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Industry experts share thoughts on trucking’s future at ACT seminar

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The transition to commercial electric vehicles  (EVs) “will take decades, not years. Infrastructure timing and costs are critical. Currently, there are 160,000 EV chargers in the U.S. We need 1.2 million by 2027.”  Rick Dauch, CEO of electric vehicle manufacturer Workhorse, offered these frank statements at ACT Research’s semi-annual seminar in August. He was joined by Rick Mullininx, president and COO at Great Dane, and John Diez, CFO at Ryder, among many others, who presented their insights and outlook on the industry. How is sustainability driving the trailer industry? “Government regulations, purely electric operations, e-axles on equipment and quieter vehicles,” Mullininx said. What does Diez see for the next 18 months for fleets? “We’ve been living at a level of uncertainty. Hopefully, rates will begin to stabilize. We will see weakening conditions in the freight market into the beginning of the year. As you’re looking to replenish your fleet, now is the time to do it.”  A favorite among guests was the dealer panel, featuring Laura Perrotta, president of the National Automobile Dealers Association (ATD), Jodie Teuton, co-founder and vice president of Kenworth of Louisiana, and Maria Sherwood, finance manager and CIC at Sherwood Trucks.  Regarding how truck dealerships are navigating the post-COVID environment, Teuton said, “We never stopped working. There were no days we were closed. The positive part of COVID is that it elevated the industry. I would like to see that momentum continue. It made us understand how important we are. We’re now able to expand our ways to engage with customers, and that’s a good thing.”  Perrotta added, “Working with Capitol Hill, and from an advocacy perspective, it was more challenging. It’s nice to see things going back to normal.”  Are fleets concerned for the future?  According to Teuton, “Rising interest rates and insurance are always struggles. Increased truck costs and labor costs. Those things are a concern. But we go to work every day, and that will never change. We manage those challenges. From a dealer perspective, we have to educate our customers about what we see coming. Truck dealers are always consultants.”  Sherwood added, “We’re predicting stuff even more than we used to because we’re on allocation. With inventory backlogs and a slower supply chain, it’s very predictive for us. Our customers have been trained in the last three years to evaluate their business and be realistic about it.” 

Tyson partners with Gatik to deploy autonomous delivery trucks in Arkansas

SPRINGDALE, Ark. — If you live in northwest Arkansas and see a Tyson delivery truck driving by itself, don’t panic. The trucks are part of the food processing giant’s partnership with autonomous trucking company Gatic AI. According to a news release, Tyson and Gatik have entered into a multi-year collaboration to use autonomous refrigerated box trucks for delivery routes in northwest Arkansas. The trucks will operate 18 hours a day delivering Tyson, Jimmy Dean and BallPark products, among others, to the company’s distribution and storage facilities in the Rogers and Springdale, Arkansas, areas. “The deployment will introduce Gatik trucks equipped with commercial-grade autonomous technology to the Tyson supply chain, operating on predetermined short-haul, repeated routes to support fast and efficient product flow from plant to storage facilities,” the news release stated. The collaboration, which begins the week, will include multiple trucks with the potential for future expansion at other Tyson locations. The autonomous trucks are equipped with a 26-foot, temperature-controlled box purpose-built to transport refrigerated and frozen goods quickly and safely and multiple sensor modalities that are custom-designed for fail-safe short-haul B2B operations. A safety driver will initially be present in the cab to monitor the autonomous system and take command of operating the truck — if required, the news release stated. “At Tyson Foods, we are innovating and using automation throughout our business, including in transportation,” said Patrick Simmons, vice president of transportation for Tyson Foods. “This partnership allows us to strategically place our drivers where they are needed most while still reliably and safely transporting protein from the plant to distribution centers.” According to Tyson executives, the partnership is expected to provide Tyson Foods with increased asset utilization within its short-haul logistics network, assist with inventory objectives and support a transition to a more responsive, high-frequency approach to goods movement. Additionally, autonomous trucks operate with increased efficiency and sustainability, leading to reduced emissions and enhanced fuel economy. “We’re excited to partner with Tyson Foods to reduce cost and complexity within their regional distribution architecture,” said Gatik CEO and co-founder Gautam Narang. “This is a significant moment for Gatik as we introduce Class 7 autonomous box trucks into our fleet. Our partnership with Tyson is poised to drive long-term innovation and supply chain resiliency while delivering tangible, near-term value.”

Hino names Davey Jung its new US president

NOVI, Mich. — Hino Motors Manufacturing U.S.A. (HMM) has appointed Davey Jung as its new U.S. president and CEO. According to a news release, Jung will also serve as chairman of Hino’s Board of Directors. His tenure began on Sept. 1. Jung succeeds Masamichi Mizukoshi, who retired from Hino. “Jung joined HMM in 2007 and led the effort to strengthen and grow HMM while serving across a spectrum of critical leadership roles, including purchasing, sales, corporate strategy, R&D, HR, legal, IT and supplier preparation and development,” the news release stated. “His exceptional grasp of our industry, coupled with his strategic acumen, uniquely positions him to guide HMM into the next phase of innovation and success.” Most recently, Jung served as chief operating officer and executive vice president for Toyota Business for HMM. “As president and CEO, Jung will focus on advancing manufacturing and supply chain efficiency while driving the company forward with continued success and innovation,” according to the news release. HMM is the commercial truck division of Toyota Motors Corp., producing Class 6-7 conventional trucks for the U.S. market. In addition, Hino produces axles, knuckles and suspension components for Toyota’s Tacoma, Tundra and Sequoia at its Marion, Arkansas, facilities. Hino’s Mira Loma Parts Distribution Center distributes genuine Hino service parts to Latin America and the Caribbean.

