Truck Driving Job News Archives

Drivewyze and Diesel Tech Industries partner to bring weigh station bypass and in-cab alerts to Guardian ELOG customers

Dana Guthrie - July 1, 2024

PLANO, TEXAS, – Drivewyze, the North American leader in connected truck services and the largest public-private weigh station bypass network operator, has announced it has partnered with Diesel Tech Industries to provide its Guardian ELOG customers with integrated access to Drivewyze PreClear weigh station bypass and Drivewyze Safety+ services. “Diesel Tech Industries continues to grow and expand its suite of fleet management products for its customers,” said VP of Business Development and Channel Management for Drivewyze, Frances Kilgour. “We’re excited to partner with Diesel Tech Industries and provide its Guardian ELOG customers integrated access to our weigh station bypass and in-cab safety notifications services.” Diesel Tech Industries offers several key fleet management technologies for trucking companies and owner operators that operate in Canada and in the U.S. Since no transponders are required, activation of Drivewyze PreClear on the Guardian ELOG platform can be done in minutes. Drivewyze transmits safety scores, registration and tax compliance information to the weigh station, which then calculates the information against the bypass criteria established by its state or province. If the carrier and vehicle pass the criteria, at one mile out, the driver receives permission to bypass the site. The better the fleet’s safety score, the more bypasses typically granted. Through Drivewyze PreClear, Guardian ELOG customers have the ability to receive bypass opportunities at more than 900 locations in 48 states and provinces. “Drivewyze’s PreClear combined with the Guardian ELOG has been a game-changer for our trucking operations,” said Blake Richardson from B. Richardson Transportation who beta-tested the Guardian ELOG and Drivewyze integrated offering. “Using the Guardian ELOG with Drivewyze, we seamlessly navigate past busy trucking scales, saving us up to 10 minutes each day, if not more, while maintaining compliance. Together, they’ve streamlined our trips, boosting efficiency and peace of mind on the road. We highly recommend Drivewyze to any fleet looking to optimize their operations.” In addition to Drivewyze PreClear, Guardian ELOG customers can access Drivewyze Safety+, which provides drivers with real-time weather alerts, as well as in-cab safety alerts for upcoming dangerous curves, low bridges, and high speeding citation areas, and more. Drivewyze’s back-office tools also allow fleets to create their own customized driver alerts, plus our safety analytics allow fleets to monitor driver behavior and help in driver coaching. According to Rebecca Goldsack, Diesel Tech Industries COO, adding integrated access to Drivewyze’s PreClear and Safety+ services is expected to be a welcomed new offering for its customer base. “Bypassing weigh stations is a tremendous opportunity for fleets and owner operators to save time and operating costs associated with spending time at weigh stations waiting for an inspection,” said Goldsack. “We’re pleased to partner with the leading provider of this service in Drivewyze. Drivewyze PreClear and its in-cab safety notifications service, Safety+, can help our customers operate more efficiently and safe.”

FMCSA extends comment period on truck towing reform

John Worthen - July 1, 2024

WASHINGTON — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has extended the comment period on industry towing fee practices until Aug. 1. The previous end date was scheduled for July 1. The FMCSA is asking industry stakeholders to share their perspectives on current practices regarding the disclosure of towing fees to commercial motor vehicle (CMV) owners and whether the owner is made aware of costs and fees prior to the tow. On Feb. 7, the FMCSA expressed strong support for trucker protections against costly towing fees in a comment filed on the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) proposed rule banning junk fees. FMCSA’s comment notes that predatory towing junk fees “significantly increase costs for commercial motor vehicle owners and operators.” The comment also offers support for the proposed ban on hidden and misleading fees and urges the FTC to consider additional restrictions against the types of unnecessary and excessive mandatory junk fees plaguing truckers. “When a truck driver’s vehicle is towed, they can’t earn a living until they get it back — leaving them vulnerable to predatory junk fees from towing companies,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “We support FTC’s efforts to stand up for truckers by acting to ban junk fees and prevent predatory towing fees that can cause significant financial harm.” To comment on this issue, click here.

Iowa 80 Truckstop to celebrate 60th anniversary during 2024 Jamboree

Dana Guthrie - July 1, 2024

WALCOTT, IOWA – Iowa 80, the World’s Largest Truckstop is set to showcase a tasty truck as part of their 60th anniversary celebrations. Baltimore, Md. based bakery, Charm City Cakes, famously known for the hit reality cake decorating series “Ace of Cakes “is creating a replica of the Super Truck Showroom out of cake “It will truly be a one-of-a-kind cake,” said Vice President of Marketing, Heather DeBaillie. “We’re excited to celebrate our 60th Anniversary with everyone.” Set for July 12, DeBaillie revealed that the cake will feature the beloved yellow bobtail “Cornpatch Cadillac” which is on display in the Super Truck Showroom, as well as an Iowa landscape and the iconic globe logo, complete with a red arrow. Cake will be served at 2:30 p.m. in the Super Truck Showroom as part of the 2024 Walcott Truckers Jamboree. The public is welcome to come out to see the cake and have a slice. “We can’t wait to see the cake next to the actual ‘Cornpatch Cadillac,’” said Senior Vice President Delia Moon Meier. “It’s going to be so awesome.” The Iowa 80 Truckstop first opened its doors to the public on June 4, 1964. The facility featured a small restaurant, store, and two diesel pumps. Iowa 80 now spans 85 developed acres and features over 900 truck parking spaces, ten restaurant options and a host of other driver amenities. It has proudly served America’s professional truck drivers and travelers for 60 years and is look forward to what the next 60 years will bring. Iowa 80 has never closed its doors; operating continuously since opening day in 1964. The 45th Annual Walcott Truckers Jamboree will be held July 11-13 at the Iowa 80 Truckstop, I-80 Exit 284, Walcott, Iowa. Admission and parking are free. Shuttles will be provided from the parking area to the event grounds. See the full schedule of events at truckersjamboree.com.

Why do so many drivers receive short-term DOT medical certifications?

