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Pink power: RTI lease-purchase operator spreads breast-cancer awareness

Wendy Miller - February 17, 2020

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — When now 36-year-old Brittney Richardson said she wanted to go to CDL school, a lot of her friends told her they didn’t think she had it in her. Now, 8 years later she is traveling the country in a bright pink Volvo as a lease-purchase driver for Riverside Transport Inc. Even without immediate support from friends and family, Richardson is never one to back down from a challenge. She said that if anything, discouraging comments only empowered her. “Almost everyone told me I’d fail,” Richardson said. “So in January 2012 I set off to truck school and six weeks later I graduated top of my class and found myself quickly in a semi going across country.” What most who doubted her didn’t know was that Richardson had developed an interest in driving trucks when she gained some experience while working with fire departments in both southwest Kansas and central Missouri. “I was hooked,” she said. “I loved the challenge of learning to drive a big truck and loved even more the shock when people saw it was a woman driving.” But how did she wind up with a truck that can be spotted miles away? Short answer: she simply walked into the RTI office and came out with an opportunity to serve as a company ambassador. RTI was looking for someone to lease-purchase the bright pink 2019 Volvo and help to raise breast-cancer awareness while also inspiring women to join the industry. She sent in a video competing for the position, and she was selected. Although the truck’s exterior design is a bit uncommon on the roads, the 2019 Volvo is still driven coast-to-coast as a work truck for RTI. Other than documenting her journey on her YouTube channel and serving as an ambassador, Richardson said she is a normal lease-purchase operator. Driving the pink Volvo, however, does get Richardson plenty of attention, and she has encountered several fans who have drawn a personal connection to the truck’s message. Although there are more than she can count, she shared a few notable interactions with The Trucker. “I had an older gentleman come up to my window in Ohio in tears,” Richardson said. “He shared a heart-felt story about losing his wife to cancer and thanked me so much for driving for awareness. I see people waving with enthusiasm in passing cars, people giving thumbs up and running up to get photos with the truck.” Richardson has found that the truck also accomplishes the mission of showing young girls that women do in fact drive 18-wheelers as she travels across the country. “One day I passed a school bus in northern Ohio and there was a row of girls on the right side of the bus as it passed me,” she said. “The girls got so excited about seeing a pink truck. This one girl who was maybe in the sixth grade smiled so big, whipped her head around to tell her friends to look at the pink truck. I am so blessed to have these moments on dash cam over the last year. I couldn’t help but wonder if that moment inspired another little girl to do something she didn’t think she could do one day.” Chelsee Patton, Director of Recruiting at RTI said that Richardson is a great example of a company ambassador, and she and Toya Cosby, who drives a 2020 pink Freightliner, help to promote women in the industry and raise breast-cancer awareness in a unique way. “Brittney is a great driver at RTI, and we are incredibly lucky to have her on our team and have her showcase her trucking journey in her pink truck,” Patton said. Richardson said her main role as an ambassador is to inspire and support women (and men) in the trucking industry as well as represent RTI as a company that stands with women in the industry and give them all the support needed to succeed. Although Richardson doesn’t have a personal connection to breast cancer, she does have an interest in inspiring others, which is evident through her Brittney Richardson YouTube channel. She also hosts American Trucker on YouTube, which is maintained separately and geared toward anyone in the trucking industry. “One night I decided to bring the camera along and film my night at work in the truck,” Richardson said. “It was an instant hit and the amount of people who responded back that I had made there day was unreal. That’s when I really realized I could inspire a lot of people by simply sharing my life on film.” Richardson also documents her journey in the pink Volvo on her Facebook page, Brittney in Pink. Richardson said she gets feedback from both male and female drivers who tell her she is an inspiration to them. She sees photos of new trucks and driving certificates, which she said keeps her going and continues her passion to inspire others both inside and outside of the trucking industry.

Moving America forward: Joe Pryor is spreading kindness through trucking

The Trucker News Staff - February 17, 2020

To celebrate the modern-day achievements of African Americans in the trucking industry, Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF) has selected four drivers who exemplify excellence in trucking. They were selected because of their professionalism and dedication to their jobs, commitment to safety and continuous efforts to move America forward every day. The drivers are being featured on TMAF’s blog and social media pages throughout the month of February as well as on The Trucker.com. The stories highlight the drivers’ accomplishments and safety records and share the personal story of each driver. This is the third of four features in the series. Moving America forward: Joe Pryor is spreading kindness through trucking Joe Pryor has been a professional truck driver for 19 years. Originally from Pittsburg, also known as the “Steel City,” Pryor’s early career was as a fireman. As a firefighter, Pryor learned to drive trucks. After retiring as a firefighter, Pryor joined the trucking industry and has been driving for Jet Express, Inc. since he moved to Dayton, Ohio in 2001. Pryor is passionate about his job and enjoys working for Jet Express. During an interview with TMAF, Pryor said the trucking industry is an exciting one and one that has been good to him. Pryor describes his job as a truck driver as fun. When asked what he loves most about trucking, Pryor said one of the reasons is that you get to meet a lot of different people, such as customers, while driving a truck. Drivers also get to see different parts of a city or state. While on the road, Pryor is safety oriented, and strives to be one of the most courteous drivers on the nation’s highways. Pryor told TMAF that patience is critical to the job. Pryor is always willing to lend a helping hand to those who need it and goes above and beyond to help other drivers in the industry. Pryor said, “If I can help someone, I’m going to.” At Jet Express, Pryor works with new hires as a trainer and handles their road tests. When giving advice to new drivers, Pryor highlights the importance of patience and kindness while on the road and on the job. Pryor also tells drivers to prioritize safety: that includes always scanning the road, paying attention and remaining alert. During inclement weather, such as rain or snow, Pryor tells drivers to take their time and be careful. New hires know if they have any questions, they can always call him. When describing the industry, Pryor said, “Trucking is what keeps this world going…truck drivers deliver everything you rely on.” Pryor also discussed the great job opportunities available within the industry. “There’s a lot of demand for drivers,” he added. “Freight keeps coming and coming.”

Love’s to host second National Hiring Day event on Feb. 25 at various locations

The Trucker News Staff - February 14, 2020

OKLAHOMA CITY — Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, an industry-leading travel stop network, is seeking to hire new employees for full-time and part-time roles as tire technicians, mechanic apprentices and diesel mechanics at its one-day hiring event. The event will take place on Feb. 25 from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. at more than 380 Love’s Truck Care Center and Speedco locations across the country. “Love’s is a great place to build a career, and we’re excited to build off last year’s momentum,” said Drew Graham, director of operations for Love’s. “Our team is our number one asset and is crucial to ensuring our operations run smoothly for customers, so this is an important event for us.” Applicants interested in full-time or part-time positions can visit any Love’s Truck Care Center or Speedco location and learn more about working at Love’s and be interviewed on-site. Qualified candidates can be offered jobs on the spot contingent upon pre-screening requirements and will receive a free hot dog and drink when they apply. Interested candidates should bring copies of their resume. They must possess a valid driver’s license and expect to submit to a drug screen. Eligible full-time employees can take advantage of Love’s health and wellness benefits, including 401(k) with matching contributions, medical, dental, vision and life insurance coverage, flexible scheduling, holiday pay and competitive weekly pay among other benefits. Part-time employees are also eligible for dental, vision, telemedicine and other voluntary benefits. Love’s mechanic apprenticeship program — valued at $12,000 — allows apprentices to earn a competitive wage while working toward the designation of a diesel mechanic. Upon successful completion of the apprentice program, apprentices will receive a tool kit valued at $3,500, which is theirs to keep after one year of employment as a mechanic. Newly hired diesel mechanics can make between $22 – $27 and hour. Love’s currently employs more than 25,000 people in 41 states, providing career advancement opportunities at all levels. To register for Love’s National Hiring Day, visit loves-careers.com. For a list of Love’s Truck Care Center and Speedco locations, www.loves.com.