Acertus buys vehicle shipper RCG Logistics

ST. LOUIS — Automotive logistics-as-a-service platform Acertus has acquired RCG Logistics, a transportation and remarketing provider specializing in national relocation of autos, powersport, specialty and oversized vehicles According to a news release, “this latest investment will allow Acertus to extend its product offerings with salvage and repossession and deliver world-class products and services to additional VIN types, including motorsports, RVs and other oversized vehicles regardless of condition.” “At Acertus, we are hyper focused on serving the needs of our customers and delivering a full suite of vehicle logistics services through strategic partnerships and investments,” said Trent Broberg, CEO of ACERTUS. “RCG shares our commitment to customers and the logistics industry, demonstrated by their consistent track record of innovation, performance excellence, and profitable growth. We are excited to welcome the RCG team into our organization. By blending our services, we know we will become an even stronger company together.” The acquisition will integrate RCG Logistics under the Acertus brand and is effective immediately, the news release noted. “It has always been our dream to become the leading complete logistics solution for the automotive and powersport industries. By joining the Acertus family, we will be able to expand our suite of services and continue to go above and beyond for our customers.” said Vick Kuzmenko, co-Founder and CEO of RCG Logistics. “The platform will provide increased operational support, improved technology, and a stronger infrastructure to deliver a world class customer experience. Our customers and vendors will continue to receive the same exceptional attention from our dedicated professionals while getting the advantage of Acertus’ suite of services, including storage, title, registration and much more.”

Trimac adds Doyle Sims & Sons Trucking to its portfolio

CALGARY, Alberta, Canada — Canadian Bulk transporter Trimac has purchased Tennessee-based Doyle Sims & Sons Trucking Inc. The family-owned and operated asset-based bulk transporter was formed in Gleason, Tennessee, in 1949 and operates primarily in the South, Southeast and Midwest. Doyle Sims & Sons Trucking specializes in transportation of non-hazardous and non-food grade products in pneumatic, liquid, dump and hopper trailers. Products include clay, sand, oils and other non-hazmat products. The company also offers brokerage services under DSS Logistics. “In acquiring Doyle Sims & Sons Trucking Inc., we are not just adding another company to our portfolio; we are integrating three quarters of a century’s worth of experience, knowledge, and legacy into the Trimac family,” said Trimac President and CEO Matt Faure. “This fourth acquisition of 2023 symbolizes not just growth, but a continuation of our commitment to excellence.” The acquired fleet consists of 111 trucks, 118 trailers and 95 employes. Doyle Sims’s son David Sims joined the business in 1982, followed by the company’s last CEO Johnny Wagster, who doubled the company’s fleet size since joining in 1998. He grew the company from 64 trucks to 120. The fleet averages 8 million miles and more than 18,000 loads per year. Much of their customer business consists of moving clay, kaolin, sand, dolomite and limestone. “Together, we will continue to uphold the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and sustainability, while better serving our customers across the Gulf Coast and Southeast region of the U.S.,” Faure said. “The road ahead is paved with opportunity, and with the addition of Doyle Sims & Sons Trucking, we accelerate towards a stronger, more resilient future for our industry.” The company’s headquarters has two shop bays, a wash bay and an administrative office. Trimac Transportation was founded in 1945 as a small family trucking company based in Saskatchewan and is now one of the largest transportation service companies in North America. With more than 100 branches and a wide range of experience and services.

Love’s rebrands EZ GO locations in Muskogee, Stroud, Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY — Professional drivers and four-wheel customers in Oklahoma can now enjoy Love’s branded snacks and loyalty program savings in Muskogee and Stroud, as Love’s completes rebranding work on these former EZ GO locations along the Muskogee and Turner Turnpikes, respectively. Added offerings through the Love’s Connect app include mobile deals and the .10-cents-off-per-gallon discount on gasoline and auto diesel for four-wheel customers, a news release stated. The travel stops in Muskogee and Stroud are the third and fourth stores to be rebranded in Oklahoma, joining the locations in Walters and McAlester. Love’s will rebrand the remaining seven EZ GO turnpike stops in Oklahoma and Kansas over the next several weeks, with work scheduled to be complete by the end of October, weather permitting. In April, Love’s acquired EZ GO from Oklahoma-based Carey Johnson Oil Company. The acquisition included six travel stops on Oklahoma turnpikes and five on the Kansas Turnpike. The turnpike locations are the first ever for Love’s.

