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At least 32 dead in massive US storm after Kansas reports 8 fatalities

The Associated Press - March 15, 2025

Violent tornadoes ripped through parts of the U.S., wiping out schools and toppling semitractor-trailers in several states, part of a monster storm that has killed at least 32 people as more severe weather was expected late Saturday. The number of fatalities increased after the Kansas Highway Patrol reported eight people died in a highway pileup caused by a dust storm in Sherman County Friday. At least 50 vehicles were involved. Missouri recorded more fatalities than any other state as it withstood scattered twisters overnight that killed at least 12 people, authorities said. The deaths included a man who was killed after a tornado ripped apart his home. “It was unrecognizable as a home. Just a debris field,” said Coroner Jim Akers of Butler County, describing the scene that confronted rescuers. “The floor was upside down. We were walking on walls.” Dakota Henderson said he and others rescuing people trapped in their homes Friday night found five dead bodies scattered in the debris outside what remained of his aunt’s house in hard-hit Wayne County, Missouri. “It was a very rough deal last night,” he said Saturday, surrounded by uprooted trees and splintered homes. “It’s really disturbing for what happened to the people, the casualties last night.” Henderson said they rescued his aunt from a bedroom that was the only room left standing in her house, taking her out through a window. They also carried out a man who had a broken arm and leg. Officials in Arkansas said three people died in Independence County and 29 others were injured across eight counties as storms passed through the state. “We have teams out surveying the damage from last night’s tornadoes and have first responders on the ground to assist,” Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said on X. She and Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declared states of emergency. Kemp said he was making the declaration in anticipation of severe weather moving in later Saturday. On Friday, meanwhile, authorities said three people were killed in car crashes during a dust storm in Amarillo in the Texas Panhandle. Extreme weather encompasses a zone of 100 million people The deaths came as a massive storm system moving across the country unleashed winds that triggered deadly dust storms and fanned more than 100 wildfires. Extreme weather conditions were forecast to affect an area home to more than 100 million people. Winds gusting up to 80 mph (130 kph) were predicted from the Canadian border to Texas, threatening blizzard conditions in colder northern areas and wildfire risk in warmer, drier places to the south. The National Weather Service issued blizzard warnings for parts of far western Minnesota and far eastern South Dakota starting early Saturday. Snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches (7.6 to 15.2 centimeters) were expected, with up to a foot (30 centimeters) possible. Winds gusting to 60 mph (97 kph) were expected to cause whiteout conditions. Evacuations were ordered in some Oklahoma communities as more than 130 fires were reported across the state. Nearly 300 homes were damaged or destroyed. Gov. Kevin Stitt said at a Saturday news conference that some 266 square miles (689 square kilometers) had burned in his state. The State Patrol said winds were so strong that they toppled several tractor-trailers. Experts said it’s not unusual to see such weather extremes in March. Tornadoes hit amid storm outbreak The Storm Prediction Center said fast-moving storms could spawn twisters and hail as large as baseballs on Saturday, but the greatest threat would come from winds near or exceeding hurricane force, with gusts of 100 mph (160 kph) possible. Significant tornadoes continued to hit Saturday. The regions at highest risk stretch from eastern Louisiana and Mississippi through Alabama, western Georgia and the Florida panhandle, the center said. Bailey Dillon, 24, and her fiance, Caleb Barnes, watched a massive tornado from their front porch in Tylertown, Mississippi, about half a mile (0.8 km) away as it struck an area near Paradise Ranch RV Park. They drove over afterward to see if anyone needed help and recorded a video depicting snapped trees, leveled buildings and overturned vehicles. “The amount of damage was catastrophic,” Dillon said. “It was a large amount of cabins, RVs, campers that were just flipped over — everything was destroyed.” Paradise Ranch reported on Facebook that all its staff and guests were safe and accounted for, but Dillon said the damage extended beyond the ranch itself. “Homes and everything were destroyed all around it,” she said. “Schools and buildings are just completely gone.” Some of the imagery from the extreme weather has gone viral. Tad Peters and his dad, Richard Peters, had pulled over to fuel up their pickup truck in Rolla, Missouri, Friday night when they heard tornado sirens and saw other motorists flee the interstate to park. “Whoa, is this coming? Oh, it’s here. It’s here,” Tad Peters can be heard saying on a video. “Look at all that debris. Ohhh. My God, we are in a torn …” His father then rolled up the truck window. The two were headed to Indiana for a weightlifting competition but decided to turn around and head back home to Norman, Oklahoma, about six hours away, where they encountered wildfires. Wildfires elsewhere in the Southern Plains threatened to spread rapidly amid warm, dry weather and strong winds in Texas, Kansas, Missouri and New Mexico. A blaze in Roberts County, Texas, northeast of Amarillo, quickly blew up from less than a square mile (about 2 square kilometers) to an estimated 32.8 square miles (85 square kilometers), the Texas A&M University Forest Service said on X. Crews stopped its advance by Friday evening. About 60 miles (90 kilometers) to the south, another fire grew to about 3.9 square miles (10 square kilometers) before its advance was halted in the afternoon. High winds also knocked out power to more than 200,000 homes and businesses in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan, according the website poweroutage.us.

Averitt earns EcoVadis honor for sustainability performance

Dana Guthrie - March 15, 2025

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. — Averitt is receiving a Committed Badge from EcoVadis. “At Averitt, we recognize that our actions today shape the world of tomorrow,” said Barry Blakely, president and COO. “This recognition from EcoVadis reflects our commitment to integrating sustainability and social responsibility into every aspect of our business. We are always looking for ways to make a lasting, positive impact.” EcoVadis “EcoVadis medals and badges recognize companies that have completed the EcoVadis assessment process and demonstrated a relatively strong management system that addresses sustainability criteria, as outlined in the EcoVadis methodology,” EcoVadis said. The EcoVadis assessment evaluates 21 sustainability criteria across four core themes: Environment. Labor & Human Rights. Ethics. Sustainable Procurement. More than 130,000 companies globally have been rated by EcoVadis. Averitt and Sustainability According to Averitt, making sure the company is socially responsible is one of its key tenets. It has a plan in place to be a driving force for environmental stewardship. “At Averitt, we fully support innovative policies aimed at substantially reducing vehicle carbon emissions,” Blakely said. “This forward-thinking approach aligns with our commitment to environmental sustainability and represents a significant step toward a greener future for the trucking industry. At the same time, we understand that transitioning from carbon-based fuels is a complex process that requires careful planning and investment, and achieving success will depend on creating supportive policies, developing necessary infrastructure, and ensuring access to essential resources. Setting a Standard “Clear and consistent standards will help the industry innovate and plan effectively for this transition,” Blakely said. “For Averitt, such policies provide an opportunity to lead by example. We are committed to exploring and implementing every possible innovation that enhances the sustainability of our operations. By collaborating with policymakers, industry leaders, and our partners, we aim to develop practical solutions that balance environmental goals with economic and operational realities. These policies will challenge the industry to adapt, but we view them as catalysts for positive change. With a collective effort and a shared vision, we can make significant progress in creating a cleaner, more efficient transportation network. Averitt is proud to be part of this transformative journey, working toward a sustainable future for our business and the industry as a whole.” Delivering More “Over the past five decades, our associates have built a unique culture of giving back to our communities, creating an extraordinary tradition of helping those in need,” Averitt said. “We refer to these efforts as ‘Delivering More’ – coming together as a team to do good in the world. ‘Delivering More’ means bringing compassion, caring and support to our neighbors, communities, kids and planet. And there’s perhaps no better example of this commitment than Averitt Cares for Kids.” According to Averitt, through this nonprofit organization, Averitt supports the life changing work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In 2023, Averitt made its largest-ever donation of $1,500,001. It is the largest single employee-generated contribution in the hospital’s history. The funds help St. Jude in its mission of conquering childhood cancer and other devastating diseases. “We’re proud to say St. Jude has named Averitt Cares for Kids “Employee-Giving Organization of the Year” four times: 1999, 2010, 2020, and 2023,” Averitt said. Learn more at EcoVadis.com/suppliers. For more information about Averitt’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, visit Averitt.com/CSR.

