Business Archives

Battle against cargo theft is being fought in Congress as well as cyberspace

John Worthen - August 30, 2024

Cargo theft is a scourge on the trucking industry — and it’s only getting worse. These incidents drive up costs not only for trucking companies, but ultimately, consumers. That’s why in July, efforts were made in Washington to help combat this growing problem. Rep. David Valadao (R-California) introduced the Safeguarding Our Supply Chains Act in Congress to help counter the sharp rise in cargo theft and other supply chain fraud. Earlier, Valadao secured support for an anti-cargo theft provision in the fiscal year 2025 Department of Homeland Security funding bill, which would direct $2 million toward the establishment of the Supply Chain Fraud and Theft Task Force. The Safeguarding Our Supply Chains Act would aid this effort in several ways, Valadao says. First, it directs Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to work in conjunction with the FBI and U.S. Attorney General to establish the Supply Chain Fraud and Theft Task Force. Second, it establishes the purpose of the task force, which is “to address supply chain fraud and theft throughout the rail, motor carrier and intermodal systems, as well as detect, disrupt and deter organized theft groups that are targeting all stages of the supply chain,” according to Valadao. The act also establishes the Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center through HSI’s Innovation Lab to collect and analyze data related to supply chain fraud and theft, as well as to identify regions in the United States, modes of transportation, distribution networks and retail stores that are experiencing high volumes of organized crime. Establishing that the Task Force must “ensure a coordinated, multi-agency, intelligence-based and prosecutor-led approach to identifying, disrupting and dismantling organizations responsible for the organized theft, fraud and theft-related violence in the United States supply chain,” Valadao said. Additionally, the act authorizes $100 million to be appropriated for fiscal years 2025-2029. Reps. Brad Schneider (D-Illinois), Darin LaHood (R-Illinois), Vince Fong (R-California), August Pfluger (R-Texas) and Jim Costa (D-California) have joined Valadao in introducing the bill. “… families are paying more for just about everything, and supply chain disruptions only make this problem worse,” Valadao said. “The alarming increase in cargo theft is having a devastating impact across industries, and we need to do more to ensure these goods are making it to their destination.” Growing threat According to CargoNet, cargo theft spiked by 57% in 2023 compared to the prior year. Thefts have continued at a rapid pace in 2024, increasing another 10% in the first three months of the year. In the year’s first quarter, there were 925 documented incidents of cargo theft, with an average loss of $281,757 per stolen shipment. California, Texas and Illinois had the highest incidents of cargo theft, accounting for 61% of all documented cases. However, motor carriers are not required to report these incidents, so actual cases are likely much higher. Cargo theft not only disrupts the supply chain for American consumers, but it also endangers the lives of truck drivers and law enforcement. The issue is becoming so serious that the American Transportation Research Institute added security — including cargo theft and cyber threats — to its list of strategic priorities earlier this year. “The billions of tons of goods transported by trucks from coast to coast have increasingly become a prime target for organized crime rings, putting truck drivers at risk and raising costs for consumers,” said Henry Hanscom, senior vice president of legislative affairs for the American Trucking Associations. “The Supply Chain Fraud and Theft Task Force created by this bill would strengthen the partnership between motor carriers, law enforcement, the government, and other supply chain partners to strike an effective blow against organized crime.” Fighting back in cyberspace Meanwhile, the team at the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) is working to combat cargo theft through cybersecurity protocols. According to Joe Ohr, COO of NMFTA, cargo thieves are constantly upping their game. “The threat landscape itself has really changed,” he said, adding that load boards can be easy targets for cybercriminals. “What happens is the bad actors will go in and put a bid on the fleet, or they’ll put a bid on the cargo,” Ohr said. “They’ll have it routed to them using a fake account and number, and then they get the load.” As digitalization becomes more integral to the trucking industry, cyberthieves have even more avenues available through which to hijack shipments, adding to trucking companies’ vulnerabilities. “We have phishing, we have ransomware — those are things that impact everyone, whether you’re in health care, trucking, almost any industry,” he said. “And then we have to consider the trucking systems — the telematics, the GPS, the trucks themselves — they’re all connected devices. “Drivers’ laptops, their tablets, the ELDs — they’re all used in logistics and fleet management, and they’re all vulnerable,” he continued. Ohr advises that truckers and trucking companies encrypt all information that’s transmitted in order to avoid cyberattacks. “Make sure you’re using secure communications,” he said. “Make sure you have access control authentication. And when an employee leaves, make sure you’re offboarding them properly.” Multi-factor authentication is an important safeguard, Ohr says. “Make sure you have real-time monitoring,” he said. “Make sure that if somebody’s in your system, you know it and you’re detecting in real time. One of the new things is blockchain for security. It can enhance the security and transparency of the logistics operation. Use industry standards.” Above all, Ohr says it’s critical for companies to constantly monitor their networks. In addition, he recommends that carriers segment their networks; this provides security teams with increased control over the data that goes in and out of the system. Finally, he says, invest in training to help employees recognize and avoid threats. One of the simplest strategies is to avoid the use of public Wi-Fi. “A lot of this comes down to training,” he said. “As the criminals get smarter, we have to get smarter, and the training has to get better.” This story originally appeared in the September/October 2024 edition of Truckload Authority, the official magazine of the Truckload Carriers Association.

ACT Research: Retail price of used Class 8 trucks made good progress in July

Bruce Guthrie - August 29, 2024

COLUMBUS, IN – According to the latest State of the Industry: U.S. Classes 3-8 Used Trucks by ACT Research, the used Class 8 average retail sale price made good progress in July, rising 2.3% m/m, to $55,800. “On a year-to-year basis, prices were 14% lower. Prices are expected to remain stable at or around this lower level through 2024, transitioning to y/y growth in early 2025,” said Steve Tam, Vice President at ACT Research. “For the time being at least, retail prices seem to be appreciating for trucks six years old and younger. There is probably still some validity to the assumption that these units are potential substitutes for new trucks. It is also possible that some used truck buyers are continuing to refresh their fleets, replacing their existing trucks with younger pre-owned equipment. Moreover, the market is seeing prices for seven-year-old and older trucks decline. The working hypothesis is that credit availability and cost for buyers of older equipment may be tightening to the point that it is negatively impacting demand,” Tam explained. The report from ACT provides data on the average selling price, miles, and age based on a sample of industry data. In addition, the report provides the average selling price for top-selling Class 8 models for each of the major truck OEMs – Freightliner (Daimler); Kenworth and Peterbilt (Paccar); International (Navistar); and Volvo and Mack (Volvo). This report is utilized by those throughout the industry, including commercial vehicle dealers, to gain a better understanding of the used truck market, especially as it relates to changes in near-term performance.

