Equipment & Tech

DALLAS, Texas —  MODE Global is partnering with Highway to strengthen MODE’s network integrity, enhance operational efficiency and elevate security across its carrier network. “In response to the increasing rates of fraud within the industry, MODE Global is delighted to announce our partnership with Highway to elevate our risk mitigation platform,” said Lance Malesh, president, CEO, MODE Global. “This collaboration completes the carrier sourcing and vetting component of our technology ecosystem, which is built with the finest providers across the logistics landscape.” Streamlined Onboarding and Risk Mitigation According to a company press release, MODE’s decision to partner with Highway stems from the increasing prevalence of fraud within the logistics industry and the need for innovative tools to combat this challenge. “Highway’s advanced fraud prevention capabilities and robust carrier sourcing tools perfectly align with MODE Global’s goals of ensuring network integrity and strategically expanding its carrier base,” the company said.” Through this partnership, MODE Global will streamline and automate its carrier onboarding process, leveraging Highway’s centralized platform for actionable data, enhanced communication and efficient collaboration. Highway will also help MODE mitigate risk effectively while improving access to underutilized capacity, ensuring a more robust and reliable carrier network. Tackling Industry Fraud MODE Global customers will benefit from heightened security for their shipments through enhanced visibility during the carrier onboarding process, according to the release. Highway’s ‘Load Lock’ functionality provides an added layer of protection, identifying fraudulent actors in real time during load booking. “Fraud prevention and network integrity are critical challenges in today’s logistics landscape, and we’re honored to partner with an industry leader like MODE Global to address them,” said Bo Carlton, senior vice president of customer success at Highway. “By collaborating with MODE’s innovative technology ecosystem, we’re creating a safer, more efficient environment for their carriers, agents, and customers on every load.” Actionable Insights “For agents and operators, Highway’s carrier sourcing tools provide actionable insights into strategic carrier partners outside MODE’s current network,” the release said. “This ensures accurate carrier selection, minimizes risks, and enhances operational efficiency, ultimately protecting customer freight and optimizing costs. “Highway has already demonstrated its impact by identifying fraudulent carriers that were undetected by MODE’s existing fraud prevention measures. These insights have enabled MODE to take proactive steps to block unauthorized carriers, maintaining the integrity of its network and reducing potential risks.”

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. —  Fleetio is partnering with FuelMaster by Syntech Systems to help fleets track, manage and report on-site fuel usage. “Managing fuel at scale requires precise tracking and monitoring to prevent waste and control costs,” said David Landoch, sales director at Syntech Systems. “By integrating our data with Fleetio, we’re giving these fleets the automated tools they need to make smarter budget decisions and prepare their organizations for success.” High-Cost Resource Fuel is a critical, high-cost resource that directly impacts budgets and service reliability, specifically in industries such as government agencies, schools and large construction operations, which account for 30% of Fleetio’s global customer base. These fleets power essential infrastructure, public services and community operations, making accurate fuel management vital for maintaining uptime and controlling costs. According to a company press release, FuelMaster’s cloud-based system, FMLive, seamlessly syncs fuel transaction data from the pump directly into Fleetio, eliminating manual entry, reducing reporting errors and providing real-time insights into fuel consumption. This integration equips fleet leaders with the tools to monitor usage, prevent fuel loss and make informed decisions that optimize budgets while keeping essential services running efficiently. Why On-Site Fueling Matters On-site fueling offers greater control over fuel costs and usage, especially for fleets with high fuel consumption. By negotiating bulk purchase discounts and maintaining a consistent baseline price, fleets can prevent losses due to price fluctuations and shortages. Automated Data Entry Manual data entry can lead to errors, gaps in budgeting and forecasting and increased vulnerability to fuel fraud, according to the release. Automated data entry and reporting help fleets gain accurate fuel consumption and spend status, reducing the risk of fraudulent activity. “Fleetio’s integration with FuelMaster eliminates the need for manual fuel tracking and reporting tasks by automatically syncing fuel transaction data – including cost, volume, fueling station and odometer reading – directly from FMLive to Fleetio,” the release said. Additional benefits include: Detailed Reporting: Access transaction information for each asset and fueling location for faster reporting of site, tank and cost trends. Fuel Fraud Detection: Identify potential fuel theft with tank capacity alerts in Fleetio, paired with driver and pump access controls in FMLive. Cost Analysis: View fuel costs alongside maintenance data in Fleetio to see impact on total operating cost – including fuel expenses, repair costs, vehicle depreciation and operational inefficiencies – to support budgetary planning. Simplified Forecasting: Procurement teams can more accurately forecast fuel needs with vendors for monthly or quarterly purchasing. “Fuel accounts for 50% of a fleet’s operating budget, and accurate, automated data is essential to effective cost management,” said Wes Wamer, integrations product manager at Fleetio. “Integrating FuelMaster’s capabilities into Fleetio provides a seamless way to monitor fuel consumption and overall operational data. This access in one centralized location optimizes fuel consumption, reduces waste and increases vehicle uptime.”

