Business Archives

Paper Transport says activation of Freight Science platform helped ease impact of Baltimore Bridge collapse

Dana Guthrie - August 8, 2024

CLAYTON, Mo. — Paper Transport (PTI), a truckload carrier and intermodal marketing company (IMC) has revealed the impact of its partnership with Freight Science and its Intelligent Decision Recommendation and Automation technology. “Our partnership with Freight Science has enabled us to develop new business models and associated services while enabling scalable operations across our customer base,” said Jared Stedl, chief commercial officer for Paper Transport. “The Freight Science platform and team enabled us to quickly develop an updated dedicated service to secure more deals. Our customers are looking for a high-quality service with on-time pickup and delivery. We do this better than our competition. Freight Science enables us to do this while honoring our drivers’ home time requests, leading to low driver turnover. Freight Science also enables us to drive more backhauls, allowing us to do more with less.” The release added that by going to market with Freight Science’s load planning optimization solutions, PTI has expanded its competitive advantage and won new business within the competitive dedicated shipping industry. Most notably, it was announced in a press release that Freight Science’s Intelligent Decision Automation was put into action two days following the collapse of Baltimore’s Key Bridge in March, rerouting shipments automatically, resetting customer expectations and saving freight costs. Paper Transport (PTI) chose technology company Freight Science to enable the for-hire truckload carrier to overcome daily business operational challenges, including suboptimal routes, increased fuel costs, longer delivery times, and inefficient asset utilization due to a lack of real-time insights and optimized planning, according to the release. Freight Science also equipped PTI with the ability to develop new business models to secure a huge food and beverage customer, improve operational efficiency, and win new business within the dedicated shipping industry, the release said. “Traditional load planning is resource-intensive requiring higher overhead cost and detracting from customers and drivers while often yielding suboptimal decisions, unnecessary empty miles, late deliveries, and less efficient asset utilization,” Stedle aid. “Delays in decision-making due to a lack of real-time insights also hinder operational efficiency, making operational cost management a constant struggle. The Freight Science platform, employed by PTI, addresses these critical challenges, contributing to greater operational efficiency, improving collaboration with shippers, all while reducing operating costs through higher utilization and lower overhead.”

Forward Air touts positive momentum despite softness in freight market

Dana Guthrie - August 8, 2024

GREENEVILLE, Tenn.— Forward Air Corp. said in a press release that its financial results for the three months ending June 30, 2024, showed improvement, despite a soft freight market. “As a result of the Omni transaction, the combined company now has a unique platform to drive long-term growth through continued best in class domestic expedited and intermodal services and now global freight forwarding and contract logistics services,” said Shawn Stewart, Chief Executive Officer. “In our first full quarter as one company, we are beginning to see the power of the combination. We have recently closed several exciting sales wins, and operationally, we are laser-focused on capturing the previously announced synergies as well as other additional cost saving opportunities that were not previously identified. Our achievements in such a short period of time have only added to my confidence in our combined ability to build on the strengths of our legacy companies.” In a media release, Stewart said that because of the Omni transaction, the combined company now has a “unique platform to drive long-term growth through continued best in class domestic expedited and intermodal services and now global freight forwarding and contract logistics services.” “In our first full quarter as one company, we are beginning to see the power of the combination,” Stewart said. “We have recently closed several exciting sales wins, and operationally, we are laser-focused on capturing the previously announced synergies as well as other additional cost saving opportunities that were not previously identified. Our achievements in such a short period of time have only added to my confidence in our combined ability to build on the strengths of our legacy companies.” New Chief Financial Officer “I am thrilled to have Jamie Pierson on board as our chief financial officer,” Stewart said. “Jamie has already made a significant impact at the company, especially to our finance organization’s processes and reporting capabilities. I look forward to working alongside him as we chart a new course for the company.” Pierson spoke to the market conditions faced during the past quarter. “While we continue to face challenging market conditions, we experienced positive momentum as Consolidated EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure calculated pursuant to our credit agreement, increased from approximately $55 million in the first quarter of this year to $81 million in the second quarter,” Pierson said. “Our results demonstrate progress in our business, and we expect to see additional improvement as we continue to realize synergies associated with the transaction. This quarter, we realized approximately $14 million in cost synergy capture, in line with the original estimates and anticipate being at full run-rate savings earlier than previously anticipated. According to our revised integration plans, we believe that we will be operating at full run rate synergy levels by the end of the first quarter of 2025, and despite the noise of the integration and softness in the broader freight market, we believe that we will deliver somewhere between $310 to $325 million in Consolidated EBITDA for 2024.” Stewart touted that while the market is uncertain, the company still sees improvement for the future, “Obviously, integrations of this size, magnitude and complexity do not progress in a linear fashion, and while the market at large remains uncertain, we believe in the power of the combined company and expect to demonstrate continued improvement in the quarters to come.”

Birdies on a Mission: Pro golfer Jason Day, Motive partner to support the Navy SEAL Foundation

Dana Guthrie - August 8, 2024

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Motive, the AI-powered Integrated Operations Platform, has announced an initiative with PGA Tour pro Jason Day to support the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). For every birdie Day makes on tour, Motive will contribute to NSF to help make sure the families of special operators have someone watching out for them. “Everyone knows the Navy SEALs, but they don’t know the families that share the courage and commitment they bring to their mission,” Day said. “With Birdies on a Mission, we’re investing in the community that supports our special operators.” Fans can contribute to the mission by buying a Jason Day Tour Edition hat on Malbon.com. Malbon is offering these unique hats for sale online only; all proceeds will go to the NSF. “Keeping people safe is a core tenet of Motive’s mission, and we see this mission reflected in the work Navy SEAL teams do daily in protecting our country,” said Shoaib Makani, CEO and founder of Motive. “Navy SEALs and Special Operators take immeasurable risk every day to protect America and our allies, and we want to invest in the support system they count on at home.” Stephen Malbon, co-founder of Malbon added that he is thrilled to partner with Motive and helping members of the SEAL community, that, he noted, selflessly protects citizens and make significant sacrifices.” “The Navy SEAL Foundation is proud to welcome Motive as an official partner. Motive is a leader in its industry and has demonstrated a deep commitment to improving the safety and efficiency of the operations that power our economy,” said Geoff Leard, director of partnerships Navy SEAL Foundation. “We are excited to partner with Motive to support NSF and the SEAL community, who sacrifice so much for our safety and protection back home.”

