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Georgia Ports Authority Board approves $65M for new terminal

SAVANNAH, Ga. — The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) has approved contracts totaling $65.6 million for container yard work at the Port of Savannah’s Ocean Terminal, a 200-acre facility just downriver from GPA’s main container port. “We’re very pleased with the progress on improving Ocean Terminal’s container handling capability,” said GPA President and CEO Griff Lynch. “We’re on track to see greater container capacity by late 2027.” On Tuesday, the board approved three project components, including earth compacting to prepare the site to hold container stacks, removal of a former bridge pier and preliminary utility installation behind the wharf structure. The work will be funded through revenue bonds GPA issued in 2022. Previously approved upgrades at Ocean Terminal include the purchase of eight ship-to-shore cranes, refurbishing the wharf structure, and construction of an overpass for direct access to US 17. When all work is complete, Ocean Terminal’s annual capacity will grow from 300,000 twenty-foot equivalent container units to more than 1.5 million TEUs. “At Georgia Ports, we never stop investing in the future,” said GPA Board Chairman Kent Fountain. “As new and existing port users grow their trade through our terminals, we’re ready to take on additional cargo, providing the world-class service that our customers have come to expect.” Lynch reported to the board that GPA anticipates a third straight month of growth in March. “I’d like to thank our local partners in the International Longshoremen’s Association and Gateway Terminals, along with our GPA employees for their work moving cargo across our docks with efficient, reliable service,” he said. “With a positive showing in the calendar year to date, Savannah is building momentum toward a stronger second half of Fiscal Year 2024.” In other business, Lynch reported on recent developments in infrastructure projects: Brunswick, Savannah harbor projects get nearly $83M The ports of Brunswick and Savannah will receive a total of $82.7 million in federal funding for maintenance dredging and harbor improvements in a six-bill budget package passed by Congress March 8, 2024. Nearly $38 million will go to the Port of Brunswick, including $11.35 million for the Brunswick Harbor Improvements project and another $26.6 million to dredge the federal waterway to its full authorized depth. Inner harbor dredging completed earlier this year brought that portion of the Brunswick channel to the authorized 36 feet. However, funds allotted in 2023 were insufficient to bring the outer harbor from approximately 37 feet all the way to its full authorized depth of 38 feet. The new funding will cover the cost of dredging work in Brunswick’s inner harbor starting in late fall of 2024. Outer harbor dredging will begin in December 2024. These items will take several months to complete. On Feb. 29, Gov. Brian Kemp signed into law the state’s midyear budget adjustment, in which the Georgia General Assembly allocated just over $6 million for the Brunswick Harbor Improvements project, complementing the $11.35 million in federal funding. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ recommended harbor improvement plan includes an expanded area for vessels to pass each other at St. Simons Sound, a bend widener, and expansion of the turning basin where ships are turned bow-downriver before docking at Colonel’s Island. These improvements will be made over a span of about a year after the Corps of Engineers awards a contract for the work, expected in Calendar Year 2024. The budget measures also devote $44.7 million to maintenance dredging conducted year-round in the Savannah Harbor. GPA doubling size of U.S. Customs facility Construction has started on a new, larger U.S. Customs inspection facility at the Port of Savannah, more than doubling the size of its current location. The $44.5 million project will transition U.S. Customs operations from their current 130,000 square-foot location on Garden City Terminal to an adjacent 300,000 square-foot building. The new location will accommodate federal inspections by Customs and other federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Warehouse 83B will undergo a full renovation and modernization to provide office space and to support the inspection of dry and refrigerated containers. The project should be complete by January 2025. GPA to replace two docks at East River Terminal The Georgia Ports Authority has been awarded a $15 million federal grant to help replace Berths 2 and 3 at East River Terminal at the Port of Brunswick. The purpose is to improve safety and capacity for exporting wood pellets and peanut pellets, which are used as renewable energy sources. While conducting the initial design phase, GPA will execute a grant agreement with the federal Maritime Administration and start work on an environmental study required under the National Environmental Policy Act. In addition to the federal money, Georgia Ports will provide another $15 million to cover the expected cost. The current dock infrastructure is more than 50 years old. Once construction is complete, terminal operator Logistec will be able to work multiple vessels simultaneously at berths 2 and 3, improving the speed and efficiency of vessel service. Construction is anticipated to start in late 2025. In Calendar Year 2023, East River Terminal handled more than 1 million tons of bulk products, including export commodities such as wood pellets, peanut pellets and animal feed, and imports of salt, perlite and other commodities.

Company offering truckers help dealing with The Tax Man

MINNEAPOLIS — Taxes4Truckers has added fractional CFO services and tax resolution to their menu offerings. “The bookkeeping, quarterly, yearly filings and specialized strategic planning we have always offered to the Transportation industry will be boosted to offer larger trucking groups Fractional CFO services,” a news release states. “Companies need the service a CFO provides without the costs of a full time CFO in house and we solve that problem.” The company has also added tax resolution in order to help those truckers and trucking companies to get a fresh start and stay on the right track, according to a news release. “Taxes4Truckers is the financial copilot to the owner-operator driver and the financial business advisor to the small growing trucking company,” according to the news release. “Industry knowledge means successful professional partnerships. Drivers are leaving this industry not because they can’t hold the wheel or step on the gas. They leave the industry because they don’t handle the business properly.”

