The Nation

OKLAHOMA CITY — Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores now has more snack and drink options available for customers with the expansion of its Love’s-brand product line. New candy and water options are now available. “We listen to what our customers want, and what they want is superior products at competitive prices,” said Mark Romig, director of merchandising for Love’s. “Based off customer feedback, we’ve added new candy options this year and removed two that didn’t resonate. We’ll continue to introduce new products to keep our shelves stocked to get our customers back on the road quickly.” Love’s Travel Snacks launched in June 2019 with the original candy line. New candy flavors include Sour Watermelon Jacks, Saltwater Taffy, Apple Rings, Watermelon Rings, Sour Belts and Frosted Heart Pretzels, joining the current lineup of French Burnt Peanuts, Starlight Mints, Gummy Bears, Fruit Slices, Peach Rings, Cherry Sours, Sour Worms and Orange Slices. In addition, the company recently introduced Love’s Premium Water, which has electrolytes added for taste and health and comes in a 100% recyclable bottle. The bottled water is available in a variety of sizes and can be purchased in a 24-pack case. “These lines represent Love’s entrepreneurial culture of pushing for new products and services to better serve customers,” Romig said.

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas — In just three months, Dairy MAX, a nonprofit regional dairy council, and partner trucking companies have distributed more than 200,000 gallons of milk to food banks in a multistate area, according to a statement released July 29. The delivery effort, which began in May, is part of dairy farmers’ collective COVID-19 relief efforts. Dairy MAX represents more than 900 dairy farm families across eight states. As the COVID-19 pandemic increased Americans’ reliance on food banks for survival, dairy farms stepped in to help families in need, providing nutrition, fighting hunger and caring for neighbors. Americans may not realize that milk is one of the most requested items at food banks — yet is also the product least often donated by individuals. Dairy MAX farmers sought ways to ensure food banks receive and distribute as much dairy as possible to families in need. Mass distribution quickly emerged at the start of the pandemic, with many food banks setting up a distribution “drive-through” in centrally located large parking lots. The food is free, and families in need can drive up and receive a box of food in a safe, contactless manner. Dairy MAX wanted to ensure these families were also receiving milk in addition to their fruits, vegetables, and meat offerings, but a transportation partner and refrigeration was needed to bridge the gap. Trucking partnerships began when Dairy MAX learned that Convoy, a digital freight network, was offering free transportation for truckloads of food being donated to Feeding America’s network of food banks across the country. “When we heard about Convoy’s efforts delivering donations across the U.S. to food banks, our team immediately thought of them as a partner that could help us provide dairy to families in need,” said Mike Konkle, CEO of Dairy MAX. “We have been grateful for their help and partnership, which kick-started our ability to bring dairy products quickly to food banks and families.” After a successful experience with Convoy, Dairy MAX has continued to grow its initiative of matching trucking partners to food banks by enlisting the help of others, such as FedEx Custom Critical shipping service, Flexport freight and Ryder Truck Rental. FedEx Custom Critical has been instrumental in serving the North Texas Food Bank and Tarrant Area Food Bank, delivering nearly 18,000 gallons of milk to mass distribution sites that feed people across 26 North Texas counties. Flexport is offering discounted freight services to nonprofits working to provide to those in need. The company has awarded $30,000 in trucking services from the Flexport.org fund to deliver milk to Creative Outreach Ministries, furthering the organization’s effort to supply food and milk to churches and smaller nonprofits working to feed their local communities throughout Montgomery County, Texas. The Flexport/Dairy MAX partnership supplied Creative Outreach organizations with 56,000 gallons of milk throughout June and July 2020. Ryder Truck Rental has stepped in to help serve The Food Bank of Central Louisiana and the Coastal Bend Food Bank in Texas. In addition to helping these food banks support weekly mobile distributions, Ryder’s refrigerated trailers are used to provide additional storage at each food bank, allowing the organization to accept additional milk to be distributed to partner agencies and food pantries throughout the state. With the help of Ryder’s rental equipment, The Food Bank of Central Louisiana will deliver an additional 42,000 gallons of milk monthly throughout its 11-county service area, and the Coastal Bend Food Bank will deliver an additional 12,000 gallons monthly to 11 counties across South Texas. While the pandemic has increased the need, the response from the dairy farmers of Dairy MAX is in line with the organization’s core values and history. The dairy community at large has donated more than 31 million servings of milk to families in need through food bank efforts and Feeding America’s Great American Milk Drive over the last five years. “Most families that use food banks receive an average of 1 gallon of milk per year, which is by no means enough to fulfill the nutritional guidelines that recommend three servings of dairy a day,” said Jennie McDowell, director of business development for Dairy MAX. “You won’t find a group of people more passionate and connected to community feeding and support than the dairy farm families that are a part of Dairy MAX.”

