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More than 500 CMVs placed out of service during one-day brake safety event

WASHINGTON — Inspectors in 47 jurisdictions throughout Canada, Mexico and the U.S. conducted 4,898 commercial motor vehicle inspections in one day recently as part of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) brake-safety inspection and enforcement event. This year’s Brake Safety Day data found that of the 4,898 inspections conducted, 4,328 commercial motor vehicles did not have any brake-related out-of-service violations — 88.4% of the total number of vehicles inspected, according to a news release. However, inspectors identified 570 (11.6%) commercial motor vehicles that were traveling on roadways with brake-related critical inspection item vehicle violations. Those vehicles were immediately restricted from further travel until the critical violations could be properly addressed. Inspectors identified 330 commercial motor vehicles with 20% brake violations; meaning 20% or more of the vehicle’s (or combination of vehicles) service brakes had an out-of-service condition resulting in a defective brake. That was the top Brake Safety Day violation, accounting for 57.9% of all brake-related out-of-service violations. Inspectors found other brake violations on 256 (44.9%) of the commercial motor vehicles inspected. Examples of other brake violations include worn brake lines/hoses, broken brake drums, inoperative tractor protection system, inoperative low-air warning device, air leaks, hydraulic fluid leaks, etc. Seventy-three commercial motor vehicles had steering-related brake violations — 12.8% of all brake-related out-of-service violations. Each year, CVSA law enforcement jurisdictions are invited to participate in a one-day unannounced brake-safety inspection and regulatory compliance enforcement event. On that day, CVSA-certified commercial motor vehicle inspectors conduct their routine roadside inspections with a focus on brake systems and components, and provide brake-related inspection and violation data to CVSA. Brake lining/pad data This year, emphasis was placed on brake lining/pad health and safety. Brake lining/pad issues may result in violations or out-of-service conditions and may affect a motor carrier’s safety rating. Inspectors found 108 power units and 66 towed units with lining/pad violations. A total of 114 brake lining/pad violations were discovered on power units. The top brake lining/pad violation on power units was for contamination, with 48 violations. Seventy-one brake lining/pad violations were identified on towed units. Twenty-three of the violations were for cracks/voids in the linings/pads – the top brake lining/pad violation on towed units.­­ PBBT data Nine U.S. jurisdictions with performance-based brake testers (PBBT) utilized them during Brake Safety Day. A PBBT is a machine that assesses the braking performance of a vehicle. U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and CVSA’s North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria require a minimum braking efficiency of 43.5%. If the vehicle’s braking efficiency is below 43.5%, it’s not providing the minimum stopping power required and needs to be serviced. Eighty-eight PBBT inspections were conducted on Brake Safety Day. Four (4.5%) failed to meet the 43.5% minimum braking efficiency required and were placed out of service. U.S. data Thirty-seven U.S. jurisdictions participated in this year’s Brake Safety Day with inspectors conducting 3,859 Level I, IV and V Inspections. There were no brake-related out-of-service violations on 3,411 of those commercial motor vehicles. However, 448 commercial motor vehicles were placed out of service for brake-related violations, which is an 11.6% vehicle out-of-service rate. Additionally, 74 power units and 46 towed units had brake lining/pad violations. Canadian data Inspectors in nine Canadian provinces and territories conducted 1,021 Level I, IV and V Inspections, of which 904 of the commercial motor vehicles inspected did not have any brake-related out-of-service violations. Conversely, inspectors removed 117 commercial motor vehicles from roadways for brake-related out-of-service violations, which is an 11.5% vehicle out-of-service rate. Additionally, 33 power units and 18 towed units had brake lining/pad violations. Mexican data In Mexico, 18 Level I and IV Inspections were conducted. Thirteen of those vehicles did not have any brake-related out-of-service violations. However, five commercial motor vehicles were placed out of service for brake-related violations – a 27.8% vehicle out-of-service rate. Additionally, inspectors identified one lining/pad violation on a power unit and two on towed units. CVSA’s unannounced Brake Safety Day is part of Operation Airbrake, a CVSA program dedicated to improving commercial motor vehicle brake safety throughout North America. CVSA’s seven-day Brake Safety Week, another Operation Airbrake campaign, is scheduled for Aug. 25-31. View the results from previous brake safety campaigns here.

Diesel prices continue to fall around nation

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — For nine weeks in a row, the average price for a gallon of diesel fuel in the U.S. has dropped. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), the price fell to $3.658 as of June 10. That’s down from $3.726 on June 3 and $3.758 on May 27. Prices are down all across the country. The lowest price can be found along the Gulf Coast at $3.384 per gallon. The highest is in California at $4.911 per gallon on average. Along the East Coast, drivers can expect to pay $3.789 per gallon. According to the EIA, demand for distillate fuels, which are used in the trucking and home heating industries, has dropped to 3.67 million barrels a day due to sluggish manufacturing activity and a milder-than-expected winter. There’s also plenty of renewable fuel supply, the EIA notes. The two most immediate U.S. ultra-low sulfur diesel futures contracts settled in the steepest contango since 2020 on Friday, according to a Reuters report. A market is in contango when prices for commodities are lower now than for future deliveries.  