Bendix invests to double air disc brake production capacity

AVON, Ohio — Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems officials say they are working to improve the production capacity of double Air Disc Brakes (ADB) to meet the accelerating customer demand. These investments have prepared Bendix to accommodate 100% growth in ADB production since 2018, which has led to a more than 30% increase in volume realized to date, according to a news release. The ADB market for commercial vehicles in North America continues to expand, with adoption rates on Class 6-8 vehicles topping 50% — up from approximately 25% in 2018.  “Adoption rates for air disc brakes have grown sharply in the last few years, and anticipating that growth has been the foundation of the investments we’ve made — all with the commitment to support what this market needs in ADB volumes for tractors and trailers,” said Nicole Oreskovic, Bendix vice president of sales and marketing. “Bendix has led the way in the development and advocacy of air disc brakes since 2005. We continue to adapt our design and manufacturing processes for increased capacity, uniquely positioning us to enable and help drive the market conversion to ADBs, as we have for the last 20 years.” According to Bendix’s Vice President, Aaron Schwass, “the company has focused on three primary aspects at its Bowling Green facility.” The three aspects have helped the company drive the goal of doubling its production capacity and how they address its customer’s needs.  “Bendix has the largest installed air disc brake assembly capacity in North America for the commercial vehicle market thanks to our sustained investment focus over the years,” Schwass said. “That position is further bolstered with strategic levers that have put us in position to meet current and future ADB demand.” More specifically, Bendix also decided to install a high-volume assembly line, which increased the ADB assembly capacity by more than 40%. The company expanded its resources with the additional machining capacity to support the increased volumes. The final essential focus area provided an increase in supplier capacity, both in product-specific tooling and supplier development. This enabled the supply base to sustain the level needed to support Bendix’s internal capacity. Bendix ADB is part of the company’s full complement of wheel-end solutions, including drum brake systems, automatic slack adjusters, spring brakes, friction, and remanufactured ADB calipers. Bendix ADBs are available at major truck OEs and significant trailer manufacturers, along with leading full-line North American school bus manufacturers and intercity coach manufacturers in the United States and Canada. With air disc brakes, drivers appreciate shorter stopping distances, smoother, straighter, and more stable stops, a car-like feel, and virtually no brake fade. It is a fleet’s decision to spec ADB that depends on its application and business needs. The news release states that a “Return on investment (ROI) in ADBs usually depends on a combination of factors, including lightweight design, extended brake system life, quicker pad changes — roughly one-quarter the time of drum brakes once the wheel is off — and a longer friction duty cycle.” Across the number of applications for line haul, refuse, and school bus, for instance, fleets are seeing lower total cost of ownership through the adoption of ADBs. More fleets are benefiting from the ADBs due to their positive impact on Compliance, Safety, and Accountability scores and brake inspections. A critical way ADBs may improve safety is by further enhancing the capability of collision mitigation systems, which depend on stopping power at the wheel-ends to work at their best. “Safety plays an important part in ROI as well, and when we look at braking technology through the lens of making vehicles safer for drivers and others sharing the road, air disc brakes contribute to that,” Oreskovic said. “Fundamentally, they help make roads safer.” “Commercial vehicle safety technologies are becoming more integrated and complex,” Oreskovic said. “As we talk about autonomy and electrification, from a foundation brake perspective, ADB is a key contributing technology to support and enable where the industry is going.” In that way, Bendix officials say their role as a complete safety system provider is critical. “As a safety system provider, we look at the whole safety system, including air disc brakes,” Oreskovic said. “We’re examining the tractor and trailer and constantly working to refine, evolve, and enhance the system so that all parts work optimally both individually and together. That comprehensive approach is at the core of who Knorr-Bremse and Bendix are as companies.”

Bendix finalizes sale of SafetyDirect platform to Rand McNally of TELEO

AVON, Ohio — Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems has finalized the sale of SafetyDirect to Chicago-based Rand McNally of TELEO Capital Management LLC. SafetyDirect is a video-based driver safety platform engineered specifically for big rig fleets. “Bendix will provide all marketing, data and product integration support to Rand McNally to help enable a cohesive, coordinated approach for optimized customer solutions,” according to a news release. “To foster continued alignment between the organizations, Bendix will receive an equity stake, which is an ownership position, in Rand McNally/SafetyDirect operations and hold an observer seat on the Rand McNally Board of Directors.” The sale has no impact on the existing portfolio of Bendix braking, steering and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Rand McNally will continue to offer SafetyDirect and its integration with Bendix ADAS and brake systems, the news release notes. “Delivering value to our customers is at the core of all we do and the driver behind this action,” said Piotr Sroka, president, CEO and chief operating officer at Bendix. “Connectivity and data access are essential parts of Bendix’s strategy for our evolving ADAS solutions suite. The sale supports our desire to deliver enhanced functionality and more rapid and robust technology advancement under a partner well equipped to deliver on that need.” Effective the moment the sale was finalized, Bendix and Rand McNally will begin a detailed, phased shift of operations and systems. The complete changeover is expected to take up to one year. “While it will initially be business as usual, our transition goal is to help mitigate and minimize upfront risks, establish and maintain momentum and complete an intelligent transfer with nominal impact to our customers and our suppliers,” said Nicole Oreskovic, Bendix vice president of sales and marketing. “The SafetyDirect solution and the Rand McNally platform will remain independent during a technology integration period to meet customer and market needs.” Kevin Hatch, president at Rand McNally, said that the combined expertise of Rand McNally and SafetyDirect will result in an expanded catalog of offerings that cater to the diverse needs of the trucking industry and other companies that own or operate vehicle fleets. “The acquisition will enable Rand McNally to deliver enhanced innovations in real-time monitoring and driver alerts, predictive maintenance, fleetwide management and compliance management, among other critical fleet operations,” Hatch concluded.

