t been transparent about how the proposed updates could increase gas prices. Agency staff released a cost-benefit analysis last year estimating the initial proposal could have led to an increase in gas prices by 47 cents per gallon by 2025. But the staff has not repeated the analysis since later updating the proposal and the agency contends it cannot accurately predict gas prices. “If you’re going to ask drivers to pay a lot, which is what this program proposal is going to do, I think you need to be able to make the case that it’s worth paying for,” said Danny Cullenward, a climate economist with the University of Pennsylvania’s Kleinman Center for Energy Policy. “What concerns me most about this is I think a lot of the things that are being credited do not actually help the climate.” Gas prices could increase by as high as 85 cents per gallon by 2030 and $1.50 per gallon by 2035 under the proposal, according to an estimate from Cullenward. Cullenward said his figures and the estimates initially released by board staff are not an apples-to-apples comparison, in part because his projection uses 2023 dollars and the board staff used 2021 dollars. State Assemblymember Tom Lackey, a Republican representing Palmdale in Southern California, said at the meeting that his constituents cannot afford an increase in gas prices. “On behalf of the people of the 34th Assembly district, I ask you to not approve this rulemaking and find other alternatives that won’t cost us quite that much,” he said. The California Air Resources Board says the program will ultimately lower the cost of sustainable transportation fuels. The agency first approved the low carbon fuel standard in 2009, the first of its kind in the nation. It is part of California’s overall plan to achieve so-called carbon neutrality by 2045, meaning the state will remove as many carbon emissions from the atmosphere as it emits. The state has passed policies in recent years to phase out the sale of new fossil-fuel powered cars, trucks, trains and lawn mowers. “The low carbon fuel standard has already successfully created lower-cost, lower-carbon alternatives, and the benefits of the proposal vastly outweigh those costs,” Steven Cliff, the agency’s executive officer, said last month. Suncheth Bhat, chief commercial officer for EV Realty, an electric vehicle infrastructure company, called the program “one of the most powerful, transformational policies” to speed up the transition to electric vehicles. The vote comes a day after Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom called the state Legislature into a special session to protect some of California’s environmental and other liberal policies ahead of former President Donald Trump’s second term in office. “CARB’s justification for this version of the LCFS as a bridge for combustion fuels while we transition to zero-emissions needs to be reconsidered in light of the profoundly altered landscape we suddenly landed in this week,” Adrian Martinez, deputy managing attorney at environmental nonprofit Earthjustice, said of Trump’s election win. The Trump administration in 2019 revoked California’s ability to enforce its own tailpipe emissions standards. President Joe Biden later restored the state’s authority, which was upheld in federal court. Future challenges from the Trump administration could lead to long court battles, said David Pettit, a senior attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity’s Climate Law Institute. “In the meantime, I think we still need something … to enhance the development of electric vehicles and the electric vehicle infrastructure,” Pettit said. “The LCFS is a way that we might be able to do that.” By Sophie Austin, The Associated Press/Report for America

Cummins marks milestone reopening of global technical hub in Columbus

Dana Guthrie - November 9, 2024

COLUMBUS, Ind. — Cummins celebrated the reopening of its worldwide technical center hub office tower in Columbus, Ind. The office tower at the Cummins Technical Center (CTC) on McKinley Avenue had been under renovation since 2021. After having been mainly untouched, except for minor cosmetic improvements and flood restoration, since its original opening in 1968, the CTC office tower now has a newly renovated interior – allowing for enhanced collaboration and innovation. “The reopening of the CTC office tower marks an important milestone for Cummins and our Destination Zero strategy,” said Jennifer Rumsey, chair and CEO. “Much of the research and development for our next-generation power solutions start right here in this very hub – driven by our mission to power a more prosperous world and executed by our talented employees.” According to a company press release, the CTC is an iconic Cummins building and has played an important role in the company’s success and in the economic vitality of Columbus. Completed in 1968, the CTC is Cummins’ first and longest-standing tech center. Its design was the work of mid-century modernist designer Harry Weese. Prior to its construction, Cummins had only 50 test cells, and only 15 considered to be in good working order. The completion of the CTC added 88 test cells to the Cummins portfolio and provided Cummins engineers and scientists with a world-class facility to develop world-class innovations. In 2023, Cummins invested a record $1.4 billion in future critical technologies and products, including the Cummins HELM platforms. Loosely translating to “higher efficiency, lower emissions and multiple fuels,” the Cummins HELM platforms give Cummins’ customers control of how they navigate their own journeys as part of the energy transition and include Cummins’ B, X10 and X15 engine platforms. They provide customers with the option to choose the fuel type(s) and applications that best suit their business needs, while also reducing emissions. These products are critical to Cummins’ plan to help fleets reach Destination Zero, while providing products that are economically viable, scalable and deliver the power, performance, range and durability for which Cummins is known. A significant amount of Cummins’ research and technology gross spend occurs in the CTC. “I am grateful to our CTC employees for their patience and perseverance during this much-needed renovation,” said Tim Frazier, vice president – Research & Technology. “We are so glad to have our Cummins HELM engineers, technical specialists and innovators together again under the same roof working as a coordinated team, close to the technology and testing being executed here.” According to the release, the office portion of the CTC is a six-story tower, with 72,000 square feet of office space on five floors. It holds approximately 500 employees, primarily focused on research and development for Cummins HELM platforms and future technology for North America and global markets. Renovations for the CTC office tower focused primarily on the first through fifth floors to allow for improved circulation and collaboration. The architectural design of the renovation was completed by HOK of St. Louis, Mo., with construction completed by F.A. Wilhelm Construction Co., Inc., of Indianapolis, Ind. The renovation design includes the use of a plus (+) symbol in featured spaces. The symbol is a throwback to renowned graphic designer Paul Rand, who developed a variety of logo designs for Cummins, including the trademark C. The renovated building features a new staircase, two social hubs and inclusive amenities such as gender-neutral restrooms, nursing rooms and quiet spaces. The renovation also includes eight treadmill desks, soft lab zones and expanded collaboration areas with 90 conference rooms of various sizes, including stadium seating. Additional enhancements include upgraded lighting systems and functional window blinds.

Are you ready for WIT’s 10th annual Accelerate! Conference & Expo?

Linda Garner-Bunch - November 8, 2024

DALLAS — Each year, professionals from every level of trucking and related industries — from the truck cab to the executive suite — come together to support the mission of the Women In Trucking Association (WIT): To encourage the employment of women in the transportation industry, eliminate barriers they face, and promote their accomplishments. This year, the 10th annual Accelerate! Conference & Expo is set to kick off Sunday, Nov. 10, at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas; the event continues through Wednesday, Nov. 13. About 2,000 people are expected to attend the 2024 Accelerate! Conference & Expo, which offers more than 70 informative, entertaining and educational sessions to help participants grow in areas ranging from leadership and professional development to operations, human resources, marketing, driving and many others. Nearly 200 subject matter experts will be on hand to discuss topics like the role of AI in trucking, employee recruiting and retention, how to spot and prevent human trafficking, DEI strategy, sustainability trends, the economy and more. Click here for a complete agenda and details about educational and breakout sessions. The exhibit hall is always a popular gathering place, with more than 150 exhibitors and sponsors featuring thousands of products and services. Click here for a complete list of vendors and a map of the exhibit hall. The exhibition also includes a Truck & Technology Tour where attendees can see new truck equipment and related technologies. Companies participating this year include Bridgestone Americas, International Motors, Mack Trucks, McLane Company Inc., Nikola, PACCAR Inc., Penske Transportation Solutions, PepsiCo Foods North America, Pilot Company, Ryder System, Saia LTL Freight, Truckers Against Trafficking, TruckSuite, UPS, Utility Trailer Manufacturing Co., Volvo, Walmart and XPO Inc. On Veterans Day — Monday, Nov. 11 — the Accelerate! Conference will honor those serving in the U.S. military through a special presentation on the main stage by Sara Lee, founder and executive director with Waypoint Vets. In addition, at 11:45 a.m. on Monday, attendees are encouraged to gather at the NASTC Stage in the exhibit hall to participate in the 22×22 Push-Up Challenge by FIT Drivers and The Trucker Media Group to encourage each participant to complete as many push-ups as possible. This challenge brings awareness to the fact that a staggering number of veteran suicides happen each day. Historically, WIT has encouraged the participation of veterans in the trucking industry through engagement with such organizations as Waypoint Vets, Veterans in Trucking and Wreaths Across America. Radio Nemo, featuring The Dave Nemo Show on SiriusXM 146, Road Dog Trucking Radio, will be broadcasting live from the event.

