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SPONSORED BY NFI INDUSTRIES Just a couple of decades ago, women were a rarity in the trucking industry, especially when it came to sitting in the driver’s seat of a big rig. Today, spotting a woman maneuvering a semi-truck along the highways of North America, fueling a rig at a truck stop or securing a load at a shipper’s loading dock is a common occurrence. However, women are still a minority in trucking, accounting for about 9.5% of truck drivers in the U.S., according to the Women In Trucking Association’s (WIT) 2024-2025 Women in Trucking Index that was released in October 2024. Resources for women in the trucking industry Because of this, various organizations, as well as individual motor carriers, have sought to provide resources for women whose careers take them over the road. One such group is SheDrives NFI, a company-sponsored community that works to empower women in the trucking industry. The initiative began in 2018 as a recruitment marketing campaign; however, it quickly evolved into a simple yet profound concept: Trucking is a fulfilling career — regardless of gender. Marie J., regional transport manager for NFI, recalls how it all began in the South Jersey area. “The women drivers wanted a community where they could talk to one another, offer advice and just in general, have a community among themselves,” she said. “It started out with a video trying to encourage women to drive trucks.” After that initial video, Marie says, she and several of NFI’s female drivers attended an event presented by WIT. “On the way back, they were so excited about having a community of women drivers,” she said. “We started talking about what women wanted to see and share.” The SheDrives community has since spread across the nation and now offers numerous resources for women in the trucking industry. Safety concerns One of the most important aspects of NFI’s SheDrives community addresses safety concerns that are unique to women in the industry. “Women wanted to be able to tell each other, ‘Hey, that truck stop in that location is a very bad place to go. Don’t go there,’’ or ‘This customer will not allow you to use the bathroom, so be careful if you have to go there.’ Basically, talking about things from a woman’s point of view,” she explained. ““It’s a fantastic program.” In addition to a SheDrives video series on the company’s YouTube channel, SheDrives NFI offers a private Facebook group, workshops and meetings — all with the goal of discussing ideas to bring more women into the industry and being a support tool to guide one another. Many people, even those in the trucking industry, are unaware of some of the unique issues faced by women truckers, Marie noted. To help, some of the topics discussed by women in the group include self-defense techniques, how to handle family issues while on the road, and how to help those experiencing challenges such as breast cancer and domestic violence. “Beyond those topics, women also like to share the fun side of being in the community,” Marie said. “They will share pictures of their new haircut, or their nails they just got done. Largely, it’s just supporting each other.” Building a diverse, inclusive community Kirsy O., regional recruitment manager at NFI and one of the founders of the company’s SheDrives initiative, recalls the early days. After Marie J. returned from that WIT event, she reached out to Kirsy. Out of that kernel of an idea sprang an open dialogue between NFI’s female drivers and the company’s recruitment managers about just what it meant to be a woman trucker. “From that initial conversation we decided to form a cross-functional network to communicate, support each other and share ideas. From there, we dove headfirst into brainstorming sessions with female drivers across the Northeast, eager to understand their challenges, concerns, and aspirations,” Kirsy said. “What emerged wasn’t just an initiative — it was an opportunity to establish a community.” Through this community and conversations with its members, NFI’s leadership gained valuable insight into driver challenges. The next step? Develop avenues to address and mitigate those challenges. “In August of 2018 we posted the first SheDrives ad featuring one of our female drivers,” Kirsy said. “We received high engagement online highlighting a different female driver’s story monthly through 2018 and 2019.” By the end of 2018, she said, women drivers made up 4% of NFI’s driver pool. By 2024 that number had exploded to nearly 10%. Beyond Milestones As noted in an interview for a WEX blog post, the impact of SheDrives goes beyond statistical milestones. The initiative is a transformative force that fundamentally reshaped NFI’s workforce and fostered a diverse, inclusive culture. The company has seen a significant increase in the percentage of women working for NFI — not only as drivers but also as recruiters and managers, Kirsy noted. This dismantling of gender barriers is something she hopes will expand throughout the industry. She believes anyone, regardless of gender, can build a future in the trucking industry. “It’s more than just a job. It’s an opportunity to give back,” Kirsy said. “Without transportation and logistics, the world as we know it wouldn’t function. “Being part of an industry that plays an important role in keeping the country moving is immensely fulfilling,” she continued. “If you’re someone searching for meaning and purpose in your work, logistics might just be the perfect fit for you.” For more information about SheDrives NFI, click here. Follow NFI on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Photo courtesy of NFI Industries

SPONSORED BY NFI For almost 32 years, Wreaths Across America (WAA) has gathered millions of volunteers and veterans to pay tribute to fallen service members and their families by placing wreaths at the gravesites in the country’s national cemeteries.  For 2024, the theme for WAA was “Live with Purpose.” Drivers for NFI answered this call in two ways — first, by participating in the project itself and by sending two drivers on recovery load operations.  Since 2017, NFI has expanded its efforts with WAA. This year, NFI’s support spanned multiple business lines, including transportation, distribution and brokerage. Wreaths were being stored and consolidated at NFI cross-dock facilities to quickly reach their destinations. NFI drivers and equipment transported several dedicated loads across multiple states to reach cemeteries by National Wreath Across America Day on Dec. 14. In addition, countless volunteers laid wreaths at different cemeteries across the U.S., including Arlington National Cemetery and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.  Recovery Load Operation In December, two NFI drivers were called upon to pick up recovery loads for WAA — Javil D. of Connecticut, and Gerald M. of Pennsylvania. “The recovery of this load came in as a late-night, last-minute call from one of our directors who was seeking our support and enquiring if we could successfully execute the delivery of all wreaths,” said Micah M., NFI transportation supervisor in Manchester, Connecticut. “For us, this was more than just a delivery; it was a direct contribution to honoring the legacy of those who served,” he continued. “By taking on the load, our team played an essential part in making this heartfelt event possible, showcasing NFI’s commitment to a cause that resonates deeply with many Americans. This opportunity was truly a remarkable way for our company to give back and support something bigger than logistics, it’s about service to those who served.” Micah is Javil’s supervisor and chose him as part of the recovery load operations.  Answering the Call “It was an honor,” Javil said. “The thought that they considered me to represent and bring this load — it felt like they considered me to be part of a family. They asked me if I could take this load and explained to me its importance. So, I didn’t hesitate to agree .”  Micah noted that completing this significant task required the thoughtful selection of not just any driver, but one who has demonstrated a solid track record of dependability, dedication and trust. Additionally, it was crucial to consider whether this driver or any member of his family had served in the military, as this would be a symbolic way of honoring and remembering their sacrifice of serving our great country.   “Immediately, Javil came to mind,” Micah said. “Not only has Javil gone above and beyond his required job duties — in addition to always displaying flexibility to assist whenever unforeseen events occur — but both of his cousins served in the U.S military. This made Javil an excellent choice.”  Javil says the recovery load request had personal meaning for him.  “My cousin was hurt when he was in Iraq years ago,” Javil said. “He was telling me stories and everything he put himself through in order to get out of that situation.”  Coordinating the Effort Delivering for WAA is a mission with a significant emotional and logistical weight. Pulling it off smoothly requires meticulous planning, execution and effective communication.  “The significance of the Wreaths Across America mission is deeply rooted in honoring our veterans. It’s a symbolic way to honor and remember the sacrifices of service members who gave their lives to protect our nation,” Micah said. “Additionally, it contributes to the development of our communities and strengthens our sense of patriotism. The program fosters a sense of unity, bringing together volunteers, veterans’ families, and communities to recognize and appreciate the sacrifices made by military personnel. Wreaths Across America teaches the younger generations about the cost of freedom through its programs in schools, ceremonies and wreath-laying events. Its mission is to remember, honor, and teach.”  Honoring the Fallen Dean N., NFI transportation manager at Latrobe, Pennsylvania, chose Gerald to drive for the recovery operation.  “I’m really glad I particated,” Gerald said. “I met some really great people, and I see what it really means to them to be doing this. It was a great opportunity.” The NFI team is quick to praise his efforts. “Gerald is a great person and is always willing to go above and beyond for us,” Dean said. “Once we explained the project to him, he was ready to help.”  The project also had special meaning for Dean, as his father and father-in-law were both veterans of the Korean War.  Communication is Key Coordinating a recovery load operation is no small matter.  “Communication back and forth with Rob and Micah from Manchester, Connecticut,” Dean said. “I took the whole route and did a complete breakdown. I confirmed we could deliver (the wreaths) in any order and put together what I felt was the best routing.” Jim M., NFI transportation supervisor in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, also aided in the operation after Dean reached out to him and communicated the plan. Jim made all the connections and kept in full communication with Gerald until his deliveries were completed. “To be honest, everything just lined up,” Jim said. “My transportation manager called me and asked if I had any open drivers that could deliver seven or eight stops. It just so happens that Gerald’s load was canceled for that day, so it left him open.” The idea of the wreaths not being placed on veterans’ resting sites did not go over well with Jim. It also did not sit well with any of the NFI staff or drivers.  “At the end of the day, it was gratifying to know that we contributed to such a good cause,” Jim said. “My father served in the Navy during WWII and my daughter served in the National Guard. To be given the responsibility of delivering these wreaths was an honor.” 