RXO launches prepay fuel option for carriers

Bruce Guthrie - August 29, 2024

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — RXO announced the launch of a prepay capability through the RXO Fuel Card. The new prepay solution enables drivers to plan their fuel spend and more effectively maintain their budgets. Carriers can preload funds to the RXO Fuel Card using their personal credit or debit card. Additionally, the new pay-as-you-go option has a quick approval process, no setup fee and allows drivers to take advantage of RXO’s Fuel Card discounts. Carriers can easily access the prepay interface via RXO Connect™, RXO’s proprietary platform for shippers and carriers. “RXO is committed to providing our carrier network with solutions that make their business more efficient and profitable,” said Lou Amo, president of RXO’s truck brokerage business. “The prepay capabilities give carriers added flexibility to save even more on a significant cost component of their business.” Other benefits of RXO’s Fuel Card include fuel discounts, with an average of $0.48 per gallon. The card is widely accepted at more than 9,000 locations nationwide without any minimum gallon requirements. Fuel card members also benefit from the RXO Extra discount marketplace including savings on maintenance services and tires.

Illinois Tollway, Judlau settle contract cancellation dispute for nearly $25M

Bruce Guthrie - August 29, 2024

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. – The Illinois Tollway announced that a settlement agreement with Judlau Contracting, out of College Point, New York, has been reached related to the Tollway’s cancellation of a construction contract for work that is part of the I-290/I-88 Interchange Project at the Tri-State Tollway (I-294). The agreement settles the dispute to the satisfaction of both parties. The settlement prioritizes the Tollway’s commitment to motorist safety and the timely continuation of vital construction improvements along the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) corridor and also makes Judlau whole for work already performed. The Tollway contract, which involved roadway and bridge construction on the southbound side of the I-290/I-88 Interchange, was canceled because a relatively new provision in state law that provides a bid preference for companies based in Illinois was inadvertently excluded from the original contract bid evaluation. If the bid preference had been applied, the contract would have been awarded to Walsh Construction Company II. The agreement will eliminate legal barriers and enable the Tollway to proceed with the project. In addition, it resolves time-consuming and costly litigation. Both parties agreed to settle the case for $24,985,437, which covers substantial construction costs of approximately $15 million already incurred by Judlau. In addition, the Illinois Tollway will pay Judlau’s subcontractors approximately $6.5 million for work they performed. The agreement also allows the Tollway to enter into a contract with Walsh and move forward with work as planned for the 2025 construction season to deliver improvements that will reduce congestion, improve safety and address operational issues for the 300,000 vehicles using the interchange daily. Judlau issued a statement in response to the resolution of the case. “Judlau is satisfied with the settlement and notes that the Tollway did not terminate the contract as a result of any performance issues on the part of Judlau,” the statement read.

Work is underway in DC to lower the boom on predatory towing

John Worthen - August 29, 2024

Predatory towing ranks high among the major issues that create headaches in the trucking industry. But the federal government is working to change that. On July 10, the House Appropriations Committee voted 31-26 to advance a bill to the House floor that aims to crack down on predatory towing as part of the fiscal year 2025 transportation funding bill. The bill would direct the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to facilitate discussions with local, state and private-sector stakeholders to develop guidelines for towing and recovery regulations at all levels of government. Predatory towing entails any incident in which a towing operator severely overcharges, illegally seizes assets, damages assets by use of improper equipment, or illegitimately withholds the release of a truck, trailer and/or cargo. Already the issue has gained support from top levels of government. “When a truck driver’s vehicle is towed, they can’t earn a living until they get it back — leaving them vulnerable to predatory junk fees from towing companies,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “We support the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) efforts to stand up for truckers by acting to ban junk fees and prevent predatory towing fees that can cause significant financial harm.” In October 2023, the FTC proposed a ban on junk fees that would prohibit businesses from charging hidden and bogus junk fees by requiring them to include all mandatory fees when quoting a price. FMCSA officials say they believe that predatory towing fee practices fall within the purview of FTC’s proposed rule, which would greatly benefit truckers if finalized. In its comment to the FTC, FMCSA expresses strong support for the important protections and offers suggestions for additional restrictions that would further help protect truckers from predatory towing junk fees. These suggestions include: Banning junk fees for unnecessary goods or services: The FMCSA suggests adding a provision that prohibits companies from charging any fee for an ancillary good or service that has no value, costs nothing extra to provide, or that reasonably would be assumed to be included in the upfront price of the good or service. For example, towing companies often charge “equipment fees” for using equipment that they already own and use routinely to provide towing services. Prohibiting or restricting excessive junk fee practices: The FMCSA encourages the FTC to consider prohibiting or imposing restrictions on excessive fee practices. These practices include charging an excessive number of fees, charging excessive amounts for a fee, or charging variable fees for fixed costs. The provision on excessive fees could focus on consumers who have little to no ability to avoid, negotiate, decline, anticipate, or limit the number or cost of the fees, or consumers who are vulnerable, in distress, or otherwise limited in choice by their circumstances. Treating each illegal junk fee as a violation: The FMCSA suggests that the final rule treat each illegal junk fee as a separate violation and that the rule expressly prohibit companies from charging or collecting mandatory fees that are not appropriately disclosed, are not included in the total price, and/or cannot be fully calculated upfront. According to a recent study by the American Transportation Research Institute, the most common types of predatory towing are: Excessive rates, experienced by 82.7% of motor carriers, and Unwarranted extra service charges, experienced by 81.8% of carriers. A majority of carriers reported encountered additional issues, such as truck release or access delays, cargo release delays, truck seizure without cause and tows misreported as consensual. David Heller, who serves as senior vice president of safety and government affairs for the Truckload Carriers’ Association gave a huge thumbs up to the House committee’s July measure. “I think it stands to reason that unscrupulous towing companies certainly need to be held accountable for their actions and the House language is a start in the right direction,” Heller said. “There continues to be success stories at the state level that address these issues, and the apropos language will go far in beginning the process federally for FMCSA to instill more transparency in the process,” he continued. “We support the efforts of the appropriators in directing the agency to develop stronger guidelines that will hopefully eliminate the bad actors to operate on our highways.” In a column published June 25 on FleetOwner.com, Heller further explained his disdain for predatory towing, writing that “trucking companies nationwide are being hit with massive tow charges that, in some cases, are more than the truck’s value. … Predatory towing has become the new normal. Our industry must find ways to keep this in check out of fear of being faced with a tow bill that creeps into six figures.” Heller also noted that carriers across the country have also been dealing with the issue of holding cargo ‘hostage’ during towing incidents. “In what basically amounts to theft, in predatory towing situations, the cargo on a towed trailer simply isn’t released to the carrier required to deliver it, creating even more significant problems by further disrupting the supply chain,” he wrote. “I have heard of instances where, even when the cargo is released, it is difficult at best to reclaim it.” Over at the American Trucking Associations (ATA), president and CEO Chris Spear echoed Heller’s thoughts. “ATA and our federation of state associations are fighting back against these predatory towers and ransom payments that target the truckers we depend on to deliver our nation’s goods,” Spear said. “We welcome this important step forward to develop commonsense reforms that will inject more transparency and fairness into the system and hold unscrupulous companies accountable.” This story originally appeared in the September/October 2024 edition of Truckload Authority, the official magazine of the Truckload Carriers Association.