Truck driver arrested after massive Texas fatality

Bruce Guthrie - March 14, 2025

AUSTIN, Texas — According to an Austin television station, Austin police said at least five people died and 11 were hurt in a crash involving at least 17 vehicles, including semi-trucks, on Interstate 35 in north Austin late Thursday night. Citing police sources, KXAN in Austin reported that the driver of an Amazon truck was arrested in connection with a crash that killed five people including a child and an infant, which was near Parmer and Howard Lane. According to sources, the person arrested was charged with five counts of intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle and two counts of intoxication assault with vehicle involving serious bodily injury. A spokesperson for Amazon stated that the driver of the truck did not work directly for the company, but did haul for Amazon. “This is a horrible tragedy, and our thoughts are with all those involved,” Amber Plunkett, Amazon Spokesperson stated. “We’re looking into this further and will cooperate with law enforcement as they investigate.” One of those believed to be involved is a driver from ZBN Transport LLC. The company told media outlets that as of late Friday morning there’s been no contact with the semi truck driver, who they did not name. Edgar Viera, who was at a nearby store and heard the crash, told KXAN that an 18-wheeler was going 80 mph and did not stop for half a mile as it hit other vehicles. The exact speed of the 18-wheeler is not yet known. Viera said traffic was already completely stopped when the 18-wheeler crashed into another truck, which slowed it down. The television station reported that first responders counted that the five people who died included three adults, one child and one infant. The other 11 people who were injured included four adults with critical, life-threatening injuries, four adults with minor injuries, one child with potentially life-threatening injuries, and two children with minor injuries. Austin police posted at 11:58 p.m. that all southbound lanes of I-35 were closed in the area between Parmer and Howard Lanes. The southbound service road near the crash has since been reopened. TxDOT said law enforcement expected the main lanes to remain closed for several more hours Friday. The department said drivers should find an alternate route if possible. TxDOT said drivers could use State Highway 130 as an alternate route. “Tolls are being waived from SH 45 to US 290 East. I-35 mainlanes are expected to remain closed for several more hours as law enforcement continues to investigate,” TxDOT said. ATCEMS reported that the scene spread across about 1/10 of a mile. The Austin Fire Department said the extensive closure was partially due to a diesel spill on the road, as well as time mitigated for cleanup to clear the road of other debris.

WIM launches survey on recruiting, retaining women in trucking

Dana Guthrie - March 14, 2025

WASHINGTON — The American Trucking Associations’ Women In Motion Council (WIM) is launching its first-ever industry-wide survey to ensure the voices of women in trucking are heard. “We’re thrilled to launch this groundbreaking survey focused on the experiences of women in the trucking industry,” said Sarah Rajtik, ATA COO, co-chair of WIM. “While designed to highlight women’s perspectives, we welcome participation from everyone in the industry to help us gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in trucking. The insights gathered will shed light on key issues, helping us drive meaningful change and create a stronger future for women.” Gathering Valuable Insights The WIM survey is designed to gather valuable insights from trucking professionals of all backgrounds in order to distill industry best practices for recruiting and retaining women in trucking roles. The confidential WIM survey is open to all non-driving industry stakeholders of any gender. The questions focus on understanding industry career paths, starting at the point of entry into the industry and how trucking roles foster retention. Responses will shape the future of WIM’s efforts, providing data-driven guidance to advance policy priorities, develop meaningful content and establish gold standards to support women. This input from individuals at every career level and every sector of trucking will improve comprehension of the challenges and opportunities women face in the industry today. The WIM survey will remain open through April 18. Three survey participants will be randomly selected to receive a free pair of AirPods. The survey is available here: https://www.research.net/r/WIMSurvey

DAT: Spot truckload volumes declined, rates fall sharply

Dana Guthrie - March 14, 2025

BEAVERTON, Ore. — Spot truckload freight volumes settled lower in February, driven by a mix of seasonal slowing, winter weather and shipper concerns about tariffs and economic volatility. According to DAT Freight & Analytics, which operates the DAT One freight marketplace and DAT iQ data analytics service, February typically has lower volumes compared to January due to fewer business days. However, year-over-year comparisons were positive, with the Van TVI up 5%, Reefer TVI increasing 9%, and Flatbed TVI rising 2.7% versus February 2024. The DAT Truckload Volume Index Van TVI: 258, down 8.5% compared to January Reefer TVI: 212, down 11.3% Flatbed TVI: 263, up 0.4% “Freight shippers and brokers were eager to put February behind them, despite favorable spot rates for van and reefer freight,” said Ken Adamo, DAT chief of analytics. “However, uncertainty about the economy and the artificial acceleration of freight movements ahead of tariff deadlines may lead to a flattened peak shipping season in spring and early summer.” Spot Rates Dropped After January Gains Average spot market rates for van and reefer loads declined to pre-holiday-season levels: Van: $2.04 per mile, down 11 cents from January Reefer: $2.36 per mile, down 18 cents Flatbed: $2.45 per mile, up 1 cent Linehaul rates, which exclude an amount equal to an average fuel surcharge, followed similar patterns. The van linehaul rate averaged $1.64 per mile (down 11 cents), the reefer rate was $1.92 (down 19 cents), and the flatbed rate was $1.97 (up 1 cent). Spot flatbed rates moved higher, particularly for freight such as construction materials, machinery, steel, and oversized cargo. In some cases, the threat of higher tariffs prompted shippers to move these commodities ahead of a change in policy. Contract Pricing Remained Steady While spot rates declined in February, contract freight rates were relatively stable: Contract Van: $2.43 per mile, down 1 cent month over month and 7 cents lower than February 2024 Contract Reefer: $2.75 per mile, unchanged from January and 14 cents lower year over year Contract Flatbed: $3.05 per mile, down 2 cents month over month and 7 cents lower year over year. Spread Between Spot and Contract Rates Jumped for Vans, Reefers The difference between contract and spot rates for vans and reefers widened substantially in February, marking the first expansion since September 2024: Van: 39 cents per mile, up 10 cents compared to January Reefer: 39 cents, up 18 cents Flatbed: 60 cents, down 3 cent An increasing gap between spot and contract rates indicates a shift in pricing power toward shippers and brokers.

Tractor trailer found to have millions in meth at Texas border crossing

The Associated Press - March 14, 2025

ROMA, Texas — A tractor trailer was found in Roma, Texas with millions of dollars worth of methamphetamine within a tractor trailer hauling bottled mineral water. US Customs and Border Patrol issued the statement of the arrest on Tuesday. “This huge methamphetamine seizure illustrates the phenomenal work our CBP officers do every day to keep our borders secure,” said Port Director Andres Guerra, Roma Port of Entry. “Our officers utilized their inspection skills, canines and technology to zero-in on and take down this significant methamphetamine load.” On March 5, CBP officers assigned to the Roma International Bridge cargo facility encountered a tractor trailer hauling a shipment of bottled mineral water. The tractor trailer was selected for inspection, which included utilization of non-intrusive inspection equipment and screening by a CBP canine team. After physically inspecting the shipment, CBP officers seized 1,632 bottles containing 2,268.51 pounds of alleged liquid methamphetamine. The narcotics have a total estimated street value of $20,279,137. CBP OFO seized the narcotics and tractor trailer. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents initiated a criminal investigation.

ACT Research: Used truck sales resilient despite uncertainty

Dana Guthrie - March 14, 2025

COLUMBUS, Ind. — February preliminary Class 8 same dealer used truck retail sales volumes built on January’s strength, adding 12% m/m, according ACT Research. “The market easily outperformed historical seasonality, which called for an increase of 6% m/m,” said Steve Tam, vice president, Act Research. “Gains in preliminary auction activity were muted, up 2.2% from January. Moving in the opposite direction, wholesale transactions contracted 4.9% y/y. Altogether, February preliminary sales strengthened 7.9% m/m.” Truckers Stand Strong Through Rough Times “The gain is a testament to the stalwart nature of truckers, but also somewhat counterintuitive considering all the economic and political uncertainty they are currently facing,” Tam said.

