Trucking Life Archives

Leonard’s Express wins TCA Fleet Safety Award for 50, 100 million-mile fleets

The Trucker News Staff - January 16, 2023

FARMINGTON, N.Y. — Leonard’s Express has won the 47th Annual Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) Fleet Safety Award for fleets that travel between 50 and 100 million miles. The between 50- and 100-miles category is the second largest category in the competition based on mileage. TCA hosts its Fleet Safety Award competition designed to recognize 18 fleets for their commitment to safety. The annual competition is broken down into six mileage-based divisions with a first, second and third prizes awarded in each division. The winners are selected based on the carrier’s accident-to-mileage ratio, a metric used to show how many on-road accidents a fleet has in a calendar year. “These annual awards identify truckload carriers that have demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to safety through presenting the lowest accident frequency ratios per million miles in each division,” explained TCA in a December 2022 statement. “Across the company, we work tirelessly to build a ‘safety first’ culture,” said Ken Johnson, CEO of Leonard’s Express. “Through training and the use of technology, we emphasize that safety is always our number one priority. Driving safely is not a task that can be given as a directive. Everyone has to believe it’s the right thing to do, even if it’s not the easy thing to do.” TCA analyzed each fleet’s safety data, including an audit and verification of mileage-to-accident ratios. An independent auditor validated the information. The process requires each applicant to record and track their fleet’s safety over the course of a year. “Our Risk Control team conducts multiple, quarterly safety meetings at each of our in addition to sending out weekly safety messages, which include the previous week’s hours of service violations and incidents,” said Katie Griffin, director of fleet safety for Leonard’s Express. “Leonard’s is a family, and we truly care about each other and want what is best for everyone. Our goal is to make sure everyone — our drivers and the motorists who we share the roads with — make it home safely.” The TCA recognition is the second major fleet safety award Leonard’s won in 2022. In April, the company earned the Trucking Association of New York’s (TANY) Fleet Safety Award Grand Trophy for demonstrating commitment to safe operation in New York.

Wreaths Across America Radio roundtable to focus on veterans’ success

The Trucker News Staff - January 13, 2023

COLUMBIA FALLS, Maine — Wreaths Across America Radio’s eighth roundtable discussion will be focused on service and success through sharing stories of resilience, purpose and community. This discussion is set for 12 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Thursday, Jan. 26, with an encore presentation at 8 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on Monday, Jan. 30, on Wreaths Across America Radio. The discussion will focus on Wreaths Across America’s new theme for 2023: “Serve & Succeed.” Topics include the positive attributes of military service, highlighting success after service and how veterans can build supportive communities. Guest panelists will be interviewed by Wreaths Across America’s Executive Director Karen Worcester and Director of Military and Veteran Outreach Joe Reagan, a former U.S. Army Captain. Guest Panelists Include: Dr. Kenneth E. Hartman, president of Our Community Salutes. Col. Bill Davis, USMC (retired), national executive director and CEO for the Young Marines. “We have had some really meaningful and important discussions during our RoundTable interviews, and this month’s topic will help us frame the discussion around this year’s theme which is Serve and Succeed,” Worcester said. “I have the utmost respect for all those who have served and are serving our country. I look forward to learning more about the resiliency and success of all those on this panel.” Wreaths Across America Radio roundtable’s goal is to help highlight veterans’ contributions to communities through: Supporting generational bonds between veterans through stories of service and success. Destigmatizing issues faced by veterans. Combating inaccurate perceptions of veterans by discussing the diverse experiences, challenges, and successes of service members, veterans and their families. Connecting veterans with valuable resources. Wreaths Across America Radio’s internet stream is available anytime and anywhere on the iHeart Radio app, Audacy app, TuneIn app or at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/radio.

WIT’s January member of the month has a passion for the trucking industry

The Trucker News Staff - January 12, 2023

PLOVER, Wisc. — Alicia Wilson has been named the January Member of the Month by the Women In Trucking Association (WIT). When she was growing up, Wilson fondly recalls her father taking the family on long road trips, usually an eight-hour trip to the Rockies or drives from Colorado to California. On one of those trips between Colorado and California, Wilson learned to drive, piloting the family car across Donner Pass. She quickly discovered a love for the road and for exploration. “There’s nothing quite like randomly finding new mom-and-pop restaurants and watching the scenery change,” she said. These cherished experiences served as her driving force to pursue a career in the transportation industry. In 2018, Wilson started her professional driving career in the tanker division at a large logistics company. From there, a truck breakdown in Houston, Texas, led to some unexpected friendships and a big career change. In 2020, Wilson became a professional tanker driver for Knoxville, Tennessee-based Highway Transport, a company that provides bulk transportation of specialty chemicals. In 2022 she transferred to her current role, an equipment-cleaning technician for Highway Transport, because she needed to be closer to home to care for her family. As an equipment cleaning technician, she is responsible for performing all aspects of tank trailer and International Standard Organization (ISO) cleaning, including inspecting trailers for residual product and conducting post-cleaning inspections. She is one of the few women to have held this position at Highway Transport. Wilson says the work-life balance she enjoys in her new position gives her the time needed to care for an aging parent while remaining active in the industry she loves. Wilson is not afraid of going after any job and highly encourages other women to continue or pursue careers in the transportation industry. If there’s any doubt or intimidation, she advises others: “Take what the guys say with a grain of salt. With the understanding of what you yourself can do, plan your day with that in mind and ignore the words of people who don’t think you can do it. You do you!” Wilson has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance as well as a master’s degree in library science, and she also maintains her CDL. She enjoys the freedom of driving a tanker and hopes to return to a driving position in the future.

