The Trucker Newspaper - December 15-31, 2015

Vol. 28, No. 24
www.thetrucker.com December 15-31, 2015
Obama signs first real long-term highway bill of century,
but FAST Act provides only ‘modest’ spending increase
Courtesy: OMNITRACS
ELD rule is final
Some 21 years after the
project was initiated, the Department
of Transportation,
through the Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Administration,
has issued the final rule on
electronic logging devices and
Hours of Service supporting
documents.
Page 8
Navigating the news
Anti-coercion NPRM..............3
Trailer thefts...........................4
NY/NJ toll hike.......................7
Obamacare and jobs............13
Top congestion spots...........14
Self-driving cars...................21
Truck Stop............................24
Tonnage up..........................27
Fleet Focus..........................38
PeopleNet and ELDs...........41
New Goodyear tire ..............45
Around the Bend..................49
Prime Performers.................51
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Following Page 30
Lyndon Finney
editor@thetrucker.com
WASHINGTON — Congress has passed
and President Barack Obama signed the first
long-term highway bill of the century, a fiveyear
plan designed to address the nation’s aging
and congested transportation systems.
The five-year, $305 billion bill replaces the
two-year Moving Ahead for Progress in the
21st Century (MAP-21) legislation passed in
2012, which had replaced the four-year Safe,
Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation
Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU)
legislation passed in 2005.
While it struggled to come up with a longerterm
plan, lawmakers were forced to extend
SAFETEA-LU and MAP-21 numerous times.
Dave Heller, director of policy and safety
at the Truckload Carriers Association praised
the effort of Congress in passing the bill, but
offered a word of concern.
“It’s a great start, a new beginning, but one
in which the end has not yet been defined,”
Heller said.
The bill does provide a modest increase to
highway and transit spending, but it falls short
of the $400 billion over the next six years that
Obama administration officials said is necessary
to keep traffic congestion from worsening.
But, the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation
(FAST) Act does not resolve how
to pay for transportation programs in the long
term.
“That’s the biggest problem with the bill.
We need sustainable funding,” Heller said.
“We need the Highway Trust Fund to develop
a life and breath of its own. The easiest way
to address that is with the fuel tax. I’ve said it
once and I’ve said it a thousand times. The fuel
See Bill on p16 m
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Transportation stakeholders say that even though the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation
Act doesn’t provide all the money that is needed to build new roads and repair existing ones to
fix the nation’s crumbling infrastructure, the act does provide enough stability that states can plan
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December 15-31, 2015 •
FMCSA issues Final Rule designed
to prevent coercion to violate rules
THE TRUCKER NEWS SERVICES
WASHINGTON — The Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Administration Friday announced the
publication in the Federal Register of a Final
Rule the agency said is designed to help further
safeguard commercial truck and bus drivers
from being compelled to violate federal safety
regulations.
The rule provides FMCSA with the authority
to take enforcement action not only against motor
carriers, but also against shippers, receivers,
and transportation intermediaries.
“Our nation relies on millions of commercial
vehicle drivers to move people and
freight, and we must do everything we can to
ensure that they are able to operate safely,”
said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.
“This rule enables us to take enforcement action
against anyone in the transportation chain
who knowingly and recklessly jeopardizes the
safety of the driver and of the motoring public.”
The agency said the Final Rule addresses
three key areas concerning driver coercion: procedures
for commercial truck and bus drivers to
report incidents of coercion to the FMCSA, steps
the agency could take when responding to such
allegations and penalties that may be imposed
on entities found to have coerced drivers.
“Any time a motor carrier, shipper, receiver,
freight-forwarder or broker demands that a
schedule be met, one that the driver says would
be impossible without violating hours-of-service
restrictions or other safety regulations, that
is coercion,” said FMCSA Acting Administrator
Scott Darling. “No commercial driver should
ever feel compelled to bypass important federal
safety regulations and potentially endanger the
lives of all travelers on the road.”
In formulating this rule, the agency said it
heard from commercial drivers who reported
being pressured to violate federal safety
regulations with implicit or explicit threats
of job termination, denial of subsequent trips
or loads, reduced pay, forfeiture of favorable
work hours or transportation jobs, or other direct
retaliations.
Some of the FMCSA regulations drivers
reported being coerced into violating included
Hours of Service limitations designed to prevent
fatigued driving, CDL requirements, drug and
alcohol testing, the transportation of hazardous
materials and commercial regulations applicable
to, among others, interstate household goods
movers and passenger carriers.
Commercial truck and bus drivers have had
whistle-blower protection through the Department
of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) since 1982, when the
Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA)
was adopted.
The STAA and OSHA regulations protect
drivers and other individuals working for commercial
motor carriers from retaliation for reporting
or engaging in activities related to certain
commercial motor vehicle safety, health, or
security conditions.
STAA provides whistleblower protection for
drivers who report coercion complaints under
this Final Rule and are then retaliated against by
their employer.
In June 2014, FMCSA and OSHA signed a
Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen
the coordination and cooperation between the
agencies regarding the anti-retaliation provision
of the STAA. The Memorandum allows
for the exchange of safety, coercion, and retaliation
allegations, when received by one agency,
that fall under the authority of the other.
For more information on what constitutes coercion
and how to submit a complaint to FMC-
SA, see fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/coercion. 8
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• December 15-31, 2015
Nation
thetrucker.com
Insurance investigators, lawmen, using ‘sting trailer’
with surveillance equipment to nab cargo thieves
USPS 972
Volume 28, Number 24
December 15-31, 2015
Dave Collins
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
WILLINGTON, Conn. — Somewhere in
America, a tractor-trailer loaded with hidden
surveillance equipment is parked at a truck stop
or warehouse while authorities wait for thieves
to steal it.
No one is sure when, or even if, crooks will
take it. But such “sting trailers” have been successful
in busting up crime rings and recovering
pilfered merchandise.
“It’s like fishing,” said D.Z. Patterson, an
investigator for Travelers insurance. “You’ve
got your worm in the water, but there are hundreds
of other worms out there. They have to
pick yours.”
Cargo theft has become a huge problem that
the FBI says causes $15 billion to $30 billion in
losses each year in the U.S. Law enforcement
and the insurance industry are fighting back by
tempting thieves with “sting trailers” laden with
cameras and GPS tracking devices, hidden within
both the trailers and the inventory they contain.
The prevention efforts aren’t new, but the
reason for them is particularly acute during
the holiday shopping season, when such thefts
tend to increase as crooks look to score from
retailers loading up on merchandise, according
to FreightWatch International, a security company
based in Austin, Texas. Over time, the
sting trailers have given authorities a glimpse
into how this breed of thief operates and helped
truck owners improve security.
Thieves prefer nondescript trailers that would
be hard to identify after being stolen, so it’s best
if a brand name or distinctive markings are emblazoned
on the sides. Hidden cameras have recorded
which locks are problematic for crooks,
leading anti-fraud specialists to recommend truck
owners install the highest-tech locks.
And, officials have learned, it’s better to
hide GPS tracking systems as best you can, because
the criminals know what they look like
and how to disable them.
New York-based Travelers Cos., which has
a large office in Hartford, believes it is the only
insurance company using a sting trailer, though
a handful of others are used by law enforcement
agencies and retail and trucking companies. Its
trailer was developed in 2008 at the company’s
Windsor, Connecticut, lab and is equipped with
$100,000 worth of surveillance gear. Law enforcement
agencies nationwide have used it hundreds
of times, resulting in dozens of arrests.
“The primary purpose is to assist law enforcement
in targeting organized cargo rings,”
said Scott Cornell, a theft investigator for Travelers.
“Every time the sting trailer breaks up a
ring ... every trucking company or anyone in
the supply chain that moves cargo in that area
benefits. It has clearly reduced thefts in areas
where there have been arrests.”
But the effect is never permanent, he said.
“If you take out a ring, you may see reduced
thefts for six, eight, 10 months, but another
group is going to move in,” he said.
Some criminals have countered efforts with
technology that can jam a tracking device’s
signal, said Steve Covey, a commercial fraud
Associated Press: DAVE COLLINS
Douglas “D.Z.” Patterson, a theft investigator for The Travelers Cos., examines an intact
seal of a tractor-trailer at a truck stop in Willington, Connecticut. A broken seal can be an
indication that cargo has been stolen from a trailer. Patterson works to prevent cargo theft,
including deploying a “sting trailer” packed with hidden surveillance equipment. Cargo theft
has become a huge problem that the FBI says causes $15 billion to $30 billion in losses
each year in the U.S.
Trucker makes off with $110,000 worth of beef
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
LOGANTON, Pa. — Where’s the beef?
That’s what authorities would like to know
after someone stole 40,000 pounds of it from
a meat plant in central Pennsylvania.
State police say it happened November 21
at Nicholas Meat near Loganton.
According to troopers, a trucker loaded
$110,000 worth of meat into a trailer during
a scheduled pickup and drove off. He
was supposed to deliver it to a company
investigator with the National Insurance Crime
Bureau. The nonprofit group, based in Des
Plaines, Illinois, works with law enforcement
agencies and insurance companies to prevent
theft.
“They figure out what they have to defeat,
so they do their homework and try something
new, and maybe that will work for a while,”
Covey said. “And maybe the companies will
come up with something to fix that problem. It
keeps mushrooming.”
Getting even bolder, thieves have been using
identity theft and bogus documents to pose
as drivers for real companies to pick up trailers
of goods at warehouses, according to Covey
and Scott Cornell, a Travelers theft investigator.
in Milwaukee, Wisconsin — but never
showed up.
A spokesman for Nicholas Meat says the
customer notified him two days later about
the missing product, which would have been
enough to make 160,000 burgers.
Police later discovered the driver used a
fake ID to get the delivery contract. Authorities
say the company information on the truck
was also fraudulent.
The investigation is continuing. 8
There were 152 cargo thefts nationwide in
July, August and September, a 24 percent drop
from the same months last year, FreightWatch
reported this month. But the average value per
cargo theft, nearly $200,000, increased 7 percent
from April, May and June.
New Mexico state police and the National Insurance
Crime Bureau in January used Travelers’
trailer to try to catch thieves looting trucks along
Interstate 40 in Arizona, New Mexico and Oklahoma.
The trailer, loaded with Bose speakers
equipped with tracking devices as an extra precaution,
sat there for days before thieves came calling.
They took some of the cargo and put it in their
own truck just east of Albuquerque. Authorities
later learned the suspects would start in California
See Thief on p11 m
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December 15-31, 2015 •
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• December 15-31, 2015
Nation
thetrucker.com
NTSB: Driver of tractor-trailer in 4-person
fatal lost control from using synthetic pot
THE TRUCKER NEWS SERVICES
WASHINGTON — The National Transportation
Safety Board earlier this month said
it had determined that the driver of a tractortrailer
that struck a medium-size bus September
26, killing four members of the North Central
Texas College softball team, lost control of
his vehicle because of incapacitation stemming
from his likely use of a synthetic cannabinoid.
The college is located in Gainesville, Texas,
just south of the accident site.
Synthetic cannabinoids are chemical compounds
that are marketed as allegedly legal alternatives
to marijuana; however, their effects
can be considerably worse and they have been
known to cause psychosis, seizures, and nonresponsiveness.
The driver, Russell Staley of Saginaw, Texas,
who had a documented history of drug use,
was operating a tractor-trailer northbound on
Interstate 35 near Davis, Oklahoma.
After negotiating a slight rightward curve,
the truck departed the left lane, continued across
the 100-foot-wide median, and traveled more
than 1,100 feet before striking the medium-size
bus in the southbound lane of I-35. Four bus
passengers died and five were seriously injured.
Six additional bus passengers and both drivers
sustained minor injuries.
Federal law prohibits commercial motor
vehicle drivers from operating a vehicle while
impaired. However, federal regulations require
testing for only a few impairing substances.
This crash investigation highlights the challenges
that employers and law enforcement
face in detecting driver use of impairing substances
for which testing is not required, stated
an NTSB news release.
“Motor carriers need to know about this
emerging class of drugs, and they need better
tools to detect driver impairment,” said NTSB
Chairman Christopher A. Hart.
As a result of the investigation, the NTSB
Associated Press: EMILY SCHMALL
Students at North Central Texas College left
flowers, teddy bears and softballs inscribed
with prayers outside an administration building
on campus in Gainesville, Texas, in the
wake of the accident that killed four softball
players.
issued recommendations addressing impairing
substances that are not tested for under federal
regulations.
Contributing to the severity of the crash was
the fact that, although the bus was equipped
with seat belts in all seating positions, none of
the passengers wore the restraints. Furthermore,
the bus driver failed to implement the college’s
policy requiring passengers to wear seat belts.
Had the seat belts been properly worn, they
would probably have prevented ejections and
reduced overall injuries.
Also as a result of the investigation, the
NTSB called upon states to require seat belt
use for all vehicle seating positions that are
equipped with belts. “Buckling up can save
your life, whether you are in a car, a truck, or
riding in a bus,” Hart said.
The NTSB also issued or reiterated recommendations
regarding side impact protection
standards for medium-size buses, on-board recorder
system standards for large commercial
vehicles, and updated criteria for median barrier
installation. 8
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December 15-31, 2015 •
Truckers slapped with another $10 hike in tolls by NY/NJ Port Authority
Five-axle vehicles now pay
$85 off peak, $90 in peak hrs.
THE TRUCKER STAFF
NEWARK, N.J. — Truckers saw a $10
across-the-board hike when the Port Authority of
New York and New Jersey implemented new toll
rates on its bridges and tunnels on December 6.
The increases mean truckers will be paying
55 percent more than they did three years ago,
and 13 percent more than one year ago.
The rates were applicable on the George
Washington Bridge, the Lincoln Tunnel, the
Holland Tunnel, the Goethals Bridge, the Outerbridge
Crossing and the Bayonne Bridge.
Five-axle trucks using E-ZPass are paying
$85 in off-peak hours, $90 in peak hours and
$77.50 overnight. Paying cash will cost $105
regardless of the time of day.
Peak hours are weekdays 6 a.m.-10 a.m. and
4 p.m.-8 p.m. as well as Saturday and Sunday
11 a.m.-9 p.m. All other times are off-peak for
all vehicles with the exception of trucks, which
is 10 p.m.-6 a.m. the following morning.
Truckers are having to pay “an obscene”
amount in toll fees, and the money’s not even
going to fund the infrastructure, said Kendra
Hems, president of the New York State Motor
Truck Association. She told The Trucker that
the association had been opposed to the graduated
toll hikes since their inception five years
ago to no avail.
Meanwhile, as the Port Authority hit motorists
with the last of five annual toll increases,
the agency found itself in the cross hairs of a
fiscal challenge.
A recent report by Moody’s Investors Service
concluded that the Port Authority now relies
more on revenue from tolls at its New York-area
bridges and tunnels than on revenue from its airports.
At the same time, bridge and tunnel traffic
has been steadily, if slowly, declining over the
past several years, and future toll increases are a
potential political minefield.
Add to that a lengthy slate of large capital
projects that includes a new bus terminal in
New York City projected to cost about $10 billion
and a new rail tunnel under the Hudson
River, and the challenges become starkly evident.
“There are worrying signs on the toll side
on our ability to rely on them as much in the
future as we are now,” Port Authority Chairman
John Degnan said December 4.
The disconnect, in Degnan’s words, between
what the bi-state agency will need to
spend and the revenue model it has operated
under up to now is forcing the Port Authority to
take a hard look at raising revenue from other
sources, including its extensive — and sometimes
under utilized — real estate holdings.
Not surprisingly, the increases generated
considerable backlash among motorists when
they were approved, and a General Accounting
Office report later chided the Port Authority for
not holding enough public hearings and making
those it did hold inconvenient to attend.
Some criticized the increases for being used
to funnel money away from the Port Authority’s
core transportation mission and toward
projects like the World Trade Center redevelopment,
a charge agency officials denied. That
claim was the basis for a lawsuit against the
Port Authority filed by AAA Northeast, a nonprofit
auto club, after the 2011 increases were
approved.
Some of those criticisms remain, though the
targets have shifted.
A spokesman for AAA Northeast said December
4 that the toll increases are now paying for
projects like the $1 billion-plus Pulaski Skyway
refurbishment in northern New Jersey. Federal
investigators are probing whether the Port Authority
had the legal grounds to fund the project.
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“Much-needed revenues for interstate projects
should not be diverted to road and bridge
repair in New Jersey,” spokesman Robert Sinclair
said. “Five years and five toll hikes later,
we still seek answers as to how much money
the toll increases have raised and where the
money is going as the Port Authority embarks
on building a vitally important trans-Hudson
rail tunnel and Manhattan bus terminal.”
Hems said another argument against the
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“There’s been no accountability, no transparency,”
she said.
An outside audit report in 2012 called the
toll increases necessary to keep up with the Port
Authority’s capital demands. While Degnan
noted that traffic on the bridges and tunnels has
been slowly decreasing, he said there has been a
small uptick over the last few months. Increased
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• December 15-31, 2015
Finally: FMCSA lets loose final rule on
mandated ELDs for HOS compliance
THE TRUCKER STAFF
WASHINGTON —The Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Administration December 10
announced the adoption of a final rule that
the agency said will improve roadway safety
by employing technology to strengthen commercial
truck and bus drivers’ compliance with
Hours of Service regulations that prevent fatigue.
The agency released the rule in an e-mail
released shortly after 3 a.m. ET December 10.
Although the release of the mandated electronic
logging device (ELD) rule was known to
be imminent, its release in the wee hours of the
morning was a surprise to trucking media and
industry stakeholders.
The rule becomes effective February 11,
2016, and the compliance date is December
11, 2017, although a grandfather clause will allow
carriers already using technology that conforms
to automatic on-board recording device
specifications but are not ELD-rule compliant
to continue using their current devices until
December 2019.
The agency is publishing a list of ELDs
that meet the specifications set forth in the new
rule.
An official at the Truckload Carriers Association
commended the FMCSA’s work.
“As a rule that will affect approximately
three million of our nation’s truck drivers, TCA
applauds the efforts of the FMCSA in promulgating
an electronic logging device regulation
that aids in alleviating some of the burdens regarding
supporting documents, eases compliance
with the HOS regulations and furthers the
efforts of the agency in the fight against driver
coercion and harassment,” said Dave Heller,
TCA director of policy and safety.
Officials at the American Trucking Associations
hailed release of the rule.
“Today is truly a historic day for trucking,”
said ATA President and CEO Bill Graves. “This
regulation will change the trucking industry —
for the better — forever. An already safe and
efficient industry will get more so with the aid
of this proven technology.”
“Today’s important announcement could
not have happened without Congressional support,
so we thank Congress and congratulate
FMCSA for moving forward on this requirement,”
said Dave Osiecki, ATA executive vice
president and chief of national advocacy. “ATA
looks forward to working closely with FMC-
SA, state law enforcement agencies, as well as
our members and industry partners during the
two-year transition to full implementation of
this safety technology.”
Since 2010, a requirement for electronic
logging devices to monitor driver HOS has
been a top priority for ATA and that support
helped lead to federal legislation calling for
today’s rule, ATA officials stated.
“Safety is ATA’s highest priority,” said ATA
Chairman Pat Thomas, senior vice president of
state government affairs for UPS. “Today’s announcement
of an ELD mandate will make our
industry even safer than it is today so we are
grateful to FMCSA for advancing this important
regulation.”
A spokesperson for the Owner-Operator
Independent Drivers Association said the organization
was reviewing details of the rule with
an eye on how FMCSA intends to deal with the
issue of harassment.
“We know of no technology that automatically
tracks a driver’s record-of-duty status and
so ELDs will not be able to verify compliance
with HOS regulations,” said OOIDA spokesperson
Norita Taylor. “ELDs can only track
movement of a truck and approximate location,
not the work status of a driver, which requires
input from the driver. The government’s own
data shows that carriers with ELDs crash more,
not less, based on miles travelled. Also, note
that ELDs can be revised remotely by a carrier.”
Litigation filed by OOIDA negated what
FMCSA thought would be a final rule on electronic
on-board recorders (now called ELDs)
for HOS compliance that the agency published
in April 2010.
A federal judge agreed with OOIDA that
the 2010 final rule did not adequately deal with
the issue of driver harassment.
Indeed, the word “harassment” was not
used one time in that rule.
The FMCSA said the new rule strictly prohibits
commercial driver harassment.
It provides both procedural and technical
provisions designed to protect commercial
truck and bus drivers from harassment resulting
from information generated by ELDs, the
agency said, noting that a separate rulemaking
released last month is designed to further safeguard
commercial drivers from being coerced
The FMCSA will publish a list of ELDs
that meet the specifications set
forth in the new rule.
Nation
Associated Press: ALEX BRANDON
Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx
said the new ELD rule not only brings logging
records into the modern age, it also
allows roadside safety inspectors to unmask
violations of federal law that put lives at risk.
The FMCSA says the rule provides both
procedural and technical provisions designed to
protect commercial truck and bus drivers from
harassment resulting from information generated
by ELDs and also pointed to a separate rulemaking
to further safeguard against driver coercion.
to violate federal safety regulations and provides
the agency with the authority to take enforcement
actions not only against motor carriers,
but also against shippers, receivers and
transportation intermediaries.
DOT officials released cursory statements
concerning the new rule.
“Since 1938, complex, on-duty/off-duty
logs for truck and bus drivers were made with
pencil and paper, virtually impossible to verify,”
said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony
Foxx. “This automated technology not
only brings logging records into the modern
age, it also allows roadside safety inspectors to
unmask violations of federal law that put lives
at risk.”
“This is a win for all motorists on our nation’s
roadways,” said FMCSA Acting Administrator
Scott Darling. “Employing technology
to ensure that commercial drivers comply with
federal HOS rules will prevent crashes and
save lives.”
The FMCSA said the final rule requiring the
use of ELDs will result in an annual net benefit
of more than $1 billion — largely by reducing
the amount of required industry paperwork.
The agency said the total benefits would be
$3 billion, but would be offset by total costs of
$1.836 billion, including $1 billion for the cost
to motor carriers and independent contractors
to purchase and install the devices.
It also hopes to increase the efficiency of
roadside law enforcement personnel in reviewing
driver records.
Thetrucker.com
Courtesy: ATA
ATA President and CEO Bill Graves said
the new rule will change the trucking industry
— for the better — forever, noting that an already
safe and efficient industry will get more
so with the aid of electronic logging devices.
On an annual average basis, the ELD Final
Rule is estimated to save 26 lives and
prevent 562 injuries resulting from crashes
involving large commercial motor vehicles,
the FMCSA said.
An ELD automatically records driving time.
It also monitors engine hours, vehicle movement,
miles driven, and location information.
In addition to the harassment issue, FMC-
SA said other main elements of the ELD Final
Rule include:
• Requiring commercial truck and bus drivers
who currently use paper logbooks to maintain
HOS records to adopt ELDs within two
years. It is anticipated that approximately three
million drivers will be impacted
• Setting technology specifications detailing
performance and design requirements for
ELDs so that manufacturers are able to produce
compliant devices and systems — and
purchasers are enabled to make informed decisions,
and
• Establishing new HOS supporting document
(shipping documents, fuel purchase receipts,
etc.) requirements that will result in additional
paperwork reductions. In most cases,
a motor carrier would not be required to retain
supporting documents verifying on-duty driving
time.
In developing the ELD Final Rule, FMC-
SA relied on input from its Motor Carrier
Safety Advisory Committee, feedback from
two public listening sessions, comments
filed during an extended comment period
following the 2011 proposed rule, and comments
to the 2014 supplementary proposed
rule. The final rule also incorporates the
mandates included in the Moving Ahead for
Progress in the 21st Century Act and other
statutes.
The ELD Final Rule permits the use of
smartphones and other wireless devices as
ELDs, so long as they satisfy technical specifications
and are certified. Canada- and Mexicodomiciled
drivers will also be required to use
ELDs when operating on U.S. roadways. 8

