The Nation

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sept. 23 announced he will “aggressively” move the state further away from its reliance on fossil fuels, issuing an executive order requiring sales of all new passenger vehicles to be zero-emission by 2035, along with additional measures to eliminate harmful emissions from the transportation sector. The transportation sector is responsible for more than half of all of California’s carbon pollution, 80% of smog-forming pollution and 95% of toxic diesel emissions, and communities in the Los Angeles Basin and Central Valley see some of the dirtiest and most toxic air in the country, according to a statement released by Newsom’s office. “This is the most impactful step our state can take to fight climate change,” Newsom said. “For too many decades, we have allowed cars to pollute the air that our children and families breathe. Californians shouldn’t have to worry if our cars are giving our kids asthma. Our cars shouldn’t make wildfires worse — and create more days filled with smoky air. Cars shouldn’t melt glaciers or raise sea levels, threatening our cherished beaches and coastlines.” Following the Sept. 23 order, CARB will develop regulations to mandate that 100% of in-state sales of new passenger cars and trucks are zero-emission by 2035, a target the board says would achieve more than a 35% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and an 80% improvement in oxides of nitrogen emissions from cars statewide. Newsom’s order comes less than three months after the California Air Resources Board (CARB) adopted a rule requiring truck manufacturers to transition from diesel trucks and vans to electric zero-emission trucks where feasible, beginning in 2024 and culminating in 100% zero-emission trucks by 2045. The mandate will go into effect by 2035 for drayage trucks. To ensure needed infrastructure to support zero-emission vehicles, state agencies, in partnership with the private sector, will be required to accelerate deployment of affordable fueling and charging options, as well as support of new and used zero-emission vehicle markets to provide broad accessibility to zero-emission vehicles for California residents. The executive order will not prevent Californians from owning gasoline-powered cars or selling them on the used-car market. The executive order directs state agencies to develop strategies for an integrated, statewide rail and transit network, and incorporate safe and accessible infrastructure into projects to support bicycle and pedestrian options, particularly in low-income and disadvantaged communities. To read the Sept. 23 executive order issued by Newsom, click here.

ARLINGTON, Va. — The American Trucking Associations (ATA) and its Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) continued National Technician Appreciation week by recognizing the first Light- and Medium-Duty Technician Superstar. Chad Moore of Rush Truck Centers, Oklahoma City, was awarded the honor Sept. 23. “Chad’s dedication and professionalism is something all TMC members aspire to,” said Robert Braswell, executive director of TMC. “It is an honor to be able to recognize him during National Technician Appreciation Week.” Moore has served for several years as a Ford vehicle technician for Rush OKC, and is a certified senior master technician. “Chad is a great mentor for other medium-duty technicians, takes great pride in his work and his team’s work, and understands the importance of customer satisfaction,” said Kevin Williams, general manager of Rush OKC. “He is a good leader and goes above and beyond helping others.” The Technician Superstar winners will receive a complementary registration to a TMC meeting of their choice and one year’s membership in the Council. During the first-ever National Technician Appreciation week, Sept. 21-25, 2020, TMC conducted a new Technician Superstar Program. Companies were encouraged to nominate a person or persons from their organizations who exemplify excellence as a commercial vehicle technician. Winners were selected in three categories — heavy-duty, trailer, and light- and medium-duty.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Love’s Travel Stops is now serving customers in Boron, California, thanks to a truck stop that opened Sept. 24. The Boron store, located off State Highway 58, adds 76 jobs and 79 truck parking spaces to Kern County. “We’re excited to open a new location in this important corridor on the West Coast,” said Tom Love, founder and executive chairman of Love’s. “Boron is a great location to provide professional truck drivers and four-wheel customers the great service and amenities they expect, and to help get them back on the road safely and quickly.” This location is open 24/7 and offers many amenities, including: More than 12,000 square feet; Carl’s Jr. restaurant; 79 truck parking spaces; 81 car parking spaces; Seven RV parking spaces; Six diesel bays; Eight showers; Love’s Truck Care with on-site Speedco; Laundry facilities; Bean-to-cup gourmet coffee; Brand-name snacks; Fresh Kitchen concept; Mobile to Go Zone with the latest electronics; CAT scale; and Dog park. In honor of the grand opening, Love’s will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony and donate $2,000 to be split between the Kern County Fire Department and the Boron Junior-Senior High School.