Ride along with the Hardy Brothers’ Ed and Deb Kingdon as they deliver the 2022 Capitol Christmas Tree

Dwain Hebda - January 1, 2023

Most days, as Deb and Ed Kingdon Jr. go about their business as drivers for North Carolina-based Hardy Brothers Trucking, they do so without so much as a passing glance from fellow motorists. But on a 1,000-mile run back in November, the husband-and-wife team enjoyed the star treatment as they hauled the 2022 Capitol Christmas Tree from The Tar Heel State to Washington, D.C. Whether at scheduled stops or just cruising down the highway, they were in the spotlight wherever they went. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. After all, it’s not every day you see a colorful Kenworth towing an 80-foot flatbed trailer, loaded with a gigantic evergreen — cradled in a special frame and protected from the elements — and decked out in banners and other adornments. “When people saw it, it was pretty exciting to watch their reactions,” Ed said. “Sometimes, as we were going by, you actually could see their jaw drop.” It’s not every day that a state, let alone a trucking company or individual drivers, is charged with such precious cargo. Each year, a different national forest is chosen to contribute the Capitol Christmas Tree, which is popularly known as “The People’s Christmas Tree.” In 2022 that honor fell to North Carolina’s Pisgah National Forest for only the third time in history — and for the first time, Hardy Brothers Trucking was picked as the designated hauler. Ed and Deb, who normally haul dry goods out to the West Coast and return with a load of produce, were chosen for the honor from among the company’s 100 drivers. Their selection was part of a months-long process to bring the tree from the mid-Atlantic to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. “We’ve been involved in the process from the selection in July. We’ve been in it from the very beginning,” Ed said. Once the tree was harvested in early November and loaded onto a trailer, transporting the 78-foot red spruce — nicknamed Ruby — was hardly a covert affair. Under the theme, “From the Mountains to the Sea,” the couple’s route included nearly 20 events in various communities in North Carolina, Virginia and Washington, D.C. Accompanied by a crew of U.S. Forest Service personnel, Ed and Deb drew a crowd wherever they went. “It was a circuitous route that we took, because we had particular communities that invited us to stop and exhibit the tree,” Ed said. “There was a huge banner on the side (of the trailer), and at each stop people could sign the banner. On the back of the trailer, the banner told where we were going. Kenworth did a beautiful job with the wrap on the cab of the truck. It was very identifiable.” The colorful Kenworth tractor and trailer generated almost as much interest from passersby on the highway transit as it did during scheduled stops, tricked out as it was with banners announcing the celebrity cargo. “It was very identifiable,” Deb said. “At night, the top of Ruby, which was at the very end of the trailer, was decorated with Christmas lights and ornaments. People were so excited when they saw that and realized what it was. “A lot of people we’d see went around us and parked on the side of the road and quickly got out with their cameras as we went by,” he continued. “We loved to honk the horn as they did that. Gotta hit the air horn.” The driving duo said the Kenworth T680 Next Gen rig, which features a 76-inch mid-roof sleeper, a PACCAR Powertrain and advanced driver assistance systems, performed without problems in pulling the 80-foot trailer. Nevertheless, handling the truck in close quarters to get to the in-town events made for some interesting moments. “The truck handled beautifully; the only difference is that it’s very long. You constantly needed to keep looking at the mirrors to make sure your back tandems were between the yellow and white lines,” Deb said. “It took some negotiating in some of the local towns, definitely,” Ed said. “It’s certainly honed my backing-up skills.” Dale Norman, director of sales and marketing for Hardy Brothers Trucking, a hauler of freight and refrigerated goods, said the process of selecting the drivers to transport the precious cargo was a challenge, but that he believes the Kingdons were precisely the right people. “Selection of the driving team was difficult,” Norman said. “First off, we had to find a team that was willing to go out and be on the road for nearly a month. That was somewhat of an eliminator, because even though this is a great honor, many drivers have families at home, and they have to keep up with everything there.” In addition to Ed and Deb’s driving records, Norman said Ed’s military service, which included a duty assignment at Joint Base Andrews, was also a big factor in the decision. Both drivers have been active in the annual Wreaths Across America program, in which motor carriers and drivers from around the nation band together to deliver thousands of evergreen wreaths to veterans’ cemeteries across the U.S. For their part, the Kingdons, who have been driving together for four-and-a-half years, said the Christmas tree run was every bit as meaningful as any experience they’ve had behind the wheel. “To see the joy and gratitude … we’ve had so many people who came up and said, ‘Thank you for coming to our community,’” Ed said. “But more than that, this was an opportunity to take advantage of educating the public about the red spruce and what is going to happen from here. Ruby’s seeds are going to be harvested, and they’re going to germinate the seeds and grow hundreds — maybe thousands — more red spruce because they need more in the forests. “The trunk of the tree is going back to North Carolina to a musical instrument company, because the red spruce makes beautiful mandolins, guitars, banjos and violins,” he continued. “So, this was more than a pretty tree, and it’s not just harvesting the tree and taking it away. It’s a restoration project; it’s an instrument project.” As the journey ended Nov. 18 with the delivery and setting up of Ruby at the Capitol, Deb was philosophical about the once-in-a-lifetime experience. “It was pretty personal for me, because I thought of Ruby in her cradle back there as my own personal tree that I got safely get to the Capitol,” she said. “So, when they hoisted her on that crane and put her down that hole, I had goose bumps. I might have had a few tears as well when I said good-bye to her. But knowing she’s coming back in a much greater way to North Carolina, with the musical instruments and the trees that will be generated, that’s very touching for me.” The 2022 Capitol Christmas Tree marks the 57th year of the haul. This year’s primary sponsor was Truckstop.