Werner honored among top military-friendly companies; continues veteran outreach

Dana Guthrie - August 8, 2024

OMAHA, Neb. — Werner Enterprises Inc. has been recognized as the #3 Military Friendly Company in the $1 billion to $5 billion revenue category for 2024. “These recognitions reflect our unwavering commitment to the military community. At Werner, we strive to create an environment where veterans and their families can thrive and we are incredibly proud of the work our team does every day to support our nation’s heroes,” said Nathan Meisgeier, president and chief legal officer. According to a press release, this marks the second consecutive year Werner has made the rankings. The achievement follows a series of significant accolades in the 2024 Military Friendly rankings, which include: Top 10 Military Friendly Employer (#5) for the second consecutive year. Top 10 Military Friendly Spouse Employer (#3) for the third consecutive year. Top 10 Military Friendly Brand (#3) for the third consecutive year, maintaining the #3 ranking for the second year in a row. Adding to these honors, Werner has also announced that Greg Hamm, vice president of field and government recruiting, has been named to the 2024 Veteran Champions of the Year in Corporate America list by Military Friendly. The award celebrates individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to supporting America’s veterans and the civilian workforce. “I am deeply honored to receive the Military Friendly Veteran Champion of the Year award,” said Hamm. “This recognition is a testament to our team’s dedication at Werner and our commitment to support veterans and their families. I am proud to play a role in creating meaningful opportunities for those who have served our country.” According to the release, with approximately 20% of its workforce comprised of veterans, Werner offers uniquely designed programs and benefits tailored toward the military community. Some of these initiatives include a Military Skills Test Waiver Program, Skillbridge/Career Skills Program, VA Educational Benefits, Operation Freedom Fleet, ‘WEVets’ Veteran Resource Group and Deployment Support. More than 1,500 organizations compete annually for Military Friendly designations. Werner distinguished itself through its commitment, effort and success in creating sustainable and meaningful career paths for the military community. Military Friendly is owned and operated by VIQTORY, a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business. The full list of awardees can be found here.

Dynamic Logistix recognizes five companies as Carriers of the Year

Erica N. Guy - August 8, 2024

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — Dynamic Logistix (DLX), a third-party logistics provider, announced the five recipients of its 2024 Carriers of the Year (COTY) award on Aug. 8. DLX’s Carrier of the Year program was designed to recognize top–performing carriers across all sizes and modes of transportation. Winning carriers were selected based on their exceptional performance during the 2023 calendar year across five key evaluation areas: communication, reliability, collaboration, technology adoption, and accuracy. At the awards ceremony, DLX crowned five companies as its 2024 Carriers of the Year: Averitt Express Gehrke Trucking Debrick Truck Line Co. PAM International Inc. Pulse Transportation Services Inc. DLX also recognized eight Top Performers: AFS WORLD LLC Anderson Trucking Service (ATS Inc.) Dynamic Dedicated LLC JCC Transport Inc. JL Freight Line LLC Mercado Transport LLC Sanford’s Farm Fresh Produce Schueman Transfer Inc. “Here at DLX, we know that our unwavering commitment to treating our carriers like true partners is one of the key things that makes us different,” said Jason Yeager, managing partner of Dynamic Logistix. “That’s why our team is so excited to take time to honor this elite group of carriers today. Each of them has gone above and beyond for us and our clients. We couldn’t be more excited to celebrate them today and acknowledge all of their hard work.” Yeager mentioned that Dynamic Logistix considers more than a carrier’s number of trucks when determining top performers. “Great carrier partners come in all shapes, sizes, and modes,” he said. “Whether you’re a one-truck owner-operator or a company operating hundreds of trucks, we value performance and collaboration above all else. And this group of carriers has certainly demonstrated that they’re the best of the best in the business.” DLX conducted a thorough evaluation process to select its Carriers of the Year and Top Performers. The process began with a review of 2023 carrier performance data, including the number of loads hauled, on-time performance, tender acceptance, tracking technology adoption, and the number of DLX clients each carrier served. Next, the carrier solutions team and dedicated account managers performed an internal qualitative analysis, focusing on carriers’ day-to-day performance and communication effectiveness. Finally, carriers underwent a verification process to confirm adequate insurance coverage, compliant claims resolution, and strong billing accuracy. After the nominees were selected, internal voting commenced with final winning carriers selected by majority vote.

Celebrating Excellence: EPA names Paper Transport a 2024 SmartWay High Performer

Erica N. Guy - August 7, 2024

DE PERE, Wis. — Paper Transport announced on Tuesday, Aug. 6, that it was named a 2024 SmartWay High Performer by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). According to its release, “this prestigious ecognition from the EPA highlights Paper Transport’s commitment to sustaining and improving the efficiency of goods movement and the performance of its freight transportation operations.” “For the past 15 years, Paper Transport has been a leader in providing sustainable transportation solutions,” stated Ben Schill, CEO of Paper Transport. “We have pushed the envelope to test and implement solutions that help reduce the carbon footprint of our shippers across the board. We lean on acting and learning from real-world experience versus pontificating about what can or cannot work. We embrace the spirit of SmartWay in terms of embracing real-world testing and finding sustainable solutions that can work in a practical environment.” In the press release, by joining the SmartWay Transport Partnership, Paper Transport demonstrates its strong environmental leadership and corporate responsibility. It stated that it would continue its commitment to contributing to the partnership’s savings of 379 million barrels of oil, $52 billion on fuel costs, 162 million metric tons of CO2, 2.8 million short tons of NOx, and 114,000 short tons of PM, which is equivalent to the annual electricity use for 24 million homes. In addition, Paper Transport also submitted and received approval from the SmartWay Transport Partnership for its current data submission.