Thetrucker.com
Nation
December 15-31, 2015 •
Owner Operators • Company Drivers • Lease Drivers
888.983.9842

10 • December 15-31, 2015 Nation
thetrucker.com
Last round of holiday imports hitting
ports in time to feed increased sales
The Trucker file photo
The National Retail Federtion is forecasting
a 3.7 percent increase in holiday sales
this year over 2014. Cargo volume does not
directly correlate with sales figures because
each container counts the same regardless
of the value of its content, but nonetheless
provides a barometer of retailers’ expectations.
TRUCKER NEWS SERVICES
WASHINGTON —The nation’s major retail
container ports are expected to see increased volume
compared to last year as stores bring in the
last round of merchandise for the holiday season,
according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report
from the National Retail Federation (NRF)
and Hackett Associates.
“The holiday season is well under way and
merchants are doing the final balancing act of
matching supply to demand,” NRF Vice President
for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan
Gold said December 8. “Retailers went into
the season with strong inventories that ensured
consumers would have a good depth and breadth
of selection, and that should hold true for the remainder
of the season.”
NRF is forecasting a 3.7 percent increase in
holiday sales this year over 2014. Cargo volume
does not directly correlate with sales figures because
each container counts the same regardless of
the value of its content, but nonetheless provides a
barometer of retailers’ expectations, Gold said.
Ports covered by Global Port Tracker handled
1.56 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units
(TEU) in October, the latest month for which
after-the-fact numbers are available. That was
down 4.1 percent from September and down 0.1
percent from a year ago. One TEU is one 20-footlong
cargo container or its equivalent.
November was estimated at 1.5 million TEU,
up 7.4 percent from 2014, and December is forecast
at 1.44 million TEU, down 0.1 percent from
last year. Those numbers would bring 2015 to a
total of 18.3 million TEU, up 5.5 percent from
last year. The first half of 2015 totaled 8.9 million
TEU, up 6.5 percent over the same period
last year.
Hackett Associates founder Ben Hackett said
retailers are still working off excess inventory
built up after dock workers agreed to a new contract
early this year, ending a months-long labor
dispute. Warm weather that diminished the demand
for winter clothing also contributed to the
excess inventory.
“U.S. retail sales increased in October by the
most in three months and consumer sentiment
rose as well, but the inventory-to-sales ratio remained
stubbornly high at levels not seen since
the Great Recession in 2009,” Hackett said. “Personal
savings increased, but on the flip side so did
the use of credit cards.”
Global Port Tracker, produced for NRF by
Hackett Associates, covers major U.S. ports on
both coasts, along with Houston.
NRF claims to be the world’s largest retail
trade association, representing discount and department
stores, home goods and specialty stores,
Main Street merchants, grocers, wholesalers,
chain restaurants and Internet retailers from the
United States and more than 45 countries. Retail
is the nation’s largest private sector employer, according
to the NRF, supporting one in four U.S.
jobs, or 42 million working Americans.
Hackett Associates provides consulting,
research and advisory services to the international
maritime industry, government agencies
and international institutions. 8