SPONSORED BY NFI Women in the trucking industry have come a long way from the days when they didn’t even have separate showers from the men on the road — but there is still more to do. NFI is one of the companies leading the charge for change, in part through its SheDrives initiative. SheDrives NFI is a community that aims to empower women and make sure their voices are heard in the trucking industry. By listening to the women in its ranks, NFI created the initiative to give women a safe space to learn and grow with one another. SheDrives Ambassadors are helping to lead the way and be examples to other women drivers. “The reason I decided to become an ambassador is that I wanted to break the glass ceiling for other women drivers,” said driver Mary J. “I wanted to bring more women drivers into the industry and help them become the best drivers they could possibly be.” Mary says she wants to help NFI to build a strong community support system for women. She also wants to bring more women into the trucking industry. “I’ve got many years of experience and knowledge, and I’d like to pass it on,” she said. “My whole goal is to raise the bar for women in this industry. “Right now, there are not enough of us. Right now, we are not being treated the way we should be,” she continued. “I want to bring more women in, raise the bar, make it a better experience for all of us and make sure we all get treated with the respect and dignity that we should. “If you want to drive with us, please come drive with us. We would love to have you,” she added. In August 2018, NFI leadership created SheDrives NFI to highlight the importance of women in the trucking industry. It started as an initiative to feature the company’s female drivers and spread awareness that trucking can be a fulfilling career regardless of a person’s gender. “We recognize that women have historically been underrepresented in the Trucking industry, and we are committed to changing that narrative,” says NFI’s website. “Through our SheDrives NFI initiative, we are working to provide more opportunities for women to excel in every aspect of their careers. Our top priority is to amplify the voices of women within our trucking community and offer them a secure career in the industry.” Renee B. is a transportation manager who’s been with the company for a little over three years — but she has a solid two decades of experience in the trucking industry. While not currently driving, she has held a number of different positions throughout her career. “I was chosen to be one of the ambassadors for the She Drives program to help empower women and also get some information out there to help us lady drivers that are out there on the road accomplish their jobs may be a little easier or some tips or tricks of the road,” she said. Renee’s goal is to help all drivers, but she admits that SheDrives has a special place in her heart. “There’s a lot of women drivers out there that need that community,” Renee said. “They need to know what places that that they should go that are safe when they’re overnight such as where to stop to get fuel or to eat or to go to the bathroom.” Terry S., who’s been with NFI for eight years, was a driver for 17 years both over the road and locally. “I started in 1978 and began driving when I came out of college and it was brutal back then,” Terry said. “There were no filters, nothing, (and I ran into) anything and everything. I had dogs let loose on me and unimaginable things said to me.” Her experiences as one of the industry’s early woman drivers are what motivated Terri to become a SheDrives Ambassador and help women in the industry. While she experienced the roughness of driving in her early days, she wants the women of today to know that they are welcome in the industry and that support is available for all. “It’s been a wonderful adventure for me, and I want them to share that wonderful part of it with them so they can be excited about it as I am,” Terry said. Safety is paramount in trucking, and women often face obstacles that their male counterparts do not. Mary says being able to provide resources for other women is one of the reasons she loves being a part of SheDrives. “We need to create our own tight knit little community because there is safety in numbers and there’s strength in numbers,” Mary said. “The stronger we are, the better we are. We can always be better, and we will become better. It makes us better people, better drivers, better human beings across the board.”

SPONSORED BY NFI When Peter L. and Mike N. chose to make a career with NFI, they never imagined they would one day be recognized for their hard work and dedication by being inducted into the Haul of Fame and count themselves among those who “bleed blue” for NFI. NFI recently inducted 14 company drivers into its Haul of Fame, a recognition granted for drivers who have covered 2 million miles or had 20 years of accident-free driving with NFI. Peter and Mike are among those 14 drivers. “It’s an honor,” Peter said, adding that recognition programs didn’t exist when he started out in trucking. “You retired and you left, and nobody knew you were gone,” he said. “At NFI, they know I’ve been here this long, and they recognize what I’ve done. They’re watching and they understand the sacrifice — that this isn’t a job. This is a lifestyle. “Either you live it or it eats you up. There are family changes and sacrifices to be made,” he continued. “Having someone understand that and appreciate that is a great, great honor.” Peter says his family is also proud of his service to NFI. “They’ve seen the sacrifice. They’ve lived the sacrifice,” he said. “But I really feel it. I really feel like I’m a part of this family.” Mike also says the Haul of Fame recognition is a great honor. “It’s a dream come true,” Mike said. “When I first saw the Haul of Fame a few years ago, I knew right then I was going to do everything I could to one day see my name up there. “I understood it took for those guys before me to get their names on that wall. It was hard work, dedication and, most of all, being safe,” he continued. “You don’t just get your name up there for working for the company for 20 years or whatever. It’s about driving over a million miles without being in an avoidable accident.” To put it in perspective, Mike points out that it’s 477,710 miles to the moon and back. “I’ve ‘been to the moon and back’ over four times right now,” he said, adding that achieving this safely is almost inconceivable. “Ask your friends and family how many accidents they’ve been in while driving a car. For most people, it’s more than one,” he said. “To be inducted into the Haul of Fame and become part of that special group of drivers before me … I’m truly honored. Both Mike and Peter say that in addition to the honor of being recognized in the Haul of Fame, NFI has also given them a truly special place to work. “I wanted to work for a company that cared about their drivers,” Mike said. “I saw so many NFI trucks on the road. I started asking their drivers at truck stops how they liked working for NFI. “Every one of them would tell me how great the company was and how well they treated their drivers.” When Mike joined the team, he learned the truth for himself. “NFI treats their drivers with respect, something that many trucking companies fail at,” Mike said. “They are always purchasing new tractors and getting rid of the old ones, which every trucker appreciates. “Also, they do a really great job of providing me with a driving schedule that maximizes the time I can be home with my family,” he said. Peter also loves the atmosphere the Brown family has created at NFI. “The open-door policy here at NFI is that everyone can talk to everybody,” Peter said. “Nobody is above walking up and shaking someone’s hand at two o’clock in the morning. “You know, we have people out in the drop yard asking, ‘How you doing today?’ It’s still an industry which requires a lot of effort and sacrifice, but here, everyone’s there to ask what you do you need or, ‘How can I help?’” he continued. “If something is not working, NFI will work with you to get the best outcome for you and the company.” Both men cited the Haul of Fame presentation ceremony as one of the top highlights of their entire careers. Since 2019, the inaugural year of NFI’s Haul of Fame event, 61 drivers have been recognized for their accomplishments as safe drivers. This year, NFI honored 15 additional drivers for achieving 1 million miles. This group contributed over 14 million safe miles with the company; the drivers were honored at celebrations in Chicago, Illinois, Mauston, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. According to Bob Knowles, president of transportation at NFI, reaching NFI’s Haul of Fame takes great dedication and care. He says he’s extremely proud of the company’s drivers. “Many of these drivers have driven for the same account throughout their careers, playing a key role in the success of our long-standing customer relationships,” he said.