FMCSA’s ‘adverse conditions’ rule can be a valuable tool if used correctly

Everything’s going great — you’re even ahead of schedule, cruising along in moderate traffic, enjoying the day. Then it happens. Brake lights ahead indicate stopped traffic … and there it is: a highway clusterfuddle in the middle of nowhere. So, there you sit, creeping inch by inch toward your destination instead of cruising along on the open road. By the time you finally get through all the traffic and spot the two smashed-up four-wheelers that caused the whole mess, sitting on the shoulder of the highway, your schedule is shot. You no longer have enough hours to legally and safely complete the trip because of hours-of-service rules. Or do you? Thanks to a little-understood provision in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (better known as the FMCSRs), you just might have up to two extra hours of driving. Your 14-hour drive/work period can also be extended by up to two hours. Unfortunately, some drivers don’t understand this rule and avoid using it to stay away from logging violations. At the other extreme are drivers who use the provision often but use it incorrectly, inviting problems later when logs are audited. A third group understands and uses the provision but isn’t clear on how to record it. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, adverse driving conditions are defined as “snow, ice, sleet, fog, or other adverse weather conditions or unusual road or traffic conditions that were not known, or could not have reasonably been known, to a driver immediately prior to beginning the duty day, or immediately before beginning driving after a qualifying rest break or sleeper berth period, or to a motor carrier immediately prior to dispatching the driver.” Notice the “unusual road or traffic conditions” part of that rule. Before claiming the extra driving and on-duty time, the first question a driver should ask is whether the condition was (or could have been) known before the driving day began. Weather, for example, is predicted almost constantly by government agencies and reported frequently by media outlets. If heavy snow was predicted for your route yesterday, you won’t be able to claim extra time for the adverse conditions you faced. The standard is “could not have reasonably been known,” so claiming you didn’t hear a weather report won’t work as an excuse. The information was available, if you had looked for it. On the other hand, if the weather report had called for rain, but the temperature dropped lower than expected and the rain turned into a surprise snowstorm, that’s a legitimate use of the exemption. Another example is traffic congestion. If your trip takes you along I- 80/94 south of Chicago and into northwest Indiana at 5:30 in the afternoon, you won’t be able to claim that traffic congestion was a surprise. Every driver knows to expect heavy traffic during rush hour in a metro area. On the other hand, a backup caused by an accident on I-80 in rural Iowa isn’t as predictable and could be used for the exemption. Things you definitely can’t use to extend driving and working hours are events like delays in loading or unloading, breakdowns, personal illness, etc. As any professional driver knows, traffic backups can occur anywhere, and for a variety of reasons. Vehicle collisions are often the cause, as is construction, nature events such as rock or mudslides, trees falling into the roadway, stoppages for presidential motorcades and a host of others. As long as you could not have known before your trip or your latest driving period, began, you can claim the extra time. Another caveat of the exemption is that, in order to claim the extra time, you be able to prove you would have been able to finish your trip within the regulated hours had the adverse condition not occurred. If it’s Wednesday and your delivery is scheduled for Friday, you can’t drive extra time due to adverse conditions. It only applies if you can reach your delivery without another rest break. Something to remember about using the adverse driving conditions exemption is that the reason claimed for driving the extra hours can — and will — be checked. Law enforcement personnel usually have computers that are connected to state offices, or at least radio contact with people who have access. Your claim of a huge traffic jam at mile marker 162 caused by loose cows in the roadway can be checked, and you can receive a citation if it can’t be shown as legitimate. You can argue, of course, but a day in the courtroom, even if you win your case, can still cost you a day’s pay plus travel and potential lodging expenses. You’ll want to save all the evidence you can about your reason for claiming the exemption. Carriers often use outside services to check electronic log data and alert their safety department or other designated staff when carrier-specified events occur. For example, if you work for a large carrier that had 50 trucks travel the same stretch of highway that day and you’re the only one who claimed the hours-of-service exemption because of a traffic backup (or a tornado, or a blizzard), your version of events could be questioned. Again, the answer is to document the event as best you can. You can use the internet to search for and save stories about the event. Weather events are often newsworthy, especially if they are severe. A screenshot of a page from the state’s department of transportation website reporting unexpected events could be helpful. Photos from your phone, in certain conditions, may be enough, especially if you can get mile marker signs or other location information in the picture. You don’t need to spend hours building a case, but it doesn’t hurt to save evidence to back up your claim of adverse driving conditions. Finally, remember that the additional hours you claim will still count against your seven- or eight-day totals. You could run out of available hours sooner than expected. The exception to the hours of service for adverse driving conditions is a great tool that can save the day when on-time delivery is at stake, but it must be used correctly to avoid violations of the regulations and, in some cases, carrier policies. For drivers who know how to use the rule and document the exceptions, it can be a great tool in the professional driver’s toolbox.

Centerline Drivers partners with Truckers Against Trafficking

SANTA ANA, Calif. — Truck driver staffing agency Centerline Drivers is partnering with Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT). According to a news release, the partnership will allow Centerline’s truck drivers to be trained and certified on how to combat human trafficking directly, using a mobile app. “We will also be building programs and initiatives for our customers and internal teams to get involved in helping with this fight,” the news release stated. The partnership coincides with Drive Month, Centerline’s truck driver appreciation program that rewards and celebrates drivers for their hard work on and off the road. “I’m so excited for this partnership with Truckers Against Trafficking,” said Jill Quinn, president of Centerline Drivers. “I know this training is going to be a gamechanger for our drivers, customers and internal teams. It will enable us to do our part to help combat trafficking on the road.” TAT Executive Director Esther Goetsch said that Centerline is well-positioned to raise awareness with their customers and drivers about the realities of human trafficking. “And we commend them for taking this opportunity during driver appreciation week to do just that,” Goetsch said. “By celebrating drivers, amplifying the message and making training readily available through their app, we are extremely hopeful that their efforts will result in more victims being recovered and perpetrators being arrested.”

From strikes to new union contracts, Labor Day’s organizing roots are especially strong this year