Like a rock: UPS driver Cleve Francis continues to build legacy of reliability, safety

Dwain Hebda - December 22, 2022

Cleveland (“Cleve”) Francis has been driving for so long — 55 years — it’s difficult to wrap one’s head around it. Before there were laptops, ATMs or solar energy panels, before color TVs, biofuels or disposable lighters, and long before smart watches, digital cameras and video games, Francis was on the road. The very truck he drives for UPS is a repository of things younger than his career behind the wheel – bar codes, GPS, a smartphone, even his CDL – to say nothing of most of the items contained in the packages he delivers. And in this day and age, the fact that he’s driven it all with one company is almost as amazing as the tenure itself. “I grew up in south Kentucky, and I live in Louisville, now,” Francis told The Trucker via Zoom (which was invented 41 years after he first took the wheel). “My two oldest brothers drove dump trucks in their younger days, and I’d drive one. I kind of got it in my blood. “I grew up in a rural area and joined the Army first,” he continued. “Then I drove local for a while when I saw this ad in the paper for a truck driving school and they would place you in a job. I done that, and they placed me at UPS (after finishing). I’ve been here ever since.” In 1967 — the same year the home version of the microwave oven came out — the concept of a commercial driver’s license (CDL) was still 25 years away. Francis initially drove on a chauffeur’s class license, which he earned in two weeks of training. He started on a local delivery route and then sampled some over the road stuff but missed being able to have connections with other people out on the open highway. “After about a year (of local driving), I did take a road job and drove that for about a year — and then went I back to doing delivery,” he said. “I kind of liked delivery to a certain extent. You get to know the people you were delivering to. You’re there every day and kind of know them, know their habits.” As the customers on his delivery route became accustomed to seeing Francis day after day, he became less of a service worker and more a welcomed friend to them, especially in rural areas. The fond regard his customers had for him was always underscored during the holidays as he made his regular stops and dropped off deliveries. “During the holidays it’s kind of an exciting time on delivery,” he said. “People in the city would give you whiskey. That was a gift. Rural people are also pretty compassionate. If you do for them, they want to do for you.” During his twelfth year as a driver, Francis’ regard for and familiarity with his customers paid off in the most important way imaginable. One day in 1979, he pulled up to a regular stop on his route and immediately felt something was amiss on a customer’s property. “He was a tugboat captain, down the Ohio River here, and he had diabetes,” Francis said. “He lived off the road a little bit by himself, as a lot of rural people do. I had medication for him one day and circled the drive up there and seen the door open in his garage.” Francis went in to investigate — and saved a life. “I don’t know how long he’d been lying there — a couple days, maybe. He broke his shoulder when he fell,” Francis said. “He’d lost a leg, you know, with the diabetes. He fell and broke his shoulder and he laid there and got weak. “He gave me his keys up there to his house and I called the ambulance and waited ‘til they got there,” he continued. “They took him to the hospital and told me he would have passed away in another 12 hours. He was pretty weak.” This tale is one of many that comprise Francis’ five-decades-plus of service, a tenure leading him to enshrinement in UPS’ Circle of Honor. This group includes 10,500 active members, each with a minimum of 25 years behind the wheel. “We could not be prouder of Cleve’s accomplishments and commitment to driving safely for himself, his family and our communities,” said Todd Wachter, global fleet safety director for UPS. Among the names on that exclusive roster, Francis is in a category all by himself. Not only is he the group’s elder statesman, but he also has the most years of safe driving among all UPS tractor-trailer and delivery drivers. “Three or four years ago I went to Indianapolis to a convention and tried to figure out my miles,” Francis said. “I’d say it’s about 5 million or something like that. It’s something like 140,000 a year. “At UPS, they have a culture of safety, and they promote that. It’s a little mental also; you’ve got to be kind of mentally into it,” he continued. “They do a lot of training, and it works for the route. They also give you tips in the morning to kind of get your mind on what you’re doing. If you do what they teach you there, you’ll be pretty successful.” Whoever’s in second place isn’t likely to gain a lot of ground on Francis in the near future. Since the 1980s, he’s worked as a feeder driver, and he still runs his well-worn route from Louisville to Union City, Tennessee, round trip of more than 500 miles. “Cleve is a one-of-a-kind driver who loves to drive. You can say driving is his hobby. Not many drivers these days have the drive and dedication to service like him,” said Wall Stanley, Louisville feeder on-road supervisor for UPS. “On days that he has an empty trailer on his way back to Louisville, he will call the Knoxville or Lexington hub just to see if they need help moving loads,” Stanley continued. “This is not part of his schedule, but he will do it to help out.” In whatever driver capacity you could possibly name, it’s safe to say that “they just don’t make ’em” like Cleveland Francis anymore. That may explain why, at age 79, he isn’t entertaining the thought of pulling over for good anytime soon. “I’ve got a few more miles in me,” he said with a gentle smile. “I don’t know how many, but I’ve been pretty fortunate to have good health. I’m pretty proud of my driving career, and as I said, I’m still in good shape. I enjoy driving, so I haven’t quit yet.”

Kenworth names Ashley Leiva of Noemi Trucking Top Military Veteran Rookie Driver

The Trucker News Staff - December 19, 2022

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ashley Leiva of Noemi Trucking in Corpus Christi, Texas, received the annual “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” award during a recent ceremony held at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. Leiva, a veteran with nearly 16 years of service in the U.S. Army, received the keys to a Kenworth T680 Next Generation, the top award in the recognition program. Kenworth teamed with FASTPORT and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes to find America’s top rookie military veteran who made the successful transition from active duty to driving for a commercial fleet. In 2021, Leiva retired from the Army and returned to Corpus Christi, her hometown. After graduating from the transportation training program at Del Mar College, she and brother, Johnny, began running the trucking business of their late mother Noemi — and renamed it Noemi Trucking in her honor. Their company hauls crude oil for Draco Energy in South Texas. Leiva is the first winner to be nominated by a National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving School. “This is certainly a very special moment for me,” Leiva said. “My mother inspired me to go into truck driving. She said driving a truck made her feel like she was on top of the world. It is an honor to receive the Transition Trucking award of the T680 Next Generation from among all the outstanding nominated veterans and fellow truck drivers. Thank you to FASTPORT, Hiring Our Heroes and Kenworth for what you do to help veterans transition into the trucking industry.” Other featured speakers were: Eric Eversole, Hiring Our Heroes president and U.S. Chamber of Commerce vice president; Brad Bentley, FASTPORT president; and Jesus Di Vila, American Trucking Associations, Road Team Captain and Workforce Heroes Program. Under the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence program, the two runners-up — Sean Adams/U.S. Navy/McElroy Truck Lines and Dave Marihugh/U.S. Navy/Roehl Transport — were each awarded with a check for $10,000. Award semifinalists are listed below with their military branch of service and current truck fleet: Cale Jensen/U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army/G. Dubbels Farms Trucking. Paul Gouker/U.S. Army and National Guard/Stevens Transport. Chris McDowell/U.S. Army and National Guard/EPES Transport. Joe Nyenatee/U.S. Army/Melton Truck Lines. Talon Rogers/U.S. Army/CRST. Justin Silk/U.S. Army/Paschall Truck Lines. Michael D. Thomas/U.S. Marines/PRIME Inc. Jason Van Boxtel/U.S. Marines/Veriha Trucking.