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — There’s been a large truck collision every week, and almost two fatalities per year, on average over the past five years along the California highways over which ExxonMobil wants to send as many as 70 oil tanker trucks a day, according to California Highway Patrol (CHP) data analyzed by the Center for Biological Diversity. Santa Barbara County will soon vote on ExxonMobil’s proposal to restart its dormant offshore drilling platforms and truck that oil along coastal Highway 1, Highway 101 and the notoriously hazardous Route 166. “This disturbing data shows that ExxonMobil will endanger California’s motorists and communities to get its offshore oil flowing again. Santa Barbara County officials can’t let that happen,” said Stephanie Prufer, an organizer with the Center for Biological Diversity. “Route 166 is just too treacherous for these tanker trucks. A crash along coastal Highway 1 could cause yet another oil spill in the Pacific Ocean.” The data shows there were 216 large-truck collisions requiring a police response, 92 injuries and nine deaths between January 2015 and March 2020 along the proposed trucking route. The data includes tanker trucks, tractor-trailers and box trucks. A time-lapse data visualization video shows the locations of the collisions and deaths, which are concentrated along the narrow, winding Route 166 that ExxonMobil wants to use to truck its offshore oil to a refinery in Kern County. On July 30, Santa Barbara County released the final environmental impact report (FEIR) on ExxonMobil’s proposal to transport oil by tanker trucks so it can restart three drilling platforms off California, setting up a vote on the project. The plan calls for up to 70 oil-filled trucks per day on coastal Highway 101 and Route 166, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Santa Barbara County Planning Commission is scheduled to hold hearings on the project on Sept. 2 and Sept. 9 before voting on the matter. “ExxonMobil would put California communities and motorists in harm’s way, just to restart its dirty and dangerous offshore platforms,” said Kristen Monsell, ocean legal director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “Sending oil tanker trucks along California’s coastal highway all day and night risks deadly accidents. Santa Barbara County should reject this reckless plan and urge ExxonMobil to decommission its platforms. We should end offshore drilling along this beautiful, bountiful coastline, not revive it.” The FEIR concludes that there would be significant, unavoidable impacts from the project, including significant impacts on wildlife and cultural resources in the event of an oil spill from a tanker truck. The FEIR does not analyze the impacts of bringing Exxon’s offshore platforms back online. “The county’s Final Environmental Impact Report fails to disclose the devastating impacts that will result if ExxonMobil is allowed to resume oil drilling in the Santa Barbara Channel and truck oil along our scenic highways,” said Linda Krop, chief counsel for the Environmental Defense Center, which represents Get Oil Out! and SBCAN. “ExxonMobil’s proposal will result in more oil spills, air pollution, and increased climate change at a time when we need to pursue clean energy alternatives.” A majority of Santa Barbara County voters say they oppose proposals to restart ExxonMobil’s offshore drilling platforms in the Santa Barbara Channel, according to a recent poll. Nearly three out of every four respondents said they were concerned “about the safety of our local highways if up to 70 oil tanker trucks are allowed on our roads each day.” ExxonMobil’s three offshore platforms near Santa Barbara were shut down in 2015 after the Plains All American Pipeline ruptured, spilling thousands of gallons of oil along the California coast. The company proposes to restart the platforms and load offshore oil onto tanker trucks at its Las Flores Canyon processing facility. The trucks would transport as much as 470,400 gallons of oil per