At The Truck Stop: Team drivers find love for driving and each other at career fair

Wendy Miller - February 13, 2020

CLEVELAND, Ohio — A lot of career success stories start with a resume. The same can’t typically be said for love stories. For Gwenetta and Julian Binns, however, both became reality. The two got the best of both worlds when they struck up a conversation at a local career fair in Ohio. Julian was looking into the possibilities of getting funding to attend CDL driving school, while Gwenetta was checking out local vendors and updating her resume. She had already obtained her CDL three years earlier but had not started driving professionally just yet. “I helped him with his resume, and he helped me with things, and we just hit it off,” Gwenetta said. “I talked to him for about four or five hours that day. I never called him, but he called me. I decided to give him a chance, and we started dating.” In the time that Gwenetta and Julian were dating, Julian obtained his CDL through the same program Gwenetta had completed years earlier. The couple got married in June 2019 and only three months later, the two hit the road as a pair. Now they are team drivers of a 2020 Freightliner Cascadia hauling for Cleveland-based Formica Flooring where they drive a dedicated route from Indiana to Ohio and Pennsylvania. Although Gwenetta had her CDL for quite some time before meeting Julian, she already knew she wanted to drive as a team with someone she could get along with. When she met Julian, everything just seemed to fall into place. Gwenetta was then able to stop working jobs outside of the transportation industry and put her CDL to use. It took some searching, though, to find a company that would train them together. “There are a lot of companies that will take teams but won’t train you together,” she said. “We wanted to be able to train together. When we finally found someone who would train us together, it was basically three of us and a trainer in the truck. It worked out.” Gwenetta admits that she was initially a bit nervous about training with Julian, but she quickly found that they made a great team and having the trainer with them in the beginning helped them to learn how to work together and get better acquainted with being behind the wheel. “We are still learning each other,” she said. “I’m learning his habits, and he’s learning mine. We are figuring out what we like and don’t like. Driving together teaches us a lot, but we rarely bump heads about anything. We work really well together, and there’s a lot of teamwork. We call ourselves Team Binns.” Although being in a confined space with a spouse during the first few months of marriage can seem challenging, Gwenetta said that taking shifts allows for the two to get plenty of space. Typically, while she is driving Julian is sleeping and vice versa. Their designated route is about eight hours of drivetime one way, which makes for an ideal length of time before needing to switch drivers. Working as a team helps to keep the truck moving while a single driver would need to stop for rest. “Every once in a while, we might get on each other’s nerves, but for the most part, we don’t really cross paths like that,” Gwenetta said. “[When one of us isn’t sleeping] we listen to music and talk. It might be hard, but if you can find that person that you can tolerate all day every day, [driving] is a perfect job.” Also under the category of a “perfect job,” Gwenetta said the couple normally spends all week on the road but is back home for the weekend, which allows for plenty of time to spend apart or relax with family and friends. Long before Gwenetta became a part of “Team Binns,” she wanted to pursue culinary arts and even attended college to do so. A little later, she did a little research and found out that the money in that industry wasn’t exactly what she had in mind, and she quickly lost her passion for cooking professionally. With the encouragement of a few friends who were truck drivers, Gwenetta started to consider getting her CDL. The deal was sealed when she realized that driving a truck provided the ideal financial stability she was seeking in a career. Driving as a team, though, allows for even more financial stability since Gwenetta and Julian can save money by minimizing bills at home while they are on the road all week. “We can both save up like we want to now,” she said, adding that the two have plans of buying a house soon. Even though she is a part of a team, Gwenetta said she still gets interesting responses when some people see a woman driving a truck, but that has never detoured her from wanting to grow in the trucking industry. If anything, she said it encourages her to continue. “Don’t underestimate us women. We can outdrive just about anybody,” she said. “I tell my husband that all the time.” As Gwenetta and Julian learn more about the trucking industry and each other, the two hope to someday be their own business, but for now they are happy to have the opportunity to work together every day. “We love what we do and hopefully we will be able to purchase our own truck someday,” she said. “We really like the company we are with and we love seeing the world together.”

Love’s opens 3 locations with a combined total of 229 truck parking spaces

The Trucker News Staff - February 13, 2020

OKLAHOMA CITY — Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores is now serving customers in Greenville, Virginia; Watonga, Oklahoma; and Flowers, Mississippi, thanks to three travel stops that have now opened. The Greenville store, located on Lee Jackson Highway, adds 45 jobs and 85 truck parking spaces to Augusta County. The Watonga store, located off Highway 3, adds 40 jobs and 50 truck parking spaces to Blaine County. The Flowers store, located off Interstate 20, adds 72 jobs and 94 truck parking spaces to Warren County. All three locations are open 24/7 and offer many amenities, including: Greenville, Virginia More than 8,000 square feet. Chester’s Chicken and McDonald’s. 85 truck parking spaces. 84 car parking spaces. Five RV parking spaces. Eight diesel bays. Seven showers. Laundry facilities. Love’s Truck Care Center. Fresh to Go options. Gourmet coffee. Brand-name snacks. Mobile to Go Zone CAT scale. Watonga, Oklahoma More than 5,000 square feet. Chester’s Chicken and Subway. 50 truck parking spaces. 58 car parking spaces. Four diesel bays. Four showers. Laundry facilities. Fresh to Go options. Gourmet coffee. Brand-name snacks. Mobile to Go Zone. CAT scale. Flowers, Mississippi More than 9,000 square feet. Arby’s. 94 truck parking spaces. 70 car parking spaces. Eight diesel bays. Eight showers. Laundry facilities. Love’s Truck Care Center with Speedco. Fresh to Go options. Gourmet coffee. Brand-name snacks. Mobile to Go Zone. CAT scale. Dog park. “Today is a big day as we open locations in Virginia, Oklahoma and Mississippi,” said Tom Love, founder and executive chairman of Love’s. “These new locations allow us to serve professional and four-wheel drivers and get them back on the road quickly. We’re excited to continue adding convenient locations to communities across the country.” In honor of the grand opening, Love’s will host a ribbon cutting ceremony at each location. Love’s will also donate $2,000 to Riverheads High School in Greenville, $2,000 to Building A Better You in Watonga and $2,000 to Bovina Elementary School in Flowers.