Thetrucker.com
SCDOT wants to sell ads
on property for revenue
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina Department
of Transportation trucks could soon
look like billboards as the agency seeks to raise
money by selling advertising.
DOT officials asked a House panel December
3 for permission to sell ads on the agency’s
property, including its buildings, trucks and
website. The agency has no estimates yet for
the potential revenue.
“We view it as a potential opportunity,” said
DOT Secretary Christy Hall.
For example, she said, the blue trucks that
drive the interstates to assist broken-down motorists
could advertise an insurance company.
The agency would abide by local ordinances,
said Allen Hutto, the agency’s legislative liaison.
“This isn’t free rein to do anything,” he said.
“We can’t in the middle of a downtown somewhere
put up a big banner on the front of the building.”
b Thief from page 4 b
with an empty truck and load it up with goods stolen
from trucks all along I-40.
Police tracked the stolen speakers to a rental
storage center in Lyon Township, Michigan,
where a state trooper found two suspects, a tractor-trailer
and two rental units filled with stolen
electronics and other goods. At the nearby home
Nation December 15-31, 2015 • 11
The House panel postponed voting on the
idea to work on the wording for how ads would
be sold. Hall said the normal competitive bidding
process would apply.
But House Oversight subcommittee members
want the proposal to be specific. Rep.
Ralph Norman, R-Rock Hill, said he wants to
ensure there’s a fair process if “you have four
people who want to be on the same space.”
The cash-strapped agency is also looking to
collect money from toll booth violators.
While the state can send a bill to out-ofstate
drivers, it can’t do anything if they don’t
pay, Hall said.
The state has two toll roads — the Southern
Connector in Greenville County and the Cross
Island Parkway on Hilton Head Island.
Last year, $76,000 worth of out-of-state
fines went unpaid, Hutto said.
Currently, the agency can collect only by
taking violators to magistrate’s court. That’s
not a feasible option for out-of-state residents.
Even for in-state violators, it’s not ideal, since
it’s a time-consuming process for the agency
that also ties up local courts, Hall said. 8
of one of the suspects, authorities found more
than $1 million worth of merchandise and other
items they believe were bought with proceeds
from thefts, including a $500,000 Ferrari, The
Detroit News reported.
In 2013, the Travelers trailer was taken by
members of a Miami-based group that was
stealing cargo in eastern Pennsylvania and taking
it to sell in New Jersey, Cornell said. Two
people were arrested after driving the trailer
into New Jersey. 8
We require
Clean MVR
Hard-working and professional
2 years verifiable OTR experience
Passport and ability to enter Canada
Ability to be on the road up to 4 months at a time
Owner-Operators
Tags and fuel surcharge program available
Average 70-75% of line haul
Must be CA compliant
Teams welcome!
Please call our recruiting department for more details and to apply
888.JANCO.NJ or 800.526.9085
Please visit our website at www.jancoltd.com or
like us on facebook.com/JancoLTD

12 • December 15-31, 2015 Nation
Thetrucker.com

Thetrucker.com
Nation December 15-31, 2015 • 13
Congressional Budget Office report says Obamacare could cost 2 million jobs
Sarah Ferris
THE TRUCKER NEWS SERVICES
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) in
a 22-page report December 7 said Obamacare
is expected to cost the U.S. workforce a total of
2 million jobs over the next decade.
The total workforce will shrink by just under
1 percent as a result of the new coverage
expansions, mandates and changes in tax rates,
the CBO said, according to The Hill.
“Some people would choose to work fewer
hours; others would leave the labor force entirely
or remain unemployed for longer than
they otherwise would,” the agency said in its
latest analysis of the now five-year-old law.
“The Affordable Care Act (ACA) will make
the labor supply, measured as the total compensation
paid to workers, 0.86 percent smaller in
2025 than it would have been in the absence of
that law,” the CBO said in its summary.
A CBO spokesperson said the study didn’t
break the statistics down by industry, so figures
for the trucking industry by itself weren’t available.
Three-quarters of the expected decline will
occur because of health insurance expansions,
which raise effective tax rates on earnings from
labor — for instance, by phasing out health
insurance subsidies as people’s income rises
— and thus reduce the amount of labor that
workers choose to supply. The labor force is
projected to be about 2 million full-time-equivalent
workers smaller in 2025 under the ACA
than it would have been otherwise.
Those estimates were based mainly on
CBO’s calculations of the effects of the law’s
major components on marginal and average tax
rates and on the agency’s analysis of research
about the change in the labor supply resulting
from a change in tax rates. For components of
the law that were difficult to express in terms
of changes in tax rates, CBO based its estimates
on a review of the available literature
about similar policy changes.
“When the President’s health law hurts
the labor force at the same time it increases
healthcare premiums and taxes, it’s clear the
law is not working for the American people,”
said Senate Finance Chairman Orrin Hatch,
R-Utah. “The CBO’s latest report confirms yet
another broken promise and negative consequence
stemming from Obamacare.”
The administration in the past has argued
that the CBO figures also reflect new flexibility
provided to work through the healthcare law.
The lower numbers could also mean that
older Americans who wish to retire — but
have remained in the workforce solely for
employer health benefits — could opt to leave
their jobs, according to The Hill article.
The CBO said its estimates were still based
on uncertain evidence, citing, for example, that
it does not know yet how people will respond
to the work incentives created by the law.
The report comes just days after the Senate
voted for the first time to send a repeal of the
biggest pieces of Obamacare to the president’s
desk.
House Speaker Paul Ryan pledged last week
to roll out a replacement plan for the healthcare
law next year. 8
Sarah Ferris writes for The Hill.
FMCSA to seek comments
on proposed seat belt rule
THE TRUCKER NEWS SERVICES
WASHINGTON — The Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) today
announced it is seeking public comment
on a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)
requiring passengers riding in property-carrying
commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) to use
safety belts.
Federal rules have long required all commercial
drivers to use safety belts (49 CFR
392.16); this proposed rule would hold both
trucking companies and commercial truck drivers
responsible for ensuring that any passengers
riding in the truck cab are also buckled up.
Approximately 275 occupants of large
trucks killed in crashes in 2013 were not wearing
their safety belts, according to the most
recently available data from the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration.
For a copy of the Federal Register announcement
and to see how to comment, see: federalregister.gov/articles/2015/12/10/2015-30864/
commercial-drivers-license-standards-useof-seat-belts.
8

• Expanding Our Reefer Fleet • Work for the shipper
• Priority Loads from Cargill Plants
• 100% Owner-Operator Fleet • Sign-on Bonus
• Year round Freight available
• Settlements Processed Twice Weekly
• Dedicated Lanes Available • Fleet Owners Welcome
• Looking for Owner Operators
with 2 years OTR experience
• Lease Purchase Program Available
• We Have Fleet Owners
Looking for Drivers
• Base Plate Program Available
• Choose from our 3 Fleets
OTR/Container/Dedicated
InCReAseD
RATes FOR
2015!
14 • December 15-31, 2015 Nation
thetrucker.com
ATRI report: Atlanta tops trucking’s
survey of 10 most congested locations
THE TRUCKER NEWS SERVICES
The top 10 locations on the ATRI list this
ARLINGTON, Va. — Probably to nobody’s year are:
surprise, the Tom Moreland Interchange in Atlanta
has been voted the top trucking bottle-
2. Chicago, I-290 at I-90/I-94
1. Atlanta, I-285 at I-85 (north)
neck in the American Transportation Research 3. Fort Lee, New Jersey, I-95 at SR 4
Institute’s 2015 Congestion Impact Analysis 4. Louisville, Kentucky, I-65 at I-64/I-71
of Freight-Significant Highway Locations. 5. Houston, I-610 at U.S. 290
The survey assesses the level of truckoriented
congestion at 250 locations on the 7. Cincinnati, I-71 at I-75
6. Houston, I-10 at I-45
national highway system, uses several customized
software applications and analysis 9. Los Angeles, SR 60 at SR 57
8. Houston, I-45 at U.S. 59
methods, along with terabytes of data from 10. Houston, I-10 at U.S. 59.
trucking operations to produce a congestion “With a robust economy comes increased
impact ranking for each location.
demand for consumer goods, the lion’s share of
The data is associated with the Federal which is carried by truck. We see that reflected
Highway Administration-sponsored Freight in the ATRI truck bottleneck list as more trucks
Performance Measures (FPM) initiative. The move through the nation’s major metropolitan
locations detailed in this latest ATRI report areas to deliver the goods,” said Ed Crowell,
represent the top 100 most congested locations.
and CEO.
Georgia Motor Trucking Association president
The Tom Moreland Interchange is a fivelevel
stack interchange at the intersection of understand where targeted infrastructure
“ATRI’s ranking allows states to better
Interstates 285 and 85.
improvements could keep the economy
Known by local commuters as “Spaghetti moving.”
8
Junction,” it is not only the confluence of two
highly traveled interstates, but also provides
ramps to four secondary roadways.
Also notable on this year’s list is the fact
that four of the top 10 truck chokepoints are
located in
MerryChristmas
Houston.
FromMercerTransportation

Thetrucker.com
Nation December 15-31, 2015 • 15
don’t let the holidays
leave you blue

So you want to be a truck driver. You
want to hit the open road and make new
adventures driving an 18 wheeler. The
best part is they tell you they are going to
pay you to do it. It’s like getting paid to be
on vacation the whole year round! Or is it?
Three months later you think: “Wow,
this is a lot harder work than what I
thought. I thought I would make more
money than I am making being away
from my family as much as I am. Truck
driving school sure never made it
sound this tough and the trainer I was
with sure made it look easier than it is.
I might give this up.”
Unfortunately, this is a scenario that
we hear far too often. It appears that just
driving up and down the road would be
a great career, and no matter how hard
they try, the truck driving schools cannot
duplicate what a life on the road is like.
The company trainer can speak a few
days teaching and trying to relay the
truth of the industry to the trainees. Then
their driver trainer can spend 4-6 weeks
mentoring and living the lifestyle that
the trainee will soon endure. Problem is,
three months later, you are on your own
and it all lies on your shoulders.
Trucking is a great career. There is
good money to be made and with the
right company, you can still be home
when you need to be and still make
the money you want. When asked,
most drivers will put down home-time
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Balance of work-time and home-time
critical to career success
Importance of choosing a company that provides both
By Gary Smith - Keim TS Training Coordinator
Gary has 35+ years OTR experience
as the No.1 priority when looking at
a company, with pay and equipment
coming in second and third. A balance
of work-time and home-time is a very
important and very necessary part of
truck driving. Friday night football
games for your kids, anniversaries and
birthdays are a must be home situation.
Your driver manager becomes the most
important link you have between your
work and your family.
At Keim TS, we take home-time
very seriously. We want you to be safe
and happy, and that only comes when
you have the support of your family. I
am the in-house Driver Mentor who will
work with you here at orientation and be
available to you throughout your career.
We have Driver Trainers who spend
weeks with you while training and are
also available throughout your career.
You will have a personal driver manager
who gets to know you, your family and
your needs and will help you meet your
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providing for what is most important:
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Learn more about joining our team
by calling (800) 255-2450. You can find
us online at keimts.com or like us on
Facebook @ /KeimTrucking.
We at Keim TS would like to
wish America’s drivers and their
families a very Merry Christmas
and a wonderful holiday season.
We look forward to sharing the
New Year with you!
16 • December 15-31, 2015 Nation
b Bill from page 1 b
tax needs to be increased and it needs to be
adjusted for inflation and indexed. Tell me a
better way. Most of our Congressional leaders
believe that any increase in taxes is a
four-letter word right now. True leaders lead
in a time that leadership is truly needed. And
we need someone to lead this increase in the
fuel tax. We need to find a way that makes
the Highway Trust Fund truly sustainable
and is always there when work needs to get
done, and there is a lot of work that needs
to get done.”
But what happens after three years is of
the utmost concern to Heller and most other
stakeholders in the truckload sector, which
represents 78 percent of the trucking delivery
system.
“We’ve been through a funding process
that has had how many extensions?” Heller
asked rhetorically. “So does this continue
along that crazy extension way or do we
remain committed to developing a funding
mechanism that truly gets us to the point
this country needs to be?”
Heller pointed out that on its latest report
card on the nation’s infrastructure,
the American Society of Civil Engineers
gave the nation’s roads a “D” and bridges
a “C+.”
In his statement following passage of the
bill, American Trucking Associations President
and CEO Bill Graves also addressed
funding.
“The announcement that House and Senate
leaders had reached an agreement on a
long-term highway bill was welcome news
to those of us in the transportation world,”
Graves said. “While we all, of course, wish
there was more money to be had, this bill
takes important steps to re-focus the program
on important national projects and
takes critical steps to improve trucking
safety and efficiency.”
Todd Spencer, executive vice president
of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers
Association, commended OOIDA members
and other stakeholders for helping shape the
bill.
“This bill, perhaps more than any that
came before, reflects the input lawmakers
received from constituents. When professional
drivers take the time to get involved
in the legislative process, lawmakers will
listen and respond. We thank our members
for making their concerns known to their
representatives in Congress,” Spencer said.
The following is a partial summary of
language in the FAST Act pertaining to
trucking:
CSA reform
The FAST Act requires the Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Administration to within
18 months commission a Transportation Research
Board study of the accuracy of the
CSA Safety Measurement System (SMS) in
identifying high-risk carriers and predicting
future crash risk and severity, and report
corrective action to Congress within 120
days of completing the study.
The act prohibits FMCSA from publically
displaying information regarding carrier
alerts or percentile rankings until the agency
completes that corrective action plan and
thetrucker.com
satisfactorily addresses issues raised in a
2014 GAO report.
Within 24 hours after the bill was signed
into law, the FMCSA had removed that information.
Crashes determined by FMCSA to not
have been the truck driver or motor carrier’s
fault must also be removed.
Finally, percentile ranks and alerts may
not be used by FMCSA to issue safety fitness
determinations.
Carriers will retain the ability to access
their respective data, including percentile
ranks and alerts and law enforcement officials
will continue to be able to access
scores and use them for enforcement prioritization.
Inspection and violation information,
including out-of-service rates and absolute
measures, shall remain publicly available.
Within 18 months, the bill requires FMC-
SA to establish a means to provide motor
carriers with recognition, including credit
or improved SMS percentiles, for the adoption
of safety technology, enhanced driver
fitness measures and/or fleet safety management
tools. The agency may incorporate this
credit into the existing CSA methodology or
create a separate “Safety BASIC.”
Finally, within one year FMCSA must
task the Motor Carrier Safety Advisory
Committee (MCSAC) with reviewing the
treatment of preventable crashes in the
SMS. No more than six months later, MC-
SAC must make recommendations on a process
for motor carriers and drivers to request
an FMCSA crash preventability determination.
DOT must then review the recommendations
and report to Congress on how the
agency intends to address the treatment of
preventable crashes.
The entire trucking industry has long
fought to keep the CSA scores out of public
view, saying the scores in no way represent
the safety capabilities of a carrier.
Hair testing for drugs
The bill requires the Department of
Health and Human Services to within one
year establish standards for the use of hair
testing in federal testing programs (e.g.,
DOT mandatory testing). Then, following
DOT’s adoption of these standards, motor
carriers would be permitted to conduct hair
tests (in lieu of urine tests) for pre-employment
and random testing. But random hair
tests could only be conducted on drivers
who had been subject to pre-employment
hair tests.
Pilot program for younger veterans
The act requires DOT to establish a pilot
program to allow current or former members
of the armed forces (or reservists) under the
age of 21 with experience as motor transport
operators to drive trucks in interstate commerce.
Participating drivers may not transport
passengers or hazardous materials and
would be prohibited from driving “special
configurations” (e.g., doubles). DOT would
have to establish a working group to monitor
the program and make recommendations
at its conclusion.
Rulemakings required by Congress
The act requires FMCSA to prioritize the
completion of any rulemakings required by
statute before initiating any other rulemakings
unless there is a significant need and
See Bill on p17 m

