Business Archives

Brown NationaLease donates Class-8 trailer to Iowa diesel tech program

Erica N. Guy - November 20, 2023

ANKENY, Iowa — Representatives from Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) and Brown NationaLease recently gathered for a photo opportunity in front of a 2013 Hyundai Class-8 trailer that Brown NationaLease delivered to the DMACC Diesel Technology program in November 2023. The trailer is a lease turn-in previously utilized by one of the company’s largest customers, and it will help provide DMACC Diesel Technology students with additional training opportunities, a news release stated. DMACC Diesel Technology Program Chair and Instructor Shea Parsons said the trailer features a dual-stage Thermo King refrigerated unit. “This modern trailer is a wonderful addition to the DMACC Diesel Technology training fleet, especially since we haven’t had a refrigerated trailer in the program before,” Parsons said. “Our industry partners have told us about their growing need for mobile refrigeration service and repair training, so this donation will help us meet those in-demand workforce needs and prepare our students to excel.”

Fleet Intel report highlights trends in driver, technician pay

Erica N. Guy - November 20, 2023

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Fleet Intel, a division of Conversion Interactive Agency, has released its Q3 2023 Benchmarking Brief Report highlighting trends in truck driver and diesel technician pay for the transportation industry. The brief utilizes data from Q3 2023 to mark average weekly pay by driver type, states with highest driver pay and average pay by trailer type for multiple driver types, according to a news release. The brief also reports on crucial industry trends, revealing quarterly driver pay trends. In Q3, a leveling of pay rates was observed, accompanied by a decline in lease purchase driver pay wages. These trends tell of the shifting dynamics within the freight market, with evolving demand patterns impacting compensation structures for drivers and influencing decisions regarding lease purchase opportunities among carriers, according to the news release. “As we move into 2024, it will be intriguing to monitor how driver wages evolve,” said Steve Sichterman, president of Fleet Intel. “The current economic landscape is distinct from previous cycles, and when combined with the dynamics of an election year, it could introduce notable market fluctuations.” The states with the highest pay rates remained consistent in Q3 — Utah and Kansas have experienced more substantial driver pay increases than other states, the brief notes. The overall commercial driver’s license (CDL) population in each state plays a role in driving demand. For instance, 1.2% of the population in Utah holds CDLs, while Kansas has 1.69%. “Benchmarking your driver pay data against other carriers in the markets where you’re going after freight can be a critical piece of securing new business for carriers,” Sichterman said. “Our goal is to provide real-time data that helps support recruiting, sales and operations to understand driver pay in the markets where you operate.” CLICK HERE to access Fleet Intel’s Q3 2023 Benchmarking Brief.

Trucking Cares Foundation donates $20K to South Dallas Driving Academy

Erica N. Guy - November 17, 2023

WASHINGTON — The Trucking Cares Foundation (TCF), the trucking industry’s charitable arm, has announced a donation of $20,000 to South Dallas Driving Academy (SDDA), a non-profit that provides free driver education courses to low-income teens and young adults. TCF previously donated $15,000 in seed money to SDDA, which helped launch the program in 2021, according to a news release.“By removing barriers and opening new career pathways in trucking, the South Dallas Driving Academy is empowering young Texans and lifting them out of poverty,” said TCF Chairman Phil Byrd, president and CEO of Bulldog Hiway Express. “The Trucking Cares Foundation is proud to continue our support of this transformative program that invests in people and the future of our industry.”Nearly 40% of low-income individuals in urban areas in the U.S. — and nearly half in South Dallas — do not have a valid driver’s license principally because of the lack of accessible, affordable driver education, the news release noted. “Due in large part to the enthusiastic reception of the American Trucking Associations and the financial support of the Trucking Cares Foundation, what began as a small proof-of-concept two years ago has grown to a multi-campus on-ramp helping the residents of our community find a pathway out of poverty by obtaining this vital life credential (Class C License), said Von Minor, president of the South Dallas Driving Academy. “Because of the support of the TCF, we have been able to expand from serving 15-to 17-year-olds to also helping adults obtain their Class C, CDL-A and connect with trucking companies that are looking to hire drivers and technicians.” Minor noted that in addition to financial support, “we need more of these pathway partners to engage with students in our classroom or on a field trip to their truck terminal or shop to help promote job opportunities within their companies and throughout the industry.” For more information, visit www.sddrivingacademy.org.

