Tag: Featured

LOWELL, Ark. — J.B. Hunt Transport Inc. announced Aug. 11 that it has completed its first delivery using the Freightliner eCascadia, an all-electric Class 8 truck produced by Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA). The transport, a 120-mile intermodal haul for Walmart, kicks off a three-month testing phase in which J.B. Hunt will integrate the eCascadia with its day-to-day fleet operations in Los Angeles. The eCascadia that J.B. Hunt is testing is part of the Freightliner Customer Experience Fleet, an initiative to provide DTNA customers with first-hand experience implementing electric vehicles within their operations. “J.B. Hunt is continually exploring innovative solutions such as...

CHARLESTON, S.C. — The first phase of a new terminal at the South Carolina Ports is on schedule to open in March, officials said. Port officials said in a statement that concrete has been poured for the wharf, and buildings and booths for trucks are being finished. Helicopters are currently helping run power lines to the new site, which will be named for Republican state Sen. Hugh Leatherman of Florence. The new terminal will have a direct connection for truckers to Interstate 26. It also will have six-story-tall refrigerated container racks. The new terminal is the first phase of a six-year $2...

Here’s a word of advice for truck drivers who hold concealed-carry permits in their home states to consider before carrying a firearm on the road: Arm yourself with knowledge before arming yourself with the gun of your choice. With no national law specifically addressing the right of truck drivers to carry firearms, drivers must abide by state laws along their routes. And because there is no readily available, well-versed source of information on the varying state laws, gun-toting drivers could find themselves in deep legal trouble if caught with a firearm in the wrong state. In fact, if you can...

As any truck driver knows, the occupation requires adherence to one principle above all — safety. Never mind the strict Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations truckers must follow, statistics noting that the majority of accidents involving trucks are the fault of the other drivers, or the untold investments in safety that truck manufacturers and carriers have made to enhance the safety of both the equipment and the drivers operating it. No doubt, safety is of paramount concern for truckers. But what is forgotten is that safety is a two-way street. Truck driving is among the most dangerous occupations in...

As freight forecasters and analysts release preliminary reports Class 8 commercial truck sales in North America during July, the numbers look promising, outshining the first six months of 2020. In an Aug. 4 statement, ACT Research noted that its State of the Industry: Classes 5-8 Vehicles report shows July orders of 20,300 units, up 27% from June, and up 98% from a very easy year-ago comparison. In contrast, the report reflected a drop in the Classes 5-7 market, with orders slipping 16,700 units, down 6% month over month and 3% below volume recorded in July 2019. “Preliminary data show that July...

ATLANTA — The pandemic-fueled boom in online shopping shows no signs of slowing down, providing more business for delivery companies like United Parcel Service Inc. UPS said July 30 that shipments from businesses to U.S. consumers soared 65% in the second quarter, helping lift the delivery giant to a $1.77 billion profit. The results were better than expected, and UPS shares jumped 15% in midday trading. In April, UPS executives thought online shopping would slow down after the early days of the pandemic. “Instead, we saw just the opposite,” said the company’s new CEO, Carol Tomé. Consumer online spending surged as stores closed,...

HOUSTON — The 38th annual Shell Rotella SuperRigs truck beauty contest is going virtual, according to organizers. The event offers truck drivers from across North America an opportunity to showcase their trucks. This year’s theme is “Legends of the Road” in celebration of the heroic work of truck drivers. Entries for the truck beauty contest can be submitted from Aug. 10-21, and award winners will be announced daily during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, Sept. 14-18, on Shell Rotella social channels. “North American truck drivers have faced unprecedented challenges on the road this year and we appreciate the essential work they...

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Through a combined effort of multiple agencies and training provided by Truckers Against Trafficking, the Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP) was able to apprehend a suspect wanted for felony charges of child sexual abuse, according to a statement released by the highway patrol August 4. On June 18, WHP troopers were notified of a possible victim of human trafficking by officials from the Colorado Port of Entry. The initial clues were observed by a Colorado Port of Entry officer while inspecting a commercial vehicle. The officer, who recently completed in-depth training provided by Truckers Against Trafficking, became suspicious after...

In this episode we cover: Stuck Truck in Massachusetts | Renewable diesel in California | CAT Scale Rig of the Week | Fittest Driver: Push Up Challenge Tucker Russ: Hey truckers, I'm Tucker. A truck gets stuck under a bridge and Massachusetts, and California gets a few more renewable diesel stations. Plus, we'll give you a look at a fitness contest just for truckers. Are you up for the challenge? And that's just a quick look at the stories we're recovering, as well as our Cat Scale Rig of The Week on this edition of the Trucker News Channel. Tucker Russ: We all...

MIAMI — Everfleet LLC, a national transportation company, is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the people captured on surveillance video stealing a $400,000 auto transport tractor-trailer. Investigators believe the suspects might be members of organized crime rings targeting the trucking industry. The incident took place in the early-morning hours of May 29, 2020 at 4850 SW 52nd St. in Davie, Florida, where the truck driver parked the vehicle overnight. A video-surveillance camera onboard Everfleet’s vehicle captured the crime in progress. In the video, a white four-door Jeep Wrangler, which might have been following...