Moving America forward: Alphonso Lewis, Sr. is making NTDC history

The Trucker News Staff - February 13, 2020

To celebrate the modern-day achievements of African Americans in the trucking industry, Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF) has selected four drivers who exemplify excellence in trucking. They were selected because of their professionalism and dedication to their jobs, commitment to safety and continuous efforts to move America forward every day. The drivers are being featured on TMAF’s blog and social media pages throughout the month of February as well as on The Trucker.com. The stories highlight the drivers’ accomplishments and safety records and share the personal story of each driver. This is the second of four features in the series. Moving America forward: Alphonso Lewis, Sr. is making NTDC history Alphonso Lewis, Sr. is a professional truck driver from Montgomery, Alabama. Lewis has been driving for YRC Freight for over 27 years. Trucking has been a part of Lewis’s life from a young age. While growing up, his father was a truck driver. During an interview with TMAF, Lewis said, “My father was that big superhero that was driving that big truck, which I totally admired!” Lewis’s father let him ride along in the truck. Lewis told TMAF, “He would also let us ride along with him during the summer months while we were out of school which cemented my desire to one day be a professional driver myself.” Lewis started in the trucking industry while serving in the U.S. Army as a light wheel vehicle mechanic for six years. He was trained and learned how to drive trucks in that role. Once he completed his service, Lewis became a professional truck driver for the company now known as YRC Freight. Lewis said that the military gave him a strong foundation to build on in his life and career in trucking: pride, teamwork, confidence, integrity, commitment and drive. Safety is a priority for Lewis while he’s on the road. Lewis told TMAF, “every day safety comes first, second and last in this industry. No short cuts!” In 2007, Lewis won the honor of National Truck Driving Grand Champion at the National Truck Driving Championships (NTDC), which is also known as the “Superbowl of Safety.” Lewis made NTDC history as the first African American to earn the title of Grand Champion. Lewis’s safety record has been recognized within the industry and he was asked to serve as a member of the ATA’s America’s Road Team. In 2016, Lewis shared safety tips for drivers and helped educate motorists on the dangers of distracted drivers in ATA’s Share the Road highway safety program instructional video. Lewis was one of two drivers to lead the 2019 Wreaths Across America truck convoy. Lewis has described his career in trucking as tremendously rewarding and a job one can take considerable pride in doing. “What I love about trucking is the freedom you have to do your job on a daily basis,” Lewis said. “Your deliveries and pickups are mostly left up to the driver to plan his or her route to be successful.” In additional to the flexibility and freedom granted by the job, Lewis also enjoys meeting different people and having a difference in scenery from day to day. With a strong love for trucking, Lewis said his wife, Regina, “recognizes often how much I enjoy being a driver.”

Washington state proposal would remove ‘improved freight mobility’ from bill

The Associated Press - February 12, 2020

SEATTLE — Washington state legislators are considering whether to remove “congestion relief” and “improved freight mobility” from their transportation goals, a departure from the American passion to expand highways. House Bill 2688 would adopt seven goals – accessibility, safety, environment and climate, health and resilience, equity and environmental justice, preservation, and functionality. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) supports the proposal. “Instead of continuing to build our roads where individual members come up with projects because there’s a congestion in their district, what we need to be doing, is we need to be looking at this more holistically,” sponsor Rep. Sharon Shewmake, D-Bellingham, testified in committee. “Accessibility is really what we want to get at.” Her bill defines accessibility as “affordable access to the places and goods Washington residents, organizations and businesses need to live, work, study, play and pray,” by all modes of transportation. A Senate version of the bill was introduced by Rebecca Saldaña, D-Seattle. Driver advocates say ditching “congestion relief” and “improved freight mobility,” which now appear under a “mobility” goal, might hamper road building. “We can’t afford to minimize the importance of freight mobility for our roadways,” Washington Trucking Association Executive Vice President Sheri Call told a state Senate committee recently. “Washington must continue to deliver projects that provide quality of life benefits for all users of the highways in Washington, and keep our economy moving forward.” WSDOT Secretary Roger Millar hopes to bring more attention to worn-out roads and bridges. Currently, just 8 cents of the 49.4-center-per-gallon state gasoline tax goes toward maintenance and preservation, he said. The state borrows so heavily for big projects such as the Highway 99 tunnel, the Highway 520 floating bridge and the widening of I-90 at Snoqualmie Pass East, that bond debt is forecast to consume three-quarters of gasoline taxes by 2028. The declining condition of state highways is “a glide path to failure,” Millar told lawmakers in mid-January. “That is going to result in some kind of intervention by the federal government,” Millar continued. “We have 4,000 lane miles of pavement that are due for preservation this year; we have another 3,600 miles that are past due and 1,600 miles in the system that are rated as ‘poor.’ Our budget currently provides for repaving 750 lane miles a year.” Only four of 100 steel bridges are being repainted on time, he said. A few other states are questioning whether they should keep adding freeways. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott declared in January that his state is probably experiencing the “last major build-out of roads we’ll have in the state of Texas, even considering the fact that Texas is the fastest-growing state in America,” D Magazine reported. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation adopted what it called a holistic view in 2017, adding safety and environmental criteria. Millar told a highway-officials’ convention in Spokane in 2018, “simply put, we cannot build our way out of congestion.” He’s talking about the phenomenon known as induced demand. Freeway lanes eventually clog because people drive more or developers add housing and retail areas near interchanges. Lanes typically fill within two years, restoring a kind of traffic-delay equilibrium, said Todd Litman, founder of the Victoria Transportation Policy Institute in British Columbia. As of yet, no state has frozen or canceled highway construction for the sake of reducing car dependency or greenhouse gases, according to Patrick McKenna, Missouri Department of Transportation director and president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. Environmental aims do limit highways in some communities, McKenna said, but money is a greater constraint. Missouri voters, for instance, have rejected measures to boost their 17-cent gas tax. “At the practical level, the ability to fund these things is constricted,” he said. “We’ve had multiple decades of a public unwillingness to maintain the system in its current state, never mind expansions.” Americans drove 3.3 trillion miles in 2018. Gasoline consumption rose for the seventh straight year, to 147 billion gallons, according to data from the Federal Highway Administration. Seattle-area traffic remains the fifth worst in the nation, causing an average yearly delay of 138 hours per commuter, according to new rankings by the TomTom navigation company.