Kriete Truck Centers’ social media series back for season 2

Erica N. Guy - November 17, 2023

MILWAUKEE — Kriete Truck Centers has announced the return of its social media video series, “Forward With Kriete,” with the trailer for season two to be released at the end of November. According to a news release from Kriete, the new season will be “like season one,” and “the four episodes (will) celebrate individual customers and the essential role trucking plays in society.” The season two premiere, which will spotlight Veriha Trucking, will be released on Nov. 21 on all of Kriete’s Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn social media platforms. The three additional episodes of the season will spotlight Jones Logistics, Logical and Packing Logistics and Putzmeister America, respectively. “The response to ‘Forward with Kriete,’ both from customers and the market in general, has been super positive,” said John Walsh, Kriete executive vice president of marketing. “Not only does the series spotlight the great work being done by so many in trucking, it also reinforces the customer-first commitment that’s at the heart of our culture here at Kriete.”

Mack’s UAW workers end strike after five-year deal reached

John Worthen - November 17, 2023

WASHINGTON — Nearly 4,000 union workers at Mack Trucks have agreed to a new five-year contract, ending a month-long strike, according to the United Auto Workers (UAW). The workers went on strike Monday, Oct. 9, after voting down a tentative five-year contract agreement that negotiators had reached with the company. Mack Trucks said that under the new contract, the average wage increase over five years would be 36%, with an average immediate raise for all covered employees of nearly 15%. Workers who don’t receive top pay will see a 55% pay raise over the next five years. This represents about half of Mack’s total workforce, officials said. These workers will see an immediate wage increase of more than 20%. “After 39 days on strike, UAW members at Mack Trucks have voted by 93% to ratify their new contract with significant local improvements,” the union said in a post on messaging platform X, previously known as Twitter. This new contract covers Mack workers in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Florida. “The new agreement guarantees significant wage growth and delivers excellent benefits for our employees and their families,” Mack President Stephen Roy said in a statement. “At the same time, it will safeguard our competitiveness and allow us to continue making the necessary investments in our people, plants and products.”

Circle Logistics appoints new VP of national sales, new chief technology officer

Erica N. Guy - November 17, 2023

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Circle Logistics has added two new executives to its office suites. According to a news release, Steve Schroeder was appointed the new vice president of national sales, and Cody Harris was appointed the new chief technology officer. Schroeder, a veteran in the logistics industry with more than three decades of experience, will be charged with developing a sales strategy, consolidating high-quality transportation solutions and nurturing customer relationships, a company official said. “With Steve’s decades-long experience and deep understanding of the logistics industry, he is uniquely qualified to bridge the gap between our company and our valued customers. His focus on identifying customer pain points and offering immediate solutions not only elevates the customer experience but also opens new avenues for our sales teams,” said Eric Fortmeyer, CEO of Circle Logistics. “This is an exciting chapter for Circle Logistics, and we’re confident that Steve’s hands-on approach will help us achieve new milestones in customer satisfaction and business growth.” According to the news release, Schroeder’s experience building strong, solid relationships and structured networks signals “(Circle’s) intent to become a top logistics provider in the U.S. by elevating customer service and relationship management.” “In a rapidly evolving logistics industry where technology and data are king, Steve reminds us that human connections are just as valuable,” Fortmeyer said. “With his experience, focus and commitment to customer education and problem-solving, he is set to redefine what customer relationships mean in the world of logistics — not just for Circle Logistics, but for the industry at large.” With his broad experience, Schroeder’s experience spans “multiple transportation modes, including less-than-truckload and full truckload to air and ocean freight,” the news release noted. “My help will not change the way Circle’s dedicated sales reps interact with their customers,” Schroeder said. “I will help to establish, grow and nurture relationships with our customers and internal team, but day-to-day activities are still the responsibility of our sales team.” Prior to joining Circle Logistics, Schroeder’s leadership roles included serving as principal at LoMas Transportation, general manager for Concert Group Logistics and carrier manager for Penske Logistics. Schroeder also served as logistics analyst/inventory control/senior parts analyst for Whirlpool Corporation. As for Harris, his move into the company’s chief technology officer “signals Circle’s commitment to driving innovation and enhancing customer experiences through technology,” according to the news release. “With a strong focus on purpose-driven innovation and a commitment to improving the customer experience. Adding Harris to the company’s leadership team brings promises to usher in a new era of technological advancement and growth for the company.” Fortmeyer said he is happy to welcome Harris into the company’s fold. Fortmeyer said that Harris’ “unwavering commitment to purposeful innovation,and remarkable track record in harnessing cutting-edge technologies are precisely what Circle Logistics needs to stay at the forefront of our industry. We are confident that his leadership will not only drive transformative change within our organization but also enhance the experiences of our valued customers and partners. With Cody on board, the possibilities are limitless, and we eagerly anticipate the exciting journey ahead.” According to the news release, as a staunch advocate for the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI), Harris sees the budding technology as “a force that is here to stay and believes that the transportation industry is just beginning to tap into its true potential.” With his newly appointed leadership position, Circle expects to be poised to harness AI and optimize the company’s operations, streamline processes and provide enhanced value to customers. “Cody brings to this role a tech ideology deeply rooted in innovation with a purpose,” Fortmeyer said. “He firmly believes that technology should not only add value but also improve the lives of workers, carriers, and customers alike. His commitment to ‘value-added innovation’ aligns perfectly with Circle Logistics’ vision for the future.” The release continued to state that Harris “recognizes the pivotal role of data in decision-making” and that he “firmly asserts that data-driven decision-making” is the key to staying a competitor in the industry. “With Cody Harris as chief technology officer, Circle Logistics is primed for a tech-driven transformation. His dedication to purpose-driven innovation, commitment to data excellence, and a track record of results make him the ideal leader to guide the company into a future filled with technological promise,” Fortmeyer said. “Stay tuned as Circle Logistics leverages Cody’s expertise to maintain its position at the forefront of the logistics and transportation industry.” Before being appointed as the new CTO, Harris received the Game Changer Award in 2022. He currently supervises a team of engineers and analysts across multiple locations, overseeing technology initiatives. His previous experience also includes serving as a data scientist who led the development of logistics bid bots that generated substantial revenue and gross profit while optimizing human resources.