Wake-Up call: Sleepers trumped by used day cabs in a historic first

Dana Guthrie - November 8, 2024

LINCOLN, Neb., — New Sandhills Global market reports show used day cab truck inventory surpassing sleeper truck inventory for the first time while asking and auction values continue trending down. The market reports cover used trucks, trailers, construction equipment, and farm machinery in Sandhills’ U.S. marketplaces. “Auction values have been falling quicker than asking values for heavy-duty trucks. While this is not uncommon, it’s an important trend to monitor because auction values indicate where the market is heading,” said Scott Lubischer, Truck Paper manager. According to a media release, in the used farm equipment market, the spread between asking and auction values remains elevated and is well above historic highs. Auction prices are falling faster than asking values, most notably within the used combine market. Looking at the high-horsepower (300 hp or greater) tractor market, TractorHouse Manager Ryan Dolezal noted that Inventory is at an unprecedented level. A possible consequence of this inventory surge will be a glut of lower-hour used tractors on the market. In used construction equipment markets, inventory levels continued consecutive months of increases in October, with auction values falling faster than asking values. “While it’s not unusual to see asking values lag behind auction values, it is a critical trend for sellers to watch,” said Stephanie Olberding director of North American Construction. “This is especially true as we head into the end of 2024, as auction prices often indicate the market’s future direction.” The key metric in all of Sandhills’ market reports is the Sandhills Equipment Value Index (EVI). Buyers and sellers can use the information in the Sandhills EVI to monitor equipment markets and maximize returns on acquisition, liquidation, and related business decisions. The Sandhills EVI data include equipment available in auction and retail markets and model-year equipment actively in use. EVI spread measures the percentage difference between asking and auction values. Additional Market Report Takeaways Sandhills market reports highlight the most significant changes in Sandhills’ used heavy-duty truck, semitrailer, farm machinery, and construction equipment markets. Key points from the current reports are listed below. U.S. Heavy-Duty Trucks In this market, used day cab truck inventory levels surpassed used sleeper truck inventory for the first time, driven by the 5- to 10-year-old heavy-duty truck category. In the overall market, inventory levels were down 2.28% M/M and 10.42% YOY, continuing months of decreases. Unlike day cabs, sleeper truck inventory trends have been declining or steady since January, and inventory has not yet reached pre-COVID levels. Day cabs have also not reached pre-COVID levels, but they’re close and continuing to edge closer as these trends continue. Day cab inventory levels were up 27% YOY in October, while sleeper truck inventory levels were down 31.77% YOY. Used heavy-duty truck asking values have been trending down for 25 months. Asking values were down 1.12% M/M and 15.27% YOY in October, with the greatest YOY decrease occurring in the sleeper truck category, down 15.94%. Auction values decreased 1% M/M and 18.68% YOY in October and are trending down. Day cabs posted the largest auction value decreases, down 23.5% YOY. U.S. Used Semitrailers In the used semitrailer market, Sandhills noted a shift from an upward trend to a steady trend in October. Inventory levels were down 5.84% M/M and up 8.52% YOY. The flatbed trailer category showed the largest YOY inventory gain, up 28.53%, while the dry van trailer category showed the largest M/M inventory loss, down 8.74%. Asking values continued a 26-month-long downward trend, posting decreases of 3.48% M/M and 18.87% YOY in October. Used reefer trailers led the way, down 26.68% YOY. Similarly, auction values have been trending downward for 28 months in a row. Auction values dropped 2.27% M/M and 18.12% YOY in October. Used reefer trailers led the way in auction value decreases, as well, with values falling 6.99% M/M and 30.38% YOY. U.S. Used Medium-Duty Trucks Inventory levels in this market rose 1.35% M/M and 5.45% YOY and are trending sideways. Asking values have been trending down for 22 months. This continued in October with decreases of 0.33% M/M and 13.93% YOY, driven by the used cab and chassis truck category, down 22.46% YOY. Auction values have also been trending down for 22 months. Despite a slight uptick of 0.65% M/M, auction values in this market fell 22.31% YOY in October. Used cab and chassis trucks showed the greatest decrease, down 28.08% YOY. U.S. Used Tractors 100 Horsepower and Greater Inventory levels in this market were up 1.61% month over month and 29.04% year over year in October. These increases were driven largely by high-horsepower tractors; inventory was up 46.54% YOY in that category. Rising inventory is continuing to put pressure on values. Asking values were up 0.7% M/M in October but down 3.61% YOY, continuing a six-month-long downward trend. The 175-299-hp tractor category showed the most notable decrease, down 6.69% YOY. Auction values have been trending down for seven consecutive months. Auction values were up 1.48% M/M and down 13.77% YOY, with the greatest decrease observed in the high-horsepower tractor segment, down 14.89% YOY. Although asking and auction values are both decreasing, auction values are declining at a faster rate, causing the EVI spread to climb. EVI spread, which measures the percentage difference between asking and auction values, remained historically high for farm equipment at 47% in October. Although this figure is 1% lower than in September, it is still higher than previous peak values observed in 2015. U.S. Used Combines Inventory levels of used combines in Sandhills marketplaces have been declining for several months. This continued in October, with inventory up 7.62% YOY but down 5.73% M/M. Asking values ticked up slightly, by 0.8% M/M and 0.9% YOY, in October, but are trending down. Auction values were up 0.52% M/M and down 7.99% YOY and are trending down. With auction values falling faster than asking prices, the EVI spread remains high; EVI spread was 56% in October, much higher than the 45% value typically observed in this market. U.S. Used Self-Propelled Sprayers Inventory levels for used sprayers continue to rise and are trending up. Inventory rose 3.66% M/M and 28.38% YOY in October. Asking values increased 0.31% M/M and decreased 5.27% YOY, continuing a steady trend. Auction values were up 2.83% M/M and down 20.62% YOY in October, continuing a seven-month-long downward trend. The EVI spread remains elevated with auction values falling significantly faster than asking values. Although the EVI spread for used sprayers dropped from 62% in September to 58% in October, it remains higher than the historic peaks observed in 2015. U.S. Used Planters Inventory levels of used planters in Sandhills’ U.S. used marketplaces remained steady in October, decreasing 0.54% M/M and increasing 1.07% YOY. Inventory levels in this market are trending sideways. Asking and auction values have been declining for several consecutive months. Asking values fell 1.81% M/M and 10.11% YOY in October and are trending down. Auction values dropped 3.31% M/M and 24.07% YOY. With auction value decreases outpacing asking price decreases, the EVI spread for this market rose to 69%, only slightly lower than the historic peak of 72% observed in 2015. U.S. Used Compact and Utility Tractors Sandhills noted downward trends across the board for used compact and utility tractors. Inventory levels fell 4.95% M/M and 21.41% YOY and are trending down. Less-than-40-hp tractors showed the greatest inventory drops, down 26.51% YOY and 6.82% M/M. Asking values decreased 0.17% M/M and 4.38% YOY, marking the tenth consecutive month showing a downward trend. The less-than-40-hp tractor category also stood out in this area, with auction values down 5.25% YOY. Auction values ticked down 0.19% M/M and fell 5.86% YOY, continuing an eight-month-long downward trend. Again, the less-than-40-hp tractor category led the way in decreases, with auction values down 2.35% M/M and 8.4% YOY. U.S. Used Heavy-Duty Construction Equipment Inventory levels have been trending up for nine months in a row in this market, which includes crawler excavators, dozers, and wheel loaders in Sandhills’ U.S. marketplaces. Inventory levels dipped 1.85% lower M/M but were 19.26% higher than year-ago levels in October. These increases were primarily driven by the wheel loader category, with inventory up 35.85% YOY. Asking values have been trending down for seven months. This continued in October with decreases of 2.36% M/M and 5.82% YOY. Crawler excavator asking values decreased the most YOY with an 8.62% drop. Auction values have been falling faster than asking values. Continuing a seven-month-long downward trend, auction values fell 2.15% M/M and 10.29% YOY in October. Again, crawler excavators led these decreases, with auction values dropping 13.68% YOY. U.S. Used Medium-Duty Construction Equipment Inventory levels continued a steady trend in this market, which includes used skid steers, loader backhoes, and mini excavators in Sandhills’ U.S. marketplaces. Inventory levels were down 3.34% M/M and up 26.58% YOY in October. Track skid steers showed the greatest M/M decrease, down 4.12%, while wheel skid steers showed the largest YOY increase, up 35.96%. Continuing a downward trend for the seventh consecutive month, asking values ticked up 0.3% M/M but fell 5.34% YOY. Track skid steer asking values decreased the most YOY, down 7.58%. Loader backhoes showed the greatest M/M increase, up 1.92% M/M. Auction values have also been trending downward for seven months in a row. Auction values were up 0.36% M/M but down 8.24% YOY in October. The wheel skid steer category showed the greatest YOY decrease at 11.69%. U.S. Used Lifts Used lifting equipment inventory levels were down 2.92% M/M in October but 17.9% higher than year-ago levels. Inventory is currently trending upward. Sandhills noted the largest category increase among telehandlers, with inventory up 50.73% YOY. Asking values were up 1.02% M/M and down 6.54% YOY and are trending steady. Used pneumatic-tire forklifts showed the largest decrease, with auction values down 12.1% YOY. Auction values posted a marginal increase of 0.07% M/M but fell 10.99% YOY. Auction values are currently steady. The used pneumatic-tire forklift category also led the way with auction value decreases, down 17.06% YOY.