NEW YORK  — Labor Day is right around the corner, along with the big sales and barbecues that come with it. But the activist roots of the holiday are especially visible this year as unions challenge how workers are treated — from the trucking industry to the auto production lines of Detroit. The early-September tribute to workers has been an official holiday for almost 130 years — but an emboldened labor movement has created an environment closer to the era from which Labor Day was born. Like the late 1800s, workers are facing rapid economic transformation — and a growing gap in pay between themselves and new billionaire leaders of industry, mirroring the stark inequalities seen more than a century ago. “There’s a lot of historical rhyming between the period of the origins of Labor Day and today,” Todd Vachon, an assistant professor in the Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations, told The Associated Press. “Then, they had the Carnegies and the Rockefellers. Today, we have the Musks and the Bezoses. … It’s a similar period of transition and change and also of resistance — of working people wanting to have some kind of dignity.” Between writers and actors on strike, contentious contract negotiations that led up to a new labor deal for 340,000 unionized UPS workers and active picket lines across multiple industries, the labor in Labor Day is again at the forefront of the holiday arguably more than it has been in recent memory. Here are some things to know about Labor Day this year. WHEN WAS THE FIRST LABOR DAY OBSERVED? The origins of Labor Day date back to the late 19th century, when activists first sought to establish a day that would pay tribute to workers. The first U.S. Labor Day celebration took place in New York City on Sept. 5, 1882. Some 10,000 workers marched in a parade organized by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor. A handful of cities and states began to adopt laws recognizing Labor Day in the years that followed, yet it took more than a decade before President Grover Cleveland signed a congressional act in 1894 establishing the first Monday of September as a legal holiday. Canada’s Labour Day became official that same year, more than two decades after trade unions were legalized in the country. The national holidays were established during a period of pivotal actions by organized labor. In the U.S., Vachon points to the Pullman Railroad Strike that began in May 1894, which effectively shut down rail traffic in much of the country. “The federal government intervened to break the strike in a very violent way — that left more than a dozen workers dead,” Vachon says. Cleveland soon made Labor Day a national holiday in an attempt “to repair the trust of the workers.” A broader push from organized labor had been in the works for some time. Workers demanded an 8-hour workday in 1886 during the deadly Haymarket Affair in Chicago, notes George Villanueva, an associate professor of communication and journalism at Texas A&M University. In commemoration of that clash, May Day was established as a larger international holiday, he said. Part of the impetus in the U.S. to create a separate federal holiday was to shift attention away from May Day — which had been more closely linked with socialist and radical labor movements in other countries, Vachon said. HOW HAS LABOR DAY EVOLVED OVER THE YEARS? The meaning of Labor Day has changed a lot since that first parade in New York City. It’s become a long weekend for millions that come with big sales, end-of-summer celebrations and, of course, a last chance to dress in white fashionably. Whether celebrations remain faithful to the holiday’s origins depends where you live New York and Chicago, for example, hold parades for thousands of workers and their unions. Such festivities aren’t practiced as much in regions where unionization has historically been eroded, Vachon said, or didn’t take a strong hold in the first place. When Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894, unions in the U.S. were largely contested and courts would often rule strikes illegal, Vachon said, leading to violent disputes. It wasn’t until the National Labor Relations Act of 1935 that private sector employees were granted the right to join unions. Later into the 20th century, states also began passing legislation to allow unionization in the public sector — but even today, not all states allow collective bargaining for public workers. Rates of organized labor have been on the decline nationally for decades. More than 35% of private sector workers had a union in 1953 compared with about 6% today. Political leanings in different regions has also played a big roll, with blue states tending to have higher unionization rates. Hawaii and New York had the highest rates of union membership in 2022, respectively, followed by Washington, California and Rhode Island, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nationwide, the number of both public and private sector workers belonging to unions actually grew by 273,000 thousand last year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics found. But the total workforce increased at an even faster rate — meaning the total percentage of those belonging to unions has fallen slightly. WHAT LABOR ACTIONS ARE WE SEEING THIS YEAR? Despite this percentage dip, a reinvigorated labor movement is back in the national spotlight. In Hollywood, screenwriters have been on strike for nearly four months — surpassing a 100-day work stoppage that ground many productions to a halt in 2007-2008. Negotiations are set to resume Friday. Actors joined the picket lines in July — as both unions seek better compensation and protections on the use of artificial intelligence. Unionized workers at UPS threatened a mass walkout before approving a new contract last month that includes increased pay and safety protections for workers. A strike at UPS would have disrupted the supply chain nationwide. Last month, auto workers also overwhelmingly voted to give union leaders the authority to call strikes against Detroit car companies if a contract agreement isn’t reached by the Sept. 14 deadline. And flight attendants at American Airlines also voted to authorize a strike this week. “I think there’s going to be definitely more attention given to labor this Labor Day than there may have been in many recent years,” Vachon said. Organizing around labor rights has “come back into the national attention. … And (workers) are standing up and fighting for it.”

Dominion Microstrategies is helping truckers find their power through tailored financial solutions

BIG SPRING, Texas — Dominion Microstrategies LLC (DM) is working to help truckers financially prepare for the financial road ahead. DM provides security to trucker families’ finances, eliminates debt and provides safe retirement solutions, according to a news release. The company’s president and CEO, Joe Acosta, said understands the challenges truckers face maintaining financial stability. Recognizing the importance of safeguarding their family’s future, the company also offers comprehensive life insurance plans tailored to truckers’ specific needs and budgets, the news release stated. In addition, DM provides truckers with mortgage protection, fixed index annuities and final expense solutions. By offering these services, the company “aims to lessen the financial burden of unexpected events, such as accidents, illnesses or death, ensuring truckers can focus on their work travels without holding the burden of the lack of financial security.” DM also offers customized debt elimination strategies. By analyzing each unique situation of truckers, the company develops personalized plans to help said truckers become debt-free and achieve financial stability in the long run. “We understand the importance of financial security for truckers and their families,” Acosta said. “Our mission is to provide tailored financial solutions that fit our clients’ needs and budgets, regardless of age or health. We are committed to empowering truckers with the necessary tools and resources to protect what matters most and achieve financial freedom.” Additionally, DM specializes in retirement financial solutions, “ensuring truckers can retire peacefully,” the news release stated.