Class 8 tractor orders driven down in October

John Worthen - November 17, 2023

COLUMBUS, Ind. — While strong relative to freight market conditions, Class 8 orders were down 24% year-over-year in October, as published in ACT Research’s latest State of the Industry: NA Classes 5-8 report. According to Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president and senior analyst, final Class 8 net orders were 32,287 units in October, with the largest drivers of orders being market segments with lingering pent-up demand. The vocational straight truck market saw orders rise 24% year-over-year. Export market orders were up 91% year-over-year and orders destined for the Mexican market were up a whopping 187%. Moving in the opposite direction, North American Class 8 tractor orders were down 34% year-over-year, with U.S.-only tractor orders down 47% from year-ago levels. “The build rate declined nearly 10% month-over-month, leading to 27,999 units of production in October. Anecdotes suggest supply chain issues were at the root of the below-expectations miss. Despite otherwise softening conditions, Q1’24 build expectations remain elevated,” Vieth said. “Class 8 build and retail sales continue to track closely, but retail sales ticked down this month, causing inventory to move higher. Classes 5-7 inventories remain elevated, on pre-strike stocking and as medium-duty bodybuilders’ labor challenges persist.” For carriers, the long bottom in freight rates continues, with spot rates little changed since April. “A big driver of rate weakness has been lagged private fleet capacity additions,” Vieth said. “As for-hire fleets tend to be the first buyers in line, private fleets have been the drivers of Class 8 market strength in 2023, adding equipment at the bottom of the cycle and prolonging the rate pain.”