Arpin International Group receives 2024 Partner in Quality Award

WEST WARWICK, R.I. — Moving and storage company Arpin International Group has received a 2024 Partner in Quality Award from WHR Global (WHR). WHR is a global employee relocation management company known for its white-glove service delivery and for annually relocating thousands of its clients’ transferees worldwide, according to a news release. To qualify for the award, a partner must have successfully completed a minimum of 20 transactions within the preceding year and attained performance ratings, placing them within the top one percent of their respective service category. Moreover, recipients of the Award are required to surpass WHR’s standards in cost control, client satisfaction, quality assurance, and logistics management. “We feel privileged and deeply appreciative to be bestowed with the Partner in Quality Award by WHR Global for the third consecutive year,” said Matthew Somweber, vice president of GSA at Arpin International Group. “This acknowledgment underscores our dedication to excellence, ingenuity and cooperative efforts to deliver exceptional value to our clients and stakeholders. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to WHR Global for their confidence and backing. We eagerly anticipate further enhancing our collaborative endeavors.”

AI company Motive joins highway safety group

NEW YORK — Highway safety group Together for Safer Roads (TSR) has announced that artificial intelligence (AI) company Motive is its newest member. Motive uses advanced AI “to deliver critical value for fleets, offering greater control, deeper insights and enhanced safety measures. Motive’s AI Dashcam ensures enhanced safety and fewer disruptions on the road,” according to a news release. “We are thrilled to welcome Motive to our diverse coalition of industry leaders,” said Peter Goldwasser, TSR’s executive director. “Their commitment to safety technology, focus on partnerships and diverse expertise aligns perfectly with our mission to advance fleet safety.” In addition to its AI Dashcam, Motive offers electronic logging devices for truck drivers. “We protect drivers across more than 120,000 businesses and a wide range of industries who use our technology to drive safely, efficiently, and have more profitable operations,” said Gary Johnson, head of safety and compliance strategy at Motive. “Joining Together for Safer Roads aligns perfectly with Motive’s mission to prevent incidents and reduce risk for those that move the physical economy forward, powering our homes, delivering our food and making our society function .” Andres Penate, TSR Board chair and global vice president of corporate affairs at Anheuser-Busch InBev, said that Motive’s membership in TSR is important. It “strengthens the organization’s position as a global leader in road safety advocacy and innovation and we welcome them on board as our newest member,” Penate concluded.

More truck parking: TravelCenters of America opens new Arkansas location

WESTLAKE, Ohio — TravelCenters of America is adding 100 new parking spots in Arkansas with the opening of a new travel center. According to a news release, the new travel center is a franchised site offering food, fuel, convenience items and other services and amenities for professional truck drivers and motorists. With the opening of TA Atkins– located at 100 Fish Lake Drive — there are now a total of five TA locations in Arkansas. TA Atkins offers: Two QSRs: Sbarro (opening April 1) and Charley’s Cheesesteaks (coming July 2024) Six diesel fueling positions with DEF Eight gasoline fueling positions 100 truck parking spaces 50 car parking spaces Six showers Driver’s lounge Laundry facilities CAT Scale “TA’s mission is to return every traveler to the road better than they came and the company also strives to make the communities it serves better,” the news release states. “In celebration of the TA Atkins opening, TA is donating $2,500 to the Main Street Mission, a local food bank serving the Atkins area.”

Together for Safer Roads welcomes Motive as it newest member

NEW YORK—Together for Safer Roads (TSR) recently announced that a new member has been added to their family: the fleet operations company, Motive. “We are thrilled to welcome Motive to our diverse coalition of industry leaders,” said Peter Goldwasser, TSR’s executive director. “Their commitment to safety technology, focus on partnerships, and diverse expertise aligns perfectly with our mission to advance fleet safety.” According to a news release, Motive has a fully unified Integrated Operations Platform that “combines driver safety, fleet management, equipment monitoring and spend management all in one place. It also leverages advanced AI to deliver critical value for fleets, offering greater control, deeper insights and enhanced safety measures. Motive’s AI Dashcam ensures enhanced safety and fewer road disruptions.” In addition to its AI Dashcam, Motive also offers driver-friendly electronic logging devices that simplifies compliance, which helps fleets reduce risk while providing automation tools that are appreciated by truck drivers. “We protect drivers across more than 120,000 businesses and a wide range of industries who use our technology to drive safely, efficiently, and have more profitable operations,” said Gary Johnson, head of safety and compliance strategy at Motive. “Joining Together for Safer Roads aligns perfectly with Motive’s mission to prevent incidents and reduce risk for those that move the physical economy forward, powering our homes, delivering our food, and making our society function .” TSR’s Board Chair and Global Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Anheuser-Busch InBev, Andres Penate, said that Motive’s membership in TSR strengthens the organization’s position as a global leader in road safety advocacy and innovation. “We welcome them on board as our newest member,” he concluded.

Oregon’s Umatilla County partners with Drivewyze to deliver in-cab work zone alerts