Bob Perry - June 29, 2024

Recently I spoke at a conference for the Convenient Care Association (CCA), a network of health clinics located in large box grocery stores and pharmacies. I was invited to speak about driver health — specifically, the current driver health statistics leading to a high percentage of short-term cards that are being issued to drivers. According to statistics from the FMCSA, 55% of all DOT medical cards issued are for one year or less, and 300,000 drivers are disqualified each year due to health reasons. Every day, clinic providers issue short-term cards because drivers’ declining health fails to meet DOT standards. I realize this is not the news drivers want to hear, but keep in mind that these providers have guidelines and protocols they must follow. Providers hate delivering news of a short-term card as much as a driver hates to hear it. In fact, when a driver displays elevated blood pressure, many providers will allow the driver to rest a while and then re-test. This is because some patients experience “white-coat syndrome” — anxiety about the checkup and its results can cause blood pressure to rise. Allowing the driver to rest and then re-test gives them a chance to relax and register within acceptable levels. A research project by the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that over two-thirds of respondents were obese (69%), as defined by a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, and 17% were morbidly obese (BMI of 40 or higher). In comparison, only one-third of U.S. working adults were reported to be obese, and 7% morbidly obese. Obesity increases the chance for type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, heart disease, cancer, joint and back pain, and stroke. These health conditions can disqualify a driver from receiving their commercial driver’s license, essentially taking away their livelihood. The top three reasons for short-term cards are 1) Hypertension; 2) Elevated glucose readings; and 3) Sleep apnea. Truck driving is a very difficult profession. Think about it — you’re sitting long hours, have little opportunity to exercise and often engage in poor nutrition choices. In general, there’s a woeful lack of education on how to live healthier on the road. Luckily, there are many health and wellness companies that offer solutions for professional drivers. You’ve heard me say it before: Your body is just like tour truck. You need to regularly take a peek under personal hood and see what you can do to run safe and healthy. Feel free to reach out to me to get references for help.

Did you know? Boosting your lymphatic system can help you keep on truckin’ for the long haul

Hope Zvara - June 29, 2024

While conquering the highways, our focus often stays on the miles ahead, the diesel in our tanks and the deadlines set on our cargo. However, there’s a vital system that deserves similar regular attention — our lymphatic system. What is the lymphatic system? This network of tissues and organs is a key player in our body’s defense team, helping us maintain our peak health during those long hauls. So, let’s pull over for a wellness break and dive into why it’s essential to gear up our lymphatic system, especially when we’re behind the wheel most of the day. Navigating the lymphatic highways In the grand road map of our body, the lymphatic system is a lesser known — but equally important — highway. Its main cargo? It’s a fluid called “lymph,” which carries protective white blood cells throughout our body. These white blood cells are like roadside assistance, rescuing us when viruses or bacteria attack our body. The lymphatic system also helps drain excess fluids and debris from bodily tissues, keeping our health engine running smoothly. Lymph: The unsung hero for truckers Ever wonder why your feet or ankles seem more swollen after a day-long haul? This is where our lymphatic system is tied to a trucker’s life on the road. During those long hours of sitting, the lymphatic flow can become sluggish and fluid can build up, leading to swelling and discomfort. Fret not; this is where our conversation takes a positive turn, just like every winding road under your trusty rig’s wheels. 5 detours to lymphatic health There’s good news ahead, highway stars! We can actively take the driver’s seat in managing our lymphatic health. Here are five simple, achievable ways to boost your lymphatic system even when you’re on the go. Move it to Improve It. While trucking involves lots of sitting, every rest stop is an opportunity for movement. Try some stretches, quick walks, or Mother Trucker Yoga poses to kickstart your lymphatic flow. Remember, movement is your body’s best friend. Even the most minor actions can make a difference! Try doing 10 squats with a heel raise three times a day to get your body’s lower lymph flowing for optimal health. Hydrate for the Long Haul. When it comes to determining the importance of fluids for your rig’s engine and other systems, you’re better than any computer program. The same goes for your body! Be sure to keep a water bottle in reach — and sip regularly. Staying hydrated helps keep your lymph fluid moving smoothly. Start small, and let your body adjust to your new love of hydration. One extra bottle a day keeps the kidney doctor away! Breathe easy. Few things are as refreshing as the feeling of crisp air against your face on an open road. In your cab, try deep, slow belly breathing — inhale positivity, exhale stress. This kind of breathing stimulates the lymphatic system and helps drain toxins. Try four slow counts on the inhalation and six to eight slow counts on the exhalation for five to six rounds. Snack smart. We all love a tasty snack on the drive, right? But how about we make intelligent choices at the next fuel break? Opt for nutrient-rich, natural foods that support your lymphatic system, like fruits, veggies, and nuts. Pre-bag your nuts and fruits for easy access and to avoid overeating. Lace up for a lymph-lovin’ walk. When your wheels are parked and you’ve got a minute, hit the pavement for a simple walk around the lot. It’s like a power-up for your lymphatic system, moving that fluid and grooving like your rig on an open road. Remember, 32 laps around your tractor and trailer are roughly a mile. Every extra step counts! Remember, road warriors, every small change signals an investment in your well-being and empowers you to stay firm on the journey. Keep these tips in your traveler’s guide, and remember to focus on your lymphatic health as much as you focus on that wide-open road ahead. Here’s to you, your truck, and your health: Let’s keep on truckin’ on the journey to wellness!

DAT: Load board numbers lowest since January 2022

Dana Guthrie - June 28, 2024

BEAVERTON, Ore. —According to the latest numbers from the DAT Truckload Volume Index, the number of trucks posted on the load board for June 16-23 was the lowest non-holiday week posting since week four in 2022. Data from DAT One and DAT RateView also noted that the number of available flatbed loads was 47% lower than the pre/post-pandemic average for Week 25 (1.16 million loads). Spot load and truck-posting numbers are expected to jump this week ahead of the July 4 holiday. The number of load posts on DAT One increased 2.3% to 2.16 million last week. That’s 3% higher year over year. The total number of trucks on DAT One decreased by 7.3% to 317,550. That’s 27% lower year over year and 20% lower than the same week in 2019. Dry Vans ▲ Van loads: 1,055,574, up 9.3% week over week. 12% higher year over year ▼ Van equipment: 210,579, down 7.2% ▲ Load-to-truck ratio: 5.0, up from 4.3 ▲ Linehaul rate: $1.68 net fuel, up 2 cents week over week Reefers ▲ Reefer loads: 483,108, up 11.9% week over week. 6% higher year over year ▼ Reefer equipment: 61,590, down 10.4% ▲ Load-to-truck ratio: 7.8, up from 6.3 ▲ Linehaul rate: $2.00 net fuel, up 2 cents Flatbeds ▼ Flatbed loads: 624,143, down 12.8% week over week. 12% lower year over year ▼ Flatbed equipment: 45,381, down 3.5% ▼ Load-to-truck ratio: 13.7, down from 15.6 ▼ Linehaul rate: $2.06 net fuel, down 2 cents “We’re entering an unusual stage in the freight market as the market bounces along the bottom of a trough—and we may be here for some time, said DAT Principal Analyst Dean Croke. “Truckload carriers are aggressively calibrating their fleet size to match softening demand, but they’re also ordering more new trucks ahead of the 2027 EPA Clean Trucks Plan, which could add as much as $30,000 to the cost of new trucks.” “More used trucks are hitting the market and use-truck prices are falling, making it attractive for new capacity to enter an already oversupplied industry,” Croke said. “The 2027 pre-buy cannot be ignored, as it’s one of the main reasons we think capacity will keep a lid on any meaningful improvement in spot and contract rates this year.”

