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Two dead in fiery truck, bus crash on I-84 |  | 
A tractor trailer crash involving a school bus and at least two trucks is blocking all lanes of Interstate 84 west in East Hartford on Monday, June 3, 2019. The bus was not carrying children at the time
One tractor trailer hit the back of the truck ablaze, but the driver was able to detach the cab. Preliminary indications show the school bus was rear-ended, by one of the tractor trailers, state police said. The crash, reported around 5 a.m., closed all westbound lanes of I-84 between Exits 55-56. The highway is expected to be closed at least until early afternoon. Just before the morning commute, state police urged drivers to seek alternate routes to downtown Hartford. Another problem is possible damage to a bridge at the accident scene which could cause longer delays and lane closures. State Department of Transportation officials were not able to examine the roadway until the crash investigation is completed, said DOT spokesperson Kevin Nursick. "The investigation takes priority," Nursick said. "We have completely destroyed vehicles. Police need to do accident reconstruction before we can do any assessment." Nursick is hearing from emergency officials that it may be six to hours before the DOT can take a look at the roadway. A cause for concern is that the heat from the fire damaged the asphalt, he said. “We'll have to assess whether or not there is damage that will require us to make repairs before cars can go on the roadway,” Nursick said. Nursick is hoping the roadway will be open for evening rush hour even if the DOT has to make temporary repairs.
Wilson Logistics acquires Market Transport | |
Wilson Logistics announced it has acquired the shares of Market Transport, a logistics company that serves the truckload market, primarily in the Pacific Northwest and the western United States, from Market Industries, a subsidiary of DSV A/S. The transaction closed on May 31, 2019. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Springfield, Missouri- based Wilson Logistics is a family-owned asset-based transportation provider offering full truckload, heavy haul, yard management, dedicated, intermodal, power only and brokerage. Market Transport, based in Portland, Oregon, serves the full-truckload market using contract carriers, exclusive agents, rail carriers and its own fleet. The acquisition fits into Wilson Logistics’ existing dry van and heavy haul business while adding an intermodal piece the company lacked, said vice president Kameron Wilson. “It’s a nice expansion of our freight offerings,” he told FreightWaves. The deal continues a string of acquisitions Wilson Logistics has completed over the past few years, including purchasing the assets of Haney Truckline in 2017, the assets of Jim Palmer Trucking in Missoula, Montana in 2014, O&S Trucking in Springfield, Missouri in 2016, and RJ’s Transportation in Stevensville, Montana in 2017. “We’ve been growing pretty aggressively,” said Wilson, adding that the company now manages a fleet of 1,000 trucks, compared with 175 in 2014. Growth is necessary to stay relevant in a rapidly changing marketplace, he said. Another priority is to invest in new fright technologies, including digital brokerage. Wilson Logistics also operates driver training programs on-site, matching prospective drivers with a CDL instructor to prepare for the CDL test. Wilson declined to reveal annual revenues, but according to the Springfield Business Journal. the company grossed $160 million in 2017.
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Hundreds of truckers risk losing CDL after driving school fails to meet requirements | |
State officials recently sent out letters to inform hundreds of truck drivers that they must retake their driving tests or risk losing their Commercial Drivers Licenses (CDL) or even their jobs. A group of hundreds of truck drivers who attended the Carolina Truck Driving School that was located in Charlotte, North Carolina, have recently been informed that they must retake their driving test within the next few weeks or they will lose their CDL. Approximately 280 drivers based in North Carolina have already recieved letters and WSOCTV reports that a number of drivers living in South Carolina will also be receiving letters. Many of the drivers report that they had a deadline of only a few days or weeks after receiving the letter to retake their test or lose their CDL. The drivers will need to retest because state officials discovered that the school failed to comply with state and federal guidelines. The school is also missing hundreds of records that were allegedly stolen by one of the school’s testers.The Carolina Truck Driving School location in Charlotte closed in November 2018 because it wasn’t making enough of a profit. The company’s owners still operate a driving school in Tennessee. The school says that they will provide a truck for students who are in good standing to use when they retake their test at the DMV. Drivers who need to schedule a truck for their retest are asked to contact the student services division of the Carolina Truck Driving School at 865-268-8934. For more, you can view the report below.