TSR rolls out guide to help fleets ensure proper use of seat belts

New York, N.Y. — A new initiative has been launched to help safety efforts on the highways. An announcement was made June 6 that Together for Safer Roads (TSR), a leading global NGO focused on building cross-sector partnerships to improve fleet trucking safety, announces the publication of “Seat Belt Safety Standard Operating Procedures: How to create and maintain a culture of safety by promoting seat belt safety procedures.” This new guide marks significant progress in establishing seat belt safety utilization standards as part of TSR’s Fleet Trucking Global Safety Standards Initiative. The initiative, launched during the 2023 UN Global Road Safety Week, aims to establish operator-focused guidelines and best practices for effective implementation of fundamental safety tools and technologies including: telematics, automatic braking, airbags,, side view mirrors, and seatbelts.  The first phase has been dedicated to developing “Gold Star” Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) aimed at increasing driver seat belt utilization rates for fleets. According to its press release, extensive research and stakeholder engagement, TSR identified a critical need for detailed SOPs that address both human behavior and specific seat belt hardware and technology. The new handbook, based on insights from fleet managers, drivers, and public and private sector leaders, highlights the importance of consistent seat belt use and offers practical guidance to enhance safety measures. “Today marks a significant milestone in our mission to improve global fleet trucking safety, said Peter Goldwasser, executive director of Together for Safer Roads. “The SOPs outlined in our guide represent a comprehensive framework for promoting and supporting seat belt usage within organizations.” Key aspects of the SOPs include: Training for Seat Belt Compliance: Building a foundation of knowledge and cultivating a culture of safety through comprehensive training initiatives. The SOPs stress the importance of integrating seat belt safety goals into organizational and operational practices. This includes incorporating seat belt usage into driver performance evaluations, and utilizing data analytics to measure and enhance compliance. Seat Belt Software and Hardware Selection: Adopting the most reliable and effective technological solutions to bolster seat belt compliance and monitoring. Purchasing and Evaluating Vehicle Seat Belt Safety Systems: Ensuring that the procurement of vehicles and their safety equipment is guided by informed, safety-focused decisions. This involves establishing clear criteria for seat belt safety features and assessing the safety records and seat belt technology of potential vehicle models to maintain compliance with seat belt safety regulations. Seat Belt Utilization Enforcement: Creating mechanisms for compliance, while ensuring accountability and timely corrective actions. Communication for Seat Belt Safety Awareness: Establishing clear channels and protocols for disseminating safety information, collecting feedback, and fostering dialogue. To make the necessity of seat belt usage more relatable and impactful, the SOP incorporates interactive training methods and anecdotal storytelling to educate drivers about the importance of seat belt safety. Documentation of Seat Belt Safety Compliance: Ensuring meticulous record-keeping, accessibility, and regular updates to all seat belt safety-related documents.The SOPs emphasize the importance of measurement and evaluation (M&E) in ensuring the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of seat belt safety initiatives. They outline the role of M&E in accountability, performance improvement, resource allocation, learning, evidence-based decision-making, impact assessment, transparency, risk management, efficiency, and stakeholder engagement. Within each section, practices are categorized as currently existing practices, industry best practices, and easy to implement takeaways, providing fleet leaders a range of tools to implement in their own management practices. The initiative’s development and subsequent testing are being conducted in collaboration with leading fleet partners, including AB InBev, Republic Services, The City of New York Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), PepsiCo, and Interstate Waste Services. These partners emphasize the collective responsibility of organizations to contribute to long-term improvements in global fleet trucking safety. “As a major user of roads worldwide, improving the safety of our vehicles and their operation not only benefits us but also enhances road safety for everyone. We’re excited to team up with TSR to set better technical standards on the proper use of seatbelts. This important work demonstrates the positive change industry collaboration can have on our communities,” said Andres Peñate, Global VP for Corporate Affairs of Ab-InBev. “As the operator of one of the largest independently-owned fleets in the US, and a network of drivers across the globe, maintaining driver safety, health and wellbeing is essential,” said Daniel McGuigan, EHS Director at PepsiCo. “At PepsiCo we’re proud of this important collaboration and look forward to continuing to work to advance seatbelt usage and best practices.” “Starting with the most fundamental safety instrument of seatbelts is a good choice that shows the thorough nature of this initiative,” said Jim Olson, Vice President, Safety, at Republic Services. “We are committed to supporting these types of efforts to improve fleet safety and ultimately save lives.” NYC DCAS Deputy Commissioner and Chief Fleet Officer Keith Kerman said, “Wearing your seatbelt is the law.  It’s also basic commonsense and the life you save will be your own.  As our NYC fleet operators traverse millions of miles of New York City streets, attention to proper seatbelt usage is of utmost importance. We are proud to be part of the effort to call attention to this issue and elevate road safety here in our city and around the world.” “It is crucial to make sure that every fleet driver buckles up, every time, and these standards will drive that goal,” said Sal Mastriani, Vice President of Risk Management at Interstate Waste Services. “It’s exciting to see this concrete progress being made and to collaborate with TSR on expanding the safety standards.” The next phase of TSR’s Fleet Trucking Global Safety Standards Initiative will focus on using fleet telematics to drive safety.Increasingly, fleet operators purchase and use telematics systems to improve road safety, monitor their services/products and efficiency, and better support their drivers. Telematics systems gather key data on what is happening on-the-road and in vehicles. To address safety, most fleet operators focus on a few main metrics – speeding, harsh braking, harsh cornering, close following, reversing actions, and seatbelt use – as addressing these behaviors have, to date, shown the best correlation with road safety. TSR’s report will unpack these key safety telematic metrics and showcase how fleet operators have deployed and refined them in their operations. Focusing on experiences from fleet operators, it provides case studies and other examples that show how organizations are using their telematics data to drive a culture of safety. The target audience for this next report is safety managers who are implementing telematics programs and are looking for support in how to design and implement them. This work will also provide citations and other resource-level information that can be used to support training materials from TSR’s FOCUS program.

Congressman secures $1 million for transportation training at Des Moines community college

ANKENY, Iowa — U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn (R-Iowa) has secured a $1 million investment for new infrastructure at the Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) Transportation Institute Education Center in Ankeny, according to a statement issued June 7. “Iowa businesses are facing supply chain issues and one of the main contributors is a lack of employees who hold a commercial driver’s license,” Nunn said. “Programs, like what will be offered at the DMACC Transportation Institute Education Center, opens doors for Iowans to good-paying jobs. This is a key investment to boost the workforce in Iowa and support our economy.” Nunn secured the $1 million through the Community Project Funding process, which allows members to designate funding for critical initiatives. The funding was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 that was signed into law on March 6, 2024.  “All of us at DMACC are thrilled with this announcement and grateful to Congressman Zach Nunn for securing this important federal grant dedicated to the construction of DMACC’s new Transportation Institute,” said Rob Denson, DMACC’s president. “Our goal is to recruit and train more truck drivers, and this federal grant will help us achieve that goal.” The release stated the $1 million investment will help DMACC construct an 8,600-square-foot Transportation Institute Education Center and a 12-acre concrete driving concourse at the corner of Northeast 54th Avenue and Delaware in Des Moines. The new state-of-the-art facility will allow DMACC to double the number of students from 250 per year to 500 once completed. It will also offer students more training opportunities and amenities. Nunn announced the new funding investment during a press conference at DMACC’s Ankeny Campus with DMACC President Rob Denson and Doug Means, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain Management for Casey’s General Stores. 

