The Nation

DETROIT — Nearly eight months after one of its autonomous test vehicles hit and killed an Arizona pedestrian, Uber wants to resume testing on public roads. The company has filed an application on with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to test in Pittsburgh, and it has issued a lengthy safety report pledging to put two human backup drivers in each vehicle and take a raft of other precautions to make the vehicles safe. Company officials acknowledge they have a long way to go to regain public trust after the March 18 crash in Tempe, Arizona, that killed Elaine Herzberg, 49, as she crossed a darkened road outside the lines of a crosswalk. Police said Uber’s backup driver in the autonomous Volvo SUV was streaming the television show “The Voice” on her phone and looking downward before the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board said the autonomous driving system on the Volvo spotted Herzberg about six seconds before hitting her, but did not stop because the system used to automatically apply brakes in potentially dangerous situations had been disabled. A Volvo emergency braking system also had been turned off. “Our goal is to really work to regain that trust and to work to help move the entire industry forward,” Noah Zych, Uber’s head of system safety for self-driving cars, said in an interview. “We think the right thing to do is to be open and transparent about the things that we are doing.” Among the other precautions, San Francisco-based Uber will keep the autonomous vehicle system engaged at all times and activating the Volvo’s automatic emergency braking system as a backup. In addition, Uber is requiring more technical training and expertise of employees sitting behind the wheel of the vehicles, according to a 70-page safety report the company released Friday. The report comes after the ride-hailing company shut down autonomous vehicle testing to do an internal review of its safety procedures, as well as an outside review by risk management firm LeClairRyan. Although the report covered all the main bases, Uber should have gone even further given its self-driving car killed Herzberg, said Bryant Walker Smith, an assistant law professor at the University of South Carolina who has been studying the issues affecting autonomous vehicles. In its most glaring omission, Uber didn’t accept responsibility for Herzberg’s death — the first involving a fully autonomous vehicle, he said. “Frankly, I’m looking for more from Uber than from other companies, and I suspect that governments may be as well,” Walker Smith said. Under Pennsylvania’s voluntary autonomous guidelines, the Transportation Department has until November 13 to approve or deny Uber’s application, or to ask further questions. Pennsylvania law at present doesn’t allow testing of autonomous vehicles without human backup drivers. Google’s Waymo already is carrying passengers in the Phoenix area without human drivers, and General Motors’ Cruise Automation expects to do that next year. Pittsburgh officials can’t legally prevent testing, but they are in safety talks with Uber and four other entities that have permits to test autonomous vehicles, said Karina Ricks, the city’s director of the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure. For instance, the city wants to limit self-driving vehicle speeds to 25 miles per hour in urban settings, even if the posted speed is higher. “Lower rates of speed give more time for the vehicle and the safety driver to react and prevent a crash,” said Ricks, who characterized the talks as fruitful. Pittsburgh is home to Uber’s autonomous vehicle development center, making it a logical choice for the resumption of robotic car tests. “We are engaging with the city, with the officials, and are very eager, I think, to ensure that we make a return to the road in self-driving mode in consultation and close partnership with them, said Miriam Chaum, head of public policy for Uber’s self-driving vehicles. Later it will discuss bringing its self-driving cars back to Arizona, California and Toronto, Ontario, its other test sites. Arizona suspended the company’s permission to test after the crash. CAPTION FOR PHOTO This file photo provided by the Tempe Police Department shows an Uber SUV after hitting a woman on March 18, 2018, in Tempe, Arizona. Nearly eight months after one of its autonomous test vehicles hit and killed an Arizona pedestrian, Uber wants to resume testing on public roads. The company has filed an application with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to test in Pittsburgh, and it has issued a lengthy safety report pledging to put two human backup drivers in each vehicle and take a raft of other precautions to make the vehicles safe.  

It’s despicable. It’s sickening. It’s deplorable. Generally, we’re speaking about the political landscape in America today. Us (Democrats) vs. them (Republicans). Them (Republicans) vs. us (Democrats). We (Republicans and Democrats) know our way is the best. The American people be damned, politicians seem to say. They (the American people) need to listen to us. As we write this, despite the fact that the death toll from Hurricane Florence has passed 30 and millions face the months-long daunting task of rebuilding their lives, dominating the news is the fallout of an allegation against Supreme Court associate justice nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh that he sexually abused Christine Blasey Ford at a house party while the two were high school students. Ford says Kavanaugh groped her and she felt he was attempting to rape her. The minute on July 9 that President Donald J. Trump introduced his nominee at a primetime news conference, it became evident that the vote following his nomination hearing before the Senate Committee would be along party lines. It was. The vote was 11-10 in the Judiciary and in the full Senate it was 51-49. Democrats tried everything under the sun to trick Kavanaugh into saying something during the nomination process that would derail his candidacy but were unsuccessful. Finally, as a last-ditch effort, committee ranking member Diane Feinstein of California, reached into her bag of tricks and pulled out a document that said Kavanaugh (then unnamed) had sexually abused her during that party. What makes it so obvious that it was indeed a last-ditch effort was the fact that Feinstein had had knowledge of the alleged sexual abuse since July, but we believe held it as a trump card when it became evident that Kavanaugh would be confirmed. Both Kavanaugh and Ford say they will testify before Congress — Kavanaugh to deny he was even at the party, Ford to say he was there — but we suspect the nomination will not have proceeded. We bring up this “us vs. them/them vs. us” mentality from time to time because although not nearly as pervasive, there is the angst of so many professional truck drivers over the actions of the American Trucking Associations, the Truckload Carriers Association and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Many truckers feel the aforementioned organizations are out to get them and want to make it more difficult to making a living. One of the tenants of journalism is to present both sides of any story, so we are not taking sides, here, but we firmly believe that while it may not seem like it, decisions these organizations make for the most part benefit drivers., i.e., while truckers may feel they can drive more than 11 hours, to do so would put the lives of the driver and other motorists in danger. One of the decisions that we feel was not in the best interest of the driver is the eight straight hours in the sleeper berth, and thankfully, the ATA and TCA have gone to bat for drivers and it now appears a new split sleeper berth rule may be in the offing.