Navistar names Robert Oh as new CDIO for IT department

Dana Guthrie - August 28, 2024

LISLE, Ill. — Navistar has announced the appointment of Robert Oh as Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO) to lead the enterprise digital and information technology (IT) department beginning Sept. 16. “The introduction of a CDIO to our organization is a pivotal moment as we align our digital transformation initiatives with the importance of a secure, efficient, and connected IT infrastructure,” said Mathias Carlbaum, president and CEO. “Robert’s depth of technical knowledge is impressive, and his eagerness to act as a change agent is inspiring as we embrace innovation and continue to deliver exceptional value to our customers.” According to a company media release, Navistar said that with technology continuing to evolve at a rapid pace, the company is embarking on its digital transformation and Oh will spearhead the mission “Oh will enable the company to accelerate innovation and growth through the execution of a transformational digital roadmap, while modernizing and optimizing systems to ensure a safe and resilient digital ecosystem,” the company said in the release. Oh will be responsible for maintaining and improving Navistar‘s IT processes to maximize efficiency and deliver differentiated digital solutions to dealer partners and customers. He is also tasked with ensuring that the technological functionality supports the company’s overall strategic vision, maintaining a productive work environment, keeping the company current on industry best practices, and protecting company systems from external threats. Navistar noted that Oh has extensive experience leading information technology, digital transformation, enterprise business process, and global P&L management efforts for Fortune 500 multinational companies. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President of Corporate Digital and Chief Operating Officer of the Digital Innovation Business Unit at Doosan Group, a South Korean conglomerate focused on sustainable energy, smart machines, and advanced materials. “From my perspective, it’s both a privilege and a challenge to join this esteemed company with such rich history,” said Oh. “I am looking forward to leading our digital transformation efforts, leveraging cutting-edge technology to drive innovation, resiliency, and efficiency. Together, we will build on our legacy and pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for the commercial transportation industry.” To learn more about Navistar‘s governance and executive management, visit www.navistar.com/about-us/governance.

Seeing employees as more than ‘just a number’ is key to attracting, retaining quality drivers

John Worthen - August 28, 2024

Truck drivers are a vital link in the supply chain. In fact, it could well be said that they’re the backbone of America’s economy. These men and women navigate tractor-trailers packed with cargo up and down the interstates, along the back roads and through crowded city streets at all hours of the day and night. And even when the rest of the world stops because of an emergency or disaster, truck drivers … well, they keep on trucking. Each September, the industry celebrates National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. This year, it’s September 15-21. It’s a time when motor carriers, shippers, receivers and the general public honor these hardworking professionals. While the average citizen might think a week is plenty of time to thank drivers for doing their jobs, others — such as truckload carriers — know that it takes a 365-day approach to make sure drivers feel appreciated. Turnover rates in the trucking industry are an ongoing concern. A recent survey of truck drivers, conducted by Conversion Interactive Agency, found that 40% are looking for a new job, and it’s estimated that empty seats at motor carriers could double by 2031. A few of the reasons for drivers’ unrest include a lack of feeling appreciated, concerns over health and safety, and low pay. Find a balance Many carriers — especially the successful ones — recognize the importance of finding a balance between the company’s bottom line and creating an atmosphere that attracts (and keeps) qualified drivers. Michelle Duggins, a driver for Boyle Transportation, jokes that early in her career she felt like “just a monkey holding the steering wheel.” That changed once she started driving as part of a team for Boyle, she says. “I feel — and they make me feel — like they appreciate me all the time. It’s all about knowing that I did the job, I did the job well — and them knowing it as well,” she said. “It’s not just about one week out of the year. It’s about the recognition all the time of the fact that you’re out here doing a job. “You’re putting your life on the line (out here on the road),” she continued. “And then, when you walk into the office, you get a smile from everybody and they’re like, ‘I’m so glad you’re here! Let us buy you lunch.’” Laura Duryea, director of driver recruitment and professional growth at Boyle, and a former driver herself, knows the importance of making drivers feel valued every day of the year. “Think about it,” she said. “A driver appreciation picnic is once a year. If you’re not extending that support and that hand up and those encouraging words (the rest of the year), then your drivers aren’t going care about doing a good job for your company.” Not just a number Graig Morin, president and co-founder of Brown Dog Carriers and Logistics, says he remembers feeling like “just another number” when he began his trucking career as a driver. “My number was 301, and that absolutely drove me crazy,” he said. “And I said, ‘When I have my own company, I will not have a driver that is a number.’ Here, everyone has a name.” Pat French, director of recruiting and retention at Modern Transportation, agrees. “There’s a phrase that gets thrown around in the trucking industry: ‘We’ll treat you like family.’ Here, it really feels that way,” he said, adding that some companies have so many drivers that they’re assigned a number for easier tracking. “Here, we have the luxury of asking for a name,” French said. “If a driver calls in, nobody asks for a driver number. We ask for their name. “We need as an industry to treat the driver as a partner, not just an employee,” he continued. “You have to be there for them. And if you’re going to make a promise to a driver, you need to deliver on that promise. Do what you say, say what you mean.” The most important thing, French says, is to always remember the vital role drivers play at a motor carrier. “The corporate and office staff don’t generate any revenue,” he said. “The revenue’s generated by the drivers. If we don’t have any drivers, we don’t have a company.” Provide support Duryea says it’s also vital that motor carriers give drivers the support they need. “When drivers are able to do their job effectively, it affects your business in the end, because you have happy drivers,” she said. “If you don’t have high turnover and you retain drivers, then those drivers become more experienced. They get to know your customers and can provide a better customer service experience for your customers,” she said. “It’s all interconnected.” Company culture For David Pike, director of recruiting for NFI, culture is the name of the game — and culture is all about human interaction, something he says is sometimes all too easy to forget. “People leave companies because of people. Not because of home time, not because of anything else. They leave because of people,” he said. Because of this, he says, NFI works to provide drivers with the resources they need to succeed both professionally and personally. “It all starts with human engagement from our management teams across all business units and platforms,” he said. “You have to engage your people, you have to engage them frequently, and it has to be genuine.” Often, when management asks drivers what they want, the first answer is “more money.” However, Pike notes, money is no substitute for company culture that places personal value on each employee — and that begins at the top, in the “corner office,” so to speak. Pike says the NFI team has a mantra, one he attributes to Bob Knowles, the company’s president of transportation. “Culture beats out strategy every time,” he said. “This is something we all believe in. As a people leader, our boss has allowed us to embrace this concept.” Drivers, Morin said, just want to feel respected, and Brown Dog’s way of doing that is by getting to know each employee. “You’ve got to learn who each driver is — what they like and what they don’t like,” he said. “Some drivers like Oreos, some like chocolate chip cookies. Some drivers don’t mind working in the city, some hate working in the city.” Open communication Like French, Duryea and Pike, Morin believes that maintaining open lines of communication is vital to driver satisfaction and productivity. “Our door is open. If we’re here, drivers know they can come in and chat, even if it’s just to say hi,” Morin said. “I’m trying to build a company that, as a driver, I would want to work for. I spent 20 years driving a truck for other people — and some of it was great and some not so great.” The most important thing, according to many retention specialists, is to be aware of drivers’ needs and wants. Drivers need more than just a day or week filled with parties, prizes, gifts and free food. “I don’t care how many cookouts you have, if you don’t hop on the phone and spend time learning about your drivers — asking about their families and what’s going on — and then doing things to help support their values, you’re missing the mark,” Pike concluded. Co-written by John Worthen and Linda Garner-Bunch This story originally appeared in the September/October 2024 edition of Truckload Authority, the official magazine of the Truckload Carriers Association.