Trucking across borders continues to increase

Bruce Guthrie - June 28, 2024

WASHINGTON — Both northern and southern ports of the U.S. are seeing a marked increase in truck traffic over the last 12 months according to statistics provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). From April 2023 until April ’24, North American Transborder freight is up 9% overall with approximately $138 billion worth of freight crossing the Canadian and Mexican borders. More than $90.5 billion of that is via truck. Of the total number of freight dollars moved, $65.5 billion went to Canada while $72.2 billion crossed into Mexico. Truck freight’s impact is up 11.5 percent from the previous year according to the DOT. Rail is a very distant second in total freight dollars at $18.2 billion. In freight going both directions across both borders, $37.4 billion crossed Canada while $53.1 billion were going in and out of Mexico. According to the DOT media release, Detroit, Port Huron and Buffalo are the top truck ports for U.S. freight flows with Canada, while Laredo, El Paso, and Otay Mesa are the top truck ports with Mexico. The top commodities being hauled across borders aren’t much different. The top freight going to Canada includes computers and parts ($6.1 billion), vehicles and parts ($5.6 billion) and electrical machinery $2.6 billion.) The same commodities are the most popular in Mexico, but not in the same volume. Electrical machinery is tops in Mexico ($11.9 billion), while computers and parts are a close second ($11.5 billion). Vehicle and parts are third ($7.4 billion).

Real-time traffic slowdown alerts set to aid Texas truck drivers

Dana Guthrie - June 28, 2024

PLANO, Texas— Drivewyze has announced a new Smart Roadways service with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to improve highway safety using Drivewyze’s connected truck network and INRIX real-time traffic data. Through Drivewyze Smart Roadways, 285 miles of I-45 between Dallas and Galveston are currently being monitored, providing truck drivers with in-cab alerts on sudden and unexpected slowdowns of traffic and other hazards. By the end of July, over 3,000 interstate miles in Texas will be monitored. Texas joins nine other states that have partnered with Drivewyze and INRIX in rolling out traffic slowdown alerts as part of their connected truck safety programs. “We must explore innovative strategies to mitigate crashes within our state,” said TxDOT’s Director of Strategy and Innovation Darran Anderson. The integration of Drivewyze Smart Roadways with INRIX alerts has the potential to significantly enhance safety for truckers, aiding them in avoiding collisions. Given that large trucks traveling at highway speeds necessitate twice the stopping distance compared to passenger vehicles, it is prudent to provide targeted alerts tailored to truck drivers. These alerts empower them to anticipate road hazards that may not always be visible ahead. Our collaboration with Drivewyze is an exciting step toward making these alerts accessible to truckers across our state.” The in-cab alerts, using visual messages such as “sudden slowdown ahead” along with an audible chime, are configured to allow ample time for trucks to slow down or stop, as necessary. In 2022, there were nearly 4,500 motor vehicle traffic fatalities and nearly 19,000 serious injuries in Texas, which equates to a traffic death every 1 hour and 57 minutes. The latest National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report (2021) showed Texas had the most fatalities involving commercial trucks of any state, with 806. Traffic slowdown alerts are offered to the entire trucking industry at no cost. Any commercial truck driver or fleet can access the alerts free of charge through a recently introduced service called Drivewyze Free. This allows fleets and drivers — using telematics devices, smartphones, or tablets — to receive an essential set of in-cab safety alerts and advisories in advance of potentially risky areas on the roadway. Drivewyze Free includes access to agency sponsored real-time traffic slowdown alerts and other alerts and advisories generated in partnership with select state transportation and enforcement agencies. In addition, core message sets include Drivewyze sponsored alerts and advisories for High-Rollover risk areas, Low Bridges, and Mountain alerts (steep grade ahead; chain-up/brake check stations; and runaway ramps). “Over the last decade, Drivewyze has invested in the in-cab-infrastructure and partnerships that allow state transportation agencies to communicate directly with drivers,” said CEO of Drivewyze, Brian Heath. “Our Smart Roadways services, which include alerts for upcoming traffic slowdowns, active work zones, and parked service vehicles, amongst others, allow these agencies, for the first time, to extend their transportation safety programs into commercial motor vehicles.”