SPONSORED BY NFI The women of NFI are making their voices heard far and wide. Gone are the days of the almost exclusively male dominated transportation industry — and the women of NFI, like Jaime S. and Sara D., are using their skills and intelligence to keep the country moving. “I love seeing women putting footprint on the industry,” said Jaime, NFI operations manager. “At NFI there’s mutual respect from everybody. There is a huge level of respect between the drivers, the office staff, just everybody — and I love that.” Jaime and Sara, a transportation supervisor, are part of a unique night shift team that’s entirely run by women. “I didn’t realize it would be a whole female team working this night shift, which is just fabulous,” Sara said about joining the team. “We all definitely have a ‘hive-mind’ type of a thing, and we all have the same personality type. We’re all fun and go-getters, and we are full of energy!” Jaime also loves working with a strong team of women. “We have two different night shifts,” Jaime explained. “We have the front half of the week and the back half of the week; I run the back half.” Jaime says she had a great mentor. “I was very fortunate to begin my management journey under the leadership of Jacqueline (she’s the daytime operations manager now), and I just followed her lead,” she said. “She’s very tenacious, and she’ll put her foot down,” Jaime continued. “We can laugh and joke with the drivers all day long — but at the end of the day, it’s still a job, and it still has to be professional. She helped me see that there is a fine line, but we can all balance and respect it.” Because of this mentorship, Jaime is now able to show others the ropes. She actually helped bring Sara onto the night shift team. “Sara learned very quickly all of the aspects of the jobs, the ins and outs. She proved herself. And that’s one of my biggest things” Jaime said. “If you can earn the respect of the drivers, that’s going to be the key to success at our job. The drivers are going to make or break us,” she continued. “Sara started as a coordinator, and within four months she was already on the pedestal to become a supervisor.” One of the most important things she learned, Sara says, is that building relationships with drivers is paramount. To success. “We have a really good dynamic with our drivers because we are really involved with our drivers as much as they’re involved with us,” Sara said. “I wouldn’t be working at the same place if it weren’t for the drivers. I’ve had drivers volunteer to come help out just because they know we’re there.” Having an all-female night crew wasn’t a deliberate plan, according to Jaime. “We lost one of our coordinators; then we hired Melissa to replace him, who came to us from Swift, and the dynamic just clicked,” Jaime said. “After three years of running that shift, we finally had a dynamic where we could just bounce off each other. “Melissa said, ‘Wait, is this really an all-female shift?’” she continued. “And I stopped for a minute to think, and I told her, ‘Yeah, actually it is!’” Not only is the night shift team all women, but Jaime says she’s also heard comments from men at NFI that the women on the night shift are some of the company’s toughest employees. “I don’t want to say that we have to try harder — but I do feel like we have to prove ourselves,” Jaime said. “We’re not just there to push some buttons on the computer and tell them, ‘You’re getting in a truck and you’re going.’ We must prove we know where we’re coming from when we tell them to do something.” After all, she says, respect is something that must be earned, regardless of gender. “I think that’s why I take pride in having that respect just a little bit more,” Jaime said. “I believe that that’s why Sara and I bonded so well when she came to our team. I could see that in her. I could see a younger version of myself in her. She takes the same pride in proving and learning as much as she can,” she continued. “When she tells somebody to do something, it’s not something she wouldn’t — or couldn’t — do herself.” Sara loves her job at NFI and is particularly proud of her accomplishments because her path to the company was not without hardship. “I originally came from Florida. When I moved up here, I started as homeless with no job,” Sara said. “After about a month and a half of looking for a job, I finally found NFI. Now I’m a supervisor — after starting from zero!” Initially, Sara says, she planned for the job to be a temporary solution; her previous work experience was in retail. “NFI really did a number on me,” she said with a laugh. “I chose to stay in transportation, and I’m glad I did. If you had told me that two years later that I’d be a supervisor, I have my own apartment with three bedrooms — and have a kid, too — I would not have believed it.” While Jaime and Sara both love their jobs, they warn that the night shift is not for the faint of heart. “We’re kind of like ‘jacks of all trades’ at night,” Jaime said. For example, drivers may have questions about payroll — but the payroll department is closed during the night shift. “We’re like, ‘All right, hold on. Let me scratch my head and figure this out. I can do this, I promise!’” she said. In addition, the night crew must be able to work efficiently with minimal supervision. “We can call our bosses, but we try not to. I wouldn’t want to be woken up at one o’clock in the morning with a weird question!” she said. “Sometimes have to try to figure things out on the fly.” Both Jaime and Sara say they wouldn’t trade their jobs for anything, noting that employee support and a family-like atmosphere is not just lip service at NFI — they feel truly valued as employees and as women.