day up to 140 miles to refineries in Kern County and Santa Maria. California experiences hundreds of oil-truck incidents a year, and many of those incidents result in oil spills. There were 216 trucking accidents along the route between 2015 and 2020, resulting in nine deaths and 92 injuries, according to data from CHP. The coalition opposing ExxonMobil’s trucking plan includes Wishtoyo Chumash Foundation, 350 Santa Barbara, Center for Biological Diversity, Environmental Defense Center, Food and Water Action, GOO!, SBCAN, Sierra Club’s Los Padres Chapter, UCSB Academic Senator Esmeralda Quintero-Cubillan and Surfrider Foundation Santa Barbara County Chapter.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Drivers on some rural roadways in Oklahoma may see increased speed limits in the near future. Following extensive studies by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA), the state has determined that speed limits on portions of rural interstates and turnpikes are due for a tune-up. Recommendations on the changes are now heading to the respective boards of each agency for consideration. The recent passage of Oklahoma HB 1071 set the stage for statewide studies on potential maximum speed limit increases of 75 mph on rural interstates and 80 mph on rural turnpikes. Existing maximum speed limits in larger urban areas will not change; but limit increases could be considered in the future. According to a July 27 statement, ODOT and OTA carefully evaluated several safety factors including roadway geometry, sight distance, collision history, traffic flows and existing speed patterns to determine locations eligible for raised speed limits. “Discussions with safety and law enforcement partners were also key to the decision-making process and will be ongoing,” the statement notes. “We appreciate that our legislators recognized safety concerns needed to be forefront in this process,” said Tim Gatz, Oklahoma Secretary of Transportation. “Any increase in speed limits on interstates or highways must be carefully considered to ensure safety, and it’s not just a one-size-fits-all approach. Rep. Daniel Pae’s thoughtfulness and diligence helped the agencies develop a comprehensive plan for a statewide implementation.” Because both ODOT and OTA are separate agencies, each of their respective transportation authority bodies will consider approval on the proposed locations. The OTA board heard recommendations at a July 28 meeting, and the Oklahoma Transportation Commission will consider ODOT’s proposed locations on August 3 at its regular meeting. “I appreciate ODOT and OTA thoughtfully evaluating this issue and performing the engineering studies to make sure these changes are done safely, and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol’s commitment to ensuring the speed limits are properly enforced,” said Pae (R-District 62). “I’m very pleased that HB 1071 got the discussion started on modernizing Oklahoma’s rural interstate and turnpike speed limits to bring them into consistency with our neighboring states and existing patterns.” ODOT and OTA says drivers should be aware that, following approvals, the old posted speed limits will remain in place until the signs are changed. The new signs will need to be manufactured and installed in the corridors, which could take several months or more to complete. “The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) and local law enforcement will strictly enforce speed limits to make sure everyone is being safe,” said OHP Lieutenant Chris Arnall. “Drivers must ensure they’re driving at a speed that is reasonable and proper for the conditions. The higher the speed violation, the lower our tolerance for those who break the speed limit.” The July 27 statement notes that ODOT and OTA will closely monitor the changes in the corridors and that if the new speed limits create an unsafe situation, adjustments could be made for the safety of the traveling public. Details on approved locations will be announced following the respective meetings for each agency.