Trucking group hails $200 million for truck parking in House appropriations bill

Dana Guthrie - June 28, 2024

Washington — On Friday, the American Trucking Associations (ATA) applauded the inclusion of $200 million in the House Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee funding bill that is dedicated to expanding the availability of truck parking. “The severe shortage of truck parking places an enormous burden on truck drivers, who often don’t know if they will be able to find a safe place to sleep when they finish their shift. This significant investment to expand parking capacity would help alleviate stress on truck drivers, move freight more efficiently, and make the roadways safer for all motorists,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “We thank the members of the House Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee for prioritizing this funding that will benefit truck drivers and our supply chain, and we are especially appreciative of the decisive leadership of Congressman Womack for ensuring this provision was incorporated in the final bill.” U.S. Congressman Steve Womack (R-Arkansas), the subcommittee chairman, was instrumental in securing this line item addressing one of the trucking industry’s top concerns. “Congressman Womack’s commitment to issues such as truck parking demonstrates his understanding that the men and women who deliver America’s freight deserve convenient, safe, and readily available places to rest,” said Arkansas Trucking Association President Shannon Newton. “Arkansas is primarily a rural state, where trucking represents 1 in 10 jobs, and it serves as a crossroads for interstate freight on I-30, I-40, and I-55. We are grateful to Congressman Womack for his leadership on such an important issue to our industry.” According to a USDOT study, 98% of truck drivers regularly experience problems locating safe parking. An analysis by the American Transportation Research Institute found that the average driver sacrifices 56 minutes of drive time per day. This results in $6,813 in lost wages for truck drivers each year. This new investment in truck parking would build on the progress that has been made through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that ATA championed, which has already allocated funding to build roughly 2,000 truck parking spaces. In addition to the $200 million for truck parking, the House funding bill addresses several other trucking industry priorities, including provisions that: Preserve the fix ATA secured earlier this year to strengthen the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program Block a waiver requested by California that would create a patchwork of meal and rest break rules, undermining safety and the supply chain Prevent the Federal Highway Administration from moving forward with its proposal to impose greenhouse gas emissions performance measures on state departments of transportation and metropolitan planning organizations, contrary to congressional intent. Prohibit the implementation of any congestion tolling programs, such as the one planned by New York City that has now been indefinitely suspended. The House Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee’s funding bill is scheduled to be marked up later this week, followed by a full committee vote the week of July 8.

ATA commends House committee on blocking of Biden’s IC rule

Bruce Guthrie - June 28, 2024

WASHINGTON — A national trucking association is counting a House subcommittee’s push of a funding bill as a win. According to a recent press release, the American Trucking Associations (ATA) commended the House Labor Appropriations Subcommittee, led by Chairman Robert Aderholt (R-Alabama), for voting to advance a funding bill that would prohibit the Department of Labor from implementing the Biden administration’s independent contractor rule. “When the U.S. Department of Labor replaced a straightforward definition for independent contractors with an opaque and deliberately confusing standard, it jeopardized the livelihoods of independent truckers nationwide who have spent years or even decades building their own small businesses,” said ATA President & CEO Chris Spear. “By halting the implementation of this destructive rule, the provision included in the House Labor Appropriations bill would respect the wishes of more than 350,000 truckers who select this employment path because of the economic opportunity it creates and the flexibility it provides. ATA stands firmly behind this effort spearheaded by Congressman Aderholt to defeat this ill-advised rule, and we will continue to work alongside other Members of Congress to protect Americans’ right to earn a living in the manner that they choose.” ATA has strongly opposed the independent contractor rule since its inception, joined a broad coalition of organizations filing a lawsuit against it, and backed a legislative effort led by Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-California) and Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana) to overturn the rule. ATA also released a video featuring the personal stories of independent truckers who have been affected by this rule. In April, over a dozen members of ATA’s Women In Motion Council participated in a Call on Washington with top policymakers on Capitol Hill and in the White House to discuss key issues, including the importance of protecting independent contractors. During their meetings, they distributed a booklet with testimonials from women who work as independent truckers. The booklet was used at a subsequent hearing by Representative Kiley as the foundation of a powerful line of questioning of Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su. In addition to the provision blocking the independent contractor rule, the House funding bill contains other trucking industry priorities, such as a provision that would stop the National Labor Relations Board’s joint employer rule. The bill would also freeze the Department of Labor’s worker walk around regulation, which proposes allowing an unlimited number of third parties such as union representatives and trial attorneys to accompany OSHA inspectors on safety inspections. The legislation now heads to the full House Appropriations Committee for a hearing.

DOL apprenticeship program helps Army vet Rebecca W. discover her true calling as a driver

Dana Guthrie - June 27, 2024

NFI Industries driver Rebecca W. loves her career and her job — but, she says, she nearly followed a different path following her time in the military. She initially planned to join a law enforcement agency after fulfilling her time serving the country. Thanks to the discovery of the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Registered Apprenticeship program, however, she found her true calling behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler. Here’s her story, as shared with The Trucker. “I first joined the Army National Guard in November 2010,” Rebecca said. “I was with them for 10 years. Since it was during a turbulent time in the world already — and then COVID-19 (struck in 2020) — we were constantly being called up. I would have around a two-week break, and they would call and tell me I was active again.” Hoping for more home time, Rebecca approached her recruiter and asked if she could join the Army Reserve. That request was granted. She completed her time in the service (12 years total) in the Reserve and then separated as a sergeant in 2023. During her service, she became well acquainted with the operation of heavy trucks, something she says she truly enjoyed. “I drove a tanker truck with up to 23,000 gallons full of diesel fuel,” Rebecca said. “I filled generators, vehicles and Blackhawk helicopters. Driving trucks was so fun for me.” During her service, a representative for a trucking company came to her unit to recruit drivers — but at the time, Rebecca passed on the opportunity. She had another dream. “I wanted to be a cop,” she said. “That was what I wanted to do my whole life.” A career in law enforcement was not in the cards, however. “Unfortunately, I learned that my eyes wouldn’t let me. It was my depth perception. It had to be at a certain level, and it didn’t work out,” she said. “I had to sit myself down and figure out what else I would be good at doing.” The answer was obvious. “I called up my commander and he told me that since I had a military license, I could apply for a waiver to drive trucks,” she shared. She ran into a snag: Many carriers she applied to did not recognize the time she spent driving in the military as equivalent to civilian driving experience. The DOL’s apprenticeship program was a game-changer. When Rebecca’s commander told her about the program, not only did it open up new opportunities for her, but she was also able to find carriers like NFI that valued her service and skillset she developed in the military. “The program was great for me,” Rebecca said. “I didn’t want my GI Bill benefits to go to waste, and I knew I wasn’t the type of person to go to school. I was able to use my GI Bill because the apprenticeship program is looked on as a new education. I got paid by the GI Bill, along with getting paid while driving as a civilian. I couldn’t believe it!” Rebecca was also able to use her GI Bill to cover the different certificate courses to qualify to haul specialty freight, such as hazmat and oversized loads. During the interim between the military and becoming a full-time driver, Rebecca says she put her love of the trucking industry to good use. “When I separated from the Army, I was a yard jockey,” Rebecca said. “I did yard jockey for a year; then, after talking to my commander decided to get the waiver. I talked with other drivers and asked them what types of jobs were available. I learned about drop-and-hook and I learned about LTL.” The path was paved for her to become a professional truck driver. “I was able to walk into the Department of Motor Vehicles with my waiver and leave with a CDL the same day,” Rebecca said. “Since I was a petroleum supply specialist (in the Army), they gave me tanker. I did have to go and get my hazmat certification for the trucking company I was with at the time.” She was immediately hired by a company that accepted her yard jockey time, along with her waiver and CDL — even with no civilian drive time experience. She easily passed a required road test for the role and spent five weeks with a trainer to help her ease into the civilian role. “It was fast-track learning for sure,” Rebecca said. “The Army and civilian driving are so different, so I had to learn a lot.” Shortly after Rebeccas left her first civilian driving job and joined another company, the economy took a downturn. Her new role paid her by load rather than by the hour, and the income simply was not enough in the economic environment. What was next? she wondered. “That was when I found NFI,” she said. “I had seen their trucks on the freeway. I applied and they called me, and a week later I was with NFI. I am so glad they took my military experience!” The thing that truly drew Rebecca to NFI, she says, was the value the company places on veterans as well as on women. “Even when I did my road test, my trainer thanked me for my service,” Rebecca said. “They asked me what all I did and were truly interested. I just really love how supportive of veterans they are.” Rebecca’s transportation manager, Russ H., says NFI is incredibly fortunate to include former service members on the team. “Rebecca brings strong assets to NFI through her military experiences including her professionalism, positive attitude, and motivation,” he said. “First, Rebecca’s time in our country’s military makes her dedicated and hardworking,” he continued. “Second, she is extremely dependable and focused on service, all of which leads to her proficiency at managing daily routines and procedures both efficiently and effectively.”