Debi Boffa named new CEO at TravelCenters of America

WESTLAKE, Ohio — TravelCenters of America Inc. (TA) has named Debi Boffa CEO. Boffa will begin her tenure effective Sept. 1, according to a news release. Boffa was appointed TA’s CEO-designate in May 2023 upon the acquisition of TA by bp. She succeeds Jonathan Pertchik, who served as TA CEO since 2019. TA officials said that Boffa “is a seasoned management executive, with over 25 years of experience with bp. She has worked across many sectors, including engineering, retail, sales, marketing and operations.” Most recently, Boffa served as president of both bp’s retail operating organization and Thorntons LLC, leading the integration of bp’s ampm business with Thorntons while concurrently overseeing the operations of more than 1,200 convenience stores nationwide, the news release noted. “Debi brings a wealth of experience in the retail convenience space with a proven ability to integrate businesses while driving growth,” said Greg Franks, senior vice president of mobility and convenience at bp’s Americas operations. “TA has a national footprint that provides fuel and services for both professional drivers and passenger car guests while on the road. This network will be critical as we adapt to meet customer’s evolving needs for electric vehicles, biofuels and hydrogen. Debi is a trusted leader, and I look forward to her leading TA into the future as part of bp.” bp closed on its acquisition of TravelCenters of America on May 15. Its more than 280 travel centers will keep the TA, Petro and TA Express brand names, according to the news release. “I am excited to lead TA through its next chapter as a new member of the bp family of brands,” Boffa said. “We have strong growth opportunities and I look forward to working with our team members to provide guests with the fuel, food, truck maintenance and other expert services they are accustomed to, while adapting to their changing needs and supporting them at every stage of their decarbonization journey.”

Maverik completes acquisition of Kum & Go, Solar Transport

SALT LAKE CITY and DES MOINES, Iowa — Maverik and its parent company, FJ Management, have finalized the purchase of Kum & Go and Solar Transport from Krause Group. The move boosts Maverik’s footprint to more than 800 stores in 20 states with approximately 14,000 team members, according to a news release. “We are excited to welcome Kum & Go and Solar Transport Team Members to Maverik,” said Chuck Maggelet, CEO and chief adventure guide of Maverik. “Together, we’ll offer our customers an adventurous and differentiated convenience store experience across fuel, foodservice and inside-store offerings. We look forward to using our combined resources to grow our business and further elevate our product offerings to provide the best service to our customers.” In appreciation of Maverik’s Des Moines based team and the local community, Maverik will donate $50,000 to The Des Moines Public Schools Foundation, the news release noted. The funds will provide fresh fruits, vegetables and toiletries at Des Moines Public Schools’ 53 food pantries in schools across the district. “Together over four generations — from my grandfather Tony and my dad Bill to me and my son Tanner — we built these businesses over 64 years through shared vision, collective entrepreneurship and teamwork,” said Kyle Krause, founder and CEO of Krause Group. “I’m also incredibly thankful for our Associates and their unique contributions that allowed Kum & Go and Solar Transport to reach this level of success. We’ve run the businesses and differentiated ourselves by putting people first and making days better in all we do. Over the last six years, Tanner’s leadership was at the core of these efforts, resulting in a tremendous impact on Kum & Go. I’m confident Kum & Go and Solar Transport are set up for future success with Maverik. As we start the next chapter at Krause Group, we will nurture our family of brands and create more opportunities to do good in the world.” Maggelet will lead the newly-combined organization, while Krause will transition out of the company.

ACT Research: July used retail tractor sales decrease

COLUMBUS, Ind. — According to the latest State of the Industry: U.S. Classes 3-8 Used Trucks, published by ACT Research, used Class 8 retail sales faltered for the first time in three months in July, declining 7.8% month-over-month. Average mileage decreased 2%, with average price down 5% and age 1% month-over-month. Longer term, average volumes jumped 19%, price and age dropped 30% and 3%, respectively, and miles was flat. “Sales usually dip a percentage point or two in July, so the decrease was in line with but greater than expectations,” said Steve Tam, vice president at ACT Research. “Including auctions and wholesales, the total market volume fell 28% month-over-month in July. Compared to July 2022, the retail market was 19% larger.” Since July, some clarity has surfaced regarding two potential market-moving situations. The UPS Teamsters ratified their contract, avoiding a disruptive strike. Closer to home, the bankruptcy of Yellow appears to be progressing in a disciplined, methodical and orderly fashion. The company owns more than 14,000 trucks (primarily Class 8 day cabs) and nearly 45,000 trailers.” “Were all that equipment dumped into inventory at one time, the result conjures up images of a piranha feeding frenzy,” Tam said. “While it is still very early in the process and there are no guarantees, this approach should help to minimize the negative impact on used equipment values.”

Love’s adds 95 truck parking spaces with 2 new locations in Louisiana, Nevada

OKLAHOMA CITY, Aug. 31, 2023 – Love’s Travel Stops is now serving customers in Opelousas, Louisiana, and Jackpot, Nevada, with new locations that opened on Thursday, Aug. 31. The location in Opelousas, located off Interstate 49 and Harry Guilbeau Road, adds 100 jobs and 64 truck parking spaces to St. Landry Parish. The location in Jackpot, located at Highway 93 and Progressive Drive, adds 45 jobs and 31 truck parking spaces to Elko County. “We’re excited to open our 12th Love’s location in Louisiana and seventh in Nevada,” said Shane Wharton, president of Love’s. “By continuing to grow in areas where our customers need fast, friendly service that gets them back on the road quickly, we’re expanding our Highway Hospitality to even more professional drivers, travelers and locals.” The Travel Stops are open 24/7 and offer bean-to-cup gourmet coffee, brand-name snacks and Love’s Mobile to Go Zone with today’s latest technologies. The locations also include: Opelousas More than 17,000 square feet. Hardee’s and Godfather’s Pizza (opening Sept. 4). 64 truck parking spaces. 59 car parking spaces. Seven RV parking spaces. Speedco (opening Sept. 6). Seven diesel bays. Seven showers. Laundry facilities. CAT scale. Jackpot More than 9,000 square feet. Subway (opening Sept. 4). 31 truck parking spaces. 22 car parking spaces. Four RV parking spaces. Five diesel bays. Four showers. Laundry facilities. CAT scale. In honor of the grand openings, Love’s will donate $2,000 each to the Park Vista Elementary School in Opelousas and Jackpot’s Helping Hands.