Program for 18 to 20-year-old veterans accepts applications | |
A special federal program and study to allow a limited number of 18 to 20-year-olds who possess the U.S. military equivalent of a commercial driver’s license to drive trucks in interstate commerce is now accepting applications. During the pilot program, which is expected to last up to three years, the safety records of participating drivers will be compared to the records of a control group of drivers. To participate, a driver must be employed by a participating trucking company. While there is no limit to the number of carriers that may apply to participate in the program, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration expects to need 70 motor carriers to hire at least 200 drivers. The study will also collect data for 200 control group drivers and 200 intrastate drivers. “We are excited to launch this program to help the brave men and women who serve our country explore employment opportunities in the commercial motor vehicle industry,” said FMCSA Administrator Raymond P. Martinez. “With the nation’s economy reaching new heights, the trucking industry continues to need drivers and have job openings. We encourage veterans and reservists to apply and to learn more about this exciting new program.” International Roadcheck inspection blitz starts June 4 | |
Approximately 9,000 inspectors in North America will be inspecting commercial vehicles and drivers during the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s annual enforcement blitz scheduled for June 4-6. An average of 17 commercial vehicles per minute are inspected throughout North America during the 72-hour period. Some drivers shut down and take vacations or make repairs to their equipment to avoid the inspection blitz. Inspectors will focus on motor carriers’ steering and suspension systems during this year’s Roadcheck. Last year, CVSA inspectors handed out 537 steering-related violations and 286 commercial vehicles were placed out-of-service. There were 500 suspension violations and 538 suspension-related OOS citations issued. In 2018, 67,603 total inspections took place with 21.6 percent of all inspected motor vehicles and 3.9 percent of drivers placed out-of-service (OOS). Last year, hours-of-service compliance was the focus of Roadcheck and 43.7 percent of all drivers placed OOS were because of a HOS violation. Out-of-service orders negatively affect a motor carrier’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) score. Inspectors will also ensure trailer underride guards meet federal regulations. A motor carrier with a damaged rear guard faces a fine, which varies by jurisdiction, and will be assessed two points on its CSA score. Roadcheck is a CVSA program with participation by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, Transport Canada and Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes (SCT) (Ministry of Communications and Transportation) of Mexico. There’s still no word on whether Mexico will be participating in this year’s Roadcheck, according to Will Schaefer, director of safety programs of CVSA. “Mexico hasn’t shared their inspection data the last few years, so we aren’t sure if they will collect it and send it to us this year,” Schaefer told FreightWaves. During the 72-hour blitz, inspectors will primarily conduct Level 1 inspections, a 37-step process that that includes an examination of driver operating requirements and vehicle mechanical fitness, according to CVSA. Inspectors may opt to conduct the Level II Walk-Around Driver/Vehicle Inspection, Level III Driver/Credential/Administrative Inspection or Level V Vehicle-Only Inspection. Drivers will be required to provide their driver’s license (operating credentials), Medical Examiner’s Certificate and Skill Performance Evaluation Certificate (if applicable), driver’s record of duty status and vehicle inspection report(s) (if applicable). Inspectors will also check drivers for seat belt usage, sickness, fatigue and apparent alcohol and/or drug impairment. If no critical vehicle inspection item violations are found during a Level I or Level V Inspection, a CVSA decal will be applied to the vehicle. However, when a rear impact guard is required and violations are present, a CVSA decal shall not be issued. Not having a CVSA decal will have minimal impact on a carrier’s ability to operate throughout North America, but could mean the same tractor-trailer may face multiple inspections during the three-day blitz, according to Kerri Wirachowsky, director of roadside inspection of CVSA. The decal serves as a screening tool for inspectors, Wirachowsky told FreightWaves recently. “Having the CVSA decal on the truck and trailer serves as a signal to commercial vehicle inspectors in other jurisdictions that a previous inspector found no critical inspection violations,” she said. If critical vehicle inspection item violations are found, inspectors may render the vehicle out of service if the condition meets the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria. This means the vehicle cannot be operated until the vehicle violation(s) are corrected. A driver can also be placed out of service for issues such as fatigue or impairment, according to CVSA. Roadcheck is the largest targeted enforcement program on commercial motor vehicles in the world, with around 17 trucks and buses inspected, on average, every minute in Canada, the United States and Mexico during a 72-hour period. New law lowers Alabama's age requirement for commercial driver’s licenses | |