PLOVER, Wis. — Redefining the Road, the official magazine of the Women In Trucking Association has named recipients of the 2018 “Top 50 Companies for Women to Work For in Transportation.” Ellen Voie, president and CEO of WIT, said the magazine created the award to support WIT’s mission which is to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments, and minimize obstacles faced by women working in the trucking industry. Brian Everett, publisher of Redefining the Road, said there are five key features that distinguish companies recognized on this list: corporate cultures that foster gender diversity; competitive compensation and benefits; flexible hours and work requirements; professional development opportunities; and career advancement opportunities. “This newly created award is driven by the marketplace, and the sheer number of individuals in the industry who participated in the process is incredible,” Everett said. Nearly 150 nominations were received, and more than 7,000 votes were cast to identify the companies named to the list, according to Everett. The list is comprised of a diverse range of business sectors in the commercial freight transportation marketplace, including motor carriers, third-party logistics companies, and original equipment manufacturers. Companies named to the 2018 “Top 50 Companies” list are: AIM Transportation Solutions, American Central Transport, Averitt Express, Bennett International, Brenny Transportation, Caron Transportation Systems, Covenant Transport, Daimler Trucks North America, Day & Ross Transportation Group, Dedicated Systems, DOT Transportation, Dupre Logistics, Estes Express Lines, FedEx Custom Critical, Garner Trucking, JR Kays Trucking, JX Enterprises, Keep Truckin, Kenworth Truck Co., Knichel Logistics, Landstar, Melton Truck Lines, Michelin North America, Mister “P” Express, National Carriers, and Navajo Express. Also, Next Trucking, OTR Capital, Omnitracs, PAM Transport, PGT Trucking, Paper Transport, Peterbilt Motors Co., Prime, Rihm Kenworth, Sun Coast Resources, Sunrise Transport, Taylor & Associates, Total Transportation of MS, Trailer Transit, Transport America, Trimac Transportation, Tri-National, Trinity Logistics, Truckstop.com, U.S. Xpress, Veriha Trucking, Volvo Group, Werner Enterprises, and YRC Freight. These companies will be recognized during a special program at the upcoming Women In Trucking Accelerate! Conference & Expo, which takes place in Dallas November 12-14. For more information, visit www.WomenInTrucking.org.          

Pilot Flying J founder James Haslam II and several company executives held a press event at the company’s headquarters in Knoxville, Tennessee, on November 1 to announce that the truck stop giant would be spending the month celebrating its 60th anniversary. No, no, they weren’t angling for anyone to go out buy them gifts. Even a card isn’t necessary. Quite the opposite, in fact. “We are grateful to the millions of guests and thousands of team members who have fueled our business for 60 years,” Haslam said. “To celebrate this great achievement, we wanted to say thank you in a meaningful way that honors our history and will make a positive difference in the communities we serve.” For starters, the company wants to treat all those who serve or have served in the military to a Veterans Day breakfast. From November 10–12, active-duty and retired military veterans can redeem an offer on the Pilot Flying J app a free Pilot coffee of any size with their choice of a PJ Fresh breakfast sandwich, packaged pastry item or a Cinnabon Center of the Roll. The app is available through Google Play, Apple’s App Store and under the “Rewards Programs” heading on the the Pilot Flying J website, pilotflyingj.com. The big announcement was that Pilot Flying J would mark its 60th anniversary with donations totaling $2 million “in honor of its history of giving back and commitment to fueling life’s journeys into the future.” More than 20 nonprofit organizations will receive contributions, each reflective of causes that are important to Pilot Flying J’s guests and team members and the values upon which the company was built. In keeping with Pilot Flying J’s support of veterans, organizations such as Hire Heroes USA, Bunker Labs, Fisher House and Folds of Honor are among the organizations that will receive donations. Organizations like Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Feeding America, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and Trucker Buddy International will also receive donations to fund programs that focus on health and wellness, access to food and academic success in communities across the country. Other organizations that will receive donations include: A21; Convoy of Hope; First Baptist Church of Corbin, Kentucky; Interfaith Health Clinic; Knoxville (Tennessee) Habitat for Humanity; National Safe Place Network; No Kid Hungry; Restoration House of East Tennessee; Safe Families for Children; St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund; Teach for America; Thrive Lonsdale; Trucker Buddy International; Truckers Against Trafficking; Truckers Final Mile; Trucking Cares Foundation “A spirit of community and philanthropy was instilled in our company’s culture from the beginning,” said Meg Counts, community relations and events manager of Pilot Flying J. “We are proud to partner with these important organization, supporting their missions and programs to help our communities and veterans thrive. Together, we are truly able to fuel life’s journeys.” To learn more about Pilot Flying J’s 60th anniversary celebration, visit pilotflyingj.com.