Diesel Direct, Saia Trucking start diesel pilot program in California

Erica N. Guy - August 7, 2024

OAKLAND, Calif. — In a media release issued on Aug. 7, Diesel Direct announced it is partnering with Saia Trucking to implement a renewable diesel pilot program at Saia’s locations in Oakland, San Jose, San Diego and Orange, California. According to the release from Diesel Direct, this initiative represents a pivotal advancement in promoting environmental sustainability and enhancing fuel efficiency within the transportation industry. The partnership stems from Diesel Direct being dedicated to providing innovative and eco-friendly fuel alternatives along with Saia Trucking as a transportation provider, sharing “this commitment to sustainability. The company has a long-standing dedication to reducing its environmental impact through sustainable business practices, equipment optimization, and corporate efficiencies,” according to the release. Saia Trucking’s fleet initiatives include modernizing equipment to boost fuel efficiency, transitioning to alternative fuels, and leveraging new technologies to optimize routing, loading, and freight handling. “The decision to switch to Renewable Diesel at key California locations underscores Saia’s commitment to sustainable practices and reducing its environmental impact,” the release stated. Benefits of renewable diesel are many and include: Lower Emissions: Renewable Diesel can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 75%, significantly lowering the carbon footprint of Saia Trucking’s fleet. Enhanced Engine Performance: It provides superior engine performance, even in challenging conditions, ensuring Saia’s trucks operate smoothly and efficiently. No Engine Modifications Required: Renewable Diesel can be used in existing diesel engines without any modifications, making the transition seamless and cost-effective. Improved Air Quality: By reducing exhaust emissions, Renewable Diesel helps improve air quality, benefiting the communities around Saia Trucking’s operational hubs. Diesel Direct’s partnership with Saia Trucking extends beyond fuel supply. Diesel Direct provides comprehensive fuel management solutions designed to optimize operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact, according to its media release. Saia Trucking’s fleet across key California hubs will benefit from Diesel Direct’s direct fuel delivery services, ensuring the fleet is always ready to meet diverse client needs. This includes handling refrigerated units, hazardous materials, and oversized loads with the highest level of precision and care. “Diesel Direct’s West Coast Green Corridor stretches from San Diego, California, to Portland, Oregon and is expanding northward,” said Diesel Direct’s Account Manager Jeremy Model. “Through our mobile fleet fueling program, Saia has significantly reduced fuel procurement costs for approximately 135 tractors across four major markets. This improvement has enhanced route efficiency and contributed to significant labor savings. Additionally, by switching to Neste’s Renewable Diesel, Saia is projected to save 5,455 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent annually—comparable to removing 1,185 cars from the road.” Senior VP Tim Johnson spoke of operational efficiency in his statement on the partnership. “Diesel Direct’s partnership with Saia Trucking marks a significant step forward in our mission to promote renewable energy solutions in the transportation sector,” he said. “By piloting Renewable Diesel, Saia Trucking is enhancing its operational efficiency while contributing to a healthier environment. We look forward to continuing our collaboration to reduce emissions and build a more sustainable future for everyone.”

Averitt recognized as an Inbound Logistics’ 2024 Top 100 3PL

Erica N. Guy - August 7, 2024

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. — Averitt recently announced that it has been recognized as one of Inbound Logistics’ 2024 Top 100 Third-Party Logistics Providers. This year’s theme of Inbound Logistics’ annual 3PL edition, “flexibility and scalability,” emphasizes the importance of partnering with trusted partners to support business growth. The publication researched hundreds of companies to find those that deserved the honor. “In today’s dynamic and complex supply chain landscape, businesses seek 3PL partners that can deliver exceptional results amidst unforeseen challenges and disruptions. Averitt has proven its ability to excel in this area. Inbound Logistics editors have recognized this outstanding performance by selecting Averitt as a 2024 Top 100 3PL Provider,” said Felecia Stratton, Editor at Inbound Logistics. “We are honored to be named a Top 100 3PL provider by Inbound Logistics once again,” said Kent Williams, executive vice president of sales and marketing at Averitt. “It’s a testament to our associates and their drive to tackle challenges and help shippers meet their goals.”