One of the bills Governor Kay Ivey signed into law on Wednesday lowers the age requirement to get a commercial driver’s license from 21 years old to 18 years old. “There has been a demand for years," Houston Blackwood said about truck drivers. "And the data will say there will be a demand for years to come.” You see semi trucks on the road all the time. What you may not realize is that you don’t see as many as you probably should. There is currently a major shortage of certified truck drivers in Alabama. “It's a tough job and it’s technical," Blackwood said. "You think, ‘Oh, I’m just going to drive a truck,’ but you have to be worried about your load and your stopping distance, and it’s dangerous.” With the new law, the age requirement to apply for a commercial driver’s license drops from 21 years old to 18 years old. Houston Blackwood said he expects enrollment to increase in the commercial driving classes at Calhoun Community College—which will ultimately put more trucks on the road. “We have younger people who are wanting to be a driver and know that it’s decent money, there are benefits, there are options for promotions in some companies," he said. The law is expected to create thousands of new jobs. And local business owners who recruit from Calhoun’s driving program are thrilled. “They struggle to find good drivers. There just aren’t enough out there," Blackwood said. "So, with more opportunities at younger ages, and increased class sizes, they’ll have more drivers to choose from.” Blackwood says anyone under the age of 21 will have to go through an approved training course to make sure all drivers are qualified, safe, and reliable. “So, you won’t have 18-year-olds driving semis without training," Blackwood said. Before Governor Ivey signed this bill, Alabama was one of only two states that restricted the commercial driver’s license to people who are 21 years or older. With this new legislation, anyone under 21 will only be allowed to drive in Alabama, and they won’t be allowed to haul hazardous material. The new law will go into effect in February of next year. Source of article and more great articles click here
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Rare albino fawn rescued by truck driver from middle of the road | |
While traveling between rice fields in Yolo County, a truck driver swerved to avoid a little white mound in the middle of the road. The driver kept going, but when he saw another truck veer behind him, he decided to turn around and investigate. He discovered that the mound was really an animal — maybe a lamb or some kind of goat, he thought. Then he heard it mew, like a cat, and he called the Kindred Spirits Fawn Rescue center. “He said, ‘I don’t know what I’ve got,’ ” center President Diane Nicholas said. After the driver texted photographs of the small creature, Nicholas realized what he had found. “I said, ‘Oh, my gosh, that’s an albino fawn!’ ” Paid Content What Is This?
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Because the animal was found in a flat area, with no signs of shelter or its mother, Kindred Spirits took in the baby. Nicholas said the mother deer could be roadkill, and the fawn may have wandered out to the road to find her. The rescue center named the 3-week-old female “Spirit” because of a Native American folklore linked to white deer. Rescuers sprayed animal-friendly sunscreen on the albino baby to protect her sensitive skin and soft, white coat, and built a dark shelter for her. When Spirit was brought in early last week, the fawn was afraid and rejected bottles, Nicholas said. But she since has gained confidence and drinks from her bottle heartily — though sometimes she struggles with where to put her long, white tongue. “It was so cute — this morning she finished her bottle … she stood on her hind legs and swatted her hoof by the bottle,” Nicholas said. In about a week’s time, she will get a roommate — another rescued deer — and then be moved in with a larger group. She’ll be released with a group of deer when she’s about 6 months old, Nicholas said. The rescue center has been flooded with messages from concerned citizens who worry about the deer’s release. But Nicholas said Spirit’s chance of survival is about the same as that of other deer, despite the fact that she can’t camouflage very well. The animal will be released on private property owned by ranchers, where hunting is prohibited. “She is a special gift to us,” Nicholas said. “We’re giving her the best shot possible.”