Mike Rowe of TV’s “Dirty Jobs” once told The Trucker News Organization that he likes to say “Safety Third” to fight complacency, although I think it’s also to get a rise out of self-named safety advocates, federal officials, safety managers, insurance companies and others. He said when people ask him what he means by “Safety Third” he answers that in reality, “you’re not driving a truck because safety is the most important thing. Your reason for getting into this vocation wasn’t to come home safely. It was to deliver the goods. “The second reason was to make a living. That’s it. Job One is do the job. Job two is to prosper as a result” and job three is to “make sure you don’t kill anybody and make sure you don’t get hurt in the process.” He said if safety was really the No. 1 priority, all the trucks would be made of rubber, all the cars would be wrapped in bubble wrap, and the roads would all be made of some sort of spongy material. And that brings me to an interesting email I received recently from Goodyear. They’re holding a “national hackathon” to see if the best and brightest young graduate students can come up with a way that Goodyear can grow beyond tires. “We take the rubber tire for granted,” said Youngjin Yoo, the Elizabeth M. and William C. Treuhaft Professorship in Entrepreneurship at the Weatherhead School in Cleveland. I didn’t make that title up, it was right there in the news release. Given that “countless industries” are studying the future of transportation, Yoo said, rubber tires “might not serve a central role in our transportation forever.” Is that kind of a scary thought? It’s a strange one, at least. And, Mr. Yoo continued, “The fresh perspectives students offer are perfect to consider what’s next.” Teams of five students will be asked to define the challenges facing Goodyear and at the same time identify the needs of the company’s “future target customers.” Then they will use 3D printers, laser cutters and other high-tech tools to “create physical prototypes” of their ideas. The Goodyear news release said that since transportation is moving toward ride-sharing services rather than personal vehicles, people won’t be buying tires for their cars. Or at least as many. So they want these students to come up with what’s next “beyond tires.” “Companies are constantly looking for new areas of growth,” said Yoo, who will coordinate the competition. “Goodyear is not an exception, and part of the company must be thinking about anything but tires. This contest allows students to build relationships with a proven company as it’s eager to find new talent.” So why not start making the roads out of some spongy something-or-other and start making cars and trucks out of a material that has more give than metal, something cushiony or filled with air? I’ll go out on a limb, here, and say if they can send a man or woman to the moon, shouldn’t they be able to come up with something softer than metal to make vehicles out of? I mean, come on. Maybe before we put “driver-assisted” trucks on the road, before we put autonomous vehicles on the road, before we put self-driving vehicles on the road, we should start making roads and cars and trucks out of something safer. How about fluffy, marshmallow-like barriers instead of concrete ones? How about bridge abutments made out of squishy rubber or something similar instead of stone or concrete? Oh, I know! How about making windshields out of something you can see through that won’t cut you like glass? How difficult could that be for crying out loud? We’ve got phones that can sync up with household appliances and direct the coffee-maker to start the coffee in the morning, don’t we? When I say “we” I’m of course not talking about me personally. My phone is a useless piece of … . Well that’s a story for another time. So, what’s beyond rubber tires? You tell me, readers. As always, God bless and be safe out there.

WASHINGTON — Highway crashes claimed the lives of 37,133 people in 2017, accounting for 95 percent of the 38,958 who died in transportation-related accidents that year, according to data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and released Thursday by the National Transportation Safety Board. The data indicate 712 fewer people died in transportation accidents in 2017, compared to the 39,670 who died in 2016. Aviation, marine and highway deaths decreased while rail and pipeline fatalities increased. Rail experienced the largest increase with 58 more deaths in 2017 than the 703 fatalities in 2016. While 673 fewer people died in highway crashes in 2017 compared to 2016, highway fatalities continued to represent 95 percent of all transportation fatalities. “Highway crashes are completely preventable,” said NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt. “Implementation of the 369 open NTSB highway safety recommendations, including the 22 recommendations related to speeding, have the potential to prevent crashes, save lives, and significantly reduce the carnage on our nation’s roads.” The NTSB is an independent federal agency charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant accidents in other modes of transportation, including railroad, highway, marine and pipeline. The NTSB, which has no rulemaking authority, determines the probable cause of the accidents and issues safety recommendations aimed at preventing future accidents According to the NTSB, national transportation fatality statistics for calendar year 2017 also revealed: Aviation deaths decreased from 412 in 2016 to 350 in 2017. While general aviation showed the largest decrease with 56 fewer deaths, general aviation again accounted for 94 percent of all aviation fatalities. Recreational boating accidents killed 43 fewer people in 2017 than in 2016, but 27 mariners died in commercial fishing in 2017, compared to 17 in 2016. Overall, there were 39 fewer deaths in marine transportation compared to the 733 fatalities in 2016. Highway fatalities decreased from 37,806 in 2016 to 37,133 in 2017, and crashes involving passenger cars, light trucks and vans, pedestrians, motorcycles, pedalcycles and buses resulted in fewer deaths, but deaths associated with crashes involving medium and heavy trucks increased to 841 in 2017 compared to 725 in 2016. Four more people died in pipeline accidents in 2017 compared to the 16 who died in 2016. Preliminary aviation accident statistics also released Thursday show a slight decrease in the number of U.S. civil aviation accidents, with 1,316 in 2017 compared to 1,335 in 2016. There were 10 fewer fatal general aviation accidents in 2017 than in 2016, and the fatal accident rate remained below one fatal accident per 100,000 flight hours for a second consecutive year. “The approaching Thanksgiving holiday weekend is typically the busiest travel weekend of the year in the United States and marks the start of the holiday travel season,” Sumwalt said. “The NTSB reminds travelers that speed, distracted, impaired and drowsy driving are key factors in highway fatalities. When traveling by bus, train or plane, stay buckled up (just as if you were in your car), know where your nearest safety exit is and how to use it, and if directed to evacuate, leave your carry-ons behind.” The preliminary aviation accident statistics are tracked and compiled by the NTSB. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security provides marine statistics, and the U.S. Department of Transportation provides statistics for all other modes. A link to the data tables for transportation fatalities for all modes may be found online at https://go.usa.gov/xPySY.  