Spot rate improvement in May: New trend or just another bounce along the bottom?

Cliff Abbott - June 27, 2024

Maybe it’s just that the freight market is getting tired of the gloomy predictions for the rest of 2024, but there was quite a bit of positive news in May. DAT Freight & Analytics reported that both dry van and refrigerated rates rose in May as the number of loads posted compared to available trucks also rose. Spot dry van average rates rose to $2.01 per mile, according to DAT, while refrigerated average rates rose by nine cents to $2.41 per mile. Flatbed spot rates stayed even for the month at $2.52 per mile. DAT’s Truckload Volume Index might have been the best news of the month. The index represents the number of loads moved in a given month. Compared with May 2023, the index for dry van rose 13% while the index for refrigerated loads jumped by 25%. The current low freight rates are caused by an overcapacity situation — there are too many available trucks and not enough loads. In May, shipment increases and truck fleet contraction combined to raise demand and lower supply. That’s good news for beleaguered trucking businesses that are hanging on for better rates. “Stronger van and reefer volumes are consistent with May, when shippers move seasonal produce and retail goods and truckload capacity tightens due to the Roadcheck inspection event and Memorial Day holiday,” said Ken Adamo, chief of analytics at DAT. “Carrier attrition created further pressure on capacity.” DAT reported that contract rates did not fare as well, reporting dry van average rates at $2.43 per mile, down 2 cents from April, and refrigerated rates at $2.79, down 3 cents. While carriers that depend on contract rates won’t see this news as “good,” truckers who depend on the spot market can see that the difference between contract and spot rates is shrinking. That’s a sign the freight market is inching towards an up cycle. The American Trucking Associations (ATA), whose members rely primarily on contract freight, reported a 3.6% increase in its For-Hire Truck Tonnage index for May. This follows an April decline of 1%. The ATA numbers are seasonally adjusted. “May was the first month since February 2023 that tonnage increased both sequentially and from a year earlier,” said Bob Costello, chief economist for ATA. “While there was clearly an increase in freight before the Memorial Day holiday, it is still too early to say whether this is the start of a long-awaited recovery in the truck freight market.” While DAT calculates its numbers from postings on its load board and ATA uses data reported by its members, Motive uses a different measurement — GPS data from trucks that have Motive products installed. In its June Monthly Economic Report, Motive reported that truck visits to the top 50 U.S. retailers increased by 4% in May from April and were up 7.8% over May 2023. While retailer visits across the board were up, Motive reported particularly high numbers of visits to home-improvement warehouses (29.1%), department stores for apparel and electronics (27.7%), and grocery (22.6%). The Motive report cautions that some of the increase would have been due to the Memorial Day holiday but said the data indicates that retailers are “restocking at healthy levels.” Motive predicts carriers will see profitability rise by the end of 2024 as rates increase, ultimately resulting in higher consumer prices. In addition, Motive predicts that retailers will need to rethink their restocking strategies. As freight rates plummeted, retailers could hold off on restocking inventories, confident they could find carriers to bring more at lowered rates. As rates increase however, waiting to reorder could mean higher shipping costs, so retailers are motivated to increase current inventory levels. Another industry resource, Cass Information Systems, wasn’t as bullish about the coming months. The Cass Freight index for Shipments for May remained the same as April, and when seasonally adjusted was down 3.1%. Compared with May 2023, the index dropped 5.8%. Cass compiles shipment data from invoices processed for its customers and includes shipments from trucking, rail, air, pipeline and ship/barge. The index also contains LTL freight data and may have been impacted by the changes to the market after Yellow Freight’s bankruptcy. The Cass Freight index for Expenditures showed a 9% decline from May 2023 and was down 23.3% from May 2022, a sign of just how far freight rates have fallen. ACT Research included some of the Cass data in its release about prebuys of Class 8 tractors. “Small fleets remain resilient as ever, but the record number of operating authority revocations over the past 18 months shows considerable capacity contraction,” wrote Tim Denoyer, vice president and senior analyst for ACT. “But we think the ongoing capacity expansion by private fleets is outweighing the capacity contraction in the small part of the market.” Denoyer explained that in a “typical” freight cycle, as rates hit bottom carriers buy fewer trucks. As the number of available trucks shrinks, rates begin rising again. The current cycle is different, however. Private fleets that were burned by the record-high shipping rates several years ago are safeguarding themselves from a repeat — by purchasing more trucks. In addition, the 2027 model-year EPA requirements for emissions and efficiency, expected to drive the price of a new truck skyward by $30,000 or more, is resulting in more truck-buying now to avoid the price increases later. At a time when the trucking industry needs to buy fewer trucks to lower capacity and cause rates to increase, it’s buying more. “To the ongoing question of whether the truckload market rebounds or continues to bounce along the bottom, this situation may lead to some more bounces,” Denoyer said. Whether freight rates are beginning to rise or will continue their bounce along the bottom might be a matter of which industry resource is used for data, and one positive month doesn’t guarantee a trend. Still, with so many carriers struggling to survive, a little good news is a breath of fresh air. Next month, we’ll have a better idea if May increases were the beginning of a trend or yet another bounce along the bottom.