Private fleets have huge impact on trucking industry 

COLUMBUS, Ind. — One segment of trucking that many don’t know much about is the private fleet category. Private fleets are those whose parent company’s primary business isn’t trucking. Instead, the company’s focus might be on manufacturing or distribution of the products it produces — both to wholesale and retail markets.  About 50% of freight hauled by truck in the U.S. is hauled by private fleets. Tom Moore, executive vice president of the National Private Truck Council (NPTC), helped clarify the role of private fleets in a presentation at the ACT Research OUTLOOK 69 Market Vitals, held Aug. 22-24 in Columbus, Indiana, When freight rates rise, private fleets offer protection. Because owners are hauling their own product, there are no “rates” — except possibly in internal departmental transactions. Often, a major cause of rising freight rates is a shortage of capacity in the market, so a private fleet helps ensure the company will have enough trucks and trailers to haul its product.  Joining Moore on stage was Michael Schwersenska, general manager of Brakebush Transportation. Brakebush, a manufacturer of chicken products, uses its fleet of 90 trucks and 230 temperature-controlled trailers to distribute its products to foodservice customers, such as restaurants and other businesses.  Moore and Schwersenska weren’t the only speakers to address the topic of private fleets, however, because private fleets impact every facet of trucking, including freight rates and vehicle sales. Speakers on those topics and others also touched on the current growth of private fleets.   Schwersenska shared some of the benefits of private fleets, such as having control over the cost of logistics and the ability to monitor and control service levels. When manufacturers use the open market for transportation needs, they trust outside vendors with their products and their customers.  Private fleets usually have specific, regular pickup and delivery locations. These predictable routes can help companies retain drivers in a volatile market — another advantage. Driver turnover at private fleets is typically lower than the industry average.  Other benefits, such as increased safety performance and brand recognition, are also available. Corporations spend a great deal of money on advertising to establish their brands, and a private fleet provides another branding opportunity. Trailers are often rolling billboards for the company’s products.  The area in which private fleets have the greatest impact on the overall market, however, is when they obtain for-hire authority. Private fleets do not need motor carrier authority from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to haul their own product; however, they must obtain authority in order to backhaul loads to help defray the cost of operation when returning their equipment to areas where their own freight is available.   Moore says less than half of NPTC members obtain for-hire authority. Those that do compete with other carriers for freight on the spot market, creating more competition for loads and helping drive rates lower. Because trucking isn’t their primary business, companies operating private fleets can be more concerned with repositioning equipment than with profit margin, helping keep rates down.  Private fleets also compete with public fleets for available equipment, purchasing a substantial number of the new trucks produced each year.  Moore noted that the increase in the number of warehousing and distribution centers has resulted in a decline in the average length of haul for private carriers. That results in the ability to offer better home time to drivers, helping with retention.   Because many of the routes for private fleets are between company facilities, mileage and other conditions can be more predictable. Alternative-fuel vehicles, such as natural gas or electric, might be an increasingly good choice for these fleets. According to Moore, 4.7% of trucks in the private fleet are powered by diesel alternatives.   However, there are drawbacks to private fleets. Some companies aren’t staffed or equipped for the maintenance required by a fleet of trucks and don’t want to expend the cash necessary to provide these services. There is also the question of recruiting, hiring and supervising drivers. Regulations require different documentation and filing practices, controlled substance testing and other actions that may differ from the rest of the company’s employees.  Some companies prefer to contract dedicated routes with motor carriers, gaining some of the benefits of private fleets while leaving the additional maintenance and human resources duties to the carrier. Dedicated routes are a popular option for drivers.  The growth of private fleets is an indication that businesses are expecting rates to rise and capacity to tighten in the market. For drivers who are looking for new driving jobs, a private fleet might be the perfect fit.

Truck stop hours affected by Hurricane Idalia

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to reflect re-openings and new closures. VALDOSTA, Ga. — Several truck stops are closed or have altered hours/services due to Hurricane Idalia. “We are closely tracking Hurricane Idalia and any resulting impacts on our store operations,” Pilot Flying J officials stated in a news release. “Safety is our number one priority. Some stores may experience periodic outages due to local conditions, and we will work to restore service as quickly as possible. Please check below for current store status and fuel availability.” Pilot closures Pilot No. 575 — St. Mary’s, Georgia (Closed) Pilot No. 4561 – Valdosta, Georgia (Closed) Flying J No. 631 — Lake Park, Georgia (Re-opened) Pilot No. 4561 — Valdosta, Georgia (Re-opened) Pilot No. 500 — Jasper, Florida (Re-opened) Pilot Dealer No. 1058 — Waldo, Florida (Re-opened) Love’s issued a similar statement about their stores located in the affected areas. “Love’s teams are monitoring the latest developments from Hurricane Idalia,” a news release stated. “Our stores are prepared to safely serve customers as long as possible. We will provide regular updates on loves.com/weather and the Love’s Connect app.” Love’s closures Love’s No. 470 — Jasper, Florida (Truck care and restaurant closed) Love’s No. 379 — Lee, Florida (Closed) Love’s No. 724 — Lake City, Florida (Restaurant closed) Love’s No. 325 — Tifton, Georgia (Closed) Love’s No. 405 — Brunswick, Georgia (Restaurants closed) Love’s No. 933 — Lake Park, Georgia (Closed)