Cargo thieves are stealing less and enjoying it more. Or, put another way, compared with third-quarter 2017, the third quarter of this year saw an 11 percent decrease in cargo-theft volume but a 31 percent increase in value. So maybe they’re working smarter not harder. Any way you slice it, cargo thieves are opportunistic and follow the money, according to figures from SensiGuard’s Supply Chain Intelligence Center, which just released its third-quarter report on cargo theft in the U.S. The center categorizes stolen loads in 12 cargo types and tracks by date, location, method used, value and specific products stolen. California continues to be the top state for cargo theft, followed by Texas, Illinois, Georgia and Florida, with the report noting that “It appears as though organized cargo thieves are becoming more active in the greater Chicago area and are primarily targeting miscellaneous shipments (26 percent) as well as alcohol, electronics and metals (16 percent each).” The center uses statistics reported by sources such as transportation security councils, insurance companies and law enforcement agencies. Not included in this report are last-mile courier thefts. Theft of full-truckload freight continues to be the preference, accounting for 68 percent of all reported thefts in the third quarter of this year. Those amounted to a loss value of $140,275, a 10 percent decrease from the prior quarter of 2018. Fictitious pickups — where a thief arrives with a truck and trailer pretending to be a professional driver with a scheduled load — accounted for 4 percent of third-quarter thefts, up 10 percent from second-quarter 2018 but down 3 percent from the same period last year. As shown in the ©2018 Fotosearch photo above, unsecured parking areas continue to be the most prevalent location for large-scale cargo thefts; they were identified in 83 percent of thefts in which a location was known. But “secure” parking areas weren’t ruled out. In fact, they accounted for 9 percent of the total thefts followed by warehouse and distribution centers at 8 percent. So, it seems the thieves would rather take cargo that’s the least trouble to steal — unless it’s something of very, very high value. Consequently, electronics were the top commodity stolen, accounting for 20 percent of total thefts in the quarter. Nearly half of electronics stolen (41 percent) were TVs and displays. Theft of electronics was up 114 percent over third-quarter 2017 and up 28 percent over the second quarter of 2018. Second were home and garden items (15 percent), mostly furniture and décor items. Third was the food and drink category at 13 percent, with the miscellaneous category coming in at 11 percent for fourth. Compared with the third quarter of last year, theft of alcohol skyrocketed 637 percent, and was up 200 percent from the second quarter of 2018.          

LOS ANGELES – Two of the country’s prominent motor carriers have agreed to pay a total of $225,000 in penalties to resolve violations of California’s Truck and Bus Regulation. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Schneider National operated 150 heavy-duty diesel trucks in California from 2013 to 2016 without the required diesel particulate filters. In addition, the EPA said the company failed to verify that nearly 1,200 of the carriers it hired in California complied with the truck and bus rule. Schneider, headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, will pay a $125,000 penalty and spend $350,000 on air filtration projects at schools located near freeways in the Los Angeles area. The EPA said Old Dominion Freight Line of Thomasville, North Carolina, operated 117 heavy-duty diesel trucks in California from 2013 to 2016 without the required diesel particulate filters. The company did not verify 64 of the carriers it hired in California complied with the Truck and Bus rule. The company will pay a $100,000 penalty and spend $225,000 on air filtration projects at schools in the Rialto, California, area. EPA made the announcement at an event at Eastman Avenue Elementary School in Los Angeles, highlighting the installation of an air filtration system similar to those that will be funded by the settlements announced Thursday. EPA was joined by the California Air Resources Board, the South Coast Air Quality Management District, and the Los Angeles Unified School District. “Heavy-duty trucks can emit drastically higher levels of pollution when not equipped with required emissions controls,” said EPA Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest Mike Stoker. “Transport companies must comply with California’s rule to improve air quality and protect adjacent schools and communities from breathing these toxic pollutants.” “California’s Truck and Bus Rule is providing the emissions reductions necessary to help meet federal air quality standards,” said Todd Sax, enforcement chief of the California Air Resources Board. “This settlement shows that all fleets operating in California, including national fleets based in other states, must comply with regulatory requirements.” The air filtration system will be installed at both the Eastman Avenue Elementary School campus and the Eastman Avenue Early Education Center. These are two of approximately eight schools in the Los Angeles and Rialto areas that will receive funding for air filtration systems from recent EPA Truck and Bus rule settlements, including those announced today. The Eastman Avenue campus is within two blocks of a major freeway. These air filtration systems reduce exposure to ultrafine particulate matter and black carbon emitted from trucks operating on nearby highways. The South Coast Air Quality Management District will verify performance of the systems and training of school staff. The project at Eastman Avenue Elementary School includes a ten-year supply of replacement filters, which are expected to remove more than 90 percent of ultrafine particulate matter and black carbon. Schools near major freeways can be exposed to high levels of traffic pollution. Studies have shown that improved indoor air quality in classrooms increases productivity and improves attendance and performance in both adults and students. CARB said diesel emissions from trucks are one of the state’s largest sources of fine particle pollution, or soot, which has been linked to a variety of health issues, including asthma, impaired lung development in children, and cardiovascular effects in adults. About 625,000 trucks are registered outside of the state, but operate in California and are subject to the rule. Many of these vehicles are older models and emit high amounts of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, the EPA said. The rule, which requires diesel trucks and buses that operate in California to be upgraded to reduce diesel emissions, is an essential part of the state’s plan to attain cleaner air. The California Truck and Bus Regulation was adopted into federal Clean Air Act plan requirements in 2012 and applies to diesel trucks and buses operating in California. The rule requires trucking companies to upgrade vehicles they own to meet specific NOx and particulate matter performance standards and also requires trucking companies to verify compliance of vehicles they hire or dispatch. Heavy-duty diesel trucks in California must meet 2010 engine emissions levels or use diesel particulate filters that can reduce the emissions of diesel particulates into the atmosphere by 85 percent or more.