WASHINGTON — The House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations issued a continuing resolution that would fund federal government programs from the beginning of fiscal year 2021 on Oct. 1 through Dec. 11, but its fate remains uncertain as the House’s Democratic leadership continues negotiating with the White House. Key for state departments of transportation is that a proposed extension of current surface transportation funding legislation — the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act — is contained within the continuing resolution for one year, with an additional $13.6 billion added to the Highway Trust Fund. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and 87 organizations had urged Congressional leadership to pass this type of “turn-key” bill in a Sept. 9 letter. Jim Tymon, AASHTO’s executive director, noted that a one-year extension of current surface transportation funding legislation gives state DOTs the “certainty” needed for planning, letting and building projects through the 2021 construction season. “Ideally, if this extension can be provided with increased funding, our industry will be able to employ more Americans in the construction sector which, in turn, will bolster market certainty for the transportation industry in 2021, making businesses more likely to hire workers while investing in new equipment and technologies,” he said. According to an analysis by the AASHTO policy team, the FAST Act extension within the continuing resolution provides: Obligation limitation through Dec. 11, estimated to be $9.1 billion for the Federal-aid Highway Program. An extension of FAST Act funding and provisions from fiscal year 2020 to all of fiscal year 2021, including contract authority formula apportionments to states. A $10.4 billion general fund transfer to the Highway Trust Fund’s Highway Account and a $3.2 billion transfer to the Mass Transit Account. A $14 billion general fund transfer to the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, making up for the aviation excise tax holiday included in the $2 trillion CARES Act passed in March. Suspension of the Rostenkowski fiscal solvency test for the Mass Transit Account for fiscal year 2021. Without suspending that “test” — crafted by the late Rep. Dan Rostenkowski (D), who served as chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee in the 1980s — significant reductions in transit obligation funds would occur in fiscal year 2021. An increase to the “multimodal cap” within the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) discretionary grant program from $500 million to $600 million. An extension of 2017 and 2018 Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program obligation deadlines through Sept. 30, 2021. While the goal is to get the continuing resolution signed into law by Sept. 30 — the end of the current 2020 federal government fiscal year — providing aid to farmers remains a political stumbling block for the moment. The short-term duration of the continuing resolution is also an issue, noted AASHTO’s policy team, so it remains to be seen how the final fiscal year 2021 appropriations picture will look by Dec. 11. As published in The Journal, the official publication of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), on Sept. 22. 

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The Oct. 2 entry deadline for Truckload Carriers Association’s (TCA) 2020 Fleet Safety Awards is rapidly approaching, and carriers are encouraged to submit their applications online. The annual competition is sponsored by Great West Casualty Co. The Fleet Safety Awards program recognizes the top fleets in the truckload industry that continuously demonstrate their commitment to safety improvement. This year’s awards are especially important in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, as carriers work to keep their drivers stay both healthy and accident-free on the highway. “Year after year, TCA’s members prove that safety is the top priority of the truckload industry through participation in the Fleet Safety Awards,” said TCA President John Lyboldt. “We are incredibly proud to recognize and showcase these fleets, which have maintained a superb safety record through their use of innovative programs to establish a culture of safety within their companies.” Fleet Safety Award applicants must submit their accident frequency ratio between Sept. 1, 2019 and Aug. 31, 2020. Click here for contest information and an online entry form. Division winners are subject to an audit for ratio accuracy and invited to compete for one of two grand prizes. Carriers with annual mileage of 25 million or fewer miles vie for one, while companies with more than 25 million miles compete for the other. The winners will be honored at TCA’s annual convention, Truckload 2021: Nashville, in January.

