The Nation

In the nine-year period between 2010 and 2018, jury verdict awards against trucking companies grew at a rate of 51.7% per year. That’s a lot, especially when compared to an annual standard inflation-rate growth of 1.7%. That’s just one of the findings in a recent study by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) released on June 23. Using data collected from a trucking-litigation database, ATRI studied detailed information about 600 cases between 2006 and 2019. In the first five years of the study, 2006-2010, there were 26 cases in which jury awards totaled over $1 million. In the most recent five years (2015-2019), there were 300 such awards. In 2019, ATRI’s Research Advisory Committee identified so-called “nuclear verdicts” against the trucking industry as the highest research priority for the group. The results released today are the initial result of a continuing study. In recent protests held by small-business truckers in Washington, D.C., and elsewhere in the country, rising insurance rates were listed by many participants as an issue the government should address. Larger carriers, including the 4,000-employee Celadon, cited high insurance costs as a reason for economic troubles. With freight rates plummeting due to COVID-19 closures and slowdowns, insurance-premium increases have been difficult for many small carriers to bear. The ATRI study sheds some light on the reasons behind premium increases that are harming trucking businesses of every size. As part of the research, ATRI interviewed and surveyed attorneys from both sides of litigation cases, as well as insurance and motor carrier experts. The study contained recommendations for pre-trial strategies and mediation approaches designed to help avoid large post-trial verdicts. “Runaway verdicts are increasing in both size and numbers,” said Clay Porter, partner at Porter Rennie Woodard and Kendall. “This study documents a frequency in excessive awards that, while not surprising, tells us that the trial system has gotten completely off track. Foundational changes are needed in the way we determine noneconomic and punitive damages.” Another attorney, Rob Moseley with Mosely Marcinak Law Group, said, “ATRI’s research on litigation provides important guidance on leveling the playing field between truckers and trial lawyers, both in and outside of the courtroom.” Last week, small carriers were dismayed by an amendment to the proposed “INVEST in America” infrastructure bill presented by Rep. Jesus G. “Chuy” Garcia (D-Ill.) that would increase minimum financial responsibility levels from $750,000 to $2 million. The amendment passed the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and was added to the bill. The bill has since been submitted to the full House of Representatives for a vote, but it may not fare as well in the Republican-controlled Senate. Trucking groups are divided on the issue, with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) withdrawing support for the bill in response to the amendment while the American Trucking Associations indicated its support in a June 19 press release. The ATRI study breaks down jury verdicts by such criteria as number of deaths, crash type, violations and even whether children were involved. The statistics were used to develop average award amounts for each category, enabling attorneys to better predict jury awards in individual cases. A geographic analysis showed disparity between states in verdicts between plaintiffs and defendants. One example provided showed the defense winning 92.3% of cases in Alabama, while plaintiffs won 97.1% of cases tried in California. While it may be easy to assume that the results clearly show that some states are more favorable for litigation than others, it’s important to remember than the overall numbers of cases in the study are relatively small. Still, attorney’s seeking the most favorable locations for their clients will surely pay attention. The entire 82-page study can be downloaded from the ATRI website, truckingresearch.org.

JACKSON, Wyo. — The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) has established a temporary system of safety barrels to prevent runaway trucks and other vehicles from going off the side of a high mountain road. The transportation department set up the “sand-barrel array” on Highway 22 in the Teton Pass near Jackson, The Jackson Hole News & Guide reported June 22. “We are counting on this front part to stop you,” WYDOT maintenance foreman Bruce Daigle said in the News & Guide article. “As you enter the arrestor you will have 11 rows of barrels. They try to get you slowed so it stops you easier.” A “catchnet” system previously used in the pass has been out of service since September 2019 when a truck hauling logs sailed through without stopping until reaching the last of several nets. The containers filled with various levels of a soft sand material, are meant to slow and eventually stop an out-of-control vehicle and can be replaced after an accident. The system, known as a sand-barrel array, cost about $75,000 and will be used until the department can finalize a permanent solution. Teton Pass is one of the shortest highway stretches in Wyoming; yet it is one of the most costly for the transportation department to maintain because of its rugged terrain, severe weather and high volume of traffic. WYDOT recently opened Teton Pass to trailer traffic under 60,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (GVW). WYDOT also lowered the maximum speed limit on the pass and closed the parking area at the top of the pass, repurposing the site as a mandatory brake-check area for vehicles. The maximum posted speed on Highway 22 Teton Pass will be reduced from 55 mph to 45 mph for trucks. WYDOT will use dynamic message signs to notify drivers of the brake inspection station at the Teton Pass Summit pullout. These additional restrictions are still in place in conjunction with the active “sand-barrel array” system. Parking will be actively restricted until the catch-net arrestor system is functional again. Currently there is only one escape ramp open on the Teton Pass, located at milepost 8.2, about a mile above the current closed vehicle arrestor. The Wyoming Highway Patrol has increased patrols in the area, and the Weigh-in-Motion system (WIM) on Teton Pass will continue to notify authorities when vehicles exceed the 60,000-pound restriction. The Associated Press contributed to this story.

