Truck Driving Job News Archives

Be prepared: CVSA’s International Roadcheck is especially important for truck owners

Cliff Abbott - April 2, 2024

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) 2024 International Roadcheck is coming soon to an inspection location near you. This year’s inspection blitz is set for May 14-16. While it’s important for every driver to be prepared for inspection, it could be critical if you’re the owner-operator of a single truck or a small fleet. There’s no question that being pulled around behind the scale or getting stopped at another location for an inspection is an inconvenience. In fact, some truck owners avoid any possibility of getting inspected during the CVSA’s annual inspection event by scheduling a vacation during the Roadcheck dates. After all, during an event when 14 trucks and buses are inspected every minute of the day, the chances that your vehicle will be one of them is higher than usual. Whether you’ll be on the road or not, however, it pays to prepare for Roadcheck. To help truck owners and drivers avoid unpleasant surprises during inspection, the CVSA announces the Roadcheck dates well in advance, along with the focus areas for each year’s campaign. This gives you an opportunity for you to check your own operation and equipment, focusing on areas that inspectors have on their list. Of course, in reality, inspectors are out every day — and it pays to be ready for inspection at any time of the year. During this year’s Roadcheck, the CVSA is focusing on drug and alcohol possession, along with tractor protection and anti-bleedback systems. While the first would seem to be easy to comply with — don’t have controlled substances or alcoholic beverages in the truck, and don’t operate under the influence of them — there are additional steps to take. For example, if you have prescription medications, make sure they’re in the original container with a label showing they are legally prescribed for your use. Also, make sure that you’re taking the medications as prescribed, and that you’re not driving if you aren’t supposed to be. Another part of the drug and alcohol inspection focus will be a check of your record with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. As an owner-operator, if you are not leased to a carrier and subject to the FMCSA’s controlled substances program, you’ll need to be enrolled in a consortium for random testing. If you haven’t changed jobs or leases in the past few years, it’s possible you aren’t registered with the Clearinghouse at all — and it’s time to find out. If you’re not registered, visit the Clearinghouse website and do so. This can save delays during an inspection. In addition, you’ll already be in the system should you decide to seek new employment or another lease situation. The Roadcheck’s other focus area is mechanical in nature and covers an area of your equipment that you should be checking anyway. Inspectors will be paying particular attention to air lines, looking and listening for leaks and other issues. If you’re driving, you’ll be asked to disconnect the gladhands to test the tractor’s protection valve. Gladhands are notorious for leaking because seals deteriorate with age and exposure to air. It’s a good idea to have a couple of extra seals on hand, especially if you drop and hook different trailers often. If a gladhand leak is found, you may need to replace a set on the spot. Regular in-cab checks of the air system should be part of your pre-trip routine anyway, but it’s especially important to perform them before an official inspection. Always chock the wheels before beginning. Test for leaks by letting the air pressure build until the compressor cuts out; then shut off the engine, push in the tractor and trailer protection valves and apply pressure to the brake pedal. Listen for air leakage and watch the gauge. The system should not lose more than 4 pounds of pressure in one minute. Your next test involves turning the key to the “on” position without starting the truck; then dump the air pressure from the system by depressing and releasing the brake pedal repeatedly. Before the system drops below 60 psi, the warning devices, including a light and a buzzer, should activate. Continue dumping air from the system until the tractor and trailer protection valves pop out. This should happen when pressure reaches 40 psi or less. If a leak is detected, if warning lights or buzzers don’t activate, or if protection valves don’t engage, repairs are needed. Whether you perform maintenance on the truck or trust it to a vendor, perform the same checks again after the maintenance has been done. Of course, CVSA focus areas aren’t the only things that will be inspected, so make sure everything is in good working order and that your records are well-maintained. Keep in mind that each jurisdiction has its own method of choosing which trucks to inspect. Some use a specific number and inspect every fifth truck, regardless of who owns it. Others may target a specific type of truck, such as logging trailers or flatbeds. Still others might look for obvious issues, such as a smoking wheel or an audible air leak. Some look for signs of neglect, such as trash strewn over the dashboard or dirty windows, under the premise that a driver who doesn’t keep the vehicle clean and organized may not pay much attention to maintenance, either. Regardless of the reason for a truck and driver’s selection for inspection, a violation can cost you thousands of dollars for repairs, especially if you can’t move the truck and the service must come to you. The loss of time can also impact your next pickup or delivery and cost you a load — or even a customer. Also remember that CSA scores for both your business and the driver can be impacted by inspection results. Some shippers, as well as brokers, look at CSA scores when selecting a carrier. Violations for maintenance issues could cost you revenue if your ability to procure loads is impacted by inspection violations. It’s a rare driver that actually looks forward to being instructed to pull around behind the scale for inspection. However, if you’re prepared, your chances of getting through with flying colors (and maybe a shiny new CVSA sticker for your windshield) are greater, and everyone is just a little bit safer.

Effects of Baltimore bridge collapse felt across trucking industry

John Worthen - April 2, 2024

BALTIMORE — When the Key Bridge collapsed after being struck by a cargo ship in Baltimore on Tuesday, March 26, the nation watched as a vital U.S. trade gateway was instantly shut down. The Port of Baltimore is the country’s largest for roll-on/roll-off cargo. Everything from cars, tractors, trucks and heavy equipment roll in and out of the port daily — or at least they did. Now, things at the port are silent, save for the massive operation to remove the hulking remains of the bridge so that shipping channels can reopen. The port’s imports of farming machinery and construction equipment typically peak in March (12% of the annual volume), according to DAT Freight and Analytics. Carriers forced to reposition equipment to other markets will take time and add cost, especially considering Baltimore is the furthest port inland on the East Coast, some 150 miles further than New York. Baltimore is the closest port to the Quad Cities and other Midwest farm and construction machinery centers. Case New Holland Agriculture, Caterpillar, John Deere, AGCO (Fendt, Massey Ferguson), CLAAS, Komatsu and John Deere are all big customers of the Port of Baltimore. Baltimore consistently ranks in the top 10 markets for spot flatbed freight in March, according to DAT. “The collapse saw a 57% surge in spot flatbed loads moved from Baltimore and higher linehaul rates on critical lanes,” according to DAT. “The number of spot flatbed loads moved from Baltimore to Chicago increased by 117% compared to the previous week, and the average spot flatbed jumped 25 cents to $2.03 a mile.” DAT officials note that Baltimore is not a major dry van truckload freight market, ranking 29 out of 135 spot markets for the week ended March 30. “Outbound Baltimore spot rates averaged $1.33 a mile, down 2 cents, on a 12% week-over-week increase in the number of loads moved,” according to DAT. Maryland’s state average spot rate was $1.51 a mile, DAT reports. The number of spot van loads moved from Baltimore to Chicago fell by 18% last week, and the average linehaul rate increased by 1 cent to $1.03 a mile. Baltimore to South Bend — the No. 2 lane — fell 6%, while the average linehaul rate increased 4 cents to $1.14 a mile. Other movement in load posts The number of weekly load posts on DAT One rose 2.1% to 2,034,011 for the week ended March 30. The total number of load posts was down 2% year over year and in line with the same week in 2017. ▲ Van loads were 827,651, up 5.9% compared to the previous week and 3% higher year over year. ▼ Reefer loads were 339,393, down 2.2% week-over-week and 1% higher year over year. ▲ Flatbed loads were 866,967, up 0.3% week-over-week and 7% lower year over year. Truck posts fell by 12%, signaling more carrier exits The total number of trucks on the DAT One network fell by 12.4% to 307,690 for the week ended March 30. That week’s truck posts were 30% lower year over year and down 25% compared to the same week in 2020, according to DAT. The pre-pandemic week 13 average is 340,963 trucks posted. ▼ Van equipment was 206,998, down 13.0% and 31% lower year over year. ▼ Reefer equipment was 61,341, down 11.8% and 30% lower year over year. ▼ Flatbed equipment was 39,351, down 9.5% and 21% lower year over year. Load-to-truck ratios rose for all three equipment types ▲ Vans were 3.9, up from 3.3 the previous week. Four-week average: 3.3. ▲ Reefers were 5.3, up from 5.0 the previous week. Four-week average: 5.0. ▲ Flatbeds were 21.3, up from 19.7 the previous week. Four-week average: 19.1. Spot and contract rates converged last week ▲ The van rate was $1.56 net fuel, up 1 cent week over week and 2 cents higher than four weeks ago. The broker-to-carrier rate was $2.02 (fuel: 46 cents). The contract rate was $1.99 net fuel. ▼ The reefer rate was $1.83 net fuel, down 2 cents and 2 cents lower than four weeks ago. The broker-to-carrier rate was $2.34 (fuel: 51 cents). The contract rate was $2.35 net fuel. ▲ The flatbed rate was $2.01 net fuel, up 4 cents and 9 cents higher than four weeks ago. The broker-to-carrier rate was $2.57 (fuel: 56 cents). The contract rate was $2.56 net fuel.