Annual TCA convention to be held March 1-3 in Florida; Cal Ripken Jr. to speak

The Trucker News Staff - February 12, 2020

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The Truckload Carriers Association’s (TCA) 82nd annual convention will be held Sunday through Tuesday, March 1-3 at the Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee, Florida. The theme for the meeting is “Truckload 2020.” TCA is a trade association whose collective sole focus is the truckload segment of the motor carrier industry. Founded in 1938, the association represents dry van, refrigerated, flatbed, tanker and intermodal container carriers. There will be general sessions Monday and Tuesday, and executive panel discussions Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Beginning Sunday and continuing throughout the convention TCA will conduct “Trucking in the Round” breakout session. An awards banquet Tuesday night concludes the convention. The first general session will be Monday morning and will feature the annual chairman’s address by TCA Chairman Josh Kaburick, CEO of Earl L. Henderson Trucking Company Inc. and the keynote address by former Major League Baseball’s Iron Man and Hall of Fame member Cal Ripken Jr. Ripken spent 21 years playing major league baseball — all with the Baltimore Orioles — and set standards for achievement that are unlikely to be surpassed. During his career, Ripken compiled 3,184 hits, 431 home runs and 1,695 RBIs, and he won two Gold Glove Awards for his defensive play. TCA President John Lyboldt said Ripken will share a compelling presentation while telling of lessons of perseverance from the baseball diamond to business, what it takes to become an “Iron Man” in your own business and the eight keys to success in business, from leadership to loyalty. The Tuesday morning general session at 8:15 a.m. will include Lyboldt’s presidential address and remarks by incoming Chairman Dennis Dellinger, president and CEO of Cargo Transporters Inc. Tuesday morning’s featured speaker will be Curt Cronin, a Navy SEAL for 19 years. Cronin deployed 13 times and spent more than four years overseas. In that time, living and working in an environment where milliseconds made the difference between life and death and winning and losing, he honed his talent as a catalyst for transformation and rose to eventually lead the nation’s premier SEAL assault force. In his presentations Lyboldt said Cronin will address the art of leadership, organizational change for the information age, and the talent of harnessing your own courage and heroism to inspire and empower individuals and teams. Also Tuesday morning will be an appearance by Jim Mullen, acting deputy administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, who is responsible for providing executive leadership and expert guidance on policy matters. He will cover the following in his address: Reversing the four-year trend of increased fatalities involving large trucks. Potential changes to the Hours of Service regulations. The Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. The FMCSA’s new study to identify factors to all FMCSA reportable large truck crashes. The topic of the Sunday afternoon executive panel discussion will be “Practical Approaches to Nuclear Verdicts.” Panelists include Daniel Murray, senior vice president of the American Transportation Research Institute; Clay Porter, national outside counsel at Schneider; Doug Rennie, partner, Montgomery, Rennie, Jonson law firm; and Charli Morris, a legal communications consultant. Monday afternoon’s executive panel at 2:15 p.m. will be a panel discussion on “Leadership Transition from Today’s Executives featuring Jon Coca, president, Diamond Transportation System Inc.; Karen Smerchek, president, Veriha Trucking Inc.; Kameron Wilson, vice president, Wilson Logistics; and David Heller, vice president of government affairs, Truckload Carriers Association. The Tuesday afternoon executive panel discussion will be “Current and Future State of Truckload” with Chris Henry, program manager, TCA Profitability Program; Jack Porter, program director, TCA Profitability Program; and Dean Croke, chief insight officer at FreightWaves. Lyboldt also announced the Trucking in the Round topics including: Are You Attracting Women to Your Fleet? Non-Trucking Engagement and Retention Tools Creating a Winning Orientation Strategy Using Research on Driver Commitment to Improve Retention with an Emphasis on New-to-You Drivers Driver Feedback as Reputation Management: Take Control of Your Carrier’s Online Identity Bridging the Knowing-Doing Gap to Profitability How the Class 8 Cycle Drivers Freight Rates Using Technology to Improve Safety Within Your organization and Effectively Conveying Those Improvements to Your Insurance Carrier Are You Using the Right Coverage for Your Independent Contractors? Get DISC Connected 2020 Best Fleets to Drive For: Statistics, Trends, and Innovations Building a Battleplan to Survive AB5 and the ABC Test Fraudulent Workers’ Compensation Claims Simplify Your Office Through AI Assuring the Successful Continuation of Your Privately-Owned Trucking Company Autonomy in Heavy-Duty Vehicle Environments Practical Applications to Manage Driver Fatigue Risk New Ways Technology is Moving More with Less Security Logistics — Cargo Theft, Supply Chair and Loss Prevention Solutions.

SITE revving up for another round at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in June 2020

The Trucker News Staff - February 11, 2020

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Returning for a second year, the Success In Trucking Expo (SITE) will be held June 5-6 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The event is hosted by Expediter Services (ES). The SITE provides a personal, hands-on experience, with expert perspective on the trucking industry and opportunities for drivers to become entrepreneurs and grow a business in trucking. In addition to connecting with professional drivers who want to take the next step in their careers, the SITE offers a platform to address the needs of contract drivers, owner-operators and fleet owners. “The Success In Trucking Expo is designed to offer solutions to some of the leading challenges in the trucking market today. Whether it’s access to reliable capacity or connecting people with attainable opportunities for truck ownership and steady business growth for entrepreneurs, the 2020 edition of the SITE will be dedicated to providing helpful insights and innovative answers for people looking to achieve greater levels of success in trucking,” said Paul Williams, CEO of ES. “We are thrilled to bring the SITE back to the home of the Indy 500, and our ES team is focused on creating a meaningful experience for everyone who joins us,” he said. “We will have a fast-paced and interesting program at the SITE, which provides opportunities for everyone to learn about our ES Community of support. Everyone who joins us at the SITE 2020 will be able to see how ES stands with the participants in our program and offers support in both the best of times and the most challenging times for this industry.” As an added incentive, ES is offering free hotel accommodations and meals for prequalified expo registrants. A limited number of these slots are available, and recipients will be chosen from the registration submissions ES receives. Legendary football coach Bobby Bowden will be the keynote speaker on June 5. With 377 victories during his 44-season career, Bowden is one of the winningest coaches in college football history. Under his leadership (1976-2009), Florida State University’s football program became a powerhouse, winning two national championships and earning 22 postseason bowl victories. Off the field, Bowden is the author and co-author of several books, and he has served as a leading voice for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. In fact, the FCA named an annual award in honor of Bowden. The Bobby Bowden Student-Athlete of the Year Award recognizes one college football player for achievements on the field, in the classroom and in the community. “We are very proud to welcome Coach Bowden as our keynote speaker for this year’s SITE,” said Jason Williams, president of ES. “His record for achieving success on and off the field, as well as his dedication to be of service to others during his lifetime, are truly inspirational.” Stoops Freightliner-Quality Trailer, a division of Truck Country, will once again be the title sponsor of the SITE. ES Community motor carriers participating in the SITE include FedEx Custom Critical, Forward Air and Panther Premium Logistics, a Service of ArcBest; the three companies, all part of the SITE 2019, will be the event’s exclusive motor carriers. Vendors at the 2019 SITE that are expected to return this year include Daimler Truck Financial, Detroit Diesel, Equinox Owner-Operator Solutions, Freightliner, Love’s Travel Stops, Paccar Financial, Peterbilt Truck Centers, TA-Petro, TVC Pro Driver Inc., Vanguard Truck Centers, Volvo Financial Services, Western Star, Crosspoint Power and Refrigeration, and the Women In Trucking; and the vendor list continues to grow. During this year’s event, trucking-industry leaders and subject-matter experts will share insights through presentations and discussions. Women In Trucking Association President and CEO Ellen Voie is a part of the speakers list for the SITE 2020 program. In addition, Leah Shaver, CEO of the National Transportation Institute, will be part of the SITE 2020. Shaver serves as a host on SiriusXM’s Road Dog Trucking Radio Channel and is a member of the Women In Trucking Association’s board of directors. “We are working very hard … to make the SITE 2020 the kind of event that will have a positive impact for everyone who makes the trip to Indianapolis,” said Jeff Tacker, chief operating officer of ES. “We are looking forward to working with anyone who is interested in attending. Our goal with the SITE 2020 is to make it a fun, meaningful and memorable experience for everyone involved.” For more information or to register for the SITE 2020, visit www.successintruckingexpo.com.