Thetrucker.com
b Bill from page 16 b
Congress is notified. For each of the following
rulemakings, DOT must report to
Congress within 30 days — and every 180
days thereafter — with an explanation for
why the statutory deadline was not met (if
one was established) and with an expected
date of completion. The notification must
include an updated rulemaking timeline and
a list of factors causing delays.
The requirement to report on rulemakings
likely stems from the fact that the
agency repeatedly has missed deadlines for
moving mandates through the rulemaking
process.
For instance, MAP-21, the two-year
highway bill passed in mid-2012, required
the agency to issue a final rule on mandated
electronic logging devices for Hours of
Service by October 1, 2013, a deadline that
FMCSA said it was not be able to meet because
of the need for notice and comment.
Minimum insurance limits
If DOT chooses to proceed with a rulemaking
to adjust minimum financial responsibility
levels the act says the department
must first consider the rulemaking’s
impact on safety; the motor carrier industry;
the insurance industry’s ability to provide
required coverage; the extent to which
the current levels adequately cover medical
care and compensation; the frequency with
which claims resulting from fatal crashes
exceed the current insurance limits and the
potential impact on crash reduction.
The act also requires the DOT by January
1, 2017, to issue a report on insurance
levels, including the differences between
state and federal limits; the extent to which
the current levels adequately cover medical
care and compensation and the frequency
with which claims (for all crashes) exceed
the current insurance limits.
The debate over insurance minimums
has been an off-and-on topic since Rep.
Matt Cartwright, D-Pa., introduced legislation
that would raise the required insurance
minimum for motor carriers from $750,000
to $4,422,000 per truck, an increase of almost
500 percent.
The legislation died in committee. Some
studies have shown that the current limit of
$750,000 is adequate in the vast majority
of accidents; some stakeholders believe the
minimum should be raised, but perhaps only
double the $750,000.
Congress established the current insurance
minimum in 1980.
Before being elected to Congress last
year, Cartwright was a member of the law
firm of Munley, Munley and Cartwright, a
firm that specializes in accident and injury
claims. After Cartwright was elected, he
resigned from the firm, now called Munley
Law.
In present dollars, adjusted for the increases
in the cost of medical care, it takes
more than $4.4 million to provide for the
equivalent of the $750,000 in the original
law, Cartwright claimed when he introduced
the bill.
For the truckload sector, there are positives
for what’s not in the highway bill,
Heller said, citing the lack of a mandate to
require that twin 33-foot trailers be allowed
on the nation’s highways.
“We need a freight delivery system that
makes sense for the entire industry, specifically
the truckload segment of the industry,”
Heller said. “Since truckload represents
78 percent of the trucking delivery
system, to say we’re a majority would be
an understatement. Thirty-three-foot trailers
do not work for the truckload sector of
the industry. They just won’t. We’re not designed
that way; we’re not set up that way.
It makes our drivers less safe because of the
3,000-pound dolly that’s incorporated into
it. The fact that 33-foot trailers are not in
the highway bill is yet another reason why
this is a good bill.”
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WE OFFER dRIVERS:
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OUR DIFFERENCE
Nation December 15-31, 2015 • 17
Twin 33-foot trailers have been a frontburner
issue since at least early 2014 when
Henry J. Maier, president and CEO of FedEx
Ground Package System, said based
on data supplied by FedEx, UPS and other
less-than-truckload carriers, the use of 33-
foot twin trailers would provide a carrier
the potential, in any given lane, to absorb
up to 18 percent of future growth without
traveling any additional miles or worsening
wear-and-tear on the country’s roadways.
Industry-wide, that equals up to 1.8 billion
fewer miles driven, more than 300 million
gallons of gasoline saved and $2.6 billion
in reduced costs annually, proponents maintain.
Language allowing twin 33-foot trailers
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is still in the House version of the FY2016
Transportation Housing and Urban Development
and Other Agencies Appropriations
bill.
It was in the Senate version until taken
out last month on an amendment offered by
Sen. Rogers Wicker, R-Miss., and Sen. Dianne
Feinstein, D-Calif.
The ATA, which supports the longer
trailers, expressed disappointment with the
action.
“It is unfortunate the Senate has chosen
to give up on what could be a very beneficial
change in policy,” Graves said. “This modest
increase in tandem trailer length would
reduce the number of truck trips needed to
See Bill on p18 m
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18 • December 15-31, 2015 Nation
b Bill from page 17 b
move an increasing amount of freight while
making better use of a dwindling pool of
drivers.
“There are so many upsides to the use of
twin 33s that it is inevitable this change will
come to pass. Decision makers cannot continue
to embrace unsafe and unproductive
strategies, and expect to have this nation’s
freight continue to get delivered. Ultimately
the economy will win this debate.”
Truckload executives fought to keep any
33-foot trailer mandate out of the new bill,
saying it would forever change the business
model for the trucking industry, that it will
exacerbate the driver shortage, that it will
drive up the risk of injury to drivers, that it
is a highway safety issue and that it will increase
the cost of doing business, especially
in the area of insurance policies.
The executives base their concerns on
what those in the business for a good length
of time saw happen when Congress increased
the length of trailers from 48 feet
to 53 feet.
In those days there were a lot of carriers
hauling truckload freight in double 28s.
Obviously there was more cargo capacity
in two 28s than there was in one 48. And
so the shippers demanded carriers provide
them with more cargo space per load.
But that didn’t mean TLs liked the double
trailer situation, citing the cost of business,
the safety issues and the fact that drivers
didn’t like to pull them.
Heller commended the coming together
of Republicans and Democrats to get the
highway bill on the president’s desk.
“Having a bill in its entirety is a positive.
It shows there is a bipartisan effort out
there to make this work. Our Congressional
leaders are acting together to make this
work. Do they need to go further? Yes, and I
think they’ll admit to that. But at this point
they’ve done what they needed to do,” he
said.
Obama said he’ll continue to push for
thetrucker.com
greater transportation spending to meet
the nation’s infrastructure needs and create
jobs.
“This bill is not perfect, but it is a common-sense
compromise, and an important
first step in the right direction,” Obama said
in a statement December 4.
Despite that, the 1,300-page bill was
hailed by lawmakers and the industry as a
major accomplishment that will halt the cycle
of last-minute, short-term fixes that have
kept the federal Highway Trust Fund teetering
on the edge of insolvency for much of
the past eight years.
Republican leaders pointed to the bill’s
passage as evidence of their ability to govern,
and Obama can claim progress on addressing
the nation’s deficient bridges and
crowded highways, a major goal since the
early days of his administration.
Lawmakers in both parties praised the
bill as a model of bipartisan cooperation.
Support for the measure was increased by a
generous helping of business favors, parochial
provisions, safety improvements and
union demands.
“In the end, there wasn’t really a philosophical
problem here,” said Senate Majority
Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. “The
question was, how could we pull together
these disparate pieces into one mosaic that
actually had a chance to get somewhere?”
But Sen. Tom Carper, D-Del., a prominent
supporter of increasing transportation
spending, said the deals cut to win the
bill’s passage caused him to reluctantly vote
against it.
“While this bill includes some good
transportation policies, the way we pay for
these policies is unsustainable and irresponsible,
offering little more than a grab bag of
budget gimmicks that will actually increase
our deficit in the long run,” he said. 8
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THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
AUSTIN, Texas — Texas state troopers
habitually misidentify Hispanics as white in
traffic records, calling into question the accuracy
of state data used to monitor racial profiling,
according to a television news report.
KXAN-TV in Austin conducted a database
review using millions of records extending
back to 2010 that shows troopers across the
state inaccurately reported the race of Hispanic
drivers.
A state law meant to prevent racial profiling
requires authorities to document the race
of every driver who is issued a warning or citation,
or is arrested.
The television station’s investigation of
Department of Public Safety (DPS) traffic
citation records also found the number of
drivers stopped by troopers and recorded as
Hispanic has gone up annually since 2010
— from nearly 208,000 to 351,000 last year
— while the number of drivers recorded as
white declined in the same time period from
1.9 million to about 1.2 million last year.
Among the most common surnames of
drivers listed by troopers as white are Garcia,
Martinez, Hernandez, Gonzalez and Rodriguez.
While a Hispanic name doesn’t necessarily
mean a person is of Hispanic descent,
the review of DPS records shows more than
Nation December 15-31, 2015 • 19
Texas police misidentifying Hispanics
as whites in traffic records, TV says
1.9 million drivers with traditionally Hispanic
names were listed as white. Over the same period,
approximately 1.6 million were reported
as Hispanic.
Sergio Raul Mejia received a traffic citation
in Georgetown last May for having his
license plate on the dash of his truck. The
trooper noted Mejia’s race as white on the
ticket.
“That’s bad,” Mejia said. “I’m Hispanic.
He was not supposed to put white people.”
DPS spokesman Tom Vinger acknowledged
that law enforcement databases at the
state and national levels have limitations with
identifying codes that are used. For instance,
their computer systems have five specific
codes for race, but that Hispanic is seen as an
ethnicity, rather than a race.
Ranjana Natarajan, director of the Civil
Rights Clinic at the University of Texas
School of Law, says the findings reveal that
DPS’ racial statistics likely are inaccurate.
“It shows that there either seems to be a
complete lack of training on the part of DPS
officers and other law enforcement officers
about how to report people’s race or there is
deliberate, sort of trying to not follow the policy
if they have been trained properly on how
to report the race of the drivers whom they
stop,” Natarajan said. 8