CVSA’s 2024 inspection blitz to include DACH queries

Cliff Abbott - March 29, 2024

Each year, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) announces the focus areas for its annual International Roadcheck inspection event. This year, one of those focus areas will be checking drivers and vehicles for controlled substances and alcohol. In a first for CVSA, part of that check will be conducting a query in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (DACH) database. The 2024 International Roadcheck will be conducted over a three-day period, Tuesday-Thursday, May 14-16. While it may seem the best way to survive the annual event is to avoid using or possessing prohibited substances during the event, it’s actually the DACH query that will be problematic for some drivers. The DACH was created to better track and enforce the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) drug and alcohol testing regulations. In the “old days,” a driver who tested positive for controlled substances had a few options. Back then, the people involved in the testing process didn’t communicate with state licensing agencies, so CDL suspensions that were supposed to happen often did not. Provisions for treatment and follow-up testing — required before the driver could get behind the wheel again — were often ignored. Drivers who wanted to remain in trucking simply found another job, hopefully with a carrier that was lax in checking with former employers. Owner-operators who were part of a drug and alcohol consortium could simply switch to a new one that had no record of a positive test. The rules were not terribly difficult to circumnavigate. The DACH was created to tighten up enforcement of the rules. Carriers and consortiums are required to report positive results to the DACH and to query the database for every new driver they hire. Drivers are required to give their permission for the DACH to give out their results. Individual states are required to suspend CDLs for drivers who have positive results, at least until they complete a return-to-duty (RTD) process. It became much more difficult to simply find another job and bypass the process. Then, a funny thing happened. Instead of going through the required RTD process, many drivers who tested positive for drugs and alcohol chose to stop driving instead. In the four years since the DACH went live, 226,598 drivers have had at least one drug or alcohol-related violation. Of those drivers, 120,676 (53%) did not even start the RTD process. Others started the process but dropped out before completing it. As of Dec. 31, 2023, a total of 158,330 (70%) of drivers with a positive drug or alcohol test are prohibited from performing safety-sensitive functions. These are the drivers the inspectors for the 2024 CVSA International Roadcheck will be looking for, along with any drivers who are currently under the influence of or in possession of prohibited substances. The CVSA’s guidance for the event specifies that inspectors will be observing drivers for signs of alcohol or controlled substance use and/or impairment and that they will examine the cab and trailer for alcohol or controlled substances. Whether this examination includes a search of sleeper areas or the opening of trailers will likely depend on the jurisdiction in which the inspection is performed (and possibly the cooperation of the driver). The inspection will include a query of the DACH database to determine if the driver is in a prohibited status. If the driver is found to be in a prohibited status, he or she will be placed out of service. Drivers do not need to be registered with the DACH inspectors to look for information in the database. Registering in the database does provide the driver with some advantages, however. One advantage is that drivers can view information in their own files. Another is that the driver will be notified by email of any changes to the file, such as a positive drug screen. Registering in the DACH also gives the driver more access to the information in the database. It’s a good idea for every driver to check their DACH record annually; in the month before an event like the International Roadcheck, it’s even more important. To register, simply go to the DACH website and click on the “register” button. A checklist of what is needed to complete registration can be found here. In many cases, a “limited” query will be sufficient to make sure a driver is not in a prohibited status. Information about negative testing is not entered into the database, so if a driver has no infractions, their DACH file will be empty. If the driver changes employers or joins a new consortium, or if the limited query returns information in the driver’s file, a full query will be conducted to obtain full details. For an employer to conduct a full query, the driver must give consent electronically through the DACH itself; drivers must be registered in order to do so. CVSA information for drivers for the upcoming International Roadcheck specifies some common-sense guidance. They should not possess or be under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances while on duty, and they should not consume alcohol within four hours of coming on duty. Drivers who have had a positive test for alcohol or controlled substances will benefit from making sure they know exactly what is in their file before the inspection. Drivers who have tested positive and have not undergone the RTD process have an opportunity to get the process started before being placed out of service during an inspection. Drivers who would like more information about the 2024 Internation Roadcheck can download a brochure here.

Business ‘cents’: Knowing your cost per mile is vital for owner-ops

Cliff Abbott - March 29, 2024

Do you know the cost-per-mile to operate your truck? If you don’t, then every decision you make about which loads to accept is suspect. In today’s market, not knowing what it costs to operate is nearly a guarantee of failure. One of the largest areas where owners fail to understand their operational costs is fuel. Many drivers rely on information provided in the driver interface in the truck. Most of these can provide information such as miles traveled, average speed, average miles per gallon and other statistics. It’s great if you regularly review the numbers, but many drivers depend on the “current mpg” information shown on the display — without understanding that the number shown may not be close to the long-term average. A fuel log is an important part of tracking not only expense, but also vehicle performance. Whether on paper or in a digital spreadsheet, you should make an entry in your fuel log every time fuel is purchased. The entry should include, at a minimum, the odometer reading, gallons purchased, miles traveled since the last fuel purchase, and the price paid for the fuel. A space for recording engine idle hours is helpful, especially if you idle the engine while sleeping. Another bit of information that can be very helpful is a column for recording conditions. By recording this information, you’ll be able to identify trends for certain conditions that you can factor into your load decisions. For example, let’s say you’re taking a 1,000-mile load from Denver to Chicago. Denver’s elevation of 5,280 feet above sea level is the reason it’s called “the mile-high city.” Chicago’s elevation is a little less than 600 feet. Your trip will include uphill and downhill portions, and you may not even notice the nearly a mile of altitude you’ll descend — but it makes a difference. If the origin and destination were reversed, you’d be climbing that mile. Wind is a huge factor in fuel mileage. Jet airliners often change altitude to take advantage of tailwinds, but that’s not an option for trucks. However, if you keep track of whether you were moving with or against the prevailing winds, you’ll soon see a difference in fuel mileage. That difference can be meaningful when you’re deciding whether to take a load. Whether you use statistics provided by the truck’s system or calculate your own, you should know exactly how many mpg your truck averages, as well as the average fuel price you paid (including discounts). If you idle your engine a lot, keep track of that separately. But there’s a lot more to overall cost per mile than just your truck’s mpg. Another factor in your cost-per-mile calculations is insurance premiums, both for your truck and for you as a driver. If you lease your truck to a carrier, don’t forget to include any deductions taken from your settlements for liability, workers compensation or other forms of insurance. In addition, maintenance is a large part of your annual budget. It’s important to keep track of all expenses for maintenance, whether for recurring services, such as oil changes, or major repairs, like engine or transmission work. If you financed your truck, all payments and fees count, too. Other credit fees might be charges or interest on the use of a fuel card or a credit card you use for business expenses. As an owner-operator or the owner of a small business, your salary, including benefits, is another expense. If you’re assuming that any settlement money left over after you pay the bills is personal cash, you’re setting yourself up for failure. As a business owner, calculate a salary to pay yourself each week. Remember that you are responsible for self-employment tax of 15.3% of your profit. If you own your own truck, you may also be able to claim per diem at the end of the year and you can adjust your pay rate to reflect the savings. Often, personal savings and especially a retirement account are overlooked by those who are self-employed. Those things are a part of your pay, too, as is health insurance, if you do not have it through a spouse or other source. A good accountant or tax preparer can save you much more than the cost of their services. They can also help you avoid legal issues that stem from incorrectly reporting income and taxes. Their fees are business expenses and tax-deductible as well. Other expenses, such as food, clothing, footwear and personal toiletries are costs you may not be able to claim as business expenses, depending on the item and whether you were away from your home when it was purchased. However, they ARE expenses you’ll need to factor in. If you typically purchase three meals per day while on the road, the cost of them should be included in the rate you receive for a load. Finally, accounting for deadhead, bobtail and personal conveyance miles is important, too. When considering whether to accept a load, be sure to factor in how many miles you’ll need to drive to the pickup location. If your trip includes a stop at home, you’ll have expenses for the extra miles you’ll travel to and from your residence. If your delivery is to a region where finding a return load is difficult, you should factor in the miles you’ll need to drive to another area to pick up your next load. At the end of the year, if you have recorded your costs properly, you (or your accountant) will be able to calculate total expenses for the year. That number, divided by your total miles travelled, will give you an average cost per mile (CPM). You may need to adjust this number if, for example, you know you’ll have expenses next year that you didn’t have this year. For example, if you know you’ll need a brake job or a new set of tires in the coming year, you’ll want to add to your CPM to make sure you can cover those costs.