There’s no question that many drivers have experienced frustration over emissions mandates by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that have changed trucking. Both new and used trucks are now more expensive to purchase and to maintain, and many drivers can tell of stories time and money lost to problems caused by the new technology. Then, there’s the initial distribution problems and increased price of changes to diesel fuel, such as the creation of low-sulfur fuel — followed by ultra-low-sulfur fuel. A question that comes up frequently is, “Why are railroads excluded from these emissions mandates?” Some folks wonder if the rail industry gets special treatment from the government. Rail supporters point out that trains move freight more efficiently than trucks, arguing that emissions limits will have less impact per freight ton-mile. Well, they’re right. According to the Association of American Railroads (AAR), trains are three to four times more fuel efficient than trucks. The organization published “The Environmental Benefits of Moving Freight by Rail” in July 2019. In it, AAR claims that in 2018, U.S. freight railroads moved each ton of freight they hauled 473 miles for each gallon of fuel consumed. Trucks, on the other hand, move the average ton of freight about 135 miles for each gallon of fuel. That makes trains about 3.5 times as efficient as trucks. To put it another way, trucks will burn about 3.5 times more fuel than trains when moving the same amount of freight. It follows that if both modes of transport were burning the same diesel fuel, trucks would emit 3.5 times the pollutants than trains to move the same amount of freight. Of course, the answer to reducing emissions is not as simple as just moving freight by rail instead of trucks. Trucking supporters are quick to point out that there are no railroad tracks leading to the local Walmart or grocery warehouse. So, just how much U.S. freight is moved by the various modes of transportation? According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, trucks hauled 11.5 billion tons of freight in 2017, the most current year for which statistics are available. That’s 64.6% of the freight hauled by all modes. Rail was responsible for 1.7 billion tons or 9.8% About 3 billion tons was moved by pipeline, 17.1% of all freight moved. Another 766 million tons, or 4.3%, moved over water, by barge or ship. Less than 6 million tons moved by air — that’s less than a tenth of a percent. The rest of the freight moved by multiple modes (intermodal), such as truck and rail or pipeline plus barge, unknown modes, or no domestic mode at all. When considering rulemaking that impacts air quality, it’s understandable for the EPA to begin with the most-used mode of transportation. In 2017, trucks moved roughly 6.5 times as much freight as rail — nearly two-thirds of ALL the freight moved in the U.S. It also makes sense to address the mode that creates greater emissions. Again, that’s trucking. However, all of this doesn’t mean the railroad industry hasn’t been impacted by emissions standards. As with trucking, the EPA has taken notice of the rail industry, demanding better fuel economy and reduced emissions. And, like trucking, the rail industry has responded with improvements, such as replacing old power equipment with new, more fuel-efficient units, using computer technology to maximize performance, reducing equipment idling, and training employees to be more aware of fuel efficiency. Sound familiar? Finally, it should be noted that railroads weren’t ignored by the EPA as rules governing trucks were being implemented. Due to different operating factors, including the cost and lifespan of new locomotives, the rail industry was addressed under separate rulemaking. The agency issued a regulatory announcement in March 2008 that specifically addresses rail and marine diesel emissions. The rule mandates about a 90% reduction in particulate matter and 80% in NOx (nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide) emissions. Also mandated is use of ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel in new locomotives by 2015, using high-efficiency catalytic aftertreatment — the same technology that brought diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to trucking. Locomotives aren’t replaced as often as trucks, so it will take longer for railroads to achieve complete turnover to units meeting the tighter emissions standards. The EPA estimates it will take until 2030 to achieve full effect. But for those who were wondering, the rail industry didn’t get a pass when new emissions standards were imposed on trucking. They simply got a ruling of their own. Editor’s note: This story was inspired by a letter to the editor asking for more information about railroad regulations since trucks seem to be the go-to source to receive blame for emissions. If you have a topic you would like The Trucker staff to tackle, send an email to [email protected].