Walmart delivers more than 100K wreaths in support of Wreaths Across America

The Trucker News Staff - December 15, 2022

BENTONVILLE, Ark., and COLUMBIA FALLS, Maine – Walmart donated the services of 16 tractor-trailers to transport 100,000 fallen veterans’ wreaths to participating ceremonies across the U.S. as part of National Wreaths Across America Day on Dec. 17. A trailer carrying balsam fir veterans’ wreaths relayed through our distribution center on Thursday, Dec. 15, according to a news release. More than 40 Walmart/Sam’s Club Distribution Centers and 100 Walmart drivers across the country are involved in transporting wreaths from Columbia Falls, Maine, to their final destinations. “Walmart has stepped forward in so many ways over the last ten plus years to support the mission to Remember, Honor and Teach, however they can,” Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America, said. “Whether it is donating the equipment and expertise to help haul wreaths across the country, sponsoring wreaths for placement, or showing up to support local community volunteers, we are continually impressed with their commitment to the mission and the communities they serve.” Walmart has supported Wreaths Across America since 2011 with more than $3.3 million in cash and in-kind contributions, including more than $150,000 this fiscal year. This supports the placement of thousands of veterans’ wreaths each year at participating cemeteries and 9/11 memorial sites across the U.S. — including Arlington National Cemetery. Walmart will provide transportation to deliver 100,000 wreaths to more than 30 locations in 12 states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. Wreaths Across America through its thousands of volunteers, will recognize the sacrifices of our nation’s veterans with wreath laying ceremonies in over 3,600 participating locations worldwide. Saturday, Dec. 17, is designated as National Wreath Across America Day. Volunteers looking to participate in local wreath laying ceremonies should visit www.wreathsacrossaamerica.org to find a location near them.

Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence award winner to be announced Friday

The Trucker News Staff - December 14, 2022

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The overall program award winner for the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence will be announced Friday, Dec. 16, at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. The winner will be selected from 11 semifinalists and receive the keys to a Kenworth T680 Next Generation equipped with a 76-inch sleeper and the PACCAR Powertrain featuring the PACCAR MX-13 engine, PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission and PACCAR DX-40 tandem rear axles. Kenworth teamed with FASTPORT and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring our Heroes Program to support the program. This year’s semifinalists are: Sean Adams, a U.S. Navy veteran with McElroy Truck Lines. Cale Jensen, a U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army veteran with G. Dubbels Farms Trucking. Ashley Leiva, a U.S. Army veteran with Draco Energy-Noemi Trucking. Paul Gouker a U.S. Army veteran and National Guard member with Stevens Transport. Dave Marihugh, a U.S. Navy veteran with Roehl Transport. Chris McDowell, a U.S. Army veteran and National Guard member with EPES Transport. Joe Nyenatee a U.S. Army veteran with Melton Truck Lines. Talon Rogers a U.S. Army veteran with CRST. Justin Silk a U.S. Army veteran with Paschall Truck Lines. Michael D. Thomas, a U.S. Marine veteran with PRIME Inc. Jason Van Boxtel, a U.S. Marine veteran with Veriha Trucking.

For the love of trucks: Ride along with Sue Peña as she travels the road to a professional driving career