20 • December 15-31, 2015 Nation
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Nation December 15-31, 2015 • 21
Virginia Tech research says driver-autonomous
car interaction becoming a ‘peer relationship’
Justin Pritchard
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
LOS ANGELES — New cars that can steer
and brake themselves risk lulling people in
the driver’s seat into a false sense of security
— and even to sleep. One way to keep people
alert may be providing distractions that are
now illegal.
That was one surprising finding when researchers
put Stanford University students in
a simulated self-driving car to study how they
reacted when their robo-chauffer needed help.
The experiment was one in a growing number
that assesses how cars can safely hand
control back to a person when their self-driving
software and sensors are overwhelmed or
overmatched. With some models already able
to stay in their lane or keep a safe distance from
other traffic and automakers pushing for more
automation, the car-to-driver handoff is a big
open question.
The elimination of distracted driving is a
major selling point for the technology. But in
the Stanford experiment, reading or watching a
movie helped keep participants awake.
Among the 48 students, 13 who were instructed
to monitor the car and road from the
driver’s seat began to nod off. Only three did
so when told to focus on a screen full of words
or moving images.
Alertness was particularly helpful when
students needed to grab the wheel because a
car or pedestrian got in the way.
There’s no consensus on the right car-todriver
handoff approach: the Stanford research
suggests engaging people with media could
help, while some automakers are marketing
vehicles with limited self-driving features that
will slow down if they detect a person has
stopped paying attention to the road.
Self-driving car experts at Google, which
is pursuing the technology more aggressively
than any automaker, concluded that involving
humans would make its cars less safe. Google’s
solution is a prototype with no steering wheel
or pedals — human control would be limited to
go-and-stop buttons.
Meanwhile, traditional automakers are
phasing in the technology. Mercedes and Toyota
sell cars that can hit the brakes and stay in
their lane. By adding new features each year,
they might produce a truly self-driving car in
about a decade.
One potential hazard of this gradualist approach
became clear this fall, when Tesla Motors
had to explain that its “auto pilot” feature
did not mean drivers could stop paying attention.
Several videos posted online showed people
recording the novelty — then seizing the
wheel when the car made a startling move.
A Super Cruise system, which will allow semiautonomous
highway driving in the Cadillac CTS
starting late next year, monitors drivers. If their
eyes are off the road, and they don’t respond to
repeated prodding, the car will slow itself.
“We are in no way selling this as a technology
where the driver can check out,” General Motors
spokesman Dan Flores said. “You can relax,
glance away, but you still have to be aware because
you know the technology’s not foolproof.”
Associated Press: JUSTIN FINE/Virginia Tech
This photo provided by Virginia Tech shows
Virginia Tech Center for Technology Development
Program Administration Specialist
Greg Brown behind the wheel of a driverless
car during a test ride showing the alert system
handing over automation to the driver
while traveling down a street in Blacksburg,
Virginia.
Though research is ongoing, it appears that
people need at least 5 seconds to take over — if
they’re not totally checked out.
One riddle automakers must solve: How
to get owners to trust the technology so that
they’ll use it — but not trust it so much that
they’ll be lulled into a false security that makes
them slow to react when the car needs them.
Trust was on the mind of researchers who in
August published an extensive report on selfdriving
cars funded by the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration. “Although this
trust is essential for widespread adoption, participants
were also observed prioritizing nondriving
activities over the operation of the vehicle,”
the authors wrote.
Another wide-open question: How to alert
the person in the driver’s seat of the need to
begin driving.
It appears that the car should appeal to several
senses. Visual warnings alone may not suffice.
Combine a light with spoken instructions
or physical stimulation such as a vibrating seat,
and people are quicker to reassume control.
“If it is done courteously and subtly and [is]
not annoying, it could be missed by someone
that is distracted,” said Greg Fitch, a research
scientist at the Virginia Tech Transportation
Institute. Then again, the way the car interacts
with people will be one way automakers differentiate
their product — and overbearing warnings
may sour potential buyers.
Other issues Fitch cites include “mode confusion”
(making sure the car clearly informs
the person whether or not it is driving itself)
and clear explanations to drivers of what the
car can — and cannot — handle.
Cars with the right sensors are becoming really
good at monitoring the outside world and
have quicker response times than humans. People
are much better at making decisions under
uncertain circumstances.
One lesson from the Stanford study may be
that master and machine are better viewed as
collaborators.
“There’s really a relationship between drivers
and cars,” said David Sirkin, who helped
run the experiment at Stanford’s Center for Design
Research, “and that relationship is becoming
more [of] a peer relationship.” 8

Perspective December
15-31, 2015 • 22
Letters
Driver offended at the way FMCSA
treats unavoidable crashes in CSA
I realize that when any truck accident occurs
it has to be determined who is at fault.
However, through the years I have had trucks in
accidents that were not their fault. The party at
fault would in turn reimburse me for any damages
and injuries. Common sense will tell you
that someone would not pay unless they were
indeed at fault.
These accidents, although not our fault,
have still been classified reportable. These “reportable”
accidents run our safety score up. The
position I take is that this is totally unfair.
Most recently my company has had two
unpreventable accidents that have dramatically
affected our safety score. One in which it was
found in court that the other driver intentionally
caused the accident. The other in which my
driver was stopped a red light and rear ended.
Even though these are statistically reportable
accidents it is not an indication that we, as a
carrier, are unsafe.
The FMCSA has been quoted to say: “Independent
research has demonstrated that a motor
carrier’s involvement in a crash, regardless of
their role in the crash, is a strong indicator of
their future crash risk.” This makes absolutely
no sense. Being struck by another motorist is
supposed to make my drivers more likely to
strike others? I do not believe that accidents
that were not caused by me are any indication
that I will be involved in a future crash.
Upon researching the controversial issue of
CSA ratings degrading due to accidents where
the truck driver had no fault I have found several
examples from other companies where
there was reckless, careless, and even drunk
driving by the at-fault party. Also, when requesting
that my CSA score be reviewed over
not-at-fault accidents I am presented with this
generated message: “Important Notice: If you
still choose to continue, you may provide information
that will be used for counting purposes
only — your request will NOT be upheld and
will be automatically closed. The crash will remain
on your carrier or driver record.” This is
the FMCSA simply saying we don’t care if it
is not your fault, we are going to blame you
anyway and punish you for it.
I do not believe that it is an unreasonable
request to ask that the FMCSA hold us accountable
for only what we can prevent and not hold
us accountable in the CSA program for crashes
that we cannot prevent.
I request a response.
— Jerry McClure
Army vet says there are indeed atheists
in foxholes, bunkers, ’copters and more
Recently read your column about public
prayer. I have a few points you may want to
consider.
Your Savior says to pray in private. It’s right
See Letters on p23 m
Finding out where they cook up all that alphabet soup
Lyndon Finney
editor@thetrucker.com
Eye on
Trucking
My curiosity got the best of me.
After all, for the last several months, we’ve
been bombarded time and time again with all
those names assigned to the various versions of
long-term surface transportation legislation.
You know:
GROW AMERICA (Generating Renewal,
Opportunity, and Work with Accelerated Mobility,
Efficiency, and Rebuilding of Infrastructure
and Communities throughout America
Act), the Obama administration’s version.
DRIVE (Developing a Reliable and Innovative
Vision for the Economy), the Senate’s version.
STRR (Surface Transportation Reauthorization
and Reform), the House’s version. It was
pronounced star, so somewhere along the way
the appropriate “A” must have fallen into a pothole,
or maybe the folks in D.C. just can’t spell.
Doing our research, we found there is strong
precedent for coming up with a lot of words
— often unnecessary — and fashioning them
into an acronym.
All this jolliness began in 1991 when Congress
decided to call the Intermodal Surface
We have moved next door to my son and
his PERFECT family. I wish to be home with
them for Christmas.
— Carla Barnes
Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA,
pronounced ice tea).
The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st
Century passed in 1998 was called TEA-21.
Our guess is that all this work to come up with
acronyms made for a raging thirst.
In 2005, Congress came up with a name to
honor the wife of an Alaska Congressman.
The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient
Transportation Act: A Legacy for Users was
called SAFETEA-LU in honor of Lu Young,
wife of Rep. Don Young, who was chairman
of the House Transportation and Infrastructure
Committee when the act was passed in 2005.
Lu Young passed away in 2009.
Then it was Moving Ahead for Progress in
the 21st Century (MAP-21) in 2012, and now
it’s the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation
(FAST) Act, the name given the version
of the current bill after it had gone through a
House and Senate conference committee.
We figured that for these acronyms to be so
clever, there must be a federal agency assigned
to come up with all the fancy names.
Sure enough there was.
We learned it was located deep in the bowels
of the U.S. Capitol, and it’s called the Department
of Pontification and Erudite Senselessness
(DOPES).
We called the 800 number to get a little
more information: 800-227-6696 (look on your
telephone keypad if you can’t figure out where
this little story is going).
I wish that all the drivers on the road
could start seeing eye-to-eye again and
give each other the mutual respect we all
deserve so the trucking life would be better
for everyone.
— Jeff Jones
A congenial young man answered: “DOPES,
John Edward Dobbs speaking.”
He told us he’d been employed there since last
January, so we figured he must be pretty brilliant
to help the administration and those lawmakers
come up with such creative acronyms.
So we asked him about his qualifications.
“Just look at my name,” he responded. “It
makes a great acronym, JED.”
* * *
Putting aside the frivolity of this column, as
everyone in trucking knows by now, the Federal
Motor Carrier Safety Administration has
finally issued its final rule on electronic logging
devices and Hours of Service supporting
documents.
We even noticed some of our peers in the
trucking media called this “breaking news.”
However, we classify “breaking news” as
news that is not expected.
The issuance of the ELD Final Rule has
been expected for days, weeks, month, even
years, 21 years to be accurate.
In fact, the FMCSA’s own website says that
the rulemaking was first initiated August 26,
1994.
* * *
And finally, and we think most importantly,
we hope you all have a Merry Christmas (none
of that happy holidays stuff) and a Happy New
Year, and that you stop and reflect amidst of the
glitz and glamor, what Christmas is really all
about. 8
The Christmas season is here.
What is your Christmas wish?
The elimination of a push for speed regulators
being mandatory in commercial motor
vehicles.
— John Brohl

thetrucker.com
b Letters from page 22 b
there in the Bible.
Secondly, we’re a secular nation. Our original
motto was Latin for “of many, one.” We are
not as Iran or Afghanistan where your religious
beliefs are commanded by a bunch of nuts living
by a book of tales first spun by illiterate
goat herders who didn’t know where the sun
went at night. We are free here.
You’d be wise to keep that in mind. Pray in
your church, pray in your home; public space
belongs to us all.
Finally, I saw that line that always ruffles
my feathers, “there are no atheists in fox holes.”
Ma’am, as a veteran of the U.S. Army I will tell
you unequivocally that there are MANY atheists
in foxholes. And in bunkers, tanks, armored
personnel carriers and helicopters.
We serve our country, not your imaginary
god. There are a lot of us in trucks as well.
Thanks for letting me set you straight.
— Yours,
Gary E. Hoover
Reader doesn’t understand twin 33
vs. 53-foot argument being made
The argument is made that 28 footers
brought about 53s, and 33s will be competition
for 53s and result in 57s or even longer. Now
57s are used in a couple of states.
Is this a “red herring”? It’s my understanding
LTL carriers are not interested in truckload
Perspective December 15-31, 2015 • 23
freight or anything like even three or four pallets.
[This is] based on price breaks for more
freight. In other words, that would reduce the
revenue for a given trailer. So I don’t get this
33 or 33 x 2 versus 53-foot argument.
Thanks for keeping us informed.
— Mike R.
Semi-retired business exec finds
carriers not giving him a chance
Dear Lyndon and Jack: In your most recent
edition of, The Trucker (Dec. 1-14. 2015), you
discuss the shortage of truck drivers. I thought
you might find my story, research, and discussions
with drivers and recruiters along with my
business background interesting.
Let me state, “right off the bat,” that I am
graduating from CDL school on my own, at the
end of this month! Why?
1. At age 63, I’m quasi retired and bored as
a former Fortune 100 senior exec, along with
being a business owner for over nine years.
2. I’m in excellent health, no issues and
used to getting my hands dirty. No “prima donna
attitudes” here.
3. Wonderful children that are all educated,
employed and living around the US. I understand
with their demands of work and family
life — coming to see dad is tough.
4. I’m Single and no real need to be home
on a regular basis — thus the interest in an
OTR position.
My other options are to join a woodworking
See Letters on p26 m

24
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Trucker Lindsey Bell, wife Lupita weather hard
times, finally find their home in trucking
Get the free mobile app at
http:/ / gettag.mobi
Story and photo
by Aprille Hanson
Special to The Trucker
aprilleh@thetrucker.com
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Trucker Lindsey Bell and
his wife Lupita plan to celebrate their first Christmas together
as a married couple this month. Thinking back on the last four
years, it’s a far cry from where they’ve been.
“We were both in a shelter” in Texas, Lupita Bell told The
Trucker at the Petro Stopping Center here. Lindsey Bell, primarily
a dump truck driver for 15 years, had nowhere to turn after
a trucking job did not pan out. He walked to a shelter in San
Antonio and stayed there to save money until he could get back
on his feet and ideally into a new ride.
It was there he met Lupita, who had also fallen on hard
times.
“He was a nice guy,” Lupita said upon meeting Bell. “He
had seen me around and he was adamant I was going to be his
girl.”
After leaving the shelter and with a new driving job for
Lindsey, the two soon began renting an apartment, but pouring
money into a place they rarely stayed at seemed like a waste,
Lupita said. So, they hopped into the truck, making it their fulltime
home.
Though Lupita did not have much experience with the the
trucking industry, it has been Lindsey’s livelihood. He now
drives a 2011 Peterbilt for TSL in Stockton, California.
“I like traveling and being your own boss,” he said, adding
he’s not one to shy away from certain areas like some fellow
truckers. “I like New York; somebody has got to go up there.”
Bell said last year he and Lupita got stuck in all the major
snow storms, but his experience helped him to remain calm.
“The most important thing is safety because things happen
unexpectedly,” Lindsey said. “You have to practice patience.”
That patient attitude came in handy when he waited and
waited for Lupita to say “yes” to marriage.
“I just like going new places with him,” Lupita said. “I had
never been to Vegas and we got married in Reno” this year on
July 4.
Though Lindsey asked her many times before to marry him
and Lupita’s father also wanted her to take the leap, she explained
she actually made the final proposal.
“We were driving through Reno … I said, ‘Hey, let’s get
married.’ He said, ‘Are you serious?’” Lupita said. “It was kind
of a spur-of-the moment thing. He’d been asking and I guess I
was finally ready.”
The couple travels with their two furry road companions,
Suspect, a 4-year-old alley cat, and Velvet, a Siamese kitten.
They love batting around anything they can get their paws on,
Lupita said.
“Velvet likes to drive … She has boundary issues. She’ll get
in front of the dashboard where he’s driving and he’ll say ‘you
have to get the cat away,’” Lupita said. “She’ll knock you in the
head a few times with her paw when she wants to play.”
Suspect is more subtle, though his alley cat past makes him
more risky. Once, when the truck was parked and the window
was cracked, Lupita noticed Suspect wasn’t around.
“I’m in the back [in the sleeper] and I look up and he’s sitting
on the hood and looking directly at me,” she said. “It’s in his
blood; he wants that freedom sometimes.”
The cats will experience that freedom more often once their
new home is built in Tyler, Texas. The couple broke ground two
years ago on land where her parents and two daughters, 12 and
13, stay while they are on the road.
“I’m on the truck 30 days on and 30 days off” while the
house is being built to help her father complete it and to be there
for her daughters, Lupita said. “I do a lot of parenting over the
phone; it’s hard, but it works.”
Lindsey has been driving non-stop for the past year and
sends money back so the house can be finished.
“It’s a big sacrifice for family because you’re always on the
road,” he said. “You’re doing a man’s job … when I started driving
it was the No. 1 most dangerous job in America … the harder
the job, the harder I work. I feel like I’m doing my part.”
Once the house is completed, Lyndsey said his focus will be
on saving up enough money to buy his own truck.
“I’m trying to come up with a down payment,” he said. “I
want to buy my own truck so I can be home more.”
However, regardless of whether he becomes an owner-operator
or not, he said he will not be leaving the trucking industry
anytime soon.
“Truckers stick together,” he said. “We’re family.” 8