Pennsylvania’s 37th annual Truck Driving Championship showcases more than 200 drivers

POCONO MANOR, Pa. — The 37th annual Pennsylvania Truck Driving Championship kicked off Friday, June 7, at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in Pocono Manor, Pennsylvania. During the two-day event, hosted by the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association (PMTA) and presented by Sherwin Williams, 204 of the state’s best drivers will compete for the title of Grand Champion. During the challenge, drivers will complete a written test, perform a pre-trip inspection to find pre-placed defects and safety hazards, and navigate a driving course designed to push their skills to the limit. On Friday, drivers will complete the written test at the Kalahari Convention Center before being divided into three groups. Each group will be ushered through a walk-through of the course walkthrough and perform a pre-trip inspection, simulating the standard procedure of inspecting trucks before hitting the road. More than 1,000 spectators are expected to attend the event on Saturday, supporting family members, co-workers and employees as they tackle the course. The course is designed to challenge drivers in nine categories: 3-axle, 4-axle, 5-axle, flatbed, sleeper, step van, straight truck, tank truck and twin trailers. PMTA, with support from Sherwin Williams, will also offer non-professional drivers a chance to get behind the wheel of a truck and complete a driving course. Of the 204 competitors, only one can claim the title of Grand Champion and hailed as the best truck driver in Pennsylvania. This champion, along with the first-place winners from the other eight categories, will advance to the National Truck Driving Championships. The American Trucking Association will host this event in Indianapolis, Indiana, from August 21-24, 2024. According to a press release from PMTA, the championship program incentivizes safe driving for professional truckers. “Qualifying for the competition is no easy task. Many drivers practice in the hopes of placing or competing at the national level,” the release notes. “For trucking companies, having award-winning drivers is a bonus and can even help lower insurance rates. For drivers, it’s a resume builder and a fun challenge to compete for the top spot.”

Love’s adds 76 truck parking spaces at new North Carolina location

OKLAHOMA CITY — Love’s Travel Stops is now serving customers in Rural Hall, North Carolina, with its latest store opening. The location is open 24/7 and offers all the amenities Love’s is known for, including fresh food and drinks, Love’s-branded snacks and a Bojangles. For professional drivers, the location adds 76 truck parking spaces to Love’s network and RVers have access to three RV parking spaces. In honor of the grand opening, Love’s will donate $5,000 to the Rural Hall Elementary School Special Education Program.

Optimal Dynamics’ new AI aims to simplify spot freight procurement

NEW YORK — Optimal Dynamics, a firm that specializes in artificial decision intelligence for trucking companies, has created a new program that aggregates and recommends optimal spot freight across all available channels, including public load boards, emails and private customer boards. Known as “Source,” the addition is part of Optimal Dynamics’ Execute platform, according to a news release. “As the freight market continues to experience downward pressure on rates and rising operating costs, carriers must increasingly turn to opportunistic spot freight to fill network gaps and address empty miles,” the news release states. “Selecting spot freight closest to a driver’s location at a point in time may seem like a quick fix, but often results in suboptimal load selections, leading to inefficiencies and missed revenue opportunities.” Optimal Dynamics officials say that Source addresses this challenge by aggregating and optimizing all available spot market sources in a single user interface, “allowing for simpler and smarter network-wide freight decisions.” Key features of Source include: Aggregated spot freight — Centralizes freight from public load boards, email communication and private customer boards, providing a comprehensive view of available opportunities with a single search. Optimized spot freight recommendations — Utilizes a patent-pending workflow to deliver optimized recommendations for the most probable and profitable spot freight that aligns with unique network requirements. Integrated with dispatching — Automates the matching of optimized spot freight to drivers for single loads and full tours, streamlining the dispatching process within the Execute by Optimal Dynamics platform. “At Optimal Dynamics, we are committed to continuous innovation and platform enhancements that provide significant value to our customers,” said Daniel Powell, CEO and co-founder of Optimal Dynamics. “The introduction of Source is a testament to our dedication to helping carriers optimize their operations by streamlining, simplifying, and optimizing the decision-making process.”

NFI partners with Skillbridge program to provide career resources for service members

SPONSORED BY NFI INDUSTRIES CAMDEN, N.J. — NFI Industries is known for its outstanding service and partnerships that seek to help company employees improve themselves. In addition, NFI works to provide specific industry training services. One of the most exciting of those services is NFI’s partnership with the Department of Defense (DOD) SkillBridge program. “The DOD SkillBridge program is an opportunity for service members to gain valuable work-life experience through our industry training, apprenticeship programs and internship during the last 180 days of their military service,” said Pedro U., who manages the program for NFI. DOD SkillBridge connects transitioning service members with industry partners to receive job experience beyond their military service. It is an invaluable opportunity to learn about civilian careers. As an added bonus, service members participating in the program continue to receive their military compensation and benefits while receiving training and experience from industry partners. “During the training phase, they will continue to be paid by the military and be able to keep their benefits for the military allowances,” Pedro said. “This is a great opportunity for them to focus on getting that training — without being worried about whether or not they’re getting paid.” To enter the program, Pedro says, service members must be approved by their unit commander and must have at least 180 days remaining in military service. They must also receive an honorable discharge and have at least 180 days of active-duty days while in the service. “The great thing about the program is that NFI doesn’t require a service member to have a degree,” Pedro said. “Right now we are targeting specific military occupational specialists that are mechanically inclined or have knowledge in the technical aspect of things.” This is one aspect that makes NFI’s Skillbridge partnership advantageous for both the company and those coming out of military service. “So, if you’re an aviation mechanic, or have experience with hydraulics, power plants, airframes, etc., you’re more than welcome to apply,” Pedro said. “We can get you through the NFI mechanical training so you can be part of the NFI team.” Through the SkillBridge program, service members are not required to tap into their Montgomery GI bill during their internship — there is cost to the service member. “If the service member decides to stay with NFI and get hired, they could qualify for our military apprenticeship program where they could utilize their GI Bill for additional monthly income from the VA in conjunction with their NFI wages,” Pedro said. The training lasts from 120-150 days and takes place in one of the many approved maintenance shops that have been vetted by the DOD SkillBridge program. Training facilities are located in Allentown, Pennsylvania; Greer, South Carolina; Orlando, Florida; and Waxahachie, Texas. “The great thing about this program is that, although you might be trained in one of our approved locations, post-training you will have the opportunity to be sent to one of our 30-plus maintenance shops that we have across the United States,” Pedro said. Service members who are interested in the program should discuss the opportunity with commanders, leadership and career counselors in their unit, he said. “Have a clear plan, and get them to understand who you are, what your goals are going to be post-military, so they can have a clear picture of where they can place you,” Pedro said. Because not all commands are familiar with the SkillBridge program, Pedro suggests that service members be prepared to share information with leaders in their unit. “We’ll help you generate training pipeline so you can present that to your command at least six months to a year out before your transition,” he said. Service members are not required to accept a job offer after completing SkillBridge training at NFI, Pedro added. “If they’re willing to continue with us, they’re more than welcome to continue with us,” he said. “Having that flexibility at the end of the internship is pretty awesome, I think. If you have any questions pertaining to our DOD diesel tech opportunities here at NFI, feel free to reach out to us.” Contact the NFI Military Resource Team at www.NFItechs.com or 833-205-7250.