Linda Garner-Bunch - December 9, 2022

“Hola, mi gentes!” With these words — which translate to “Hello, my people!” — and an engaging grin, Sue Peña greets an audience of TikTok followers in a video series chronicling her journey to become a professional truck driver. A native of Brooklyn, New York, who now lives in central Arkansas, Peña (known as classysassy4u on TikTok) is proud of her family’s Puerto Rican and Taino Indian heritage. “I wasn’t raised in Puerto Rico, but I follow the culture and traditions, both old and new,” she said. “We are a proud culture, and very welcoming in the sense that we will feed you — even if you’re not hungry.” Peña has extensive experience in feeding people; she graduated from culinary school in New York back in 2007. “I was actually chosen to appear on the second season of ‘Hell’s Kitchen,’ but my son was too young, and as a single mother, I couldn’t leave him alone,” she said. She describes her son Nicolas, who is now 20 and a member of the National Guard, as her biggest supporter. While in her 30s, Peña decided her ultimate goal was to become a professional driver; however, it was nearly a decade later before she had a chance to follow that dream. When The Trucker Jobs Magazine team first met Peña in July 2022, she was working as a crime lab forensic technician and moonlighting as an emergency medical technician (EMT), in addition to attending night classes at Diesel Driving Academy (DDA) in Little Rock, Arkansas. In October, she completed her training and passed the final gauntlet — the driving portion of the CDL exam. She now has both hazmat and tanker endorsements and is slated to begin orientation with Dallas-based Stevens Transport in early January. “My biggest challenge was believing in myself, believing that I could do this training that I started late in life,” said Peña, who is now 44. “It wasn’t that I didn’t have confidence; if I didn’t, I wouldn’t have signed up,” she said. “Once I delved into it and realized, ‘Wow! So this is what trucking is,’ I thought, ‘Can I do this?’” She began watching other women in the trucking industry, from her instructors at DDA to female trucking groups on social media. “As I started following the trucking lifestyle of different women out there, some who were way older than me, I started to think, ‘OK, if they can do it, I can do it!’” she shared, adding that all of her instructors, male and female, brought real-world experience to the classroom. We were privileged to follow Peña through part of her journey as she learned the basics of trucking at DDA, cheering her on as she gained confidence behind the wheel. When it was her turn to ring the bell at DDA — a rite of passage signifying a student’s successful passage of the CDL test — we were (arguably) just as excited as she was. Like many women, Peña says she had to overcome obstacles related to both her gender and her ethnicity, in the trucking industry as well as other male-dominated career paths. “I’ve have to stay 10 steps ahead (of everyone else) because I’ve got so many strikes against me. One, I’m a female. Two, I’m a Hispanic female. Three, I’m very short. I’m vertically challenged. I have to be on my game,” she said with a laugh. Two of Peña’s instructors at DDA were women, something she says helped her build confidence behind the wheel. “Ms. Kat and Ms. Rachel, those two were the most that really inspired me to continue pursuing what I was doing. There were days I was like, ‘Aw hell, I can’t do this!’” she said. “But after speaking with them, learning what trucking was like when they started, I realized it was actually harder for them. They paved the way. If it wasn’t for (women like) them, I wouldn’t be able to do this.” Peña says the most memorable milestone of training, at least for her, was the first time she drove a truck a short distance across the driving pad. “It was feeling that movement, knowing that I was driving,” she said. “When they start you off, it’s a straight back; you drive forward, you drive backward. That’s it, nothing fancy. But feeling the vibration, feeling the movement, knowing that I was driving a 53-foot truck and trailer — that moment, I was like, ‘Oh my God! I’m really doing this!’” The second-most memorable step, she says, was the first time students in her class took the school rigs out on the road. “I can only imagine what the instructor was thinking and feeling, knowing that this person was driving a truck for the first time,” she said. “Now I’m comfortable with it.” Watching Peña’s skills progress from those first shaky, tentative attempts to smoothly and confidently completing straight and offset backs, then 90-degree backs and other maneuvers was an amazing experience for The Trucker team. While she’s excited about starting her new career behind the wheel, Peña is well aware that she still has much to learn and that actual over-the-road driving will be quite different from training. The challenge is one she looks forward to overcoming. “Male or female, if this is what you want to do, if this is your passion, if all you think about when you get up and go to bed is driving a truck — then go for it,” she said when asked what advice she would give other would-be drivers. “Do it for the right reasons, do it with the best intentions, and just go for it.”

New truck driver survey offers in-depth peek into personal lives

The Trucker News Staff - December 9, 2022

NEW YORK — On average, truck drivers spend more than 300 days a year on the road making sure the nation’s goods are delivered on time and intact. Without even realizing it, our everyday lives are impacted by the trucking industry and the people who drive big rigs. They are essential to the nation’s livelihood. But how much do we actually know about the life of a truck driver? What’s life like on the road? Does it get lonely? Do they have hobbies? Do they enjoy when people pump their fists for that infamous airhorn honk? Are they proud of being a truck driver? Supply chain technology company Transfix recently surveyed its vast network of drivers in an effort to get to know them better. Trasfix officials didn’t say how many drivers were included in the survey; however, the company works with almost 30,000 carriers nationwide. Life on the road The average length of haul is around 439 miles, or the equivalent of about six or seven hours. And that’s just one load. With an office-on-wheels, it’s no wonder drivers cite the desire of having healthier food options on the go, along with fewer potholes, as the top two improvements to their everyday lives. In total, 37% of the responding truckers said they could use a more ergonomic driver’s seat or the tension relief of a massage chair, while 24% need a new microwave or fridge setup to enjoy home-cooked, nutritional meals. Other requests for improving life on the road included the option of a compact exercise bike or access to TRX cables for better overall physical health. But a trucker’s life is also heavily impacted by the way four-wheelers drive. Ashley Watson, founder of the National Minority Women Association in Transportation, said that “regulating the speed at which reckless drivers can operate their cars would help navigate the strive to not lose my professional truck driver license.” With significant speed regulations imposed on truckers over the last few years, Watson said “it would only make sense that four-wheelers would at least be forced to attend a training course to learn how to drive safely on the road with a commercial vehicle.” In total, 33% of truckers agreed that they would proudly display a bumper sticker that read: “Please learn how to safely pass a truck.” A close second? The 23% who would prefer one that read: “We have blind spots, too!” Habits and hobbies “In our survey, we found that there were quite a few similarities between truckers across all walks of life. Their biggest commonality was their choice of audio entertainment on the road — specifically, hip hop and R&B, country and pop rock,” Transfix officials noted. Coming in at 25% were podcast and audiobook listeners. Additionally, 47% of respondents cited their passion for music — whether singing, playing an instrument or writing songs. Respondents also cited some of their favorite hobbies, such as collecting items from different states across the country, writing screenplays, photography, ceramics, woodturning, fishing and various arts and crafts. “But our favorite finding comes from a shared love of furry friends,” Transfix officials said. “(In total) 60% of truckers share their space with a dog or cat, with some mentioning driving with both or even multiples. Companionship from a pet can relieve stress by an astonishing 84%, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Four-legged friends on the road can also help with feelings of isolation and solitude that often come with the truck driving profession. Communication and community Nearly 90% of drivers opt for making friends while on the road. And when they’re driving, 80% of the survey’s respondents prefer to stay in touch via Facebook, specifically through discussion groups where niche common interests can further deepen friendships. In total, 46% opt to stay in touch using social media, text messaging or phone calls, while 13% prefer the traditional use of communicating via CB radio as they drive in the early mornings. “So, whether you’re chowing down on Friendsgiving or watching a loved one rip open a gift this holiday season, remember it wouldn’t be possible without a truck driver,” Transfix officials said. “And they’re proud of being one, too (93% of respondents say so). Next time you see one on the road, pump that fist and give them the Truckers’ Salute so they know how much you appreciate them.”