AUSTIN, Texas — Barry Pottle is the new chairman of the American Trucking Associations. The CEO of Pottle’s Transportation of Bangor, Maine, was elected by the federation’s board of directors Tuesday during the annual ATA Management Conference and Exhibition here. “To be elected chairman of ATA is a tremendous honor for me,” Pottle said. “I am excited and invigorated by the challenge of leading ATA and would like to thank my fellow members for entrusting me with this responsibility.” “Barry has been a strong and engaged voice for our industry on the issues that are of critical importance to our industry,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “I’m confident he will continue to be a tremendous representative for our industry, and I congratulate him on this honor.” Pottle replaces Dave Manning, president of TCW Inc., Nashville, Tennessee, as chairman. Pottle purchased Pottle’s Transportation from his father in 1988 and guided its growth from an 11-truck fleet to its current size of more than 180 trucks and 575 trailers. In addition to his previous service as ATA First Vice Chairman, Pottle has served as chairman of Truck PAC, the Maine Motor Transport Association and the Truckload Carriers Association on 2006-2007. The board also elected Randy Guillot, president of Triple G Express of New Orleans as ATA first vice chairman; Sherri Garner Brumbaugh, president and CEO of Garner Trucking of Findlay, Ohio, as ATA second vice chairman; and Harold Summerford Jr., CEO of J&M Tank Lines of Birmingham, Alabama, and Dan Van Alstine, president and COO of Ruan Transportation Management Systems as ATA vice chairmen. In addition, the board re-elected John Smith, chairman of Admiralty Holdings Inc., as secretary and Mike Ducker, former president and CEO of FedEx Freight, as treasurer.                  

WESTLAKE, Ohio — TravelCenters of America (TravelCenters), operator of the TA and Petro Stopping Centers travel center brands, said Wednesday that its annual campaign for the St. Christopher Truckers Development and Relief Fund (SCF) has concluded for 2018 and that the customer and employee support received during the annual “Band Together for SCF” campaign, along with raffles and other events held throughout the year, resulted in donations in the amount of $244,849.80 to the SCF. TravelCenters has been supporting drivers through the SCF since 2010. The TA and Petro annual campaign mark the largest single contribution the fund receives each year. As of July 2018, the SCF has helped more than 2,300 truck drivers and their families with monthly bills, including utilities and mortgages totaling up to $2.3 million. The Band Together campaign ran from August 15 through September 30 at TA and Petro Stopping Centers nationwide and invited customers and employees to support the cause for helping drivers in need. The campaign provided wristbands, window clings and keychains for donors to show their support in exchange for contributions of $1 and $5. “We are always honored to have the opportunity to help drivers in need. We know full well it’s the patronage of our customers and employees, year over year, that assist these efforts. We couldn’t be more proud and thankful to them for their ongoing support,” said Barry Richards, President and COO of TravelCenters. “I want to give thanks to TravelCenters for another year of Band Together. This campaign is such a great example of how easy it is for people to help people. We always love to see the generosity of drivers and employees,” said Dr. Donna Kennedy, Executive Director of the SCF. The St. Christopher Truckers Development and Relief Fund is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization that provides assistance to professional truck drivers whose medical problems have led to financial hardship. Assistance may be in the form of direct payment for mortgage/rent, utilities, vehicle payments, insurance, prescriptions and/or some medical procedures. For more information, please visit www.truckersfund.org or call (865) 202-9428.

GRAIN VALLEY, Mo. — The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association is preparing to launch the 10th Truckers for Troops care package campaign scheduled for the week of November 5-9. The fund-raising effort is an OOIDA tradition since 2007, sending care packages to service personnel stationed in combat zones. Truckers for Troops will also help a variety of veteran’s facilities here in the U.S., including those assisting or housing wounded, disabled or homeless service members. During Truckers for Troops week, a broadcast is planned for each day on OOIDA’s Land Line Now satellite radio show on Sirius XM 146. During that week, truckers can join OOIDA or renew their membership for $35, with 10 percent of that money going toward care packages. OOIDA matches the 10 percent dollar for dollar. Individual tax-deductible contributions to the Truckers for Troops fund are also welcome and can be paid to the OOIDA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Participants can also visit Jon Osburn at The Spirit of the American Trucker touring trailer during the campaign and sign up or renew a membership. During the past 11 years, the Truckers for Troops effort has raised more than $500,000, allowing the Truckers for Troops to send care packages to more than 36,000 military personnel. To contribute or join or renew, just call OOIDA’s main number, (800) 444-5791. Phones will be answered by operators, and the switchboards will stay open later than usual until 7:30 p.m. CST. The association is also currently seeking addresses for sending packages and accepting personal cards or letters to include inside the packages. “We like getting handmade cards or letters from a variety of groups and individuals to include in the packages,” said Norita Taylor, OOIDA director of public relations. “A personal note or card adds warmth to what we send.” Anyone who has a family member or friend serving in a combat zone with the U.S. military, and who would like for them to get a care package, can send the name and complete address to [email protected] and be sure to include projected stateside return date. We are also looking for veteran facilities with unmet needs. Cards and letters can be sent with the following address: Attention: Truckers for Troops, P.O. Box 1000, Grain Valley, MO 64029. Towns or school names can be included, but please do not include last names or other personal information. No particular theme, and not necessarily holidays or Christmas. Packages go out in January or February 2019 and veterans packages are done throughout the year. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association is the only national trade association representing the interests of small-business trucking professionals and professional truck drivers. The association currently has more than 160,000 members nationwide.  