Trump proposes $1 trillion for roads, wants to cut DOT budget by 13%

The Trucker News Staff - February 11, 2020

WASHINGTON — The 138-page proposed fiscal year 2021 budget issued by President Donald Trump’s administration on February 10 proposes to reauthorize surface transportation funding to the tune of $810 billion over the next decade, along with an additional one-time payment of $190 billion to support a broad mixture of “infrastructure investments” across a range of industrial sectors. That would add up to over $1 trillion in direct federal transportation and infrastructure funding between 2021 and 2030 represents a “distinct departure” from the administration’s 2018 outline, which sought to leverage $200 billion of direct federal funding into $1 trillion in overall investment with state/local and private contributions, according to an article in the Journal, the official publication of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. In a related development, published reports said the Trump administration on Monday proposed cutting billions in discretionary spending in next year’s Department of Transportation budget, while also calling for broad increases in spending over the next decade, a disconnect that left some in Congress and outside groups struggling to interpret the administration’s intentions. As for the infrastructure proposal the DOT said with the expiration of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act in September, the time to take bold action to address these and other challenges is now. “Building on the foundation provided in the FAST Act, the administration’s funding proposal would largely grow by almost 4 percent annually through fiscal year [FY] 2030 … that will provide states and other entities with dependable and predictable funding for an entire decade,” the DOT said. Near term, that translates into an $89 billion budget request for USDOT FY 2021 funding – a nearly 2 percent increase above FY 2020 appropriations, of which $64 billion would come via the Highway Trust Fund (HTF). The administration noted, however, that its request for $21.6 billion in discretionary transportation budget authority for FY 2021 is a $3.2 billion or 13 percent decrease from what was enacted for FY 2020. An analysis of the budget proposal by American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials policy staff noted that such fiscal proposals by the White House represent “the traditional first step” in budget negotiations with Congress towards final FY 2021 appropriations measures. The proposed DOT FY2021 proposed budget cuts discretionary spending by 13 percent, including deep reductions in spending on Amtrak and airport grants. It also cuts more than $2 billion in highway infrastructure funds and more than $500 million in transit grants. Joel Szabat, the Transportation Department’s acting undersecretary, pointed to the deep shortfall in the Highway Trust Fund, which covers road and transit projects nationwide. The fund’s main source of money, the gas tax, has failed to keep up with inflation or national needs. As it always has been, the argument over whether to raise the gas tax to replenish the fund remains a major sticking point in the discussion about how to fund any infrastructure plan. Tolls and a vehicle miles traveled tax are other funding options that has been discussed within the circle of transportation stakeholders. “We estimate that there’s $261 billion in additional Highway Trust Fund cash that’s required to support the administration’s proposal over 10 years,” Szabat said.

Move over: South Carolina bill would get slow drivers out of left lane

The Associated Press - February 10, 2020

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Some of the most powerful lawmakers in South Carolina are backing a proposal to allow officers to pull over people who drive too slowly in the left lane of major roads. Many lawmakers find their way to Columbia on interstates that only have two lanes in each direction and supporters of the bill said something needs to be done to encourage anyone not passing another vehicle to get out of the left lane. “Unfortunately, in South Carolina, people tend to linger in the left lane,” said House Majority Leader Gary Simrill. The Republican from Rock Hill heads south about 70 miles to the Statehouse on Interstate 77, which is mostly two lanes in each direction. “Traffic is impeded by those that linger in the left lane,” Simrill said. Every Southeastern state except North Carolina and South Carolina have these types of laws, Senate President Harvey Peeler said. “If you go Interstate 85, nine times out of 10 the car that is in the left lane has a North Carolina tag on it,” the Republican from Gaffney said about the highway through his hometown. The bills in the House and Senate differ in the details. The House version would have a fine of $200 and add two points to an offender’s driver’s license, the same penalty for speeding less than 10 mph over the speed limit. The Senate version would only have a fine of $100. The Senate Transportation Committee sent their bill to the Senate floor Wednesday. Peeler spoke for less than a minute before the committee voted unanimously. “No pun intended, but I ask the committee pass this bill,” Peeler said. Peeler said he thinks troopers would be more likely to enforce a new law if it didn’t add two points to driver’s licenses. A license is suspended after 12 points. “It’s not punitive. We just want to encourage people to drive in the right lane and pass in the left lane,” Peeler said. The House bill has not been taken up in committee. Simrill said he would consider a version that did not add points to a driver’s license. “The educational component is what’s most important,” Simrill said.

Moving America forward: Henry Bruster is making a difference through trucking

The Trucker News Staff - February 10, 2020

To celebrate the modern-day achievements of African Americans in the trucking industry, Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF) has selected four drivers who exemplify excellence in trucking. They were selected because of their professionalism and dedication to their jobs, commitment to safety and continuous efforts to move America forward every day. The drivers are being featured on TMAF’s blog and social media pages throughout the month of February as well as on The Trucker.com. The stories highlight the drivers’ accomplishments and safety records and share the personal story of each driver. This is the first of four features in the series. Henry Bruster is making a difference through trucking Henry Bruster, a professional truck driver from Woodville, Mississippi, has been driving for UPS Freight for more than 20 years. Bruster was also featured in TMAF’s video, The Delivery. Bruster’s love for trucks began at an early age. During an interview with TMAF, Bruster said, “When I grew up in rural Louisiana and I ordered shoes online, I remember the UPS truck coming to my house and I knew the shoes were here! I was so excited.” While serving in the military, Bruster learned to drive a truck. After completing his service in the U.S. Army, Bruster joined the trucking industry. As a veteran, Henry has said there is no greater responsibility than protecting the lives of others. That responsibility has carried over to his job as a professional truck driver where road safety is a priority throughout the industry. While competing in the 2017 National Truck Driving Championships (NTDC), all competitors were asked to pledge their commitment to safety, honesty and respect. While taking the pledge, Bruster felt a great sense of camaraderie among the drivers. Drivers from different companies who were competing against each other came together to celebrate their commitment to safety. He found the unifying spirit of safety within the trucking industry to be inspiring. “Safety has no shortcuts!” Bruster said. He has received awards based on his strong safety record, including being named Driver of the Year at the 2016 Louisiana Motor Transport Association (LMTA) Truck Driving Championships. Bruster has also received strong recognition for his work within the industry. He was asked to serve as a member of ATA’s America’s Road Team and ATA’s Share the Road highway safety program and to lead the Wreaths Across America truck convoy in 2017. Recently, Bruster was asked to accompany ATA to the White House, a memorable experience provided by trucking. When asked about some of the reasons that Bruster loves trucking. He said it’s the freedom of the highway, ability to meet different people and opportunities provided by industry. One of the most rewarding parts of the job for Bruster is educating children on road safety and blind spots during Share the Road events. Bruster takes strong pride in his job and the work of the industry. He told TMAF, “When we make deliveries, it’s about knowing that you are making a difference. We make it happen.”