Senate nears final approval of a bill that could increase penalties for fentanyl traffickers

The Associated Press - March 14, 2025

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate was preparing Friday to give final approval to a bill that could result in harsher prison sentences for fentanyl traffickers as both Republicans and Democrats seek to show they can act to rein in distribution of the deadly drug. The bill has already passed the House and has picked up Democratic support in the Senate, showing many in the party are eager to clamp down on fentanyl distribution following an election in which Republican Donald Trump harped on the problem. House Republicans passed a similar bill in 2023 with dozens of Democrats joining in support, but it languished in the Democratic-held Senate. Critics say the proposal repeats the mistakes of the so-called “war on drugs,” which imprisoned millions of people addicted to drugs, particularly Black Americans. Now, with Republicans in control of the Senate, Majority Leader John Thune has prioritized the legislation, making it one of the early bills to send to Trump for his signature. The president has indicated he will sign it. Thune said this week the legislation “gives law enforcement a critical tool to go after the criminals bringing this poison into our country and selling it on our streets.” Called the HALT Fentanyl Act, the bill would permanently place all copycat versions of fentanyl — alterations of the drug that are often sold by traffickers — on the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s list of most dangerous drugs, known as Schedule 1. The drugs had already been temporarily placed on the list since 2018, but that designation was set to expire at the end of the month. The move would mean an increase in criminal convictions for distributing fentanyl-related substances, according to the Congressional Budget Office. The legislation also seeks to make it easier to research the drugs. The bill passed the House last month with 98 Democrats and every Republican except Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky in support. In the Senate, a majority of Democrats have supported the push to bring it to final passage. Law enforcement groups have also supported the bill. “This is bipartisan because, frankly, fentanyl is a bipartisan problem,” said Sen. Bill Cassidy, the Louisiana Republican who has sponsored the bill. Both Democrats and Republicans in Congress have found agreement on trying to halt the flow of fentanyl into the United States, where it is blamed for tens of thousands of overdose deaths every year. Trump has said that halting the illicit flow of fentanyl is one of the top goals of his on-again-off-again tariff threats against Mexico, Canada and China. But some progressive Democrats said the bill was missing an opportunity to tackle root causes of addiction or to focus on stopping the drug from entering the U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, a Massachusetts Democrat, said in a statement that support for the bill was “enabling a political stunt at the expense of real solutions.” The bill will “do little to actually solve the fentanyl crisis but will make it harder to research addiction and overdose reversal medication, disrupt communities and families by incarcerating rather than treating addiction, and divert resources from methods that work to disrupt the flow of fentanyl in the United States to strategies from the outdated War-on-Drugs solutions that do not work,” Markey added. The average prison sentence for those convicted of trafficking fentanyl-related drugs was seven years and three months in 2023, according to the U.S. Sentencing Commission. Almost 60% of those convicted were Black, 23% were Hispanic and 16% were white.

Big March storm system threatens US with tornadoes, blizzards and wildfire risk

The Associated Press - March 14, 2025

A huge storm system crossing the U.S. threatens to unleash tornadoes Friday in the Mississippi Valley, blizzards in the northern Plains and dry, gusty conditions in Texas and Oklahoma that pose an extreme risk of wildfires. The National Weather Service predicted extreme weather across a vast swath of the U.S. with a population exceeding 100 million people. Powerful winds gusting up to 80 mph (130 kph) were forecast from the Canadian line to the Rio Grande border with Mexico. Forecasters say the severe storm threat will continue into the weekend, with a moderate chance of tornadoes and damaging winds pushing farther south Saturday to areas including New Orleans and Birmingham, Alabama. Heavy rain could bring flash flooding to some parts of the East Coast on Sunday. Experts say it’s not unusual to see such weather extremes in March, when emerging spring warmth and lingering winter cold create big temperature differences for storms to thrive. “If there’s a time of the year where a storm like this can deliver these coast-to-coast impacts, we are in it,” said Benjamin Reppert, a meteorologist at Penn State University. Tornadoes likely amid storm outbreak A regional outbreak of severe storms was expected Friday afternoon with some risk of thunderstorms extending from the Great Lakes to the Gulf Coast. Forecasters said tornadoes, damaging winds and hail up to baseball-size were likely, with the greatest risk in eastern Missouri, much of Illinois and portions of Iowa, Kentucky, Tennessee and Arkansas. The weather service’s Storm Prediction Center said 17 million people faced an enhanced to moderate severe storm threat from Des Moines, Iowa, to Jackson, Mississippi. The tornado threat pushes farther south on Saturday into the Gulf Coast states, including New Orleans and other parts of eastern Louisiana and much of Mississippi and Alabama. Blizzards expected in Northern Plains Forecasters warned that heavy snow whipped by powerful winds are likely to make travel treacherous in parts of the Rockies and Northern Plains. Blizzard conditions were possible in the Dakotas and Minnesota. Winter storm warnings issued Thursday lingered into Friday morning in mountainous regions of Arizona and Utah, where more than a foot (30 centimeters) of snowfall was possible. Forecasters warned of poor visibility and icy road conditions, urging motorists to travel with extra food and water in case they became stranded. The winter blast continued after snowfall of up to 3 feet (90 centimeters) blanketed the Sierra Nevada earlier in the week. Dry, gusty conditions bring ‘extreme’ threat of wildfires Warm, dry weather and sustained winds of up to 45 mph (72 kph) brought what the weather service called “near historic” conditions for sparking wildfires Friday to the Southern Plains and parts of the Southwest. Wind gusts exceeding 80 mph (128 kph) were possible. Forecasters shared a bit of advice during a special briefing: For those stuck on the roads, keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and watch for fallen trees, power lines and other debris. They said the strong winds would be kicking up plenty of dust and that brownout conditions were possible. “This is likely to be the worst dust storm so far this year,” said Randall Hergert, a lead forecaster with the weather service in Albuquerque. Forecasters also warned about an extreme risk of fires in parts of northern Texas, much of Oklahoma and southeast Kansas. A broader area where the fire threat was designated as critical stretched from eastern New Mexico into Texas and north to a portion of southern Iowa. The weather service said a potential for dry thunderstorms in parts of Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Arkansas carry the added risk of fires being started by lightning with minimal rainfall to stop them from spreading.