Penske Logistics Opens New Distribution Center | |
Penske Logistics celebrated the grand opening of its new 606,000-square-foot build-to-suit standard freezer/cooler distribution center in Romulus, Mich., June 4, 2019. Penske’s new facility is responsible for bringing more than 400 new jobs to the region and was opened to serve the food distribution needs of its customer, The Kroger Co. of Michigan. “Our new distribution center to serve Kroger’s needs is fully operational,” said Marc Althen, president, Penske Logistics. “We are dedicated to providing customers with the state-of-the-art facilities they need to serve their own customers. The successful completion of this project would not have been possible without the support of Kroger, InSite Real Estate, ARCO Design/Build Inc., City of Romulus, Wayne County, Detroit Aerotropolis, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and our highly valued associates. We sincerely appreciate and thank everyone for the strong collaboration and spirit of partnership on this project. We look forward to being a bigger part of the growing business community here in Romulus.” InSite Real Estate led construction of the $98.5 million facility, which began in the fall of 2017 and concluded in the fall of 2018. Local on-site Penske Logistics management and workers were then gradually hired as food and beverage products were strategically moved into the facility. A grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF), as well as tax incentive abatements requested through the Detroit Aerotropolis from the City of Romulus, and Wayne County played integral roles in the job creation and facility site selection. “Penske Logistics’ decision to choose Romulus for this expansion project over competing states underscores both the appeal and economic strength of Michigan as a place to do business,” said Jeff Mason, CEO of Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the state’s chief marketing and business attraction arm that administers programs and performs due diligence on behalf of the MSF. “We are grateful to join the Detroit Region Aerotropolis Development Corporation, the city of Romulus and Wayne County in helping to drive Penske’s expansion here in Southeast Michigan. This project is creating hundreds of jobs for our citizens, and we look forward to continuing to work with the company as it grows further and brings more jobs to Michigan.” The new distribution center, referred to as the Michigan Fresh Center, will help ensure Kroger’s Michigan stores and customers are readily supplied with fresh, frozen, and other wholesome foods. “The new Michigan Fresh Center brings greater convenience to The Kroger Co. of Michigan and enables us to supply store locations with fresher product every day,” said Rachel Hurst, corporate affairs manager, The Kroger Co. of Michigan. “All products housed in the new distribution center are Kroger products and the facility will only service Kroger’s Michigan Division.” The facility boasts 105 loading docks, -20°F freezers, 35°F coolers, an ambient temperature section, and ample space for commercial semi-trucks and trailers. Penske Logistics provides similar warehousing and distribution center management and trucking services to Kroger in other locations throughout the U.S.
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InSite Real Estate led construction of the $98.5 million facility, which began in the fall of 2017 and concluded in the fall of 2018.
Photo courtesy of Penske Logistics
Trucking company to shut down 150 truck division | |
 A large trucking company has announced that it is shutting down a subsidiary fleet due to poor financial performance. TFI International, formerly known as Transforce, has announced that they are shutting down their Highland Transport division, effective June 28. Highland Transport is a truckload and container carrier that mainly operates in the northeastern U.S., Toronto, and Montreal. TFI pointed to softness in the northeastern freight market as a reason for the closure. Highland Transport currently employs about 120 owner-operators and 30 drivers. TFI says that it will try to find other jobs for the laid off employees within the company. TFI operates about 16,000 trucks across the country.