Nikola names Schmitt as CCO

Bruce Guthrie - August 27, 2024

PHOENIX — Thomas Schmitt has been named Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Nikola Corporation according to a recent media release. According to that release, as CCO, Schmitt will be tasked with aligning Nikola’s commercial efforts to scale the company’s business. He will oversee the company’s sales, commercial operations, dealerships, service, customer success, and marketing functions. “Fortifying our commercial team is crucial to our success as we focus on our customers’ experience and expanding the zero-emission Class 8 marketplace,” said President and CEO, Stephen Girsky. “Tom brings a solid track record built over the past 35-plus years that will help drive forward Nikola’s strategic and operational goals, inside and out.” Schmitt brings to Nikola decades of transportation leadership, having served as CEO of Forward Air, CCO of Schenker, CEO of Purolator and FedEx Supply Chain and is a longtime board member for various well-known entities. “I’ve been following Nikola for years, and it’s an honor to join this mission-driven organization with the sole goal of decarbonizing the trucking industry,” said Schmitt. “I look forward to working with the passionate Nikola team in bringing that goal to fruition.”

Co-owner of shuttered Massachusetts trucking company pleads guilty to falsifying driving logs

Dana Guthrie - August 27, 2024

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — The co-owner of a now-defunct trucking company pleaded guilty to three charges of making false statements after he falsified driving logs. According to a press release from U.S. Office of the Transportation Office of the Inspector General, Dunyadar Gasanov pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts to making false statements. Dunyadar Gasanov and Dartanyan Gasanov were previously indicted on February 25, 2021. According to court filings, Dunyadar Gasanov co-owned the now-defunct Westfield Transport Inc., a for-hire interstate motor carrier that transported vehicles. Dartanyan Gasanov pleaded not guilty to similar charges and is awaiting trial. From May 3, 2019, to June 23, 2019, Dunyadar and, allegedly, Dartanayan Gasanov, falsified driving logs in order to evade Federal regulations designed to ensure the safety of roadways and drivers. According to an Associated Press analysis of federal data, Westfield Transport had faced over 60 violations over the previous 24 months before a deadly crash that killed seven in June 2019. About one in five inspections of its vehicles ended with federal investigators issuing temporary orders saying the carrier was not authorized to operate. The company’s out-of-service rate is 20.8% — a figure nearly four times greater than the national average of 5.5%. Dunyadar Gasanov instructed at least one Westfield Transport employee to falsify records, thereby exceeding the number of permissible driving hours, and then made false statements to Federal safety inspectors about manipulating devices that track drivers’ on and off duty hours. He also falsely stated to safety inspectors that he met a Westfield Transport driver, Volodymyr Zhukovskyy, who was involved in a crash in New Hampshire on June 21, 2019 that killed seven on the day the he was hired. Investigators learned that Dunyadar Gasanov had known Zhukovskyy for years prior. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)stated in its report on the crash that Westfield Transport’s owners tried to add Zhukovskyy to its insurance policy an hour after the driver was involved in the fatal crash. Investigators claimed that Westfield Transport failed to check Zhukovskyy’s driving record before hiring him. According to the NTSB report, Zhukovskyy admitted to using heroin and cocaine on the day of the fatal crash. The NTSB report also asserts that Westfield Transport managers and drivers “routinely tampered with electronic logging devices and falsified hours-of-service logs.” The NTSB report called for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to remove KeepTruckin devices from its list of approved vendors. In 2022, a jury found Zhukovskyy not guilty of multiple manslaughter and negligent homicide counts stemming from the June 21, 2019, collision in Randolph that killed seven members of the Jarheads Motorcycle Club, an organization of Marine Corps veterans and their spouses in New England. DOT-OIG is conducting this investigation with assistance from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the National Transportation Safety Board.

JB Hunt awards $533K in scholarships

Dana Guthrie - August 27, 2024

LOWELL, Ark. — J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. has awarded scholarships to 100 new recipients of the J.B. Hunt Scholarship for Families program, bringing the total educational financial assistance provided in the third year of the program to exceed $533,000. “This is one of my favorite company initiatives because it enables us to support what’s most important to our people – their families,” said Brad Hicks, president of highway services and executive vice president of people at J.B. Hunt. “From those who were part of our inaugural class to new recipients this year, these students are relentless in their commitment to continuing their education, and we are proud to support their academic journey.” According to a company media release, the application-based scholarship program is available to dependent children or grandchildren of J.B. Hunt employees who currently attend or plan to attend an accredited two or four-year college, trade school or vocational school. The scholarships provide $2,500 in financial aid each school year and are renewable annually for up to three years if recipients maintain a 2.5 GPA and full-time enrollment. Since launching the program in 2022, J.B. Hunt has awarded more than $1.2 million in financial assistance for the families of J.B. Hunt employees, the release said. This year’s recipient class is comprised of students from 25 states throughout the country and includes students like Taylor Schultz, a Springdale, Ark. native studying finance. “This scholarship represents more than financial aid,” Schultz said. “It signifies recognition of my efforts and potential, boosting my confidence and inspiring me to contribute meaningfully to my chosen field of study.” Rawaan Huseen, a radiology technologist major from Chicago also received scholarship funds. “Receiving this is a testament to the transformative power of education and an affirmation of my commitment to making an impact in the radiology field,” Huseen said. According to the release, J.B. Hunt plans to continue the program for a fourth consecutive year. The J.B. Hunt Scholarship Program for Families is supported by Scholarship America, an organization that works to enrich education by assisting individuals, corporations and communities with fundraising and awarding scholarships to students. “J.B. Hunt strives to advance educational opportunities for its employees and communities by supporting initiatives that promote a value-driven educational experience,” the company said in the release. “As part of its giving strategy, J.B. Hunt provides financial support for projects across four pillars to support the causes its employees care most about: health care, veterans’ support, education and crisis management.”