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26 • December 15-31, 2015 Perspective
b Letters from page 23 b
group, play golf, fish or become a member of
ROMEO (retired old men eating out).
I decided to drive for $$$ instead of an RV,
lol.
Never had a ticket, Never a DUI. No drugs.
Never robbed a bank or been an ax murderer
(no felonies), embezzler or smuggler!
Have common sense and understand P&L,
customer relationships and working from the
bottom up.
Would gladly treat any trucking company’s
truck as if it were my own. I wash and wax my
own cars and maintain them.
After four months of detailed research,
interviews with over 72 drivers, 41 recruiters
and countless e-mails unanswered by trucking
company owners, this is what I’ve learned:
• No one is interested in men or women
with similar situations, or experience to mine,
as drivers.
• They want to pay me almost nothing, or
have me run as a team for 3-6 months
• They’ll excuse felons, DUIs and accident
candidates (no problem with that policy) but
don’t consider responsible, professional men
and woman looking for that “encore career”
who could represent them to their clients when
delivering or picking up a load.
I also get a kick out of the pay policy: Giving
senior drivers more cpm than rookies.
How’s that working out?
They may generate more gross profit on
runs with “newbies,” and it helps offset the expense
to senior drivers, but they end up with
$150,000 rigs sitting in yards.
Take the average pay of a rookie at 30
cpm vs. 45 cpm for a senior. Take the 15
cents difference x 120,000 miles and you get
$18,000.
The question is how much did it cost to have
a $150,000 (tractor AND trailer) rig sitting in a
yard when they could have run it and generated
revenue for the last 52 weeks?
— Larry Stocker 8
thetrucker.com
Fourth annual Infrastructure Week
to be nationwide May 16-23, 2016
THE TRUCKER NEWS SERVICES
WASHINGTON —The nation’s largest organizations
representing American business, labor and
policy announced the fourth annual Infrastructure
Week to be held the week of May 16-23, 2016.
Infrastructure Week is a non-partisan, coordinated
week of events and programming across
the country designed to elevate Americans’ understanding
of the role infrastructure — from passenger
and freight transportation to water, electricity
and broadband networks — plays in their lives.
Infrastructure Week 2016 is led by a steering
committee consisting of the AFL-CIO, the
American Society of Civil Engineers, Building
America’s Future, Brookings Institution’s Metropolitan
Policy Program, the National Association
of Manufacturers, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
and the Value of Water Coalition. In addition to
these organizations, Infrastructure Week has drawn
nearly 100 national and local affiliate organizations
from diverse sectors of the economy and communities
across the U.S. to create an unprecedented
and united coalition.
Building America’s Future President Marcia
Hale said Infrastructure Week 2015, held
from May 11-15, was a huge success with
more than 50 events convened by nearly 100
affiliates from Maine to Alaska, drawing dozens
of major metropolitan mayors from around
the country to Washington to urge Congress to
act on infrastructure needs.
Advocacy efforts delivered the week’s message
of investing in America’s economy to more
than 300 Congressional offices and Americans
across the country sent more than 11,000 letters to
Congress demanding action.
Online, the conversation about Infrastructure
Week established 41 million social media impressions
and major news outlets and programs including
The New York Times, Time magazine, New
York Daily News, NPR, Bloomberg New Yorker,
and “60 Minutes” featured infrastructure stories
that week.
Hale said that in 2016, Infrastructure Week
will continue to highlight the lack of investment
in America’s surface and aviation transportation,
water and wastewater systems, and energy and
broadband networks.
Chronic underfunding has left the United
States less globally competitive and weakened by
potholes, corroded water mains and broken sewers,
outdated transit systems and travel delays, she said,
adding that Infrastructure Week 2016 will also tell
the stories of successes from around the country
and innovative solutions put forth by the public
sector. Over the last several years, facing a widening
investment gap and a lack of reliable federal
support, some local and state leaders are finding innovative
ways to develop their own infrastructure
solutions. 8

Business
December 15-31, 2015 • 27
ATA’s Truck Tonnage Index (Seasonally Adjusted; 2000=100)
135.0
130.0
125.0
120.0
115.0
110.0
107.5
OCT - 10
JAN - 11
APR - 11
JUL - 11
OCT - 11
JAN - 12
APR - 12
JUL - 12
OCT - 12
JAN - 13
Volvo Trucks layoff, weakening sales
signal possible weak time for Class 8
Jack Whitsett
jack.whitsett@thetrucker.com
DUBLIN, Va. — Industry analysts pointed
to a mass layoff at Volvo Trucks’ New River
Valley Assembly Plant as a sign that Class 8
truck sales, already sliding, may be in free fall
as an uncertain new year looms.
Volvo said December 2 it will lay off 734
production workers in February due to a slowdown
in demand.
“This was the weakest November order activity
since 2009 and was a major disappointment,”
said Don Ake, FTR vice president of
Commercial Vehicles, “coming in significantly
below expectations. Orders are expected to be
APR - 13
JUL - 13
OCT - 13
JAN - 14
APR - 14
JUL - 14
OCT - 14
JAN - 15
APR - 15
JUL - 15
OCT - 15
better, but not necessarily good, the next two
months.”
November Class 8 orders are expected to
be 60 percent below the same period last year,
ACT Research of Columbus, Indiana, reported.
“The November orders are very concerning,”
Ake said. “People were optimistic when
orders held up well during the summer. Now
we get into the peak order season and have
the lowest orders of the year. The weak orders
are the reason for the recent OEM announcements
regarding production cutbacks
and layoffs. Truck inventories are high and
See Volvo on p33 m
Tonnage up 0.7 percent; year-to-date
numbers up 3.3 percent over last year
THE TRUCKER NEWS SERVICES
ARLINGTON, Va. — The American Trucking
Associations’ advanced seasonally adjusted
For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index increased 0.7
percent in September, following a decrease of
0.9 percent during August.
In September, the index equaled 135.1
(2000=100), up from 134.1 in August. The
all-time high of 135.8 was reached in January
2015.
Compared with September 2014, the seasonally-adjusted
index increased 3.1 percent,
which was above the year-over-year increase
of 2.1 percent in August. Year-to-date through
September, compared with the same period last
year, tonnage was up 3.3 percent.
The not seasonally adjusted index, which
represents the change in tonnage actually
hauled by the fleets before any seasonal adjustment,
equaled 138.9 in September, which
was 1.4 percent above the previous month
(136.9).
“The see-saw pattern in truck freight tonnage
continued again in September, except
that the gain didn’t fully wipe out August’s decline,”
said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello.
“However, over the last few months tonnage
See Tonnage on p36 m
Courtesy: VOLVO TRUCKS
Volvo still intends to move forward with its plan to spend $38.1 million in upgrades at its
New River Valley production plant.
Courtesy: ARCBEST
JUDY McREYNOLDS
ArcBest, CEO honored by Women’s Forum of New York
THE TRUCKER NEWS SERVICES
FORT SMITH, Ark. — ArcBest Corporation
and President and CEO Judy R. McReynolds
were honored November 19 by the Women’s
Forum of New York at the third biennial
Breakfast of Corporate Champions for achieving
at least 20 percent female representation on
their board.
ArcBest, which has a representation of 27.3
percent women on the board, was applauded as
a corporate game changer for making special
efforts to advance women in the boardroom.
“I’m pleased that ArcBest is being recognized
for its strides toward a more diverse
board,” McReynolds said. “We believe in appointing
the best people to the board and at the
executive level. We’ve been fortunate to have
strong women candidates fill these positions.
As long as companies focus on putting the best
people in leadership, we’ll see more women
occupying those roles.”
ArcBest board members include McReynolds,
Janice E. Stipp and Kathy D. McElligott.
Stipp, who serves on the board’s Audit
Committee, is chief financial officer of Rogers
Corporation, an engineered materials firm
that enables clean energy, Internet connectivity
and protection applications. McElligott
is executive vice president and chief information
and technology officer of McKesson
Corp., the largest pharmaceutical distributor
in North America, according to a news release.
“We commend ArcBest Corporation and
their work toward achieving a greater gender
balance in their boardroom,” said Janice Ellig,
co CEO of Chadick Ellig and chair of the
event. “ArcBest knows that more women on
boards is smart business and their success is an
inspiration to others.”
The event brought together an audience of
more than 500, including CEOs and directors
along with business leaders, government officials
and media leaders.
Following the awards presentation, Judy
Woodruff of “PBS News Hour” moderated a
CEO panel discussion on why and how top
U.S. companies should strive for gender parity.
Additionally, this year’s breakfast expanded to
include a follow-up symposium which included
moderated sessions by Moira Forbes of ForbesWomen,
Cyrus Sanati of Fortune.com and
Susanna Schrobsdorff of TIME magazine.
The symposium closed with a luncheon
keynote speech by Securities and Exchange
Commission Chair, Mary Jo White, who was
introduced by Michael Fucci, Chairman of the
Board, Deloitte LLP.
ArcBest Corporation is a logistics and
transportation firm and parent company to ABF
Freight, ABF Logistics, Panther Premium Logistics,
FleetNet America, U-Pack and ArcBest
Technologies. 8

28 • December 15-31, 2015 Business
thetrucker.com
Peterbilt recalls more than 2,000
trucks because of tire speed hazard
Tom Krisher
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
DETROIT — A heavy truck manufacturer
has volunteered to recall more than
2,000 semis because they can travel at speeds
greater than their tires can safely handle.
The move by Peterbilt in the U.S. and
Canada raises questions about the safety of
trucks still on U.S. roads that are equipped
with as many as 10,000 of the same tires.
Peterbilt, part of Paccar Inc. of Bellevue,
Washington, said it would recall the tractors
from the 2009 to 2016 model years because
they can go faster than 75 miles per hour,
even though the maximum speed their Michelin
tires can handle is 65 mph. The trucks
are used mainly for hauling automobiles.
“A premature tire failure may occur on the
front or steer axle” and could cause a crash,
Peterbilt said in documents posted by the U.S.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Dealers will reprogram the trucks’ computers
so they can’t go faster than 65 mph.
Peterbilt said that because auto haulers
tend to push the limits of front-axle loads,
it determined that the speed discrepancy is
a safety defect and the trucks should be recalled.
NHTSA is encouraging other truck manufacturers
with “similar risks” to take action
to address them, but the agency has no formal
investigation under way and hasn’t requested
further recalls, spokesman Gordon
Trowbridge said. Michelin says its tires are
safe and perform as designed.
The safety agency began investigating
Michelin’s 22.5-inch diameter XZA tires
in October of 2014, finding 16 complaints,
three crashes and two police crash reports involving
alleged tire failures. One truck rolled
onto its side in New Mexico, but no one was
seriously hurt.
Investigators closed the probe in February
after determining that the failures were
caused by a road hazard, owners using the
tires on the wrong-size rim, or a combination
of violating tire load limits, letting the
air pressure get too low or traveling at higher
speeds than the tires can handle. During the
investigation, Volvo Trucks issued a recall
similar to Peterbilt’s involving 115 trucks.
NHTSA investigators also blamed the tire
failures on some states raising the speed limit
for trucks above 75 mph — the maximum
speed rating most truck tires can handle.
Fourteen states allow trucks to go 75 mph or
faster, even though tire makers say tires can
blow out if they exceed that speed for a long
period.
Federal agencies haven’t had authority to
set speed limits since 1995, when Congress
repealed the national speed limit.
NHTSA has proposed a regulation limiting
top speeds of big rigs nationwide to below
75 mph. A large trucking association and
safety advocates have asked for a 68 mph
limit.
But the regulation, first proposed in 2006,
has been stalled for years in a morass of cost
analyses and government reviews. It’s been
sitting at the White House Office of Budget
and Management since May 18. The office
wouldn’t comment on the delay but said it
works as fast as possible to review rules, and
complex ones take longer.
Henry Jasny, senior vice president of Advocates
for Highway and Auto Safety, one of the
groups backing the regulation, said it’s unusual
for the management and budget office to hold a
rule for longer than 90 days. 8
M
t
Stop being just a truck number. Bring your career to
Skelton Truck Lines. Make more money and enjoy a
better quality of life.
We Require:
3 Years Driving Experience
Hazmat Endorsement
passport or enhanced CDL an asset
Good MVR
Clean Criminal Record
NoW HiRiNg
Team Owner-Operators & Team Company Drivers
Immediate Openings in
Indiana • Pennsylvania • California • Georgia
We Pay:
Fuel Surcharges
Safety Incentives 3cpm
Pickups/Deliveries
Saturday/Sunday Departures
Medical
Company Paid Insurance
US/Canadian Border Crossings
Layover/Waiting Time
401k Contributions
Paid Orientation
Owner-Operator Teams average $1.80/hub mile
Company Teams average $0.76/hub mile
Call or e-mail Lesia Shyshko: 800.387.9796 ext.231 • lesia@skeltontruck.com.
Or Call Senior VP Ron Skelton: 647.828.1178 or fax your information to 905.895.1314