NGO Energy Vision: Ditch old diesel trucks

Dana Guthrie - March 14, 2025

NEW YORK — The sustainability NGO Energy Vision is releasing a report assessing ways to replace heavy-duty diesel trucks built before 2013. “A Path to a Healthier America: Ditching Old Diesel Trucks,” focuses on replacing 130,000 heavy-duty diesel vehicles built before 2013 in 31 highly populated U.S. counties, including the 10 largest metro areas. “RNG is in the sweet spot for replacing the oldest, dirtiest diesel trucks,” said report author Michael Lerner, Energy Vision’s research and publications director. “They cost far less than EVs, perform better, and can have the greatest climate benefits. In heavy transport, the smart money should be on RNG.” Worst Air Emissions These trucks have the worst air emissions of all vehicles on U.S. roads, yet 2.4 million of them still operate nationwide, according to an Energy Vision press release. Diesel trucks emit carcinogenic particulates, nitrogen oxides, and other harmful chemicals which contribute to smog and acid rain, as well as high GHGs. Of the non-fossil fuel alternatives the report evaluated — battery electric vehicles, new diesel models running on renewable diesel (RD) made from vegetable oils and animal fats and compressed natural gas trucks running on renewable natural gas (RNG) made from organic wastes, RNG was the overall winner. “Electric trucks are by far the most expensive option for replacing diesel trucks, costing around $250,000 more,” Energy Vision said. “EV trucks have limited availability and haven’t performed as well as diesels. While their tailpipe emissions are zero, much of their electricity still comes from fossil fuels. They also emit non-exhaust particulate pollution from tire and road wear.” Other Study Findings The study found running newer, cleaner diesel engines on RD would yield 66% of the health benefits of switching to heavy-duty EVs, and up to 86% reduction in GHG emissions compared to fossil diesel without electric trucks’ big upfront costs, according to the study. Compressed natural gas trucks running on RNG are widely used, perform as well as diesels, and have potentially the lowest lifecycle GHG emissions of any option. While they cost $35,000–$75,000 more than new diesels, that cost differential is more than offset by lower fuel costs. Replacing 130,000 old diesel trucks with new RNG models would deliver 88% of the health benefits of electric trucks, annually preventing over 100 deaths, 230 hospital ER visits, and 660 asthma cases, saving $2 billion in healthcare costs, the study found. “The presentation is clear, the case is compelling, and the bottom line is clear,” said Philip J. Landrigan, MD, MSC, FAAP, Director of Boston College’s Program for Global Public Health and the Common Good. “This Energy Vision report tells us that we need to get older, highly polluting diesel trucks off our highways as quickly as possible. Thanks to this report, health professionals, policymakers and truck fleet operators now have the evidence they need to quantify diesel trucks’ impacts, assess their options, and take actions that improve the health of all Americans, and especially the health of our nation’s children.” View the full report here.

Great Dane to join St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Savannah

Dana Guthrie - March 13, 2025

SAVANNAH, Ga. — Great Dane is participating in the 2025 Savannah St. Patrick’s Day parade March 17. “Being part of the iconic Savannah St. Patrick’s Day parade is the perfect way to celebrate our 125th anniversary,” said Rick Mullininx, president and COO of Great Dane. “This event allows us to honor Great Dane’s enduring story, thank the Savannah community for its continued support, and share our pride in being a company that connects people and goods safely and efficiently, every day.” This comes as Great Dane is celebrating 125 years of innovation, quality and leadership in the transportation industry, according to a company press release. The company’s landmark anniversary will be commemorated with a special float to honor the company’s storied history and founding roots in Savannah. The float will feature a 7.5’ Great Dane, exemplifying the company’s strength and resilience. A Storied History With A Future Focus “Founded 125 years ago, Great Dane has grown into a world-class leader in the transportation solutions industry,” Great Dane said. “With a network of eleven manufacturing plants and a distribution network stretching across North and South America, Great Dane has continually set the standard by delivering high-performance equipment, backed by exceptional customer service.” Over the decades, Great Dane trailers, including its innovative truck bodies, dry vans, refrigerated trailers and open deck trailers, have driven progress across industries, enabling businesses to move their goods with exceptional reliability and efficiency. From industry-leading trailer technology to sustainability-focused designs, Great Dane remains at the forefront of innovation and operational excellence, according to the release. Celebrating Savannah Great Dane’s participation in the St. Patrick’s Day parade is a nod to its deep connection with Savannah. The annual Savannah parade, a cherished tradition attracting people from across the nation, is the perfect opportunity for Great Dane to engage with the local community and celebrate its shared history.

CBP gets more than $2.4 Million in meth in Texas

Bruce Guthrie - March 13, 2025

PHARR, Texas — Drug seizures in Texas continue. U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported on Wednesday that officers at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility intercepted $2,404,300 of methamphetamine in a shipment of Persian limes. “Our CBP officers continue to safeguard America’s border by keeping harmful narcotics off our streets,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. The total weight of the packages totaled nearly 269 pounds of methamphetamine, according to the release. The incident occurred on March 7. That is when CBP officers encountered a commercial tractor trailer making entry from Mexico. A CBP officer selected the vehicle for inspection which included utilizing nonintrusive inspection equipment and screening by a canine team. Physical inspection of the conveyance resulted in officers extracting a total of 960 packages of alleged methamphetamine weighing 268.96 pounds (122 kg) concealed within the shipment. CBP OFO seized the narcotics and vehicle. Homeland Security Investigations initiated a criminal investigation.

SBTC pushes for English language proficiency for all CDL drivers

Dana Guthrie - March 13, 2025

WASHINGTON — In the wake of President Donald Trump signing an executive order making English the official language in the U.S. on March 1, some trucking industry stakeholders are concerned about the lack of enforcement of a requirement that commercial drivers have a minimum proficiency in English. Trump’s order noted that while English will be the official language, the change will not “require or direct” any change in services provided by any agency. In a March 2 email to Larry Minor, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMSCA) associate administrator for policy, James Lamb, Small Business in Transportation’s (SBTC) president, stated: “If the agency’s policy is still to not place truck drivers who do not speak or read English out-of-service in accordance with the Department’s motor carrier safety regulations on qualifications to drive, we request you please change the policy back to placing such drivers out-of-service in the interest of public safety.” Minor acknowledged receipt of Lamb’s email on March 3, but made no comment. According to FMCSA guidelines, motor carriers are required to ensure that commercial drivers can “speak and read English satisfactorily to converse with the general public, understand traffic signs and signals, respond to official questions and make legible entries on reports and records.” In a June 2016 FMSCA memorandum, Lamb noted, FMSCA removed the requirement to place drivers out of service for English Language Proficiency (ELP) violations and changed the industry’s standard for determining non-compliance with the ELP requirements. SBTC Proposed Bill On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, the SBTC board voted to propose to Congress a new bill, “Standards Affirming Fluency in English (SAFE) Motor Carrier Act of 2025.” Part of the bill relates to proficiency in English. That section of the bill reads: “The states (shall be required) to test for English proficiency during Commercial Driver License (CDL) knowledge testing to confirm drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMV) can read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, to understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language, to respond to official inquiries, and to make entries on reports and records. This requirement shall not be waived by the Secretary and the Secretary shall require department enforcement personnel and the states to place out of service any CMV driver found to not be able to read or speak English while operating a CMV.” Tragedy Strikes In 2021, a Florida jury ruled that two trucking companies were complicit in the 2017 death of an 18-year-old honor student, awarding the family of the late Connor Dzion a total of $1 billion in damages. The driver reportedly could not read English, so the flashing electronic signs that were put up miles before the standstill, warning drivers to be prepared to stop, were not understood. While Dzion sat in his car waiting for the wreck to be cleared, a rig driven by Kahkashan Carrier Inc.’s Yadwinder Sangha of Canada slammed into a parked line of cars behind the initial wreck, pancaking Dzion’s sedan and causing his head to be crushed between Sangha’s grill and the car in front of him. Sangha was traveling with the cruise control at 70 mph, and the truck’s on-board data recorder showed he did not attempt to brake until one second before the fatal crash. Sangha was also looking at his phone instead of the road when he “steamrolled” into Dzion’s car. 2002 CDL Standards Audit Lamb is also asking for reconsideration of a request to re-audit FMCSA as a follow-up to the 2002 CDL Standards audit., according to a Feb. 17 e-mail to Chuck Ward, USDOT principal assistant inspector general for auditing and evaluation. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy was also copied on the e-mail request. In the 2002 audit, English proficiency is addressed as follows: “Federal standards related to English language proficiency for commercial drivers require clarification,” the audit said. “The Federal standard for motor carrier safety requires carriers to ensure that their commercial drivers are able to read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, understand highway and traffic signs, respond to official inquiries, and make reports and records. However, the Federal standard on CDL testing and licensing does not place any requirement on the states to test for language proficiency.” According to the audit, FMCSA guidance allows states to administer the CDL knowledge test in foreign languages. Eight of the 13 States visited allowed the use of interpreters for the knowledge tests, although various restrictions on their use were in place. Driving tests were also administered in a foreign language by bilingual examiners in 2 of the 13 states visited. “Given the variations and the previously noted condition on enforcing residency requirements, the current situation allows individuals to obtain CDLs in a state where the language requirements are different, and then return to their home state, where they may be able to exchange their CDLs without retesting,” the audit said. “We estimate that 123,000 CDLs are transferred annually. Establishing performance-oriented English proficiency standards and an agreed to testing protocol would discourage license shopping across states and establish consistent, nondiscriminatory practices nationwide. FMCSA announced it was considering a revision to the standard in 1997, but no draft or final standard has been issued.”