Trimble offers look at ‘road ahead’ for North America’s truckload industry

Erica N. Guy - August 7, 2024

WESTMINSTER, Colo. — Trimble recently announced the release of “The Road Ahead: Key Trends and Capabilities Shaping the North American Freight Transportation Market,” a Transporeon report that identifies the key developments that impact the future of the North American truckload transportation sector. The report analyzes market trends and data based on survey responses from Indago supply chain research community members as well as the Transporeon shipper and carrier community. Due to the current supply surplus in the North American truckload transportation market, the report discusses technology solutions to address the challenges faced by transportation and logistics stakeholders. Key highlights of the report are the growing importance of Mexico as a source of U.S. imports, sustainability and the electrification of trucking, California’s AB5 bill and freight fraud: Market Challenges: The current state of North America’s truckload sector — low demand and ample capacity — has created challenges for carriers. The report highlights the complexity of demand sources contributing to a decline in trucking load requests and discusses the necessary capabilities to compete in the rapidly evolving truckload market. Nearshoring: Driven by the combination of global geopolitical volatility and sustainable emissions goals, the continuing growth of nearshoring is identified as a key trend for truckload-related businesses. As Mexico surpasses China as the leading source of goods imported into the U.S., 88% of small to medium-sized supply chain businesses plan to migrate partially to suppliers closer to the U.S., while 45% plan to switch all of them (Capterra). The report examines how these changes may affect the truckload transportation market. Freight Fraud: Freight fraud is a growing risk in the truckload sector, with CargoNet reporting a 59% increase in cargo theft in Q3 2023 compared to Q3 2022. An April 2024 survey found that 48% of respondents experienced cargo theft or freight fraud in the past year. Shippers, carriers and logistics service providers (LSPs) are advised to consider and prevent freight fraud. The report outlines steps to reduce its likelihood. Sustainability and Electric Vehicles: New emissions standards for heavy-duty trucks at both state and federal levels are accelerating the switch to more emissions-friendly vehicles, with forensic carbon accounting and measurement a potential legal necessity for shippers and carriers. Hurdles such as mileage range and charging infrastructure are among the limitations preventing fleets from greater adoption of electric vehicles. The Implications of California’s AB5: Driver shortage is an ongoing challenge for carriers and LSPs, adding to the cost burden of enterprises as they bid to retain experienced and valuable driver support. Costs have the potential to rise further following the enactment of AB5 in California, which mandates reclassifying many independent contractor drivers as employees, requiring trucking companies to pay additional benefits and payroll taxes. The possibility of similar legislation spreading to other states could further exacerbate these challenges. Responding Intelligently and Effectively to Whatever Happens Down the Road “The Road Ahead: Key Trends and Capabilities Shaping the North American Freight Transportation Market” highlights solutions to help overcome the industry’s obstacles. These include enhanced collaboration via transportation management platforms, real-time freight visibility to guard against freight fraud, and digital tools to speed up and streamline processes. “We are confident this report will be a valuable resource for shippers and carriers at a time when the industry acknowledges it has been bumping along the bottom for a long period,” said Ed Moran, managing director of Americas Transporeon. “By recognizing important trends and identifying how such trends might support business growth, all parties can proactively exploit collaborative digital tools that meet the demands of shippers and carriers alike.”

SCAM ALERT: FMCSA warns of phishing emails

Bruce Guthrie - August 7, 2024

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has become aware of a phishing scam and is warning those who might be affected. In a message sent on its website, FMCSA stated that “an email is being sent to registered entities by someone pretending to be FMCSA and requesting that you complete attached forms, which ask for a social security number and a USDOT PIN. FMCSA does not require such information on the official FMCSA forms and urges users “DO NOT fill out attached forms.” FMCSA states to “always refer to the official FMCSA forms.” In some cases, users are also being asked for a certificate of insurance and Driver’s License to help protect against fraud. There is also a threat that if the recipient does not respond within a day that there will be a fine, “which is also not an FMCSA practice.” The email shows that it came from either [email protected] or [email protected], which are not legitimate email addresses and are not used or owned by FMCSA. if the recipient replies to the email, it actually goes to @fmcsa-safety-fmcsa.com, which is also not a domain owned or used by FMCSA. Not only is some of this information Personal Identifiable information (PII), but this information would also allow the unauthorized party to gain access to your FMCSA account. The email containing the link is also very convincing that this is coming from FMCSA. Communications from FMCSA relating to information requests of this type would either request you to log in to your portal account at FMCSA Login (dot.gov) or come directly from an FMCSA dedicated mailbox. “While these emails typically end in a “.gov”, we encourage our stakeholders and customers to verify any email or communication they feel to be suspicious with the appropriate agency,” the statement reads. “The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends following certain procedures for email verification.”

Bestpass-Fleetworthy acquires Drivewyze

Bruce Guthrie - August 7, 2024

ALBANY, N.Y. — Bestpass-Fleetworthy Solutions announced via press release that it has acquired Drivewyze, a company that connects truck services and the largest public-private weigh station network operator. The transaction allows Bestpass-Fleetworthy Solutions to offer what it calls “a comprehensive suite of services covering all aspects of tolling, weigh station bypass, compliance, and safety for commercial fleets of all sizes.” The terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. The acquisition has been tabbed as a strategic move that combines the commercial transportation industry’s largest toll management and weigh station bypass providers, creating a one-stop solution for customers using both fleet management services. Bestpass-Fleetworthy and Drivewyze are hardly strangers. In 2023, Bestpass and Drivewyze announced a partnership to streamline the customer experience for fleets adopting weigh station bypass and toll management services. Now as a combined company, Bestpass-Fleetworthy Solutions and Drivewyze customers “will benefit from an even more integrated and expansive suite of services,” the release stated. In addition to fleet management services, Drivewyze partners with public agencies to improve commercial motor vehicle safety and compliance solutions with smart infrastructure and connected vehicle systems. According to Tom Fogarty, Bestpass-Fleetworthy Solutions CEO, combining the two companies and sharing technology will accelerate product innovation and address the current and future needs of fleets, owner-operators, and government agencies. “Drivewyze is a transportation technology leader that offers the industry’s best weigh station bypass solution and proactive in-cab safety alerts — which helps keep drivers and fleets operating more efficiently and safely,” said Fogarty. “The team shares our core focus on innovation and service to drive superior customer value and satisfaction. We have had a very successful partnership in place, and many of our existing customers also use a weigh station bypass solution to reduce operating costs and driver downtime. This strategic move to acquire Drivewyze will allow us to offer customers a more comprehensive, innovative, and integrated solution. We’re thrilled to welcome Drivewyze to the Bestpass-Fleetworthy family.” Brian Heath, who serves as Drivewyze CEO, the two companies share a deep tradition of product innovation and commitment to providing strong customer support. “The combination of our companies brings scale and acceleration to the larger mission of creating a safer and more efficient transportation system,” said Heath, who will continue with the organization and work alongside Fogarty as a Special Advisor. “Our combined products and services offer drivers, fleets, and government agencies a unique set of best-in-class solutions to tackle today’s transportation challenges.” Under this agreement, Drivewyze will continue to operate under its respective Drivewyze brand and retain its scope of business as a Bestpass-Fleetworthy Solutions product offering. For Drivewyze customers, there will be no disruption to existing services and support.