Predicted light at the end of the freight rate tunnel still far away

Cliff Abbott - March 28, 2024

The signs indicating a market upturn are there, according to most trucking industry analysts — but the rates haven’t responded yet. Why? The answer is simple: There are still too many trucks available to haul shipment numbers that remain stubbornly low. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, more than 4,000 carriers left the industry in February 2024. At the same time, more than twice that many registered as new carriers. Adding more trucks to a market that’s already oversaturated isn’t likely to push rates upward; there is still too much supply. On the demand side, things may be looking up. According to Motive, a marketer of AI safety and technology products, trucking visits to warehouses for the top 50 retailers increased by 1.2%. The March Motive Economic Report indicated department stores and electronics saw “significant surges” while home-improvement store visits were up 14.6% from February 2023 levels. “Nearshoring” is a word that is increasingly heard around the trucking industry. The term is used to describe companies that move manufacturing or warehousing facilities to another country that’s closer to the country in which they want to sell their products. For the U.S., Mexico is becoming more popular as companies move their facilities from China and other Asian countries to new plants closer to the U.S. According to Motive, the number of vehicles registered for cross-border shipping grew by 14.3% last year, an indication that carriers are gearing up for more freight coming from Mexico. The impact for trucking may be fewer shipments from Asia going to west coast ports, resulting in fewer truckloads from the west coast and more freight from facilities along the U.S.-Mexico border. The Motive report concludes with a prediction that the second half of 2024 will be “a more carrier-friendly environment.” Poor January weather conditions reduced shipment numbers, so gains made in February mostly reclaimed the ground lost a month earlier. The American Trucking Associations (ATA) reported that its For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index increased 4.3% in February after falling 3.2% in January. “February’s level was the highest in a year, yet the index still contracted from a year earlier, suggesting truck freight remains in a recession,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. The February ATA Index fell 1.4% compared to February 2023. It was the 12th consecutive month that came in lower than the same month a year earlier. The ATA index includes data received from its membership and represents mostly contract freight shipments. Spot rates, on the average, increased by a penny for flatbed freight in February, according to DAT Trendlines published by DAT Freight & Analytics. Average rates for dry van and refrigerated loads, however, fared worse. The inclement weather that reduced shipments in January had a positive effect on rates, rising to an average of $2.15 per mile for dry van and $2.57 per mile for refrigerated. Once the weather improved in February, average spot rates dropped by nine cents for dry van to $2.06, while refrigerated rates dropped 15 cents to an average of $2.42 per mile. The Cass Freight Index for Shipments rose by 2% on a seasonally adjusted basis in February, possibly assisted by the extra day in the month due to it being a leap year. Compared to February 2023, shipments were down 4.5%, an indication that increases haven’t yet made up for recent declines. Tim Denoyer, who authors the Cass report and is vice president and senior analyst at ACT Research, noted the 4.5% decline was the smallest in 10 months. For the entire first quarter of 2024, Denoyer expects the total freight index to rise about 3% from the last quarter of 2023, a positive sign that things are getting better. “With destocking playing out and goods consumption rising, we see this improvement as an encouraging sign that a recovery is beginning,” Denoyer wrote. The Cass Truckload Linehaul Index, comprised of shipment and expenditure numbers from Cass clients, rose a tenth of a percent in February after falling 0.6% in January. Compared to February 2023, the index fell 5.4%. Again, the decline was the smallest of the past year, indicating things are getting better. The index includes both spot and contract freight. Denoyer pointed out that new EPA regulations that go into effect in 2027 will likely harm freight rates in the near term. The reason for this, he says, is that carriers are starting to buy additional equipment now to avoid expected $30,000 price increases that will take effect in 2026. As the mandate gets closer, the pre-buying will accelerate — but for now, it’s difficult to get excess capacity out of the freight market if carriers are increasing the number of trucks they plan on buying. “These capacity additions suggest the long bottom in the freight cycle may lengthen even further,” Denoyer wrote. A Feb. 29, 2024, blog post by ACT Research claimed that rising imports and intermodal trends are key indicators of a recovery in trucking for 2024. “The truckload CEOs we interviewed at ACT’s seminar on Feb. 21 (ACT Market Vitals, February 20-22, Columbus, Indiana) are seeing volumes improve enough to get more selective on freight mix, but this demand is not finding its way into the spot market yet,” Denoyer said. ACT also reported that driver availability improved again in February, likely due to small carrier revocations as owner-operators shut down their businesses and rejoin the driver market. That’s a trend that’s likely to reverse once freight rates begin to increase. The second half of 2024 could see the trucking industry turn the corner. Rising freight rates would be a nice way to help carriers keep up with the inflation that’s raising the cost of everything else.

160 Driving Academy celebrates Women’s History Month

John Worthen - March 27, 2024

CHICAGO — As part of Women’s History Month in March, 160 Driving Academy has announced that 16.5% of its lifetime graduates are female. At the executive level, 57% of senior leadership is female-led, with representation of 28% female employees throughout the entire organization, according to a news release. Madeline Crider, head of schools, stated, “We are proud to be an advocate for advancing the careers of women as both an employer and CDL training provider. The increasing number of women in Trucking is an exciting development that we will continue to champion and celebrate at 160 Driving Academy.”