Federal judge orders Crane Masters Inc. to pay fired truck driver’s back pay in OSHA case

HOUSTON — A federal administrative law judge has upheld the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) finding that a Houston crane and rigging company violated federal law by firing a company truck driver on June 5, 2020, for refusing to exceed safe driving limits set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. On May 13, the judge also ordered Crane Masters Inc. to pay the former truck driver $14,945 in back pay, interest and compensatory damages, according to a news release. The company must also expunge the former employee’s record and post a notice to employees, per the judge’s decision. An OSHA investigation determined the driver told officials at Crane Masters Inc. that, after working 19 hours on June 4, 2020, it would be unsafe for them to operate a commercial vehicle as they had not gotten the legally required amount of time off before returning to work, according to a news release. The company responded by terminating the driver, according to court documents. “Congress enacted the world’s first whistleblower protections in 1778 to ensure that people who come forward to report illegal behaviors or actions don’t suffer for doing what’s right,” OSHA Regional Administrator Eric S. Harbin said. “In this case, Crane Masters Inc. was held accountable for retaliating against an employee who acted responsibly by raising their concerns about endangering themselves and others by operating a commercial vehicle without sufficient rest.” OSHA found the company fired the employee illegally for exercising their protected rights under the federal Whistleblower Protection Program, and the department’s Regional Solicitor in Dallas presented its case during a formal hearing in Houston on Oct. 14, 2022. “Once again, the Department of Labor has vigorously enforced the rights of employees who report safety or regulatory violations,” said Regional Solicitor John Rainwater. “Whistleblower rights are crucial to the safety of employees and the public at-large. A federal judge upheld the department’s contention that Crane Masters wrongly retaliated against a hard-working employee for doing what’s right.” Operating for about 20 years, Crane Masters Inc. provides hydraulic truck cranes and rigging services for the construction, oil and gas, freight transportation and chemical manufacturing industries in the greater Houston area. OSHA’s Whistleblower Protection Program enforces the whistleblower provisions of more than 20 whistleblower statutes protecting employees from retaliation for reporting violations of various workplace safety and health, airline, commercial motor carrier, consumer product, environmental, financial reform, food safety, health insurance reform, motor vehicle safety, nuclear, pipeline, public transportation agency, railroad, maritime, securities, tax, antitrust and anti-money laundering laws and for engaging in other related protected activities. For more information on whistleblower protections, visit OSHA’s Whistleblower Protection Programs webpage.  

Staying cool on the road is imperative as extreme heat bakes Southwestern US

PHOENIX — The first heat wave of the season is bringing triple-digit temperatures earlier than usual to much of the Southwest U.S., where forecasters warned residents on Tuesday, June 4, to brace for “dangerously hot conditions” with highs expected to top 110 degrees Fahrenheit in the days ahead in Las Vegas and Phoenix. By Wednesday, June 5, most of an area stretching from southeast California to central Arizona will see “easily their hottest” weather since last September, and record daily highs will be in jeopardy throughout the region, the National Weather Service said. Excessive heat warnings have been issued from 10 a.m. Wednesday to 8 p.m. Friday, June 7, for parts of southern Nevada and Arizona. The unseasonably hot weather is expected to make its way into parts of the Pacific Northwest by the end of the week. “We’re looking at high temperatures well in the 90s and 100s, temperatures well above average for the time of year — some spots as much as 10 to 20 degrees above average,” National Weather Service meteorologist Marc Chenard in College Park, Maryland, said Tuesday. Southeast California, southern Nevada and much of Arizona will be affected most, he said. “As we go through the week, some of those higher temperatures are also going to spread north, potentially getting into portions of the Pacific Northwest as well,” Chenard said. “We do have several days where these temperatures will persist, and that usually adds to the impact. If there is just one day, it doesn’t tend to have as much of an impact,” he said. “But when you start getting two, three or four days this heat and then even warm temperatures at night, you start to see the impact increase.” The unseasonably hot weather already has taken a toll in some areas. The U.S. Border Patrol reported on Monday, June 3, that four migrants died last weekend from heat-related causes while attempting to cross the border in southeast New Mexico, near El Paso, Texas. Border Patrol El Paso Sector Chief Anthony Good urged migrants not to try to cross the border in the extreme heat. “The desert environment is extremely unforgiving, especially during the summer months,” Good said. “We urge anyone considering crossing illegally to understand the severe risks involved” Highs on Monday reached 110 F at Death Valley National Park in California near the Nevada line, 103 F in Phoenix and 105 F in Needles, California. In Las Vegas, where the high topped out at 103 F on Monday, temperatures will soar to 10 to 15 degrees above normal during the second half of the week — peaking at 111 on Thursday, June 6. A high of 120 F is forecast for Thursday at Furnace Creek in Death Valley. The current forecasted high of 113 F for Phoenix on Thursday would break the daily record high of 111 F set in 2016. Last summer, Phoenix saw a record 31 straight days of at least 110 degrees F, stretching from the last day of June through the entire month of July. At least 400 of the 645 heat-related deaths that occurred last year were during that month-long period. Phoenix, Maricopa County and Arizona state officials this year are striving to better protect people from ever higher temperatures. Those most in danger from the heat are people outdoors, especially homeless people in downtown areas who often don’t have access to sufficient shade, air conditioning and cold water. Governments this year are setting aside more money so cooling stations can stay open longer and on the weekends, including two that will keep their doors open overnight. Mesa, Arizona, Mayor John Giles said they are “committed to ensuring that those most vulnerable to heat exposure have access to essential life-saving services, including hydration and cooling stations and daytime respite centers.” For truck drivers and others who must travel the highways during these extreme heatwaves, following are some tips to help stay safe. Hydrate While this may seem like a no-brainer, long-distance trips often result in dehydration. When focusing on reaching a destination, it’s easy to forget to drink ample amounts of water. However, staying hydrated is the first line of defense against headaches, sluggishness, and lack of focus. To make sure you’re never without good hydration options, be sure to keep extra bottles of water in easy reach while driving. If you’re in the habit of drinking soda, coffee, or energy drinks instead, challenge yourself to drink more water–even if it means trying sugar-free additions to your water, like lemon juice or fruit flavoring. Wear sunscreen Truckers often get sunburned on their left arm due to the long hours spent behind the wheel. This condition is known as “Driver’s Tan” or “Trucker’s Arm.” While it can look a little funny, it’s actually quite serious. The dangers associated with sunburn are well known, but many drivers believe their windshields will keep them safe from dangerous UV rays. Ultimately, windshields only provide a small degree of UV protection, which is why sunblock is recommended when driving long hours. Wearing sunglasses and long sleeves offer even more protection from sun exposure, both inside and outside of your cabin. Stay cool and protected Staying cool while driving can reduce the risk of heat fatigue, whether you’re making a long-haul or regional delivery. Running the air conditioner is a great option, as is wearing neck cooling wraps or a dampened bandana. Additionally, if the seats are leather or vinyl, make sure they are covered with blankets or towels to keep them comfortable and cool. Wear lightweight clothing The type of clothing you wear can make a huge difference in your comfort level. Wear things made of breathable materials such as cotton or linen. These fabrics are lightweight, comfortable and allow heat to escape from the body. Keep extra clothes on hand and, when possible, try taking cool showers to help you revitalize from head to toe. If you are in an area where nights get cold, or if you’re traveling from one temperature to another, remember to wear multiple thin layers so you can dress up or down depending on the weather. Take breaks Whenever possible, take a break. Even a few minutes of downtime will help you feel re-energized. This might involve anything from resting your eyes for a bit or stretching your legs to grabbing a bite to eat. Taking the time to explore the areas you’re driving through will also help make your trips more memorable and fulfilling, especially as the months go by. Eat healthy Along with the heat of summer is the wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables available. Eating foods like cucumbers, watermelon, berries, and tomatoes are packed with beneficial vitamins and minerals and also help hydrate the body. Caring for your truck Just as important as self-care is proper truck maintenance and precautions. The high temperatures increase the chances of things like tire blowouts and lack of brake friction. Conversely, the summer months often mean more travelers taking vacations. With this in mind, be sure to allow extra travel time and stay alert at all times. Here are a few suggestions to keep your truck in tip-top shape. Check brakes Pavement absorbs heat as temperatures rise, and brake parts can only absorb so much heat. Check your brakes regularly, as high heat can reduce friction and stopping power. Be diligent about routine maintenance Regular truck maintenance will help prevent heat-related issues. For instance, just as you need to stay cool during hot temperatures, so does your truck. Check coolant and oil levels frequently to protect the engine from overheating. Inspecting all belts and hoses is important as well. Also, in order to avoid extreme fuel consumption, make sure all air conditioning components are working properly. This protects you and your truck. Keep tires properly inflated Before heading out on your next route, check the air levels in your tires. This is especially important if your tires were under-inflated during the winter months. However, during the summer, tires are more prone to blowouts if air levels are too low. Be aware of traffic conditions During the summer months, more people are out and about, making roads more congested. This poses even more danger to truckers, so stay vigilant and take extra precautions when driving in heavy traffic. Take some time to check traffic reports beforehand, and avoid congested areas if possible. Keep in mind that construction zones are also active this time of year. Be extra cautious in these areas to avoid fines and fees. Watch driving speeds Avoid driving at high speeds as this can cause the engine to overheat and put additional stress on the tires. High speeds combined with hot temperatures can cause substantial damage to your truck. Taking frequent breaks will allow your truck to cool off and be beneficial to you as well. The Trucker Staff contributed to this report.