Bill Mack’s connection with truck drivers came naturally. Not only was Mack’s father a truck driver, but Mack was born in Shamrock, Texas, in 1932, during the depths of the Great Depression. Shamrock was one of many towns that flourished during the heyday of Route 66. Thousands of “Arkies,” “Okies” and other Americans flocked to California via the famed highway during the Depression, and early versions of semitrucks traveled westward through downtown Shamrock. Mack made a 60-year career of his relationship with truck drivers who listened to the radio during the overnight hours that coincided with Mack’s preferred time...

WHITE HILLS, Ariz. — TravelCenters of America Inc. has opened a new TA Express in White Hills, Arizona, through a franchise agreement with Orly Jackson and Lissette Fernandez. A newly constructed building sits on seven acres of land at 19210 North U.S.93. Amenities at TA Express White Hills include: 67 truck parking spaces; 23 auto parking spaces; Seven diesel fueling lanes with RFID and DEF at all lanes; Conoco gasoline; Eight showers; Travel store; Food options: Krispy Krunchy Chicken, US Subs, on-site deli with freshly prepared food options; Game room; Laundry facilities; Transflo scanning; and CAT Scale (coming soon) “Our TA Express brand has...

Over the weekend, several social media users shared a startling video of a man clinging to the hood of a semi-truck on the Florida Turnpike. The bizarre incident began around 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 1, when police received a call about a disoriented male leaving his vehicle on an exit ramp near Boynton Beach. The man then crossed a concrete barrier between the north and southbound lanes of the turnpike. That’s where a truck driver, who has been identified by Florida station KIRO as Edward Hughes entered the picture. Hughes reportedly stopped to assist the man who was frantically waving. The...

ATLANTA — Espyr’s Fit to Pass, a customized coaching program designed to improve the health of professional drivers and help them meet the physical requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recertification exam, has announced a six-week Fittest Driver contest. The competition, which begins Aug. 3 and ends Sept. 12, is designed to test the strength and conditioning of drivers and help get them on the road to better health. There is no cost or purchase required to enter the contest. During the virtual online event, drivers will compete by performing as many push-ups as they can in one uninterrupted set. To...

GAUTIER, Miss. — Police are asking for the public’s help in finding a truck driver whose 18-wheeler was abandoned at a rest stop on eastbound Interstate 10 in Gautier, according to a statement from the Gautier Police Department (GPD). Dimitri Rai Williams, 47, was last seen parking his 18-wheeler at the rest stop about 6 a.m. Monday, July 27, Interim Police Chief Danny Selover told news outlets on Wednesday, July 29. GPD’s statement noted that Williams pulled into the rest area, followed by a black SUV; Williams exited his truck and got into the passenger side of the SUV. Williams was...

HOUSTON — Neste, a leading producer of renewable diesel, has opened four new fueling stations in northern and central California, providing greater accessibility to 100 percent renewable diesel. The fueling stations are open 24/7 and are strategically located near major commercial freight routes in order to accommodate commercial fleet vehicles of all sizes. The new cardlock locations are operated by Jeffries Brothers Petroleum and are located at: Wasco, Calif. – 750 U.S. 46 Wasco, Calif. – 2098 U.S. 46 Buttonwillow, Calif. – 35750 U.S. 58 Shafter, Calif. – 102 South Beech Ave. Each location is regularly supplied with Neste MY Renewable Diesel,...

In this episode we cover: Truck Stop Pop | Truck Stop Face Coverings | Self-driving is a Decade Away Tucker Russ: Hey, truckers, I'm Tucker. A new line of beverages made specifically for truckers will soon hit store shelves, and large truck stop chains are joining the list of retailers requiring face coverings. Also, a new research report from MIT found that the trucking industry is still a long ways away from being fully autonomous. That's great news for drivers, and that's just a quick look at all the stories we're covering on this edition of The Trucker News Channel. Tucker Russ: Well,...

GREENWICH, Conn. — XPO Logistics, Inc.  has appointed LaQuenta Jacobs to the newly created position of chief diversity officer, effective August 3, 2020. Jacobs will provide cultural leadership and strategic direction as an advocate of diversity, equity, and inclusion at XPO. She will report directly to the chief executive officer. According to a news release from XPO, Jacobs is a progressive human resources executive with 23 years of experience leading organizational development initiatives for global public companies. She joined XPO in 2018 as head of human resources for the company’s last mile business unit, with responsibility for HR and recruiting operations in the United...

BROWNSTOWN, Ill. — According to Mark Hewett, you can’t be a man’s counselor until you become his friend. That is the main goal for the Association of Christian Truckers, a group in which Hewett serves as a minister. The nonprofit organization was formed in 1976 to serve as a ministry to truck drivers. “Throughout the years things have changed a little bit, but our ministry mostly consists of drivers coming off the freeway for free laundry, free parking, free snacks or coffee,” Hewett said. “Whatever we can do to help the drivers. We don’t push the Bible on them.” Hewett, who...

When a graphic artist decides to buy her own tractor, you’d expect the paint job to be interesting. That’s certainly true of Carla Brown’s lime green 2019 Freightliner Cascadia. She designed the graphics herself including the ladybug motif down the center of the hood. “My truck is dedicated to my sister; she loved lady bugs,” Brown told The Trucker. “She was a truck driver, too.” Tragically, Brown’s sister, Carolyn, lost her life when she was struck by a pickup truck while spotting for another truck driver. Carolyn’s photograph is a part of the design, prominently displayed on the side of Brown’s...