‘Seismic shifts’ contributing to for-hire woes in freight industry

Dana Guthrie - August 27, 2024

COLUMBUS, Ind. — ACT Research is citing multiple reasons for the large for-hire freight downturn, according to the latest Freight Forecast: U.S. Rate and Volume OUTLOOK report. “While the TL spot market continues to make gradual progress, seismic shifts in private fleet capacity are forestalling strong for-hire conditions,” said Tim Denoyer, ACT Research’s vice president and senior analyst. “We’ve been surprised at the magnitude of equipment overbuying over the past year, but Class 8 tractor sales are normalizing from a medium-term perspective.” According to ACT, private fleet capacity additions, inbound insourcing, and increased spot market presence have dragged out the for-hire freight downturn for at least a year. “Tractor sales were impacted by mirror supply in Q2, and briefly dipped below replacement in June, before surging in July as those vehicles were completed and delivered,” Denoyer said. “So, the industry still isn’t finished adding capacity. Even as lower equipment supply is increasingly likely, private fleet capacity additions remain a feature of the cycle in the near-term. In our view, this is a big reason for-hire demand remains soft, even as the near-record July import level is emblematic of growing consumer demand, the start of a broad restock, and likely a decent peak season ahead.” According to a media release, DAT aggregate spot rate, net fuel, is at $1.75 in early August (SA), up marginally from $1.68 in Q4’23, and the seasonally adjusted load/truck ratio is currently 6.7:1. “The DAT load/truck ratio isn’t exactly a scale of 1 to 10,” the release said. “It can go way past 11. It reached the mid-teens in 2017 and early 2018 and the high teens during 2021, peaking above 20. The current 6.7 SA level suggests spot rates will continue to grind gradually higher.” The monthly 58-page ACT Freight Forecast report provides analysis and forecasts for a broad range of U.S. freight measures, including the Cass Freight Index, Cass Truckload Linehaul Index, and DAT spot and contract rates by trailer type. The service provides monthly, quarterly, and annual predictions for the TL, LTL, and intermodal markets over a two- to three-year time horizon, including capacity, volumes, and rates. The Freight Forecast provides unmatched detail on the freight rate outlook, helping companies across the supply chain plan with greater visibility and less uncertainty.

Diesel prices drop again for the seventh straight week

Bruce Guthrie - August 27, 2024

Falling diesel prices for seven straight weeks is a good kind of redundant. That is exactly where the diesel market is this week, moving down another three cents. Last week’s national average stood at $3.688 dropping to $3.651 this week. Each region showed a decline in price. All of them except the Central Atlantic, and two of the three West Coast regions showed a decrease of at least three cents per gallon. New England, Midwest, and Rocky Mountain reporting regions each came in five cents below last week’s average price. In New England the price fell from $4.019 to $3.969 while the Midwest fell from $3.674 to $3.627. The Rocky Mountain region has fallen by nine cents in two weeks from $3.697 two weeks ago to $3.650 last week to $3.608 this week.

Loads posted on DAT fall again; lowest total since 2019

Dana Guthrie - August 26, 2024

BEAVERTON, Ore. — DAT Freight & Analytics has painted a grim picture for the total number of loads posted on DAT One for the week of Aug. 18-24. According to DAT One, the total number of loads posted fell 7.6% to 1.56 million last week, down 24% year over year. It was the lowest Week 34 total since 2019. Truck posts slipped 1.6% to 327,132. “The linehaul rate on DAT One’s Top 50 van lanes (based on the number of loads moved) averaged $1.99 a mile, flat compared to last week but 38 cents higher than the national average,” said DAT principal analyst Dean Croke. According to a media release, the national average reefer linehaul rate remained flat for the fourth week on 1% less volume of loads moved. At $1.97 a mile, reefer spot rates remained almost identical to last year and 2 cents lower than the three-month trailing average. Two weeks before the Labor Day holiday and heading into Brake Safety Week, there were moderate declines across the board and little movement in linehaul rates. Croke also noted that this week is CVSA Brake Safety Week, a North American-wide campaign focused on brake inspections. Truckers often take time off this week to reduce their exposure to delays and inspections. Dry Vans ▼ Van loads: 734,478, down 9.0% week over week (28% lower Y/O/Y) ▼ Van equipment: 216,031, down 0.9% (13% lower Y/O/Y) ▼ Linehaul rate: $1.61 net fuel, down 1 cent week over week ▼ Load-to-truck ratio: 3.4, down from 3.7 Reefers ▼ Reefer loads: 367,065, down 7.6% week over week (32% lower Y/O/Y) ▼ Reefer equipment: 64,675, down 3.8% (21% lower Y/O/Y) — Linehaul rate: $1.97 net fuel, unchanged ▼ Load-to-truck ratio: 5.7, down from 5.9 Flatbeds ▼ Flatbed loads: 462,437, down 5.5% week over week (7% lower Y/O/Y) ▼ Flatbed equipment: 46,426, down 1.7% (19% lower Y/O/Y) — Linehaul rate: $1.97 net fuel, unchanged ▼ Load-to-truck ratio: 10.0, down from 10.4

The cannabis question: Shifting policies could require industry to reimagine impaired driving prevention

