The Nation

ALBANY, N.Y. — Employees from Bestpass, a payment platform provider for toll management solutions for commercial fleets, recently volunteered at Feed Albany and the Regional Foodbank of Northeastern New York as part of an initiative to fight hunger in the community. Bestpass employees spent an afternoon preparing more than 500 meals at Feed Albany, a charity that provides at-risk and in-need individuals with access to prepared and packaged meal solutions. Employees volunteered on three different days to sort food donations at the Regional Foodbank of Northeastern New York. The food bank collects large food donations and distributes them to charitable agencies serving hungry and disadvantaged people in 23 counties throughout Northeastern New York. “Volunteering at the Regional Food Bank is a fun, rewarding experience and a great way to give back to the community,” said Max Sutfin, senior accountant and co-chair of the Bestpass Gives committee. “The pandemic has impacted the lives of so many people. Spending a few hours an afternoon to help sort through donations so more people can get the food they need is just one small way we can help out.” Bestpass Gives, an employee-led committee, is responsible for identifying opportunities to contribute to the community while also building relationships across functional teams. The committee identified combating hunger in the community as its focus for the first quarter of 2021. The company will continue to donate time to the community with an upcoming partnership with the American Diabetes Association. The campaign will culminate in the Tour de Cure on June 12, a virtual bicycle riding event to raise money for people with diabetes.

LIMA, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Ohio State Highway Patrol on April 20 shared a report on the effectiveness of a distracted driving safety corridor on Interstate 75 in Allen and Hancock counties. The distracted driving safety corridor was established in March 2020 on a section of I-75 stretching from south of Beaverdam in Allen County to rest areas in Hancock County, south of Findlay. The corridor is designated by a series of signs in both the northbound and southbound lanes, warning motorists of the dangers of driving distracted. The signs also notify motorists they are entering the corridor, and that there is zero tolerance for unsafe driving behaviors. The I-75 corridor is the second distracted driving safety corridor established in northwest Ohio. A corridor was placed on U.S. 6 in Wood, Sandusky and Henry counties in 2018. “The purpose of the corridor is two-fold — educate drivers about the dangers of distracted driving and make motorists aware of law enforcement’s intense focus on stopping it,” said Lt. Tim Grigsby of the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Lima post, adding that even accounting for reduced traffic because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the agency has seen a decrease in crashes. “We attribute that to the corridor and the opportunity it provides to educate and enforce,” he said. What remains prevalent along the corridor, however, is excessive speed, with many drivers traveling more than 20 miles over the speed limit. In March, about 30 crashes on I-75 were attributed to excessive speed. “Overall, vehicular traffic remains below pre-pandemic levels, and the temptation to speed on fairly open highways has persisted for the past year,” Grigsby said. From January 2019 through mid-April of this year, approximately 90 citations were for distracted driving within the corridor, and more than 2,200 speed violations were issued. According to a statement released by ODOT and the state highway patrol, the distracted driving corridor on I-75 will remain in place if it continues to produce results. “This was intended to be a multi-year, targeted approach to reducing crashes related to distracted driving in this section of I-75, and we believe it has done so,” said Chris Hughes, ODOT District 1 deputy director. “The idea isn’t just to reduce crashes here, but also to place in the mind of motorists an awareness to drive safely and attentive at all times, everywhere.” Similar corridors established in crash-prone areas elsewhere in the state have proven to be effective.

ST. GEORGE, Utah — Boss Radio Networks announced this week that it is producing a new late-night country music show specifically for night-shift truckers. The show is broadcast on the country music affiliate, Boss Country Radio. Hosted by 45-year veteran radio personality Ric Stratton from his studio in Utah, “Night Shiftin’” airs Monday through Friday from 2 to 6 a.m. Central Standard Time. The show features nationwide weather reports, news, requests and dedications for truckers. According to a statement from Boss Country Radio, because the show is transmitted through the internet, it should be available without interruption on most interstate highways and in major cities from coast to coast. Drivers can access the show through their smartphone and play the stream through their rig’s sound system (data charges may apply). The audio stream is available through myTuner Radio, Radioline, Simple Radio or radio.net, or by visiting www.bosscountryradio.com and clicking “Listen Live.” Drivers can interact with the show by calling 866-719-BOSS or texting 512-710-8354.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers in March seized 64 bricks of suspected cocaine in the Pacific Highway District. On March 18, a commercial tractor-trailer carrying personal-care products entered Canada. During a secondary examination of the goods, border services officers noticed anomalies. When officers unloaded the trailer, they found a total of 64 individually wrapped brick-shaped objects. The contents of the objects tested positive for suspected cocaine. The bricks of suspected cocaine had a combined weight of 71.5 kilograms (nearly 160 pounds), with an estimated value of more than $3.5 million. The CBSA Pacific Region Intelligence Section worked with the RCMP’s (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) Federal Serious and Organized Crime (FSOC) unit on the cross-border smuggling attempt investigation. Both the driver and the drugs were taken into custody by the RCMP FSOC unit. “The discovery of 64 bricks of suspected cocaine is the direct result of diligent work by our border services officers,” said Yvette Lebrun, director of the Pacific Highway District of CBSA. “They kept Canadians safe by preventing these drugs from entering our communities.”