PLANO, Texas — Oregon’s Umatilla County has partnered with Drivewyze to provide commercial truck drivers with in-cab safety alerts in an effort to reduce commercial vehicle crash rates in active work zones. The Umatilla County pilot program to improve highway safety includes a collaboration between Drivewyze, North America’s largest Connected Truck platform, and one.network, a digital work zone and road management platform provider, according to a news release. “The alerts, which give drivers a heads-up to upcoming work zones, have been demonstrated to improve driver behavior by reducing the occurrence of over-speeding and hard-braking events,” the news release notes. The in-cab safety alerts are available to all truck drivers and trucking fleets at no cost through the Drivewyze Free service. Drivewyze Free can be activated through 100-plus telematics service providers partnered with Drivewyze or downloaded directly from app stores. “We’re excited to partner with Umatilla County to tackle the challenges of active work zones and improve highway safety,” said Brian Heath, Drivewyze CEO. Umatilla County, which covers more than 3,200 square miles in eastern Oregon, borders Washington state and connects to Boise on the border of Idaho via Interstate 84. It’s a main transportation corridor with mid-sized Oregon towns, like Baker City and Pendleton along the route. “Rural road safety starts with data, good and usable data,” said Dan Dorran, Umatilla County commissioner. “Umatilla County realized that there wasn’t a rural county program that we could build off of that could supply us with information that could both address safety and transport issues. We were lucky to have a local state representative, Rep. Greg Smith, who also recognized our issue and successfully went to bat for pilot project funds from the State of Oregon that we matched at the county level. Through Drivewyze, we are bringing rural roads into the 21st century digital age.” Heath emphasized the importance of the data. “Between 2020 and 2021, work zone fatalities increased by 10.8%,” he said. “There were increases in the percentages of fatal work zone crashes involving rear-end collisions, as well as those involving a commercial motor vehicle. Work zone alerts can help to reduce these tragic accidents and the associated costs borne by our society.” “For the first time in the United States, road crews in Umatilla work zones will be able to use our Live Link app to reach truckers with comprehensive, timely and vetted work zone information,” said Simon Topp, one.network’s chief commercial officer. “That’s important. Recent government data indicate one out of three work zone fatal crashes involves at least one large truck. Our information is shared through Drivewyze Free, assuring that freight operators have the most accurate information delivered into truck cabs at the right time and in the format they use most.” Drivewyze is partnering with leading transportation agencies across the U.S. to deliver essential safety alerts and advisories through Drivewyze Free to truck drivers and fleets at no cost to the industry. More than one-fourth of all states have, or are in the process of, implementing this in-vehicle extension to traditional highway safety programs and the solution is growing quickly. In addition to active work zones, message sets can include warnings for sudden and unexpected slowdowns, service vehicles, virtual safety signs, and public emergency broadcasts. Drivewyze Free is accessed through the Drivewyze mobile application, which is integrated with ELD partners operating on millions of trucks. The application can be embedded, run as a companion application, or run directly on the vast majority of telematics devices, smartphones or tablets installed in commercial vehicles. In addition to agency sponsored safety alerts, Drivewyze Free also provides Drivewyze sponsored alerts and advisories warnings for High-Rollover risk areas, Low Bridges, Mountain alerts (steep grade ahead; chain-up/brake check stations; and runaway ramps), and truck parking availability, where available.

New Truckstop survey shows carriers increased workloads to stay profitable

BOISE, Idaho — Results of a new Truckstop survey show that more than 2,000 of their carriers had to work harder in 2023 to stay profitable. “In the past year, carriers have experienced a significant increase in their workload, driving an additional 3,000 miles on average, handling two more loads each month, and absorbing the costs for 17% of their miles as unpaid ‘deadhead’ travel,” a news release stated. Despite the decrease in fuel expenses leading to lower costs per mile, more than 60% of carriers have identified insurance costs as a significant challenge. “Furthermore, the vast majority of carriers underscored the importance of continuously exploring strategies to protect themselves from fraud and theft within the freight industry,” according to the news release. “Carriers face a multitude of business challenges every day including volatile market conditions, fraudulent activities and fluctuating profit margins,” said Kendra Tucker, chief executive officer, Truckstop. “Our unwavering commitment to our customers drives us to tackle these obstacles head-on. Through our innovative products and services, we empower freight professionals to grow their business with speed, trust, and confidence.” Truckstop purposely released the survey ahead of the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) — scheduled for March 21-23 in Louisville, Kentucky. Truckstop will host two sessions as part of the PRO TALKS Education Series at MATS, one tied to maximizing broker relations and the other aimed at helping carriers run their business. Truckstop’s Chief Relationship Officer, Brent Hutto, will be sharing his knowledge of the industry during two sessions being held in the ProTalks Theater, room B104: Thursday, March 21 (2:15 p.m. EDT): Carriers – Stay Alive and Thrive, industry-leading advisor Kevin Rutherford of Let’s Truck will join Hutto as they discuss choosing the right freight and controlling costs, as well as deliver savvy trucking advice to help carriers run their trucking business. Friday, March 22 (1:30 p.m. EDT): How to Maximize your Broker Relationships, Tyler Johnston of Mercer Transportation will join Hutto as they discuss how to spot a bad actor, how to choose the good from the bad, and best negotiate with brokers. Truckstop is also sponsoring a Certified Master Carrier Live event featuring Rutherford aimed at helping carriers elevate their career and step into the role of a Certified Master Carrier. Whether attendees are starting with their first truck or looking to expand to a small fleet, Rutherford will dive into effective business planning, discover essential trucking tools, as well as network with fellow drivers. Showgoers who attend a product demonstration of the Truckstop platform in the company’s booth (No. 16160) will receive a custom-designed t-shirt while supplies last. Additionally, Truckstop is offering new customers (attending the show) $50 off for their first three months of Load Board Pro.  