Old Dominion Freight Line and Folds of Honor forge powerful partnership

Dana Guthrie - November 8, 2024

THOMASVILLE, N.C. — Old Dominion Freight Line (OD) is partnering with Folds of Honor, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational scholarships to families of fallen or disabled US service members and first responders. “We’re proud to partner with Folds of Honor and help with their meaningful mission,” said Marty Freeman, president and CEO of Old Dominion Freight Line. “We really appreciate the sacrifices made by service members and first responders. This partnership shows our commitment to supporting their families and boosting their educational opportunities.” According to a company media release, OD’s corporate donation will be directed to providing scholarship funding for students pursuing education in supply chain management, operations, transportation, or obtaining their commercial driver’s license (CDL). In aligning with Folds of Honor, OD aims to enhance its commitment to supporting the nation’s heroes. The partnership will amplify the mission and increase scholarship funding for the families of military and first responder heroes across America. By investing in education for students pursuing careers in supply chain management and transportation or obtaining their commercial driver’s license, OD hopes to inspire future leaders and support the continued growth of these vital industries. “Folds of Honor is proud to team up with OD,” said Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, Folds of Honor founder. “We believe the partnership will be a force multiplier to the mission and awareness of Folds of Honor and increase scholarship funding to the families of American military and first responder heroes.” Founded in 2007 by Rooney, a decorated F-16 Viper Fighter Pilot, Folds of Honor has awarded about 62,000 scholarships totaling nearly $290 million. In 2022, the organization expanded its mission to include first responders such as police, fire, EMTs, and paramedics. For more information or to donate in support of a Folds of Honor scholarship, visit foldsofhonor.org.

Show your stripes, get rewarded: TEL offers veterans discounts for independent owner-operators

Dana Guthrie - November 8, 2024

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn, and GREENFIELD, Ind. ─ Transport Enterprise Leasing (TEL) has launched a discount program in support of military veterans in the commercial trucking industry which aims to help veterans succeed as independent owner-operators by lowering their initial business costs. “TEL supports military veterans because it’s the right thing to do, and because it’s good for commercial trucking,” said Jud Alexander, TEL president and co-founder “Veterans have made sacrifices for our nation and deserve everyone’s appreciation. They also are known for being excellent and dedicated commercial drivers.” According to a press release, the program offers a $750 discount on the security deposit for a new truck lease with TEL. The process to qualify is simple. See TEL’s website for full details on steps to apply. Alexander noted that appreciation for veterans runs deep at TEL. The late Doug Carmichael, who co-founded TEL with Alexander, was a U.S. Army veteran and a commercial truck owner-operator early in his career. He also noted that veterans make up 6% of the overall team at TEL, reflecting the company’s ongoing dedication to those who have served. The company also supports military veterans through community service and charitable contributions, including donations to the Wounded Warrior Project. To apply for the TEL Military Veterans Discount Program, call 423-214-3915 or visit https://tel360.com/tel-veteran-discount-program/ to learn more.