SHREWSBURY, Mass. — Advantage Truck Group is promoting Dan Miranda to engine shop foreman for its Shrewsbury, Mass. location. “Dan has been a key member of our technician team,” said Christopher Pentedemos, senior vice president of network operations. “Now as foreman, his strong customer-focus and leadership skills combined with his technical expertise will continue to differentiate our engine shop for customers across the region. New Role “The engine shop is where I’ve always wanted to be,” Miranda said. “The expectations are high for everything we do, and the aftermath for our customers is they can expect to get their truck back working perfectly.” Miranda is assuming overall responsibility for engine shop operations and providing support to its team of diesel technicians.  “As engine shop foreman, Miranda is dedicated to maintaining quality control for every truck,” ATG said in a press release.  “From the minute it’s pulled into the engine shop and assessed correctly to determining warranties and making repairs, he ensures his team of technicians has the support, resources and tools they need.” Dedicated to His Craft Miranda joined ATG as a warehouse associate 12 years ago. “Although I went to school for electrical, my passion has always been working with a wrench and fixing things, especially engines,” Miranda said. “I shared with ATG that becoming a professional technician was my goal and I was committed to learning and doing what it took to make that happen.” Miranda progressed from working in the warehouse to the alignment shop, where he did brakes, drivetrain and electrical work. He took a road-side service position where earned his commercial driver’s license and vehicle inspector’s license while simultaneously taking training and certification classes at ATG where he earned all of the M2, Western Star and Freightliner Professional-level certifications. “I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had at ATG,” Miranda said. “The people here are like family to me, and I’ve learned so much from the veteran technicians who helped get me to where I am today.”

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Banyan Technology is announcing its integrated partnership with Overhaul. “Overhaul’s decision to partner with us is a testament to the strength of Banyan’s LIVE Connect platform and our shared vision for transforming freight management,” said Brian Smith, CEO, Banyan Technology. “By combining our advanced transportation management software and data connectivity capabilities with Overhaul’s state-of-the-art risk management tools, we’re delivering a single solution to help clients optimize their operations and safeguard their shipments.” This partnership follows Banyan’s other recent partnerships to advance technology in the logistics industry. LIVE Connect Software “The integration of Banyan’s LIVE Connect software with Overhaul’s risk management capabilities brings unparalleled benefits to LIVE Connect users,” Banyan said in a press release. “By extending their capabilities into real-time freight management with the Banyan integration, Overhaul provides the necessary bridge to enhance the overall user experience. This enhancement to end-to-end shipment transparency, real-time alerts for proactive risk mitigation and advanced theft prevention tools within a single platform means swifter risk response and more robust operational control for Shippers and 3PLs.” Manifest 2025 The collaboration will debut at Manifest 2025. Banyan and Overhaul will co-host an exclusive event to showcase the partnership. The partnership empowers shippers and 3PLs with unparalleled visibility, risk management and operational control. Banyan said that Manifest 2025 is the perfect stage to unveil the partnership. Smith noted that Banyan is excited to demonstrate how the combined technologies will set a new benchmark for excellence in freight management. “This partnership supports our goal of enhancing safety, visibility, security, and resilience in the logistics industry by scaling the impact through operational TMS systems,” said Marc Schrader, senior director of partnerships, Overhaul. “Banyan’s commitment to innovation, combined with their proven track record and robust platform, made them the natural choice for our first TMS integration leveraging our new logistics APIs. Together, we are delivering solutions that redefine what’s possible in the freight and logistics space.”    