COURTESY OF NFI When Demetria R. discovered her customer service position — working with Medicaid recipients to authorize their benefits — would be dissolved during a department-wide layoff, she was unsure what her next step would be. Thanks to the Cook County Workforce Center On-The-Job Training (OJT) program in Minooka, Illinois, Demetria found more than simply a path forward; she discovered a whole new career with NFI, a family-owned and -operated company that was founded in 1932 by the Brown family. According to a spokesperson for NFI, the OJT program for new truck drivers is one of the most successful endeavors the company has undertaken. Demetria says she first heard about the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program through friends. The program she entered was designed to help displaced workers with training to be able to pursue work in a new field, in Demetria’s case, that new field was trucking. She says she was thrilled with the opportunity because she had hoped to get her CDL and hit the road five years earlier. Unfortunately, she says, “life got in the way” and it was not possible at that time. Following her layoff, entering the OJT program allowed her to obtain the training she needed — and it was funded by the state. “I felt like I was in good company when I realized there were four other female students in my class,” Demetria said of her CDL training. Because of the growing number of women entering the industry as drivers, NFI was instrumental in creating the SheDrives program, which aims to strengthen the role of women in trucking. The initiative is designed to change the narrative and provide opportunities for women to excel in the industry. While she initially feared her male classmates would be more naturally inclined to driving and understanding the job, Demetria says that notion was quickly dispelled. In fact, because she started out with a mindset of “I have a lot to learn,” she was more open to the training and had better retention of the knowledge required. This gave her confidence that she could succeed in a male-dominated field. Once Demetria completed her training and earned her Class A CDL, Cook County provided an opportunity for her to connect with NFI through the OJT program. This partnership between NFI and Cook County allows NFI to provide a nine-week training program to new, inexperienced drivers. Demetria says her favorite part of training with NFI has been bonding with her company trainer over a mutual love of music. That music, she explained, allowed her to stay calm and concentrate in stressful driving situations. Today Demetria says she loves her job as a driver for NFI, adding that as a driver, she doesn’t feel micromanaged; instead, she says, the team provides beneficial coaching and support. For her, the best part of the job is interacting with her customers and putting her customer service skills to good use. While she feels she’s found her niche, she notes that every individual is different. “Driving is not for everyone,” Demetria said. “Drivers must truly have a passion and thrill for the job versus just looking at it as a way to provide a good income.” Of course, she added, the income available to drivers has been life-changing for many people she’s met in the industry, enabling them to grow and thrive financially and personally in the trucking industry. She has seen careers in trucking provide for several of her friends and many people in her community, allowing them to take care of their children and preventing them from losing their homes. It has also allowed friends and co-workers to live in a safe place and provide a better life for their families. One of the things that has impressed Demetria the most is seeing the diversity at NFI and the fact that many of her co-workers are women of color. Working with NFI has allowed her to be able to identify with others and feel that sense of community. “It has been a game-changer for me,” she said. Demetria is thrilled that she now has a career that she can keep for life — as long as she has her license and a great attitude. She feels a sense of pride in being part of a vital link in the nation’s supply chain.

SPONSORED BY NFI INDUSTRIES NFI Industries, one of North America’s leading third-party logistics providers, was founded by the Brown family in 1932. Since then, the family-owned and -operated company has been overseen by four generations of the family. The company has become known for its efforts to provide its employees with programs designed to ensure a healthy work/life balance, financial planning, professional and personal success, and overall well-being. In addition, the company is working with state and local agencies to provide opportunities for education and careers in the trucking industry. One NFI site that has been particularly successful is in Will County, Illinois. The area’s On-The-Job Training (OJT) is a program that provides reimbursements to Will County employers that are looking to improve productivity, increase market competitiveness and expand job opportunities for Will County residents and communities. “The OJT program allows us to connect with individuals that the state — or, in the case, Will County — refers us to who have recently gone through a CDL training program,” said Jen C., NFI’s driver recruiting program manager. “This gives them an opportunity to come in as a new driver without any experience and participate in our nine-week training course.” Jen says the decision for NFI to partner with Will County was born out of NFI’s need for drivers in certain areas of the country. “In these particular markets, (partnerships) allow us to find these candidates, and if they come through the OJT program, we are able to capture 50% of those training wages for those nine weeks. So, from a financial aspect it’s very positive,” she said. As an added bonus, she says, candidates are vetted by the state and local agencies before being referred for the OJT program. “They really only bring us candidates that qualify and would be a good fit for us long-term,” she said. “That’s always the goal — to find those student trainees that will be successful. What we’ve found is that the retention rates have been a little higher than other student candidates.” The program is covered by a federal grant, and NFI has been partnering with Will County for just over a year. “Our whole department is run off of the federal grant,” said Pamela R., CPRW, who serves as special projects manager for the Workforce Services Division of Will County, adding that the program is part of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. “The grant is designed to help unemployed and underemployed people, whether they go back to school for training or to help them find a job,” she said. “In NFI’s case, it may be someone that doesn’t have a lot of experience driving and they need that extra training. The on-the-job training program offers reimbursement for that time a trainer has taken out of their schedule. We reimburse their wages.” Pamela says the program is referred to as a career scholarship. “We pay for participants to go to school to get their CDL license,” Pamela said. “If someone is having trouble finding employment on their own, and if they haven’t already talked to NFI, then I will work with NFI to see if the person is someone NFI would be willing to hire under an OJT contract.” Pamela added that about 80% of the people in the OJT program are doing so to earn their CDL and drive. “It’s been a really great partnership (with NFI),” Pamela said. “I’ve worked in all facets of this. I’ve had people come in and think they’re not qualified,” she said. “People are really grateful for this grant and for an opportunity to have someone else pay for their training program. While a CDL doesn’t cost as much as a four-year university, they are thankful to have the opportunity.” Another successful program NFI has created is the SheDrives program which aims to ensure women are properly represented and supported in the trucking industry. The initiative is designed to change the narrative and provide opportunities for women to excel in the industry. NFI’s OJT program has seen an influx of women who are interested in being a part of the industry. “We’ve had a retention rate of 62%,” Jen said. “It’s just bit higher. We traditionally have a good retention rate at NFI, but it’s slightly above that. When I was looking at the numbers, half of the individuals [that have entered the program] were female. Of the female individuals, our retention rate is 100%.” Both Pam and Jen believe the program is beneficial to both the company and the community, and they hope the partnership continues to grow.

SPONSORED BY NFI INDUSTRIES With a passion for history and the thrill of new discoveries, Terri S. says she originally saw herself as somewhat of a female version of Indiana Jones. In fact, and she set out on the path to becoming an archeologist before discovering a new calling in the trucking industry. Today, she serves as the onboarding supervisor at NFI in Minooka, Illinois. “All my life I wanted to be an archeologist,” she told The Trucker. “I was just born with this idea in my head to be an archeologist. It was my of love history and the outdoors.” After completing her studies, Terri found herself working at The Koster Site, a prehistoric archaeological site located south of Eldred, Illinois. During its excavation between 1969 and 1978, Koster produced deeply buried evidence of ancient human occupation from the early Archaic period (BC 7500) to the Mississippian period (AD 1000). It was great … until it wasn’t. “One day I woke up and just didn’t want to do it anymore,” Terri said. “My mother was always very adventurous, and she suggested I become a truck driver. My stepfather, who was a lawyer, represented some trucking companies.” In 1978, Terri was able to enter a state-run program that covered her training costs. Within two weeks, she was in training. Once she started her new profession in the late ’70s, Terri found herself one of only a handful of female drivers. “There were no facilities for women anywhere,” Terri said. “When I was on the road, I had to take a shower in the men’s rooms, with men going in and out constantly. I also knew that I had to be just as good as — or even better than — the men to make it. I was fortunate to have a lot of opportunities to try different things.” Dealing with sexist comments from the male drivers was commonplace for Terri back then. Nonetheless, she excelled at her new job and quickly became known as a trusted driver throughout the companies that she drove for. “I was driving at the time that Mount St. Helens blew,” she recalled of the 1980 volcanic eruption in Washington state. “I’m driving in, and there’s all this stuff on my windshield, and trucks driving the other way with nylons over their air tanks, and people selling stuff on the side of the road. I didn’t know that the mountain had blown.” That’s only one of the many memorable moments Terri has experienced during her years on the road. Eight years ago, she saw an ad for a position with NFI. She applied for the spot and soon joined the team. Since then, she has been a witness to the development of driver-enrichment programs like SheDrives. She is now part of the launch team for the She Drives Ambassador Program. “SheDrives has so many things to help women,” Terri said. “I just read a study that talked about how there are not a lot of exercise facilities for women on the road — and NFI has so many programs to help you with health and wellness. NFI has a lot to offer. Their perks program is amazing.” Terri has also had the opportunity to teach new drivers and become a mentor for those just starting out in the trucking industry. Her role as onboarding supervisor also allows her the opportunity to let everyone know what NFI has for their employees. “I make sure everyone knows how to find the help that they need,” Terri said. “I help them out the best I can, whether they are starting out or are experienced drivers. I look at their applications and see their history so I can know what they need best. The gentleman that does our road tests, I give him that information, so he knows what they need most. “It’s scary to get into a truck with someone you don’t know, and you also don’t know what they are capable of as far as knowledge,” she explained. “I let the new people know that they can call me or text me at any time. They know they have access to me every single day. Being new anywhere can be horrible, so I walk them through things and let them know I’m there for them.” Terri added that it’s important to make sure new drivers are paired with the trainer that has the capabilities to help them best. “Some people are visual learners, and some are audible learners,” Terri said. “The words you use in training are important. If a driver isn’t clicking with their trainer, I will put them with somebody else that is more compatible with their learning style. You can’t learn if you are speaking two different languages. I make it as comfortable for them as I can.” Terri said she loves working for NFI and being part of the SheDrives program and feels like she’s found her “forever home” in trucking, adding that she can’t herself ever being anywhere else for the rest of her career.