Surprise! More news on the Corporate Transparency Act’s impact on trucking

As I mentioned last month, I am, and always have been, a big fan of surprises. But only the good surprises. Well, I kinda/sorta got a surprise the other day from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama regarding the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). Some of you (like maybe two of you) may recall that I wrote about this in February — and may even recall what the hell the CTA is and does. For the rest of you, here’s a little refresher: The Corporate Transparency Act was enacted in 2021 and actually went into effect Jan. 1, 2024. The goal of the CTA is to catch things like tax fraud, money laundering and financing of terrorism by gathering additional ownership information on certain U.S. businesses that are operating in or access the country’s market. According to Congress, the CTA will prevent folks from hiding or benefiting from ownership of U.S. businesses to conduct illegal operations. Per Congress, this is a widely used tactic by bad actors that impacts national security and economic integrity. Starting on Jan. 1 of this year, damn near all small businesses are required to file a Beneficial Owner Information (BOI) report with the Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), identifying individuals associated with the reporting company. “Oh yeah, now I remember. But will this impact me?” you ask. Unfortunately, the answer is most likely YES! To be perfectly honest, and according to some sources, the CTA will currently impact about 30 million businesses. However, it will NOT impact members of the National Small Business Association (members as of March 1, 2024). I can almost hear you saying it now: “What the hell?! How come they got off from having to comply with the requirements of the CTA? “ This brings us back to the topic of the second paragraph of this column, when I mentioned my latest surprise. In a recent ruling, the aforementioned Alabama Federal Court found that the CTA was unconstitutional, and the government was permanently enjoined (or prevented) from enforcing it against the plaintiff (the NSBA and its members as of March 1, 2024). Now, here comes the good part: The court’s ruling ONLY applies to the plaintiffs in that particular lawsuit. In other words, if you weren’t a party to that lawsuit the clock is ticking, and the filing requirements of the CTA may still apply to you. Without getting to far into the weeds, the plaintiffs in this case basically argued that the BOI is an invasion of privacy, creates too much of a burden on small businesses and that the CTA exceeds the Constitution’s limit on Congress’ power. In response, the government said, “Nuh-uh.” (Ok, maybe not exactly.) They argue that Congress has the authority to do this under Plenary Power of Congress to Conduct Foreign Affairs, the Commerce Clause and the Taxing Power and Necessary and Proper Clause. I could go into detail about the arguments made regarding each of these, but we definitely do not have the space. (And to be honest, it could trigger my recurring nightmares about law school — and I don’t need that.) If you really want to know, come find me at a conference and we can discuss it. I’m confident you’ll regret asking me about it. So, where does that leave us now? Well, at the present time, not much has changed for most small businesses. According the FinCen, the decision only applies to 0.1% to 0.2% of the over 30 million firms that will be required to file. So, unless you are in that very small percentage, plan on filing your BOI. It is also highly likely (so likely that I’d bet my house on it) that the government will appeal the recent decision in its entirety to the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. In addition, I think Congress will tweak the language a bit to overcome any objections the court has. Even the court noted that this should not be too hard to do. Of course, since 2024 is an election year, it won’t get done this year — and we all know nothing gets accomplished in an election year. (Nothing gets done in the years between elections either, but that’s another story.) Of course, there are a few exemptions to the CTA filing requirements (other than being a party to the Alabama lawsuit). This column does not contain all the details, so I suggest you review the CTA yourself or consult with a professional.

Feldspar Trucking acquired by Trimac Transportation

SPRUCE PINE, N.C — Canadian trucking company Trimac Transportation has acquired Feldspar Trucking Co. Financial details of the deal weren’t announced. Founded in 1967 as Norris Trucking, Feldspar Trucking, located in Spruce Pine, North Carolina, specializes in the bulk transportation of feldspar, sand, clay and minerals crucial to the ceramics and glass industries, according to a news release. “We are thrilled to welcome Feldspar to the Trimac family,” said Trimac President and CEO Matt Faure. “Their dedication to Service with Safety aligns perfectly with our values. Together and with the help of Feldspar’s leaders, we’re poised to enhance our bulk transportation services even further, supporting our customers and communities with unparalleled excellence.” Feldspar Trucking’s team comprises more than 60 dedicated company drivers who are supported by broker carriers, office staff and shop employees. According to the news release, “The decision to join forces with Feldspar Trucking comes as a strategic move to further enhance Trimac’s customer service offerings and expand its geographic reach. By aligning with the local expertise of Feldspar, Trimac aims to solidify its position as a dominant carrier servicing the growing mining industry in the region.” As Trimac and Feldspar Trucking embark on this new chapter together, both teams say they are eager for the opportunities for continued growth. They say an additional goal includes a seamless transition for employees, customers and stakeholders. “As a family-owned company deeply rooted in our values of integrity and service, joining forces with Trimac marks an exciting chapter in our journey,” said Jim Norris of Feldspar Trucking. “This partnership not only ensures the continued growth and success of Feldspar Trucking but also opens doors to new opportunities and expanded horizons for our team and clients alike.”

Private fleet additions supporting Class 8 tractor demand, ACT reports

COLUMBUS, Ind. — Final February Class 8 net orders, at 27,745 units, were up 16% year-over-year, according ACT Research’s latest State of the Industry: NA Classes 5-8 report. “Given ongoing weak for-hire economics, we believe private fleet capacity additions continue as the driver of U.S. tractor orders above replacement levels,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president and senior analyst. U.S. tractor orders totaled 17,213 units, up 32% year-over-year. The vocational market remains strong, particularly in the U.S., where nearshoring and government programs have spurred investment “Coupling a declining U.S. tractor sales trend in 2023, and the seasonally weakest time of the year for Class 8 retail sales in the year’s first trimester, with strong production expectations, conditions were ripe for a large inventory jump in in Q1 2024,” Vieth noted. Even as sales have remained at seasonally healthy rates, February production pushed Class 8 inventories to a four-year high of 73,900 units, up 7,705 units or 12% month-over-month and 24% year-over-year, according to ACT. Regarding Classes 5-7, he concluded, “MD inventories remained at highly elevated levels in February, as medium-duty bodybuilder labor challenges persist. Inventories totaled 86,420 units on a nominal basis, up 27% year-over-year.”