SAN FRANSISCO, Calif. — BeyondTrucks is announcing a new embedded smart scheduling features that will empower dispatchers with intelligent tools that bring more efficiency and allow them more time to make complex decisions. “One critical area of trucking operations where traditional TMS platforms have underperformed is scheduling,” said Hans Galland, CEO. “Our virtual scheduling boards have always matched a load planner’s and dispatcher’s natural workflow. Today we’re taking this evolution a step further with three brand new features. With these developments we’re using smart data and AI to create highly intuitive tools that take efficient utilization of drivers and equipment to the next level.” New features of the BeyondTrucks TMS for load planners and dispatchers include: Predictive ETA Learning from every mile driven, this feature considers factors like traffic patterns, road speed and dwell times to generate accurate delivery estimates and automatically alert dispatchers when delays threaten delivery windows. Powered by GPS data for tracking live driver locations, the BeyondTrucks TMS now provides a real-time Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) for loads that enhances dispatch efficiency and customer communication. Smart Duration Display  Using historical data and real-time conditions, the BeyondTrucks TMS now shows precise load durations for custom-defined lanes or based on a fleet’s settings. Bringing a higher level of intelligence, Load Duration Display for Dispatching drives load planning and coordination efficiency that leads to better asset utilization and improved driver satisfaction with more realistic schedules. Dynamic Rate Management  By tracking billable time from first arrival to final departure and allowing fleets to specify exactly when rates apply during a load’s journey, the BeyondTrucks TMS ensures more precise rate calculations and improves billing accuracy. With the new Rate Item Enhancement: Time Reference Configuration feature, fleets can now eliminate revenue leakage and provide transparency that builds customer trust. While traditional TMS solutions digitize basic operations, they fall short in scheduling capabilities, one of the main and most essential aspects of fleet operations. For that reason, many fleet dispatch and load planning operations still use white boards or the calendar function of their email tool. At the same time, dispatchers are continually juggling phone calls and load planners are struggling to optimize routes. “This inefficient and unproductive reality inspired us to transform the fleet scheduling function in our TMS,” Galland said, “These new features are more than just software updates. They’re intelligent tools that empower dispatchers and load planners with efficient and time saving ways to make smarter and more complex decisions for their day-to-day operations. With these capabilities we’re turning fleet management into a science while keeping the human element that makes great dispatchers invaluable.”

LIVONIA, Mich. — Accuride’s North America affiliates are reporting that the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware confirmed the company’s Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization. “The confirmation of our reorganization plan marks the near conclusion of our restructuring process, positioning Accuride to emerge from Chapter 11 as a stronger company, well-positioned for long-term success,” said Robin Kendrick, president, CEO. “With the support of our lenders, we are excited about our strengthened capital structure, which provides the financial foundation upon which to sustainably continue our growth and success as a North American wheel company in 2025 and beyond. We look forward to continuing to serve our team members, customers, suppliers, and all stakeholders in the bright future we have ahead.” Moving Forward Accuride expects to emerge from Chapter 11 in the coming weeks. The plan refocuses the business on the company’s core North American wheels segment. It strengthens its balance sheet via the equitization of over $400 million of funded debt and restructuring of ~$170 million of additional obligations. In conjunction with the recapitalization, Accuride will receive a significant new investment from its existing investors in the form of a $70 million asset-based lending facility and $85+ million exit facility, both of which are designed to bolster liquidity and support long-term growth. The confirmed plan was supported by a substantial majority of Accuride’s financial and operational stakeholders, including Crestview, its financial sponsor; 100% of its prepetition term loan / DIP lenders who voted on the Plan; 100% of its ABL lenders; and the unsecured creditors’ committee that includes the United Auto Workers union, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, and key suppliers. Restructuring Plans For additional information about Accuride’s restructuring, including access to court filings and other documents related to the Court-supervised process, please visit cases.omniagentsolutions.com/accuride, call (866) 956-2136 (U.S. & Canada) and (747) 263-0154 (International). Kirkland & Ellis is serving as legal counsel, Perella Weinberg is serving as investment banker and Alvarez & Marsal is serving as restructuring advisor to Accuride. The members of the ad-hoc group of lenders are represented by Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP as legal counsel and Lazard as investment banker.