Lawyers insist electric big rig company founder shouldn’t face prison time

The Associated Press - November 16, 2023

NEW YORK — Lawyers for the founder of electric big rig truck maker Nikola Corp. say he should not face incarceration because his fraud conviction is nothing like the fraud that landed Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes in prison. The lawyers told a Manhattan federal court judge in a filing late on Nov. 14 that Trevor Milton never acted in a “greedy or mean-spirted way” as he built a pioneering company looking to take the battery- and hydrogen-electric trucking world to new heights. “There is not a shred of evidence from trial or from Trevor’s personal life that he was ever motivated by spite, nastiness, ill will, or cruelty,” they wrote. Milton, 41, was convicted last year of fraud for duping investors with exaggerated claims about his company’s production of zero-emission trucks. Holmes, 39, is serving an 11-year sentence for defrauding investors in the blood-testing company Theranos. Milton is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 28. Court officials have calculated federal sentencing guidelines to recommend between 17 1/2 years and 22 years in prison, although Milton’s lawyers object to the calculations, saying they substantially overstate the seriousness of the crimes. “Unlike Holmes, Trevor never put Nikola’s customers at risk, whereas Holmes touted and used blood-testing technology that she knew to be unreliable, thus putting human beings at medical risk,” the lawyers said. They said Holmes also duped her own board of directors in addition to lying to investors. “In contrast, whatever Trevor may have done, he did it openly and with the full knowledge of Nikola’s executives and board of directors. There were no fake documents or financial shenanigans, and there were no threats to anyone to keep quiet,” the lawyers said. In seeking leniency, Milton’s lawyers wrote that Milton has suffered enough after he was the subject of an episode of CNBC’s “American Greed” and after being the focus of podcast by The Wall Street Journal entitled “The Unraveling of Trevor Milton,” along with news reports, including by The Associated Press. They said Milton had also been subjected to “shocking and unspeakable harassment online” and had lost some of his closest friends and colleagues, including those who helped him create Nikola. “Trevor has been ousted from the very community he created. His reputation is in tatters. The result has been depression and loss for Trevor,” they said. They urged the sentencing judge to resist comparisons to the prosecution of Holmes, noting that Nikola remains a “real company with real products that employ proven technologies.” In 2020, Nikola’s stock price plunged and investors suffered heavy losses as reports questioned Milton’s claims that the company had already produced zero-emission 18-wheel trucks. At trial, prosecutors said that Nikola — founded by Milton in a Utah basement six years earlier — falsely claimed to have built its own revolutionary truck when it had merely put Nikola’s logo on a General Motors Corp. product. The company paid $125 million last year to settle a civil case against it by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Nikola, which continues to operate from an Arizona headquarters, didn’t admit any wrongdoing. Lawyers for Holmes did not immediately comment. Prosecutors were expected to submit sentencing arguments next week.

Peterbilt recognized by WIT as a top company for women

Erica N. Guy - November 16, 2023

DENTON, Texas — Peterbilt has been recognized as a “2023 Top Company for Women to Work for in the Transportation.” The honor was given by the Women In Trucking (WIT) Association, according to a news release. “Peterbilt values its diverse workforce. Recognition as a Top Company for Women to Work for in Transportation for the sixth consecutive year reflects our ongoing commitment to providing career advancement opportunities that empower women in their careers and create a workplace culture that values and celebrates the contributions of all employees,” said Jason Skoog, Peterbilt general manager, and PACCAR vice president. This awards program began in 2018 and was developed to support and continue WIT’s mission of recognizing the accomplishments of trucking industry companies focused on the employment and professional well-being of women seeking careers in the industry.

Veteran Ready Summit 2023 set for Dec. 13-16

Erica N. Guy - November 16, 2023

TULSA, Okla. — Leading transportation and military hiring organizations are partnering to co-host the annual Veteran Ready Summit event. Tenstreet, Fastport, Hiring Our Heroes, TransForce, Troops into Transportation and the American Trucking Associations (ATA) will co-host the annual event from Dec. 13-16 at the ATA headquarters in Washington, D.C. “The event allows organizations to learn the best practices and strategies for hiring and keeping military veterans,” a news release states. “Sessions led by transportation industry leaders, military hiring experts and military veterans like the Medal of Honor Recipient and hiring Our Heroes Ambassador Clint Romesha. Romesha will share their insights on how a company can create a culture of veteran support in the workplace. At this year’s summit, 30 of the attendees will have the opportunity to register for an in-depth and hands-on workshop led by PsychArmor Institute. They will also receive specialized training on each phase of veteran employment practices, earning them a certificate and added credentials.” Daren Wingard, the executive director of the North American Transportation Employee Relations Association (NATERA), expressed his support for the summit. “NATERA is proud to support the 2023 Veteran Ready Summit,” Wingard said. “We encourage all our members to attend the summit so they can learn best practices in military hiring and further strengthen the trucking industry’s commitment to offer quality career opportunities to veterans of the U.S. armed forces.” Attendees are encouraged to participate in complementary events held across the nation’s capital, including but not limited to the Transition Trucking Award Ceremony, the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Statement of Support Signing and the Wreaths Across America Gala and Wreath Laying Ceremony. These events “are designed to reinforce the commitment towards obtaining and keeping military talent, maximizing their impact on it,” according to the news release. “This is an opportunity to participate in an event that will shape the future of your organization’s veteran hiring strategies, making a difference outside and within your organization and the lives of those who served. For more information about the summit or to register and secure your spot, visit https://veteran-ready-summit-2023.eventfarm.com/.