PHARR, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the General Services Administration (GSA) and the City of Pharr have announced a formal partnership to streamline commercial agriculture processing at the Pharr Land Port of Entry (LPOE). Under CBP’s Donations Acceptance Program, the City of Pharr will help fund the construction of 24 new secondary inspection bays, enhancing CBP’s ability to process future increases in commercial truck traffic at the Pharr LPOE. Thirteen of the bays will include cold storage unit equipment to ensure produce examinations won’t be compromised by the outside elements. “With the continued increase of imports from Mexico, especially produce-related commodities, that require an inspection from our agriculture specialists, having these additional dock spaces will have a significant positive impact on our ability to expedite the processing time and get shipments on their way into U.S. commerce,” said Carlos Rodriguez, port director of the Port of Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas. “The additional cold storage bays will also serve proactively in maintaining the integrity of certain products while they are inspected in climate-controlled areas, rather than exposing them to the South Texas heat.” In addition, the project will include the construction of a new 10,000-square-foot agriculture inspection and training facility and provide the equipment and tools necessary to outfit the facility. The upgraded facility will enhance the ability of CBP agriculture specialists to perform on-site inspections and testing, further facilitating trade through the Pharr LPOE. “GSA welcomes the opportunity to partner with CBP and the City of Pharr on this important project that contributes to the efficiency of commercial operations at the LPOE as well as trade with our neighbors to the south,” said Giancarlo Brizzi, acting regional administrator of GSA. “Through donation programs like these, GSA is able expand and enhance port operations in ways previously unavailable to the federal government.” As a leading port in Texas for agricultural importation, the Pharr LPOE processed nearly 1,800 commercial trucks transporting more than $13 million worth of agricultural products on a given day during fiscal year 2019, according to CBP. These products constituted nearly 15% of all fresh produce imported into the U.S. “The City of Pharr remains committed to working with our federal partners to identify and implement innovative methods to expedite traffic and trade at our international port of entry, making border crossings and inspections function more effectively while helping our trade partners process and cross their goods more efficiently,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “We are proud to partner with CBP on this and other Donations Acceptance Program projects that provide creative solutions to meet and address specific federal needs at the local level, and keep international trade and commerce flowing swiftly and smoothly.” The City of Pharr submitted a formal proposal under the CBP Donations Acceptance Program in December 2015 to improve the Pharr LPOE. The Donation Acceptance Agreement formalizes a project that has been years in the making and allows the parties to begin construction of the new facilities. Pursuant to 6 U.S.C. § 301a, and more generally, the Homeland Security Act of 2002, 6 U.S.C. §§ 112 et seq., as amended, CBP and GSA are authorized to accept donations of real property, personal property (including monetary donations) and nonpersonal services from private sector and government entities. Accepted donations may be used for port of entry construction, alterations, operations, and maintenance activities.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — New directional signs along Interstate 26 between Hendersonville, North Carolina, and Asheville, North Carolina, sprouted this year as part of an innovative signal system designed to guide drivers around major incidents or construction on the interstate, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). NCDOT crews installed signs and upgraded signal systems along I-26 alternate routes such as the Asheville Highway and Hendersonville Road as part of a new Incident Corridor Management System. The system was activated for the first time — in a non-emergency situation — the evenings of Sept. 15-16 as crews moved girders in place for a new bridge on Clear Creek Road over I-26. “We’re fortunate to have so many engineers and technicians put so much time and energy into developing a system that will help thousands of people driving the I-26 corridor,” said Chad Franklin, regional information traffic system engineer. “We’re happy to use the system for the first time in a non-emergency situation. It’s like a dress rehearsal.” Asheville Highway served as an alternate route on both nights. The new ICM system provided longer green lights on Asheville Highway, giving drivers the choice to wait on I-26 during the rolling roadblock or to take the alternate route with more green-light time. NCDOT engineers developed the ICM system to direct local, commercial and emergency traffic to alternate routes between Hendersonville and Asheville in case of an emergency, such as an extended closure of I-26 between I-40 and U.S 64. Transportation officials in Raleigh or at the Mountain Regional Traffic Management Center can remotely initiate the system in a matter of minutes, activate the digital signs and change signal timing to allow more vehicles through signals along the detour routes. For example, signals on Hendersonville Road (U.S. 25), Long Shoals Road, Airport Road, Brevard Road or Haywood Road (N.C. 191) would remain green for an extended time period, while signals on side streets would remain red longer to allow the detoured traffic to flow better along the alternate route. “Our traffic and signal teams have put in a lot of time and technical work to design and implement this important system,” Franklin said. “We’re very fortunate to have this specialized system in Western North Carolina.”