SPONSORED BY NFI INDUSTRIES NFI Industries may be best known as one of the nation’s leading logistics providers, but the carrier is also building a name for itself as one of the most diverse and inclusive companies in business today. Through initiatives like SheDrives, which empowers women in trucking, NFI is proactively taking steps to ensure that every employee is valued and seen. That vision starts at the top and permeates every level of the company. Recently, The Trucker visited with two NFI leaders — Jessica C., who serves as vice president of drayage operations and operations support, and Kristie S., the company’s vice president of diversity and inclusion. Both women say they’re proud to be part of the NFI team, and that the company is one that sets high standards and stands by its principles. Jessica C., Vice President, Drayage Operations & Operations Support Jessica, who joined NFI in 2018, says she’s basically worked in the trucking industry her entire life, starting with summer jobs at her uncle’s trucking company. “I came into the industry so young that I think I have a different perspective than some,” she said. “I grew up in a ‘boys-will-be-boys’ time, where you had to let things just roll off your shoulders that would be completely unacceptable in this day and age.” She says a lot has changed, both in the industry and in society as a whole. “I experienced so many inappropriate comments when I was younger. I would walk into the room and people expected me to be just a pretty face,” she shared. “I always found a lot of joy when I would begin to talk about operations and what we were doing, and I saw the change in their faces. Today it’s a different world — in a good way,” she continued. “I think we’ve still got a long way to go though, because there still are not a whole lot of women interested in this industry.” Jessica describes her career experiences at NFI as extremely positive, something she attributes to the company’s leadership. “There are so many women that have helped me get to where I’m at and are cheering me on,” she said, adding that she’s glad to be part of an organization like NFI that helps lift up women and works to ensure employees get the recognition they deserve. Kristie S., Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion Kristie, who joined NFI two years ago, says she was attracted to the company because it had already made diversity and inclusion a priority. In addition to programs designed to hire and support women and veterans, she says, the company had already established a diversity and inclusion council. “One of the things I did was put all of these projects together under one strategy,” she said. “We could really look at it and say, ‘Why are we doing this?’ and, ‘What are we trying to accomplish?’” NFI has a longstanding partnership with the Women in Leadership Institute (WIL), she shared, noting that the group gives women a setting in which to discuss workplace barriers and design their own development plans to overcome those barriers. As part of the program, high-performing women at NFI take part in an intensive weeklong program that features inspiring keynote speakers, breakout sessions and cohort learning modules to foster discussion. “Women have additional burdens and barriers in the workplace. We really want our women to succeed,” Kristie said. “I’ve been to two WIL programs, and I’ve seen the individual development and growth from our attendees,” she continued. “The benefits to the company include higher retention of these women and higher promotion and advancement of these women. We want to build a talented, diverse pipeline and see them progress through their career ladders to leadership.” In 2024, NFI will send its seventh cohort of women to the program. Another way NFI works to support all employees is through paid parental leave programs for both men and women. In addition, the company offers eight different employee resource groups. One of those groups, EVOLVE, focuses on the physical, mental and financial well-being of employees. “We are not just saying the right things — we are doing the right things,” Kristie said. “What moves me about this company, and why I was so excited to come here and work here, is that we are also doing it for the right reasons,” she continued. “We are a family-owned and -run business, and we’re doing these things because they align with the values of the business.”

Are you looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful difference while also boosting your business this year? Consider supporting Wreaths Across America as a member of the Honor Fleet! Wreaths Across America Honor Fleet partners have an incredible chance to give back to veterans and their families while also gaining valuable brand exposure and opportunities for press coverage, public recognition, employee engagement, and driver recruiting and retention. Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization that’s been on a year-round mission since 2007: To Remember, Honor and Teach. The heartfelt tradition of placing veterans’ wreaths for our fallen began at Arlington National Cemetery in 1992 as a simple gesture of thanks and has since grown to over 4,000 participating locations nationwide. This year, National Wreaths Across America Day will be held on Saturday, Dec. 16. More than two million volunteers and supporters will gather to Remember, Honor and Teach through wreath-laying ceremonies in all 50 states, at sea and abroad. Each November and December — one of the busiest periods of the year for the transportation sector — the Wreaths Across America mission brings transportation companies and drivers together in an effort of unparalleled unity. With a positive “can-do” work ethic, trucking professionals make it possible for Americans to honor millions of veterans. In 2023, more than 650 truckloads of live balsam wreaths will need to be delivered, providing a unique logistics challenge — and an opportunity for the trucking community to give back while gaining valuable benefits. Business Benefits Becoming a Wreaths Across America Honor Fleet partner isn’t just an act of goodwill; it can also be a smart business move. As a partner, you’ll have the opportunity to expand local awareness and reach potential new drivers. Your involvement in this cause can set you apart from your competitors, demonstrating your company’s commitment to community and patriotism and showcasing your company’s social responsibility and dedication to honoring those who served. Wreaths Across America also offers various volunteer opportunities during wreath-laying ceremonies, allowing employees a chance to participate in this deeply meaningful experience. This involvement can boost morale, strengthen bonds among team members, and create a sense of pride in your organization. Becoming a member of the Honor Fleet for Wreaths Across America is a win-win situation. By contributing to this nationwide movement, you’ll not only honor fallen heroes, but you’ll also unlock new business opportunities and enhance your brand image. Joining the Wreaths Across America Honor Fleet means becoming part of a community driven by shared values and a commitment to making a difference. So, why not hop on board and give your business a meaningful boost this holiday season? Together, let’s ensure that no hero is forgotten! View open lanes and get in touch with the Wreaths Across America Transportation team here. — Courtesy of Wreaths Across America