AUSTIN, Texas — Mack Trucks Monday said it would continue to sponsor the American Trucking Associations Share the Road program in 2019. Mack has sponsored Share the Road since 2001. “Mack remains focused on highway safety, and we fully support the powerful message that the Share the Road drivers relay to the general public about operating safely around large trucks,” said Jonathan Randall, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Mack Trucks North America. “We incorporated many safety features into the design of the Mack Anthem®, which the Share the Road drivers utilize to deliver their messages to millions of people across the country.” Professional truck drivers present live safety exhibitions for students, media and policy makers, demonstrating how to drive safely alongside semi-trucks through the Share the Road program. Each driver in the program has an outstanding driving record, including many with one million or more accident-free miles. The drivers travel throughout the country in a 2018 Mack Anthem 70-inch Stand Up Sleeper model teaching the public about truck stopping distances and how that differs from passenger cars, plus potential truck blind spots while also discussing other safety considerations that can help ensure safe travels. The 2018 Mack Anthem model donated to the Share the Road program is equipped with the 13-liter Mack MP8 505C engine with 505 horsepower and 1,860 lb.-ft. of torque and the 12-speed Mack mDRIVE™ automated manual transmission, which allows drivers to focus on the road ahead rather than shifting gears. The Mack mDRIVE is standard on all Mack Anthem models. The Share the Road Anthem also has Mack Road Stability Advantage by Bendix and Bendix Wingman Fusion. Road Stability Advantage is a fully electronic stability control system that helps reduce the risk of rollover and jackknife accidents. Bendix Wingman Fusion, a camera- and radar-based system, provides collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning capabilities. Both systems are standard on all Mack Anthem models. The Anthem is available in several configurations, including a Day Cab, a 48-inch Flat Top Sleeper and a 70-inch Stand Up Sleeper.    

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The NATSO Foundation has released a “Combating Human Trafficking” toolkit as a resource for members of the truckstop and travel center industry. The toolkit marks the latest chapter in the NATSO Foundation’s “How Truckstops Help People” campaign, and builds upon the NATSO Foundation’s longstanding anti-human trafficking initiative to advance public awareness and educate the truckstop and travel plaza industry to fight human trafficking along America’s National Highway System. “With each new educational opportunity we further strengthen the industry’s resolve to fight this unspeakable crime,” said Tiffany Wlazlowski Neuman, vice president, public affairs for NATSO and the NATSO Foundation. “With a growing body of resources, we are empowering the nation’s truckstops and travel plazas to make a meaningful difference and stand as leaders within the transportation community in its fight against human trafficking.” The NATSO Foundation’s latest resource offers truckstops and travel centers a roadmap for implementing an anti-human trafficking education and awareness program at their individual locations. In releasing the toolkit, the NATSO Foundation also introduced a 50-state chart of human trafficking awareness poster laws. The chart is designed to help truckstops and travel centers understand how to comply with state laws on human trafficking awareness. This is an important tool for the industry as many state laws reference businesses that provide services and amenities which many truckstop and travel plazas offer, such as overnight truck parking, food, fuel and lodging. “It has been nearly a decade since the NATSO Foundation began helping members of the truckstop and travel center community engage in the fight against human trafficking,” Wlazlowski Neuman said. “The NATSO Foundation’s goal is to provide truckstop and travel center owners and employees with the necessary tools to inform the public about this serious issue and train employees on how to detect and help a potential victim.” “The Role of Truckstops in Combating Human Trafficking”—also developed by the NATSO Foundation—is an online training course to help truckstops and travel plazas recognize and respond to suspected incidents of human trafficking. Since its launch, several hundred truckstops and travel center locations across the United States have incorporated this training into their new employee training programs. Through an alliance with the DHS Blue Campaign, the NATSO Foundation additionally provides the DHS Blue Campaign’s training and awareness materials–including awareness posters that meet state requirements—to the nation’s truckstops and travel plazas. More information on all of the NATSO Foundation initiatives to combat human trafficking can be found here.          

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA) Monday called for federal preemption of California’s meal and rest break rules, saying that state rules make roads less safe and impose undue burden on interstate commerce. The AMSA made its position know by submitting a public comment in response to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s request for input on a petition submitted by the American Trucking Associations that opposes California’s meal and rest break rules. The current California law requires drivers to take breaks at arbitrary times rather than when drivers need them, which exacerbates the demand for limited parking at rest stops and along highways, the AMSA said, adding that the rule also makes trucking less efficient and encourage states to develop similar regulations of their own that preempt federal hours-of-service regulations. In addition, the moving and storage industry faces unique challenges if these laws are allowed to continue to preempt federal regulations, AMSA said. Household goods drivers run highly variable routes and must pack and load without the benefit of motorized fork lifts. As such, a majority of the driver’s on-duty time is not spent behind the wheel. According to industry data, the typical short-haul driver spends less than 30 percent of his or her daily duty-time behind the wheel. Additional and onerous rest break requirements force drivers to operate their vehicles during times of high traffic congestion. Single-day jobs are becoming multi-day projects due to California’s rigorous meal and rest break laws. This dramatically increases fuel and labor costs while providing no benefit to the public at large. “We agree with the American Trucking Associations that the California meal and rest break rules are incompatible with federal law, which holds that state regulations that have no safety benefits or cause an unreasonable burden on interstate commerce are unenforceable,” said Vice President of Government Affairs Paul Milotte. “These regulations make it tougher for moving companies to operate in the state of California while providing little to no safety benefit, which is their stated intent. We urge the FMCSA to hold these regulations unenforceable under the federal statute. “The American Moving and Storage Association supports reasonable regulations that ensure public safety while promoting economic growth. California’s meal and rest break rules, however, harm public safety while hurting the ability of moving companies to operate within the state,” said President and CEO Scott Michael. “Federal interstate regulations are more than adequate to ensure that truck and van drivers take the meal and rest breaks they need. California’s meal and rest break rules should be struck down without delay.” For more information about the economic impact of the moving and storage industry, go to www.Moving.org/economy.