National Secure Your Load Day set for June 6

OLYMPIA — An unsecured load — whether it’s being hauled by a big rig or a pickup — can be deadly. National Secure Your Load Day is a safety campaign that was founded in 2004 by Washington state resident Robin Abel after her life was altered by an unsecured load that nearly killed her daughter. This year, it’s being held on Thursday, June 6. “National Secure Your Load Day is an important reminder that the safety of our roads depends on each of us. By taking simple steps to secure our loads, we can prevent crashes and save lives,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Laoise King. “Even the smallest items falling from a vehicle can be deadly. I encourage all residents to spread the word about the importance of securing your lead and to practice safety measures every day.” In Washington state, the coalition includes the Washington State Patrol (WSP), the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and the Washington Department of Ecology. “We all have a responsibility to protect one another and to protect our environment by securing cargo to prevent dangerous debris from falling on our roads,” said Washington Gov. Jay Inslee. “Washingtonians care about our environment, and we care about our communities – let’s all do our part to reduce litter and keep our roads safe.” It’s well established that unsecure loads and subsequent roadside debris is both an environmental issue and a significant safety hazard for travelers, roadside workers and all road users. Drivers in Washington state continue to endure crashes due to debris from unsecured loads, with 300 crashes on average each year. This statistic remains consistent year to year, and in 2023 these crashes led to 16 injuries and tragically one death. Fines for failing to secure loads or littering range from $50 to $5,000, with the highest penalties applied to offenses involving “lit debris” such as cigarettes that could lead to brush fires and a greater number of hazards. Drivers whose unsecured loads cause physical harm or property damage could also face criminal prosecution and jail time. WSP troopers and commercial vehicle enforcement officers contacted more than 5,000 motorists for improperly secured loads in 2023. “The truth is collisions caused by unsecured loads are completely preventable,” said WSP Chief John R. Batiste. “By choosing to secure all of the items in your vehicle before hitting the road, you can contribute to safer travels for everyone.” An oversized load detached from its trailer on April 27 in Temple Texas, pinning a vehicle underneath and killing two. Police say the load shifted as the truck was traveling down State Highway 36. How can such disasters be prevented? According to the WSP, it all starts with simply strapping down and securing all items in your car, truck or trailer for every trip — even if it’s just across town. Tarps, ratchet straps and cargo nets are easy and effective solutions for securing many types of vehicle loads and preventing road hazards. As part of the campaign, Ecology is funding load securing equipment giveaways in Clark, Skagit and Snohomish counties in June. Additionally, up to 40 retail hardware stores statewide will share best practices and promote products to safely secure loads. To learn more about this campaign and how you can help keep Washington roads safe and litter free, visit SecureLoadsWA.org or SujetaTuCargaWA.org.

Navigating LTL freight: Key strategies for cost-effective small load transportation