The U.S. Department of Transportation said in a June 18 statement that applications for [fiscal year 2020] INFRA grant program funding — established by the 2015 Fixing America’s Surface Transportation or FAST Act — were evaluated by a team of more than two dozen and selected based on “established criteria to align them with national and regional economic vitality goals.” The agency noted that Congress will have 60 days to review USDOT proposed awards, and after the 60-day review period, USDOT is free to begin obligating funding. USDOT added that 53% of this round of proposed INFRA grants will be awarded to rural projects, with six awards totaling $293 million being made to projects that are at least partially located in an Opportunity Zone, while several other projects are located in areas near Opportunity Zones. Some of the largest awards to transportation projects for this round of INFRA grant funding include: $135 million to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to construct an 8.3-mile stretch of elevated highway from Leeville Bridge to Golden Meadow. Dr. Shawn Wilson, Louisiana DOT director, noted in a statementthat LA 1 plays a vital role in the economy, as it services 17% of U.S. oil and gas production and is the only roadway leading to Port Fourchon, which handles nearly 90% of deep-water gas and petroleum extraction from the Gulf of Mexico. $71.4 million to the Mississippi Department of Transportation to complete the construction of the 15.6-mile Greenville Bypass, which will carry U.S. 82 from near the Greenville Bridge over the Mississippi River to Leland, east of Greenville. “The Greenville Bypass will improve safety throughout the Mississippi Delta by providing a route for freight traffic to efficiently move goods around the Greenville area without traveling through the city,” explained Mississippi Transportation Commissioner Willie Simmons in a statement. “Completion of this bypass not only promotes regional economic development and growth by sustaining and creating jobs, but also keeps our roads safer in and around the City of Greenville.” $60.7 million to the Colorado Department of Transportation to implement a series of safety improvements to Interstate 70 between milepost 180 and 190 in Eagle County; a stretch of highway known as the Vail Pass. “One of the core strategies of our state’s transportation plan is to focus investments on key arteries that move people and goods through our economy, like I-70,” noted Shoshana Lew, Colorado DOT’s executive director, in a statement. “This grant will help us achieve that vision.” $55.15 million to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to widen 11 miles of the Mountain Parkway from two to four lanes between the KY 191 overpass and the KY 205 interchange. “Moving forward with construction on the Wolfe County segment will bring the Mountain Parkway Expansion one step closer to closing the only gap in a 400-mile, four-lane, high-speed corridor for commerce and mobility across Kentucky,” explained Jim Gray, KYTC secretary, in a statement. “Closing this gap is an investment in safety, in future economic development and most of all, in Kentuckians.” $40 million to the Arkansas Department of Transportation to reconstruct and improve two sections of U.S. 67 northeast of Little Rock. Arkansas DOT officials say the grant will allow all the remaining U.S. Highway 67 improvements to be undertaken in one project instead of two. “Our plan now is to award one project in late 2021 for all the work between Main Street and Vandenberg Boulevard in Jacksonville, and the work from Highway 5 to Highway 89 in Cabot,” noted Lorie Tudor, director of the Arkansas DOT, in a statement. “That will save money and it will decrease the overall impact to the motoring public. This grant is providing multiple benefits.” $11.2 million to the Tennessee Department of Transportation to install approximately 143 miles of fiber optic communications and deploy intelligent transportation system devices on Interstate 40 between Memphis and Nashville, allowing the agency and partner agencies to continuously monitor roadway conditions and dramatically improve response times to incidents and weather-related emergencies, the Tennessee DOT said in a statement. As published on June 19, 2020, in the AASHTO Journal.