Wabash partners with Feeding America to fight food insecurity in America

The Trucker News Staff - December 7, 2022

LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Wabash entered into a national partnership with Feeding America on Oct. 27 to help in the fight to end food insecurity. Wabash will donate $150,000 this year in support of mobile food pantries, “which are crucial to increasing the distribution of fresh and healthy food in vulnerable communities,” a news release stated. “Wabash is committed to supporting the communities where we operate, and we’re excited to scale up our efforts to help end food insecurity in partnership with Feeding America,” Wabash President CEO Brent Yeagy said. According to the USDA, nearly 34 million people, including more than 9 million children, in the U.S. are food insecure. Wabash employees have selected fighting hunger as a cause they would like to personally support through donations, volunteer efforts and their work at Wabash. Wabash donations will be directed to mobile food pantries that serve communities with high food insecurity rates, where Wabash facilities are located, according to the news release. In the first year of this partnership, funds will be allocated to five Feeding America member food banks. Wabash officials said they hope to scale these efforts in the years to come, which may include supplying Wabash Acutherm refrigerated vans and truck bodies to keep food fresh while transporting and delivering it to communities in need. “Feeding America and member food banks across the country are working hard to meet the increasing demand for food assistance,” said Lauren Biedron, vice president of corporate partnerships at Feeding America. “No one should have to worry about where they will find their next meal. In our fight against hunger, we’re grateful to Wabash for their generous donation that will help our neighbors in need across the country.”

Peterbilt Technician Institute graduates 100th class

The Trucker News Staff - December 7, 2022

DENTON, Texas – The Peterbilt Technician Institute has graduated its milestone 100th class. The 10 graduates of the 12-week advanced technician program are among the nearly 1,000 PTI factory-certified technicians that have been trained and placed at Peterbilt dealer service locations since the launch of the program in 2013, a news release stated. The PTI graduates participated in a graduation ceremony attended by Peterbilt and Universal Technical Institute staff, as well as their new employers from the Peterbilt dealer network, including Rush Peterbilt Truck Centers, Jackson Group Peterbilt, JX Truck Center – Peterbilt and TLG Peterbilt. The graduation ceremony represented achievement for the PTI graduates in obtaining their goals and progress for the Peterbilt dealer network to meet the growth and increased demand to service customers and maximize uptime. “We’re proud of the graduates and the valuable contributions they will make to the industry with the knowledge and technical skills needed to be successful and maximize uptime for our customers” Technician Program Manager of North America Casey Theis said. PTI is a collaborative program with UTI and serves as a resource for the Peterbilt dealer network to help recruit and hire highly prepared factory-trained technicians. With campuses located in Lisle, Illinois, and Dallas, every PTI student earns Peterbilt factory certifications that include PACCAR MX-11 and MX-13 engines as they embark on a rewarding career in the diesel industry. Visit https://peterbilt.tech/institute.html for more information about joining the PTI program and to search for available service technician jobs within the Peterbilt dealer network.

Love’s Travel Stops, Operation Homefront distribute holiday meal kits to military families

The Trucker News Staff - December 5, 2022

OKLAHOMA CITY – Love’s Travel Stops and Operation Homefront have partnered for the third-straight year to distribute 150 meal kits to preregistered families through Operation Homefront’s Holiday Meals for Military. “The Holiday Meals for Military is an event we look forward to every year, and we were so excited to host it at our corporate offices once again,” Jenny Love Meyer, chief culture officer and executive vice president of Love’s, said. “We’re always proud to join Operation Homefront in playing a small part in providing support and comfort to military families during holidays, and love seeing the excitement on families faces when they pick up the kits.” Love’s corporate employees and volunteers from Operation Homefront gathered on Dec. 3 at Love’s Corporate Offices to hand out the meal kits, which included all the essentials for a traditional holiday meal, a news release stated. This year’s Holiday Meals for Military will put meals on the tables for more than 17,000 military families nationwide, according to the news release. “With inflation and the rising cost of goods, this program comes at a critical time when our nation’s military families, often serving far from loved ones, are facing financial hardships,” Robin Carter, senior director of Operation Homefront, said. “Together with Love’s, we are helping lift a financial burden and making the holiday season brighter for those that have given so much on behalf of all Americans.” Operation Homefront provides critical financial assistance, traditional and permanent housing and recurring support programs throughout the year to help military families overcome the short-term bumps in the road, so they don’t become long-term chronic problems.

Love’s celebrates 12 Days of Christmas with daily prizes for drivers, donation to St. Christopher

The Trucker News Staff - December 2, 2022

OKLAHOMA CITY – Love’s Travel Stops is celebrating professional drivers and the holiday season with its third annual 12 Days of Christmas giveaway. Customers can enter to win prizes daily on Love’s Facebook page, beginning Dec. 5. In addition to the daily giveaways, Love’s will donate $30,000 to the St. Christopher Truckers Fund (SCF), a charity that helps professional drivers and their families when an illness or injury has caused them to be out of work. “We’re excited to kick off our third annual 12 Days of Christmas giveaway as a way to give back to customers and to the St. Christopher Truckers Fund for the life-changing work their foundation does,” Jenny Love Meyer, chief culture officer and executive vice president of Love’s, said. “Thanks to our customers and employees, this year has been a year of milestone achievements, and this is a small way to say ‘thank you’ and show appreciation for that.” From Dec. 5-16, customers can enter daily on Love’s Facebook page for chances to win items like a portable monitor for Nintendo switch, ice maker, Coleman cooler, Mobile to Go Zone bundle and more. On Dec. 16, the grand prize of 100,000 My Love Reward points (equivalent to $1,000) will be given away to one lucky driver. “We are thankful to, once again, join forces with Love’s for this holiday promotion that gives back to the drivers that give so much to us throughout the entire year,” Shannon Currier, SCF director of philanthropy, said. “In this season of generosity, Love’s continues to go above and beyond to support the drivers and their families that are impacted by injury or illness. Thank you, Love’s, for being a part of the SCF family.” For more information on Love’s 12 Days of Christmas, visit facebook.com/lovestravelstops.