NEENAH, Wis. — J. J. Keller & Associates Inc. is announcing the release of virtual reality training, now available in its J. J. Keller Training online solution. “Giving customers a choice in format is important to us,” said Rustin Keller, president, CEO. “Innovating in a way that captures the learner’s imagination and improves engagement is something we seek constantly. I’m really excited about this new option for trainers. One demonstration and it’s clear this changes the way people learn. It’s fantastic.” New Training Format Accessible with a compatible virtual reality (VR) headset, this new training format allows learners to navigate realistic simulations of safety and compliance situations they may encounter in their jobs, according to a company press release. A study conducted last year by the J. J. Keller Center for Market Insights found that 67% of managers surveyed would consider using VR training, representing significant interest and opportunity for this format. “J. J. Keller’s VR training offers various benefits that set it apart from other VR training,” the release said. “Most notably, it fits seamlessly into J. J. Keller’s existing training ecosystem. Customers can enroll learners in VR courses and track their performance in the J. J. Keller Training solution alongside online E-Learning, streaming video, and classroom program formats.” Integration Across Learning Systems “Many companies that offer VR training don’t integrate it into their learning management system, making it impossible for customers who use multiple training formats to keep all their recordkeeping centralized on one platform,” the release said. Customers can also use J. J. Keller’s standard training enrollments on VR training. This is the same type of enrollment used on J. J. Keller’s other training formats. There is no need to purchase any kind of special enrollment at an increased price to enroll learners in VR courses. Other key advantages to VR training include: Improved Engagement & Retention: VR programs offer a more engaging, immersive training experience that increases the likelihood of employees applying their knowledge and skills in the “real world.” “Freedom to Fail”: By navigating dangerous situations in a virtual environment, learners can make mistakes safely while still feeling as though the consequences are real. Convenience: On-the-go or remote employees may rarely be onsite. VR training ensures employees receive the instruction they need, regardless of their location. Cost-Effectiveness: No need to fly professional trainers in for training sessions. Virtual programs provide exceptional training while keeping costs down. At launch, J. J. Keller offers 16 VR training programs: Workplace Safety & Health Arc Flash (Flashover) Confined Space Entry Electrical Safety Fire Safety (The Office) Hazard Recognition – Warehouse Hot Work Ladder Safety Lockout/Tagout Trenching and Excavation Safety Transportation Brake System: Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection Engine and Front Axle: Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection In-Vehicle: Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection Lights: Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection Walk-Around: Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection Road Safety Traffic Accident With Dangerous Goods Human Resources Active Shooter Response Training for Civilians (Office) Future Courses J. J. Keller will introduce new VR courses to its library regularly for these and other markets. “By adding virtual reality training to our offerings, we’re providing our customers with an easy way to practice scenarios in a realistic, hands-on environment,” said Lacie Callan, executive vice president of technology solutions. “Whether in a confined space, working with machinery, or inspecting vehicles, virtual reality allows for self-paced learning in all types of situations that prepare employees to safety do their jobs.” Learners must use the J. J. Keller Virtual Reality Training Headset (PICO Neo3) to access these VR courses. The headset is available for purchase from J. J. Keller and provides everything needed to get started. To learn more about J. J. Keller’s virtual reality training and take a free trial, please click here or call 800-327-6868.