Highland Transport was founded in 1967 and is based in Ontario. The company was acquired by TFI in 2004. Police looking for missing truckload of P.E.I. lobster | |
'It doesn't look like we have a whole lot to go on'
RCMP are searching for a truckload of P.E.I. lobster that has gone missing while en route to the U.S. Police say the shipment left South Shore Seafoods in the Alberton area of P.E.I. on May 17 headed for Massachusetts, but didn't reach its destination. The seafood company reported the missing lobster to police May 21. Police said the seafood processor used a shipping program that hires third-party trucking companies. Neither South Shore Seafoods nor police have been able to contact that company since the shipment left the Island. "They've used it in the past and this time I guess it didn't work out for them for whatever reason," said Sgt. Neil Logan with Prince District RCMP. Police said the phone numbers for the company appear to be out of service. Logan said South Shore Seafoods reported the total value of the lobster shipment is close to $300,000 US. "We are looking into the company," said Logan. "There has been several attempts at making contact with the company, with no luck. "It doesn't look like we have a whole lot to go on." RCMP said the investigation is ongoing and urged businesses to do background checks on transportation companies before hiring them, to ensure they're legitimate. "Do as much research as you can before you hire somebody to take precious cargo like that," Logan said. "We wouldn't want to see this happen to anybody else." The owner of South Shore Seafood declined an interview. Source of article and more great articles click here
Yum! Trucker cures sausages under trailer as they drive | |
Remember how a number of years ago there was a fad of sorts in which people prepared their lunch or dinner by wrapping it in aluminum foil and securing it to the engine of their vehicle? There was even a cookbook for truckers who wanted to use their engine compartment as an oven. But, one trucker took over-the-road food prep to a new level. The California Highway Patrol at the Dunsmuir Grade Commercial Enforcement Facility posted this photo and explanation to their Facebook page. They said it was taken while performing a Level 1 inspection. They wrote: “While underneath this trailer, several interesting items were seen dangling from underneath a crossbeam. “Upon further investigation, it appeared that the driver was utilizing a creative space to cure his sausage. This is NOT a recommended technique! The airflow under a trailer is full of exhaust fumes and roadway debris.” We can only hope this was just not a considerably late April Fool’s Day post. Truck driver dies in police custody after bizarre truck stop rampage | |
 Alabama police are investigating the death of a semi truck driver who passed away following a strange series of incidents at several locations near a Flying J truck stop. The incident happened around 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 26, in Dothan, Alabama, according to the Dothan Eagle. Police were called to the Flying J Travel Plaza complex for a report of a truck driver — who would later be identified as 32 year old Terrell Osborne of Mississippi — engaging in approximately 14 minutes of bizarre behavior before officers arrived. “He did cover a lot of ground in a short time,” said Dothan Police Chief Steve Parrish. Police say that Osborne parked his truck at Ollie’s, then ran across the street to Popeye’s Chicken, then ran back to Ollie’s, where employees say that he was running wildly and kicking shopping carts. After leaving Ollie’s, Osborne reportedly called 911 to report that he was being followed by an individual. After calling 911, Osborne ran into the Flying J building and went inside the Denny’s restaurant. There, he is said to have run into the kitchen, throwing items and screaming. When an officer arrived on the scene and made contact with Osborne, he became combative. After wrestling Osborne into handcuffs, the officer noticed that he was breathing shallowly and administered Narcan, a medication used to treat drug overdoses. Osborne was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Investigators say that they found a white powdery substance in Osborne’s truck that tested positive for cocaine. An autopsy has been scheduled and the incident remains under investigation. |
- Semis toppled at Ohio truck stop as tornadoes tear through state
- California Rules on Meal, Rest Breaks Preempted by Decision of Federal Trucking Regulator, Court Holds
- Trucker ticketed for driving into flood waters, getting stuck
- FMCSA extends Midwest emergency declaration
- Fire damages I-20/59 Flying J in Alabama; will be rebuilt
- Search begins for 2019’s Trucking’s Top Rookie
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