Super Bowl of Safety begins Friday in Arkansas

Bruce Guthrie - June 26, 2024

ROGERS, Ark. — More than 200 professionals will compete in both written and hands-on competitions that demonstrate their safety knowledge and skill at the 2024 Arkansas Trucking Championship (ATA) this weekend, June 28-29 at the Rogers Convention Center in Rogers, Arkansas. Regarded as the best of the best, these 37 technicians and 149 truck drivers will gather for the state-wide, two-day competition, hosted by the ATA. On Thursday, ATA will support Arkansas Highway Police inspectors as they test their skills in the Commercial Vehicle Inspection Competition. The Technician Championship will begin at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, June 28 and conclude with an awards banquet at 5:30 p.m. The Truck Driving Championship begins on Friday with a written exam and pre-trip inspection and then continues Saturday with the driving skills portion. The Saturday skills test begins at 7:45 a.m. and typically concludes around 2 p.m. It is the biggest event, attracting hundreds of cheering friends, family, colleagues and spectators. “This annual championship is a celebration of the men and women who provide for their families by providing products for ours. Their skill and commitment to safety is worth cheering for, rolling out the red carpet and handing out trophies to recognize what it takes to move our state and nation forward,” said Shannon Newton, ATA president. “Every day, truck drivers and the technicians who maintain their equipment ensure that communities have what they need to work and play in the Natural State. Whether it’s sunscreen to enjoy a sunny day or medicines when we’re stuck inside feeling under the weather, the products on store shelves arrive through the hard work of trucking industry professionals.” To qualify for the truck driving championship, contestants must be accident-free for the past year. Winners from each technician and truck driving competition class and the Arkansas Highway Police will advance to a national competition where their knowledge and skill will be tested against their peers from across the country.

Institute a comprehensive safety plan to help ensure fleet safety — Part 3

Brad Klepper - June 26, 2024

In the third installation of this series, we’re going to talk about bad habits. Whether we want to admit it or not, most of us have picked up some bad driving habits between the age of 16 and whatever age we are now. (No, I’m not going to say how many years that is for me, and I won’t ask you to tell me either.) Maybe you have a quick bite or drink while you’re driving, or you send a quick text. Maybe you start programming in the route to your destination after you’ve already taken off — or maybe you reach for something in the back seat to hand to your kid. Maybe you speed up as the light turns yellow, or you drive just 4-9 miles an hour over the speed limit everywhere you go. Or, perhaps you’re a perfect driver who makes no mistakes, and you just throw rude gestures to the needlessly careless drivers around you. Now … imagine engaging in all these seemingly minor distractions and habits while behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound truck, which requires 50% or more stopping distance than an ordinary passenger vehicle. Consider this: Most Class A truck drivers have five years or to develop personal driving habits, both good and bad, before they ever start CDL training and testing. We’d like to think the people who decide to be truck drivers quickly gave up those pesky, reckless habits — and maybe they did. But let me ask you this: How many of your New Year’s resolutions have been successful simply because you knew they were better for you? Again, I won’t tell or make you tell, but I’m guessing most of us are not feeling a rousing sense of achievement at the thought. So how do we re-train safe driving habits in orientation? In recruiting, you assess a candidate’s attitude around safety, their accountability for their mistakes and their ability to learn from those mistakes. IIn orientation, you assess those same items, plus the person’s ability to learn or retrain themselves based on your guidance. If you assigned videos and quizzed them ahead of orientation, now you are seeing if they can apply the information in the real world. Orientation should consist of hands-on driving and training that cannot be completed online. Some things to cover with drivers during orientation include: Share examples of common scenarios that have led up to a violation or accident at your company. Ask the recruits what risks they would face in that situation and how they would mitigate them. Provide recruits with examples of publicized lawsuits in the industry over the last several years and how they have played out for the driver. Introduce them new drivers your safety team and offer a Q&A session to build trust. Orientation is your chance to more deeply connect new hires with your value for safety and teach them how to think about and to take safety personally. If new drivers simply sit silently through dull lectures and take quizzes, you’re teaching them to memorize, regurgitate and discard information. Changing habits necessitates creating new neural pathways through action, interaction and problem-solving. What about road training? Road training is equally, if not more crucial than orientation in re-training habits. Road training allows the new employee to cement their new safe habits with the oversight of a respected, mindful advisor. Your company’s road trainers should be some of the most deeply scrutinized, well-paid and highly engaged employees in your company. When considering the length of your orientation versus your road training process, I tend to believe investment in road training pays more dividends because it gives a more realistic opportunity to retrain habits. What’s next? I’ll bet you wouldn’t have guessed we’d be three parts into a series about a “comprehensive safety plan” before addressing your company’s safety program as it relates to candidates. But each step in the recruiting, hiring and training process is vital to overall safety. Recruiting, orientation and road training are the gatekeepers of your organization’s value for safety. If your organization’s culture is built on people, these teams are pouring the foundation for your company growth. You cannot build a strong safety culture on top of a weak safety foundation. Don’t take that statement lightly. So, what’s next? It’s time to talk about the work your company’s safety team does to build your safety culture. However, we’ve run out of the 2024 attention span length. I will close this column before I start sounding like Charlie Brown’s teacher. Tune in next month! If you missed the first installments in this series, you can catch up through these links: Part 1 Part 2 Disclaimer: The contents of this article are intended to convey general information only and not to provide legal advice or opinions. The contents of this article should not be construed as, and should not be relied upon for, legal or tax advice in any particular circumstance or fact situation. The information presented here may not reflect the most current legal developments. No action should be taken in reliance on the information contained in this article, and we disclaim all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents of this site to the fullest extent permitted by law. An attorney should be contacted for advice on specific legal issues.