Spot rates and volume rise in the latest week, according to Truckstop

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — For the first time since mid-January, broker-posted spot rates in the Truckstop system rose for all equipment types during the week ended March 15 (week 11). The largest gain was in spot rates for refrigerated equipment, which rose in consecutive weeks for the first time in 2024. Although dry van rates have risen in two of the past three weeks, the two increases combined were only half of the single decrease. Flatbed rates have risen in four of the past five weeks and in all but three weeks this year. Total loads Total load activity rose 4.4% after increasing 1.6% during the prior week. Total volume was up 1.5% from the same 2023 week but was 31% below the five-year average. Load postings had not been above prior-year levels since week 4. Truck postings increased 4.5%, and the total Market Demand Index (MDI) — the ratio of loads to trucks — eased marginally. MDI for dry van and refrigerated declined slightly while the flatbed MDI rose to the highest level since July 2022. Total rates The total broker-posted rate increased 1.7 cents after ticking up two-tenths in the previous week. Rates were about 5% below the same 2023 week and more than 6% below the five-year average for the week. The total market rate has increased in four of the past five weeks despite weakness in either dry van or refrigerated rates — or both — during each of those weeks. Dry van rates Dry van spot rates increased just under 1 cent after falling nearly 3 cents during the previous week. Rates were nearly 7% below the same week last year and almost 15% below the five-year average for the week. Dry van rates are less than 6 cents higher than they were in June 2020 in the early stages of recovery from the pandemic collapse. Dry van loads increased 5.2%. Volume was just over 1% above the same 2023 week but was 31% below the five-year average for the week. Refrigerated rates Refrigerated spot rates increased about 4 cents after rising 2.5 cents during the prior week. Rates were more than 4% below the same 2023 week and about 12% below the five-year average for the week. Rates for refrigerated equipment might be seeing some pre-Easter strength. Easter this year falls on the earliest date since 2016. Refrigerated loads rose 7.4%. Volume was about 3% below the same 2023 week and nearly 39% below the five-year average for the week. Flatbed rates Flatbed spot rates increased 1.7 cents after edging up half a cent in the previous week. Rates were about 5% below the same week last year and 4.5% below the five-year average for the week. Flatbed rates, which were the highest since July of last year, were about 22 cents higher than current refrigerated rates and about 56 cents above current dry van rates. Flatbed loads rose 3.8%. Volume was 2.7% above the same week last year but was more than 33% below the five-year average for the week.

FleetPride acquires Wheelco Truck & Trailer

IRVING, Texas — FleetPride the nation’s largest independent distributor of aftermarket heavy duty parts and service provider, recently announced that it has acquired the assets of Sioux Falls, South Dakota-based Wheelco Truck & Trailer Parts and Service. According to a news release, “This strategic acquisition brings great talent, expertise and capabilities that will strengthen FleetPride’s ability to serve customers across South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska and Wisconsin, as well as trailer and specialty equipment OEMs nationwide.” Financial details of the transaction were not released. Wheelco Truck & Trailer Parts and Service was founded in 1961 and is a third-generation family business, owned and operated by Steven P. Stich, the news release notes. The business consists of six retail parts locations, two service centers, one distribution center and Wheelco Manufacturing Components OEM division. Regarding the decision to sell his business and why he chose to partner with FleetPride, Stich said, “Wheelco has prided itself on being a customer driven company for over 62 years. We do whatever it takes to win with our customers every day, and I’m very excited to join forces with a company like FleetPride that does the same. Their national parts and service presence, extensive resources, and opportunities for growth will be a great asset for our customers and our employees.” FleetPride president Mike Harris said he is eager to welcome new team members to his company. “On behalf of the entire FleetPride organization, I am thrilled … (and) honored that Steve Stich chose FleetPride to carry on the legacy of his family business,” Harris said. “We knew early in the process that Steve and his leadership team were going to integrate very well with our vision, values, and purpose. In fact, several of our stated values are identical – all centered around people, customers and safety. With such a strong culture, this is a high-fit business which will make FleetPride stronger end to end.” For FleetPride, this acquisition creates density in existing markets. It now has 18 locations in South Dakota and Minnesota, several of which are in and around the Twin Cities. The Wheelco service technicians will now have access to FleetPride Tech University, featuring an online LMS platform of truck and trailer programs, plus instructor-led, hands-on training at FleetPride’s new technician training center near Atlanta. In addition, FleetPride is creating a new OE Solutions division by combining Wheelco Manufacturing Components with FleetPride’s OE trailer axle division. “We are excited to announce the new FleetPride OE Solutions division,” Harris said. “While both companies have been providing axle assemblies to trailer and specialty equipment OEMs for over 20 years, we’re taking advantage of the combined capabilities to expand our presence in this segment by providing innovative solutions for air brake axles dressed to customer specifications, suspensions, and kitting solutions designed to create production efficiencies for our OEM customers. Our team members are very excited to bring extensive industry knowledge and capabilities together under the new OE Solutions division.” F FleetPride’s axle assembly operations are based in Grapevine, Texas, while the Wheelco Manufacturing Components assembly plant is based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

ACT Research: Preliminary net trailer orders grow mostly higher in February

COLUMBUS, Ind. — February’s preliminary net trailer orders increased nominally from January to February, according to ACT Research. At 20,500 units, orders were lower compared to last February, down nearly 21% year-over-year. As we’re at the end of peak order season, seasonal adjustment lowers February’s tally modestly, to 20,100 units. Final February results will be available later this month. This preliminary market estimate should be within +/-5% of the final order tally, an act news release notes. “Against year-ago data still impacted by pent-up demand that is now gone, softer order intake activity continues to meet expectations,” said Jennifer McNealy, director of commercial vehicle market research and publications at ACT Research. “Net orders remain challenged by a backdrop of weak profitability for for-hire truckers. Anecdotal commentary from trailer manufacturers and suppliers through the past several months have indicated this slowing, as they have shared that orders are coming, but at a more tepid pace when compared to the last few years.” McNealy said that the thesis is that when fleets don’t make money, their ability and/or willingness to purchase equipment is muted. “That said, the lower orders now don’t indicate a catastrophic year in the offing, as the economy continues to expand at an above-trend rate in Q1, and goods-producing economic sectors that were out of favor last year are looking healthier in 2024,” McNealy added. Another indicator ACT officials say they are watching closely is cancellations, which remained above comfortable levels for most segments in February. “While the industry’s largest segments remain under pressure, some specialty segments have no available build slots until late in 2024 at the earliest and cancellations remain low,” McNealy concluded.