‘Trucker Josh’ joins Howes Hall of Fame lineup

The Trucker News Staff - March 22, 2024

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Joshua Giesbrecht, better known as “Trucker Josh” to followers of his YouTube channel “My Trucking Life,” is the newest member of the Howes Hall of Fame. Howes officially inducted Giesbrecht into the Hall of Fame on Wednesday, March 20, at the 2024 Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville. During the show, Giesbrecht was a guest at the Howes products booth, where he visited with fellow drivers and shared stories about his career, both as a truck driver and a vlogger. He describes vlogging about day-to-day life as a trucker as a passion project, a journey he began in 2011 with the goal of curbing negative stereotypes about who truck drivers are and how they live. To do this, he decided to share an intimate view of what it’s like to be a professional truck driver, both behind the wheel and in his own home. “Josh takes great pride in boosting the perception of truckers and the industry as a whole, and does it in a very unique, personal way,” said Rob Howes, president of Howes Products. “His faithful following is proof of his success in helping to grow awareness and respect for truckers. We are thrilled to celebrate his achievements with his induction to the Howes Hall of Fame.” Through his popular YouTube channel, Giesbrecht’s tireless commitment to sharing his daily experiences has led to him becoming a prominent figure in the world of trucking and beyond. From sharing tips and advice for fellow truckers to showcasing beautiful scenery from his treks across Canada and the U.S., Giesbrecht has managed to find a way to bridge the gap between drivers and non-drivers alike. He has even inspired some to become truckers themselves. “Trucking is in my blood and had been my livelihood for many years,” Giesbrecht said. “But I wanted to show people what life as a trucker was really like. What’s grown from that undertaking amazes even me. Sharing my time on the road and at home with my family along with all my ups and downs contributed to making my vlogs what they are today. This acknowledgement further proves that offering a transparent view into what I do is actually making a positive impact on how people see truckers. It’s really exciting to be recognized by Howes.” The courageous disclosure of his personal life along with his in-depth and entertaining look into life behind the wheel has captivated audiences world-wide and allows Giesbrecht to spread positivity in and out of the trucking community. Giesbrecht has become a reliable source of information, support and camaraderie for an extremely diverse viewership. His induction into the Hall of Fame serves as a testament to his dedication, perseverance and unwavering spirit. Launched in 2020, the Howes Hall of Fame is an interactive digital platform that recognizes people, places and things that have made significant, lasting contributions to trucking, farming and diesel-related industries. HOWES HALL OF FAME MEMBERS Ellen Voie – Women In Trucking Iowa 80 Truckstop Tony Justice Peterson Farm Brothers Truckers Against Trafficking Billy Stone Eric Harley Angelique Temple Cherry Pie, Kate Whiting

ATA’s Truck Tonnage Index sees February increase

John Worthen - March 19, 2024

WASHINGTON — American Trucking Associations’ advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index increased 4.3% in February after decreasing 3.2% in January. In February, the index equaled 116.0 (2015=100) compared with 111.3 in January. “After a very soft January, due in part to winter storms, truck tonnage snapped back in February,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. “February’s level was the highest in a year, yet the index still contracted from a year earlier, suggesting truck freight remains in a recession.” Compared with February 2023, the index fell 1.4%, which was the 12th straight year-over-year decline, according to a news release. In January, the index was down 4.5% from a year earlier. The not-seasonally adjusted index, which represents the change in tonnage actually hauled by the fleets before any seasonal adjustment, equaled 109.7 in February, the same as in January. ATA’s For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index is dominated by contract freight as opposed to spot market freight. In calculating the index, 100 represents 2015. Trucking serves as a barometer of the U.S. economy, representing 72.6% of tonnage carried by all modes of domestic freight transportation, including manufactured and retail goods. Trucks hauled 11.46 billion tons of freight in 2022. Motor carriers collected $940.8 billion, or 80.7% of total revenue earned by all transport modes, the news release notes. ATA calculates the tonnage index based on surveys from its membership and has been doing so since the 1970s. This is a preliminary figure and subject to change in the final report issued around the 5th day of each month. The report includes month-to-month and year-over-year results, relevant economic comparisons, and key financial indicators.

Maverick Transportation honors 2 long-time truck drivers

John Worthen - March 15, 2024

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Maverick Transportation has announced their 2023 Drivers of the Year. Sam Landrum was named the 2023 Over-the-Road (OTR) Driver of the Year and Thomas Sholar the Dedicated Driver of the Year. “This honor is awarded each year to Maverick drivers who not only demonstrate a strong dedication to safety but also exemplify exceptional integrity and professionalism in every facet of their responsibilities,” according to a news release. Landrum and Sholar will also serve as ambassadors for all professional Maverick drivers going forward, company officials said. “I’m incredibly impressed and encouraged by Sam Landrum after hearing his comments immediately after being announced as our OTR driver of the year,” John Coppens, Maverick’s vice president of Operations, said. “After more than 30 years with Maverick, his four Driver of the Month nominations, a 2023 Lytx Driver of the Year award and 3 million safe miles, he still has a fresh perspective on his career and Maverick. As much as anyone in the company, he knows how far we’ve come and how far we can go if we continue to work together and strive to make the driving job better. Sam is a great addition to the driver of the year group, and I look forward to working with him as part of our ongoing advisory councils.” Landrum, a 31-year Maverick veteran, said he feels honored to have received this award. “I had so many people come up to me and tell me how much they appreciated me last week and it meant so much,” he said. “The fact that people thought that much of me, you know? I would tell these up-and-coming drivers to continue with this career. Everything won’t always go your way but take the bad with the good and it’s always worth it in the end.” As for Sholar, he said he’s just proud and honored that his company thinks so much of him. “To all the younger drivers, don’t take any shortcuts,” Sholar said. “Do everything right and complete. When you love what you do, it shows.” Maverick’s Vice President of Dedicated Operations Justin Brown said of Sholar: “Congratulations to Thomas on this well-earned honor. He has been instrumental with feedback over the years for all areas of the company and is a trusted voice for the Dedicated Services Team.” Maverick’s Dedicated Operations Manager Chris Coombs said he is proud of Sholar. “He has a 20-year career with Maverick and has racked up multiple awards, including the TCA Driver of the year award in 2022, is a 3-time Dedicated Driver of the Month, a 2019 Trainer Finalist and a 19-year safety award to highlight just a few,” Coombs said. “Beyond all of this, Thomas just cares so much. He cares about his work, his safety record and about his fellow drivers on the road. Congratulations, Thomas!” Founded in 1980, based in North Little Rock, Arkansas, and operating over 1,600 units, Maverick provides OTR and Dedicated services to the flatbed, glass and specialized transportation markets throughout North America.