Cleaning up confusion: An introduction to heavy-duty emissions regulations

Mari Mantle - November 8, 2024

COLUMBUS, Ind. — If the recent decision by two states to delay the implementation of specific clean–engine rules for heavy–duty trucks tells you anything, it is that North America’s regulatory landscape is ever–evolving. To best grasp the latest news out of Massachusetts and Oregon and itsimpact, we will lay the groundwork for understanding the various regulations along with where and when they are in play for trucking fleets.As we all navigate the energy transition, those of us at Cummins are committed to lead through both our innovative and regulatory expertise to encourage an empowered industry workforce. Introducing the foundation of various regulations in the United States can be helpful for everyone from those behind the wheel to the corner office.To start out, let’s discuss what is being regulated. First there are criteria pollutants. Criteria pollutants or “tailpipe emissions” include particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Criteria pollutants can react with other chemicals in the air to create smog and ozone. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is regulating criteria pollutants with its Heavy–Duty Low NOx regulation that takes effect in 2027 while the California Air Resources Board (CARB) isregulating criteria pollutants with its Omnibus regulation that started this year. Next, there are greenhouse gases (GHG). Greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere which contributes to climate change. GHG is made up of six different gases including carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O). EPA’s GHG Phase 2 and newly released Phase 3 regulations specifically address GHG. EPA’s Heavy–Duty Low NOx regulation was adopted in 2022. This nationwide rule sets stronger emissions standards for heavy–duty engines starting in model year 2027 with a 35mg NOx standard. It requires that those emissions standards be met for a longer period of time while those engines are on the road including additional in–use testing protocols and lengthening the emissions warranty. CARB’s Heavy–Duty Omnibus regulation was adopted in 2021. This rule impacts engines in new heavy–duty vehicles that are newly registered in California. CARB’s Omnibus sets stronger emissions standards starting in model year 2024 with a 50mg NOx standard. The rule takes a second step in model year 2027 to align with EPA’s 35mg NOx standard. CARB’s Omnibus regulation also requires that the emissions standards be met for a longer period of time while those engines are on the road, including additional in–use testing protocols and lengthening the emissions warranty. Omnibus also includes more stringent off–cycle emissions standards, making the engine certification tests more challenging. Several states have signaled that they plan to adopt CARB’s Omnibus in 2026 including Oregon, Massachusetts, Washington, New York and Vermont. Last month’s separate announcements by Oregon and Massachusetts delayed the implementation dates from 2025 to 2026. On the greenhouse gas side, EPA finalized its GHG Phase 2 regulation in 2016 with separate CO2 standards to be met by engines and vehicles in 2021, 2024 and 2027. Earlier this year, EPA finalized Phase 3 regulation with CO2 standards that need to be met at the vehicle level for model years 2027 through 2032. Phase 3 CO2 standards are up to a 60% reduction compared to Phase 2 standards. Phase 3 is technology-neutral, meaning each manufacturer gets to choose what technology to use to comply with the standards. CARB finalized its Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule in 2021. Advanced Clean Trucks took effect this year, regulating vehicle manufacturers that sell vehicles over 8,500 pounds GVWR in the state of California. ACT mandates that manufacturers sell a certain percentage of zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) each year with those percentages increasing each year until 2035. There is a second, less-talked-about portion of ACT called the Large Entity Reporting Requirement. This is a one-time fleet reporting requirement for entities with 50 or more vehicles under common ownership or control, or over $50 million revenue that operate a single vehicle over 8,500 pounds in California. States that are planning to adopt ACT over the next few years are Oregon, Massachusetts, Washington, New York, New Jersey, Vermont, Colorado, New Mexico, Rhode Island and Maryland. ACT has continued to evolve, as demonstrated by recent amendments approved by CARB that addressed issues that rose from the rule’s implementation. Those are deeper details for another day. In 2023, CARB also adopted Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) as companion regulation to ACT. Advanced Clean Fleets regulates fleets that operate vehicles in California. There are three different types of fleets that are regulated, each with different compliance pathways—high priority fleets are fleets that have at least 50 trucks or $50 million in revenue and drive at least one vehicle into California that is over 8,500 pounds GVWR, state and local government fleets in California, and drayage fleets that operate in California. A fleet’s compliance strategy depends on its fleet type. Drayage fleets can only add zero-emission vehicles to their fleets starting in 2024. State and local government fleets have a 50% ZEV purchase requirement starting in 2024 or they can opt into the High Priority and Federal Fleet Milestone Provision. High priority and federal fleets have two compliance pathways with the default being they can only add ZEV to their fleets starting in 2024. The second compliance pathway is the Milestone Provision that mandates fleets maintain a certain percentage of ZEV in their fleets. The final part of ACF is a 100% ZEV sales requirement that applies to vehicle manufacturers starting in 2036. The 100% ZEV sales requirement was just approved to be moved under the ACT regulation with the ACT amendment package approved by CARB last month. Most fleets in the United States, if not all, will be impacted by at least one or more of these regulations in the coming years, if they are not already. Understanding how each of these regulations impacts fleets is an absolute must. Cummins Corner will dedicate a series of coverage, providing deep dives into each set of rules and how they impact the North American trucking industry.

Schneider National Q3 results show encouraging trends, company says

Dana Guthrie - November 7, 2024

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Schneider National Inc.’s Q3 results show the company has $263.7 million outstanding on total debt and finance lease obligations compared to $302.1 million as of December 31, 2023. “In the third quarter, our Dedicated and Intermodal businesses demonstrated their resilience, and Logistics maintained its profitable operations,” said Mark Rourke, president and CEO. “Dedicated performed well, with a robust new business pipeline, and Intermodal achieved margin growth due to enhanced network optimization, improved dray productivity, and our ongoing cost management actions. Additionally, Logistics continues to effectively manage net revenue and lower the cost of serving customers by advancing our Schneider FreightPower technology and automation. Finally in our Network truck business, contract pricing continued its positive momentum since the beginning of the year with contract rate renewals at the highest level since first quarter 2022. While this trend is encouraging, present market conditions still do not support additional investment at this time as carriers are not being compensated for the value provided. Network results remain challenged as expected seasonality momentum was not sustained, and we are actively implementing strategies to enhance performance and drive improvement in this offering.” Operating Revenues $1.3 billion; $1.4 billion in 2023 Income from Operations $43.1 million; $46.7 million in 2023 Diluted Earnings per Share $0.17; Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share $0.18 Updated full year Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share guidance to $0.66 – $0.72 Updated full year Net Capital Expenditures guidance of approximately $330.0 million “From an enterprise standpoint, lower year over year gains on equipment sales and equity investments represented in aggregate a $0.04 EPS headwind,” Rourke said. “Additionally, auto liability insurance costs increased by $10 million, a $0.04 EPS impact year over year due to higher premiums and increased settlement costs, despite reduced frequency of incidents. As we enter the holiday shipment season, I’d like to thank each of our associates, especially our professional drivers, for their tireless dedication and hard work. We are committed to maximizing shareholder value and advancing our enterprise for long-term success by delivering a seamless customer experience, disciplined execution of our commercial strategy, optimizing our capital allocation across our strategic growth areas, and diligent cost management.” Enterprise Results Enterprise income from operations for the third quarter of 2024 was $43.1 million, a decrease of $3.6 million, or 8%, compared to the same quarter in 2023. Diluted earnings per share in the third quarter of 2024 was $0.17 compared to $0.20 in the prior year. Adjusted diluted earnings per share was $0.18 in the third quarter of 2024 compared to $0.20 in the same period a year ago. Net gains on sales of transportation equipment and equity investments were $6.2 million and $2.3 million lower, respectively, compared to the same quarter in 2023, a $0.04 impact on earnings per share. Cash Flow and Capitalization At September 30, 2024, the Company had $263.7 million outstanding on total debt and finance lease obligations compared to $302.1 million as of December 31, 2023. The company had cash and cash equivalents of $179.0 million and $102.4 million as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. The company’s cash provided by operating activities for the third quarter of 2024 increased year over year. Net capital expenditures were lower compared to the same period a year ago primarily due to reduced purchases of transportation equipment. Despite challenging freight market conditions, we have generated strong free cash flow. As of September 30, 2024, year to date free cash flow increased $154.2 million compared to the same period in 2023. In February 2023, the company announced the approval of a $150.0 million stock repurchase program. As of Sept. 30, the company had repurchased a total of 3.8 million Class B shares for a total of $95.5 million under the program. In July the company’s Board of Directors declared a $0.095 dividend payable to shareholders of record as of Sept. 13 which was paid on Oct. 8 On Oct. 28, the company’s Board of Directors declared a $0.095 dividend payable to shareholders of record as of Dec. 13, 2024, expected to be paid on Jan. 8, 2025. As of Sept. 30 the Company had returned $49.9 million in the form of dividends to shareholders year to date. Results of Operations – Reportable Segments Truckload Truckload revenues (excluding fuel surcharge) for the third quarter of 2024 were $532.2 million, a decrease of $3.1 million, or 1% compared to the same quarter in 2023 due to lower Network volumes, partially offset by Dedicated growth. Dedicated average truck count increased 4% due to new business growth while Network average truck count was down 12%. Truckload revenue per truck per week was $3,971, an increase of 2% compared to the same quarter in 2023. Both Dedicated and Network revenue per truck per week increased year over year. Truckload income from operations was $23.7 million in the third quarter of 2024, a decrease of $0.8 million, or 3%, compared to the same quarter in 2023 primarily due to lower Network volumes, increased insurance expense, and decreased gains on sales of transportation equipment, offset by Dedicated growth. Truckload operating ratio was 95.5% in the third quarter of 2024 compared to 95.4% in the third quarter of 2023. Intermodal Intermodal revenues (excluding fuel surcharge) for the third quarter of 2024 were $264.7 million, an increase of $1.7 million, or 1%, compared to the same quarter in 2023, primarily due to volume growth. Revenue per order was $2,470, a slight increase year over year, due to changes in freight mix which impacted length of haul. Intermodal income from operations for the third quarter of 2024 was $15.7 million, an increase of $4.6 million, or 41%, compared to the same quarter in 2023. In addition to the volume growth mentioned above, internal cost actions, network optimization, and improved dray productivity contributed to the increase in earnings. Intermodal operating ratio was 94.1% compared to 95.8% in the same quarter in 2023, an improvement of 170 basis points. Logistics Logistics revenues (excluding fuel surcharge) for the third quarter of 2024 were $313.7 million, a decrease of $12.3 million, or 4%, compared to the same quarter in 2023, primarily due to lower brokerage revenue per order. Brokerage volumes were down 1% year over year. Logistics income from operations for the third quarter of 2024 was $7.6 million, a decrease of $0.9 million, or 11%, compared to the same quarter in 2023, primarily due to lower brokerage net revenue per order. Logistics operating ratio was 97.6% in the third quarter of 2024, compared to 97.4% in the third quarter of 2023. “The strength of our balance sheet and actions taken to enhance our free cash flow enable us to allocate capital to our strategic priorities, including acquisitive growth,” said Darrell Campbell, vice president, and CFO of Schneider. “We continue to take measures to improve margins and capital returns, driving resilience and long-term enterprise value.We expect modest improvement in the fourth quarter over a year ago driven by continued stabilization across most of our businesses and improved seasonality, as we continue to position the enterprise for a more sustained market recovery. Based on our third quarter results and our shifted expectations of the timing of freight market improvement, we have updated our full year adjusted diluted earnings per share guidance to $0.66 – $0.72, which assumes a full year effective tax rate of 24.0%. Our updated net capital expenditures guidance is approximately $330 million.