JB Hunt, Kodiak Robotics, Bridgestone pass 50k mark in autonomous long-haul trucking miles

Bruce Guthrie - August 7, 2024

It is a collaboration celebration for three national partners. J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc., Bridgestone Americas and Kodiak Robotics Inc., an autonomous trucking company, are touting a successful ongoing weekly delivery collaboration that has surpassed 50,000 autonomous long-haul trucking miles, incorporating Kodiak autonomous trucks to ship Bridgestone passenger car tires between South Carolina and Dallas. Since launching in January, the autonomous route has been driven with no accidents and achieved 100% on-time pick-up and delivery. The endeavor has been successful enough that the companies have expanded the collaboration to include additional weekly deliveries along the route. Utilizing Kodiak’s hub-to-hub autonomous delivery model, the long-haul stretch of the route from Atlanta to Dallas — approximately 750 miles and 16 hours — is completed using Kodiak autonomous driving technology, which is fitted with Bridgestone M719 drive tires and R213 steer tires. J.B. Hunt transports the trailers to and from Bridgestone facilities and Kodiak hubs. The companies leverage J.B. Hunt 360box, a fluid network of 14,000-plus company trailers, to secure capacity for the return trip from Dallas, preventing empty miles and improving route efficiency. “Working closely with Kodiak and Bridgestone, we were able to deliver a complementary solution that integrates autonomous technology with day-to-day operations while also solving backhaul challenges,” said Nick Hobbs, chief operating officer and president of contract services at J.B. Hunt. “It’s a great example of how our mode-neutral approach can leverage multiple service offerings to produce efficient, value-driven solutions unique to our customers’ needs.” The collaboration provides a round-trip solution for delivering Bridgestone passenger car tires and minimizing empty miles for efficiency. Here is how it works. J.B. Hunt moves the load from Bridgestone’s Aiken Passenger Tire plant in Graniteville, SC to Kodiak’s Atlanta-area autonomous truckport in Villa Rica, Georgia. Kodiak autonomous trucks complete the long-haul stretch of the route from Atlanta to Kodiak’s Lancaster, Texas facility. A two-person-team of Kodiak safety drivers oversee the seamless and continuous operation of the autonomous truck. J.B. Hunt transports the load approximately 50 miles from Lancaster to Bridgestone’s Roanoke distribution center. For the trip from Dallas to Atlanta, J.B. Hunt leverages its J.B. Hunt 360box program to identify additional customers with live and drop freight needs along that route. Kodiak completes the delivery autonomously to Atlanta, and then J.B. Hunt transports the load to its next destination. “As part of our evolution into a global leader in sustainable mobility solutions, Bridgestone joined forces with Kodiak and J.B. Hunt to prove that autonomous long-haul shipping is more than just a daydream; it’s happening right now,” said Brad Blizzard, Vice President, Logistics Operations and Product Delivery, Bridgestone. “We are excited to be expanding our routes, growing this partnership, and investing in the mobility of the future.” “Our ability to build an autonomous delivery program with J.B. Hunt, one of America’s best-respected and most innovative trucking fleets, and Bridgestone, a longstanding Kodiak investor and a leader in transportation technology, makes this a perfect collaboration,” said Don Burnette, Founder & CEO, Kodiak. “Demonstrating the efficacy of our middle mile model and improving operational efficiencies for our customers sets us all on a course for rapid and sustainable growth.” Bridgestone announced an investment in and partnership with Kodiak in June 2021. As part of the partnership, Bridgestone has integrated its smart-sensing tire technologies into Kodiak’s autonomous trucks and have integrated smart tire technologies to further enhance vehicle intelligence for a safer, more efficient, and more sustainable mobility future. Bridgestone is also Kodiak’s exclusive tire supplier. Additionally, J.B. Hunt provides Bridgestone with pickup and delivery services for multiple customer locations throughout the country.

BlueGrace Logistics announces executive promotions of Meier, Dolski

Bruce Guthrie - August 6, 2024

TAMPA, Fla. — BlueGrace Logistics announced a couple of moves near the top of its leadership including the promotion of Mike Meier to Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and the transition of Mike Dolski to Senior Vice President of Treasury & Risk Management. “These strategic changes reflect the company’s ongoing commitment to driving growth and expanding its operations in North America,” the company stated in a release announcing the moves. Mike Meier, who has served as the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) for the past four years, will step into the role of CFO. “With a proven track record in strategic planning and execution, Meier has been instrumental in steering BlueGrace Logistics through significant growth phases,” the company stated. As CFO, Mike Meier will oversee financial operations, reporting, planning, and strategy “as BlueGrace Logistics expands its footprint into Mexico and Canada and focuses on future transactions that will drive further growth.: Meier’s role is able to step in because Mike Dolski, who has been with BlueGrace Logistics since 2010 as the CFO, will now assume the role of Senior Vice President, Treasury & Risk Management, according to the same release. In this capacity, Dolski “will continue to play a crucial role in managing the company’s financial operations, exposure, and ensure stability as the company navigates its expansion and new business ventures. Mike Dolski’s extensive experience and deep knowledge of the company’s financial landscape will provide support during this time of expansion.” “I am enthusiastic about the transformations within our executive team.,” said Bobby Harris, CEO of BlueGrace Logistics. “Mike Meier’s leadership and strategic insights have already contributed significantly to our growth, and I am confident that his expertise will drive our financial strategies to new heights as we expand into new markets. At the same time, Mike Dolski’s continued presence and guidance will ensure we maintain the strong financial foundation we have built as we continue to organically grow, acquire and expand.” “These leadership changes come as BlueGrace Logistics expands into Mexico and Canada, enhancing service capabilities and expanding its operations,” the company stated in its release.