thetrucker.com
Business December 15-31, 2015 • 29
Minimizer continues growth, adds 4
territories to distribution network
THE TRUCKER NEWS SERVICES
BLOOMING PRAIRIE, Minn. — Minimizer,
a provider of heavy truck products, continues
to grow more than three decades after its
inception.
Since the beginning of 2015, the company
has added four new territories to its distribution
map, bringing the total number to 16.
“We train our distributors to sell Minimizer
products, but we’ve got so many distributors
now that we need more territory managers to
make it manageable. So we broke up our map
into smaller territories,” Minimizer CEO Craig
Kruckeberg said. “We’ve also brought on board
two regional managers. It’s exciting, because
our team is growing all the time.”
Minimizer started in 1984 with Dick Kruckeberg
selling the company’s now well-known
poly fender out of the back of his truck.
Today, the Minnesota-based business offers
numerous heavy truck products, and is once
again on pace to break its own sales records.
“We’re proud to be an American familyowned
company for more than three decades,
but we’re even more proud to hire American
workers, which are the backbone of our country,”
Kruckeberg said.
Minimizer provides aftermarket solutions
for truck parts, including poly truck fenders,
toolboxes, custom floor mats, mud flaps, truck
maintenance products and other truck accessories.
Kruckeberg said Minimizer uses durable
materials and robotic production technology to
create an industry standard that allows them to
offer the longest guarantee in the industry.
For more information visit Minimizer.com
or e-mail info@minimizer.com.
FMCSA allowing German driver
on U.S. roads for Daimler testing
WASHINGTON — Concluding that the
process for obtaining a German CDL is “comparable
to or as effective as the U.S. CDL requirements,”
the Department of Transportation
December 4 granted a German truck driver permission
to drive on U.S. roads without a stateissued
U.S. CDL.
Michael Seitter, a German citizen who
holds a German CDL, will be able to operate
commercial motor vehicles for Daimler Trucks
North America. Seitter, who must be accompanied
by a U.S. CDL holder familiar with the
routes driven, will “support Daimler field tests
to meet future vehicle safety and environmental
requirements and to promote the development
of technology and advancements in vehicle
safety systems and emissions reductions,” according
to a Federal Register notice published
by DOT’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Seitter is the sixth German CDL
holder to be granted a waiver to test drive for
Daimler since 2012.
Daimler told the FMCSA in its petition that
Seitter will “typically” drive only about six
hours per day for two consecutive days and no
more than 200 miles per day “for a total of 400
miles during a two-day period on a quarterly
Business Briefs
basis.” Daimler plans call for 90 percent of the
tests to be driven on interstate highways, with
the rest occurring on two-lane state highways.
Seitter is not eligible to obtain a state-issued
U.S. CDL because only residents of a state can
apply for the license, the notice stated. Daimler
included documentation showing that Seitter
possesses a safe German driving record.
When driving, Seitter must be in possession
of his German CDL and the federal exemption
document, the Federal Register notice stated.
The exemption is valid for two years.
NASTC recognizes Wisconsin’s Kretz
Truck Brokerage as broker of the year
NASHVILLE, Tenn. —The National
Association of Small Trucking Companies
(NASTC) named Kretz Truck Brokerage of
Antigo, Wisconsin, broker of the year October
29. The designation, called the NASTC Best of
the Best Brokers Award, was presented here at
NASTC’s 25th annual conference, said Buster
Anderson, executive vice president of the organization.
“As a recipient of this prestigious award,
Kretz Truck Brokerage has distinguished themselves
as the best of our broker group that includes
over 250 of the best brokers in the country,”
Anderson said. Kretz has been in business
since 1989 and moves in excess of 200
loads per week all over the country, he added.
They have been a NASTC member for over 14
years and have always been a big supporter of
NASTC’s efforts to improve broker-carrier relations,
Anderson said.
NASTC represents more than 6,000 trucking
companies in the U.S. and Canada that
employ over 75,000 drivers collectively. For
the benefit of their trucking company members
NASTC publishes a “Best Brokers” directory
annually to assist their members in locating
quality freight brokers to help them keep their
trucks loaded, the organization said.
FTR Shippers Conditions Index near
neutral for September at -0.5 reading
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Transportation
analyst firm FTR’s Shippers Conditions Index
for September registered a near neutral reading
of -0.5, reflecting benign conditions for shippers,
the company stated November 24.
The index is expected to start a steady downward
trajectory during the fourth quarter of 2015
and through 2016, reflecting the current expectations
for freight haulers to institute increased
pricing toward the end of next year, said Jonathan
Starks, director of transportation analysis at
FTR, adding that a portion of the index is based
on forward-looking expectations, so it will rise
or fall based on future probabilities.
See Briefs on p30 m

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30 • December 15-31, 2015 Business
b Briefs from page 29 b
“There are definite signs of a slowdown in
activity throughout the North American supply
chain,” Stark said. “High inventories, weak
manufacturing and slowing intermodal moves
are all indications of this slowdown. Slowing
order activity from truck fleets for new tractors
is another indication of the slowing market, as
well as the fact that the driver shortage is less
persistent than it was one year ago.
“It is a good sign that the economy continues to
grow, and this weakness shouldn’t persist; however,
that also means the coming regulations in 2016
and 2017 will have a greater impact if they occur
when the market is more robust. Weak pricing may
persist through the winter, but keeping abreast of
regulatory action is necessary to understand the
coming impacts on truck capacity.”
The Shippers Conditions Index is a compilation
of factors affecting shippers’ transport
environment. Any reading below zero indicates
a less-than-ideal environment for shippers,
FTR stated. Readings below -10 signal conditions
for shippers are approaching critical levels,
based on available capacity and expected
rates. The index takes into account the current
regulatory agenda, the driver supply situation
and spot market rates as well, the firm added.
100%OWNEROPERATORCOMPANY
thetrucker.com
Bridgestone Americas breaks ground
for new Speedco retail store in Spokane
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Bridgestone Americas
Tire Operations has broken ground for a
new Speedco retail location in Spokane, Washington.
The new store, which will be located along
I-90 at exit 272, is expected to be completed by
the summer of 2016.
The new Speedco site brings industry-leading
tire services, quick lubes and other transport
needs to small and large fleets, and owner-operators
who frequently travel this highly-transited
and critical Northwest corridor, according
to Chris Ripani, Speedco president.
“The groundbreaking of a new store in Spokane
is significant for Speedco, bringing much
needed services to this high-traffic area and
marking the start of a new chapter of growth
for the company,” Ripani said. “In the coming
years, Speedco will expand its reach. The
expansion will improve our network and make
preventive maintenance services more conveniently
available to the trucking industry. We
are excited to start this journey in Spokane. The
community is welcoming, the market is strong
and we have confidence that this new location
will add to our growing customer base.”
Speedco continues to offer truckers the
quick tire and service solutions they need to
stay on the road, Ripani said, adding that the
new location will bring more than a dozen new
jobs to the local community including lube
technicians, crew chiefs, cashiers and management.
Speedco is an indirect subsidiary of Bridgestone
Americas Tire Operations. To learn more
about Speedco services and locations, visit
speedco.com.
See Briefs on p32 m
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Business December 15-31, 2015 • 31
FROM NATIONAL CARRIERS
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of the
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32 • December 15-31, 2015 Business
b Briefs from page 30 b
Craftsmen Trailer acquires Davenport,
Iowa, Utility dealership, has 3 locations
CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif. — Utility
Trailer Manufacturing Co. has announced
that Craftsmen Trailer acquired the Utility
dealership located in Davenport, Iowa, from
Thompson Truck and Trailer.
“We are excited about this acquisition,”
said Lou Helmsing, president of Craftsmen
Trailer. “This is our third dealer location,
which expands our ability to serve our customers
with improved access to aftermarket
parts and service, as well as a larger inventory
of both new and used equipment, in Eastern
Iowa and North-Central Illinois. The new
location is ideally situated just off Interstate
80, so it’s very accessible.”
Founded in 1982 in downtown St. Louis,
Craftsmen is a regional full service Utility
dealership with three locations — St. Louis
and Sikeston, Missouri, and Davenport,
Iowa.
The Davenport facility is located at 3698
West 83rd Street, near the Northwest Boulevard
exit off of Interstate 80.
Find more information about Craftsmen
Trailer at craftsmentrailer.com.
Utility Trailer Manufacturing Co. is
America’s first privately owned, family-operated
trailer manufacturer. Founded in 1914,
the company designs and manufactures dry
freight vans, flatbeds, refrigerated vans, Tautliner
curtainsided trailers and side skirts.
For more information on Utility Trailer
Manufacturing Co. visit utilitytrailer.com.
Werner provides pay raise for solo van
drivers, second increase announced
OMAHA, Neb. — Werner Enterprises, a
truckload transportation and logistics provider,
announced a significant pay increase for its 48-
state solo van company drivers effective January
1, 2016.
thetrucker.com
The increase equates to an average of $5,000
in increased annual pay for all 48-state solo van
company drivers, which impacts approximately
1,400 company drivers in Werner’s One-Way
Truckload van fleet.
“We consistently review compensation
packages to see where improvements can and
should be made,” said Derek Leathers, Werner’s
president and COO. “Pay increases are
one piece of our multi-faceted approach to
attract and retain the best in the industry and
make Werner the employer of choice.”
This was Werner’s second pay increase announcement
in November. Effective November
3, Werner announced the largest owner-operator
per mile increase in company history that
equated to a total of $10,000 in increased annual
payments for all 48-state solo van owneroperators.
It impacts approximately one third
of Werner’s owner-operator fleet.
Werner also announced additional owneroperator
dedicated opportunities, significant increases
for owner-operator regional routes and
special owner-operator interest rates as low as
7.99 percent for low mileage truck purchases.
Werner Enterprises Inc. was founded in
1956 and is a transportation and logistics company
with coverage throughout North America,
Asia, Europe, South America, Africa and Australia.
Werner maintains its global headquarters
in Omaha, Nebraska, and maintains offices
in the United States, Canada, Mexico, China
and Australia. Werner is among the five largest
truckload carriers in the United States,
with a diversified portfolio of transportation
services that includes dedicated van, temperature-controlled
and flatbed; medium- to
long-haul, regional and local van; and expedited
services. Werner’s value-added services
portfolio includes freight management, truck
brokerage, intermodal and international services.
International services are provided through
Werner’s domestic and global subsidiary companies
and include ocean, air and ground transportation;
freight forwarding; and customs brokerage.
For further information about Werner, visit
the company’s website at werner.com. 8
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thetrucker.com
b Volvo from page 27 b
retail sales have stalled. The industry would
appear to have enough new trucks for now.
The manufacturing sector has sputtered and
freight growth has slowed. Orders should
stabilize soon, but backlogs will be shrinking,
necessitating larger production cuts than were
previously expected.”
Steve Tam, vice president-Commercial
Vehicle Sector at ACT Research, sounded a
similarly grim analysis.
“Unfortunately, little of the decline can
be accounted for by seasonality,” he said.
“November was the weakest Class 8 net order
month since August 2010 on a seasonally-adjusted
basis and September 2012 on
an actual basis. A glut of inventory in the
broader economy has led to slowing freight
and lower freight rates. This, in turn, has
caused truckers to hit the pause button on
truck orders.”
Truck manufacturers offered little encouragement.
“We’re seeing that highway customers,
who drove much of the recent market
growth, have largely accomplished the expansion
and renewal of their fleets, so demand
from that segment in particular is softening,”
Volvo spokesmen John Mies said.
Mack Trucks North America spokesman
Chris Heffner warned of similar troubles at
the company’s major Pennsylvania assembly
plant.
“We operate in a cyclical market, and
Business December 15-31, 2015 • 33
we said several months ago that we expect
2015 to be the market peak,” Heffner said.
“We’re expecting the overall Class 8 market
will decrease in 2016 by about 10 percent,
which unfortunately will require us to adjust
production at our Lehigh Valley Operations
to meet market demands. At this point,
it’s still too soon to say when or how many
employees will be affected, but as soon as
we do quantify the impact, we’ll be communicating
it to our employees first.”
Representatives of other leading OEMs
did not respond to requests for comment.
The Volvo picture was somewhat clouded
by the timing of the layoff, coming as it
did the day before the plant’s United Auto
Workers Local Chapter 2069 was set to vote
on whether to authorize union leaders to call
a strike should upcoming negotiations be
unsuccessful, the Roanoke (Virginia) Times
reported. The current 5-year collective bargaining
agreement expires early next year.
When the current agreement was signed
in 2011, Volvo rehired about 700 laid-off
workers, the Times reported.
In addition, the layoffs followed a
late-September economic development
announcement by Gov. Terry McAuliffe.
Volvo pledged to invest $38.1 million and
add 32 jobs for a new customer experience
center.
The 36,000-square-foot center will feature
a theater, training rooms and an observation
area where people can watch trucks on
the company’s test track, the Times reported.
Mies said December 8 that the project will go
forward. 8
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34 • December 15-31, 2015 Business
THE TRUCKER NEWS SERVICES
CHICAGO — C.H. Robinson, a global logistics
provider, will expand its business operations
in Chicago by signing a seven-year lease
for a 235,000-square-foot commercial office
building and warehouse at 333 Howard Avenue
in Des Plaines, Illinois.
Approximately 150 employees will be based
at the new facility, which will open its doors in
early 2016.
“Chicago is one of the most important markets
in our global shipping network, thanks to
its connectivity to Class I rail, ocean shipping,
truck transportation and one of the world’s
leading airports,” said Mike Short, president of
Global Forwarding, C.H. Robinson. “This move
will enable our customers to have better access
to these transportation options, and will position
our company to build on our decade of rapid expansion
in Chicago.”
The Des Plaines deal comes on the heels of
the company’s announcement that it will build a
three-story, 207,000-square-foot office building
in Lincoln Park that will house more than 1,000
employees.
C.H. Robinson is the largest logistics company
in Chicago and will celebrate its 100th anniversary
of operations in the city next year. The
company has roughly doubled its Chicago-based
headcount since 2005, and its nearly 2,000 Chicago
employees account for almost 15 percent
of its global workforce.
The new facility will serve as a major hub for
both North American and international freight
consolidation operations. Everyday there are thousands
of partial shipments flowing through the
supply chain. Through C.H. Robinson’s freight
consolidation services, companies that book lessthan-full
loads of freight on trucks, ships, and airplanes
have their shipments packaged with other
loads to create efficiencies in the supply chain.
Short said C.H. Robinson’s Global Forwarding
division helps customers ship commercial
freight internationally via its vast network of
transportation providers. The division has more
than 3,200 employees in 100 company offices in
more than 30 countries.
Domestically, C.H. Robinson’s North American
Surface Transportation division provides full
truckload, less-than-truckload, temperature-controlled,
flatbed, and intermodal freight transportation
services and logistics solutions to companies
of all sizes in a wide variety of industries.
“We signed our first lease for a Chicagobased
freight consolidation facility 10 years ago,
and that building was 30,000 square feet,” said
Eric Shover, vice president of North America
global forwarding, C.H. Robinson. “The fact that
we just leased a facility with 235,000 square feet
speaks to the immense growth we’ve been able
to achieve in Chicago over the past decade, and
the aggressive plans we have for the future.”
The Des Plaines facility will also serve as
thetrucker.com
C.H. Robinson inks 7-year lease for 235,000-square-foot office building, warehouse
C.H. Robinson’s in-house TSA Certified Cargo
Screening facility (CCSF). This new facility
will include 36,726 square feet of warehouse
space equipped with state-of-the-art screening
technology. The TSA approved C.H. Robinson
as a CCSF in April 2012.
Since then, C.H. Robinson has provided a
dedicated air freight screening team which ensures
expeditious service to shippers. In addition, the facility
is tied directly to Navisphere, the company’s
global technology platform, allowing customers
to track their freight before, during, and after the
screening process, stated a company news release.
The lease was executed with Liberty Property
Trust which owns 50 buildings, offering
approximately 13 million square feet of space
in the Chicago/Milwaukee corridor. Property is
concentrated throughout the O’Hare submarket,
I-55 Corridor, the Aurora/I-88 submarket and the
Minooka/Elwood/I-80 Corridor, Central DuPage,
as well as in Southeastern Wisconsin. 8