Motive launches ‘Missed Savings’ program for Motive Card customers

Dana Guthrie - June 26, 2024

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Fleets using the Motive Card can now take advantage of a new program aimed at pinpointing missed savings opportunities. Motive, an AI-powered integrated operations platform, has announced the launch of “Missed Savings,” an industry-first feature designed to help Motive Card customers reduce fuel costs by up to 5% or more. “The cost of doing business has never been more expensive — in large part due to high and varying fuel costs,” said Hemant Banavar, vice president of financial products at Motive. “On top of that, spend management data lives in hard-to-access, disparate systems that are time-consuming to analyze. Businesses are wasting millions of dollars on missed fuel savings per year because they don’t have access to the data needed to make smarter fuel decisions.” Fleet managers can now automatically pinpoint where drivers have missed fuel savings and how much it is costing them. This data-driven approach allows fleet managers to ensure drivers stop at the lowest-price fueling locations rather than stopping out of habit or convenience. “With this new offering, Motive is the only fleet card delivering automated insights to empower managers to control spend, better manage and coach drivers, and achieve up to 5% or more in savings,” Banavar said. “With fuel expenditure for the trucking industry around $134 billion annually, we estimate the trucking sector alone missed out on approximately $6.7 billion in potential fuel savings last year.” Exclusively available to Motive Card customers, Missed Savings leverages shared fleet and spend management data to automatically identify and surface areas of wasteful fuel spending to fleet managers. Early data shows that some fleets are missing savings of as much as 5% of their fuel spend. This means that a 1,000-vehicle fleet spending approximately $1 million on fuel every month could potentially save $50,000 monthly or $600,000 annually. Motive’s natively integrated fleet and spend management data enables fleets to maximize their savings from the Motive Card partner network. Using its 360-degree view of vehicle location data and fuel price data, Motive analyzes the prices of fuel where drivers fill up compared to nearby other fueling stations and delivers automated reporting and coaching recommendations to help drive down costs. With these unique insights, fleet managers can determine which of their drivers are regularly spending more than they need to on fuel and take action, such as coaching drivers to fuel up at a cheaper nearby stop or restricting card usage at perpetually higher-cost merchants. By acting on the data available, they can convert missed opportunities into real savings.

Advantage Truck Group makes donation for diesel engines training

Bruce Guthrie - June 25, 2024

SHREWSBURY, Mass. — In a release issued recently Advantage Truck Group (ATG) recently donated a 6.7L Cummins diesel engine along with transmissions and air brake boards to Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School (BVT) in Upton, Mass. “This equipment will make ideal training aids for students in our diesel classes,” said BVT diesel instructor Michael Godowski. “Disassembling the transmissions and engine will help students identify parts and see how everything works, and the air brake boards will serve as both training aids and testing tools for the students to better understand the different functions of the system.” ATG stated that its donation was to combat the shortage of diesel technicians and support training along with workforce development efforts. “It is critical to support education and training of diesel technicians at every level, and donating equipment to schools like Blackstone Valley Tech helps expand learning experiences for students interested in this career,” said ATG network trainer Matthew McCuin. ATG furthers the cause by providing cooperative education and internship opportunities for students, enabling them to gain industry experience at their Shrewsbury facility and other locations in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont.

Outpost adds 3 locations to bring network’s footprint to 10K-plus truck parking spaces

Dana Guthrie - June 25, 2024

Outpost has announced that it is adding three new locations to its nationwide fleet yard network. “Truck yards and terminals are critical infrastructure for the US supply chain, but their high costs and long-term commitments make them incompatible with shifting freight demand,” said Outpost co-founder and CEO Trent Cameron. “Through our expanding network of outposts, we’re transforming this real estate from a long-term capital cost to a flexible operating expense. We look forward to helping fleets use our three new yards in the Midwest and South as a virtual extension of their terminal network.” The new properties in Detroit, MI, Memphis,TN and San Antonio, Texas strengthen Outpost’s presence in the Midwest and South, bringing the company’s footprint to more than 10,000 semi-truck parking spaces nationwide. The yards are strategically located in markets critical to the US supply chain. Memphis acts as a vital link for freight movement across the country, while Detroit and San Antonio provide essential gateways for trade with Canada and Mexico, respectively. The Detroit, Memphis, and San Antonio locations are part of Outpost’s deployment of $500 million to expand its network of industrial outdoor storage sites. Real estate owners and brokers with potential deals should contact Dennis Nabors and Tres Teschke. The 5-acre Memphis yard, located at 563 Winchester Road, provides 150 spaces for tractor-trailers and other heavy-duty vehicles. Its location near I-40, I-240, I-22, I-55, and I-69 offers access to nearby logistics hubs. Space can be booked online at outpost.us/memphis. The Detroit and San Antonio yards will add 55 combined acres and 1,500 new spaces to Outpost’s network. The company has acquired the properties and is developing them for semi-truck parking with openings planned for 2025.

Diesel prices slightly up

Bruce Guthrie - June 25, 2024

A new streak has begun, but not in favor of American drivers. According to the numbers released by the Petroleum Administration for Defense District, diesel fuel prices are either holding steady in most regions across the U. S. or have up-ticked slightly. There is overall is a slight increase in prices nationwide from an average of $3.73 per gallon to $3.76. The largest increases regionally are two regions on the east coast where diesel has raised on the lower Atlantic from $3.72 to $3.77 per gallon and in the New England region that jumped from 3.83 to 3.87 per gallon on average since the Father’s Day weekend. California’s diesel prices remained largely unchanged at $4.91 per gallon since last weekend. It is the second week in a row that prices have increased, if even slightly, after a 10-week run of falling prices that ended on the week of June 10. According to the EIA’s Short-Term Energy Outlook, U.S. crude oil production is up 2% from 2023 to an annual average of 13.2 million barrels per day (b/d) in 2024. EIA officials say the nation should see around a 4% growth in 2025 to reach 13.7 million b/d. The EIA also reported that current monthly diesel retail prices are meeting or just above the average price. Prices are, however, expected to dip below the average through the latter half of 2024 and then rise again heading into 2025.