Penske introduces new eDVIR feature in Penske Driver Mobile App

Bruce Guthrie - August 6, 2024

READING, Pa., — Penske Truck Leasing recently launched an electronic driver vehicle inspection report (eDVIR) feature in the Penske Driver mobile app for customers. According to a recent press release, this new feature enables customer truck drivers to submit driver vehicle inspection reports electronically using the free Penske Driver app. This new eDVIR functionality also provides fleet managers with immediate access to the submissions sent through the app using Fleet Insight, Penske’s real-time fleet management platform. This advancement aims to streamline inspection processes, enhance compliance and improve overall fleet management efficiency. “Our new eDVIR capability represents a step forward in how we support our customers’ compliance and maintenance needs,” said Brandie Searle, vice president of digital product management for Penske. “By responding to customer feedback with this highly requested feature we enable electronic submissions and real-time visibility, helping fleet managers address issues quickly and effectively, reducing downtime and improving operational efficiency.” The eDVIR feature is designed to help users stay compliant with Department of Transportation regulations and is exclusive to Penske leased, maintained, or rented vehicles. The upgrade streamlines the repair request process by automatically sending defect reports from the telematics system to Penske’s maintenance system. As defects are resolved, detailed mechanic notes and resolution statuses are communicated back to the telematics system, providing essential information such as repair shop locations, repair notes and contact details. The Penske Driver app is used by approximately 20,000 commercial truck drivers monthly and offers a range of features including logging Hours of Service to comply with the Electronic Logging Device mandate, submitting 24/7 roadside assistance requests, checking-in for service visits, submitting fuel receipts digitally and finding location rental, leasing, service, parking, EV charging and fueling locations. The app provides access to vehicle information, service history and 24/7 support. Penske offers live, free weekly training webinars on Penske Driver to ensure customers can effectively use the technology. Penske Driver is available for download on both Android and Apple devices. For additional guidance and information, download Penske’s eBook: “Complete Daily Tasks and Stay Compliant with Penske Driver.”

JJ Keller, Juno Jones collaborate to provide safety footwear

Bruce Guthrie - August 6, 2024

A partnership was born between J. J. Keller & Associates Inc. and Juno Jones Safety Boots, the National Safety Council Award-winning safety shoe company. According to a release issued by J. J. Keller, this alliance aims to elevate workplace safety and comfort for workers across various industries. “Juno Jones makes award-winning safety footwear by working people, for working people,” the release stated. “Founders Emily and Ryan Soloby, with roots in the trucking and footwear industries, created Juno Jones after they noticed a gap in the safety footwear market around issues of inclusivity. The brand launched with women’s footwear made especially for female foot measurements and style, and its viral popularity quickly grew the brand to include men’s durable safety footwear built for all day comfort.” “The combination of Juno Jones, with roots in trucking and adjacent industries, and J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc., serving the safety needs of these industries, was a natural fit,” said Juno Jones CFO Ryan Soloby. “We look forward to helping J. J. Keller’s customers stay safe and comfortable, even when they’re on their feet all day.” J. J. Keller has been around since 1952, and today serves more than 500,000 companies across North America, who rely on J. J. Keller’s expertise to safeguard workers, reduce risk and build operational confidence. “At J. J. Keller, we’ve conducted studies on the challenges of finding safe, well-fitting PPE in women’s sizing, and it is clearly a challenge for those working every day on job sites and those who purchase PPE for their companies,” said Lisa Karpinski, executive vice president of marketing at J. J. Keller. “We were inspired by Juno Jones’ focus on inclusivity in safety footwear. And we’re excited to offer both the Juno Jones women’s and men’s lines.” In addition to the new Juno Jones boots, J. J. Keller offers a wide selection of quality, comfortable personal protective equipment under its proprietary SAFEGEAR®️ line of PPE. SAFEGEAR offerings include high-visibility apparel and accessories; safety gloves; hard hats and helmets; safety glasses and goggles; and hearing protection, in both traditional and women’s sizing.