Celebrating Trailblazers: HDA Truck Pride’s Tina Hubbard earns Women in Auto Care Lifetime Achievement Award

Dana Guthrie - November 7, 2024

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — Tina Hubbard, HDA Truck Pride president and CEO, received the Women In Auto Care Lifetime Achievement Award at the Women In Auto Care Awards Ceremony on Wednesday for her outstanding contributions to the industry. “I am honored to receive this award,” Hubbard said. “For 30+ years, I have watched this industry slowly evolve. We should be proud of how far we’ve come, but there’s still a long way to go. Women in Auto Care has done an amazing job of engaging, educating and empowering women. It provides a network for women to share ideas, learn and grow as individuals. I want to thank my team. Their talents, ambition and dedication to the Heavy-Duty Aftermarket make the HDA Truck Pride Network an extremely rewarding place to be. Everything we do is for our members and our industry – that’s what keeps me going.” In just its second year, this prestigious recognition is presented annually to a woman who is a leader, mentor, and role model who has made significant and outstanding contributions to the auto care industry throughout her entire career in the industry, leaving a legacy behind her, according to a media release. Hubbard’s journey in the industry started with a deep passion, but over time, it blossomed into a powerful, lifelong commitment to making a lasting impact—both personally and professionally. Guided by the philosophy of “Learn it, Earn it, Return it,” Hubbard is now in the third phase of her journey, using her platform to inspire others—especially women—to discover their own passions, pursue their dreams, and share their stories to uplift those around them. Through her dedication, Tina is not just shaping her own legacy but helping others craft theirs as well,” the release said. HDA Truck Pride congratulates the other incredible female award-winning industry leaders that Hubbard shared the stage with Wednesday evening including: Champion of the Year – Anna Gluck Women of Excellence – Christine Mobley, Lauren McCullough, Sarah Shrock and Jillian Weishaar Outstanding Leadership – Sheila Sarkozi Shop Owner of the Year – Julie Holmes Company Ally of the Year – Parts Authority “Having a leader like Tina at the helm—someone who genuinely cares about both our team and the work we do to empower the heavy-duty aftermarket—is what fuels our drive to make a real difference,” said Bryan Funke, HDA Truck Pride COO. “Her leadership isn’t just about results; it’s about people. We’re proud that Women In Auto Care and the broader industry are recognizing the incredible blend of leadership and compassion we experience with Tina every day.” For more information about the HDA Truck Pride Network, visit www.hdatruckpride.com or contact Danielle Orlando at [email protected].

60,000+ Mack units recalled due to potential safety hazard

Dana Guthrie - November 7, 2024

WASHINGTON — The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported that Mack Trucks Inc. (Mack) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Anthem, Granite, TerraPro and Pinnacle vehicles, equipped with Bendix EC80 Advanced Electronic Control Units (ECU). “Safety systems that depend on the ECU (Automatic Traction Control, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Active Cruise Control and Collision Mitigation System) may have diminished or lost functionality, increasing the risk of a crash,” the NHTSA said. According to the NHTSA, an ECU malfunction may impact safety systems. Electrical noise and low signal to the power line carrier may cause the ECU to incorrectly process commands or stop working. Dealers will reprogram the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Dec. 13. Owners may contact Mack customer service at 1-800-866-1177. Mack’s number for this recall is SC0472. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.

Safety first: Volvo rolls out recall for over 126,000 vehicles

Dana Guthrie - November 7, 2024

WASHINGTON — The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported that Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2020-2025 VN, VAH, VHD and VNRE trucks, equipped with Bendix EC80 Advanced Electronic Control Units (ECU). “Safety systems that depend on the ECU (Automatic Traction Control, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Active Cruise Control and Collision Mitigation System) may have diminished or lost functionality, increasing the risk of a crash,” the NHTSA said. According to the NHTSA, an ECU malfunction may impact safety systems. Electrical noise and low signal to the power line carrier may cause the ECU to incorrectly process commands or stop working. Dealers will reprogram the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 13. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Truck’s number for this recall is RVXX2409. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.

Does new Lytx product further erode driver independence?