WASHINGTON — An exemption from Renewal of the Hazardous Materials Endorsement Security Threat Assessment for Certain Individuals that was set to expire at the end of July has been extended 90 days and will now expire Oct. 29, according to a notice published in the Federal Register today (July 31) by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The exemption, initially published in the register April 8, allows states to extend by 180 days the expiration date of hazardous materials endorsements (HMEs) that expire on or after March 1. The notice states: “If a state grants an extension, the individual with an expired HME must initiate the process of renewing his or her security threat assessment (STA) for the HME no later than 60 days before the end of the state-granted extension.” State licensing agencies and the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators requested the extension because “some states continue to face challenges maintaining regular operations at state Drivers Licensing Centers due to public health considerations related to the inability to predict how or where COVID-19 may spread in the future,” the notice continues. The extension, which may be extended in the future depending on the COVID-19 pandemic, will allow commercial drivers to perform critical services during the crisis, according to TSA. To read the Federal Register notice, click here.

WASHINGTON — The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) led a coalition of more than 60 trade associations in voicing opposition against any increase of federally mandated insurance minimums for motor carriers. On July 27, the coalition sent a letter to Senate transportation leadership contending that higher insurance levels would do nothing to improve highway safety and would have a severe economic impact on truckers, farmers and manufacturers by significantly increasing their operational costs. “It’s ironic because Congress likes to praise the trucking industry when it fits their agenda,” said Todd Spencer, president and CEO of OOIDA. “Yet too many lawmakers want to economically condemn truckers so they can siphon more money to trial lawyers. This is the only thing that increasing federal insurance requirements would accomplish.” The coalition justifies its position against the higher rates based on data and research in the letter, addressed to Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and Maria Cantwell, ranking member of the committee. The coalition letter claims there is no reputable research to suggest that an increase of any amount would help reduce crash rates, and even cites an FMCSA-commissioned study that concludes that “the vast majority of CMV-caused crashes have relatively small cost consequences, and the costs are easily covered with the limits of mandatory liability insurance.” “Follow the money,” Spencer said. “Trial lawyers would collectively pocket billions of dollars if Congress increases insurance minimums. And, their unjust enrichment creates the greatest hardship on hard-working, small-business truckers, which are the safest of all drivers.” OOIDA is leading a growing coalition comprised of state trucking associations and a variety of groups representing industries that are currently working to help the U.S. recover from the COVID-19 pandemic including agriculture, materials and utility organizations. “We want to thank each of our coalition partners for helping to send a message to Congress that we’re not going to tolerate this nonsense,” Spencer said. To read the letter sent by the coalition, click here.

ARLINGTON, Va. — The American Trucking Associations (ATA) has officially decided to make this year’s annual Management Conference & Exhibition a virtual event to be held Oct. 24-27. The event, originally scheduled for October in Denver, Colorado, was changed to a virtual setting by a unanimous decision by ATA officers. “We have been working closely with the Gaylord Rockies Resort to ensure our attendees would be safe, in addition to having an exceptional experience and meeting,” ATA President Chris Spear wrote in a letter to members and vendors. “Unfortunately, the state of Colorado and the City of Aurora have recently put additional restrictions in place that will not allow us to continue with an in-person event, and we don’t anticipate those restrictions changing much this year.” The letter noted that those who have registered for the conference, committed to a booth in the exhibit hall or committed to the sponsorship of a program will have the opportunity to discuss a number of options for those commitments, adding that ATA will “ensure a return on your investment.” “While virtual events don’t provide an opportunity for one-on-one conversations, we are excited about some of the opportunities to connect our membership together,” Spear said in the letter. “In the meantime, we are putting final touches on our virtual program, which will allow us to continue with our policy discussions, education sessions and overall great programs.” For information about the five-day virtual event, click here.

SEATTLE — Workers on Monday, July 27, managed to attach two large platforms to the underside of a damaged commuter bridge that was declared a “civil emergency” by Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan earlier this month. The platforms were put in place to allow crews to begin work to stabilize the bridge, KOMO-TV reported. However, officials say they still don’t know whether or not the repairs they are set to start will permanently fix the bridge. The West Seattle Bridge that links the West Seattle neighborhood to the rest of the city has been closed since March, after officials said cracks in the structure’s underside were growing rapidly, and it’s possible the bridge may need replacement. Engineers and officials from the city’s Department of Transportation are considering six proposals about the bridge’s future. Three of the proposals involve continuing repairs that would last through 2022 and make the bridge usable for at least 15 more years. The other three proposals involve replacing the structure with a new bridge or tunnel that would not open until 2025 or 2026 but would last longer. Officials say the bridge is in better shape than they initially expected; that assessment will factor into the final decision, expected in October, on what to do about the bridge. The two work platforms that were erected this week are 60 feet (18 meters) wide and can hold 10 workers each. Workers on the platforms will inject epoxy into the bridge’s cracks to seal them; then they will install cables inside the hollow part of the bridge to stabilize the structure.