KIRKLAND, Wash. — A new Kenworth W990 will transport the 54th U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from the November 2 tree-cutting in Oregon’s Willamette National Forest to more than 25 community celebrations planned en route to the tree-lighting ceremony in Washington, D.C., in early December. To commemorate the 175th anniversary of the Oregon Trail, the Kenworth W990 and the special tree will follow a reverse path of the trail during the more than 3,000-mile journey. This year’s tour theme is “Find Your Trail” and marks the 50th anniversary of the National Trails Systems Act. The Kenworth W990, equipped with a 76-inch mid-roof sleeper, offers an eye-catching graphics design with a brightly lit and colorfully adorned Christmas tree next to the U.S. Capitol below the words “From the Oregon Trail to the Capitol Steps.” The W990 also includes the logo of Redmond, Oregon-based Central Oregon Truck Co., which is the official hauler of this year’s tree. The company was named the “2018 Best Fleet to Drive For” in the small carrier category by the Truckload Carriers Association and CarriersEdge. Central Oregon Truck Co. was selected because of its excellent reputation in Oregon’s trucking industry, according to Bruce Ward, president of Choose Outdoors, a non-profit organization that assists the U.S. Forest Service in coordinating the annual tour. “It is an honor to be chosen to deliver the 2018 U.S. Capitol Christmas tree and represent the state of Oregon. We look forward to a memorable trip as we share the tree with America during the journey to Washington D.C.,” said Rick Williams, CEO of Central Oregon Truck Co. Both Williams, a former flatbed driver; and business partner Phil Taylor, who serves as vice president of maintenance, will drive the W990 as a part of an overall team effort with other driving team members from the company. The flatbed carrier transports freight across the 48 continental states and Canada. The company’s Kenworth trucks are purchased from Papé Kenworth, which is a major sponsor of this year’s tour. “For the fifth consecutive year, a Kenworth truck will deliver ‘The People’s Tree’. The annual lighting of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is an important American tradition,” said Kurt Swihart, Kenworth marketing director. “We’re especially excited that the new Kenworth W990 will transport the tree. The W990 features the PACCAR Powertrain and will provide a very comfortable work environment for this year’s tour drivers.” For more information, including a complete tour schedule, visit the 2018 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree website at www.capitolchristmastree.com. CAPTION FOR PHOTO Courtesy: KENWORTH TRUCK CO. The Kenworth W990 that will transport the Capitol Christmas tree offers an eye-catching graphics design with a brightly lit and colorfully adorned Christmas tree next to the U.S. Capitol below the words “From the Oregon Trail to the Capitol Steps.”

Following oil prices weakened by a slowing global economy, average on-highway diesel prices Monday slid 2.5 cents a gallon to $3.355, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported. Prices were down in all 10 of the EIA’s reporting regions. The Lower Atlantic area decreased the most, 3.7 cents, to $3.217 a gallon, followed by the Gulf Coast region, which decreased 3.5 cents a gallon to $3.117. California is now the only sector in the $4-a-gallon range at $4.074, down 2.2 cents from $4.096 last week. Benchmark U.S. crude shed 2 percent to $65.69 per barrel in New York this morning. Brent crude, used to price international oils, lost 2.3 percent to $75.62 per barrel in London, The Associated Press reported. The International Energy Agency (IEA) on Tuesday said that high oil prices were hurting consumers and could lessen fuel demand at a time of slowing global economic activity, Reuters reported. Pressing down global oil demand are high oil prices, and in many countries, consumer prices. Also, global economic growth momentum is slowing down, IEA chief Fatih Birol told an energy conference in Singapore. Oil is also under pressure from rising output by the world’s biggest producers — Russia, the United States and Saudi Arabia — who are replenishing global oil inventories after more than a year of draw-downs. For more information on diesel prices by region click here.  