TrueTMS, 123Loadboard join forces

The Associated Press - November 16, 2023

HOUSTON — TrueTMS, a modern software-as-a-service-based transportation management system designed for small fleet owners, and freight matching platform 123Loadboard have partnered to give TrueTMS users access to 123Loadboard’s freight marketplace, a joint news release states. TrueTMS carrier members can search, place bids, experience book-now loads for their equipment and access real-time visibility of current lane rates using 123Loadboard’s multiple automated pricing tools. Carrier members can also access the profit calculator to help with broker negotiations and forecast load income. Additionally, they can view truck mileage, routing, credit ratings and other services, such as document management within the freight platform, the news release noted. “By giving our carriers the ability to access more loads along with easy-to-use platform transaction tools, we are honoring our commitment to provide ways for our small fleet members to manage their businesses more efficiently and move them forward. The connection to increased freight from top-quality brokers and shippers will allow our carriers to negotiate more lucrative deals,” said George Thellman, director of business development and strategic relations at TrueTMS. Fleet members can also interact with more freight expediters to increase their profits. “With this partnership and the expanded carrier base from TrueTMS fleet members, 123Loadboard will be providing increased capacity for brokers, delivering on our commitment to continue to grow the number of trucks available to help brokers and shippers move more freight. Our broker members can be more selective when choosing truck drivers as 123Loadboard’s identity verification process gives them access to a wide field of verified carriers,” said Greg Adourian, CEO at 123Loadboard.

Preliminary net trailer orders increase from September to October, ACT reports

Linda Garner-Bunch - November 16, 2023

COLUMBUS, Ind. — October’s preliminary net trailer orders increased nominally from September to October, at 35,300 units, but were lower compared to last October, down more than 26% year-over-year, according to ACT Research. “As we’re still in the opening of peak order season, seasonal adjustment (SA) lowers October’s SA tally to 26,200 units,” an ACT news release stated. Final October results will be available later this month. This preliminary market estimate should be within +/-5% of the final order tally. “Preliminary net orders, at 26,200 seasonally adjusted, were about 9% lower sequentially,” said Jennifer McNealy, director of commercial vehicle market research and publications at ACT Research. “While this certainly continues the positive momentum for the industry that began last month, two months of robust orders does not guarantee the full year. It’s still early in the new year order season to call.” McNealy said that the data continue to provide mixed messages, with cancellations remaining elevated, driven primarily by the platform and tank segments, even as backlogs remain at healthy levels in general and particularly in the specialty segments. “The BL/BU ratio (large backlogs and growing lead times) was well north of five months in aggregate, with some specialty segments having no available build slots until late in 2024 at the earliest,” McNealy said. “We’ve been hearing that order discussions were occurring, and it looks like quotations continue to convert to ‘booked’ business.” When asked about the backlog’s trajectory, McNealy said: “Using preliminary October orders and the corresponding OEM build plans from the October State of the Industry: U.S. Trailers report (September data) for guidance, we would expect the trailer backlog to increase by around 7,300 units to about 146,100 units when complete October data are released. As this number is derived from estimated data, note there will be some variability to reported backlogs when final data are collected.”