Mack Trucks 2025 Calendar Contest now open

GREENSBORO, N.C. — The Mack Trucks Calendar Contest is on the hunt for the best-looking Mack trucks for the 2025 calendar edition. A dozen beautiful Bulldogs will grace next year’s edition, courtesy of a professional photo shoot provided by Mack, according to a news release. New for this year, in honor of Mack Trucks’ 125th anniversary in 2025, the oldest Mack truck still working in revenue operation will automatically win a spot in the calendar. The age of the vehicle will be determined by the build date associated with the vehicle identification number, verified by Mack Trucks. The winner must still be in regular service, as opposed to being an historic or show truck. As always, the contest allows Mack customers to submit online their photos and videos of their truck for Mack fans everywhere to vote for. The top entries for each category will be featured for one month in the 2025 Mack Calendar. The entry period for the contest runs from March 18 through the end of the contest. Online voting runs from April 1 through April 30. Voters are allowed to vote once daily for their choice. Competition is fierce: more than 170,000 votes were cast for the 2024 calendar for 185 entries. Several new enhancements have been added to the entry and voting procedures this year to add excitement. Enter before April 1 for 125 bonus votes Submit a video entry, along with your truck photo, and receive another 125 bonus votes; directions for the video are on the entry form Bonus Vote Days — check Mack’s social media channels regularly for special promotions, when daily votes could count for double or even triple In addition, all entries are eligible to be promoted to Mack’s 700,0000-plus followers across its social channels The contest is open to trucks in revenue operation; that is, trucks currently working in fleets and not collector or antique vehicles. The voting categories are aligned with Mack’s truck models, the Mack Anthem, Granite, Pinnacle, TerraPro, Mack LR and Mack MD, plus a legacy category for models no longer in production but still in revenue operation. Full contest rules and procedures are found on the Mack website: https://contests.macktrucks.com/calendar. Winners will be announced in early May, and Mack Trucks will schedule a professional photo shoot for each winning entry for the calendar.

PACCAR Parts expands through TRP international store openings

RENTON, Wash. — PACCAR Parts and its private label, TRP, announced that TRP is expanding its network by opening stores at different locations internationally. “The expansion will allow TRP to possibly reach new customers and support the established and loyal customers who already depend on TRP for the products and services that support the expectancy of their trucks and trailers,” a news release stated. On the list of store openings is TRP’s milestone 300th global store in Ecuador. According to the news release, this year, TRP “marks 30 years as an industry leader in providing high-quality aftermarket transportation solutions. TRP offers unparalleled parts availability, including more than 157,000 parts for customers through PACCAR Parts’ network of 19 state-of-the-art parts distribution centers around the world.” “I’m thrilled to acknowledge TRP’s 300th store and welcome each new store to the TRP network,” said Laura Bloch, PACCAR Parts general manager and PACCAR vice president. “With every new location, TRP increases customer satisfaction by giving them better access to the parts they need and rely on.” Indusur’s National Parts Manager, Maria Cristina, praised TRP. “In my eight years of experience with the TRP brand, its excellent quality and pricing have built and maintained trust with the customer base,” she said. TRP Manta, operated by Indusur, is strategically located in an area known for heavy-duty transportation. It has access to the seaport, the airport, and one of the country’s main highways. TRP Manta is a parts-only store that offers a wide portfolio of TRP products. It services a market of over 3,000 trucks manufactured around the world. Following is a list of all of the TRP global store openings since July 2023. Store Location Offerings TRP Warwick Sladevale, Queensland, Australia Parts Only TRP Peninsula Hastings, Victoria, Australia Parts Only TRP Mossoró Mossoró, Brasil Parts and Service TRP Três Cachoeiras Três Cachoeiras, Brasil Parts and Service TRP Colinas Colinas do Tocantins, Brasil Parts and Service TRP Edmonton South Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Parts Only TRP Saint-Eustache Saint-Eustache, Quebec, Canada Parts Only TRP Manta Manta, Ecuador Parts Only TRP Batumi Batumi, Georgia Parts and Service TRP Mittelsinn Mittelsinn, Germany Parts and Service TRP San Pedro Sula San Pedro Sula, Honduras Parts Only TRP Bastia Umbra Bastia Umbra, Italy Parts and Service TRP Piacenza Piadena, Italy Parts and Service TRP Acolman Acolman, Mexico Parts Only TRP Ciudad Victoria Ciudad Victoria, Mexico Parts Only TRP Kenitra Kenitra, Morocco Parts and Service TRP Gisborne Gisborne, New Zealand Parts Only TRP Cuzco Cuzco, Peru Parts Only TRP Lurin Lurin, Peru Parts Only TRP Mirna Peč Mirna Peč, Slovenia Parts and Service TRP Södertälje Södertälje, Sweden Parts and Service TRP Örebro Örebro, Sweden Parts and Service TRP Hisingsbacka Hisingsbacka, Sweden Parts and Service TRP Jönköping Jönköping, Sweden Parts and Service TRP Malmö Malmö, Sweden Parts and Service TRP Helsingborg Helsingborg, Sweden Parts and Service TRP Borlänge Borlänge, Sweden Parts and Service TRP Järfälla Järfälla, Sweden Parts and Service TRP Norköping Norköping, Sweden Parts and Service TRP Stockholm Stockholm, Sweden Parts and Service TRP Luleå Luleå, Sweden Parts and Service TRP Örebro Örebro, Sweden Parts and Service TRP Årsta Årsta, Sweden Parts and Service TPR Göteborg Göteborg, Sweden Parts and Service TRP Vallentuna Vallentuna, Sweden Parts and Service TRP Arlöv Arlöv, Sweden Parts and Service TRP Borlänge Borlänge, Sweden Parts and Service TRP Gävle Gävle, Sweden Parts and Service TRP Jordbro Jordbro, Sweden Parts and Service TRP Karlstad Karlstad, Sweden Parts and Service TRP Linköping Linköping, Sweden Parts and Service TRP Kristianstad Kristianstad, Sweden Parts and Service TRP Tibro Tibro, Sweden Parts and Service TRP Uppsala Uppsala, Sweden Parts and Service TRP Västerås Västerås, Sweden Parts and Service TRP Växjö Växjö, Sweden Parts and Service TRP Sundsvall Sundsvall, Sweden Parts and Service TRP Umeå Umeå, Sweden Parts and Service TRP Burton-on-Trent Burton-on-Trent, United Kingdom Parts and Service TRP Dalhart Dalhart, Texas, U.S. Parts Only TRP Wichita Wichita, Kansas, U.S. Parts Only TRP Greenville Greenville, Ohio, U.S. Parts and Service TRP Marion Marion, Indiana, U.S. Parts and Service TRP Southport Southport, Florida, U.S. Parts and Service TRP Shakopee Shakopee, Minnesota, U.S. Parts Only TRP St. Cloud St. Cloud, Minnesota, U.S. Parts Only TRP Youngwood Youngwood, Pennsylvania, U.S. Parts Only TRP Nogales Nogales, Arizona, U.S. Parts Only TRP Sun Valley Sun Valley, California, U.S. Parts Only TRP Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S. Parts Only