‘A love for diesel’: Experience with family business leads to a career as a technician

Cliff Abbott - February 10, 2020

NASHVILLE — Many people in the industry credit their love for trucking to a family member who taught them during their formative years. For Samantha Johnson, the mentoring of a grandfather in the family’s Massachusetts paving and snow removal business was a key to her personal growth. That growth has taken her to the position of service manager for Cumberland International Trucks in Nashville, Tennessee. It has also earned her recognition as Women in Trucking’s (WIT) January 2020 Member of the Month. “Even when I was very young, I’d be on the side of the road, working on a paving crew,” she told The Trucker. “When equipment broke, I’d help make repairs. My grandfather would have me diagnose equipment problems and recommend repairs. Then, I’d make the repairs under his supervision.” Diagnosing problems and making repairs soon led to more responsibility. “When I got older, I’d supervise the other shop personnel,” she said. It wasn’t trucks that prompted Johnson to leave the Northeast, it was horses. “There isn’t much of a rodeo scene in Massachusetts,” she offered. “That’s why I moved to Nashville.” She still participates in barrel racing events across the southeastern U.S. “We’ll pack up the kids, hook up the trailer and we might make two or three different events on a weekend,” she said. She and her family care for 13 horses on their 45-acre property in the Nashville area. They are also active in their local church, as time permits. On Monday, she’s all business. “My department has 23 technicians, three shop foremen and four service advisors,” she said. She has held every one of those positions at one time or another, starting with her role in the family business years ago. “I did a lot of the engine work myself,” she related. “I remember one project, a 5.9 (liter) Cummins where we needed to remove the cylinder head. Grandpa supervised while I did most of the work.” She added, “he was a great teacher and mentor.” After moving to Nashville, Johnson worked in management at Valvoline and then as a service advisor at a Ford dealership before hiring on at Cumberland International. “I’ve always had a love for diesel,” she said, “but I always dreamed of working in fire and app (apparatus).” Her role at Cumberland has allowed her to work with both. As service advisor and shop foreman, she continued to diagnose and repair the diesel’s she loves, but the work she most appreciates came later. In 2017, the dealerships “fire and app” division was incorporated in Johnson’s department, where it has grown to its present size. “We handle 90% of Nashville fire work and have customers in all of Tennessee and beyond,” she explained. “It’s my pride and joy.” Although it’s only a part of what her department handles, it’s a part she likes a lot. “I particularly enjoy pump testing,” she said. “I still take calls in the middle of the night when a fire department has equipment that isn’t working.” Working in an industry dominated by males doesn’t intimidate Johnson. “I think some women in the trucking industry get scared away by the male domination,” she said. “They need to know they can be successful if they work to gain the respect of doubters and don’t back down.” Gaining respect has been the cornerstone of her success in the industry, as she feels that demonstration of her competence is more meaningful than confrontation. Johnson also helps guide her company’s participation in WIT. “We’re a corporate member,” she explained. “Another person and I attend monthly meetings and help determine the dealership’s participation.” Johnson’s success serves as an example to anyone trying to advance in the industry and especially to women working in a field that is traditionally male. “Trust in your capabilities and don’t back down,” she said. “You’ll earn the respect of doubters.” With her success in the shop, the arena and the service manager’s office, Johnson has set an example for others.

New Love’s now open in Topeka, Kansas adding 75 truck parking spaces

The Trucker News Staff - February 6, 2020

TOPEKA, Kan. — Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, an industry-leading travel stop network, is now serving customers in Topeka, Kansas, thanks to a travel stop that opened Thursday. The Topeka store, located off Highway 75, adds 50 jobs and 75 truck and 46 car parking spaces to Shawnee County. “We’re excited to now be serving customers at our 26th location in Kansas,” said Tom Love, founder and executive chairman of Love’s. “We know that there’s a shortage of parking for professional drivers in this corridor, so we’re happy to add to the number of spaces available.” The location is open 24/7 and offer many amenities, including: More than 8,400 square feet Chester’s Chicken, Godfather’s Pizza and Subway Seventy-five truck parking spaces Forty-six car parking spaces Three RV parking spaces Six diesel bays Five showers Laundry facilities Bean to cup gourmet coffee Brand-name snacks Fresh Kitchen concept Mobile to Go Zone with the latest electronics CAT scale In honor of the grand opening, Love’s will host a ribbon cutting ceremony and donate $2,000, split between the Sunflower Soccer Association and the Boys & Girls Club of Topeka.