PepsiCo honors women in front-line worker roles with big rig ad campaigns

John Worthen - March 15, 2024

PURCHASE, N.Y. — Two Tennessee women who are part of the nation’s supply chain have been honored by PepsiCo and are now part of an advertising campaign involving semi-trucks. PepsiCo Beverage North America (PBNA) employees Ruthanne Sir of Nashville and Kathy Marks of Knoxville, Tennessee, are among the two dozen honorees across the country being recognized in this year’s “She is PepsiCo” campaign for their excellence in front-line roles, such as truck drivers, mechanics, merchandisers and warehouse loaders, among others, according to a news release. “Representation is a powerful force for future generations of women entering the workforce,” said Heather Hoytink, president of PBNA’s South Division. “Through She is PepsiCo, we are celebrating the women on our front lines, like Ruthanne and Kathy, who are changing the face of our company and our industry. As these trucks travel across Tennessee, we hope to empower the next generation with the knowledge that their career options are unlimited, even in front-line roles.” A 2023 Gartner survey showed that women made up 41% of the total supply chain workforce, up from 39% in 2022. However, the same survey also found that when you look specifically at front-line representation in the supply chain workforce, women filled just 31% of these roles. “PepsiCo recognizes the importance of women seeing the opportunities available to them,” according to the news release. “Beginning today, Tennesseans can be on the lookout for PepsiCo semi-trucks wrapped with Sir and Marks’ smiling faces rolling through their communities and bringing PepsiCo-favorite products to store shelves.” As part of the campaign, the company hosted special truck unveiling events where each honoree will see their name and photo on a PepsiCo truck for the first time alongside their colleagues and local leaders. At the company’s downtown Nashville facility on Thursday, March 14, PBNA CEO Ram Krishnan and Hoytink joined Sir and dozens of her colleagues, friends and family for a celebration to recognize her for her achievements as part of the company’s Nashville sales team. “I am overwhelmed to receive this honor,” said Sir, a 63, who joined the company three years ago. “I hope that seeing my face on this truck will inspire other women in Tennessee to believe in themselves and the power of hard work.” Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell praised women and the contributions they make to America’s economy. “The impact of women in our community every day is immeasurable, and I appreciate PepsiCo for highlighting Nashvillian Ruthanne Sir and other women in front-line roles as part of their She is PepsiCo campaign,” O’Connell said. “The representation of women in front-line roles is essential. It enriches our community and supports a future where all women have the opportunities they deserve to lead and succeed.”. On Wednesday, March 13, a similar event and truck unveiling was held at the Knoxville PepsiCo facility to celebrate Marks, 60, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran and forklift operator. The 18 year-company veteran was joined by enthusiastic co-workers, friends and family on hand for this special recognition. A cancer survivor, said she hopes to encourage other women to pursue similar careers at the company. “Congratulations to Kathy Marks, an Air Force veteran, 18-year PepsiCo employee, and proud forklift operator,” said Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon. “I’m so glad that the She is PepsiCo campaign is focusing on and celebrating the hard work, grit, and get-‘er-done spirit of the company’s front-line women. A lot of East Tennesseans in the coming weeks will be seeing a photo of Kathy, all smiles and hard at work, thanks to the wraps on the delivery trucks.” Marks, 60, summed the events up by saying, simply: “Never give up. If a wall is in front of you, go over it, under it, around it, or knock it down. Your efforts and relentlessness will get you where you want to go.”

Motive reports mixed signals in February’s US freight market

John Worthen - March 15, 2024

NASHVILLE — The March edition of the Motive Monthly Economic Report shows that February brought mixed signals for the U.S. freight market as both new carrier registrations and exists increased. According to a news release, Motive’s Big Box Retail Index saw another 1.2% increase, with grocery, superstore, non-durables and home improvement retailers seeing the biggest gains. “We anticipate these trends will maintain in 2024, with home improvement, in particular, outperforming compared to last year,” the news release states. Mexican carriers importing U.S. goods see significant growth as nearshoring continues to ramp up, the report notes. Motive predicts that sustained consumer demand and improved spot rates will create a more carrier-friendly environment starting in Q3 2024. New carrier entries point to shifts in the trucking market; be ready to take advantage of it. “The entrance of new carriers (both from within the US and abroad) into the trucking market in 2024 reveals a vastly changed landscape compared to 2019,” according to Motive. “Influenced by the global pandemic, the US economy has experienced fluctuations in demand as well as periods of growth, decline, and gradual recovery. New routes for importing goods into the US are emerging. Predicting future market dynamics can be challenging, but these shifts provide an opportunity for established carriers to navigate the recovering market. They can capitalize on promising trends such as the potential for increases in rates and demand, as well as prepare for challenges like rising operational costs.” Motive reports that the U.S. trucking industry saw a departure of more than 4,000 carriers in February, a 10.3% increase from the previous month. “This is likely due to spot market prices remaining at unprecedented lows, which exacerbated business closures,” according to the report. “Conversely, the month also saw a 9% increase in new carrier registrations, totaling 8,675, despite being 11% lower than the same period last year. This growth, building on January’s positive trend, suggests a cautious optimism among new entrants. Analysts anticipate rate improvements throughout the year, which seems to be encouraging the steady rise in new carrier registrations.” Top 50 retailer warehouses saw a 1.2% increase in trucking visits in February as retail demand across e-commerce and major brick-and-mortar stores tracked 2023 levels. “While this week brought news of rising consumer prices, generally positive consumer sentiment appears to be driving sustained demand for big box retailers,” the report notes. “Motive’s Big Box Retail Index saw visits to warehouses for the top 50 retailers increase 1.2% in February as demand across e-commerce and major brick-and-mortar stores tracked 2023 levels. Sectors seeing significant surges included department stores, apparel and electronics (15.6% year-over-year), home improvement stores (14.6% year-over-year) and grocery and superstores (12.1% year-over-year).” In contrast, discount retailers and wholesalers saw a steeper decrease compared to January (4.5% year-over-year). “We anticipate these trends will maintain in 2024, with home improvement outperforming last year,” the report states. Meanwhile, diesel prices reversed their recent decline, rising 3.1% month over month. In addition to international factors, recent weather-related disruptions and outages seem to have contributed to domestic production slowing and prices increasing. Motive CEO Shoaib Makani recently noted that the trend of moving production away from Asia has gained momentum, with a focus on both offshoring and onshoring strategies. Mexican carriers importing U.S. goods have been some of the biggest beneficiaries of this, as the number of vehicles registered for cross-border shipping grew by 14.3% and the average fleet size grew by 11.3% in 2023. The market’s overall growth was 2.3%, compared to a US trucking market that saw a 6.6% contraction. As consumer demand recovers in 2024 and more carriers and retailers invest resources in and around Mexico, this trend shows no signs of slowing down. Companies will continue to look to production and logistics in Mexico as a hedge against challenges to intercontinental shipping (such as ongoing international tensions). Motive’s prediction: Consumer demand and improvement in rates will create a more carrier-friendly market in 2024. “Motive predicts that by the second half of 2024, we will be in a more carrier-friendly environment,” the news release concluded. “February data supported last month’s prediction that 2024 carrier registrations would outpace pre-pandemic levels by 10-20%. Meanwhile, sustained consumer demand, normalized restocking patterns, and potential improvement in spot rates show further positive signals for the trucking market. We anticipate rates will have moved upward and consumer demand will keep its current pace in the second half of 2024, leading to fewer carrier exits in addition to the previously mentioned gains in net-new registrations.”

Yoga on the go: These 6 simple stretches are designed for long-haul truckers

Hope Zvara - March 14, 2024

Long-haul journeys can be taxing on the body, especially for truck drivers who regularly spend weeks — or even months — on the road. Drivers spend long hours sitting behind the wheel with little to no physical activity. On top of that, many fall into the trap of grabbing convenient but often unhealthy fast-food options for meals and snacks on the go. It’s no wonder that, as a whole, truck drivers struggle with higher rates of obesity compared to the national average! YOGA TO THE RESCUE There’s a surprisingly simple solution that can be a game-changer for your health: Yoga. Here’s a simple, concise guide to six yoga poses tailored for the nomadic lifestyle of truckers — and you don’t need special equipment or a spacious gym! Downward-Facing Dog next to the truck (photo above) This classic yoga pose supports stress relief. Stand facing your truck, place your hands on the side of your vehicle and step back. Then, “hinge” your body at the hips to form an inverted V shape. Allow your head to hang freely. Relax into the pose, breathing deeply to maximize its effect. Seated Spinal Twist Performed while seated, this twist is accomplished with minimal fuss. Sit up straight and rotate your torso, passing your elbow behind the seat to the opposite side. Place your other hand on your knee for leverage; then take several mindful breaths while holding this twisted posture. Catcher’s Squat (Malasana variation) Increase your flexibility rapidly with the Catcher’s Stretch Squat. Stand with your feet slightly wider than hip-distance apart; then squat, joining your palms at the heart center. Rock gently to enhance the stretch and engage the muscles more deeply. Reclined Figure-Four Stretch Before hitting the road, give your hips and lower back a little love with the Reclined Figure Four. Here’s how: Lie down, bend your knees and cross one ankle over the opposite knee, pushing the crossed knee away. You can intensify the stretch by holding your lower hamstring and pulling your legs gently toward your torso. To adapt this pose for an upright seated position, simply sit and place one ankle on the opposite knee; then lean forward and feel the stretch in your thigh and hips. Truck Step Calf Stretch Did you know your truck step can double as a makeshift yoga prop? Let’s address those tight calves, a result of spending hours pressing down on the gas pedal. The Truck Step Calf Stretch will help you loosen up — and it might just become your new roadside ritual. Stand on the edge of that sturdy truck step facing the truck, with your heels hanging free. Slowly, let your body weight draw your heels down until you feel a gentle stretch in the calves. Hold onto the vehicle for balance, and take a few deep breaths. You’ll feel the tension melting away from your overworked leg muscles. Easy-peasy, right? Sleeper Cobra Pose (not shown) Now, let’s move on to a pose that’s perfect for doing in a sleeper cab. It’s the Cobra Pose, a fantastic backbend that can help relieve spinal discomfort. You don’t need tons of space, just enough to lie down comfortably. Start by lying face-down on your sleeper berth with your hands beside your shoulders and palms down. Pressing in to your hands, lift your chest and upper body off the mattress. Draw your shoulders down and back, opening up the chest. Remember, you are the one who decides how high to go. Be mindful not to overextend — this is about feeling rejuvenated, not strained. Take your time with the pose, holding it for a few breaths (or longer, if it feels good). You’ll feel your spine stretching and loosening up after hours, hunched over that wheel. TAKEAWAYS FOR THE ROAD AHEAD Don’t let the rigors of the road compromise your health. These yoga poses are designed to fit into the driver’s lifestyle, offering a practical and refreshing break from the sedentary nature of truck driving. Use this guide to steer towards better health and wellness on your travels. Photos courtesy of Hope Zvara