Truck Safety Coalition campaign ‘aims to improve lives of truck accident survivors’

The Trucker News Staff - November 29, 2022

WASHINGTON — The Truck Safety Coalition (TSC) has debuted its national fundraising campaign — dubbed HOPE Against All Odds — to help improve the lives of truck accident survivors and victim families, as well as to fund TSC’s safety advocacy efforts across America. “Families of truck crash victims hope to inspire public generosity to support the HOPE Against All Odds campaign … and are sharing their highly compelling and intensely personal stories,” a TSC news release stated. “The Truck Safety Coalition works tirelessly to provide support to victims and families of devastating truck crashes. In the last year, over 5,600 people lost their lives in large truck crashes. Those who survive, if they survive, typically suffer severe, debilitating, lifelong injuries.” Pam Biddle, who lost her son and ex-husband in a preventable crash, said that “traveling on U.S. Highways should not require an act of faith to survive.” “Can we please make a change? Because now, I’m a mother with no children,” said Elise Acosta, who lost all four of her children in a preventable crash. Donations to the HOPE Against All Odds can be made to the TSC, a 501(c)3 organization, at https://trucksafety.org/donate/ “Our volunteers are guilty of only being in the wrong place at the wrong time and have paid the highest price,” TSC Executive Director Zach Cahalan said. “Give generously, the life you save may be your own.”

Howe’s Hall of Fame inducts Angelique Temple

The Trucker News Staff - November 22, 2022

DALLAS and NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. – Howes Hall of Fame has inducted Angelique Temple, owner of Tornado Transport and a driver of 23 years. Temple said that when she was 12 years old, she spotted a tanker truck while riding with her father and decided that she wanted to drive one for a living. She said her father told her there was no way his daughter was going to become a truck driver. At 21, Temple moved to Virginia, where she obtained her CDL and HAZMAT certification. From there, she started driving a tanker truck hauling gasoline and other hazardous materials for the next 20 years. Temple earned the nickname “Tornado” for her ability and speed at turning loads. It didn’t take long for Temple to start earning safety awards year after year. Her diligence and reliability put her in high demand by some of America’s largest chemical companies. In 2015, Temple was recognized as a distinguished professional in her field by Women of Distinction Magazine. She also became a standing member of the FMSCA Driver Panel. Temple also serves as a member of the Women In Trucking Image Team. Moreover, she surpassed two million miles of incident-free driving. A mother of six, Temple has spent many late night and early morning hours on the road to allow her the time to raise her children. One year ago, she was able to start her own company, Tornado Transport. “The whole time that I was working for companies, it wasn’t just me working. It was me planning and building relationships, getting all my information, and putting all my ducks in a row,” Temple said. “I had to know that when I went out on my own, I was going to be successful and not have to turn back.” Temple is also involved in her church year-round and spends the holidays helping charitable organizations with her family. She and her eldest son are also planning to open a state-of-the-art community center. “A community center where people can come and learn, come and swim, come and hear lectures,” Temple said. “We’ll have a daycare.” These plans, along with a housing component and thoughts of a specialized supermarket, keep Temple busy. Despite being busy with projects, Temple also has time to raise and rescue animals. For 13 years she has been rescuing pit bulls, which often ride with her in truck. “If I’m not helping people, I’m helping animals,” Temple said. “Either way, somebody’s getting helped. Like it or not, it’s just what it is.” “Angelique is more than just a hard-working driver or flourishing entrepreneur,” Erika Howes, VP of business development, said. “She is an absolutely amazing person. The minute we heard about Angelique, we were interested in her story. But as soon as we spoke with her, we were truly captivated. She oozes positivity and demonstrates the ultimate can-do attitude. It’s been clear from the start that nothing will ever hold her back. She is the type of person who exemplifies what it means to be a role model.”

Transervice employees help out ‘Book Fairies’

The Trucker News Staff - November 18, 2022

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y. — For the fourth consecutive year, employees of Transervice Logistics Inc. collected books, CDs, DVDs and magazines for The Book Fairies to distribute to under-resourced communities on Long Island and New York City. Transervice has donated nearly 1,700 books from its regional and local facilities since partnering with The Book Fairies in 2019. The company was also on hand in 2020 to help the organization break the Guinness World Record for the longest line of books – 3.81 miles – at two New York elementary schools. “Our employees always look forward to The Book Fairies challenge and are deeply committed to its mission to help decrease the rates of illiteracy in our area,” Sean Schnipper, director of marketing for Transervice, said.

SBTC opens nominations for Holiday Drive

The Trucker News Staff - November 15, 2022

WASHINGTON — The Small Business Transportation Commission (SBTC) is holding its Holiday Drive for Needy Kids in the Trucking Industry. Families can be nominated via email and one-time donations to the drive can be made via online form. “Be sure to outline a strong case as to why your driver family nominee should be considered for a Holiday boost, including details of hardships the family is experiencing that make celebrating the holidays with their child or children financially difficult,” SBTC said in a news release. The Holiday Drive for Needy Kids in the Trucking Industry is open to all trucker families regardless of their religion. Nominations close on Dec. 2 at the end of the business day.