ATA and OOIDA executives offer Congress insight into trucking and highway policy

The Trucker News Staff - February 6, 2020

American Trucking Associations (ATA) CEO Chris Spear and Owner-Operators Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) Executive Lewie Pugh testified before the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Transportation and Safety Feb. 4. The subcommittee called the hearing to provide stakeholders to offer their views on the state of the U.S. trucking industry. Both organizations’ leadership touched on numerous issues facing the trucking industry, as well as providing some broad insight into potential solutions – temporary and long-term. Chris Spear provided an overview of ATA’s top priorities and steps Congress could take to improve highway safety, increase job opportunities in the industry, and upgrade infrastructure. On the other hand, as noted by OOIDA following the hearing, Lewie Pugh used his time to deliver a “blunt message” to committee members. Spear told the committee members investigations indicate that in 72% of traffic accidents involving large trucks, the driver of another vehicle is at fault. Speeding and distracted driving is a “growing addiction,” fueled by drivers who text while driving. He also said the ATA opposes the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) proposal to reduce the safety spectrum for transportation purposes. He also called on the Department of Health and Human Services to comply with a law requiring the agency to prepare a rule allowing hair testing for controlled substances. OOIDA’s Lewie Pugh called on the committee to reject some proposals that he called “meaningless.” Specifically, he noted requirements for speed limiters, mandates calling for front and side underride guards and increased insurance premiums. Unlike ATA, Pugh stated that OOIDA does not support the DRIVE-Safe Act, a measure allowing under-21 drivers to engage in interstate commerce. This stance is contradictory to that of ATA. According to Chris Spear, “Forty-eight states currently allow an 18-year-old to drive a Class 8 commercial vehicle, making it legal to drive an 850 mile stretch of California.” “Yet, it is federally illegal driving from Providence, Rhode Island, to Rehoboth, Massachusetts,” a 10-mile trip. He said the DRIVE-Safe Act requires young drivers to serve a 400-hour apprenticeship, including training in safety technology. Forty-eight states, do not require this training period for young drivers receiving intrastate CDLs. The Act will both increase job opportunities for recent high school graduates and offer a step toward improving safety on the highways. OOIDA, on the other hand, opposes the Act. On the issue of infrastructure, booth organizations agreed that Congress must move quickly to fund new and improved roads throughout the country. Spear said, “Trucking now loses $70 billion each year sitting in congestion. He compared the time wasted in traffic delays to be the equivalent of 425,000 drivers idling for a year. The idling time results in “67 million tons of CO2 being emitted. Passenger vehicle drivers now lose $1,600 a year due to traffic and repairs. These are the mounting costs of doing nothing.” While OOIDA agreed with the need for infrastructure improvements, the organization did not provide a specific proposal. ATA, on the other hand, reemphasized the need for Congress to consider it Build Amer Fund (BAF) proposal. Spear said BAF is a cost-effective near-term solution to address infrastructure issues. The proposal BAF has already been presented to Congress. “The BAF would be supported with a new 20 cent per gallon fee built into the price of transportation fuels collected at the terminal rack, to be phased in over four years,” Spear said. He added that the proposal includes provisions to index the fee for inflation and improvements in fuel efficiency. ATA estimates BAF to generate almost $340 billion over the first 10 years. The funds will mostly be paid by commercial carriers and independent drivers, costing drivers of passenger vehicles an average of approximately $100 annually following the four-year phase-in period. Likewise, Spear recommended hybrid and electric cars pay some fee to contribute to highway maintenance as the owners of these vehicles do not pay fuel taxes. As OOIDA noted, Lewie Pugh delivered a “blunt message” to the subcommittee. “It’s time to listen to the hard-working men and women that drive for a living. If you ask most drivers what Congress has done recently to improve the profession, the answer is ‘nothing.’” Pugh added that Washington allows executives whose jobs are to maximize profits to overly influence trucking policy. Not all the blame rests with executives, Pugh said. Others holding too much influence on trucking policy include activists wanting to regulate truckers, state and local governments viewing truckers as revenue sources and ‘experts’ who know little about the industry. Pugh called on Congress to repeal “the failed ELD mandate” and the Fair Labor Standards Act provisions to exempt truck drivers from receiving overtime pay. Both changes would make a “positive difference” in the trucking industry, he said. Pugh also encouraged the committee to “abandon meaningless, unproven and unsafe proposals. Like ATA, OOIDA also advocated for funding to increase truck parking capacity and repair highway infrastructure; however, the organization did not offer a funding proposal. David Heller, Vice President of the Truckload Carriers Association, commented on the hearing. “The overall theme of the hearing was the safety ramifications of all the topics being discussed in today’s trucking industry,” he said. “The presentations were really well done. They all directly addressed the topics at hand and everyone had the opportunity to tell their side of the story. I was glad to see the two senators who chaired the hearing had done their homework and were well versed on the industry.” Others testifying at the hearing included Dawn King, President of the Truck Safety Coalition; Jake Parnell, Manager of the Cattleman’s Livestock Market, a committee of the Livestock Marketing Association; Sgt. John Samis of the Delaware State Police and President of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance.

WIT announces Kellylynn McLaughlin as driver ambassador in new program

The Trucker News Staff - February 5, 2020

Plover, WI — The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has launched a driver ambassador program. The purpose of the program is to raise awareness of the non-profit association’s mission, promote the career opportunities women have in trucking, celebrate their accomplishments, remove obstacles female truck drivers face and increase membership for the organization. Kellylynn McLaughlin, a professional over-the-road CMV driver and training engineer for Schneider National, will be the official WIT Driver Ambassador. Debbie Sparks, vice president of WIT, will manage the program. “Trucking is an incredibly rewarding career, and there is so much opportunity, especially for women,” said McLaughlin. “As the Women In Trucking Driver Ambassador, it is my mission to effect change in this industry in a positive way for women and for men — for every driver.” In her role, McLaughlin will focus on spreading WIT’s message and giving visibility to the association’s efforts to bring more women into the industry by attending and speaking at non-industry trade shows, driving schools, associations, and other industry events. She will also share her stories of life on the road through a blog, provide media interviews and give rides to legislators, regulators and the media. The next phase of the program will introduce a WIT-branded trailer which will include a brand video promoting trucking as a viable career option for women and showcase success stories of women in the industry, in addition to other educational resources. “This program gives a voice to the women behind the wheel and the opportunity to share their stories of how they were called to drive,” said Sparks. “Amplifying their voices will allow us to further the WIT mission and attract more women to our great industry.”

Safety Series: A health management plan can help drivers pass a DOT medical exam

Cliff Abbott - February 5, 2020

In trucking, things were simpler in the old days. That sentiment includes the process of medical qualification. Just like with the CDL and the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, the FMCSA has made it much easier for law enforcement and potential employers to access your information. Once upon a time, a driver could simply obtain the appropriate forms and find a medical professional to perform the exam. Drivers who didn’t pass or didn’t like something in the results could simply find another examiner. Times have changed. Medical examiners must be registered with the FMCSA and report their findings to a national registry, which keeps the exam results on file. Examiners still have the option of granting a two-year certification or one for a shorter period, such as a year, six or three months. What’s different is that the examiner can delay the certification while obtaining additional information. The changes have created havoc for some drivers but, in many cases, the driver is responsible. Hypertension, for example, is commonly diagnosed in the driving population. In most cases, an inexpensive pill per day keeps blood pressure under control. Too many drivers, however, don’t get prescriptions refilled or renewed and end up failing the next physical exam. Instead of getting back on the meds and retaking blood pressure readings later, examining physicians can require further testing. The examiner can delay for up to 45 days while awaiting results. That’s more than six weeks that the driver can’t earn a paycheck. Failed exams present another problem because the driver can’t simply try again at another doctor. When a condition is diagnosed, it generally must be treated before passing the exam. The first two pages of the most recent exam form are taken up with spaces for questions about things like surgery and medications, including herbal supplements. “Yes” answers to any of them may require documentation of treatment and testing results to convince the examiner that the condition is under control. Questions asking about anxiety, diabetes, sleep apnea and more are designed to uncover issues and make sure they are treated. Questions about alcohol and illegal substances seek to uncover untreated issues. While it may be tempting to simply check the “No” box to each question, remember that a national registry makes it possible to compare physical exams taken at different times and with different examiners. It may be better to answer truthfully and bring documentation for any items the examiner may question. Examiners often ask who’s your regular primary physician? If your response is the local urgent care center, your chances of a delayed certification rise dramatically. Examiners want to know that you are aware of health issues and are complying with prescribed treatments. They want to know you are managing your health rather than letting it manage you. Before your next exam is due, take an inventory of your health issues. Is your eyeglass prescription current? Have you renewed your prescriptions for blood pressure, cholesterol or blood sugar medications? Are you using your CPAP or BPAP machine, and has your physician reviewed results in the past few months? As we age and, in many cases, grow heavier, the likelihood of medical issues increases. By managing your health, including periodic visits to a doctor who knows you and your file, you can be better prepared for your next DOT physical exam. This effort will decrease the chances of your driving career being interrupted by a failed or delayed certification. An unpaid vacation while you try to “fix” shortcomings in your health management plan is an expensive way to get healthier.