New ATRI research: Industry costs increased more than 6% during freight recession

Dana Guthrie - June 25, 2024

WASHINGTON — The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) released today, June 25, the findings of its 2024 Analysis of the Operational Costs of Trucking. “The current economic environment makes cost management essential to successful operations,” said PGT Trucking President Gregg Troian. “ATRI’s Operational Costs report provides the targeted costs and operational benchmarks necessary to identify opportunities for reducing expenses and how to best act on those opportunities in our fleet.” The annual report analyzes line-item costs, operating efficiencies and revenue benchmarks by fleet sector and size, providing crucial benchmarking for motor carriers and a comprehensive overview of the financial state of trucking for decision makers in both industry and government. The overall marginal costs of operating a truck hit $2.270 per mile in 2023. While the increase was only 0.8% over the previous year, when surcharge-protected fuel costs are excluded, marginal costs rose 6.6% to $1.716 per mile. Overall, 2023 expenses rose moderately across most categories, with average costs across line-items increasing at less than half the rates experienced during 2021 and 2022. Truck and trailer payments grew by 8.8% to $0.360 per mile, driver wages grew by 7.6% to $0.779 per mile and repair and maintenance costs grew by 3.1% to $0.202 per mile. The exception to this trend was truck insurance premiums, which grew by 12.5% to $0.099 per mile after two years of negligible change. The soft 2023 freight market posed many challenges for operational efficiency, as tracked in the report. Deadhead mileage, a critical financial drain, rose to an average of 16.3% for all non-tank operations, and driver turnover rose by 5 percentage points in the truckload sector. These pressures combined with low freight rates strained profitability across the industry. Average operating margins were 6% or lower in all fleet sizes and sectors other than LTL. The truckload and specialized sectors experienced drops in per-mile or per-truck revenue, and most saw “other costs” — expenses outside of the core marginal line-items — increase as a share of total revenue. The report also includes analyses of cost trends in 2024 and beyond, including, for the first time, carrier-reported changes in Q1 2024 costs.

‘You are never alone’: Knight driver Rosalinda Tejada works to help others

Dana Guthrie - June 25, 2024

In March, Rosalinda Tejada, a driver for Phoenix-based Knight Transportation, was honored as a Professional Driver of the Year by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA). As she and four other drivers took the stage to accept their awards during the association’s annual convention, the group was met with thunderous applause and a standing ovation from attendees. When Tejada was told she’d been selected for the honor, she was sure that there’d been some kind of mistake. “I was shocked,” Tejada told The Trucker. “I thought they were jiving me!” But jiving they were not. “They told me that it was because of the help I give to others and the dedication I have to my job,” she said. “Knowledge is power — and if we have it, we need to pass it on to others. It’s not just for me to keep.” Tejada’s personal story is one of strength and resilience. Surviving abusive relationships, dealing with the diagnosis of both lupus and fibromyalgia and the tragic shooting of a sibling, Tejada has turned those experiences into a life of serving others and training the next generation. Born in Arizona, part of a military family she spent her formative years in Germany. “I started first grade in German school,” Tejada said. “Back then they didn’t have American schooling for us. We were there when the Berlin Wall came down. My mom actually has a piece of the wall. I remember hiding in a bunker for three months because they thought there was going to be a war. I didn’t really understand what was happening at the time, and that experience has always impacted me.” When her stepfather retired from the military, the family moved to Kansas and opened up the first Mexican restaurant in the area. Ready for a new start in America, Tejada’s life soon became turbulent. After escaping an abusive relationship, she decided it was time to take control of her own life, and she started looking for a way to support herself. As she was making those plans, tragedy struck her family. “My brother got shot by his best friend,” Tejada said. “His best friend was trying to commit suicide. My brother was a Christian, and he went over to try and talk him out of it. He ended up shooting my brother in his neck. The friend took him to the hospital and just dumped him out; then went into hiding until he was found and arrested.” While her brother survived the shooting, he was paralyzed from the waist down, and Tejada took on the task of caregiving for her brother. With mounting medical bills, Tejada said, “I felt like I was drowning.” At one of the darkest moments in Tejada’s life, a light revealed itself. Her uncle, a driver for Knight Transportation, suggested that she get her CDL. While she was hesitant to do so at first because of her family responsibilities, Tejada realized this was her chance to achieve her dreams. Driving a big rig would allow her to take care of herself and her family. “The traveling aspect appealed to me the most,” she said. “When I was deciding which company to go with, I looked into different companies. The reason I chose Knight over all the other companies was their safety,” she said. “I love their history. I talked to other drivers. I went to other places to visit too, but I really liked what Knight stood for,” she continued. “They have an open-door policy. I love their (dedication to) safety and that they do hair follicle drug testing. When I started out elsewhere, companies didn’t have that. You had people out there driving on all kinds of drugs.” After driving for five years, Tejada had to take a break and help care for her brother once again. During this time, she became certified as a registered certified medical assistant. She was instrumental in not only caring for her brother, but also being a part of a team dedicated to caring for COVID-19 patients and helping to spearhead vaccination clinics. Working alongside Dr. Cara Christ, the director of health for the Arizona Department of Health Services, Tejada had the opportunity to promote vaccinations. She even vaccinated the likes of the Arizona Cardinals, Mike Tyson and Michael Phelps. She received an award from the state for her efforts and received a FaceTime thank you from President Joe Biden. Now back in the trucking industry, Tejada says she sees training others as an essential part of her job. “I try to put myself in their shoes,” Tejada said. “I remember being nervous and scared. I also give everyone a welcome pack to help them feel more at home. It’s kind of like a beach bag with pockets and I load it up with snacks, drinks, Advil, Tums, just things you are going to need. I want them to feel special and welcome in my truck.” Another way Tejada gives back is pouring wisdom gained from her personal experiences into the lives of other women. “I volunteer at a women’s shelter, and I take my truck,” Tejada said. “I talk to the ladies about truck driving — how it saved me. “I let them know that there is hope and let them know that they gotta find their self-worth,” she continued. “(I tell them) they could be independent, and there IS a light at the end of the tunnel.” In the little free time that she has, Tejada says she and her husband Ed love spending time outdoors. “For fun, I love to go fishing. I like the outdoors and I like going camping riding my Can-Am (ATV) — get some dirt dust therapy as I call it,” she said with a laugh. Whether volunteering at a women’s shelter, driving for Knight, spending time with her family or getting a little of that “dust therapy,” one thing is obvious: Tejada sees her life as a testimony that allows her to help those in need. “I want to be a message for others,” Tejada said. “I didn’t know it at the time, but all of the struggles that I went through made me a stronger person, a wiser person, and I want to pass that along,” she said. “I didn’t have anyone to guide me through those times. I want to be that person who helps guide others, so they know they are not alone. I want people to know it’s going to be okay.”