Freight logistics firm WARP integrates with Banyan Technology

The Trucker News Staff - November 16, 2023

LOS ANGELES — Middle-mile freight logistics company WARP has announced an integration with Banyan Technology. According to a Nov. 2 news release, this will allow Banyan “to expand on its over-the-road (OTR) shippers with additional technology, providing faster delivery times, lower costs and fewer damages. The WARP Middle Mile integration enables Banyan’s LIVE Connect to expand OTR carrier rating and execution inside users’ transportation management systems (TMS) across the truckload (TL), less-than-truckload (LTL), local carrier and parcel modes.” In similar terms, thanks to the integration, LIVE Connect will reduce the number of additional carrier logins and keystrokes when shippers are trying to execute and manage their shipments. According to the news release, with the upcoming holiday season quickly approaching and shippers preparing for it, the demand for shippers will increase tremendously depending on consumer trends and the state of the economy. Banyan’s clients have complete access to WARP’s network, which includes a new type of LTL fleet that includes a variety of industry vehicles. The technology will help the company’s clients understand which carriers work best. “I am excited that we have partnered with WARP to further expand our OTR shipping capabilities for clients,” said Brian Smith, CEO of Banyan. “Given the growing demand for expedited shipping and alternative delivery methods, we believe it to be a strategic advantage to be able to seek out and partner with the industry’s leading service providers to make it easier for clients to rate and execute OTR shipments through our LIVE Connect platform.” Daniel Sokolovsky, WARP CEO and co-founder. said that Banyan customers are now able to access a new type of LTL service powered by multiple vehicle types and tech-powered cross docks. “With this new integration, we’re not only reducing physical touchpoints but digital ones as well, ultimately automating the shipping process so that shippers can focus on what matters most: their customers,” he said.

Lesley Killingsworth elected as NMFTA’s first female board chair

Erica N. Guy - November 15, 2023

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) has elected Lesley Veldstra Killingsworth as the first chairwoman of its board of directors. Killingsworth, a member of the NMFTA since 2012, serves as director of traffic and pricing for Mississauga, Ontario-based Polaris Transportation Group. She previously served in the same position with Mountain Valley Express after starting in the industry as an account executive with Worldwide Express. In leading NMFTA’s board, Killingsworth said she wants to advance the gains from recent changes the organization has made and keep progress moving in a positive direction. “Last year, we had a lot of change,” she said. “This year, I really want to spotlight how those changes have built a strong foundation that is not only helping the industry now but also the future.” Debbie Ruane Sparks, executive director of NMFTA, said Killingsworth is just the leader NMFTA’s board needs in the current environment. “Lesley knows the industry inside and out, having started with a 3PL and then moving into the LTL space,” Sparks said. “But she’s also proven her mettle as a person who gets involved and works hard to make a difference. From her service with her local community to the years she’s already served on our board, we know Lesley is a person of action and commitment. Our members will truly benefit from her leadership.” Killingsworth cited Killingsworth’s personal experience in building relationships with other carriers as a critical benefit of her long-time involvement with NMFTA, saying the resulting partnerships have broadened her company’s outreach and expanded customer service points. She said the continued partnership between the board and NMFTA staff will help keep those benefits flowing to members. “The staff and the board have been really good together over the years, and the new staff we have added are melding with us really well,” Killingsworth said. “We all have the same goals and desired outcomes for our industry.” Under Killingsworth’s leadership, the board will continue to support critical efforts for the industry, including the ongoing simplification of the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system, the pursuit of an API roadmap for every step in the freight process, and the promoting cybersecurity education for the trucking industry. “The Digital Solutions Conference on Cybersecurity we just wrapped up in Houston, Texas, brought together so many experts and brought forth invaluable insight to help our industry fight back against cyberattacks,” Killingsworth said. “I am very proud to see our organization exercise so much leadership on this issue and clearly produce such positive results. This will continue to be one of our top priorities and as chairwoman, I will work with the board to make sure these efforts are supported.” Reflecting on the fact that she is NMFTA’s first female chair, Killingsworth acknowledged the importance of the milestone. “I am really excited, and I know this is an amazing opportunity,” she said. “I’ve been working hard to get here, and am ready.”

Arpin’s annual golf tourney raises more than $25K

Erica N. Guy - November 15, 2023

WEST WARWICK, R.I. — The Arpin Charitable Fund announced on Oct. 23 that the Ninth Annual Arpin Strong Golf Tournament raised more than $25,000 for a total of over $245,000 in the nine years since first hosting thf fundraiser. The Arpin Charitable Fund, also known as Arpin Strong, is a 501(c)(3) organization “with an overarching goal of advancing transformative solutions to social and environmental issues,” a news release stated. The Arpin Board of Directors hosted their most significant fund-raising event on Sept. 29 at the New England Country Club in Bellingham, Massachusetts. This year’s event raised funds to aid the Global Institute For Transformation, KCNT1 Epilepsy Foundation, The Coalition Against Pediatric Pain and Marguerite’s Place. The annual competition aims to raise awareness and charitable investment in the tournament’s beneficiaries of the funds raised. “These four incredible organizations represent the heart of our mission, and we’re proud to have been able to assist them,” said Arpin Strong’s President and Treasurer Michael Killoran. The event’s attendees included representatives from several of the charities where Arpin interviewed some. The golfers for the tournament came from all over the nation. Even though the event started with rain, the golfers were still determined to hit the course. Driven by their dedication and passion for the sport, the golfers made their rounds until the groundskeeper called off the play due to the intensified downpour. This didn’t damper the spirits of the golfers as they spent the remainder of the time networking and enjoying themselves and the company of others. “Arpin Strong is incredibly grateful for the continued support of our sponsors, donors, golfers, dedicated volunteers, and friends who continue to support us in our mission,” said Arpin Strong’s Vice President, Karen Bannon. “Without these incredible individuals, organizing an event of this magnitude would not have been possible.