Brad Klepper - August 26, 2024

Let’s cut to the chase. I make my living out of defending truck drivers — and while speeding tickets can negatively affect a driver’s career, things like DUIs are career-enders. Now, even though I’ve built my career defending truck drivers, it doesn’t mean I don’t want to see drivers who put other motorists in danger held accountable. Just the opposite in fact. However, if we’re going to end someone’s career, we’d better make sure we’re doing so justly and that we’re minimizing human biases and assumptions. Even in cases where the driver is accused of driving under the influence of alcohol, the situation is not necessarily as clear-cut as you’d think. Field sobriety tests, which are designed to measure the level of alcohol influence on a subject, still rely on human observation. And human observation can be affected by bias or inadequate training on interpreting results. Additionally, there are many variables at roadside that can unfairly impact the outcome of the test. Despite all this, alcohol is the drug we feel most confident measuring for driving impairment. The question of cannabis With that in mind, how in the world are we supposed to respond to the sweeping state legalization and decriminalization of cannabis? While the federal government’s stance on cannabis hasn’t changed, many states have legalized cannabis in some form, and the way Americans view cannabis has changed substantially. This is especially for younger people who came of age around people who treat cannabis like my generation would treat alcohol, or even caffeine. When you’ve grown up seeing both coffee shops and cannabis shops on every corner, the social stigma of cannabis use really goes away. And to be honest, folks, the tide isn’t reversing! In conservative states where legislators are not changing the laws, the people are putting it on the ballot. There are only 4 states left in which cannabis in any form is fully illegal. And frankly, even citizens in the states still toeing the federal line commonly visit neighboring states to sample these products. When you add in the fact that truck drivers are naturally in a mobile, often interstate job, it’s basically irrelevant where your drivers call “home.” Drivers can readily pick up lotions and oils with THC (sometimes even by mistake). I know, I know … they were just in the wrong place at the wrong time, with no idea a drug was potentially entering their system. However, some of these excuses are ringing truer than they ever have before. Determining level of impairment So, you ask, how do we as an industry respond to this cultural phenomenon? I often attend conferences or visit clients who have become some of my closest friends over the years. While I go because I enjoy maintaining these relationships, it’s also important to me that I stay connected to the carriers’ perspective on industry challenges. For years now, even though cannabis is still federally illegal, carriers have been expressing how challenging it is to navigate this societal contradiction. There are so many questions. For carriers that perform new hire hair follicle drug testing, do you still test for THC? If an employee used cannabis in some form prior to hire, how do you weigh that in your hiring decision? How much does cannabis influence driving ability, and how do you measure it? Let’s say a driver fails a post-accident drug test for THC, which is certainly bad. How do you know if the driver was actually impaired by cannabis the time of the accident? I am no scientist. However, I am, and have always been, very curious. And when I want to learn about something I don’t really understand, I am not opposed to reaching out to people who are way smarter than me (about 98.2% of the population falls into this category). So, that’s exactly what I did. I became convinced there had to be a better way to determine if a driver is impaired. Because that is the fundamental question. Regardless of the substance or reason, shouldn’t our most basic question be whether a driver is impaired at a particular point in time? “Surely somebody must be looking at it from this perspective,” I thought. So, I began my online research. And lo and behold, just a little to the north of us, the Canadians have been grappling with similar challenges on how to measure cannabis impairment — including how it relates to driving. In looking for new solutions for this growing challenge, I came across a cognitive research-based company focusing on measuring driving impairment: Impirica. Because I have never been shy, I reached out to them, and they were gracious enough to talk to me. Multiple times (a decision I am sure they regret). Through our conversations, I have learned quite a bit about the nuances in cannabis impairment. Simply stated, THC absolutely impairs the cognitive functions critical for safe driving. The time that the body metabolizes the negative influence of THC is between two and six hours post consumption. This is the window where an impairing “high” is experienced. Unlike alcohol, which is water soluble and metabolizes in a linear way in the body, cannabis is fat-soluble, so it attaches to body fat, which means a completely variable metabolism rate. In layman’s terms, this means that body composition can heavily impact how impaired a person becomes. Skinny folks and “husky” folks like me can be impacted differently. Also, impairment varies based on whether you smoke cannabis or eat a gel capsule, because they are absorbed into the body differently. All these variables mean that the amount of cannabis ingested does not necessarily predict impairment. Testing for THC impairment So, how do we presently test for cannabis impairment? The two primary approaches are behavior based (think field sobriety test or test conducted by a “DRE”) and biology based. The biology-based test measures the concentration of THC in a driver’s blood. Three states have laws saying that anything greater than 0ng/ml shows impairment. Four states have limits of 5ng/ml, while 10 other states use a positive metabolite test. In other words, there is no standard biology-based test to determine actual impairment resulting from cannabis use. To add another layer of complexity, testing for the presence of THC doesn’t necessarily predict impairment either, for a few reasons. Due to the variables mentioned before, some people may have a higher “tolerance” for cannabis than others (I suspect Willie — that’s Nelson to those of you not “in the know” — may have a higher tolerance than most folks). If you’re looking at body fluid from a traditional drug and alcohol test, the only way you to determine recent use is with a saliva swab (or cannabis breathalyzer) that picks up impairing THC residue in the mouth, so you can infer impairment based on that two- to six-hour window. If you look at blood and/or urine you will detect carboxy or hydroxy-THC, which is a metabolite and has NOT been linked to impairment. Metabolites could be present several weeks after use. This means someone could have smoked a week ago and be well out of a state of impairment, but they would still fail these drug tests. So, we ask again, how DO we test for cannabis impairment? And this is where I think we get stuck and lose sight of the ultimate goal. What are we really trying to prevent — drug use or impaired driving? As I mentioned earlier, I think we’ve gotten so focused on identifying the source of the impairment that we’ve gotten away from the fundamental question determining fitness for duty: Is this person impaired? “Okay Brad,” you say. “So, how do you measure impairment then?” First, let’s define what we are trying to measure. Impairment is when an individual loses their functional ability to operate safely within a given environment. The three key functions to drive safely are: Motor skills (muscular skeletal) Sensory (eyesight/hearing) Cognitive (judgement/reaction time/etc.) This means that if we can measure an individual’s motor skills, sensory abilities and cognitive abilities as it relates to driving, we can determine whether they can safely operate a motor vehicle, regardless of whether the cause is cannabis, alcohol, sleep deprivation, cognitive decline or any other cause. Based on my conversation with the folks at Impirica, it appears they have done just that. They’ve developed impairment testing that’s modeled against the data of more than 200,000 real-world driver assessments and have scientifically validated their solution through collaborative studies with Colorado and Canadian universities. Their research has been heavily peer-reviewed, as they have been researching and developing in this space for over 30 years. As impairment testing pioneers, they have engaged with government task forces in Colorado and Canada who are grappling with the same questions we’ve been discussing. Driver-specific screen With specific reference to transportation, Impirica has a cognitive screen that actively measures a driver’s risk of impairment. The screen has been designed and validated to engage the brain in the same way it would be during driving, and it provides a predictive measurement of driving risk. While this cognitive screen has been scientifically validated to measure impairment risk associated with the use of cannabis, the screen itself is cause-agnostic, meaning it focuses less on the cause of impairment and more on whether the driver is fit for duty. Thus, it has application beyond cannabis use and addresses a multitude of factors that could render a driver impaired. Perhaps most fascinating, at least to me, is that Impirica’s solutions are currently in active use. They have transportation clients actively using their product, in addition to clients in the health care and workplace safety industries. In workplace safety, this type of testing easily becomes a proactive prevention of workman’s compensation claims. Warehouse and maintenance workers can be tested as part of the sign-in process for each shift. Impirica has also worked with law enforcement to enhance the SFST (standardized field sobriety testing) process and support more accurate and complete data at roadside. To further complicate the issue … While the U.S. Department of Justice has announced that the Attorney General has initiated the process to consider moving cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug, Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, says cannabis would still be fully prohibited for truck drivers. However, if the proposed schedule change goes through, it’s likely pharmaceutical companies will begin to include THC derived from cannabis in new medications. In this case, drivers could theoretically receive prescriptions containing THC from their doctors that they pick up at Walgreens or CVS. If we’re going to reconcile the differences in how cannabis is regulated for our industry versus how our future driving candidates view cannabis, we’re going to have to provide an innovative solution from the industry. At the end of the day, I am not a scientist or cognitive researcher. Hell, I don’t even play one on TV. However, I have been a “successful” attorney and business owner in the transportation industry for decades. I have been proud of how we adapt to significant changes in regulations and continue to embrace innovations that make our roads safer. However, as recreational/medical cannabis use continues to expand, we as an industry have struggled to adapt how we screen new and current drivers. How can we truly feel confident we are not putting impaired drivers behind the wheel? How can we know if cannabis is actually the cause of an accident when the driver may have smoked over a week ago? How can we know before he or she crashes if our driver picked up a prescription with THC from the pharmacy and is impaired? We need to think outside the box and embrace a test that can accurately determine impairment. To that end, I applaud the folks at Impirica and others who are working to make this happen.