HELENA, Mont. — The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) has begun implementation of new load posting procedures on public bridges across the state as mandated by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). As a result, motorists may soon start to notice new weight limits and signs on some bridges. The postings are part of recently updated federal requirements for bridge load rating and posting. Bridge weight restrictions are required when the engineering analysis of a bridge, known as a load rating, indicates that the structure cannot carry standard, legal loads. Load ratings provide information about how much distributed weight can safely pass over a bridge. Load posting is required when a load rating indicates that a bridge cannot safely carry certain loads that would otherwise be legal in the state of Montana. Load posting signs show maximum weight limits for different vehicle types depending on axle configuration. “Many older bridges were never designed to carry vehicle types that have become common in present-day use, and some bridges have deteriorated over time,” said Stephanie Brandenberger, bridge engineer for MDT. “Bridge weight restriction signs are posted to keep motorists safe and to ensure that the bridge remains functional. We need to prevent heavy loads from crossing and over stressing the bridge, which can lead to both visible and hidden damage.” MDT is currently updating load ratings for 4,500 public bridges across the state, including about 2,500 that are owned and maintained by MDT. The effort is expected to take about four years to complete. Brandenberger emphasized that posted weight restrictions do not mean a bridge is unsafe — as long as vehicles crossing the bridge meet posted limitations. “MDT needs the public’s help in understanding and following weight restrictions — for their own safety, but also to help maintain bridge integrity and safeguard bridge longevity,” she said. To assist with public outreach and education, MDT is creating interactive maps and other information available for the public, as the bridge load posting program continues. For the most up-to-date information and additional resources, visit MDT’s Bridge Load Posting Program website. For questions about the program or information about specific bridges, call the project hotline at 888-824-8445 or email [email protected].

OKLAHOMA CITY — Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores, a nationwide travel-stop network, is now serving customers in Wadsworth, Illinois, and Green River, Utah, with the July 23 opening of two new locations. The Wadsworth store, located on U.S. Highway 41, adds 75 jobs and 107 truck parking spaces to Lake County, Illinois. The Green River store, located off U.S. Highway 191, adds 55 jobs and 80 truck parking spaces to Emery County, Utah. “Opening our 22nd location in Illinois and our seventh location in Utah is something we’re excited about,” said Tom Love, founder and executive chairman of Love’s. “We enjoy expanding in the states we’re already established in. At the same time, we’ll get to expose new customers to our red neon heart on the highway and our ‘Clean Places, Friendly Faces’ that keep our customers coming back.” Both locations are open 24/7 and offer many amenities, including: Wadsworth, Illinois More than 12,000 square feet. Arby’s restaurant. 107 truck parking spaces. 64 car parking spaces. Three RV parking spaces. Eight 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. Dog park. Green River, Utah More than 7,000 square feet. Arby’s restaurant. 80 truck parking spaces. 67 car parking spaces. Six RV parking spaces. Four showers. Five diesel bays. Laundry facilities. Bean-to-cup gourmet coffee. Brand-name snacks. Fresh Kitchen concept. Mobile to Go Zone with the latest electronics. Dog park. In honor of the grand opening, Love’s will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at each location. In addition, Loves is donating $2,000 to be split between the Newport Fire Safety Foundation and the Sgt. John M. Penich Memorial in Wadsworth, Illinois, and $2,000 to be split between Book Cliff Elementary School and Green River High School in Green River, Utah. For information and updates about temporary changes Love’s has made to its operating practices to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, click here.

PLOVER, Wisc. — The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) announced that its sixth annual Accelerate! Conference & Expo will be held Nov. 12-13 and will transition to a virtual format because of the COVID-19 pandemic. “After monitoring the recent escalation of COVID-19 cases nationwide, as well as in Dallas where the in-person conference was originally scheduled to be held Sept. 23-25, it has been determined that focusing on a comprehensive virtual event is the best path forward for the association and our attendees, said Brian Everett, organizer of the event. “This decision was made in conjunction with soliciting feedback from more than 400 WIT members, sponsors, exhibitors and other key stakeholders, which has confirmed that our community is fully supportive of a virtual conference.” The two-day 2020 Accelerate! Conference & Expo will feature: More than 40 educational focused on critical transportation issues and trends, along with perspectives of women in the industry. Five themed tracks include leadership, professional development, human resources and talent management, operations, and sales and marketing. Panel discussions featuring insights and best practices from industry professionals and leaders, as well as from professional drivers. Peer-to-peer interactive roundtable discussion groups that accommodate live discussions around common areas of interest. A dynamic virtual exhibition bringing products, services and value to the marketplace and facilitating dialogue between providers and buyers. These features also will be available on-demand for those who cannot participate in the live virtual conference Nov. 12-13. Group discounts are available for companies wanting to support gender diversity within their organizations. “Diversity in experience, skills and perspective is proven to be critical to the success of any company in transportation, and gender diversity is a critical path to this goal,” said Ellen Voie, WIT president and CEO. “This conference is one way for our industry to share new ideas and best practices that encourage the employment of women, recognize their accomplishments and success stories, and ultimately minimize obstacles faced by women in this industry.” More details about the conference, along with registration info can be found here.