BATON ROUGE, La. — The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development will conduct inspections on the Interstate 10 Mississippi River Bridge (Horace Wilkinson Bridge) in East Baton Rouge Parish beginning June 22. During this routine inspection, crews will examine the bridge to make sure it remains structurally sound to carry vehicular traffic. These inspections occur every two years and are important, as this bridge carries over 100,000 vehicles daily. Typically, crews conduct the examination using underbridge inspection trucks and man-lifts, which require multiple lane closures. To cause minimal impact on traffic, crews will use a rope system to access most parts of the bridge. This method was used last year for inspections on the Crescent City Connection Bridge in New Orleans and proved to have significantly less impact on traffic, as well as provide a more thorough inspection of the bridge. The rope system approach does not require lane closures, except for brief rolling closures to needed drop off inspectors and equipment twice a day. Rolling lane closures will be conducted on the following days: Mon., June 22 – Sat., June 27 Mon., June 29 – Thurs., July 2 Mon., July 6 – Sat., July 11 Mon., July 13 – Sat., July 18 Mon., July 20 – Sat., July 25 Mon., July 27 – Sat., Aug. 1 Mon., Aug. 3 – Sat., Aug. 8 A a portion of the bridge cannot be reached with rope access and will requires the westbound right lane to be closed from 4-11 a.m. Sat., Aug. 1; the eastbound right lane will be closed from 4-11 a.m. Sun., Aug. 2. All bridge inspections are weather-dependent and may be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Exercise caution when traveling through work zone areas and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment. Motorists can access the latest updates on real-time traffic and road conditions using the 511 Traveler Information System by dialing 511 from their telephone and saying the route or region on which they are seeking information. Out-of-state travelers can call 888-ROAD-511 (888-762-3511).

As state and local governments across the U.S. continue with phased reopening plans, the nation’s truck stops and travel centers are keeping pace to help ensure commercial drivers and other travelers have easy access to prepared food while they are on the road. TA and Petro TravelCenters of America continues to reopen full-service restaurants across the country at TA and Petro locations as shut-down orders ease across the nation. All restaurant reopenings will comply with regulations set by local and state authorities. For a state-by-state status update on restaurants at TA and Petro facilities, click here. In addition, all TA and Petro travel center quick- and full-service dining facilities are following these guidelines to help ensure the health and safety of customers and staff: Buffets, soup bars and salad bar offerings have been removed from full-service restaurants. Menus at full-service restaurants are either disposable or limited use, and there is a reduced selection of food items. Social-distancing guidelines are being followed. Customers are asked to keep a 6-foot distance as they wait in line to order or check out. Tables are marked with signs or physically separated to maintain proper distancing. While condiments, such as ketchup, mustard, salt and pepper, may not be on individual tables, single-use containers are available upon request. Restaurant capacity may be limited. Commonly touched surfaces, including tables, counters, seats, booths and door handles, are frequently cleaned. If state and local jurisdictions have guidelines that vary from the above, restaurants will comply with local policies. Pilot and Flying J Team members at Pilot and Flying J travel centers throughout the country are working to ensure commercial drivers have access to a variety of dining and food options. Dining operations are reopening in accordance with state and local regulations, taking all precautions to maintain cleanliness, health and safety. Some self-serve items are back, including hot grill (250 locations) and fresh soup (200 locations), as permitted at select locations across the country. To see a list of reopened dining facilities, click here. The following precautions are being taken at all TA and Petro travel centers: Frequent and deep cleaning processes remain in place, and best practices for sanitation and hygiene are reinforced. All team members are required to wear masks while working in our locations, and all owned and operated locations have protective shields installed at the points of sale. Masks and hand sanitizer are in stock for guests to purchase. Love’s Travel Centers Food-service options continue to expand at Love’s Travel Centers as local and state regulations allow. Some stores have returned to self-service at roller grills, beverage fountains and delis; other locations continue to offer these options but with service provided by Love’s team members. Some stores have also replaced microwaves for customer use. In mid-May, Love’s locations in 28 states began to reopen restaurant dining rooms with limited capacity; select restaurants offer 24/7 service. Each reopening is further subject to any local mandates that may impose additional restrictions on our service or offerings. For a full list of locations and available services, click here. Love’s customers should keep the following in mind: Team members continue to implement heightened cleaning protocols. Team members are practicing social distancing to help ensure the health and safety of both customers and employees. Love’s locations that do not offer dine-in services will continue to provide take-out and drive-thru options until restrictions are lifted and broader food service is permitted. Most restaurants have modified business hours to allow for temporary overnight closure. Unless otherwise stated, restaurant hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time. At Love’s facilities that have three restaurants, only two will be open until further notice.