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Less-than-truckload (LTL) freight shipping is an efficient and cost-effective method for transporting smaller loads that don’t fill an entire trailer. As carriers navigate the potential of LTL for their business, it is important to be fully aware of how it works before making any decisions about engaging in this type of shipping, according to a report from load board company Truckstop. LTL Background LTL is considered when shippers don’t need an entire trailer to move their freight, they often opt for less than truckload freight shipping, and typically the most affordable way to transport smaller loads. Less than truckload freight is usually the preferred method for loads between 150 and 15,000 pounds that do not require the use of a whole trailer and it can maximize loads for carriers by combining multiple LTL freight shipments into full truckloads. How does LTL freight shipping work? LTL freight shipping works by combining partial loads from multiple shippers. This usually (but not always) creates multi-stop truckloads. Pricing is based on space and weight, classification of the goods being shipped, and pickup and delivery destinations. Less than truckload freight shipping can include standard, expedited, or date-guaranteed shipments. Carriers can also offer additional freight services for shippers, including: Lift gate pickup or delivery Inside pickup or delivery Residential pickup or delivery Reweighing Reclassification White glove service Because of the additional complexities involved, carriers can charge additional shipping fees, boosting their profits. What factors should determine your LTL freight rates? Several factors impact how carriers and brokers price their LTL freight rates. Take these things into account when determining freight rates: Market demand — LTL freight rates are impacted by the amount of current demand and space availability on trailers. Freight classification — Freight class is based on density, stowability, handling and liability. Distance — How far are you going in total? The more miles between points, the greater the cost for everyone. Destination — Where goods ship also impacts costs. Shipping along established lanes to major hubs will cost less than making multiple rural or residential deliveries. Dimensions and weight — The dimensions and weight of the shipment determine freight class and directly impact rates. Oversized or oddly shaped items, for example, take up more space. Smaller (but denser items) can limit the number of other items that can be shipped. Deadhead miles — Having to drive an empty truck from delivery to a new pickup should also impact pricing since carriers have to bear the cost of empty miles. Availability — You can only ship LTL freight when there’s available space on trailers, which varies based on seasonality and market demands. Accessorials — Extra services cost extra. Carriers can charge more for things like lift-gate service, delivery to limited access or residential locations, inside delivery, or white-glove services. Fuel costs — Fuel costs tend to vary significantly based on market volatility and location. Matching the right LTL loads to get the maximum revenue potential can be time-consuming and complex. In today’s fast-paced world, decisions often have to be made quickly. The key is better data and understanding rate trends to find the most profitable jobs. Use a dedicated LTL load board. As an owner operator, being flexible and agile can be the difference between success and failure. Using less than truckload load boards, such as Truckstop, gives carriers accurate, same-day rate data. It also provides rate recommendations specific to load, broker, and lane. A good LTL load board will track rate trends to help you adjust your pricing accordingly, accurately assess supply chain variables and demand for both origin and destinations, and help predict fuel rates and surcharges. LTL freight shipping combines efficiency with cost-effectiveness, accommodating smaller loads through a pricing structure influenced by factors like freight classification, distance, and required services. For carriers, mastering these pricing factors is key to maximizing profitability in a competitive logistics market.

Survey finds many drivers are looking for new opportunities

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — A new survey by a truck driver recruitment advertising agency has found that 40% of truckers are currently seeking new driving opportunities. That’s a nearly 7% increase compared to the previous fall survey conducted by Conversion Interactive Agency (CIA), in partnership with employee retention agency People. Data. Analytics (PDA). That previous survey identified 33.3% of drivers as expressing a desire for new opportunities, according to a CIA news release. “Over the years, CIA and PDA have consistently tracked this metric, this is the highest percentage and the largest increase since they began monitoring this data,” the news release notes. “This statistic is important to carriers in the transportation industry for informing strategic decisions related to recruitment, retention and overall workforce management. The survey results indicate a need to adopt and utilize new tools to pursue and process driver applications and feedback using the latest technology.” Kelley Walkup, CIA’s president and CEO, said that with more drivers looking for new opportunities, carriers have a larger pool of potential recruits to fill their open positions. “Embracing innovation and technology is crucial for success in today’s driver market, and drivers have demonstrated their willingness to adapt,” she said. “By leveraging technology like Conversion’s Lead Assist platform with advanced AI automation, we’ve seen a significant boost in the speed and quality of full applications.” As for the current freight recession, a slight majority of drivers, 54.9%, said they are optimistic about it ending sooner rather than later. These results reflecting a positive sentiment within the industry were slightly down compared to 56.1% of drivers were optimistic in our previous fall survey. “While drivers continue to remain optimistic, other data in this survey shows that patience may be waning as drivers are becoming more restless in search of more predictable pay and better home time,” said Scott Dismuke, PDA’s vice president of operations. One topic that drivers are not feeling as positive about is electric trucks. When asked about their feelings toward electric trucks, a significant 72.3% of drivers expressed negative sentiments. The reasons for these negative feelings were varied, ranging from the lack of infrastructure to a general lack of knowledge about electric trucks. “These results underscore the importance of educating drivers as the industry integrates electric trucks,” added Dismuke. “The data shows there are hurdles to getting driver buy-in.” The trucking industry faces competition for talent not only from other carriers but also from outside industries. When asked what field they were working in before starting their career as a truck driver, almost 40% mentioned warehousing, construction, or manufacturing. Truck driving is often a second or third career for new drivers, with the average age of new entrants into the industry being 35. As the freight market slowly improves, Walkup and Dismuke agree the task of recruiting and retaining drivers will persist as a formidable challenge for trucking companies of all sizes. “As competing industries expand their job offerings, the trucking industry must emphasize that truck driving is a well-paying, stable career,” Walkup said. “It’s crucial to tell that story in your recruitment marketing messages.”

Spot rates delivered mixed bag in latest week, Truckstop reports

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Reefer spot rates saw their largest drop in months — about 11 cents — during the week ended May 31, according to the latest data from the Truckstop system and FTR Transportation Intelligence. Meanwhile, flatbed spot rates gained for the third straight week, while dry van spot rates stayed virtually flat. Total broker-posted rates in the Truckstop system also remained essentially unchanged, according to a news release. Total loads Total load activity fell 17%, which is not an especially large drop for a week that includes Memorial Day, Truckstop officials say. Total volume was about 5% below the same 2023 week and about 28% below the five-year average for the week. Total truck postings fell 9.5% during the holiday week, and the Market Demand Index — the ratio of load postings to truck postings in the system — fell to its lowest level in four weeks. Total rates The total broker-posted rate edged down two-tenths of a cent, according to Truckstop. Rates were about 5% below the same 2023 week and more than 7% below the five-year average for the week. The week-over-week changes in the rates for each of the principal equipment types were directionally in line with the changes for the same week last year. Dry van rates Dry van spot rates dipped by a tenth of a cent, Truckstop officials report. Rates were more than 2% below the same 2023 week and about 9% below the five-year average. Both comparisons were essentially the same as they were in week 21. Dry van loads fell 13.6%. Volume was about 2% below the same 2023 week and nearly 22% below the five-year average for the week. Refrigerated rates Refrigerated spot rates dropped about 11 cents, according to Truckstop. Rates were 1% below the same 2023 week and 6% below the five-year average for the week. The negative y/y comparison in spot rates was only the second in the past eight weeks. Refrigerated loads fell 18.6%. Volume was more than 8% below the same 2023 week and about 29% below the five-year average for the week. Flatbed rates Flatbed spot rates rose more than 1 cent after edging up just over a half cent in the previous week, the Truckstop report states. Rates were 6% below the same 2023 week and more than 7% below the five-year average for the week. Flatbed loads fell 19.5%. Volume was about 6% below the same week last year and nearly 35% below the five-year average for the week.  