Premier Protective Security partners with TAT to fight human trafficking

Dana Guthrie - August 6, 2024

Brentwood, Tenn. — In an effort to stop the scourge of human trafficking, Premier Protective Security (PPS), a national provider of on-site security officer personnel for many of the nation’s largest truck stop chains has announced a formal partnership with Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT). “Our team is eager to support TAT’s mission through comprehensive training programs and awareness campaigns,” said Raleigh Taylor, PPS Inc. CEO. “We believe that by educating and empowering our security personnel and those they interact with, we can play a significant role in identifying and preventing human trafficking. This partnership is a testament to our dedication to safeguarding not only our clients but also the broader community.” According to a press release, the alliance between PPS and TAT is designed to provide information, education and guidance to truckers and truck stop businesses detailing how to identify potential trafficking and involve local security personnel represented by PPS. Worldwide, 27 million individuals are trapped in modern-day slavery, forced into labor and sexual exploitation, according to the U.S. State Department’s 2024 human trafficking report. In the United States, human trafficking has been reported in all 50 states. Victims, often society’s most defenseless, are ensnared through force, fraud and coercion to work across various sectors — from prostitution, brothels, gentlemen’s clubs and pornography to agriculture, manufacturing, domestic servitude and hospitality. According to the release, criminal networks target and capitalize on the desperation of marginalized populations, perpetuating a cycle of abuse and profiteering. This pervasive issue spans continents, lurking in both rural fields and urban centers, challenging global efforts to combat human rights violations. “Transportation hubs, like truck stops, represent one location where human traffickers can be seen making their transactions, such as selling and transferring their captives,” the release said. “By partnering with TAT, PPS is able to give truckers and travel plaza employees the tools to interrupt traffickers’ illicit activities.” In addition to pledging financial support for TAT, PPS has uploaded TAT’s materials and law enforcement modules into its LMS system and begun training the segment of their employees –- nearly 300 –- working truck stops, convenience stores, hotels and logistic verticals across the continental United States. PPS has also made TAT training part of its onboarding process and ongoing training curriculum. Taylor shared that while PPS has been in conversation with TAT for the past six to nine months, they discussed TAT’s work fighting human trafficking last year as guests on the TBN show Huckabee, hosted by Mike Huckabee, the former governor of Arkansas. “Situated in key locations and events throughout the country, security personnel are powerful allies in helping to recognize and report human trafficking effectively,” said Esther Goetsch, TAT Executive Director. “They’re in places where they may encounter victims and have the opportunity to offer safety to them and critical information to law enforcement. We are so pleased to see Premier Protective recognize this opportunity and are excited to begin this partnership.” PPS trains security personnel at major truck stops, convenience stores, and logistics companies to recognize and respond to potential human trafficking situations. The company emphasizes a “see something, say something” approach, encouraging vigilance and reporting of suspicious activities. PPS offers two main reporting channels: On-site security officers (where available) Location general managers When alerted, these personnel contact local law enforcement and/or the National Human Trafficking Hotline, which dispatches trained law enforcement to handle the situation, Taylor told Huckabee during his appearance. This initiative turns truck stops into potential intervention points, with staff and truckers acting as frontline observers in the fight against human trafficking. According to the release, PPS collaborates with companies and organizations such as TAT to promote safety and security in and around local business establishments, such as truck stops. “TAT is committed to educating, equipping, empowering and mobilizing key industries and agencies to combat human trafficking,” the release said. “When founded in 2009, the organization began its work with the trucking industry. TAT’s approach leverages the trucking industry’s extensive presence on America’s highways, transforming drivers into a critical adjunct to law enforcement in the fight against human trafficking. By mobilizing this mobile workforce, TAT aims to disrupt trafficking networks operating along U.S. trucking routes.”

Averitt earns Geodis 2023 LTL Carrier of the Year Award

Bruce Guthrie - August 6, 2024

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. — In a release issued on Tuesday, Aug. 6, Averitt Express announced it has been recognized by GEODIS as a 2023 LTL Carrier of the Year. This accolade, presented at the GEODIS carrier conference on May 23, highlights Averitt’s exceptional performance in areas such as on-time service, extensive coverage within the GEODIS network, and the ability to bring overall value and flexibility to both GEODIS and their clients. This is not the first time Averitt has been recognized by GEODIS. The company first received the LTL Carrier of the Year award in 2020, alongside the Truckload Carrier of the Year award. “Being acknowledged by partners like GEODIS is always a great honor and a testament to our team’s hard work,” stated Kent Williams, Averitt’s executive vice president of sales and marketing. “At Averitt, our aim is to provide dependable service, and it is our dedicated associates who uphold this standard of excellence.”

For the fourth straight week, fuel prices fall

Bruce Guthrie - August 5, 2024

Diesel fuel prices continue to trend downward. For the fourth week in a row, prices fell, this time natinonally by about a penny per gallon to $3.755 from $3.768 according to the numbers released by the Petroleum Administration for Defense District. The penny drop in price was the norm across most reporting regions. The exceptions were the Central Atlantic and the Midwest. The Central Atlantic regions’ prices fell more than three cents to under $4 per gallon. That region fell four cents last week to $4.028. The price plunge continued to $3.991 per gallon. The Midwest region made a very minute jump from $$3.727 to $3.729 this week. West Coast fell by two cents from $4.370 to $4.356

Landstar System reports strong balance sheet; number of loads hauled, revenue per load both decline

Dana Guthrie - August 5, 2024

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Landstar System, Inc. is looking to build on momentum after Q2 growth following seven quarters of revenue declines despite seeing decline in number of loads hauled via truck and truck revenue per load. “The Landstar network of independent business owners performed admirably in a challenging freight transportation environment,” said Frank Lonegro, Landstar president and Chief Executive Officer. “During the second quarter, we were encouraged to see our first sequential quarter-to-quarter revenue increase since the 2022 second quarter. Revenue in the 2024 second quarter grew 5% sequentially following seven quarters of sequential revenue declines. As we look to build on that momentum, we continue to invest in leading-edge technology and new trailing equipment. We are particularly proud of the efforts of the thousands of BCOs, agents and employees in our network, who work each day to improve our safety performance and deliver great service to our customers.” According to a media release, Landstar continues to return meaningful amounts of capital to stockholders through the company’s stock purchase program and dividends. “During the 2024 second quarter, Landstar purchased approximately 316,000 shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $57.0 million,” the release said. “The company is currently authorized to purchase up to an additional 2,684,000 shares of the company’s common stock under its longstanding share purchase program.” Landstar also announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.36 per share, payable on September 10, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on August 20, 2024. This quarterly dividend includes a $0.03 per share increase, or 9%, over the amount of the Company’s regular quarterly dividend declared following each of the prior four quarters. Total revenue was $1,225 million in the 2024 second quarter, compared to $1,374 million in the 2023 second quarter. Truck transportation revenue hauled by independent business capacity owners and truck brokerage carriers in the 2024 second quarter was $1,106 million, or 90% of revenue, compared to $1,247 million, or 91% of revenue, in the 2023 second quarter. Truckload transportation revenue hauled via van equipment in the 2024 second quarter was $619 million, compared to $703 million in the 2023 second quarter. Truckload transportation revenue hauled via unsided/platform equipment in the 2024 second quarter was $381 million, compared to $395 million in the 2023 second quarter. The release added that revenue from other truck transportation, which is largely related to power-only services, in the 2024 second quarter was $78 million, compared to $118 million in the 2023 second quarter. Revenue hauled by rail, air and ocean cargo carriers was $94 million, or 8% of revenue, in the 2024 second quarter, compared to $101 million, or 7% of revenue, in the 2023 second quarter. The number of loads hauled via truck declined 8.9% in the 2024 second quarter as compared to the 2023 second quarter, at the low end of the company’s guidance included in its 2024 first quarter earnings release slide presentation, dated April 25. Truck revenue per load declined 2.6% in the 2024 second quarter as compared to the 2023 second quarter, slightly below the mid-point of the company’s previously provided guidance. Gross profit in the 2024 second quarter was $120 million and variable contribution (defined as revenue less the cost of purchased transportation and commissions to agents) in the 2024 second quarter was $175 million. Gross profit in the 2023 second quarter was $140 million and variable contribution in the 2023 second quarter was $198 million. Reconciliations of gross profit to variable contribution and gross profit margin to variable contribution margin for the 2024 and 2023 second quarters and year-to-date periods are provided in the Company’s accompanying financial disclosures. The release said that the company’s balance sheet continues to be strong, with cash and short-term investments of approximately $504 million as of June 29. Trailing twelve-month return on average shareholders’ equity was 22%, and return on invested capital, representing net income divided by the sum of average equity plus average debt, was 20%.