Better days ahead for carriers that survive freight cycle’s bottom

COLUMBUS, Ind. — When representatives of the trucking industry attend a conference entitled “Market Values,” you can be sure the topic of freight is on everyone’s mind. That was certainly true at the ACT Research OUTLOOK 69 conference held Aug. 22-24 in Columbus, Indiana. Tim Denoyer, ACT vice president and senior analyst, teamed up with Amit Prasad, chief data science officer at Nolan Transportation Group, to present their combined vision of freight availability and rates in the coming year.   Denoyer addressed the current freight situation, with spot rates still bouncing along at the lowest levels in years and contract rates continuing their downward slide. Prasad referred to a recent study on operating costs published by the American Transportation Research Institute that placed the current marginal per-mile operating cost at $2.25. That’s higher than many spot loads are currently paying.  With rates so low and operating costs rising, it’s no wonder revocations of carrier operating authority are outpacing new carrier starts by thousands each month. Some of the increase was attributable to fuel prices, but other categories of costs have also risen by double digits. The result is the loss of more than 2,000 carriers per month for the past few months — with more coming.  The cost of equipment has skyrocketed as new government requirements are debated and scheduled to take effect. The inability of OEMs to fill truck orders, and the resulting backlog, has pushed the prices of used trucks to astronomical levels. When owners can find affordable equipment, they’re facing difficulty finding financing due to tightening loan requirements, including higher down payments. If they do get a loan, the interest rate will be higher than it has been in years.   That’s the bad news.  The good news is that the expected economic recession has not materialized. Several presenters referred to the current state of the economy as a “soft landing.” Although it doesn’t help suffering truck drivers, the freight market is poised to turn, beginning an upward cycle and a return to profitability for many carriers.  According to Denoyer, the market is “getting close to finding supply and demand balance.” For more than a year, excess capacity in the market has pushed freight rates downward. Carriers that are trying to take advantage of high rates buy trucks so they can accept more loads. With more available trucks, however, competition for loads increases and rates decline.   Denoyer predicts spot rates will begin rising in the fourth quarter of 2023 and continue rising through 2024. Contract rates, typically slower to respond to market conditions, will continue falling temporarily, he said, but should follow spot rates within months.  One reason for optimism is the end of the “destocking” that has been an issue for months. Retailers don’t want to keep huge inventories of products that aren’t selling well, so they stop ordering new stock to bring inventories down. With gains in personal income and other positive economic factors, those retailers will need to increase inventories and order restocks more often. Retail sales are already on the increase and are expected to continue their upward trajectory.   One potential contributor to the freight market could be the demise of Yellow Corp., as carriers vie to pick up pieces of the bankrupt carrier’s more than $5 billion in annual freight revenue. Although Yellow operated in the less-than-truckload (LTL) segment of the market, its customers may turn to the truckload market for help moving product. Other LTL carriers, such as Dominion, Estes and Saia, will undoubtedly benefit from some of the shipments but may not have the equipment or drivers needed to move the increased freight. Because Yellow’s 22,000 drivers were unionized, many may not be willing to follow the freight to non-union jobs.  In the meantime, the secret to moving rates upward is removing trucks from the supply/demand equation and/or increasing the amount of freight. With carriers closing and turning in trucks and positive signs in the economic news, both could be happening.   Denoyer summarized with a prediction that 2025 will be a great year for carrier profitability. Getting past the current downcycle, which could last a few more months, will be the hardest part. 

Flatbed spot rates show decreases in latest Truckstop report; dry van sees gains

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — The total broker-posted rates in the Truckstop system increased for the second time in 13 weeks during the week ending Aug. 25 despite the monetary gain being less than half a cent. While refrigerated and dry van spot rates increased weekly, flatbed equipment rates were down for the 11th time in the past 13 weeks.  Spot volume saw its most substantial growth since February in a week not distorted by a post-holiday rebound or the International Roadcheck inspection event. The total load activity rose 10.3% after being consistently flat the week before. Volume was nearly 19% below the same week last year and more than 23% below the five-year average. The year-over-year comparison was the least negative since July 2022. Loads were up in all regions, truck postings decreased by 3%, and the Market Demand Index — the ratio of loads to trucks — rose to its highest level in four weeks. Dry van spot rates increased by more than 1 cent after easing about 1 cent the previous week. Dry van rates were just over 10% below the same week last year — the least unfavorable year-over-year comparison since July 2022 — and more than 9% below the five-year average. Dry van loads increased by more than 9% — the most substantial gain since June — after ticking up 0.2% during the prior week. Load volume was nearly 10% below the same week in 2022 — the least unfavorable year-over-year comparison since July last year — and nearly 19% below the five-year average.  Refrigerated spot rates increased nearly 5 cents after rising more than 7 cents during the prior week. Rates were about 4% below the same 2022 week — the least unfavorable year-over-year comparison since April 2022 — and about 3% below the five-year average. Refrigerated loads increased by 7.3% after increasing the same percentage the previous week. Loads were down on the West Coast but up in all other regions. Volume was 11% below the same week last year and about 16% below the five-year average.   Flatbed spot rates decreased by 3 cents, slightly less than the decrease during the two most recent weeks. Rates suffered a 16% decrease in the same 2022 week — the least unfavorable year-over-year comparison since February — and about 4% below the five-year average. Flatbed loads jumped 15.1% after declining more than 2% the prior week. Loads were up in all regions. Volume was nearly 29% below the same week last year — the least unfavorable year-over-year comparison since July 2022 — and about 35% below the five-year average for the week.