Cliff Abbott - November 7, 2024

No over–the–road driver that has struggled to find a parking space when it’s time to rest needs to be informed that a parking shortage exists. In fact, an American Transportation Research Institute report ranked parking as the number two issue in the trucking industry. So when an email arrived stating that Lytx, a provider of in–cab video services, had announced a solution to “help commercial truck drivers nationwide find safer parking spots wherever they are,” interest at The Trucker was high. Unfortunately, those words turned out to be misleading. The truth is that Lytx has developed a product that will inform a client–carrier when a driver parks in an area deemed “unsafe,” such as the shoulder of a highway or an exit or entrance ramp. The notification can include video of the area. The carrier representative, whether fleet manager, safety professional or someone else, would then contact the driver to discuss parking options. The Lytx product offers no “help” to find parking and does not alert the driver that a chosen parking space may be unsafe. There is no question that most carriers have “sitting duck” policies that prohibit parking in areas that may be exposed to a motorist hitting a commercial vehicle. Additionally, “nuclear verdicts,” those court decisions that award huge payouts to plaintiffs for accidents with trucks, are a concern for every carrier struggling with ever–increasing insurance rates. According to Tamara Prewitt, Lytx vice–president of product marketing, the company’s Parked–Highway/Ramp solution will help carriers avoid some of those situations. “The Lytx technology can identify when a vehicle is stopped on the side of the road on highways and ramps in what may be considered an unsafe manner using GPS data and by conducting geospatial analysis,” she responded to an emailed question. “Additional parameters used to determine if a vehicle is parked unsafely include the amount of time a vehicle is stopped and known legal parking locations near highways.” The Parked–Highway/Ramp feature isn’t new. It was introduced in 2022 and has been provided to subscribers to the Lytx Driver Safety Program and the Lytx Risk Detection Service. The feature is automatically enabled. “Clients can disable the feature, but there is no additional fee for this feature, and it has been widely adopted,” Prewitt explained. “Since it was released in 2022, millions of Parked–Highway/Ramp alerts and events have been generated, helping to keep drivers and highways safer.” Since the Parked–Highway/Ramp feature alerts a carrier when a vehicle has been parked in unsafe area for more than ten minutes, it provides an additional benefit when those situations are caused by a vehicle breakdown. Drivers have expressed privacy concerns since in–cab video systems were introduced, and a feature that tells the boss when the vehicle is parked outside of a truck stop or rest area space will not be welcomed by everyone. Prewitt addressed those concerns. “If drivers have concerns about privacy, fleets can activate the video privacy mode setting for Parked–Highway/Ramp. This gives clients visibility outside the vehicle while addressing driver privacy concerns. When privacy mode is enabled, the in–cab view is blacked out.” One issue with this is that the carrier has an option to black out the driver-facing camera while the driver does not. Drivers may not be aware of carrier policies or when someone might be viewing video of the driver. Another issue is the timing of notifications from carrier to driver. A driver who has parked and begun a rest break may be woken up by a phone call or satellite message from the carrier. Moving the truck to another location may require an Hours of Service (HOS) violation if the driver is out of driving hours, and would require restarting the rest break period once parked in a more suitable location. And if the driver chose the parking spot after exhausting other options, getting back behind the wheel to explore those options again doesn’t seem productive, or safe. In-cab video systems are, of course, designed to improve safety for both drivers and for other motorists. They provide a method for carriers to identify and correct unsafe behaviors, hopefully before they result in accident or injury. According to Prewitt, “Lytx technology is validated and backed by the largest and fastest-growing driving database of its kind, which is currently growing by approximately 350,000 new driving events each day, further training and improving its algorithms.” The system is far more than cameras recording video. “We apply sensor fusion, machine vision, artificial intelligence, and scientific behavior change models to help our clients improve safety and increase operational efficiency so they can thrive in today’s ultra-competitive environment,” explained Prewitt. “Lytx uses the best technologies available to identify high risk behaviors that matter accurately, quickly, and comprehensively.” Those technologies are also used to identify behaviors that aren’t high risk so that false alerts can be minimized. Drivers have benefitted from counselling and training, and many have improved their driving performance and become safer drivers today due to information provided by Lytx systems. Features like Parked-Highway/Ramp certainly have a part in correcting unsafe behaviors, but if the alerts result in other unsafe behaviors like driving while fatigued, the benefits might be questionable. In the meantime, the days of the independent truck driver hitting the road with the only carrier contact achieved in a daily phone call are long gone. Those who chose the open road to be free of the watchful eye of the boss have discovered that, thanks to technology, that watchful eye now accompanies them on every trip.

Trucking industry leaders, organizations react to Trump’s Victory

Dana Guthrie - November 6, 2024

WASHINGTON — The American Trucking Associations president and CEO Chris Spear along with a number of other organizations have issued statements regarding the re-election of President Donald J Trump. “We congratulate President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance on their victory and look forward to working with their transition team and new administration in the days and months ahead,” Spear said. “President Trump made trucking a priority throughout his first term and partnered with us to enact policies that strengthened the supply chain, grew the economy, and delivered for all Americans. His second term offers an historic opportunity to build upon that record and show why the best approach to governing is one paved by common sense. That begins by replacing EPA’s electric-truck rule with national emission standards that are technologically achievable and account for the operational realities of our essential industry. Spear added that the next four years will present big decisions for the nation. “As we tackle these challenges and opportunities together, the Trump Administration and 119th Congress will find a constructive partner in ATA. With the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act set to expire next year, ATA stands ready to work across the aisle on Capitol Hill to achieve pro-growth tax reform, including repealing the century-old, punitive federal excise tax on heavy-duty trucks and trailers that penalizes our industry for investing in newer, cleaner, and safer equipment. We also look forward to working with the Trump Administration and Congress on a host of policies to support our workforce, protect the right of independent truckers to choose their own career path, and end lawsuit abuse by restoring balance and fairness to the civil justice system.” Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) “OOIDA and the 150,000 small business truckers we represent congratulate Donald Trump and J.D. Vance on their resounding victory,” said Todd Spencer, OOIDA president. “We look forward to working with the Trump Administration and congressional allies to advance a pro-trucker agenda, which includes expanding truck parking, stopping unworkable environmental mandates, and preventing a dangerous speed limiter mandate.” Spencer also noted that vice president-elect J.D. Vance is officially on the record as a cosponsor of OOIDA’s top two legislative priorities. S.1034 – Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act – “Most folks probably don’t realize that 70% of American freight is transported by truck, yet incredibly there is only 1 parking spot for every 11 trucks on the road,” Spencer said. “When truck drivers don’t have a designated place to park, they end up parking on the side of the road, near exit ramps, or elsewhere. This isn’t safe for the driver and it’s not safe for others on the road.” According to Spencer, truckers are legally obligated to comply with ‘Hours of Service’ Regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. It is estimated that truckers spend approximately one hour per day looking for safe parking, which cuts down on time driving to their destination. According to a study commissioned by the Federal Highway Administration, 98% of truck drivers say they regularly experience difficulty finding safe parking, and are forced to park on an exit ramp, on the side of an interstate, or other unsafe areas. The Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act will allocate funds to create thousands of safe parking spots for trucks and make necessary improvements to existing truck parking areas. S.2671 – DRIVE Act – “Studies and research have already proven what we were all taught long ago in driver’s ed classes – that traffic is safest when vehicles all travel at the same relative speed, limiting trucks to speeds below the flow of traffic increases interactions between vehicles, which can lead to more crashes,” Spencer said. Truckload Carriers Association “Our nation has spoken, and TCA congratulates our 47th President Donald J Trump on his decisive victory in the general election,” the TCA said in a press release. “As an association, we look forward to working with his administration and the next Congress to advance the priorities that our truckload membership has identified important to keeping America moving.”