EPA will ‘reconsider’ emissions standards for heavy-duty trucks, says Zeldin

Linda Garner-Bunch - March 12, 2025

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reconsidering the Biden-Harris administration’s greenhouse emissions standards that are set to go into effect for model-year 2027 and later heavy-duty trucks. The agency is also reconsidering regulations for passenger vehicles and light- and medium-duty vehicles. The announcement came Wednesday, March 12, in a press release from EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. In addition to imposing more than $700 billion in regulatory and compliance costs and making it difficult for Americans to buy safe, affordable cars, Zeldin said the standards would increase the overall cost of living. The EPA is also reevaluating other parts of the Biden-Harris “Clean Trucks Plan,” including the 2022 Heavy-Duty Nitrous Oxide rule, which “results in significant costs that will make the products our trucks deliver, like food and other household goods, more expensive.” Members of the trucking industry were quick to applaud Zeldin’s actions. AMERICAN TRUCKING ASSOCIATIONS (ATA) “We commend President Trump and EPA Administrator Zeldin for restoring common sense to our nation’s environmental laws and demonstrating bold leadership on this critical issue that affects not only the 8.5 million men and women who work in trucking, but all Americans,” said Chris Spear, president and CEO of the American Trucking Associations. “GHG3 in its current form is unachievable given the state of battery-electric technology and the sheer lack of charging infrastructure,” he continued, describing the rule as “an albatross for the trucking industry” because of the increased costs for motor carriers and supply chain disruptions that would ultimately increase consumer costs. Realistic, achievable standards and deadlines are vital to the reduction of pollution caused by heavy-duty trucks, Spear noted, pointing to progress made since the 1980s. “Sixty trucks today emit the same amount as one truck manufactured in 1988,” he said. “The trucking industry welcomes the resumption of this productive partnership with EPA,” Spear said. “Crafting a new national rule will prevent states like California from attempting to make an end run around the administration, creating a patchwork of impossible mandates that would jeopardize our economy.” CLEAN FREIGHT COALITION (CFC) A statement from the CFC also applauded the Trump administration’s actions and the EPA’s decision to reconsider emissions standards for commercial transport. “The trucking industry has made significant improvements on tailpipe emissions over the last several decades, and we will work with the (Trump) administration on reasonable and achievable solutions that continue to deliver cleaner commercial vehicles moving forward,” said Jim Mullen, executive director of the CFC. “We will also continue to advocate for a national regulatory framework that is technology neutral and achieves the greatest benefit for the environment without unnecessarily burdening the industry, the economy and all consumers of goods in our country,” he concluded. TRUCKLOAD CARRIERS ASSOCIATION (TCA) In an emailed statement, TCA voiced support for Zeldin’s reconsideration of the EPA’s Phase 3 final rule regarding greenhouse gas emissions standards for heavy-duty trucks and promise to review nitrogen oxides regulations. “TCA fully supports this reconsideration, recognizing the progress in advocating for practical and achievable emissions standards,” the statement noted. “As a founding member of the Clean Freight Coalition, TCA has worked diligently to ensure that federal emissions policies reflect real-world operational and economic considerations.” TCA’s statement pointed to the group’s support of efforts to withdraw the heavy-duty trucks emissions rule by Sen. Mark Crapo (R-ID) and Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) during the last Congressional session. “This reconsideration underscores the effectiveness of TCA’s advocacy and the collective efforts of the Clean Freight Coalition,” the statement said. “TCA remains committed to actively engaging in this process to ensure that emissions regulations strike a balance between environmental progress and the trucking industry’s operational realities.” OWNER-OPERATOR INDEPENDENT DRIVERS ASSOCIATION (OOIDA) Todd Spencer, president of OOIDA — an organization representing 150,000 small-business truckers — said the group welcomes the EPA’s decision to review emissions standards. “Small-business truckers make up 96% of trucking and could be regulated out of existence if the current standards were to be implemented,” he said. “Mom-and-pop trucking businesses would be suffocated by the sheer cost and operational challenges of effectively mandating zero emission trucks.” Spencer also noted that reliable, affordable commercial trucks are vital to the operations of the association’s members. “We have yet to see proof that electric CMVs (commercial motor vehicles) are a practical option for most trucking businesses considering the price tag and lack of charging infrastructure,” he said. Opposition to the EPA’s decision While members of the trucking industry have so far voiced support for rolling back greenhouse gas emissions and nitrous oxide rules, other groups were quick to dissent. Environmentalists and climate scientists call the endangerment finding a bedrock of U.S. law and say any attempt to undo it will have little chance of success, according to a report from The Associated Press. “In the face of overwhelming science, it’s impossible to think that the EPA could develop a contradictory finding that would stand up in court,” said David Doniger, a climate expert at the Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental group. University of Pennsylvania climate scientist Michael Mann called the EPA’s action “just the latest form of Republican climate denial. They can no longer deny climate change is happening, so instead they’re pretending it’s not a threat, despite the overwhelming scientific evidence that it is, perhaps, the greatest threat that we face today.” What’s next? The Associated Press report also offered insights into Zeldin’s plans. “We are driving a dagger through the heart of climate-change religion and ushering in America’s Golden Age,’’ Zeldin wrote in an essay in “The Wall Street Journal.” Zeldin believes the EPA’s actions will eliminate trillions of dollars in regulatory costs and “hidden taxes,” lowering the cost of living for American families and reducing prices for such essentials such as buying a car, heating your home and operating a business. “Our actions will also reignite American manufacturing, spreading economic benefits to communities,” he noted. “This isn’t about abandoning environmental protection — it’s about achieving it through innovation and not strangulation,” Zeldin wrote. “By reconsidering rules that throttled oil and gas production and unfairly targeted coal-fired power plants, we are ensuring that American energy remains clean, affordable, and reliable.” The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Canada and the EU swiftly retaliate against Trump’s steel and aluminum tariffs