OKLAHOMA CITY — The newest Love’s Travel Stop, which opened today (June 18) on U.S. 280 in Ellabell, Georgia, adds 97 truck parking spaces and 105 jobs to Bryan County. “We’re excited to open our 13th location in Georgia and another convenient location for professional truck drivers on this important East Coast corridor,” said Tom Love, founder and executive chairman of Love’s. “We place Love’s in locations that are easily accessible so we can help get drivers back on the road quickly. Bryan County is the perfect location to do that.” The Ellabell, Georgia, location is open 24/7 and offers many amenities, including: More than 11,400 square feet. Arby’s restaurant. 97 truck parking spaces. 86 car parking spaces. Four RV parking spaces. Nine diesel bays. Seven 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. In honor of the grand opening, Love’s will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony and donate $2,000 to a local organization. For updates regarding temporary changes to Love’s operations during the COVID-19 health crisis, click here.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Truck drivers and other motorists can now take advantage of a new Pilot Travel Center in Rochelle, Illinois. The facility, which opened in late May, offers full amenities, and adds about 50 local jobs and other economic benefits to the community. Pilot Co. continues to evaluate carefully its food service and dining options as states allow, taking every precaution to maintain cleanliness, health and safety while also providing a variety of options for travelers. Now more than ever, it is important to bring more amenities and essentials goods and food to professional drivers as they continue to deliver to communities across the country. “We’re committed to making a better day for people living, working and traveling through Ogle county and across the nation,” said Ken Parent, president of Pilot Co. “We continue to invest in new locations to bring convenience, quality, great food and amenities to those who are traveling the roadways.” In honor of Pilot’s history of giving back and its commitment to fueling life’s journeys, the company is donating $5,000 to benefit the Rochelle Township High School technology programs. “Pilot Company is honored to be a part of the Rochelle community and to contribute to the local high school,” said Alan Thagard, manager of the Pilot Travel Center. “Our friendly team members look forward to serving our guests and providing a clean, all-in-one fuel stop with a variety of food, drinks, supplies and amenities.” This Pilot Travel Center offers many amenities, including: 10 gasoline fueling positions and eight diesel lanes with high-speed pumps for quicker refueling. Fresh-made pizza; home-style meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner; and hot and cold Grab-and-Go offerings prepared on site daily, including salads, sandwiches, fruit cups, burritos and an array of snack items. Dunkin’ Donuts self-serve offerings Pilot’s Best Gourmet Coffees, including bean-to-cup selections and cold brew. Five showers. 78 truck parking spots Public laundry and seating area. Everyday products for quick shopping needs. The new facility, at 1201 E. Illinois Route 38 in Rochelle, Illinois, will be the company’s 71st location in Illinois, including travel centers, dealers and fueling locations. The center is expected to contribute $3 million annually in state and local tax revenues. As states across the nation reach various stages of reopening, Pilot Travel Centers continue to provide access to a variety of prepared food options. Some self-serve items are back, including hot grill (250 locations) and fresh soup (200 locations), as permitted at select locations. Frequent and deep cleaning processes remain in place and Pilot continues to reinforce best practices for sanitation and hygiene. All team members are still required to wear masks while working, and other safety measures are in place to protect both customers and employees.