New Love’s location in Georgia offers 79 truck parking spots

The Trucker News Staff - November 14, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY — Love’s Travel Stops is now serving customers at its newest location in West Point, Georgia, which opened Nov. 13. “Love’s is thrilled to add another customer-focused location in the state of Georgia, with our new opening in West Point,” said Shane Wharton, president of Love’s. “This store guarantees the many amenities that make Love’s a highway attraction for customers, including clean restrooms, various food options, parking, and much more.” The newest Love’s location is located off I-85 (1917 Highway 18) at Exit 2 that is open 24/7 and offers a host of services for customers, such as: More than 17,000 square feet. Godfather’s Pizza. Hardy’s. 79 truck parking spaces. 81 car parking. Apeedco (opening on Nov. 29). Six RV parking spaces. Four RV hooks up. Seven diesel bays. Nine showers. Laundry facilities. CAT scale. In honor of the grand opening, Love’s will donate $2,000 split between West Point Park and Joy Inside Tears, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created to shed light on suicide prevention and mental health.

TCA announces young leadership program

Linda Garner-Bunch - November 14, 2023

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The Truckload Carriers Association’s (TCA) has launched the Elevate TCA Young Leadership Program. According to a news release, the program is “designed to empower and nurture the leaders of tomorrow.” “Elevate offers a unique opportunity for young professionals to thrive in their careers,” the news release states. “Through mentorship, skill development and networking, participants will embark on a transformative journey, gaining the knowledge and experience necessary to reach new heights in the truckload industry. This young leadership program includes a mix of in person meetings at TCA events as well as six virtual meetings throughout 2024.” To be eligible for the program, young leaders from TCA member companies must be under the age of 41 on March 23, 2024, and be endorsed by a supervisor to participate. The schedule of events for their first cohort is: March 5, 2024 — Virtual Introduction Meeting. March 23-26, 2024 — Annual Convention Nashville. April 9, 2024: 1st Virtual — Mentorship 101. May 14, 2024: 2nd Virtual — Workforce Development. June 11, 2024: 3rd Virtual — Success Stories from Industry Leaders. Aug. 13, 2024: 4th Virtual — Succession Planning. Sept. 10, 2024: 5th Virtual — Legislative Training & Government Affairs. September 2024 — TCA Call on Washington and Fall Business Meeting. TCA’s Vice President of Membership Outreach, Zander Gambill, said of the program: “TCA is excited to launch Elevate and bring back our Young Transportation Executives program in this new format. Thanks goes to TCA’s Membership Committee who really helped push and produce this exciting program for young leaders.” Marilyn Surber, Tenstreet’s head of industry relations, said her organization “is proud to be the exclusive sponsor of Elevate TCA, the TCA Young Leadership Program. This initiative aims to provide mentorship and foster leadership skills among crucial young talents in the truckload industry.” Learn more and apply by clicking here.