ARLINGTON, Va. — The American Trucking Associations (ATA) has opened nominations for the 2020 Mike Russell Trucking Image Award, which recognizes individuals and organizations that have gone the extra mile to promote the image and reputation of the industry. The award is named in honor of former ATA Vice President of Public Affairs Mike Russell, who was a lifelong supporter and advocate for the trucking industry. “As the country faced unprecedented obstacles due to the spread of COVID-19, Americans witnessed firsthand the steadfast efforts and importance of the trucking industry,” said Chris Spear, ATA president and CEO. “As an industry, we collectively came together and told our story. When the world needed us, we proudly reassured families that ‘a truck is on the way’ and that the industry is fully committed to doing its part in the national effort to ensure America makes it through the coronavirus pandemic.” First awarded in 2007, the Mike Russell Trucking Image awards are given in four categories — individual, motor carrier, trucking organization, industry supplier — to nominees who each demonstrate excellence in illustrating the industry’s essentiality, professionalism and commitment to safety both on and off the highways. The award has been sponsored by HireRight since 2014. The following winners were recognized in 2019: Covenant Transport, for developing the Tomorrow’s Truckers program; Minnesota Trucking Association, for being one of the leading trucking image supporters at the state level; Fleet executive Kevin Burch of Jet Express Inc., for developing some of the industry’s high-profile image efforts; and America’s Road Team Captain and YRC Freight professional truck driver Steve Fields, for being the epitome of an American truck driver in his actions, professionalism and words. “By promoting the industry’s image and educating the public about our important role in the community, we increase opportunities to recruit new talent, share our collective industry achievements, and ensure a continued seat at the table while advocating for trucking’s policy priorities,” said Todd Simo, managing director of transportation and chief medical officer at HireRight. “The Mike Russell Trucking Image Awards align with HireRight’s mission to promote a safety-first perspective within trucking and support the continued professional success of organizations and individuals in the industry.” Image and education efforts help the trucking industry and its stakeholders tell the story of the industry, put faces on the nation’s 3.6 million professional drivers, and strengthen the industry’s many partnerships with communities and policymakers across the country, according to ATA. “Over the last six years we have seen a drastic improvement in the way the American public perceives the trucking industry. This change is due to our industry making incredible efforts to deliver our message and show people the positive impact we have,” said Elisabeth Barna, ATA executive vice president of industry affairs. “National polling has found that the more an individual knows someone in trucking, the better perception they have of the whole industry,” Barna continued. “These positive views lead to tangible grassroots and advocacy victories and the advancement of trucking’s priorities, while improving our ability to recruit and attract new talent who want to begin a career our industry.” Applications must be submitted to ATA’s Industry Affairs Department by Oct. 5; click here for information about the awards and the nomination process. Winners will be announced Oct. 26 during ATA’s virtual Management Conference & Exhibition.

HOUSTON — Trillium, a member of the Love’s family of companies and provider of alternative fueling systems and renewable fuels, has opened two new compressed natural gas (CNG) locations in California. “We are seeing strong, rising demand from customers in California for CNG,” said JP Fjeld-Hansen, vice president of Trillium. “To meet that demand, we’re focused on adding more stations and committed to providing fueling options that will benefit the environment.” The two newly opened locations are both located at Love’s Travel Stops: 21948 Highway 46, Lost Hills, California, 93249; and 2000 East Tehachapi Blvd., Tehachapi, California, 93561. The public fast-fill stations each have two heavy-duty and two light-duty fueling nozzles, providing infrastructure for multiple vehicle types. The stations offer CNG fueling capabilities to fleet customers fed by renewable natural gas (RNG). RNG is produced entirely from organic waste streams and is a low-carbon fuel that is interchangeable with pipeline-quality natural gas. Use of RNG can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% to 125%, depending on the feedstock, when compared to diesel fuel. In addition, Trillium is celebrating the August opening of a public CNG station at 1055 N. Alameda St. in Los Angeles by extending a price discount on fuel through Sept. 30 (the discount was originally set to expire Aug. 31). During the promotion, Trillium customers at the Los Angeles location on North Alameda Street will pay only 99 cents per gallon of gasoline equivalent (GGE). In addition, drivers who download and use the Love’s Connect App will receive mobile deals. When drivers first download the app, they’ll receive immediate access to deals such as a free fountain drink, free coffee and buy-one-get-one offers on roller grill items.