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — Seven bridges in the Klamath Falls, Oregon, area will be the focus of a $32 million retrofitting project that will begin this year and continue for the next four years, according to a statement released by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). It’s all part of a seismic resiliency plan spearheaded by the State of Oregon and funded by the federal government. The bridges are located on U.S. 97, which is a primary north-south highway and “lifeline route” in the event of a major earthquake. Because of its inland location, U.S. 97 is expected to fare better than the other primary north-south routes along Interstate 5 and U.S. 101, which are projected to be badly damaged or completely destroyed in the wake of a Cascadia subduction event. The State of Oregon has identified the bridges as the most vulnerable to a magnitude 8.0 or greater earthquake —the impact magnitude scientists expect when a Cascadia subduction event next occurs off the Oregon coast. The project includes the following bridges: U.S. 97 over UPRR (Lobert Bridge); U.S. 97 over Lakeport Blvd & UPRR (Pelican City Bridge); U.S. 97 over Nevada Ave; U.S. 97 over USBOR Canal; U.S. 97 over Link River (Link River Bridge); U.S. 97 over OR140 (Greensprings Interchange); and U.S. 97 over Klamath River. Geologists believe tectonic plates off the Oregon coast shift about every 300 years, causing a massive earthquake and tsunami. It has now been 321 years since Cascadia last struck, meaning it is now overdue. Additionally, the Klamath Falls has localized earthquakes, as evidenced by the Scotts Mill and Klamath Falls earthquakes in 1993. Six of the project bridges will be retrofitted and another, which carries U.S.97 over Lakeport Blvd. and UP Railroad, will be completely replaced. U.S.97 will be the first primary route to achieve its resiliency goal with the completion of the south U.S. 97 bridge bundle. A similar group was completed last year on the north end of U.S. 97 just south of Biggs Junction. The work on the Klamath Falls bridges will be performed by a contractor who will be selected this summer by competitive bid, with bridge work starting after that and continuing for the next four years. For more information, visit ODOT’s project website.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is gearing up for another construction season with a $1.92 billion investment into 956 projects to improve transportation across the state. The 2021 construction program includes improvements to 876 bridges and 4,596 miles of pavement. Ninety-six cents of every dollar invested will go toward the safety of existing roads and bridges. “Ohio’s ability to safely and easily move people and goods is vital as we continue to recover from the global pandemic,” said Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. “As ODOT begins the 2021 construction season, there are many infrastructure projects throughout the state that will improve safety for motorists. We also need motorists to pay attention and not drive distracted, and to slow down in construction zones.” An increase in the state motor fuel tax that went into effect on July 1, 2019, has allowed ODOT to keep maintenance and safety projects on a schedule, despite a 15.5% drop in traffic volume last year. “Thanks to the foresight of Gov. DeWine and the Ohio General Assembly and internal operational savings identified by our workforce, we have been able to weather this global pandemic. Without those extra funds, we would be nearly a billion dollars in the red,” said ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks. “While other states have been delaying or cancelling projects, Ohio continues moving forward.” Safety remains the top priority, with a total of 266 safety projects included in this year’s construction program. Of those, 131 projects are funded through the ODOT Highway Safety Improvement Program, a total investment of $178 million. A portion of these funds will go to local municipalities, townships, and counties to make safety improvements on roads they maintain. “Sadly, traffic deaths continued to climb last year, even with fewer vehicles on our roads,” Marchbanks said. “We must continue to prioritize projects that make our roads safer for everyone who uses them.” Funding will also help target more than 150 intersections prioritized by Gov. DeWine in early 2019. These projects include simple adjustments like changing signage and striping to more complex solutions like the full reconstruction of an intersection. To date, 36 locations have been completed, 43 are under or will soon begin construction this year, 101 are under design, and 4 are still being studied. These safety improvements will no doubt save lives. “We engineer our roads to be as safe as possible, but we need motorists to do their part by obeying speed limits, paying attention, buckling up, and driving sober. Please pay attention to the traffic and roads, not your phones,” said Marchbanks. With increased construction throughout the state, it’s more important than ever that motorists follow Ohio’s “move over law.” The law requires drivers to move over for any roadside vehicles with flashing lights. If they cannot move over, they must slow down. “Drivers should always pay attention, but work zones require extra attention. Just like you, these workers want to go home at the end of the day,” Marchbanks said. There were 4,536 work zone crashes in Ohio last year. Of those, 18 crashes were fatal and 96 resulted in serious injuries. ODOT will continue to work with the Ohio State Highway Patrol for targeting enforcement of traffic laws in work zones. Last year, ODOT crews were struck 125 times while on the job. In 2021, ODOT crews have been hit 52 times. A total of 162 ODOT workers have been killed while working to improve Ohio’s roadways.