Roadcheck moved to May in hopes of better weather conditions for inspections

The Trucker News Staff - February 4, 2020

Truckers will need to double check their equipment and ensure that they and their trucks are ready for the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) International Roadcheck, which is scheduled a month earlier this year. Typically held in June, this year’s International Roadcheck will take place May 5-7. This year, International Roadcheck has been moved up by one month, from June to May, when the weather may be more favorable for many jurisdictions. The International Roadcheck is a high-volume, high-visibility three-day enforcement initiative that highlights the importance of commercial motor vehicle safety through roadside inspections. Over that 72-hour period, commercial motor vehicle inspectors in jurisdictions throughout North America will conduct inspections on commercial motor vehicles and drivers. Each year, International Roadcheck places special emphasis on a category of violations. This year’s focus is on the driver requirements category of a roadside inspection. According to the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s fiscal 2019 data as of Dec. 27, 2019, of the 3.36 million inspections conducted, 944,794 driver violations were discovered, of which 195,545 were out-of-service conditions. “With last year’s federal electronic logging device full-compliance mandate in the U.S., the Alliance decided that this year’s International Roadcheck would be the perfect opportunity to revisit all aspects of roadside inspection driver requirements,” said CVSA President Sgt. John Samis with the Delaware State Police. During International Roadcheck, CVSA-certified inspectors primarily conduct the North American Standard Level I Inspection, a 37-step procedure that includes two main inspection categories: an examination of driver operating requirements and vehicle mechanical fitness. A third category, hazardous materials/dangerous goods, may also be part of a Level I Inspection. Depending on weather conditions, available resources or other factors, inspectors may opt to conduct the Level II Walk-Around Driver/Vehicle Inspection, Level III Driver/Credential/Administrative Inspection or Level V Vehicle-Only Inspection. An inspector will start each inspection procedure by greeting, interviewing and preparing the driver. The inspector will collect and verify the driver’s documents, identify the motor carrier, examine the driver’s license or commercial driver’s license, check record of duty status and review periodic inspection report(s). If applicable, the inspector will check the Medical Examiner’s Certificate, Skill Performance Evaluation Certificate and the driver’s daily vehicle inspection report. Inspectors will also check drivers for seat belt usage, illness, fatigue, and apparent alcohol and/or drug possession or impairment. The vehicle inspection includes checking critical vehicle inspection items such as: brake systems, cargo securement, coupling devices, driveline/driveshaft components, driver’s seat (missing), exhaust systems, frames, fuel systems, lighting devices, steering mechanisms, suspensions, tires, van and open-top trailer bodies, wheels, rims and hubs, and windshield wipers. If no critical vehicle inspection item violations are found during a Level I or Level V Inspection, a CVSA decal will be applied to the vehicle, indicating that the vehicle successfully passed a decal-eligible inspection conducted by a CVSA-certified inspector. However, if a required rear impact guard is inspected during a Level I or Level V Inspection and violations are present, a CVSA decal will not be issued. If an inspector does identify critical vehicle inspection item violations, he or she may render the vehicle out of service if the condition meets the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria. This means the vehicle cannot be operated until the vehicle violation(s) are corrected. A driver can also be placed out of service for driver credential-related issues or driver conditions, such as fatigue or impairment. “Announcing the dates of International Roadcheck has always been a deliberate, thoughtful and purposeful decision by the Alliance,” said Sgt. Samis. “By announcing the dates in advance, we hope to remind motor carriers of the importance of proactive vehicle maintenance and remind drivers to be prepared for inspections and to always conduct pre- and post-trip inspections. We want every vehicle and driver inspected during this initiative to pass inspection with no violations.” International Roadcheck is the largest targeted enforcement program on commercial motor vehicles in the world, with approximately 17 trucks and buses inspected, on average, every minute in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. during a 72-hour period. Since its inception in 1988, more than 1.6 million roadside inspections have been conducted during International Roadcheck campaigns.

Women In Trucking names Jacinda Duran as February Member of the Month

The Trucker News Staff - February 3, 2020

PLOVER, Wis. — The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) is recognizing a third-generation female truck driver, Jacinda Duran, as its February 2020 Member of the Month. Duran has been around trucking her entire life. With many family members in the industry, she said it was inevitable that she would be too. Her mother was a professional truck driver for 23 years and often took Duran with her on the job. Her father drove dump trucks and cement trucks. Her grandmother hauled produce in California for more than 50 years. Her grandfather did his truck driving in the 1950s. They even have a relative who appeared on the television series, Shipping Wars. Ten years ago, Duran started her logistics career at FedEx Express as a courier, then transitioned into big rigs in 2014. She has experience driving limos, buses, charter buses and everything in between. Today, Duran drives enclosed car carriers for Plycar Transportation, based in Kings Park, New York. The company recruited her after seeing her social media page, Jacinda Lady Truckin. They recognized that her passion for trucking was a great fit for their elite trucking team. Through Plycar’s six-week training program, Duran learned to transport, load and unload one-of-a-kind cars and became the company’s first solo female driver. For the past year, Duran has driven from coast to coast and in all 48 states. She says the best thing about her job is the freedom. She continues to inspire women to reach for the stars through her social media platform. She makes every day an adventure and continues to explore the country. “I stay out on the road for a long period of time, living in my truck. I get to travel the country, seeing friends, making new friends and living the best life out on the road. I am blessed and thank God every day for my health, my life and my blessings,” said Duran. Duran is the mother of two children. Her daughter is in nursing school at Northern Arizona University and her son is a cadet in the U.S. Air Force Academy, obtaining a degree in Aero Engineering.

Interstate 80 in Wyoming closed following 24-vehicle crash involving 19 trucks

The Trucker News Staff - January 31, 2020

Laramie, Wyo. – The Wyoming Highway Patrol reported on Friday that a crash involving more than 24 vehicles – 19 of which were commercial trucks – has shut down Interstate 80 east of Laramie, Wyoming. The crash occurred in the eastbound lanes near milepost 331 on Interstate 80 around 7:45 a.m. According to a news release provided by the department, a WHP trooper stopped to check on motorists who had slid off the roadway. As the trooper was speaking with the motorists, two eastbound commercial trucks who were passing by collided.This caused several other drivers to lose control of their vehicles and crash. One of the commercial vehicles involved in the incident struck the WHP vehicle. All parties injured in the crash were transported to the Ivinson Memorial Hospital in Laramie. The trooper was not in his patrol vehicle at the time of the collision and was not injured. Uninjured parties involved in the incident were transported by bus to the Albany County Fairgrounds. The interstate remains closed while the crash is under investigation.