WASHINGTON — Three high school students, children of professionals in the logistics industry, are the first recipients of higher education scholarships awarded by the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association (CLDA), the organization announced June 16. The inaugural group of scholarship recipients includes Brett Bernecker of Dayton, Ohio; Khloe Jowers of Cypress, Texas; and Chase Picard of Mobile, Alabama. The three students were chosen because of their combination of high academic standards, leadership abilities and involvement in extracurricular activities. “We were looking for a way to recognize the leaders of tomorrow among the children of those in our industry,” said Steve Howard, president of CLDA. “These three students excelled in all of those categories, and the references they received from school and community leaders and their guidance counselors where outstanding.” To qualify for the $1,250 scholarship, which can be applied to education beyond high school, students must be associated with a member of CLDA and planning to attend college, a trade school or trucking school. This year’s scholarship recipients were selected by members of the CLDA Scholarship Committee, which included CLDA board members and active CLDA Members. The scholarships were funded by donations from CLDA members, vendors and affiliates. CLDA plans to present scholarships every year. Brett Bernecker Brett Bernecker is the son of Jim and Mindy Bernecker. Jim Bernecker is president of Relay Express Inc. in Fairfield, Ohio. An honors student and student-athlete at Archbishop Alter High School in Dayton, Ohio, Brett plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business and communications from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and hopes to become an entrepreneur. Brett is a member of the National Honor Society and is a three-year varsity letterman in soccer; he also played on the basketball and track teams. He is a member of the Key Club, Spanish Club, University Club, Dare to Care Club and Sports Club, and participates in the school’s Horizons in Medicine program. He worked part-time throughout high school. “I am very honored to receive this scholarship and will work hard to represent the CLDA and delivery industry in general in a positive manner,” Brett said. Khloe Jowers Khloe Jowers is the daughter of Thomas and Kimberly Jowers of ADL Delivery in Thonotosassa, Florida. Thomas Jowers serves as the company’s vice president and chief operating officer. Khloe is an honors student, a student-athlete and a student leader at Cypress Ranch High School in Cypress, Texas, and graduates summa cum laude, in the top 15% of her class. A member of the National Honor Society, she has also been recognized for her achievements by the Math Honor Society (Mu Alpha Theta) and the Music Honor Society (Tri-M). Her band career includes serving as head drum major, vice president and section leader. She plays varsity softball and is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business administration at Baylor University in Waco, Texas; she hopes to also study marketing and sign language interpretation. Her career aspirations include either marketing for a sports team or becoming a sign language interpreter for Walt Disney World. “My goal throughout all of my education is to spread positivity in all that I do. I want to help people and brighten their days and show them all the good to be excited about in the world,” Khloe said. Chase Picard Chase Picard is the son of Lawrence and Kelly Picard. Kelly Picard is the CEO of Hackbarth Delivery Service in Mobile, Alabama. Chase is an honors student and student-athlete at McGill-Toolen Catholic High School in Mobile, Alabama. He plans to study math or engineering at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He is considering a career in teaching or engineering and says he may pursue a graduate degree. He leads his high school’s varsity bowling team, which he has been part for four years. In addition, he is a member of the school’s Key Club, Green Club, Chemistry Club and Physics Team. He is a member of the National Honor Society. Chase earned his black belt in Taekwondo and teaches the discipline to children. He is also involved in his church’s youth-group activities, which include volunteering at a local orphanage. “I am a hard worker, and I am really looking forward to going to college and getting to take classes I actually like. I enjoy helping others, and that is why I continued to teach Taekwondo after progressing through the black-belt levels. I appreciate the CLDA creating this opportunity,” Chase said. About Customized Logistics and Delivery Association Founded in 1987, CLDA is a nonprofit professional association that serves as the voice of the logistics, delivery and express air-cargo logistics industries. The association serves the needs of its 3,500 members who are logistics professionals, carriers, shippers, drivers, air-cargo logistics providers, 3PLs and vendors serving supply-chain companies.

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Department of Transportation has been awarded an $11,200,000 federal Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) Grant. The grant money will provide partial funding for the I-40 Smart Fiber Project, which will expand Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technologies along Interstate 40 between Memphis and Nashville. The project includes installation of approximately 143 miles of fiber optic communications and ITS devices including cameras, dynamic message signs, road weather sensors, and connected vehicle roadside units. The project supports the strategic buildout of broadband and smart transportation infrastructure in rural areas of Tennessee, which will aid the state’s efforts to support economic growth and improve safety. The expansion of ITS in rural areas of the state will allow TDOT and partner agencies to continuously monitor roadway conditions and will dramatically improve response times to incidents and weather-related emergencies. It also increases TDOT’s ability to communicate vitally important information to motorists. It will also help prepare Tennessee’s roadways for connected and automated vehicles. Over the past two decades, TDOT has installed ITS and communication infrastructure consisting of nearly 400 miles of fiber optic, 551 CCTV cameras, 183 dynamic message signs, and four Traffic Management Centers. The I-40 Smart Fiber Project is currently under development, with construction expected to begin in late 2021.