Remembering Judy Love: The heart behind Love’s Travel Stops and her lasting impact

Dana Guthrie - November 6, 2024

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Judy Love, a beloved philanthropist and co-founder of Love’s Travel Stops, passed away at the age of 87 in Oklahoma City on Nov. 5. “Our mother, Judy Love, was the heart and soul of our family,” said the Love family. “She cared deeply for us and those who worked alongside her and Dad. Her tenacity, strength, and focus will guide us forever. She taught us the importance of hard work, honesty, and the joy of giving back. While we will miss her dearly, her spirit will live on through the countless lives she touched.” Alongside her late husband, Tom Love, Judy was instrumental in building their family-owned business, Love’s Travel Stops, which they founded in 1964 with a $5,000 loan. Judy’s financial acumen and dedication to the company’s growth saw her serve as secretary and treasurer as it expanded into 42 states. Her warm spirit, generosity, and commitment to community service earned her widespread admiration. Love’s legacy of philanthropy will endure through her children, Greg, Laura, Jenny and Frank, as well as her nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Born in 1937 in Chicago, Love was the daughter of Ed and Ruth McCarthy. Her family relocated to Oklahoma City in 1942, where her father worked as a district manager in outdoor advertising. She graduated from Bishop McGuiness High School and Central Catholic High School. While attending Oklahoma State University in 1956, she met Tom Love and they married on December 26, 1960. Together, they leased an abandoned service station in Watonga in 1964, which grew to 40 stores in eight years. From these beginnings, the Love’s Family of Companies was started. Skilled in finance, Love managed the company’s accounts and worked from their home. After stepping back from part-time work at Love’s in 1975, she pursued her deep interest for interior design. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Central Oklahoma in 1981, followed by a master’s and later established her design firm. Her passion for philanthropy led to the establishment of the Love Family Affiliated Fund at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation in 1999 and the Tom and Judy Love Foundation in 2013. In 2020, Love was honored as Oklahoma Mother of the Year by American Mothers and received the Outstanding Philanthropist Award from the Oklahoma City chapter of the National Fundraising Professionals in 1999. Close friend and former broadcaster, author, and public official Jane Jayroe-Gamble said she would remember Judy for her extravagant love and deep loyalty to many friends, and especially her family. “Judy Love was an extraordinary woman with a huge heart for others and an inexhaustible joy of life,” said Jayroe-Gamble. “Her passion for family, friends, community, and the Catholic Church inspired many. Judy and Tom were a partnership made in Heaven, and their successful business reflects their hard work, dedication, and generosity. As we mourn her loss, let’s celebrate her remarkable life, positive spirit, gifts of encouragement, and significant impact on our world.” Former Oklahoma First Lady Cathy Keating co-chaired the fundraising campaign with Judy to build the recently opened Love Family Women’s Center at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City. The campaign included a lead gift of $10 million from the family. Keating recalled how her Catholic faith and community impact intersected. “Judy was devoted to her Catholic faith and the charitable organizations affiliated with it,” said former Oklahoma First Lady Cathy Keating. “She lived her life with courage, determination, and humility. She and her husband, Tom, were a united front in raising their remarkable family and growing their successful business. Judy’s compassion for others knew no limits, and the impact of her kindness and generosity is immeasurable. I will miss her terribly.” Love served on many non-profit boards in Oklahoma City and also co-chaired the capital campaign for Positive Tomorrows, Oklahoma’s only school for children experiencing homelessness. She was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2010. Among her many honors, she received a Lifetime Achievement Award and a Distinguished Woman Award from Oklahoma City University. The Girl Scouts named her a Woman of Distinction, and the Notre Dame Club named her the Woman of the Year for Oklahoma.

Don’t let safety go up in smoke: Trucking industry faces conundrum as legalization of cannabis becomes more common

Truckload Authority Staff - November 6, 2024

Written by David Heller, senior vice president of safety and government affairs for the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) Besides the usual aches and pains I experience every day, the very fact that I remember Cheech and Chong’s “Up in Smoke” bursting onto the movie scene more than four decades ago really ages me. Since the cult classic film about cannabis was released in 1978, marijuana use has become more mainstream. Looking at a U.S. map of legalization efforts in 1978 versus today shows a dramatic difference. From being fully legalized to decriminalizing or incorporating medical aspects, the U.S. in 1978 was far from what it is today. While current federal law mandates that commercial truck drivers abstain from using marijuana, the waters surrounding this issue have the propensity to get muddier with a recent proposal to reclassify marijuana to a Schedule III narcotic from its longtime Schedule I status. As an industry, we actively recognize the effects that marijuana use could have on a professional truck driver’s safety performance and continue to explore ways the industry can detect that usage among the driving population. Invariably, any change to the schedules will almost always coincide with misinformation about marijuana use. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse data currently shows that marijuana metabolite is by far the most widely identified substance in drug tests performed to comply with Department of Transportation (DOT) protocols. A reasonable assumption is that changing marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III narcotic does little to alleviate its presence as the number one detected substance. Of course, it should be noted that this proposed change comes at a time when our industry still has no actual tests to perform on drivers that determine current impairment. While breathalyzers can accurately and quickly determine a driver’s blood alcohol concentration, no comparable device exists for marijuana. A final federal rule that allowed oral fluid tests to detect marijuana was recently rescinded, citing issues regarding laboratory certification and the training of individuals collecting the specimens. This means that the rule’s implementation had a long way to go before becoming reality. This is not a ringing endorsement for reclassifying marijuana now. Furthermore, we continue to wait for long-overdue guidance or a rule from the Department of Health and Human Services about incorporating hair testing as an alternative measure to urine in DOT drug testing protocols. In language that originally appeared in the FAST Act in 2015, our industry should have been well on its way toward using hair follicle testing for pre-employment drug screens. Instead, positive hair testing has not been incorporated into our highly successful Clearinghouse, leaving us to our own devices. Research from the University of Central Arkansas demonstrates the efficacy of hair testing. In a study involving 88,021 licensed truck drivers who applied for jobs at seven Trucking Alliance member companies, both urinalysis and a hair drug test were administered. Of those applicants, 4,362 failed their hair tests — but only 403 failed the urine test. Additionally, a more extensive study involving 936,872 drivers revealed that hair testing identified nine times more drug users than urine testing and detected marijuana use five times more frequently. Make no mistake, recent legalization efforts have not curtailed crashes whatsoever. A study conducted in 2022 found that recreational marijuana legalization and subsequent onset of retail sales in five states were, on average, associated with a 5.8% increase in injury crash rates and a 4.1% increase in fatal crash rates. These statistics highlight the importance of maintaining stringent drug policies within the trucking industry. With the increased accessibility and acceptance of marijuana, there is a heightened risk of impaired driving, which can result in devastating consequences for road safety. The purpose of this article is not to question the merits of the marijuana legalization efforts that have taken place across the country, but to ask whether our industry has the resources necessary to curb its use on our roads. Time and again, our carriers have demonstrated their ability to help curb the presence of substances that affect the safe operation of commercial motor vehicles. Maybe before the government reclassifies marijuana and realizes that 1970s dream presented in “Cheech and Chong,”, we can provide our industry with the tools to succeed along with a fully implemented clearinghouse for others to follow in their footsteps. This article originally appeared in FleetOwner on September 12, 2024

Ancora Training rides high with third consecutive WIT recognition as a top company for women to work for

Dana Guthrie - November 6, 2024

ARLINGTON, Texas — Ancora Training has been named as a ‘Top Company for Woman to Work for in Transportation by Women in Trucking (WIT) for the third year in a row. “Receiving this recognition for the third year in a row is both a tremendous honor and a privilege,” Ancora said in a press release. “It reflects our shared commitment to advancing opportunities for women in the trucking industry, and we couldn’t be more proud to work with such an inspiring organization.” According to the release, WIT, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting women’s success in the trucking industry, works tirelessly to support, celebrate, and advocate for women in this field. “We’re proud to be part of this organization’s mission, providing resources and training that empower women nationwide to advance in their careers and overcome industry challenges,” Ancora said.