Walmart Associate-to-Driver grad Ashley Milacek embraces new role on the road

“Most graduations have something in common: They inspire hope for new opportunity,” said Chris Nicholas, executive vice president and COO of Walmart USA. New career opportunities are exactly what Walmart’s Associate-to-Driver training program provide. Until recently, the retail giant’s private driving school was open only to members of the company’s supply chain and transportation departments. Inspired by the overall success of Walmart’s driver training program, along with a need for more drivers, company officials have opened the training to any associate employed by Walmart or Sam’s Club who lives within 250 miles of one of seven Walmart Transportation Offices across the U.S. As of this writing, nearly 200 employees have successfully completed the Associate-to-Driver program, according to Nicholas. Many of these new drivers have moved from hourly roles into driving positions that offer far greater wages. “Now as proud holders of a Class A CDLs, they’re on their way to making as much as $110,000 in their first year as Walmart drivers,” he said. Ashley Milacek is among the newest of Wal Mart’s 13,500 truck drivers. A working alumnus of two Walmart stores in the Gainesville, Texas, area, Milacek has already experienced the endgame of Walmart’s private trucking fleet — consumers buying products truck drivers deliver to the retail outlets. Since joining the Walmart team in 2014, Milacek has worked in five different roles, from overnight stocking to the front, and eventually as general manager of a Walmart store. Now, however, she is experiencing an entirely new side of Walmart’s supply chain as a regional truck driver. “I heard about the Associate-To-Driver program,” she said. “I wanted to try something completely different and decided to give it a try.” Milacek is among 72 recent graduates of the Associate-to-Driver program. “I came into this job having never stepped behind the wheel of a truck before. I didn’t know what to expect, but I came in hungry and ready to learn,” she said. “Walmart’s team of facilitators and certified driver trainers fed me all the information I needed, and even tailored the training to my individual learning style. It helped me to be the best driver I could be during my three months of training.” Milacek also rose to the challenges of being a woman in a career field traditionally dominated by men. “I didn’t realize what kind of impact being a female driver would have until I started driving for Walmart,” she said. “Making this career jump has made me want to represent other females who aspire to do this job.” Milacek admits she entered the program with some worries about her safety on the road, and says she believes other women also have this concern. However, she says, Walmart’s training program, along with the company’s equipment and fleet policies, set her mind at rest. “Walmart really engages us and has many safety measures in place, like top-of-the-line equipment and access to any well-lit Walmart parking lot when breaks are needed,” she said. “They also prioritize our safety and urge us to avoid driving in unsafe road conditions during storms. Systems like NTransit give drivers better directions to execute their trips successfully and safely. Measures like this make all drivers — not just women — feel more comfortable on the road.” While working as a truck driver offers its challenges, Milacek says the transition from store to the highway has been smooth, at least for her. “The schedule has been easier than I thought it would be to adjust to,” she said. “I thought early mornings on the road would be tough, but it can be amazing. I get to see the sun rise, and I really enjoy being out on the open road.” Walmart’s fleet combined fleet drives more than 900 million miles each year. That’s a lot of sunrises to be seen. As for her future as a driver and in her career with Walmart, Milacek said she looks forward to continuing to service customers for years to come. “This career has already been incredibly rewarding,” she said. “It’s really a phenomenal feeling.” And the rewards keep building. “The first time I ever sat in the driver’s seat, wearing my Walmart driver uniform, I was able to feel how big the responsibility of this job truly was,” she said. “Having the honor to deliver items at an incredible value to communities across the country is what I will continue to look forward to for years to come.” Milacek has a simple word of advice for anyone, particularly women, considering a career as a truck driver. “Do it. You won’t regret it,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to take the jump if it’s something you’ve been thinking about. It is making a huge difference for me and my family.”

FleetPride acquires Knowles On Site Repair

IRVING, Texas — FleetPride, the nation’s largest distributor of truck and trailer parts and service provider in the independent heavy duty aftermarket, has acquired the assets of Knowles On Site Repair. “As we welcome the Knowles team, we’re not only strengthening our commitment for continued growth, but also providing meaningful solutions for customers,” said Mike Harris, FleetPride president of parts and service. Under the acquisition, FleetPride expands its operations in the Florida Panhandle and Mobile, Alabama, “bolstering its presence in key markets and enhancing its ability to serve customers with greater efficiency and convenience,” a news release stated. “The addition of Knowles On Site Repair’s expertise and resources will further fuel FleetPride’s growth trajectory.” Ken Knowles, founder and owner of Knowles On Site Repair, shared his enthusiasm, stating, “We are excited to embark on this new journey with FleetPride. Our shared values of quality, reliability, and customer-focused solutions align perfectly. This collaboration will empower us to deliver an even higher level of service to our valued clients.” With this acquisition, FleetPride and Knowles On Site Repair will expand their remote onsite capabilities, offering 24-hour mobile repair services, according to the news release. “The combined talent of over 30 skilled technicians will enable swift and effective solutions, reinforcing FleetPride’s reputation as an industry leader in heavy duty parts and service,” the news release stated. “To ensure quality and career development, each of the Knowles technicians will be offered advanced online courses and in-person training classes through FleetPride Tech University.” Harris praised his team and the opportunity to welcome Knowles workers into the fold. “… we have significantly expanded our footprint in recent years, now more than 300 locations,” Harris said. “However, we never lose sight of our purpose that FleetPride keeps the country running. Our team members make it happen by going the extra mile every day, for our customers and each other.”