Madison, Wisc. — Everyone can agree that hours-of-service (HOS) management is a critical aspect of all safety-sensitive operations. Fatigue has proven to be a top cause of all accidents involving a commercial motor vehicle. Your truck’s electronic logging device (ELD) is the best tool available to capture HOS data and measure against the HOS minimums set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in a standardized format. These devices are relied on heavily in our industry to act as the de facto hours-of-service clock, referred to in audits, roadside inspections, and litigations. The HOS rules are specific in writing and are expected to be followed. Because of this, ELD manufacturers build and implement logic and timetables into a recordable and presentable electronic device that your organization and law enforcement can access on demand. There are many reasons utilizing an ELD is critical for business operations and meeting minimum regulations established by the U.S. Department of Transportation and FMCSA. A false sense of security But what if the ELD is not painting an actual picture of compliance or risk and instead is providing a false sense of security for your fleet? Are you depending on your ELD to manage your HOS, or are you an active participant in the process? The intention of the ELD is to make it easier and faster to accurately track, manage and share HOS data, as well as create a safer working environment. While there is no doubt that tracking HOS data is much easier than it was with paper logs, that data still needs to be analyzed and managed by a safety professional. According to the Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) enforcement program, HOS violations in 2022 accounted for three of the Top 10 violations resulting in out-of-service (OOS) orders, including No Logs When Required (No. 2) and False Logs (No. 3). The top HOS violations include exceeding the 11- or 14-hour limits, not taking 10 hours off and false logs. These statistics reveal that management is relying too heavily on ELDs and should start manually reviewing logs daily and hold their drivers accountable for following HOS rules. Improved safety? The question as to whether ELDs have improved safety as originally anticipated is hard to quantify because of factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in several HOS exceptions, as well as the HOS changes made in 2020. However, if you look at the most recent data (October 2022) published by the FMCSA regarding crashes involving fatality or injury, it shows ELDs are not effective as “safety devices” on their own. Accident rates for “accidents by 100 million miles” have actually increased since the ELD mandate went into effect in 2017. In 2019, this figure actually increased 10% from 2016 — the year before the ELD mandate was enforced. This proves that relying strictly on ELD data is not an effective HOS management tool for your company or the public safety. Considering the cost of implementing these devices, one would expect to have an ROI that can be pointed to, specific to reduction in accidents/injuries/fatalities, while also minimizing the workload on a motor carrier. Unfortunately, this has proven to be the opposite of reality. Instead, an increase in accidents, risk and significant lawsuits have proliferated as indicated in the average size of verdicts since the ELD mandate went into effect. According to the American Transportation Research Institute’s (ATRI) Impact of Nuclear Verdicts study, fatigue and HOS were the No. 2 and No. 3 reasons by cases with a 95% success rate in verdicts. In many of these cases, the driver’s HOS were clearly in violation, and the motor carrier was found to be responsible and/or negligent. Managing the data With all the available data coming from your drivers’ ELDs, it can create the perception of negligence. How is your fleet managing the ELD output or reporting capabilities? What actions or trends are you as a motor carrier able to point to that ensures you’re not only employing safe hours of service practices but overall driver compliance and risk? How a motor carrier manages their drivers’ ELD compliance — including reports, trends and data output — is critical to going beyond the minimum requirements while not falling victim to complacent compliance. Consider these questions: Are you equipped to manage all elements of the FMCSA’s HOS compliance regulations without assistance? If an audit is called tomorrow, how confident are you that you’d receive a satisfactory rating? Would your feeling of confidence increase knowing you had a partner in compliance that has the experience and tools needed to provide support? Fleetworthy Solutions has the tools to ingest information from your ELDs, identify trends and actionable data, and provide recommendations to improve your overall standing within the HOS Basic. A single source of truth, providing visibility 24/7/365 into your fleet and drivers is crucial to creating a safety net around your operations. With Fleetworthy’s CPSuite, each driver’s HOS records are at your fingertips, along with the ability to manage other safety-regulated and risk-minimizing requirements such as DVIR/EVIR, maintenance records and driver qualification records. Layering on Fleetworthy’s 40 years of industry experience, you’ll have an experienced team of subject matter experts (SMEs) available to you for all aspects of your fleet compliance. Our team of experts is adept at interpreting the information coming from all data sources, compiling it all into a single dashboard that provides a C-Suite level layout while also providing the details required for effective day-to-day fleet management. Having these resources at your disposal allows you to focus on the right areas and free up time to maintain the personal interaction needed with one of your most valuable resources — your drivers. With Fleetworthy Solutions, you’ll go beyond the minimum standards of compliance. Reach out for a demo of our industry leading products and services and see for yourself what going “Beyond Compliant” can do for your organization. Together, we can help minimize the number of daily accidents one driver at a time! About Fleetworthy Solutions Fleetworthy is a leading provider of cloud-based compliance, risk mitigation and safety solutions for commercial fleets. Over 1,500 commercial fleets, including some of America’s largest private fleets, for-hire carriers, and 3PLs rely on Fleetworthy to manage and identify risk, adhere to DOT, IFTA, IRP, and other regulations, and help ensure safe and compliant operations, covering a footprint of more than 210,000 drivers and over 260,000 assets. With a 40-year-long successful track-record, deep commercial fleet experience, and a flexible delivery model that ranges from a cloud-based do-it-yourself software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform to fully outsourced, turnkey subscription-based tech-enabled managed services, Fleetworthy helps private fleets, for-hire carriers and third-party logistics companies of all sizes surpass compliance of federal, state, and local regulations and streamline processes to reduce costs, mitigate risks, and operate more safely and efficiently. For more information about this topic or to learn more about Fleetworthy, visit www.fleetworthy.com or email the Fleetworthy marketing team at marketing@fleetworthy.com. Courtesy of Fleetworthy Solutions  

Next month, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) will hold their annual International Roadcheck. The 72-hour inspection event — set to run this year from May 16-18 — can be a helpful reminder of the importance of regular safety check-ups. And while you’ve heard the tried-and-true suggestions a thousand times — keep a safe distance, know your blind spots, avoid distracted driving (all great advice, by the way) — there are plenty of other opportunities to protect yourself on the roads. Here are four little-known things you can do to give yourself a safer ride: 1. Toss those noise-canceling headphones.  While they may be good for concentration, noise-canceling headphones also block out important cues like sirens, horns, other drivers and the sound of your own vehicle. It’s always a good idea to be “in tune” with your truck. Blowouts on a passenger vehicle, for example, are far more evident than on 18-wheelers, where it can take longer to “feel” a single failed tire. Listening closely can be vital. 2. Check your wheel seals for leaks at every refuel.  Your wheel seals are the most likely thing to fail on your wheels — for good reason. They were designed that way, so that seal failures occur before more catastrophic damage. But taking a second to put eyes on your wheel ends at every stop can help you prevent blowouts. Signs of a deteriorating wheel seal include visible damage, or lubricant on your brakes or the insides of wheel assemblies.  3. Observe all cargo loading.  When driving, it’s your job to make sure freight is loaded correctly, even if you didn’t load it yourself. Freight should be as low and as close to the center of the trailer as possible. Make sure loaders tie down all pallets with straps, and that they don’t put too much weight on one side, which can affect your trailer’s balance.  4. Contact your Congressional representative to ask for more truck parking.  Recent research has shown that there is only one parking spot for every 10 trucks on the road. This lack of parking forces drivers to park on the roadside or in unsafe restricted areas. Or, to avoid being ticketed, many drivers are forced to keep driving — even when they’re tired. And while fatigue is only cited as a factor in 1.6% of fatal truck crashes, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) admits the number is likely as much as five times higher. Two bills to increase truck parking have been introduced in Congress in recent years, but neither has passed yet. You can make a difference by contacting your representative and explaining how the lack of parking affects your work and life. At Cover Whale, we’re committed to making the roads a safer place for truckers. That’s why we’ve teamed up with The Trucker to learn more about truck drivers’ most pressing safety concerns. If you’re interested in helping us protect truckers, please take our 90-second truck safety survey here. Courtesy of Cover Whale  