USDOT hosts virtual meeting to address concerns about EV safety

Dana Guthrie - August 26, 2024

WASHINGTON — In the wake of last week’s crash and large fire along a California freeway involving an electric Tesla Semi that has drawn the attention of the National Transportation Safety Bureau (NTSB), the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced plans to host a virtual meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 27, to address concerns regarding the safety of lithium-ion batteries. “The 150,000 men and women [the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association] (OOIDA) is proud to represent make their living on the road, which is why roadway safety is our top priority,” said Todd Spencer, OOIDA president. “We are pleased that USDOT is looking into the unintended safety consequences related to EV battery fires particularly in the wake of the massive fire that shut down I-80 in California just last week.” According to USDOT, the event will be broadcast virtually for the audience, representatives from DOT and other agencies and organizations will discuss EVs and fire safety topics related to lithium-ion batteries. The format will include presentations with an opportunity for the audience to ask questions after each topic. Materials presented will be available on the Federal Register (Docket No. DOT-OST-2024-0092) and this page, on or before September 4. Topics The Battery Safety Post-Incident Stakeholder Meeting will convene experts across USDOT Operating Administrations and other federal agencies responsible for vehicle and fire safety, as well as organizations and members of the public with expertise or interest in areas of battery safety, EV standards, and emergency management services. Topics covered will include: Stranded energy. Fire incident response. Heavy vehicle consideration. Damaged EV response. EV water immersion. Emerging battery technologies. Registration and Supplemental Information Registration is free but required for all attendees. Register for the Zoom webinar by August 26. Session are scheduled from 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (EST). According to USDOT, the department is committed to providing equal access to this meeting for all participants. Persons with disabilities in need of an accommodation should contact Mirna Providence at 617-494-3344 or via email at [email protected] with your request as soon as possible. Closed captioning services will be available. Should it be necessary to cancel or reschedule the event due to an unforeseen circumstance, DOT will take all available measures to notify registered participants as soon as possible. Privacy Act notice: The event will be recorded, and a recording will be posted here after the event. Any comments made or questions asked by participants will be included in the publicly available information available in the Federal Register, Docket No. DOT-OST-2024-0092. See information on DOT’s compliance with the Privacy Act. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to reach out to the meeting organizers at [email protected].

Averitt taps Brown as Director of Marketing and Communications

Dana Guthrie - August 26, 2024

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Averitt has announced the appointment of Cookeville native Brad Brown to director of marketing and communications. “We’re thrilled to have Brad take on this expanded role,” said Kent Williams, executive vice president of sales and marketing at Averitt. “Brad’s dedication and vision have been instrumental in reinforcing our culture and beliefs. We’re confident that under his leadership, our Marketing and Communications team will continue to excel.” According to the release, Brown was already leading a team of associates who are responsible for internal communications, customer marketing, branding and engagement, recruitment marketing, training, social media and digital media for Averitt. Brown will now also take a lead role in the company’s associate recruiting efforts. Brown has spent his entire 25-year Averitt career with the company’s Marketing and Communications team.

ATRI asks trucking industry members to rank their top concerns

Dana Guthrie - August 26, 2024

WASHINGTON — The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), the trucking industry’s not-for-profit research organization, is asking for industry workers to participate in the newly-launched 2024 Top Industry Issues Survey. “For the past two decades, the industry has relied on the annual Top Industry Issues Survey to highlight the challenges facing our nation’s supply chain,” said Andrew Boyle, Boyle Transportation co-president. “ATRI’s research provides an opportunity for thousands of trucking industry professionals, from drivers to executives, to weigh in on the most critical topics that affect our day-to-day operations and collectively decide on the best strategies for addressing each.” According to a media release, the annual survey asks trucking industry stakeholders to rank the top issues of concern for the industry along with potential strategies for addressing each issue. Now in its 20th year, ATRI’s annual analysis not only ranks the issues overall but also provides insights into how critical topics are ranked differently by motor carriers and professional drivers. The report also allows trucking stakeholders to monitor issues over time to better understand which issues are rising, or falling, in criticality. “Every year ATRI’s annual survey gives drivers an opportunity to make our collective concerns known,” said Chevelle Walker, an America’s Road Team Captain and professional truck driver for Werner Enterprises. “Whether your top challenge is truck parking, driver compensation, detention, traffic congestion or something else, this is your chance to bring those issues to light. Please take a few minutes to complete the online survey and encourage your peers to do so also.” The results of the 2024 survey will be released October 12 as part of the American Trucking Associations Management Conference & Exhibition to be held in Nashville, Tennessee. Industry stakeholders are encouraged to complete the 2024 survey available by clicking here. The survey will remain open through September 27.