Semi-Stow opens new truck parking yard in Ohio

John Worthen - March 14, 2024

AUSTIN, Texas — Truck parking company Semi-Stow has opened a 12.5-acre semi parking facility in Columbus Ohio. According to a news release, the truck yard marks Semi-Stow’s first location in the Columbus metropolitan area and its second Midwest yard opening in 2024 — it’s also part of a $500 million effort to expand the company’s network of industrial outdoor storage sites. Reservations can be booked online at semi-stow.com/columbus. “The yard provides trucking companies and private fleets with a strategically positioned base for regional and intermodal freight movement,” the news release states. “The location provides convenient access to Rickenbacker International Airport and major freight corridors including Interstate 70, Interstate 71, U.S. Route 33 and the Ohio State Route 104 bypass. It also serves as a vital link in the national supply chain, with 50% of the U.S. population living within a 500-mile radius of Columbus.” The yard opens with more than 375 spaces for tractor-trailers and other heavy-duty vehicles. Daily, monthly and long-term reservations are available to owner-operators and fleets of all sizes, and larger fleets can also reserve space by the acre. The yard features a combination of crushed concrete and asphalt surface along with dolly pads for trailer stabilization. Secure fencing with barbed wire, AI-powered gates, 4k cameras and stadium lighting help ensure the safety of drivers and the security of assets and cargo. “Columbus is a cornerstone of U.S. logistics, and now a hub in Semi-Stow’s growing national network,” said Trent Cameron, CEO of Semi-Stow. “For enterprise and mid-sized fleets, the site connects freight arteries running east-west and north-south, making it a strategic location for trailer staging and drop-and-hook relays. And for trucking companies of all sizes, the yard makes it possible to expand into the region without the need for major capital investments.”

Decker Truck Line upgrades to EpicVue+ to improve driver experience

John Worthen - March 12, 2024

SALT LAKE CITY — EpicVue, providers of in-cab entertainment and communication systems packaged exclusively for the trucking industry, have announced that Decker Truck Line is upgrading to EpicVue+. The trucking company will be implementing the entertainment, engagement and educational platform across its fleet of 800 tractors, according to a news release. “We’ve had great success over the past five years with EpicVue in-cab TV as a recruiting, retention and driver comfort tool and now we’re looking forward to using EpicVue+ to enable an even better relationship with our drivers,” said Dale Decker, chief executive officer at Decker Truck Line. “Interpersonal communication with drivers, who make up the majority of our workforce, is difficult in this industry. We are excited to see what we can do to improve our engagement with drivers by using EpicVue+.” Decker Truck Line is also anticipating savings by using the EpicVue+ platform to exchange information in place of data plans on tablets. The company will eliminate the cost of those plans by using EpicVue+ on the Verizon network as a single system for operational data and communication, and to give drivers access to in-cab Wi Fi. “We’ve been discussing the capabilities that EpicVue+ now offers with EpicVue for a number of years,” Decker said. “We’re glad they’ve implemented their roadmap for the future and done the work to make this technology available, and we’re excited to see what we can now do to work more closely with our drivers.” Family-owned-and-operated since 1931, Decker Truck Line offers temperature controlled, dry van and flatbed freight services nationwide. Headquartered in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the company operates a fleet of 800 tractors and nearly 1,400 trailers from six terminals in Alabama, Indiana, Iowa and Montana. EpicVue+ provides a comprehensive entertainment, engagement and educational platform for commercial truck fleets with the ability to: Entertain — Allow drivers to watch or record TV in their trucks with more than 100 channels of live programming, premium services, and a library of on-demand content. Educate — Provide drivers with dedicated training and education to implement best practices and reinforce compliance by managing content distribution or enabling access to online training. Engage — Use a custom home screen branded for each carrier along with a dedicated fleet channel to distribute company announcements and fleet news, promote incentives to reward drivers for performance, and acknowledge standout employees. “EpicVue+ will allow Decker Truck Line to stay connected with their drivers and provide the comforts of connectivity and entertainment,” said Lance Platt, CEO of EpicVue. “We’ve been planning this revolutionary platform for truck fleets for some time and with the input of long-time customers like Decker we are making it a reality. We look forward to their success using EpicVue+ to have a stronger connection to their drivers and improve job satisfaction through entertainment, education, and engagement.”