Tax Season is here and the Trucker CFO Team has developed a valuable resource for owner-operators, independent contractors, fleet owners and all trucking entrepreneurs. The Trucker CFO’s Guide To Tax Season, The 2023 Edition is an E-Book focused on easing the burden that trucking business owners and contractors often encounter during tax season. Written by Colton Lawrence, the Trucker CFO, the Tax Guide is a comprehensive PDF download designed to serve as a year-round resource that will help to educate owner-operators, independent contractors, trucking business owners and any professional driver who is making a living out on the road. The E-Book is now available for download. One of the questions that is asked within the Tax Guide is the following: Have you ever had a service with experience in the trucking industry take the time to analyze your business operation? The Trucker CFO Team believes this is a very important question, and it’s really the central question that inspired the topics included in this guide. Without a tax preparation service that holds trucking industry experience, you could end up with someone preparing your taxes that does not understand the intricacies of the transportation industry. Ultimately, your choice for your tax preparer can be a decision that can cost you money and, in some cases, a lot of money when it’s time to pay your taxes. Tax filing deadlines are moving closer every day. Now is the time to take the first steps toward gaining the knowledge that you need and making decisions that will help you drive savings that can be seen within the bottom line of your business. We invite you to download The Trucker CFO’s Guide To Tax Season, The 2023 Edition. It’s a timely E-book filled with helpful information that has been made publicly available through this download. Click here to download.

In 2008, Blue Parrott revolutionized phone communication for truckers with the introduction of its first wireless headset for the professional trucking market, featuring noise-cancelling microphone technology that was previously incorporated into office products. Two years later, the B250-XT wireless version was introduced and soon became the best-selling headset with professional drivers. I was one of the drivers who depended upon that device in a professional environment. It quickly became an indispensable part of my over-the-road equipment. Recently I was presented with the opportunity to try out the newest, most advanced version of the professional driver headset — the Blue Parrott S650-XT. It does everything my old B250-XT does … and so much more. Physically, it’s a more substantial unit than the older model, in keeping with the characteristics of the S450-XT, Blue Parrott’s first stereo model (which was also available in a one-speaker model, the B450-XT). The next iteration, the B550-XT, added voice control. With the S650-XT, the user gets both a stereo and a mono version, thanks to the removable earcup, a new innovation with this model. The driver can wear the headset with one earcup while driving; then easily add the other for a quality stereo experience while gaming, watching videos or streaming music. There’s even a standard 3.5 mm cable jack for wired connections to devices that aren’t Bluetooth-equipped. The stereo quality while listening to music or videos rivals that of high-quality headsets that are used strictly for the audio experience, some of which sell for more than the S650-XT. Drivers no longer need to carry one headset for driving and another for gaming after hours. I tested the S650-XT against two sets of headphones I use for music and can say that the quality was every bit as good. The biggest reason drivers prefer Blue Parrott, however, is the brand’s legendary phone capabilities. With the S650-XT, the features are better than ever. For starters, the headset provides a whopping 36 hours of talk time. Chances are that the driver’s phone will need recharging long before the headset does. When it’s finally necessary to plug it in, the set is fully charged in just a little over two hours — about the time it takes to get dinner and a shower at the truck stop. Also exciting is the unit’s 300-foot wireless range. Drivers can leave their phone safe in the cab while they go to the rear of the trailer for inspection or crawl underneath for some maintenance. And, if the call they are on should wrap up, they can make another call using only voice commands. My testing revealed plenty of range for checking trailer tires or doors. Another great feature is the programmable Blue Parrott button. Using the free phone app, the button can be programmed to speed-dial a number, mute the microphone or function for another purpose — including a walkie-talkie feature through the Zillow app that facilitates contact with others without a phone call. With longer range, more talk time, voice controls and other features — along with legendary Blue Parrott quality and durability — the S650-XT should be on every driver’s list of “must have” equipment.

A staggering $30 billion of cargo is stolen every year. As large as that number is, it only represents a fraction of cargo theft’s true cost. Every time a transportation company loses a shipment, its costs multiply. Not only will they lose client trust — their profits will also be hit by additional customer support, expedited replacement deliveries and higher insurance rates. While cargo theft’s impacts are always severe, the strategies thieves use to steal shipments are always changing. In order to maintain rigorous cargo security, transportation professionals need to know what to look out for and how to respond to it. Problem 1 While many thieves are simple opportunists, professional thieves are always on the lookout for new technologies to make their jobs easier. Solution Respond to innovative thieves with innovative technology. For decades, shipping companies have trusted the container seal. If shipments arrive with an unbroken seal, then they think their cargo must be safe. But recently, thieves have learned how to use 3D printing technologies to break into containers and make it look like they were never there. FleetUp’s trailer, container and reefer tracker does what the traditional container seal can’t — ensure that management is alerted the moment theft is attempted. Problem 2 Data shows that 71% to 87% of global cargo theft happens when cargo is in transit. Solution Monitor the doors of trailers, containers and reefers. Cargo is most likely to be stolen while it’s on the move. No matter how secure warehouses might be, it won’t matter when thieves strike transport vehicles at gas stations, truck stops and other vulnerable locations. Only one container tracker monitors doors in real time — FleetUp’s. No matter where thieves try to break in, instant SMS or email alerts are always sent to security personnel. Problem 3 Less than 3% of stolen cargo is recovered. Solution Recover cargo with hidden tracking devices. Every year, the FBI reports cargo theft and recovery rates. The most recent year for which data has been released is 2019. In that report, the FBI found that only 2.8% of cargo stolen that year was ever recovered. Once thieves have stolen goods, it’s unlikely that owners will ever see those goods again. FleetUp’s smallest tracking device can be placed where thieves won’t think to look for it — inside shipments, tucked in corners or anywhere else. The device continues to update its location long after thieves have taken their loot, so owners and police can work to bring goods home. Problem 4 Smuggling is a growing problem for international shippers. Solution Stop smugglers from entering containers. Shippers who don’t cross national borders worry about criminals taking goods out of containers. International shippers, on the other hand, have to worry about criminals putting contraband inside containers. When authorities find smuggled goods, shipments are held, and shippers have to drop everything to respond to investigations. Even worse, when smuggled goods aren’t discovered, perpetrators, such as human traffickers and drug dealers, cause untold suffering. This year, the deadly drug fentanyl is at the root of a health crisis. There was a 4,000% increase in fentanyl seizures across the U.S.-Mexico border. In order to plant illegal goods, smugglers need to enter and exit shipping containers without being noticed. FleetUp notifies businesses the moment anyone tries to get through trailer doors. Problem 5 Even high-security organizations are vulnerable to insider theft. Solution Prevent insider theft by using remote locking devices. It’s one thing to stop outsiders from getting into trailers — but what if the thief is your truck driver, or a partner at a port? BSI & TT Club report that “insider threat” is a growing cause of cargo theft. It would be impossible to perform background checks on every person involved in moving a shipment from Point A to Point B. As long as criminals have connections to transportation organizations, cargo will be at risk. FleetUp’s trailer, container and reefer tracker can be locked and unlocked remotely. For especially valuable shipments, shippers can assign the lock to a single trusted manager, who can unlock a container via any desktop device. This way, businesses can be sure that their container is only opened when it absolutely has to be. Courtesy of FleetUp