The Associated Press - March 12, 2025

BRUSSELS — Major trade partners swiftly hit back at President Donald Trump’s increased tariffs on aluminum and steel imports, imposing stiff new taxes on U.S goods including products from textiles and water heaters to beef and bourbon. Canada, the largest steel supplier to the U.S., said Wednesday, March 12, it will place 25% reciprocal tariffs on steel products and also raise taxes on a host of items: tools, computers and servers, display monitors, sports equipment, and cast-iron products. Across the Atlantic, the European Union will raise tariffs on American beef, poultry, bourbon and motorcycles, bourbon, peanut butter and jeans. Combined, the new tariffs will cost companies billions of dollars — and further escalate the uncertainty in two of the world’s major trade partnerships. Companies will either take the losses and earn fewer profits, or, more likely, pass costs along to consumers in the form of higher prices. Prices will go up, in Europe and the United States, and jobs are at stake, said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. “We deeply regret this measure. Tariffs are taxes. They are bad for business, and even worse for consumers,” von der Leyen said. The EU duties aim for pressure points in the U.S. while minimizing additional damage to Europe. EU officials have made clear that the tariffs — taxes on imports — are aimed at products made in Republican-held states, such as beef and poultry from Kansas and Nebraska and wood products from Alabama and Georgia. The tariffs will also hit blue states such as Illinois, the No. 1 U.S. producer of soybeans, which are also on the list. Spirits producers have become collateral damage in the dispute over steel and aluminum. The EU move “is deeply disappointing and will severely undercut the successful efforts to rebuild U.S. spirits exports in EU countries,” said Chris Swonger, head of the Distilled Spirits Council. The EU is a major destination for U.S. whiskey, with exports surging 60% in the past three years after an earlier set of tariffs was suspended. Could there be an agreement that takes increasing tariffs off the table? Von der Leyen said in a statement that the EU “will always remain open to negotiation.” “We firmly believe that in a world fraught with geopolitical and economic uncertainties, it is not in our common interest to burden our economies with tariffs,” she said. The American Chamber of Commerce to the EU said the U.S. tariffs and EU countermeasures “will only harm jobs, prosperity and security on both sides of the Atlantic.” “The two sides must de-escalate and find a negotiated outcome urgently,” the chamber said Wednesday. What will actually happen? Trump slapped similar tariffs on EU steel and aluminum during his first term in office, which enraged European and other allies. The EU also imposed countermeasures in retaliation at the time, raising tariffs on U.S.-made motorcycles, bourbon, peanut butter and jeans, among other items. This time, the EU action will involve two steps. First on April 1, the commission will reimpose taxes that were in effect from 2018 and 2020, but which were suspended under the Biden administration. Then on April 13 come the additional duties targeting 18 billion euros ($19.6 billion) in U.S. exports to the bloc. EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič traveled to Washington last month in an effort to head off the tariffs, meeting with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and other top trade officials. He said on Wednesday that it became clear during the trip “that the EU is not the problem.” “I argued to avoid the unnecessary burden of measures and countermeasures, but you need a partner for that. You need both hands to clap,” Šefčovič told reporters at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. Canada is imposing, as of 12:01 a.m. Thursday 25% reciprocal tariffs on steel products worth $12.6 billion Canadian (US$8.7 billion) and aluminum products worth $3 billion Canadian (US$2 billion) as well as additional imported U.S. goods worth $14.2 billion Canadian ($9.9 billion) for a total of $29.8 billion (US$20.6 billion.) The list of additional products affected by counter-tariffs includes tools, computers and servers, display monitors, water heaters, sport equipment, and cast-iron products. These tariffs are in addition to Canada’s 25% counter tariffs on $30 billion Canadian (US$20.8 billion) of imports from the U.S. that were put in place on March 4 in response to other Trump tariffs that he’s delayed by a month. European steel companies brace for losses The EU could lose up to 3.7 million tons of steel exports, according to the European steel association Eurofer. The U.S. is the second-biggest export market for EU steel producers, representing 16% of the total EU steel exports. The EU estimates that annual trade volume between both sides stands at about $1.5 trillion, representing around 30% of global trade. While the bloc has a substantial export surplus in goods, it says that is partly offset by the U.S. surplus in the trade of services. By Lorne Cook, David McHugh and Rob Gillies, The Associated Press. McHugh reported from Frankfurt and Gillies from Toronto. Jill Lawless contributed to this report from London.

A year to remember: Outgoing TCA chairman John Culp reflects on his tenure

Linda Garner-Bunch - March 12, 2025

During the Truckload Carriers Association’s (TCA) annual convention, slated for March 15-18 in Phoenix, chairman John Culp will pass the torch to incoming chair Karen Smerchek, president of Veriha Trucking Inc. As he prepares to transition to the role of immediate past chair, Culp took time to reflect on his tenure as chairman and share his thoughts on the state of the trucking industry. “I’ve loved my time as TCA chairman. I love our industry. I love to talk about it,” he said during a visit with Linda Garner-Bunch, managing editor of Truckload Authority and The Trucker Media Group, one February afternoon. Anyone who’s spent more than five minutes conversing with Culp would agree that not only does he love trucking; he is also an expert on the many aspects of the industry. As his year as chairman comes to an end, the Truckload Authority and Trucker Media Group teams extend a word of thanks to John Culp for making this a year to remember. Linda: Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman, and thank you for joining us today. It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since our first visit and that this is your last Chat with the Chairman! What have been some of the highlights of the past year for you? John: The highlight for me has been working with the team at TCA. It’s been a great year. It’s been challenging, it’s been fun, and it’s been rewarding. Working with TCA is always a great experience altogether, not just the past year, but every year. When I first became chairman, someone asked me, “Well John, what are you going to do? What do you want to accomplish as chairman?” My answer was that I want to do keep doing the same thing I’ve been doing with TCA over the years. I want to continue what we’re doing as an organization, and I want to work to make it even better — I’ll just be sitting in a different chair. And that’s exactly what we’ve done. Note that I said “we.” It’s not just me; it’s the entire organization, from the staff to the officers and members. Our officers this year have been awesome, and our TCA staff is stronger than it’s ever been. We’re well aligned with the objectives we’re trying to reach, and we’ve got a lot of momentum. Having the opportunity to work closely with these people has been amazing. I have been truly blessed with the relationships I’ve developed and the friends I’ve made — and it’s been extremely rewarding to be a part of TCA’s leadership and to continue the efforts to amplify the “voice of truckload” on Capitol Hill. Our membership has grown stronger, and together we have worked through the challenges and uncertainties of the past 12 months. We continue to grow stronger. It has been an honor to be a part of this team effort. To sum it up, it’s been a great year to be part of TCA. Linda: What would you say has been your greatest challenge in the past 12 months, and what accomplishment are you most proud of? John: The biggest challenge is pretty universal: Time. There’s just never enough of it. But that’s where teamwork comes in, and the TCA staff and officers really stepped up to help make sure all the wonderful educational offerings and meetings provided the added value our members have come to appreciate and expect. Linda: Earlier you mentioned amplifying the voice of truckload on Capitol Hill. During his first few weeks in office, President Trump has already signed countless executive orders, some of which relate to the trucking industry. How do you believe the new Trump administration will impact TCA’s efforts to enact legislation that will benefit trucking and the supply chain? John: Executive orders are great, and they serve an important purpose — but issues really need to be addressed at the congressional level through legislation. That’s one of the key benefits of TCA membership. We allow the stakeholders to actually have input on what is presented in Washington. If you haven’t already, check out the story on Page 6; TCA’s Dave Heller does a great job of explaining how the association works to make sure our members have the ear of the nation’s decision-makers. Any time you have an administration change at the federal level, it’s going to have an effect on every industry in every sector. TCA’s leadership has a history of working closely with whoever’s in the Oval Office, or whatever party has control of the House and Senate, to help promote legislation that benefits our industry. We work to bring about changes that will benefit our members as well as the rest of the nation. To that end, it doesn’t matter which party is in power — our goal remains the same: To educate the lawmakers about how different issues, such as emissions mandates and a lack of truck parking, impact the transportation industry as a whole, especially the hundreds of thousands of truck drivers that make sure products are delivered safely every single day. Linda: I’m glad you mentioned the emissions mandates. One of the first executive orders President Trump signed back in January called for a halt to what he termed as Environmental Protection Agency’s “EV mandate.” Since then, the EPA has announced further changes that could impact the previously-called-for transition to zero-emission Class 8 trucks. What are your thoughts? John: The Advanced Clean Fleet Rule being put to bed, so to speak, is great news. It offers a reprieve for the industry to develop a realistic, commonsense approach to addressing the trucking industry’s environmental responsibilities. Linda: One thing you and I have discussed in the past is the possibility of using alternative fuels to achieve zero emissions for heavy-duty vehicles. What have you heard lately on this front? John: The industry definitely needs to continue to look at alternative fuel sources. However, much like the charging facilities for electric vehicles, it’s going to take time to develop the infrastructure to produce the alternative fuels, such as renewable diesel, needed to meet the demands of the trucking industry and other sectors. Bruce Guthrie recently wrote a very informative story about the progress of internal combustion engines designed to burn alternative fuel, along with information about the fueling infrastructure. Check it out here. The industry needs to continue to work towards zero emissions and create a realistic path to our objectives — and it WILL happen; it will just take time. Linda: What other issues do you see facing the trucking industry in the near future? John: Parking is still a huge issue. We’re working with Congress to develop solutions, and I believe we made great progress last year. I believe there will be some real movement on parking this year. Of course, one of the primary goals at TCA is to promote safety on the roads, and that means safe drivers. We want to see well-trained, drug- and alcohol-free drivers on the highways. That brings us to the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse and the admission of additional testing methods, including hair follicle and oral fluids testing. Progress is still needed on oral fluids testing, but the process of approving laboratories to conduct the testing needs further development. Hair follicle testing results are proven and accurate — but are still not accepted by the Clearinghouse. The guidelines for this testing were mandated eight and a half years ago, but we are still fighting shameful bureaucratic red tape that is preventing implementation. Linda: What do you see as some of the top legal issues facing the trucking industry? John: Insurance costs have shot well above the rate of inflation, and high-dollar verdicts — often referred to as “nuclear” verdicts — have been the driving force behind those increases. We need litigation reform to help curtail that, to ensure reasonable verdicts. Without tort reform, many trucking companies will be forced out of business, either because they can’t afford insurance or because of the unreasonably high verdicts themselves. In the end, these skyrocketing costs are passed along to the consumers in the form of higher prices. For perspective, the current minimum insurance level is $750,000. That figure was set back in 1980 — 45 years ago — and it hasn’t changed. Today most carriers carry $1 million policies, but even that isn’t enough to cover a carrier’s financial responsibility. As an industry, we carry insurance because it’s the right thing to do. We’re not trying to shirk any responsibility, but the premiums, as well as payouts to plaintiffs, should be reasonable. On the plus side, I believe we’re going to see some real effort to have trucking accidents involving a certain monetary value being adjudicated in a federal court, regulated at the federal level. Linda: Let’s talk about the freight recession. Many analysts predict that conditions will slowly improve over the course of 2025 after bouncing along the bottom for the past two to three years. What are your thoughts? John: I would say we’ve been in a recession for about two and a half years now, and it’s been very painful. Many trucking companies are struggling to keep their doors open, and countless others have shut down. The challenges are very real. We’re hoping to move toward a more robust economy, and that we’ll see some relief from inflation. The economy always goes up and down; it’s a cycle, like a pendulum swing. It’s not a question of IF things will change, it’s a question of when. I believe there’s reason for optimism, that the pendulum will swing in our favor this year. Linda: As your time as chairman of the board comes to an end, it’s tradition to offer a few words of advice to the incoming chair. What wisdom would you like to share with incoming chairperson Karen Smerchek? John: First of all, let me say how pleased I am that Karen will be succeeding me as chair of TCA. She is the first woman to lead the board in the association’s nearly 100-year history. Rather than offering advice, I’d like to express my support. Karen became an officer on TCA’s board at the same time as I did. We’ve worked together, and I know how good she is. She’s a strong leader, a smart trucking industry stakeholder, and she’s going to do a great job leading the association’s board of directors. Linda: Thank you for your time, Mr. Chairman. It has been an honor working with you over the past year.