In another action related to the national emergency declared by President Donald Trump on March 13, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has extended a temporary waiver of enforcement of regulations that deal with expired CDLs and medical certifications. Under the waiver, holders of commercial Driver’s licenses (CDLs), commercial learner’s permits (CLPs) and other operators of commercial vehicles in interstate commerce with expiration dates after March 1, 2020, may continue to operate without renewing their licenses until Sept. 30. Further, drivers with DOT medical certifications of at least 90 days that expire after March 1, 2020, may continue to operate without a new DOT physical exam. The original FMCSA waiver, set to expire June 30, recognized that state licensing facilities and medical offices that perform DOT physicals may be closed or have restricted hours or staffing, making it difficult or impossible for drivers to renew CDLs or physicals. The waiver is now extended until Sept. 30. The June 15 waiver differs from the June 8 extension from FMCSA that dealt with hours of service and other requirements in that it is not restricted to drivers who are hauling products essential to “emergency relief.” In this case, the cargo will have no bearing on whether the waiver applies. The waiver states that FMCSA will not take enforcement action against drivers for operation of a commercial motor vehicle with an expired CDL, CLP or medical card, provided these documents were valid on Feb. 29, 2020. Further, individual states are not required to change the driver’s status to “uncertified” if the medical certificate expires between March 1 and Sept. 30. The FMCSA release notes that the waiver does not apply to drivers whose credentials expired prior to March 1, or whose CDL or CLP has been suspended or withdrawn due to traffic offenses. Drivers who have a medical certificate that expired on or after March 1 are required to carry a paper copy of their expired certificate. A driver who has been diagnosed with a condition that would disqualify the driver from operating a commercial vehicle are not covered by the waiver. As with the June 8 waiver extension, there are special accident-reporting requirements carriers must follow. Carriers are required to report accidents via email to the DOT within five business days. The email address for reporting accidents is [email protected]. FMCSA can revoke rights under the waiver if the driver is involved in an accident or the carrier fails to report it. As the national emergency declared for the COVID-19 pandemic remains in effect, waivers like this one are in compliance with the president’s May 19 executive order to provide regulatory relief to support economic recovery. By helping drivers remain at work after their CDLs, CLPs and medical certificates expire, the Trump administration hopes to remove obstacles to reopening the country and returning its economy to full speed. The full copy of the waiver and other communications from the FMCSA, including the June 8 waiver, is available at fmcsa.dot.gov/COVID-19. The page contains a link to frequently asked questions about the emergency declaration, as well as other related information.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), an arm of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), is awarding a $4.4 million grant to aid in the development of the Interstate 70 Truck Automation Corridor through the Advanced Transportation and Congestion Management Technologies Deployment (ATCMTD) Program. The I-70 Truck Automation Corridor is a project focused on using automated driving technology to move freight between Indianapolis and Columbus, Ohio. “Connected and autonomous driving technology is revolutionizing how we move people and products across our country,” said Jo McGuinness, INDOT commissioner Joe McGuinness. “Indiana and Ohio are proud to partner with USDOT to lead in the deployment of technology in a multistate highway corridor that will guide the future of automated driving and freight movement.” The team receiving the grant includes the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), Transportation Research Center Inc. (TRC), the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and DriveOhio. “Collaboration was the key to success,” said Jack Marchbanks, ODOT director. “The project team assembled features state DOTs, technology providers, and the men and women of the freight industry. We at the Ohio Department of Transportation and DriveOhio are excited for the positive economic impacts this project will bring to Ohio.” This multistate approach, along with participation from technology providers, truck manufacturers, regional logistics councils and private freight companies, makes this project unique. With partners contributing $4.5 million in matching funds, the total investment in the project will be $8.9 million. The project will provide freight companies and truck-automation vendors an opportunity to deploy partially automated driving technology in daily “revenue service” operations on I-70 between Indianapolis and Columbus. To ensure the safe deployment of these technologies on public roads, TRC will be an integral part of the project. Offering professional driver training for host fleets and performing an automation audit of I-70, the data the TRC collects will provide DOT partners with the insights they need to ensure roadways are ready for partially automated vehicles. During public road testing of automated vehicles, a professional driver will always be at the wheel to take control of the vehicle if needed. The project data gathered will be shared with USDOT to inform the development of policies and procedures to scale across the United States. Indiana and Ohio have millions of transportation industry-related jobs, are within a one-day drive to 60 percent of the U.S. and Canadian population, and have experienced substantial freight growth. The data gained from this four-year project will support technological innovation in this vital sector of the regional economy. “Indiana has become a national leader in freight and logistics by leveraging sustained infrastructure investment and embracing innovation,” said Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb. “As connected and autonomous vehicles take root, collaboration between public and private partners will be critical to safe, successful deployments. I’m proud that INDOT and our partners will be in the pole position when it comes to research and informing policy on this game-changing technology.” U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH), said the $4.4 million grant will foster the partnership between the four organizations and two states involved with the I-70 project. “I’m pleased to see this federal investment in our region and look forward to seeing how this partnership strengthens the reliability of autonomous driving and promotes further economic development in Ohio,” he said.