Carrier Logistics Inc continues to excel: Wins Progress SaaS Growth Award for second consecutive year

Dana Guthrie - November 6, 2024

ELMSFORD, N.Y. – Carrier Logistics Inc. (CLI) has received the SaaS Growth Award from Progress for the second year in a row. “Receiving an award that recognizes both our product innovation and commercial success for the second year in a row is tremendous,” said Ben Wiesen, president of Carrier Logistics. “Our team has been dedicated to developing innovative applications that are the backbone of our customers’ operations and an award from a prominent technology company like Progress is further validation of our strategy and execution. The performance, flexible deployment options, and scalability of the Progress OpenEdge platform are key parts of our ongoing efforts to provide solutions that meet the business requirements of our trucking clients.” According to a company press release, the award was presented as part of the 2024 OpenEdge North America Partner Awards. The recognition reflects CLI’s product innovation, financial growth and SaaS sales success and market expansion. The OpenEdge North America Partner Awards acknowledge Progress’ most successful and innovative partners. Winners have significantly impacted their business through the utilization of the Progress OpenEdge development platform to streamline the delivery of mission-critical business applications. “The SaaS Growth Award presented to CLI recognizes the company’s exceptional dedication to product innovation, resulting in financial growth, SaaS sales success and market expansion,” the release said. “By leveraging OpenEdge technology as their core development platform, Progress noted that Carrier Logistics was able to introduce a best in class SaaS version of their product to better serve their customers.” The release also noted that Carrier Logistics FACTS is the premier solution for meeting the unique transportation and freight management needs of asset-based LTL carriers and the last mile industry. FACTS includes online customer shipping tools, dispatch and driver management, a superior rate engine, cross dock management, and a full back-office suite that give transportation professionals the tools they need to operate cost-effectively while providing improved freight visibility to their customers, according to the release.

Dave Gata takes the helm as HERD’s new president

Dana Guthrie - November 5, 2024

WINNIPEG — HERD has promoted Dave Gata, one of the company’s earliest hires, to president after over 21 years of embodying and promoting HERD’s commitment to quality and customer first values. “HERD’s products are about protection, durability, and trust,” said Gata. “I’m excited to lead our team as we bring the same exceptional quality our customers rely on to even more markets across North America.” HERD’s founder, Marc Daudet, highlighted Dave’s dedication to the company. “This guy has always had our team’s back, Daudet said. “His leadership and commitment to doing what’s right have shaped the culture and success of HERD from the very beginning.” According to HERD media release, under Gata’s leadership, HERD will continue to innovate, delivering rugged, dependable vehicle protection products designed to keep customers’ vehicles – and their livelihoods -safe on the road.

ACT Research, FTR report Class 8 orders down in October

Dana Guthrie - November 5, 2024

COLUMBUS, BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – October preliminary North America Class 8 net orders were 30,600 units, down 5.2% y/y, according to ACT Research. FTR reported that preliminary North American Class 8 net orders in October totaled 28,300 units, marking a 14% month-over-month (m/m) decline but a 2% year-over-year (y/y) increase. This figure FTR reported that preliminary North American Class 8 net orders in October totaled 28,300 units, marking a 14% month-over-month (m/m) decline but a 2% year-over-year (y/y) increase. This figure falls somewhat short of seasonal expectations as the average October order level over the last seven years is 33,940 units. Given the continued stagnation in the truck freight market, this is a healthy order number, but it suggests that some fleets are being cautious as they order new trucks for 2025. Orders in October typically increase slightly from the prior month. as the average October order level over the last seven years is 33,940 units. Given the continued stagnation in the truck freight market, this is a healthy order number, but it suggests that some fleets are being cautious as they order new trucks for 2025. Orders in October typically increase slightly from the prior month. “After a strong start to the opening of 2025 order books in September, MD and HD orders took a step back in October,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president and senior analyst. “On a seasonally adjusted basis, Class 8 orders fell 30% from September to 24,500 units, a 294k SAAR.” Vieth also commented on medium duty. “Over the past several years, MD Classes 5-7 orders have been remarkably consistent, if on a slowly deflating trajectory into still-elevated truck and bus backlogs,” Vieth said. “With the caveat that one month does not make a trend, October orders moved sharply from the prevailing trend. Preliminary NA Classes 5-7 orders fell 5,800 units, or 27% y/y to 15,900 units.” FTR noted that year-to-date (YTD) performance remains at replacement demand levels with an average of 21,211 net orders per month. 2024 YTD net orders in October were up 11% y/y. North American Class 8 orders have now totaled 274,174 units for the last 12 months. “This month, OEMs saw a drop m/m in total market demand, but there was inconsistency, as some experienced increases in orders and others saw declines,” Dan Moyer, FTR senior analyst, commercial vehicles. “The on-highway market showcased a notable jump in demand, softening the blow from the declines observed in the overall vocational sector. Despite a sluggish freight market, fleets have sustained their investments in new equipment, albeit primarily at replacement demand levels thus far in 2024. We anticipate a slight uptick in October backlogs once the final Class 8 market data is released later this month. With inventory levels remaining close to record highs, we also foresee continued downward pressure on production rates through the remainder of 2024.”

Gear up for giving: Truckers for Troops celebrates 18th year of supporting the brave

Dana Guthrie - November 5, 2024

GRAIN VALLEY, Mo. – The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association is getting ready to launch its annual Truckers for Troops campaign from Nov. 11-17 which drive focuses on supporting U.S. troops overseas and veterans back home Beginning the same week as Veterans Day, the fundraising effort has been an OOIDA tradition since 2007, originally dedicated to sending care packages to service personnel stationed in combat zones, according to an OOIDA press release. Truckers for Troops has also helped a variety of veterans facilities, including those assisting or housing wounded, disabled or homeless service members. “Over the past 17 years, OOIDA has raised more than $800,000, sent more than 3,283 care packages, serving more than 39, 396 members of the military,” OOIDA said. “The organization has also sent aid packages to 65 different facilities caring for wounded, disabled and homeless veterans, including the Veterans Community Project. The VCP began in Kansas City and plans to have locations in every state. Currently they have locations in Sioux Falls, SD, Longmont, CO, St. Louis, MO, and will be expanding to Oklahoma City, OK, Milwaukee, WI and Glendale, AZ.” HOW IT WORKS During the one-week campaign period, truckers can join or renew for $35, with 10 percent of that money going toward care packages. OOIDA matches the 10 percent dollar for dollar. By Phone: During business hours, call 816-229-5791, mention Truckers for Troops, and get transferred to Membership. For after-hour callers, use the same number, press 1, and leave a voicemail. Online: Visit www.OOIDA.com and select “Become a Member” to join or renew. Mail: If mailing in payments, indicate “Dues & Donation” or “Donation only” and specify “TROOPS” on your payment. Direct donation-only checks to the OOIDA Foundation. Donations only and more info found here: Truckers for Troops website. Individual tax-deductible contributions to the Truckers for Troops fund are also welcome and can be paid to the OOIDA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Spotlight on Veterans Community Project: This invaluable project boasts a 60 percent success rate transitioning veterans from homelessness to permanent housing. Veterans are provided with “tiny homes” filled with amenities as well as access to a community center for support. With several locations and plans for national expansion, the project aims to touch lives in every state. CARE PACKAGE ADDRESSES Anyone who has a family member or friend serving with the U.S. military, and who would like for them to get a care package, can send the name and complete address to [email protected] and be sure to include projected stateside return date. CARDS AND LETTERS SHOWING APPRECIATION Send to: Attention: Truckers for Troops, P.O. Box 1000, Grain Valley, MO 64029. Towns or school names can be included, but please do not include last names or other personal information. No particular theme, and not necessarily holidays or Christmas.