Bendix Huntington celebrates 45 years of excellence

Dana Guthrie - March 12, 2025

AVON, Ohio— A lot has changed in commercial vehicle technologies since Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems (Bendix) first opened the doors of its Huntington, Ind. operation in February 1980 with 30 employees. Four and a half decades later, the site has become a cornerstone of Bendix’s North American manufacturing and distribution network, employing over 400 team members across multiple high-tech facilities. “Reaching 45 years is a testament to our remarkable team and our forward-thinking approach,” said Eric Meehan, managing director of operations at Huntington. “Because of our employees’ dedication to quality, customer satisfaction, and workplace safety, we remain at the forefront of innovations that help commercial fleets and drivers operate more safely and efficiently. At the same time, our deep commitment to Huntington has contributed to our longevity, with everyone here taking as much pride in our home community as we do in our work.” Evolution According to a company press release, yhe Huntington operation has steadily evolved into a multifaceted campus engaged in manufacturing, remanufacturing, and assembly of Bendix products for the commercial vehicle industry. Along the way, its success has been fueled by leading-edge manufacturing strategies, an unwavering commitment to quality and safety, and a workforce culture focused on continuous improvement. Building on Manufacturing Excellence The Huntington operation includes manufacturing and assembly facilities, as well as the Bendix Distribution Center (BDC), the company’s primary North American distribution center. The Bendix Huntington team handles air compressor remanufacturing; assembly of electronics, including sensors, electronic control units, radar units, and cameras for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS); and manufacture of integrated modules and engine vibration dampers. The site manages nearly 199,000 Bendix part numbers consisting of finished goods and components. Over the years, the campus has garnered prestigious quality accolades from major commercial vehicle manufacturers, reflecting a deeply rooted culture of continuous improvement, according to the release. “Quality and reliability are non-negotiables for Bendix,” Meehan said. “Each day, our workforce brings a strong commitment to excellence that you can see in our products and processes – whether we’re supplying air compressors, assembling crucial ADAS components, or delivering next-generation brake technologies.” Cutting-Edge Transformation Bendix’s Huntington campus now spans approximately 855,000 square feet across four buildings. Two recent multimillion-dollar capital investments in the plant underscore Bendix’s commitment to meet customer demand and anticipate future market needs. One investment is directed at the BDC, which is undergoing a transformation into a state-of-the-art distribution center that integrates automated storage and retrieval systems, goods-to-person workflows, and enhanced warehouse control technologies. Slated for completion in late-2025, this upgrade is set to improve productivity and material flow while expanding the capacity to serve more than 6,000 aftermarket and OEM ship-to locations across North America. The other investment resulted in centralized engine vibration damper production. In response to growing market needs, Bendix recently consolidated its North American damper production into a single, larger Huntington facility. By aligning production and storage within Plant 1, the company has significantly increased efficiency, streamlined logistics, and opened the door to future automation and capacity expansions, according to the release. Investment and Growth Highlights in the site’s development include: 1980 – Huntington’s Plant 1 Distribution Center opens with 30 employees. 1984 – Air compressor remanufacturing operations begin. 1997 – Second Huntington facility opens, adding original equipment manufacturing capabilities. 2000 – Huntington’s third facility opens to support manufacture of pretested subassemblies known as integrated modules. 2002 – Bendix becomes a member of Munich, Germany-based Knorr-Bremse. 2003 – Huntington’s Plant 1 Distribution Center undergoes a 63,000-square-foot expansion to support business growth. 2008 – Bendix announces an $8.3 million expansion of Huntington operations and opens its Sabine Street facility, which houses the Huntington operation’s second modules production plant. 2013 – Bendix opens its first on-site health care center. The Huntington site is available for Huntington employees and family members, offering workplace access to primary care, health assessments, health coaching, and disease management. Huntington is the first Bendix location to open an on-site health center. 2014 – Bendix’s Huntington manufacturing operations earn the Daimler Trucks North America 2013 Masters of Quality Supplier Award, as well as a place on PACCAR’s list of premier suppliers that meet demanding quality expectations. 2017 – Bendix adds two production lines to manufacture vibration dampers. 2018 – Bendix launches damper manufacturing and retrofit component production in Huntington. 2019 – Acquisition of a 409,000-square-foot facility – the BDC – begins Huntington expansion and plant realignment. 2021 – A 1.168-megawatt solar array goes online, satisfying about 30% of Plant 1’s energy requirements. A second solar installation is underway at the BDC and is expected to be completed later this year. 2024 – Work begins on upgrading the BDC into a state-of-the-art facility. 2024 – Bendix completes consolidation of the engine vibration damper business into a larger space on campus. Adaptation Bendix’s growth in Huntington is attributed not only to advanced engineering and automation, but also to the site’s ability to adapt and align with ever-evolving customer demands. Cross-training programs and robust quality systems empower team members to swiftly shift as needed, helping ensure top-tier performance for every product leaving the campus, according to the release. “At Bendix, our culture prioritizes safety and fosters employee ownership,” Meehan said. “The success of Huntington is rooted in each team member understanding the critical role they play in keeping commercial vehicles safe on the roads. We’re proud to continue investing in our people, our technology, and our community.” A Culture of Giving Back Bendix’s commitment to Huntington extends beyond economic impact. Company leadership and employees actively volunteer, fundraise and serve on boards for a variety of local organizations, including Junior Achievement, the YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs of Huntington County, and United Way of Huntington County. Bendix Huntington has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars in community support grants and thousands of employee volunteer hours in recent years. “We believe that being a good neighbor means rolling up our sleeves and giving back,” Meehan said. “From volunteering at local nonprofits to pledging financial support for critical community programs, our team is proud to make a real difference right here in Huntington.”