Forecast for dry van market pulled back, ACT reports

The Trucker News Staff - November 14, 2023

COLUMBUS, Ind. – As published in the latest release of ACT Research’s North American Commercial Vehicle OUTLOOK, expectations for Class 8 tractors and trailers remain relatively the same in November, though forecasts for dry van trailers are pulled back due to ACT’s recalibration of its expectations regarding power-only brokerage. For these shipments, the shipper has procured a trailer or already owns one. “To accomplish the scheme of introducing drop-and-hook productivity into the small carrier spot market was a plan by large fleets and brokerages to boost trailer-to-tractor ratios, build trailer pools, etc., into the wildly growing pandemic stimulus and supply-chain constrained spot market,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president and senior analyst. “From Q1’21 to Q2’22, DAT’s spot market postings averaged nearly 4.9 million loads per day. Year to date, DAT’s spot posts have averaged less than 1.4 million loads per day, a 71% decline from the heady average experienced at the peak of the pandemic freight bubble.” The sharp rise and fall in spot market activity reflects a lot of freight getting to where it was originally intended to go, but couldn’t due to capacity limitations in private fleets and other dedicated operations, according to ACT. Pulling back on this anticipated ratio expansion lowers the trajectory of the dry van market. Vieth concluded, “One of the things staying our hand from deeper forecast cuts, in the face of weak freight fundamentals, has been a solid industry-wide start to ‘order season.’ The last trimester of the year is the period in which the OEMs usually open their out-year order books, leading to a period of outsized orders that typically extends into March.”

Aurora to present at Davidson Technology Summit

The Trucker News Staff - November 13, 2023

PITTSBURGH — Self-driving vehicle technology firm Aurora Innovation has announced that its Chief Financial Officer, David Maday, will participate in a fireside chat at the D.A. Davidson Technology Summit at 11 a.m. on Nov. 16 Eastern Standard Time. The presentation will be webcast on Aurora’s investor relations website at ir.aurora.tech. A replay of the webcast will be available for 30 days following the live presentation.

Volvo honored for advancing women in trucking industry

The Trucker News Staff - November 13, 2023

GREENSBORO, N.C. — The Women in Trucking Association (WIT) has recognized Volvo Trucks North America (VTNA) for its leadership in helping to advance women in the trucking industry. Honored at the 2023 Accelerate! Conference & Expo in Dallas on Nov. 5-8, VTNA “has shown its dedication and commitment to increasing gender diversity in the traditional male-dominated commercial trucking industry,” a WIT news release noted. During the conference, female representatives accepted the awards for two categories: Top Companies for Women to Work for in Transportation and Top Women to Watch in Transportation by Redefining the Road, the official magazine of WIT. “This year, Volvo Trucks increased its sponsorship commitment to the highest level to help spotlight the vital contributions of women across the transportation industry. As we navigate towards a more inclusive future, we are working to empower more women to drive their careers to greater success,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of VTNA. “We are thrilled to accept the award that acknowledges our commitment to provide women with enhanced opportunities for success at every level. We take immense pride in the numerous successful women representing Volvo at the conference, sharing their knowledge and experiences.” Iris Austin, the people and culture director for VTNA, was the representative to accept the 2023 Top Companies for Women to Work in Transportation award on behalf of the company. “This annual Accelerate! award highlights the top companies in the trucking industry that go above and beyond to be an exceptional workplace for women in all roles of the transportation industry,” the news release stated. “This also includes supporting gender diversity, accommodating family and life balances, offering competitive compensation, benefits, continued training and more.” The Southeast District Sales Manager for VTNA, Elizabeth McMillian, was honored as one of the 2023 Top Women to Watch in Transportation by Redefining the Road, WIT’s official magazine. According to WIT, more than 80 women in a wide array of roles have been recognized based on career accomplishments in the past 18 months and how they have managed their careers to provide value to the enterprises that employ them. McMillian shared her success story, inspiration, and practical tips in the How Women Rise – Stories from Top Women to Watch panel. Katy Link, electromobility sales manager for VTNA’s western region, participated in A Pivotal Moment in Trucking: Battery-Electric Vehicles panel to provide insights about the truck industry’s transition to zero emissions and the momentum in adoption of battery-electric vehicles, including the Volvo VNR Electric truck. “Volvo Trucks was a pioneering manufacturer in delivering Class 8 battery-electric commercial trucks in North America in December 2020,” according to the news release. “It has now delivered trucks to customers throughout the U.S. and Canada to operate their daily freight routes. Link is one of many women involved in this sustainability transformation and supports fleets in and around California with their electrification journey.” The Director of Complete Vehicle at VTNA, Margarita Mann, was honored by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) with the Patent Recognition Award for impacting SWE and the broader engineering community. The Patent Recognition Award recognized Mann for her hydrogen fuel cell inventions having novel applications — mobile electric vehicle direct current fast chargers and power generators. VTNA also had two panel speakers during the conference and expo, which was anticipated to attract more than 2,000 transportation professionals in all areas of the field.