JACKSON, Miss. — Like other states, Mississippi suffered a population decline in 2020, losing a net of 11,000 residents. On the employment front, despite a slight recovery from economic losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the latest federal employment report shows that Mississippi lost 7,000 jobs in January. According to Brad Ball, president of the Roadmaster Drivers School, these declines mask a challenge: a national shortage of professional truck drivers. “There are people who need jobs, and jobs who need people,” said Ball. The longstanding national truck driver shortage has recently worsened. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show a shortfall of 65,700 drivers for 2020, compared with 2019. Meanwhile, e-commerce, driven by mandated stay-at-home orders, continue to skyrocket, increasing 44% in the U.S. in 2020. E-commerce growth is dependent on matching growth in retail logistics and delivery capability, requiring steadily increasing numbers of truckers. On the local level, more than 85% of communities in Mississippi rely exclusively on trucks for the delivery of everyday goods. The state’s professional truck drivers travel more than 4.5 billion miles per year to deliver everything Mississippians communities rely on, including food, medication, clothing, and gasoline for their cars. A career in trucking does not require college training. Applicants can either produce a high school diploma or pass a basic entrance exam. Unlike other opportunities for high-school graduates, such as fast food or retail, trucking offers secure employment, higher income and a career path, Ball said. According to Ball, trucking is an increasingly diverse industry and one with no pay gap tied to race or gender. A recent American Trucking Association study shows that over 40% of U.S. truckers are now minorities. Training is about four weeks from beginning to end. In comparison to other educational opportunities, truck driver training is less expensive. Ball said that the demand for new drivers is such that many trucking firms will reimburse students for tuition once hired. A new Roadmaster Drivers School is set to open in May to address these concerns. City officials, prospective students, and the general public are invited to the opening of the new Roadmaster Drivers School facility at 1500 West Highland Drive, Jackson, MS 39204. The opening will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, May 14 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 15. “Trucking is the opportunity on wheels for thousands of soon-to-be-hired truck drivers,” Ball said.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Love’s Travel Stops opened a new location in Mobile, Alabama on April 15. Located off Interstate 10, the store brings 109 truck parking spaces as well as 90 jobs to Mobile County. “We’re excited to open our 17th location in Alabama and add another stop for customers on the Gulf Coast,” said Greg Love, co-CEO of Love’s. “Our team members will help get professional drivers and four-wheel customers back on the road quickly and safely while providing a good value at competitive prices.” This location is open 24/7 and offers many amenities, including: More than 15,000 square feet Bojangles 109 truck parking spaces 92 car parking spaces Eight RV parking spaces Nine diesel bays Seven showers Laundry facilities Speedco Bean-to-cup gourmet coffee Brand-name snacks Fresh Kitchen concept Mobile to Go Zone with the latest GPS, headsets and smartphone accessories CAT scale Dog park In honor of the grand opening, Love’s will donate $2,000 to the Foundation of the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office.

DES MOINES, Iowa — A Texas company has agreed to refund money to any Iowa truck drivers who paid $149 to submit federal documents that can actually be filed for free. Compliance Processing Group LLC of Frisco, Texas, sent past-due notices to Iowa truck drivers under the name “FMCSA Compliance Processing Group.” The letters warned that truckers must “contact us immediately” or risk fines of up to $10,000 a day and be put out of service, per the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The company’s mailer “deceptively implies it is sent by a government agency and that failure to respond could be punished with civil penalties,” according to the Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller. In smaller print at the bottom of the mailers, the letters stated that FMCSA Compliance Processing Group was not a government agency. Motor carriers must update their information with the U.S. Department of Transportation every two years. This task can be done at no charge through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website. “The success of the respondent’s business model depends upon exploitation of truck drivers who are attempting to be responsible, but who do not know submitting a required biennial report to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is easy and free,” according to an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance (AVC) filed by Miller’s office. As part of the AVC, Compliance Processing Group agreed to refrain from soliciting, offering or selling services related to government compliance to Iowans. The company also agreed to provide full refunds to Iowa consumers who request one in the next year. “Iowa consumers may request a refund for any reason whatsoever,” the agreement states.

MINNEAPOLIS — A group of street racing vehicles shut down traffic in the Lowry Hill Tunnel on Interstate 94 in Minneapolis early Sunday, April 11. Semitrucks and other cars became ensnared in the tunnel as a group blocked westbound traffic lanes with their vehicles, the Star Tribune reported. Drivers from the street racing group performed burnouts and doughnuts, leaving circular tire marks. The Minnesota State Patrol responded to the incident. Officers found one vehicle involved but decided not to pursue it when the suspects fled. A state patrol spokesman said the troopers felt it would be unsafe to chase the vehicle. The state patrol is working to identify the vehicles and drivers involved, but no arrests were made Sunday. It was not clear how many vehicles were involved in the incident.