Bill would streamline veterans’ access to CDL training

In mid-May, leading congressional advocates for military veterans introduced the Sen. Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act (HR8371).  The bill boasts bipartisan sponsorship from House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost (R-IL), Senate counterpart Chairman Jon Tester (D-MT), and ranking member Jerry Moran (R-KS). HR 8371 seek to package together several bipartisan proposals to streamline the delivery of services via the Veterans Affairs (VA).  A provision important to the trucking sector would allow veterans to use their GI Bill benefits to obtain training for a commercial driver’s license (CDL) at a new training facility if that new location’s primary facility has already been approved by the VA. Under current law there is a two-year waiting period to use those same benefits at a new training facility.  David Pike, who serves as the director of recruiting for NFI, says the bill’s advantage for newly separated veterans would be nearly instantaneous. Pike says he spearheaded a survey amongst those veterans already employed at NFI, and found out that the top concern was transitioning from the military. “A servicemember separating from active duty faces many initial hurdles with re-entry to civilian life, like securing a meaningful and financially suitable employment. This bill should help that transition,” Pike said. As a whole, the bill encompasses many aspects of veteran life including healthcare matters which includes present day care but also nursing home care as well as economic issues including employment training, home loans, as well as homelessness, and record keeping. Both sides of Capitol Hill are working in hopes to pass the bill quickly and send it to the president this week. NMFTA is encouraging its passage. 

Drivers take home bragging rights from 2024 SuperRigs competition

FORT WORTH, Texas — Stormy weather did little to dampen spirits during Shell Rotella’s 42nd annual SuperRigs event, held at the Texas Motor Speedway Wednesday-Saturday, May 30-June 1. The annual SuperRigs competition, a truck beauty contest that celebrates actively working trucks, attracts owner-operator truckers from across the U.S. and Canada. This year’s competitors vied for cash and prizes valued at about $25,000, as well as MyMilesMatter reward miles from the Shell Rotella loyalty program. In addition, 12 drivers were selected to have their trucks featured in the 2025 Shell Rotella SuperRigs calendar. This year’s show also featured a spectacular light show, a live concert and fireworks. In addition, attendees had a chance to get an up-close look at the Shell Starship 3.0. Best of Show Kaleb Hammett of Hammett Excavation Inc., based in Fort Dodge, Texas, took home Best of Show honors with “Hoss,” a red and gray 2019 Peterbilt 389. In addition to earning a feature spot in the 2025 Shell Rotella SuperRigs Calendar, Hammett won $10,000. Hammett and Hoss also won honors for Best Lights and Best Interior, and he earned second place in the Tractor division. JR Schleuger from Britt, Iowa, was the first runner-up for Best of Show with a 1984 Kenworth W900B, winning $4,000. Ernie Adams of New Florence, Pennsylvania, took home $2,000 as second runner-up for Best of Show with a 1982 Kenworth W900A. Other categories and winners include: Classic Alex Schleuger of Britt, Iowa, took first place in the Classic division with a 2005 Kenworth W900L, winning $1,500. Cody Lindamood of Farmersville, Texas, won $1,000 as the second-place winner with a 2000 Peterbilt 379, and Jay Holsomback of Sugar Valley, Georgia took third place with a 1996 Kenworth W900l, winning $750. Working Truck/Limited Mileage First-place honors went to Jaden Lindamood of Irving, Texas, for a 2013 Peterbilt 389, along with a $1,500 prize. Lindamood also won in the Best Engine category. Jerry Cruz of Von Ormy, Texas, took home second-place and $1,000 with a 2005 Peterbilt 379X, and Andrew Worth of Winnipeg, North Dakota finished out the Top 3, earning a $750 prize with a 2024 Kenworth W900B. Tractor Gary Jones of Lawson, Missouri, won first place and $1,500 with a 2018 Peterbilt 389. Second place in this division went to Best of Show winner Kaleb Hammett, along with $1,000. Mike Anderson of Checotah, Oklahoma, took third place with a 1999 Peterbilt 379, earning $750. Tractor/Trailer First place in the Tractor/Trailer division, along with $1,500, went to Tarik Al-Amin II of Crete, Illinois, for a 2023 Kenworth W900L. Clayton Heise of Thornton, Texas, took second place — and $1,000 — with a 2024 Peterbilt 389. Third place went to Kevin Benson of Maywood, Missouri, for a 2023 Peterbilt 389; Benson took home $750. People’s Choice Award Jeff Hoker from Dixon, Iowa, won the People’s Choice Award. The winner was selected virtually with voting taking place online. For every People’s Choice vote cast this year, Shell Rotella donated $1 to the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund. Non-Working/Show Truck: Jeff Hoker of Dixon, Iowa, with a 2023 Peterbilt 389. Best Chrome: Alex Schleuger of Britt, Iowa, with a 2005 Kenworth W900L. Steve Sturgess Best Theme: Brandon McInnis of Montalba, Texas, with a 1985 Mack Superliner RW613. All the winning trucks from Shell Rotella SuperRigs will be posted on Shell Rotella’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages throughout the week. For more news and photos from the competition or to join the conversation, use the hashtags #SuperRigs and #SuperRigs2024.

ArcBest offers inaugural Employee Dependent Scholarship Program

FORT SMITH, Ark. — ArcBest, an integrated logistics company, has announced its partnership with Scholarship America to offer the company’s first Employee Dependent Scholarship Program, providing recipients $2,000 per academic year. Applications for the 2024-2025 school year opened in January 2024, and 10 students were selected to receive ArcBest’s inaugural scholarship funding based on their academic record, leadership and participation in school and community activities, statement of educational and career goals and financial need, according to a news release. “We’re excited about partnering with Scholarship America to continue investing in our employees and their children through financial support for higher education,” said Erin Gattis, ArcBest chief human resources officer. “One of ArcBest’s core values is growth, and it focuses on growing our people and our business. That extends to our employees’ homes and communities. Through this new partnership, we’re helping students access the education they want and empowering them to achieve their career aspirations.” The ArcBest Employee Dependent Scholarship Program is available to dependent children of full-time employees in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada who have worked for the company at least three years. Dependent children are defined as biological, adopted, foster children, stepchildren, legal wards or children of a person standing in loco parentis under age 24 as of the application deadline date. The program excludes dependents of department directors and above. Eligible applicants include high school seniors, students in their final year of upper secondary school or CEGEP (college of general and professional teaching) studies, upper secondary school graduates enrolling in college for the first time, as well as students who have completed undergraduate courses while in high school or upper secondary school. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and plan to enroll in a full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two-or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school. Recipients can earn up to $8,000 by renewing their scholarship each academic year for up to three years or until a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) is completed. Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA in full-time course studies and complete at least 24 semester hours during the preceding academic year. “It means a lot that ArcBest is so interested in its employees and their families that the company would offer this scholarship,” said Eleanor Gordon, an ArcBest scholarship recipient. “I am very thankful to be selected as a recipient as I begin my college career and continue growing my education.” The ArcBest Employee Dependent Scholarship Program was created in response to employee feedback and aligns with our Philanthropic Pillar of Education, which guides how ArcBest invests in local and higher education to help grow the current and future workforce. More than 60 students applied for the 2024-2025 scholarship. Scholarship America is the nation’s largest designer and manager of scholarships and other education support programs for corporations, foundations, associations and individuals. The Scholarship America evaluation team chose ArcBest’s first 10 recipients. 2024-2025 Scholarship Recipients Aubrey Taylor, University of Kansas Clare Allison, Edgewood College Eleanor Gordon, University of Texas at Austin Emily Lockey, Rochester Christian University Hannah Stanley, Atlanta Technical College Jami Kurth, Carroll University Lillian Murray, Folsom Lake Community College Liset Vallejo, Friends University Mary Mungroo, The College of New Jersey Michelle Fernandini, Florida State University