Baums away! Driving with dogs creates a happy family for this trucking couple

Dwain Hebda - November 14, 2022

When it comes to love of the open road, Larry and Angie Baum are in rare company. The Illinois-based couple, who drive for Landstar and have about 3 million miles under their belts, are so in love with driving that they’ve taken the life-altering step of living in their rig with their pups — Gizmo, Bandit and Nova. “Used to be, we’d be out for two or three months, go home for a week; out two or three months, go home for a week,” Larry said. “But now, we have the Volvo 180 super sleeper that has all the amenities — toilet, shower, stove, sink, a big refrigerator. So, we are selling our house and living on the road.” For Angie, it’s all part of the adventure. “I’ve done so many firsts with him since we’ve been driving,” she said. “To see all the landscapes and wake up every day to a new city is so cool. We just love it!” These niceties aside, there’s an awful lot in Larry and Angie’s backstory that suggests the two never would have wound up together, much less live the life of a driving team. Larry spent his youth catching waves in Southern California. The loss of his first wife so upended his world that he went into a downward spiral that eventually cost him his job, home and a relationship with his daughter. In time, he finally started to come around, but he had no idea what the future held. “I was on unemployment,” he recalled. “Went to one of those classes that they had on unemployment and they’re like, ‘What do you like to do?’ I said, ‘I like to do masonry, plumbing, carpentry, construction and I like to drive.’ They go, ‘You like to drive? Here, call this number.’” He called the number, reported to the address he was given — a Rite Aid distribution center contracted to Swift Transportation — and asked if they were, in fact, hiring. In the retelling of the story, he stops and chuckles at how green he was. “They go, ‘How long have you had your license?’ I said, ‘Since I was 16, like everybody else,’” he said with a laugh. “They go, ‘I mean, how long have you had your trucker’s license?’ I’m like, ‘You need a special license to be a trucker?’” he continued. “The guy just shook his head and said, ‘Here, call this number — and if you get your CDL, give me a call.’” In short, Larry did go on to earn his CDL and began a career as a professional driver. Angie, on the other hand, grew up in Springfield, Illinois. She was well into a career in office work and was busy raising two girls of her own when she and Larry crossed paths. “I met Larry about eight and a half years ago,” she said. “I’d always told my friends, ‘There’s no way I’m ever going to date a trucker,’ given their lifestyle. And, of course, the one guy I fall for is a trucker. About a year later we were married.” The wedding meant more than just a change of marital status for Angie. “We were sick of being apart because he would be gone for weeks at a time, and I’m like, ‘This is no fun!’” she said. “One day his boss was like, ‘You guys, your kids are all grown. Why doesn’t Angie get her CDL?’ Larry was my driving trainer and that’s how I got my license.” The road hasn’t always been smooth, but the couple has learned how to pick their battles and navigate life as a both a couple and a driving team. That’s partially what led them to add a pet to the mix. Like a lot of drivers who travel with pets, the road to the couple’s family expanding to include three dogs started with one. Gizmo, a Shih Tzu-Pomeranian mix who joined the family three and a half years ago. It was Angie’s idea. “I just missed having a pet, because I always had a pet at home. I’m like, ‘Let’s get a puppy,’” she said. “Then we both fell in love with Gizmo. Gizmo’s the one we always say is our comedian. He’s so funny, and he just blended in so well with the truck.” They loved the first pup so much that the decision was made to get Bandit, a second “Shih Pom” from the same mother. In the time since, the two pups have staked their respective claims to their owners. “Gizmo has pretty much been Larry’s dog,” Angie said. “Bandit’s been mine since Day 1.” A little more than a month ago, the couple decided to really shake up the pack by indulging Larry’s lifelong dream of owning a Siberian Husky. Any doubts the pair had about adding a large dog to the confines of a semi — even one with an expanded sleeper — were quieted upon meeting Nova. “When we knew we were getting this truck, just out of the blue I told Angie, ‘You know what? Since we’re getting a bigger truck, maybe I could get my dog,’” he said. “She started researching, and she started showing me pictures of Huskies. When Nova came across the screen, I’m like, ‘Oh my God! She’s perfect. I want her!’” It was a match made in heaven. “When we first went to get her and the breeder put her in my arms, she just melted and was so calm, so relaxed — she was like a baby,” Larry said. “She almost fell asleep in my arms. I went, ‘Yes, this is it. This is the one.’ She’s been perfect ever since.” Contrary to what one might think about owning that many dogs, especially on the road, Larry and Angie say the stress of life behind the wheel has actually reduced with the three companions on board. From inspiring the couple to get out and exercise more regularly to helping them unwind after a hard shift, the dogs have made life better. “It’s a stressful job being out on the road,” Larry said. “There’s a lot of stress out there. When I shut down and I climb into bed, the boys climb in with me, and we snuggle. They just totally calm me down.” Angie says she also loves having the trio of four-legged friends on board. “When I’m driving in daytime, I usually (drive through) construction and all the accidents throughout the day,” Angie said. “Gizmo, especially, can sense when I’m getting anxious. As soon as he starts feeling me getting tense, he comes up right next to the driver’s side, and he’ll just sit there. He doesn’t do anything, but it’s kind of like his way of saying, ‘It’s OK, Mom.’ Then I’ll sit there and pet him. They really are huge stress relievers.”

Chester’s Chicken, Love’s team up for ‘Truckersgiving’

The Trucker News Staff - November 9, 2022

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Chester’s Chicken and Love’s Travel Stops are bringing back Truckersgiving, the annual holiday season celebration that recognizes and appreciates professional drivers for their service. Chester’s and Love’s will honor truck drivers Nov. 17 with a free Super Snack meal for the first 100 guests at each Chester’s located at Love’s. Additionally, the first 20 truckers who show their commercial driver’s license at each location will also receive a custom Chester’s trucker hat. “The role of professional drivers remains critical – especially during the holiday season – with the average driver clocking 60 hours of driving in one week,” William Culpepper, vice president of marketing at Chester’s Chicken, said. “We launched the first Truckersgiving with Love’s last year, and it was so well received that we had to bring it back in an even bigger way. Truck drivers are some of our best and most loyal customers, so offering this free meal to drivers across the country is our way of saying thank you for their important work.” The Super Snack meal includes two pieces of fried chicken — a leg and a thigh — and a side of potato wedges. There are 141 Chester’s restaurants found within Love’s, spanning 34 states. Roughly 60 professional drivers visit a Love’s two to three times in an average week – and the week prior to Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times for truck traffic. “Professional drivers can’t be thanked enough for their hours on the road,” Joe Cotton, vice president of restaurant services at Love’s, said. “Truckersgiving is a new favorite tradition we’re proud to host with Chester’s Chicken to celebrate our professional truck driver customers and kick off the holiday season.” Professional drivers can claim the Truckersgiving Super Snack meal by stopping by any Chester’s restaurant within a Love’s during operating hours on Nov. 17 and scanning the barcode on their Love’s Connect App or by swiping their My Love Rewards Card. Trucker hats will be given out at each joint location to the first 20 truckers who also show their commercial driver’s license.