Byron Park named Transervice director of business development, Southeast

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y. — Transervice Logistics, a provider of customized fleet maintenance and transportation solutions, has named Byron Park director of business development, Southeast. The transportation industry veteran will be managing all sales opportunities for the company’s Southeast Region of the United States, with an emphasis on developing new relationships in the states of Tennessee, North and South Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, as well as Texas, according to a news release. Prior to joining Transervice, Park served as vice president of sales at Nobility Logistics in Parrish, Florida. His career has included posts as director of dedicated sales and business development at Dupré Logistics; director of business development at Schneider; vice president of sales, dedicated services at U.S. Express; and vice president of the dedicated fleet division for Interstate Distributor Company. “Byron’s success in sales and dedicated contract management will be a tremendous asset in our efforts to develop new markets for our transportation services in the Southeast,” said Doug Adamson, Transervice’s senior vice president of sales and marketing. A graduate of East Tennessee State University with bachelor’s degrees in applied science and criminal justice, Park resides in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Maverick Transportation honors 2 long-time truck drivers

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Maverick Transportation has announced their 2023 Drivers of the Year. Sam Landrum was named the 2023 Over-the-Road (OTR) Driver of the Year and Thomas Sholar the Dedicated Driver of the Year. “This honor is awarded each year to Maverick drivers who not only demonstrate a strong dedication to safety but also exemplify exceptional integrity and professionalism in every facet of their responsibilities,” according to a news release. Landrum and Sholar will also serve as ambassadors for all professional Maverick drivers going forward, company officials said. “I’m incredibly impressed and encouraged by Sam Landrum after hearing his comments immediately after being announced as our OTR driver of the year,” John Coppens, Maverick’s vice president of Operations, said. “After more than 30 years with Maverick, his four Driver of the Month nominations, a 2023 Lytx Driver of the Year award and 3 million safe miles, he still has a fresh perspective on his career and Maverick. As much as anyone in the company, he knows how far we’ve come and how far we can go if we continue to work together and strive to make the driving job better. Sam is a great addition to the driver of the year group, and I look forward to working with him as part of our ongoing advisory councils.” Landrum, a 31-year Maverick veteran, said he feels honored to have received this award. “I had so many people come up to me and tell me how much they appreciated me last week and it meant so much,” he said. “The fact that people thought that much of me, you know? I would tell these up-and-coming drivers to continue with this career. Everything won’t always go your way but take the bad with the good and it’s always worth it in the end.” As for Sholar, he said he’s just proud and honored that his company thinks so much of him. “To all the younger drivers, don’t take any shortcuts,” Sholar said. “Do everything right and complete. When you love what you do, it shows.” Maverick’s Vice President of Dedicated Operations Justin Brown said of Sholar: “Congratulations to Thomas on this well-earned honor. He has been instrumental with feedback over the years for all areas of the company and is a trusted voice for the Dedicated Services Team.” Maverick’s Dedicated Operations Manager Chris Coombs said he is proud of Sholar. “He has a 20-year career with Maverick and has racked up multiple awards, including the TCA Driver of the year award in 2022, is a 3-time Dedicated Driver of the Month, a 2019 Trainer Finalist and a 19-year safety award to highlight just a few,” Coombs said. “Beyond all of this, Thomas just cares so much. He cares about his work, his safety record and about his fellow drivers on the road. Congratulations, Thomas!” Founded in 1980, based in North Little Rock, Arkansas, and operating over 1,600 units, Maverick provides OTR and Dedicated services to the flatbed, glass and specialized transportation markets throughout North America.