Kaleb Hammett and ‘Hoss’ take Best of Show at SuperRigs 2024

FORT WORTH, Texas — One glance at the gleaming paint and chrome on “Hoss,” a 2019 Peterbilt 389, is all it takes to realize that Kaleb Hammett truly takes pride in his ride. A closer inspection reveals finishes so spotless that it’s hard to believe the tractor is used to haul heavy equipment and aggregate for Hammett’s family-owned and -operated business. On top of earning a reputation as a hard-working truck, Hoss (and Hammett) can claim bragging rights as Best of Show winner for Shell Rotella SuperRigs 2024, held May 30-June 1 at the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth. Hoss, a heavy-weight four-axle truck, is a rolling tribute to Hammett’s late grandfather, Harry, who founded the family company in 1963. “Red and gray were his favorite colors,” said Hammett, who has been driving for eight years. His first appearance at SuperRigs was at age 21 as a brand-new CDL holder. “I didn’t know what the heck I was doing,” he said with a laugh. Since that first SuperRigs event, he’s learned the ropes — both as a driver and as the owner of a working show truck. This year, he says, he didn’t have a lot of time to get Hoss cleaned up and show-ready. “Two weeks ago, it was in a hailstorm in Nebraska when I was hauling a buddy’s truck,” he noted. Once he got back to Texas, Hammett was busy working on the company’s newest truck, which was also featured at this year’s SuperRigs. “There wasn’t really much time to really work on mine,” he said. “I just did the best I could — and here we are.” It would seem that Hammet’s best is pretty darned good. “Butterflies,” he said when asked to describe his reaction to taking top honors at SuperRigs. “I’ve got butterflies in my stomach, but it feels great.” When asked what advice he’d give to SuperRigs hopefuls, Hammett was straight and to the point. “Show up, and show out,” he said. For a complete list of winners from the 2024 SuperRigs event, click here.

National Carriers announces 3 ‘impressive’ drivers of the month

IRVING, Texas — National Carriers Inc. (NCI) has awarded Driver of the Month recognition for February through April to Jonathan Owens, Keith Bradley and Ken Bores Jr. The drivers received a $1,000 bonus and are now eligible to be named 2024 Driver of the Year. The Driver of the Year will receive an additional $10,000 bonus. Bores was named the April Driver of the Month. He resides in Flower Mound, Texas, and began driving at NCI in 2014. He operates his truck throughout the lower 48 states. Prior to his career in transportation, Bores had a long career in mortgage banking. ”National Carriers is fortunate to have Ken at our company,” said Jill Maschmeier, NCI’s director of safety and compliance. “He puts safety of the driving public above all else. He is an outstanding example of what a professional driver should be. This is the second time he has been recognized as our Driver of the Month. He takes care of everything that needs taken care of when it needs taken care of. He is a God loving, family-oriented man who we feel blessed to have him driving for our ‘Elite’ fleet.” Bradley, of Pampa, Texas, was named March Driver of the Month. He joined NCI in November 2012 and currently delivers cattle hides from southwest Kansas to northwest Missouri. Averaging transporting 2,000 cow skins per week, Bradley estimates he has delivered well over a million leather producing hides over his career at NCI. “Keith has been a huge asset to our hide division at NCI for 10 years now. Keith is knowledgeable, hardworking and polite,” said his Driving Manager, Nickole Copeland. “There has never been a time that we could not rely on Keith. We consistently reach out to him to complete various challenging and off the wall tasks. Additionally, he always delivers his loads on time. He is that all-around go to driver with zero complaints. His kindness, great communication, and fun personality makes working with him such a pleasure daily. Keith will do whatever it takes to get the job done, but at the same time will also go out of his way to help anyone that needs it. We look forward to working with Keith for many more years to come.” Owens was recognized as Driver of the Month in February. He leases a truck through NCI Truck Leasing and joined NCI in November 2018. He makes his home in Maricopa, Arizona, and pulls refrigerated freight throughout the United States, focusing on the southeastern region. Owens boasts no late pick up or deliveries, no accidents, and one of the safest driving records in the fleet. “Jonathan is the type of man who speaks through his actions not words,” said NCI’s Media Director, Ed Kentner. “His driver manager reports he will do most anything and will go anywhere NCI needs him to. The manager of our truck leasing program calls him a “Rock Star” due to his great attitude and personality. Everyone agrees he is a great example of what an “Elite” driver should be. His focus on road safety, customer service, and positive interaction with everyone he meets is second to none.” NCI President Steve Gleisner also complimented the group of drivers. “Impressive is the first word that comes to my mind when I think of this group of drivers,” he said. “The work that these three individuals perform on a regular basis is phenomenal. Their performance goes well beyond the expectations of their position at National Carriers. We are incredibly fortunate to have Jonathan, Keith, and Ken on our team. Thank you!”

Estes wins 4th consecutive top workplace award

RICHMOND, Va. — For the fourth year in a row, Estes Express Lines North America has been recognized as the Richmond Times-Dispatch’s Top Workplace. This marks a total of six wins for the company, according to a news release. This year, Estes received the top honor out of seven other selected “mega” (having more than 900 employees) companies. Estes has more than 22,000 employees across 280 terminals nationwide. “Our employees are the backbone of Estes’ operations and success,” said Webb Estes, president and COO. “There truly is no greater honor than to receive recognition of this magnitude, resulting directly from feedback from our dedicated employees. Our organizational focus will be to provide a continued environment where all employees feel a sense of great pride working here, and express that pride by always taking care of each other and our customers.”