AUSTIN, Texas – The American Trucking Associations Monday presented the Mike Russell Trucking Image Awards to one motor carrier, one trucking affiliated organization, one professional truck driver, and one allied company. ATA also presented an honorable mention award in the affiliated category. The Mike Russell Trucking Image Awards are named in honor of the late Mike Russell, a trucking industry supporter and former ATA vice president of public affairs. “Safety is paramount in trucking, and every day men and women throughout every aspect of our industry do their part to further the safety-first image we are trying to create,” said ATA Chairman David Manning, president of TCW. “However, when we find that an individual, company, or organization has exceeded these expectations, we set out to recognize these parties for their efforts. The winners present today are those individuals.” The awards honor trucking’s champions of image, professionalism and safety, and recognize individuals and groups that use innovative approaches to improve the image of the trucking industry. This year’s winners of the Mike Russell Trucking Image Awards are: America’s Road Team Captain and FedEx Freight professional truck driver Don Logan for his tireless work toward creating a positive culture within the trucking industry and demonstrating the positive role of the industry to external audiences. From his role in the establishment of a FedEx Road Team, to his legacy of success at state and national truck driving competitions, Captain Don Logan sets a standard of professionalism for all truck drivers. The Tennessee Trucking Association Foundation for its partnership with state transportation offices to develop statewide educational and medical programs aimed at the safety and well-being of senior drivers. The association accomplished this while continuing their high school share the road programs, demonstrating that road safety should and can be accessible at any stage of life. Tennessee also supports a state Road Team. Werner Enterprises for creating a culture of pride in its organization and support of its employees, which in turn creates positive ambassadors for the trucking industry. From its support of veterans and current military members to their participation in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure events, Werner reflects a positive image of a life in the trucking industry recently exemplified by Werner’s impressive appearance as industry representatives at the White House. Pilot Flying J for creating a positive image of truck drivers and the company’s prolific record of community involvement, including fundraising for United Way and Wreaths Across America. Pilot Flying J is also recognized for its steadfast dedication to creating a positive image of the industry through their support of Trucking Moves America Forward. Honorable Mention: ATA recognized St. Christopher’s Fund for providing more than $2.3 million in assistance to 2,336 over-the-road and regional drivers and their families when illness or injury has caused the driver to be out of work. ATA President and CEO Chris Spear also introduced the Trucking Cares Foundation Premier Achievement Award during his ATA President’s Address. The newly created award will recognize an individual or trucking industry group that “goes the extra mile to make a difference in the lives of others.” The first-ever Trucking Cares Foundation Premier Achievement Award was presented to professional truck driver Herschel Evans of Holland Inc. Evans was acknowledged for establishing a truck rodeo called the Safety Drive for a Cure, a truck safety and skills competition benefiting the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Last year, Safety Drive for a Cure raised $30,550 with 116 drivers competing from 21 states with 31 sponsors. Evans is also involved in the Convoy of Care, helping deliver critical supplies to families affected by major natural disasters, most recently through Hurricane Florence and Hurricane Michael relief deliveries. With the award, ATA’s Trucking Cares Foundation provided Evans a check in the amount of $5,000 made out to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. CAPTION FOR PHOTO Courtesy: AMERICAN TRUCKING ASSOCIATIONS The Mike Russell Trucking Image Awards are named in honor of the late Mike Russell, a trucking industry supporter and former ATA vice president of public affairs.  

AUSTIN, Texas — American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear Monday told attendees of the federation’s annual Management Conference and Exhibition that while a “booming” economy has greatly benefited the industry, the association will continue to advance trucking’s agenda on a host of priority issues. “We are now witnessing the fastest growth the trucking industry has experienced in 20 years,” Spear said, citing tax reform, increases in truck tonnage, employment, manufacturing and equipment orders. “Trucking is the driving force behind the world’s #1 economy – and we want to keep it that way. “While tax reform was a significant win and we’re enjoying all the benefits of a robust economy, we have unfinished business in Washington,” he said. In his remarks, Spear highlighted the ongoing campaigns over onerous and duplicative meal-and-rest break rules, driver hours-of-service reform, infrastructure investment, trade and workforce development as top challenges for ATA to continue to engage on. “With a strong economy, our industry’s challenges just got bigger. The chronic driver and technician shortage is now top-fold, national news – fueled by consumer confidence, a well above-average retirement age, and erroneous claims that our trucks will soon be driverless,” he said. “Beyond the goodwill that comes from engaging our nation’s youth, the fact is, we also need to attract the next generation of drivers and technicians.” Spear used his address to tout ATA’s support for the Drive-Safe Act, pointing out that all 48 states in the Continental U.S. already allow drivers under the age of 21 to operate within state lines, but not cross state borders, and that the bipartisan legislative proposal would allow those same young people to drive across state lines provided they receive comprehensive additional training. “Not one of these 48 states have all the training and technology requirements ATA is seeking at the federal level,” he said. Spear also emphasized the opportunity trucking has to come together at MCE. “MCE affords us the opportunity to embrace the universal values we share as an industry. Our unyielding commitment to safety. Hard work and playing by the rules. Faith, family, compassion, our love of country,” he said. “All shaping who we are… and how we’re perceived.”

AUSTIN, Texas — The American Trucking Associations Sunday recognized several winners of the industry’s top honors as part of the association’s Leadership and Awards Luncheon at its annual Management Conference & Exhibition. “Every day our industry provides countless examples of professionalism, hard work and commitment to safety,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “Today, we take time to recognize those individuals who have gone above and beyond in their dedication to excellence and have earned the title of ‘champion’ over the past year.” Among those honored today were: Scott Woodrome, a professional driver with FedEx Freight from Middletown, Ohio, Bendix Grand Champion of the 2018 National Truck Driving Championship Phillip Pinter, a technician with FedEx Freight from Ida, Michigan, 2018 National Technician Skills Competition – TMC SuperTech – Grand Champion; ATA National Truck Driver of the Year David Boyer, a professional driver with ABF Freight System and an America’s Road Team Captain, from Wytheville, Virginia. In addition, ATA honored three fleets with the ATA President’s Award: Sinclair Trucking Company, Salt Lake City, for fleets under 25 million miles Cargo Transporters, Claremont, North Carolina, for fleets between 25 million and 100 million miles Hub Group, Oak Brook, Illinois, for fleets with more than 100 million miles. The ATA President’s Award goes to fleets who demonstrate innovative approaches to safety and go the extra mile to keep America’s highways safe. ATA will be announcing the winners of National Safety Director of the Year and National Safety Professional Award of Excellence at the Safety, Security & Human Resources National Conference & Exhibition, November 12-14, Long Beach, California. Prior to the Awards Lunch, ATA’s membership staff also honored Tom Lee, vice president of Empire Warehouse of Denver, Colorado, with the 2018 Rocque Dameo Award for his service as an ATA state vice president. Since 2014, the Dameo Award, has been awarded to ATA state vice presidents who have gone above and beyond in advancing the goals of the trucking industry and ATA. The award carries with it a $5,000 donation to the winner’s state association. PICTURED IS SCOTT WOODROME, Bendix Grand Champion of the 2018 National Truck Driving Championship