DENTON, Texas —  Peterbilt is recognizing its top performing dealers for 2024. “We congratulate these award-winning dealers for achieving excellence across all areas of their business, for their commitment to delivering superior customer service and support to our customers and for being the best representation of Peterbilt Class,” said Danny Landholm, director of dealer network development. The awards were presented at its recent Dealer Meeting in Tucson, Ariz.  It previously recognized The Peterbilt Store as North American Dealer of the Year. The winning Dealer groups achieved top performance in specific categories, highlighting exceptional results and leadership in the dealer network. Sales Excellence Dealer of the Year: Dobbs Peterbilt Medium Duty Dealer of the Year: Rush Peterbilt Truck Centers Service Dealer of the Year: Stahl Peterbilt PACCAR MX Engine Dealer of the Year: Performance Peterbilt Parts Dealer of the Year: Ohio Peterbilt eCommerce Dealer of the Year: Dimmick Group Peterbilt TRP Dealer of the Year: TLG Peterbilt Red Oval & Used Truck Dealer of the Year: TLG Peterbilt Best in Class Peterbilt also presented the Best-in-Class Dealer Group of the Year awards, which are based on a combination of Peterbilt’s Standard of Excellence scores, financial performance, parts and service performance and utilization of PACCAR trainings and programs. Allstate Peterbilt Group Jackson Group Peterbilt Peterbilt of Atlanta Stahl Peterbilt LaBeau Bros. Peterbilt Hunter Peterbilt The Peterbilt Store TLG Peterbilt For more information about the Peterbilt dealer network visit: https://www.peterbilt.com/why-peterbilt/dealer-network.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. —  Netradyne is partnering with All My Sons Moving & Storage to enhance safety and customer experience. According to a joint press release, All My Sons has selected Netradyne’s Driver•i D-450, including the Driver•i Hub X, to enhance employee protection, improve road safety and elevate customer service. “Moving is deeply personal, and at All My Sons, we want to have our customers’ confidence when facilitating a major life transition,” said Walter Black, vice president of risk management at All My Sons. “This means having complete visibility into their precious cargo and ensuring the safety of the drivers transporting it. After evaluating multiple safety technology providers, we determined that Netradyne’s advanced AI technology and superior camera offerings surpass its competitors when it comes to our driver’s safety. Coupled with the company’s exceptional customer service, we’ve seen a positive impact on our fleet’s overall performance.” Enhanced Safety Measures According to the release, Driver•i Hub-X enhances the Driver•i platform, providing fleets with expanded visibility inside and outside the vehicle. With support for up to four additional auxiliary cameras, including an in-cab monitor for drivers, Driver•i Hub-X significantly improves situational awareness for both driving and non-driving activities—helping to reduce risk and enhance safety around the vehicle. “The 360-degree external views enhance incident response, quality control, and risk mitigation, leading to estimated annual savings of up to $3 million for All My Sons through accident prevention, liability exoneration, theft reduction and freight security,” the release said. “Additionally, cargo and rear cameras improve ramp, liftgate, and freight monitoring for both drivers and management. Notably, fender cameras enable rapid and precise liability assessments, further strengthening fleet protection.” Reducing Risk With Driver•i’s AI-driven insights, alerts, and notifications, All My Sons’ drivers have improved their GreenZone score year-over-year, which is directly correlated to reducing risky driving along with reduced incident claims, according to the release. The Driver•i D-450 and Driver•i Hub X represent Netradyne’s most advanced video telematics offering: Comprehensive 360-degree coverage for enhanced visibility Forward collision warning to prevent accidents Advanced drowsiness detection for driver well-being Positive Reinforcement All My Sons’ drivers have embraced safer driving habits through Netradyne’s focus on positive reinforcement approach, which fosters a culture of continuous improvement, according to the release. With 100% of the driving time analyzed, fleet managers can accurately identify high-performing drivers and reinforce the driving habits that result in safer driving. “Netradyne’s focus on people aligns seamlessly with All My Sons’ family-oriented values,” said Adam Kahn, president, Netradyne. “We’re honored to have played a role in All My Sons’ success by providing technology that drives safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction, solidifying their industry leadership.”