ArcBest shows strong gains in productivity, service metrics in Q2

Dana Guthrie - August 5, 2024

FORT SMITH, Ark. — ArcBest has announced an improved asset-based operating income despite higher labor contract costs and lower revenue in Q2. According to a media release, ArcBest stated second quarter 2024 revenue from continuing operations of $1.08 billion, compared to $1.10 billion in the second quarter of 2023. “I am incredibly proud of our employees’ commitment to utilizing our quality process in pursuit of excellence every day,” said Judy R. McReynolds, ArcBest Chairman and CEO. “This dedication has led to significant improvements in our operational execution, with ABF Freight achieving its best on-time service performance in recent years. Furthermore, our substantial year-over-year improvement in operating income is a solid performance, especially considering ongoing macroeconomic headwinds.” Second quarter 2024 operating income from continuing operations was $48.8 million, compared to $42.1 million in the prior year period, and net income from continuing operations was $46.9 million, or $1.96 per diluted share, compared to $39.6 million, or $1.60 per diluted share, in 2023. Excluding certain items in both periods as identified in the attached reconciliation tables, second quarter 2024 non-GAAP operating income from continuing operations was $64.2 million, compared to $50.1 million in the prior year period, an improvement of $14.1 million. On a non-GAAP basis, net income from continuing operations was $47.4 million, or $1.98 per diluted share, compared to $38.0 million, or $1.54 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2023. Results of operations comparisons Asset-based Q2 2024 vs. Q2 2023 Revenue of $712.7 million compared to $722.0 million, a per-day decrease of 2.1 percent. Total tonnage per day decrease of 20.3 percent. Total shipments per day decrease of 4.8 percent. Total billed revenue per hundredweight increase of 23.0 percent. Core daily shipments increase of 14 percent and tonnage increase of 11 percent. Operating income of $72.8 million and an operating ratio of 89.8 percent, on both a GAAP and non-GAAP basis, compared to prior-year GAAP operating income of $43.3 million and an operating ratio of 94.0 percent and prior-year non-GAAP operating income of $51.7 million and an operating ratio of 92.8 percent. According to the release, on a non-GAAP basis, the Asset-Based segment generated $21.1 million more operating income than second quarter 2023 despite lower revenue levels and higher labor costs, which highlights the continued focus on serving core customers well and improving operational efficiencies. Total second quarter daily shipment and tonnage levels were below the prior year, due primarily to fewer transactional shipments offset by increased core shipments, which positively impacted productivity and contributed to an improved operating ratio. On a non-GAAP basis, the Asset-Based segment delivered its second-best operating income result for a second quarter in company history. Pricing momentum continued in the quarter, driven by improved freight mix, higher pricing on transactional shipments and contract renewal increases of 5.1 percent. Overall, LTL industry pricing remains rational. Compared sequentially to the first quarter of 2024, second quarter 2024 revenue per day was up 5.3 percent, tons per day improved 2.3 percent and shipments per day were better by 1.9 percent. Second quarter billed revenue per hundredweight increased 3.2 percent from first quarter 2024. The operating ratio improved 220 basis points sequentially, which was within the range of sequential quarterly changes seen in recent years. Asset-Light Q2 2024 vs. Q3 2023 Revenue of $395.8 million compared to $409.8 million, a per-day decrease of 4.2 percent. Operating loss of $9.5 million compared to operating income of $13.2 million. On a non-GAAP basis, operating loss of $2.5 million compared to operating income of $6.4 million. Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of negative $0.6 million compared to $8.3 million. Compared to the second quarter of 2023, Asset-Light revenues were impacted by lower revenue per shipment and reduced margins associated with the soft rate environment and a higher mix of managed transportation business, which has lower revenue per shipment and margins. Shipments per day grew 12.6 percent, driven in part by customers turning to ArcBest’s managed solution to optimize their logistics spend. The decline in financial results on a year-over-year basis was primarily due to lower rates and margins for truckload solutions, reflecting the soft freight environment and excess full truckload capacity. The segment continues to benefit from productivity initiatives, as shipments per employee per day and SG&A cost per shipment both significantly improved on a year-over-year basis. Compared sequentially to first quarter 2024, second quarter 2024 revenue per day was down one percent. Purchased transportation costs decreased sequentially as carrier rates dipped following the first quarter spike related to winter weather. The reduced purchased transportation costs were the biggest contributor to the lower non-GAAP operating loss in second quarter 2024, versus first quarter. Total shipments per day decreased 1.4 percent compared to first quarter 2024 and revenue per shipment was flat.