Jack Griffin earns Lifetime Achievement Award

Dana Guthrie - March 12, 2025

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The American Trucking Associations’ Moving and Storage Conference honored Jack Griffin, chairman and CEO of Atlas Van Lines, with the Moving & Storage Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award. “Jack is a pillar of the moving and storage industry, pioneering new business models, adopting innovative technology, and advocating for policies that benefit businesses and contribute to the well-being of workers,” said Steve McKenna, MSI chairman. “Throughout his tenure at Atlas, Jack has deftly navigated the turbulent economy while elevating moving standards. He is passionate about improving customer service and has had an indispensable role in enhancing the industry’s public image and growth.” Veteran Industry Professional Griffin was elected CEO of Atlas World Group Inc. in November 2016, bringing over 30 years of industry experience to his current position. He is a proud member of ATA and ATA’s MSC, serving on the executive committee, and previously chaired the Moving and Storage Institute. He is an active member of the International Association of Movers (IAM), the Worldwide ERC (WERC), and Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM). “Jack places a premium on community involvement, leading by example and fostering a culture at Atlas that encourages volunteerism. Above all, he treats employees and colleagues in the industry like family,” said Dan Hilton, MSC executive director. “For his countless contributions, we are thrilled to recognize Jack with the MSI Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating his enduring impact on the industry and community.” Community Contributions Griffin is deeply involved in his local community of Evansville, Ind., where he volunteers with several local charities and supports community development initiatives. The Lifetime Achievement Award for Distinguished Service is the moving industry’s most prestigious symbol of leadership, innovation, integrity and service, awarded to individuals who have built a reputation for professional excellence and made significant contributions leading to overall industry growth and advancement. In addition to the Lifetime Achievement Award, MSC handed out a number of awards to member carriers as part of the group’s Annual Meeting this week: American Red Ball Transit Inc., JK Moving Services and Wheaton Van Lines were honored with Fleet Safety Awards. Moyer & Sons Moving and Storage was named Independent Mover of the Year. Imlach Group was recognized with the Agent of the Year Service Excellence Award. Supermove received the Summit Award for Supplier Member.

Peterbilt moves forward with Bendix partnership

Bruce Guthrie - March 12, 2025

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — When Peterbilt hit the exhibition floor at the the American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) 2025 Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC) meeting, it did so with an offering of new technology in its model 579. That technology comes from a lasting partnership with Bendix. In an interview with thetrucker.com, Peterbilt’s Director of Product Marketing Jacob White gave some brief details on not only the truck itself, but why the features provided by Bendix are important. Lasting Partnership “We have been standard with the fusion system with Bendix for a very long time,” White said of the relationship between Peterbilt and Bendix that dates back to 2012. “We have got a long history of developing these systems and putting them into market and giving fleets what they need.” Peterbilt announced the availability of Bendix Fusion Stop & Auto-Go Advanced on the 579 earlier this week. Exclusive Features The new system uses a new forward-facing camera and upgraded software to enhance collision mitigation for both moving and stationary vehicles. It includes two new features: Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking (PAEB) and High Beam Assist. This Fusion system includes previously available technologies such as Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Active Cruise with Braking (ACB), and Lane Departure Warning (LDW). The system also prioritizes alerts to help minimize driver distraction. Available Models The Bendix Fusion Stop & Auto-Go Advanced is available with the PACCAR MX-11 and MX-13 engines paired with the TX-12 transmission or with the Cummins X15 engine paired with the Eaton Endurant 12-speed transmission. “The Model 579 is the most advanced Peterbilt on-highway tractor we’ve ever produced. Drivers prefer the 579 because of its driver comfort and safety features,” said Erik Johnson, assistant general manager, Sales and Marketing for Peterbilt. “With the addition of the Fusion™ Stop & Auto-Go Advanced system, the 579 becomes an even more compelling value proposition for our customers, delivering exceptional levels of safety, efficiency and performance.” The technology research does not stop. White hinted that more Artificial Intelligence should be on the way soon. “Our goal is to equip the driver with all the safety systems and information that they need, when they need it to pilot these rigs,” White said.

Ontario premier backs down on US electricity hikes, prompting Trump to halt doubling tariffs

The Associated Press - March 11, 2025

TORONTO — The premier of Canada’s most populous province said Tuesday, March 11, he was suspending the 25% surcharge that Ontario imposed earlier this week on electricity exports to the United States after speaking with the U.S. Commerce Secretary and agreeing to meet with him in Washington. Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick have agreed to meet on Thursday to “discuss a renewed” United States-Mexico-Canada-Agreement ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s April 2 reciprocal tariff deadline. “They call you and they hand over an olive branch, the worst thing I could do as premier of Ontario is ignore him and hang up the phone on him,” Ford said. As a result, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said later Tuesday that Trump pulled back on his doubling tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, even as the federal government still plans to place a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports starting Wednesday. Trump said he appreciated Ford suspending the surcharge on electricity exports. “There’s a very strong man in Canada who said he was going to charge a surcharge, or a tariff, on electricity coming into our country. He has called and said he’s not going to do that,” Trump said. “It would have been a very bad thing if he did. And he’s not going to do that. And I respect that.” Trump continued to call for Canada to become the 51st state, a position that has infuriated Canadians. Trump suggested he does not respect the border, saying it is an “artificial line that looks like it was done with a ruler.” Trump said earlier Tuesday that he would double his planned tariffs on steel and aluminum from 25% to 50% for Canada, escalating a trade war with the United States’ northern neighbor and showing an indifference to recent stock market turmoil and rising recession risks. Trump said on social media that the increase of the tariffs set to take effect on Wednesday is a response to the price increases that the provincial government of Ontario put on electricity sold to the United States. The U.S. president condemned the use of electricity “as a bargaining chip and threat,” saying in a separate social media post on Tuesday that Canada “will pay a financial price for this so big that it will be read about in History Books for many years to come!” Ford said Trump started this economic war against Canada. “It was unprovoked,” Ford said. “If a recession does happen it’s a self made recession made by one person. And one person only.” Ford had announced on Monday that his government was charging 25% more for electricity to 1.5 million American homes and businesses in response to Trump’s trade war. Incoming Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Tuesday that his government will keep the federal government’s unrelated first tranche of tariffs in place until Americans show respect and commit to free trade. A senior official in Carney’s camp said Carney will not be joining Ford in Washington for talks. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter. Carney, who will be sworn in as Justin Trudeau’s replacement in the coming days, said Trump’s latest steel and aluminum tariff threats are an attack on Canadian workers, families, and businesses. “My government will keep our tariffs on until the Americans show us respect and make credible, reliable commitments to free and fair trade,” Carney said. Carney is referring to Canada’s initial $30 billion Canadian (US$21 billion) worth of retaliatory tariffs that have already been applied on items like American orange juice, peanut butter, coffee, appliances, footwear, cosmetics, motorcycles and certain pulp and paper products. They were applied last week. Canadian officials are also planning retaliatory tariffs in response to Trump’s specific steel and aluminum tariffs if Trump goes ahead with those tariffs. “You can’t attack your number one customer, Canada, and not expect a response,” Ford said. “We responded and they came back. I’m a businessperson. I want to sit down and negotiate this and stop the bleeding.” By Rob Gillies, The Associated Press