On target: Army veteran Brandon Meredith thrives in new career as truck driver

Dwain Hebda - March 12, 2024

When Brandon Meredith retired from the U.S. Army, it marked the end of a 20-year journey that had taken him to the Middle East, Africa and the far East. For 13 of those 20 years, he served in the Special Operations Forces. During his time in the Army, he saw deployment to a combat zone, where he earned a medal for valor. Long before he enlisted in the military, however, Meredith discovered a love of trucking. Since childhood, he’d dreamed of being a truck driver, like his father and grandfather before him. Meredith says he never lost sight of that target, despite his 20-year “detour” through the military. After leaving the Army March 31, 2023, he immediately set his sights on earning a commercial driver’s license (CDL), enrolling in the driver training program at Fayetteville Technical Community College in North Carolina. “I wanted something where I could just kind of decompress — for lack of a better term — and not be surrounded by a lot of people all at once,” he said. “(Choosing) trucking was kind of a no-brainer to me. I’m going to go out here and I’m going to do this job. I’m going to be 90% autonomous. I don’t have to be around a ton of people all day every day.” After earning his CDL, Meredith landed a job as a driver for St. Louis-based Slay Transportation. “I think I got really lucky with the position I got with Slay in the tanker field,” he said. “My research alone told me it’s not easy to get a fuel or a tanker job right off the bat as a rookie.” Less than a year later, Meredith was honored as the winner of the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence award. Each year, the award, presented through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Hiring Our Heroes program, recognizes America’s top rookie military veteran driver who has made a successful transition from military service to driving for a commercial fleet. To be considered for the award, veterans must complete a rigorous nomination, selection committee and public voting process. The winner receives a brand-new Kenworth T680 Signature Edition truck, among other prizes. “Somewhere around the end of June, my boss called me into her office. I thought maybe I did something wrong, since that wasn’t a normal thing,” Meredith told The Trucker. “She told me that my CDL school director nominated me for a national award. I’m like, ‘That’s awesome, that’s cool.’ Then I kind of changed the subject,” he said. “She was like, ‘Hold on. Do you know what the first prize is? It’s a brand-new Kenworth!’ I was like, ‘Let’s talk about that a little bit more.’ I had never even heard of the program — never even heard of that award.” In September, Meredith discovered he’d made the final cut, becoming one of five finalists. In December, he was named the winner for 2023. He received the award — and the new Kenworth truck — during a ceremony held at the American Trucking Associations headquarters in Washington, D.C. His wife Dani and daughters Kylie, 15, and Kamryn, 12, were at his side. He says he’s been floating on air ever since, and says he could not have asked for a better year. “Veterans are a special breed of human beings. I’ve made some lifelong friends throughout this award,” he said. “I’m a third-generation truck driver now.” Just 10 days before Meredith’s 19th birthday, he says, his father was killed on the job. “While that was a hard time in my life, this profession is something I’ve always wanted to pursue,” he said. His stint in the Army helped prepare him for his future in trucking. “I got behind the wheel of a lot of different vehicles in the military, a lot of them large — not so much comparable to a Class 8 tractor, but somewhat in comparison when it comes to a two-and-a-half ton LMTV (Light Medium Tactical Vehicle) and stuff like that,” he said. Today, Meredith enjoys the variety he’s discovered through life behind the wheel. “I see a little bit of everything. I’m not going to the same place every day. I’m a little bit more active with the hoses and connections and unloading and loading,” he said, adding that his job is definitely NOT like the movie “Groundhog Day,” in which the hapless hero finds himself trapped in a repetitive loop. “(At Slay), we haul a lot of resin-type material, liquid resin for manufacturers of wood products — flooring, fiberglass, things of that nature,” he said. “Being a tanker, (the truck is) moving around and banging you around pretty good. Once I got the hang of (hauling a tanker), I fell in love with it. I wouldn’t take my choices back.” Meredith’s new Kenworth, which boasts a 76-inch sleeper, a 455-horsepower Paccar MX-13 engine and a Paccar TX-12 automated transmission, wasn’t the only prize he brought home. He was also awarded a full-tuition scholarship to National University, which he plans to use to finish his degree. Because his tuition is now covered by the award, he says he will now transfer his GI Bill education benefits to his daughters. In addition, he says, he hopes the publicity he receives because of the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence award will inspire other military personnel who are making the transition to civilian life, whether in trucking or in some other profession. “(That process) confuses them quite a bit; they see advertisements or things about career transition, and they probably don’t really do their research,” he said. “They’re probably just following what somebody else has done, whether they go to IT school or something like that.” Meredith wants others to realize that their military careers provide a solid foundation for a variety of civilian jobs. “There are a lot of opportunities for veterans, a lot more than there used to be,” he said. “If you can think ahead and plan your departure from the military, your transition, there are a lot of opportunities out there for you that aren’t as publicized, and the options are growing every day as far as what you can do. “I have a lot of friends that are getting ready to retire (from the military) and they’re always saying, ‘I don’t know what I want to do,’” he continued. “I tell them, ‘You know what my wife told me? You put in all this time in the military; now it’s time for you to do what you want to do.’ “There are a lot of opportunities out there. You’ve got a retirement check coming, and you’re already taking care of your family. So just do what you think you will enjoy doing — and you can’t go wrong.” Meredith says he realizes his whirlwind of a first year in the private sector isn’t typical — but he’s enjoying the ride nonetheless. “I joke with some of my friends about it. When I first started working — once I was trained and on my own — during my first three months alone I had two Driver of the Month awards,” he said with a laugh. “I’m like, ‘Hey guys, the civilian world’s really easy. You’ve just got to show up and do your job and they love you!’ Seriously, though, it’s been pretty wild.” All joking aside, however, Meredith is determined to continue along the road to success.

Truckstop: Spot rates change little for the second straight week

John Worthen - March 12, 2024

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. –The total broker-posted spot rate in the Truckstop system barely moved during the week ended March 8 (week 10) after declining less than a penny during the previous week. Dry van sport rates resumed their downward trend after a small uptick in the prior week while refrigerated spot rates increased for the first time since the weather-induced spike in mid-January, according to a news release. Flatbed rates rose by just enough to reverse the small decrease that had occurred the week before. Load postings increased slightly. Total loads Total load activity increased 1.6% after rising more than 7% during the prior week. Total volume was less than 2% below the same 2023 week and more than 34% below the five-year average. Truck postings fell 7.7% for only the second decrease of the year and the largest since the final week of 2023. The total Market Demand Index – the ratio of loads to trucks — was the highest in seven weeks. Flatbed has consistently led other equipment types in MDI recently, rising to the highest level since July 2022 in the latest week. Total rates The total broker-posted rate ticked up two-tenths of a cent after slipping seven-tenths of a cent in the previous week. Rates were more than 5% below the same 2023 week and about 6% below the five-year average for the week. Aside from the weather-related distortions in weeks 3 and 4, total spot rates have not varied by more than 6 cents during 2024. Dry van rates Dry van spot rates decreased nearly 3 cents after ticking up a half cent during the previous week. Rates, which have declined in eight of the past 10 weeks, were more than 7% below the same week last year and almost 15% below the five-year average for the week. Dry van rates are the lowest since the week before last May’s International Roadcheck inspection event and are less than 5 cents higher than they were in June 2020. Dry van loads eased 0.6%. Volume was 3.5% below the same week last year and more than 36% below the five-year average for the week. Refrigerated rates Refrigerated spot rates increased 2.5 cents after declining for six straight weeks. Rates were nearly 6% below the same 2023 week and about 12% below the five-year average for the week. Aside from the previous week, refrigerated rates are the lowest since April 2023 and are less than 7 cents higher than they were in June 2020. Refrigerated loads rose 3.9%. Volume was more than 7% below the same 2023 week and nearly 42% below the five-year average for the week. Flatbed rates Flatbed spot rates edged up half a cent after easing by the same amount in the previous week. Rates were about 5% below the same week last year and more than 4% below the five-year average for the week. Although broker-posted flatbed spot rates were almost exactly where they were two weeks earlier, they technically were the highest since July of last year. Flatbed loads rose 3%. Volume is basically the same as it was during the same week last year but was more than 35% below the five-year average for the week.

Congress strengthens truck driver apprenticeship program

John Worthen - March 11, 2024

WASHINGTON — Leaders of the DRIVE Safe Coalition are applauding House and Senate passage of the fiscal year 2024 transportation funding bill, which included a provision championed by coalition co-chairs American Trucking Associations (ATA) and International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) to help get the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program back on track. “Building a 21st century supply chain requires a strong, vibrant and growing trucking workforce,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “The Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program was intended to bolster new career pathways into interstate trucking while promoting safety and training standards that far exceed the bar set by states today. Unfortunately, burdensome and unnecessary requirements imposed by FMCSA sharply limited enrollment. By directing FMCSA to steer the program back to the course Congress originally intended, the appropriations provision ATA secured will provide a path for young drivers to safely enter the workforce and help ensure our industry has the talent it needs to meet the economy’s freight demands in the years to come.” In 49 states plus the District of Columbia, individuals between the ages of 18 and 20 are permitted to obtain a CDL and drive heavy-duty commercial vehicles in intrastate commerce, but federal rules have long prohibited those same drivers from driving in interstate commerce. “Attracting and retaining the next generation of talent is one of the foodservice distribution industry’s top priorities,” said Mark S. Allen, President and CEO of the IFDA. “We thank House and Senate appropriators for their bipartisan work to restore the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot program to its original intent and increase opportunities for qualified younger drivers to receive rigorous training and safely enter the foodservice distribution workforce.” The bipartisan infrastructure law enacted in 2021 included a nationwide pilot program to create a pathway for these younger drivers to operate in interstate commerce with rigorous safety and training guardrails. The apprenticeship program was capped at 3,000 participating drivers at any one time; however, to date, three dozen have enrolled. “This lack of participation is partly due to extraneous program requirements that go beyond those prescribed in statute,” an ATA news release noted. “The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration required participating motor carriers to register their apprenticeship programs with the U.S. Department of Labor and equip their trucks with inward-facing cameras. In an effort to bolster participation, the appropriations provision championed by ATA and IFDA — and supported by a broad coalition of stakeholders — takes necessary corrective action to improve the pilot program in line with Congressional intent.”