ARLINGTON, Va. — The American Trucking Associations (ATA), along with the ATA Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC), has announced the celebration of the first-ever National Technician Appreciation Week (NTAW), Sept. 21-25, to recognize the people who keep the trucking industry moving. “Professional technicians ensure that drivers are able to travel safely — which has always been, and remains, our highest priority,” said Chris Spear, ATA president and CEO. “The technician team of any-size motor carrier, private carrier or service provider are critical to its successful operation. Without the work they do, the trucks would stop running, and drivers would be unable to deliver the products and supplies that keep the American economy running.” NTAW will provide an opportunity to celebrate the hard work and commitment of professional technicians. Professional technicians perform one of the most demanding and critical roles in trucking. This week will not only acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of these dedicated professionals, but also help attract prospective talent to one of the most in-demand careers in the industry. The inaugural NTAW will feature a series of virtual events and educational sessions. The technically focused webinars will cover the following topics: Aftertreatment diagnostics and maintenance; Electrical system diagnostics; Vehicle data network diagnostics; Collision mitigation systems; and How to prepare for ASE certification testing. To recognize the nation’s most exceptional technicians, ATA and TMC asked industry stakeholders to nominate their “technician superstars” that exemplify the highest levels of excellence and professionalism. During NTAW, winners will be selected for three categories — heavy-duty, trailer and light/medium duty. In addition, ATA and TMC will recognize the technician with the highest score on the ASE Preventive Maintenance Master Technician Certification Test for 2020, as well as the diesel tech winner of the TechForce Foundation’s “FutureTechs Rock Awards,” honored for outstanding contributions as a role model at school and in the community. “We are proud and beyond excited to launch this important week and dedicate a time to say ‘thank you’ to the professional technicians that are so integral to the trucking industry,” said Robert Braswell, TMC executive director. “Professional technicians are the unsung heroes. Like a well-oiled machine, they keep business moving and trucks on the road. TMC is honored to showcase these important individuals, and highlight the significant impact they have.” To learn more about ATA’s Technology & Maintenance Council, click here.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary Elaine L. Chao announced Wednesday, Sept. 16, that the Trump administration will invest $1 billion in American infrastructure through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Discretionary Grants program. The funding has been awarded to 70 projects in 44 states. “This administration is making significant investments in infrastructure, and this $1 billion in BUILD grants will repair, rebuild, and revitalize transportation systems across America,” Chao said. Fiscal Year 2020 BUILD Transportation grants are for planning and capital investments in surface transportation infrastructure and were awarded on a competitive basis for projects that will have a significant local or regional impact. BUILD funding supports roads, bridges, transit, rail, ports or intermodal transportation. Since 2017, the Administration has awarded nearly $4 billion in BUILD grants to improve America’s infrastructure. The program selection criteria encompassed safety, economic competitiveness, quality of life, state of good repair, environmental sustainability, innovation, and partnerships with a broad range of stakeholders. To better address the needs of rural America, which has historically been neglected, the U.S. Department of Transportation is awarding 50% of BUILD Transportation grant funding to projects located in rural areas that deliver positive benefits for these communities, consistent with the Department’s R.O.U.T.E.S. initiative. For this round of BUILD Transportation grants, the maximum grant award is $25 million, and no more than $100 million can be awarded to a single State, as specified in the appropriations act. The full list of awards can be found here.