PHOENIX – Trucker Path, The Trucker Media Group, Sheetz and Kwik Trip/Kwik Star are sponsoring a Free Fuel Sweepstakes in support of the 2022 National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (NTDAW), Sept. 11-17. Twenty fuel cards worth $500 each, provided by Sheetz and Kwik Trip/Kwik Star, will be given to sweepstakes winners who are active commercial vehicle drivers. “Trucker Path is pleased to be able to join with Sheetz, Kwik Trip/Kwik Star and The Trucker Media Group to honor truck drivers for the work they do every day,” Chris Oliver, CMO at Trucker Path, said. “Especially this year, with fuel prices at record high levels, the 2022 NTDAW Free Fuel Sweepstakes will help make a difference.” The annual NTDAW celebration recognizes the significant contributions of the millions of professional truck drivers nationwide who safely and securely deliver essential goods and transport billions of tons of freight every year. “National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is a time to rally around the nation’s truck drivers who work hard delivering goods and have kept the economy on its feet despite facing unprecedented obstacles,” Oliver said. “We are thrilled to organize and sponsor this sweepstakes to show them the appreciation they deserve and recognize their dedication.” To be eligible to win one of 20 $500 fuel cards provided by Sheetz and Kwik Trip/Kwik Star, drivers must have a valid CDL and a USDOT number. The cards can be used for fuel and other items at Sheetz, Kwik Trip or Kwik Star locations. The sweepstakes is valid in all US states excluding Alaska, Florida, Hawaii and New York. CLICK HERE to enter; all entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. central time on Sept. 17.

Expediter Services (ES), a leader in capacity solutions and ownership opportunities within the trucking industry, is pleased to announce the company will be presenting the initial webinar of its IN-SITE 2022 Online Series. The free webinar is entitled 2022, It’s All About You: Spotlighting Forward Air & Truck Ownership Opportunities. The debut webinar for the IN-SITE 2022 series will focus on the current conditions related to truck ownership and starting a trucking business while also highlighting the opportunities with Forward Air, which is one of the partner carriers within the ES Community. The live webinar event will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 22, from 2-3 p.m. EST. Replays of the webinar will be available for all who register for the event. Free registrations for the live event and access to the replay of the webinar are available through the following link: https://driverwave.com/l/expediterservices-webinar-feb2022. The panel discussion for this edition of the IN-SITE 2022 webinar series will be moderated by Leah Shaver, the president and CEO of the National Transportation Institute (NTI). Founded in 1995, NTI has earned the reputation as a leader in the trucking industry for tracking company driver and owner-operator compensation history, changes and benchmarks. Shaver, who also serves as a host on SiriusXM’s Road Dog Trucking Radio Channel 146, is one of the foremost experts in the trucking industry on topics related to compensation, driver recruiting and driver retention. The panel for the opening session of the IN-SITE 2022 webinar series will feature Meghan Turner, the director of recruiting for Expediter Services, and Rachel Gilbert, the director of talent marketing and OTR capacity development for Forward Air. The market outlook for 2022 and the opportunities for independent contractors and owner-operators will be among the topics that the panel will be discussing during the webinar. Live attendees and on-demand viewers of the webinar will also hear about the collaborative efforts between Forward Air and ES that have paved the way for professional drivers to become truck owners and successfully operate small businesses within the industry. “When we started the IN-SITE Online Series in 2020, it was initially the platform that our team at ES developed that allowed us to reach out to professional drivers and entrepreneurs across the trucking industry during a time when in-person events were not practical,” said ES President and Co-founder Jason Williams. “One of the many things we have learned through hosting the IN-SITE webinar series the past two years is that we have been able to make a difference for our audience through the information and perspectives that are shared by our panelists and our moderator. “Our team at ES is working hard with our partners in the ES Community to develop another strong series of webinars for IN-SITE 2022,” Williams added. “We are once again looking forward to addressing key topics related to opportunities for starting and growing small businesses in the trucking industry. We have always been focused on making the IN-SITE Series a valuable resource for trucking entrepreneurs. As we’ve done now for the past three years, I would like to invite anyone who is interested in exploring truck ownership or growing your existing trucking business to join us for our live event or through the on-demand replay. You will see that we have a strong and supportive community that is focused on helping people achieve success in trucking.” ES has planned free webinar events and podcast releases throughout the year as part of the overall IN-SITE 2022 Online Series. The upcoming webinars and podcasts in the series will continue to have topics of interest for owner-operators, independent contract drivers, fleet owners and any aspiring entrepreneurs within trucking. To stay up to date on the latest with IN-SITE 2022, visit https://essuccessintrucking.com/insite2022/. PODCAST PREVIEW OF THE WEBINAR The latest edition of the Success In Trucking Podcast from ES features an interview with IN-SITE 2022 Webinar Moderator Leah Shaver, who is the president and CEO of the National Transportation Institute. During the podcast interview, Shaver will be discussing what she sees on the horizon for the trucking industry in 2022 and what attendees of the upcoming ES webinar on Feb. 22 can expect during the debut edition of the IN-SITE 2022 Webinar Series.  

OKLAHOMA CITY — TBS Factoring Service has acquired Financial Carrier Services (FCS) out of Charlotte, North Carolina. According to a Jan. 5 statement released by TBS, this acquisition will provide a wider array of services to current and potential clients of both companies, and paves the way for TBS’s future expansion into the transportation and logistics industries. Since 1968, TBS Factoring Service has been dedicated to serving truckers. Having started as a small, family-owned company, TBS continues to honor its roots by remaining committed to exceptional service and doing what’s best for the client. FCS was founded on the notion that no matter how large or small a trucking company may be, each and every one deserves a great factoring experience. Specializing in recourse factoring and with a loyal client base, FCS was the top choice when TBS made the decision to start strategic acquisitions. With new ownership under NATF Holdings, TBS continues to expand its footprint in the transportation industry with mergers and acquisitions. As an experienced leader and innovator in transportation, NATF Holdings continues to invest in logistics solutions designed to solve supply chain challenges. Among the tools now available to TBS clients and obligors is an end-to-end fulfilment service platform that simplifies and streamlines the fulfilment process, using advanced algorithms to save users up to 40% of their time previously wasted on manual processes. Utilizing their vast experience in the global transportation industry — from the United States to Europe and Latin America — TBS plans to dedicate its attention to supporting the industry as we all seek to solve the supply chain challenge together. Even with such big plans, TBS remains focused on its clients. From developing new technology that makes submitting paperwork easy to providing instant credit approvals and attending truck shows and conferences across the country to learn and share, TBS strives to make truckers’ lives easier. As TBS grows, more benefits, services, and solutions will open up to current and potential clients. Acquiring FCS is the first step in a journey to revolutionize how factoring can benefit all kinds of industry.