Company dry van haulers saw best weekly salaries in ’23, Fleet Intel reports

Erica N. Guy - March 11, 2024

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Company truck drivers who hauled dry van trailers made the most money per week on average in 2023, according to Fleet Intel’s Benchmarking Brief Report, which highlights the popular trends in truck driving and diesel technician pay. In Q1, dry van haulers made $2,198 per week on average. In Q2 and Q3, those drivers earned $1,818 and $1838 on average, respectively. By Q4, dry van haulers were making slightly less than the previous three quarters at $1,815 per week on average. Company tanker haulers came in second place for average weekly pay, according to Fleet Intel. In Q1, those drivers saw an average weekly pay of $1,532, followed by $1,778 in Q2 and $1,781 in Q3. By Q4, those earnings were at $1,745 on average. Company drivers who hauled refrigerated trailers earned significantly less on average than all other hauler types in Q1 at $1,411 weekly. In Q2 and Q3, reefer haulers’ earnings rose to $1,696 per week on average, and in Q4, those earnings rose again slightly to $1,699 per week on average. Finally, company flatbed drivers earned $1,493 per week on average in Q1. By Q2, those drivers were earning $1,636, followed by $1,644 in Q3 and $1,641 in Q4. The Q4 benchmarking brief shows a reduction in the average pay for most trailer types. According to the Vice President of Fleet Intel, Steve Sichterman, a reason for the reduction is demand-driven, due to a lack of a real holiday peak, which led to the decline. “Q4 continued the downward trend for pay,” Sichterman said. “The significant observation here is that new hire driver pay is decreasing across most channels as freight has remained a challenge. It’s important to note that this pertains to pay for new hires and not current drivers.” It was also revealed during the fourth quarter, the national average weekly pay for both CNG and diesel technicians was a little over $35 per hour. Fleet Intel also mention the importance of understanding that the average pay by market varies greatly each quarter. Factors such as demand for skilled technicians, economic conditions and industry trends contribute to this fluctuation. “Comparing driver pay information with that of other carriers in target freight markets can play a vital role in winning new business for carriers,” Sichterman noted. “We aim to deliver up-to-the-minute data to assist recruiting, sales, and operations teams in comprehending driver pay dynamics within their operational markets.” Click here to access Fleet Intel’s Q4 2023 Benchmarking Brief. The Trucker’s John Worthen contributed to this report.

Physical safety of drivers becoming key focus in industry

John Worthen - March 11, 2024

WASHINGTON — When the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced in February that it’s planning to study the prevalence and severity of sexual assault and sexual harassment experienced across the commercial motor vehicle industry, it set many to thinking about the issue. On March 8, TravelCenters of America (TA) issued its own plan to help drivers, especially female drives, feel safer while at the truck stop. TA dovetailed the announcement with International Women’s Day, which was also on March 8. “Recognizing that women make up approximately 12% of professional drivers, according to the Women in Trucking Association, and 43% of TA’s workforce, TravelCenters of America is honoring International Women’s Day by announcing initiatives aimed at elevating site safety for our guests and team members,” a news release stated. This year’s International Women’s Day campaign theme is “Inspire Inclusion,” and TA’s new initiatives focus on understanding and valuing women’s experiences and viewpoints — all in an effort to create positive industry change. TA has launched a Women’s Safety Advisory Group, which brings together professional drivers and members of the trucking industry, to discuss topics regarding even safer TA, Petro or TA Express travel centers and services. While the advisory group specifically focuses on female perspectives, any feedback and information received will be used to create safer sites for all guests and team members, regardless of gender, the news release noted. TA also shared that in late spring, Retail Operations Support Vice President Debbie Shelton will embark on an over-the-road trip alongside Violet Helferich from ACE Doran Hauling & Rigging Co., a division of the Bennett Family of Companies. The journey will span a week, taking Shelton and Helferich from Oklahoma City to Brandon, South Dakota, to load freight, and then onward to a wind farm in the southern U.S. Shelton said she aims to gain firsthand insights into the daily challenges and experiences of female professional drivers. “Our sites serve as a home away from home for the millions of professional drivers in our nation and we are committed to ensuring they feel as safe and secure while visiting us as they do in their own home,” said Debi Boffa, CEO of TA. “Safety is our top priority, and we look forward to learning how we can foster an even safer environment for all travelers and our team members, regardless of gender.” TA plans to provide regular updates on progress related to the Women’s Safety Advisory Group and other site safety initiatives.

Four drivers honored by Goodyear’s Highway Hero program

Erica N. Guy - March 8, 2024

AKRON, Ohio — The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. has named two grand-prize winners and two runners-up as 2023 Highway Heroes, marking the program’s 40th anniversary. Since 1983, Goodyear has used the Highway Hero program to recognize commercial drivers who go above and beyond their job descriptions to keep highways safer in the U.S. and Canada. “In 2023, we asked for nominations of commercial drivers who went above and beyond to help others on the road,” said Rich Cottrell, senior director of commercial marketing at Goodyear. “The stories submitted this year reinforced the important job that commercial drivers play in our everyday lives and illustrate in heroic ways the powerful impact professional drivers can have on the roads, individual lives and communities when they help others.” The grand prize winners for the 2023 Goodyear Highway Hero program are Timothy VanNostrand and Elijah Ramos. VanNostrand is the owner-operator of a logging transport company based in Northville, New York. In June of last year, he witnessed a shootout between New York State Troopers and an assailant. With quick thinking and without hesitation, VanNostrand used his logging truck to block the assailant’s way as he tried to escape. By doing this, VanNostrand was able to keep the situation contained, protecting other motorists and pedestrians as the assailant fled into the nearby woods with the state troopers pursuing him. “I’m just grateful to have been in the right place at the right time and place to prevent the situation from being much, much worse, as my seemingly normal Friday route turned into something that you only see on television,” said VanNostrand, who is a member of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA). Elijah Ramos, who drives for Ryder System Inc., has a regular route in Victorville, California, located in the desert north of the San Bernadino Mountains. In September, he was traveling through a remote desert area when he saw the driver of an SUV lose control of the vehicle and crash into a field. Springing into action, Ramos assessed the situation and the area, and quickly alerted his dispatcher. Once he ensured a swift response to the accident, Ramos stayed with the injured SUV driver until help arrived. He then returned to work and continued his route. “Since it was such a remote area, it could have been a long time until help arrived,” Ramos said. “I was glad to be there when it happened and to call for help quickly.” A panel of independent industry judges also selected two runners-up — Joshua Day and Russel Peasley. Day, who is from Potsdam, Ohio, and drives for ABF Freight, was quick to act when he saw a motorist’s truck and camper spin out of control, flip and land on the side of a busy road. Day swiftly pulled over, assisted the injured driver and ensured their safety by moving them away from a hazardous propane leak until first responders arrived. Peasley a Brakebush Transportation driver from Necedah, Wisconsin, witnessed a car veer off a busy interstate, flip and land in a field. He sprang into action, joining other drivers to lift the car and rescue the trapped driver. After freeing the driver, Peasley stayed by her side, providing comfort until emergency medical services arrived. To learn more about the Highway Hero Award, view exclusive content and read up about former winners, click here.