Mississippi FedEx driver earns title of ATA Grand Champion

Bruce Guthrie - August 26, 2024

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The American Trucking Associations awarded FedEx driver Jackie Reed of Mississippi, the Bendix Grand Champion at the 2024 National Truck Driving & Step Van Championships. “Jackie demonstrated the precision and professionalism we have come to expect from NTDC champions,” said American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear. “While all of our competitors are champions, he separated himself from even this elite field, showing the skills that have produced three million miles of accident-free driving over his 34 year career. Congratulations to him and to all our NTDC participants.” Known as the “Super Bowl of Safety,” ATA’s National Truck Driving & Step Van Championships took place Aug. 21-24 in Indianapolis, bringing together 422 drivers from 49 states with a combined total of nearly 685 million accident-free miles. Over the past few days, the drivers competed in a variety of events designed to measure their driving prowess, industry knowledge and dedication to safety. Reed took home the Bendix Grand Champion award, as well as first place in the tank truck vehicle class. Reed has been a professional driver for 34 years, accumulating three million safe driving miles. In 2022, he was named the Mississippi Grand Champion in the 3-axle category. Last year, he took second place in Mississippi’s 2-axle category. In addition, ATA honored Todd Gimpel, a professional driver with FedEx Freight from Nebraska, with the 2024 Rookie of the Year Award, and the state of Colorado was crowned the team champion for having the highest collective score. “On behalf of all of ATA’s members, I want to congratulate Jackie – and all our winners – on competing and completing another tremendous NTDC,” said American Trucking Associations First Vice Chairman Dennis Dellinger, president and CEO of Cargo Transporters Inc. “Every year, I’m amazed at the passion and enthusiasm for this industry NTDC creates – starting with our state competitions and culminating with the naming of a Grand Champion. Congratulations to all the competitors, and thank you to all the dedicated volunteers who make this event so special,” he said. During the closing ceremonies, ATA also honored Richard Sweeney of XPO with the Neill Darmstadter Professional Excellence Award. David Wiechers with ABF Freight was chosen as the Sam Gillette Lifetime Volunteer Award recipient. This year’s event included driving competitions across nine vehicle classes, vehicle inspection and a written exam. A full list of award winners is below. Step Van: Matthew Montandon, FedEx, Texas Scott Wickstrom, FedEx, Maine Travis Hutchinson, FedEx, Oregon Straight Truck: James Kohr, FedEx, New York Christopher Shaw, FedEx, New Mexico Corey Mitchell, FedEx Freight, Louisiana 3-Axle: David Mogler, FedEx Freight, Colorado Ritch Fundell, FedEx Freight, Illinois Daniel Shamrell, FedEx Freight, Oregon 4-Axle: Joseph Hicks, XPO, Rhode Island Dustin Scholle, United Parcel Service Inc., Illinois Paul Swan, FedEx Freight, Colorado 5-Axle: Brandon Hardy, XPO, Nevada Eric Courville, FedEx Freight, Louisiana Nick Gaudette, Fedex Freight, Colorado Flatbed: Ruben Cortez, H-E-B Grocery Co., Texas Larry Rhein, FedEx Freight, Arkansas Martin McMahon, RIST Transport, New York Tank Truck: Jackie Reed, FedEx Freight, Mississippi Glen Kirk, Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc., Indiana Terry Covey, FedEx Freight, Kansas Twins: Connor Dent, FedEx Freight, Wisconsin Michael Flippin, FedEx Freight, Colorado Jeffrey Cochran, FedEx Freight, Arkansas Sleeper Berth: Gregory Ryan, Walmart Transportation LLC, Arizona Andrew Girdley, Walmart Transportation LLC, Missouri James Dixon, A. Duie Pyle, Inc., Connecticut Vehicle Condition Award: James Quarles, Walmart Transportation LLC, South Carolina Written Exam: Ritch Fundell, FedEx Freight, Illinois Jason Damron, Convoy Systems LLC, Kansas State Team Award: Colorado Illinois New York

Truck Parking Club network now offers more than 600 sites across US

Linda Garner-Bunch - August 25, 2024

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The Truck Parking Club network now offers more than 600 property member locations across the U.S. to serve drivers and carriers, according to a statement issued earlier this month. Evan Shelley, the company’s co-founder and CEO, says the team is excited about the expansions achieved. “We’re even more excited to announce that we did it in 36 days — 20 days faster than it took us to go from 400 to 500,” he said, adding that credit for the explosive growth goes to the Truck Parking Club team. “We continue to see companies of all types joining and listing truck parking spaces with us. Self storage providers, towing companies, repair shops, and trucking companies — just to name a few — continue to join in droves,” he said. “For trucking companies especially, we are able to serve a dual purpose: parking for their drivers across the U.S. and an extra revenue channel.” According to Shelley, a growing number of carriers, brokers and shippers are reaching out with requests for unique parking needs, such as drop trailer pools and extra space for recently purchased equipment. “We recently created a fleet parking team to source solutions for these sorts of requests,” he said. “Overall, we’re thrilled with the progress we continue to make, but we’re still a long way from where we need to be,” he said. “We see strong demand from drivers and fleets across the U.S., and we are hustling to ensure we fill the demand while maintaining the highest standards of customer service and user experience for our trucker and property members.”

Gatik secures funding from Nippon to expand North American middle-mile logistics

Dana Guthrie - August 23, 2024

Mountain View, Calif. — Gatik has announced a strategic investment from Nippon Express Holdings that will further strengthen the company’s position in the North American logistics landscape, accelerating the deployment of its autonomous technology across the region. “Gatik’s momentum continues to build as the company leverages a series of strategic investment partnerships to solidify its leadership in the middle-mile segment of the supply chain,” the company said in a media release. “Specializing in the often-overlooked routes between distribution centers, fulfillment centers and retail locations, Gatik addresses critical challenges like driver shortages and supply chain inefficiencies, resulting in faster deliveries and reduced costs.” The release noted that with Gatik’s autonomous transportation network already operating successfully in regions such as Texas and Arkansas in the U.S., and Ontario, Canada, the company is reshaping the North American logistics landscape. Recent investment partnerships with Isuzu Motors and ITOCHU further accelerate this transformation, underscoring the industry’s confidence in Gatik’s safe, transparent, and regulator-approved approach to middle-mile autonomy. “Middle-mile autonomy is undoubtedly the first application in autonomous trucking to achieve scale in commercial applications,” said Gautam Narang, CEO and co-founder of Gatik. “It’s also critical for solving the most pressing logistics issues businesses are facing today—ensuring faster deliveries, addressing growing labor shortages, reducing costs, and meeting the rising demand for goods in this era of rapid e-commerce growth. Our investment partnership with NX Group is a testament to the impact we’re making in North America and the confidence of global partners in our ability to meet the evolving needs of our customers.” According to the release, since its founding in 2017, Gatik has been at the forefront of the autonomous logistics industry, pioneering the use of autonomous vehicles (AVs) for middle-mile deliveries and achieving the world’s first fully autonomous deliveries with Walmart in 2021. By focusing on shorter, fixed, and repeatable routes, Gatik has commercialized its autonomous technology more rapidly than long-haul solutions, which face more significant regulatory hurdles and unpredictable driving conditions. This focus on middle-mile logistics provides Gatik with a unique competitive advantage, enabling quicker deployment of its technologies, reducing time to market, and effectively addressing the challenges of the logistics sector.