thetrucker.com
Business December 15-31, 2015 • 35
Volvo Group joins with 153 firms
in support of business climate pledge
THE TRUCKER NEWS SERVICES
GREENSBORO, N.C. — Volvo Group
North America has joined 153 other U.S. companies
in support of the American Business Act
on Climate Pledge.
The company said in making the announcement
that it is standing with President Barack
Obama to demonstrate an ongoing commitment
to climate action and to voice support for
a strong outcome to the COP21 Paris climate
negotiations.
“Volvo Group’s vision is to be the leading
provider of sustainable transportation solutions
and environmental care has been one of
our core values for more than 40 years,” said
Susan Alt, senior vice president of public affairs
for Volvo Group North America. “Volvo
is committed to reducing our greenhouse gas
emissions, and we encourage other businesses
to join us and recognize the importance of reducing
their environmental impact.”
The Volvo Group includes Volvo Trucks
North America and Mack Trucks.
In 2010, the Volvo Group joined the World
Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) Climate Savers Program
and exceeded targets during the first
commitment period by reducing lifetime CO 2
emissions from products by 50 million tons and
by more than 20 percent from production.
Volvo Group North America also participates
in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better
Buildings Better Plants Program.
By the end of 2014, Volvo Group was one
of only 11 companies in the program to meet
its goal early, reducing energy consumption in
eight manufacturing facilities by 26.8 percent
compared to a 2009 baseline, Alt said.
“In addition to improving production and
product efficiency, the Volvo Group supports
the greater use of renewable energy, continuing
its efforts to research and develop vehicles
using alternative fuels. In North America, the
Volvo Group has begun using landfill gas and
solar energy to power its manufacturing facilities,”
she said.
The Volvo Group is still the only automotive
manufacturer in WWF’s Climate Savers
program. Through this program and others like
it, the Volvo Group pledges to:
• Reduce total lifetime CO 2 emissions by a
cumulative savings of at least 40 million tons
from products sold between 2015 and 2020
compared with 2013 models
• Improve energy efficiency in production
by executing energy-savings activities, reaching
a level of 150 GWh by 2020
• Reduce energy consumption by 25 percent
in its North American facilities by 2025 compared
with a 2014 baseline
• Reduce CO 2 emissions by 20 percent per
produced unit from Volvo Group freight transport
by 2020
• Explore and pursue opportunities to expand
the number of Volvo Group CO 2 -neutral
production facilities around the world, including
one in Asia
• Establish a City Mobility program with
at least five cities to develop the most efficient
public transportation solutions, including the
use of plug-in hybrid and fully electric transit
buses, and
• Fulfill its commitment under the U.S. Department
of Energy’s SuperTruck program and continue
research, development and demonstration
of advanced technologies and alternative fuels to
accelerate the realization of lower and ultimately
zero carbon emissions throughout the transportation
and construction sectors. 8
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36 • December 15-31, 2015 Business
b Tonnage from page 27 b
has snapped back from softness this past spring
and early summer and is approaching the record
high.
“I remain concerned about the high
level of inventories throughout the supply
chain. We recently learned that inventories
throughout the supply chain and relative to
sales rose slightly in August, which is not a
good sign. This could have a negative impact
on truck freight volumes over the next
few months.”
During a panel discussion at the federation’s
Management Conference and Exhibition
in October in Philadelphia, Costello
said the trucking industry should see freight
volumes increase toward the latter part of
2015.
“Right now, we’re in a bit of a soft patch
because inventories are higher than one
would expect,” Costello said. “Once that
normalizes, we should see a healthy rebound
in freight volumes.”
Costello said even though business is
generally good across the sector, fleets are
having difficulty adding capacity because
of a dearth of qualified drivers.
“We reported earlier this month that by
the end of the year we expect the driver
shortage to balloon to about 48,000,” he
said. “This shortage is preventing many
fleets from capturing additional business because
they just do not have the drivers. The
lack of qualified drivers remains a tremendous
threat to continued industry growth.”
Even without capacity expanding,
Costello said sales of Class 8 trucks should
remain strong as fleets replace older trucks
with newer ones.
ATA calculates the tonnage index based
on surveys from its membership and has
been doing so since the 1970s. This is a preliminary
figure and subject to change in the
final report issued around the 10th day of
the month. The report includes month-tomonth
and year-over-year results, relevant
economic comparisons and key financial
indicators.
thetrucker.com
In other economic news that impact the
trucking industry:
• Privately-owned housing units authorized
by building permits in September
were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of
1,103,000. This is 5.0 percent (±1.4 percent)
below the revised August rate of 1,161,000,
but is 4.7 percent (±2.0 percent) above the
September 2014 estimate of 1,053,000.
• Single-family authorizations in September
were at a rate of 697,000; this is 0.3
percent (±1.9 percent) below the revised
August figure of 699,000. Authorizations of
units in buildings with five units or more
were at a rate of 369,000 in September.
• Privately-owned housing starts in September
were at a seasonally adjusted annual
rate of 1,206,000. This is 6.5 percent (±16.4
percent) above the revised August estimate
of 1,132,000 and is 17.5 percent (±18.0
percent) above the September 2014 rate of
1,026,000.
• Single-family housing starts in September
were at a rate of 740,000; this is 0.3
percent (±9.6 percent) above the revised
August figure of 738,000. The September
rate for units in buildings with five units or
more was 454,000.
• Privately-owned housing completions
in September were at a seasonally adjusted
annual rate of 1,028,000. This is 7.5 percent
(±13.6 percent) above the revised August
estimate of 956,000 and is 8.4 percent
(±18.7 percent) above the September 2014
rate of 948,000.
• Single-family housing completions in
September were at a rate of 643,000; this is
1.8 percent (±9.9 percent) below the revised
August rate of 655,000. The September rate
for units in buildings with five units or more
was 378,000.
• New orders for manufactured durable
goods in September decreased $2.9 billion
or 1.2 percent to $231.1 billion, the U.S.
Census Bureau said. This decrease, down
two consecutive months, followed a 3.0
percent August decrease. Excluding transportation,
new orders decreased 0.4 percent.
Excluding defense, new orders decreased
2.0 percent. Transportation equipment, also
down two consecutive months, led the decrease,
$2.2 billion or 2.9 percent to $75.5
billion.
• Shipments of manufactured durable
goods in September, up three of the last
four months, increased $0.4 billion, or 0.2
percent, to $242.5 billion. This followed a
0.5 percent August decrease. Transportation
equipment, also up three of the last four
months, drove the increase, $0.5 billion or
0.6 percent to $81.0 billion.
• Unfilled orders for manufactured durable
goods in September, down two consecutive
months, decreased $6.6 billion or 0.6
percent to $1,187.4 billion. This followed
a 0.3 percent August decrease. Transportation
equipment, also down two consecutive
months, led the decrease, $5.5 billion or 0.7
percent to $794.1 billion.
• Inventories of manufactured durable
goods in September, down four of the last five
months, decreased $1.3 billion, or 0.3 percent,
to $399.4 billion. This followed a 0.2 percent
August decrease. Transportation equipment,
down two of the last three months, led the decrease,
$1.0 billion or 0.8 percent to $131.3
billion. 8

thetrucker.com
ABF Logistics buys Bear; Transport
Corp. gets majority stake of Optimal
THE TRUCKER NEWS SERVICES
Two trucking acquisitions were announced
December 2.
ABF Logistics of Fort Smith, Arkansas,
an ArcBest company, said it had acquired
Bear Transportation Services, a private, nonasset
truckload brokerage firm headquartered
in Plano, Texas, for cash of $26.0 million,
subject to normal post-closing adjustments.
Transport Corporation of America of Eagan,
Minnesota, a subsidiary of TransForce
Inc. said it had acquired a majority stake in
Optimal Freight LLC., a privately held nonasset
based truckload freight brokerage company.
ABF Logistics said Bear Transportation
Services has more than 140 employees located
in Plano and Fayetteville, Arkansas. The
company, founded in 1982, has approximately
$120 million in annual revenue, serving a
variety of industry segments.
“This company is an excellent fit for ABF
Logistics, as we believe the purchase will
drive growth and profitability by combining
our vision, brand and customer relationships
with Bear’s deep pool of experienced sales
and operations team members,” said ABF
Logistics President Jim Ingram. “We have
admired the Bear organization for years and
have been impressed with the skill sets and
innovative IT concepts we have seen in action.”
Ingram said ABF Logistics had experienced
rapid growth since it was formed in
2013, adding that it was the second acquisition
of the year for the company after its purchase
of Oklahoma City-based Smart Lines
Transportation Group in January 2015.
“We are pleased to find a strategic buyer
with a strong culture and a clear growth
plan,” said Mike Loehr, a principal owner
of Bear Transportation. “Our employees and
our customers will benefit from the resources
and solutions ABF Logistics and the broader
ArcBest organization will provide.”
Transport America said its acquisition
greatly expanded its capabilities to create solutions
for its customer base.
Founded in 2011 and headquartered in
Chicago, Optimal Freight provides brokerage
services throughout the United States,
Canada and Mexico. By means of data and
technology, Optimal Freight manages the requirements,
capabilities and freight patterns
of shippers and carriers, successfully creating
solutions that maximize productivity and
cost efficiency, according to Keith Klein,
president of Transport America.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Transport
America’s customers and employees,
allowing us to significantly expand our capabilities
to provide solutions for customers
outside of our current asset footprint,” Klein
said. “We look forward to working together
with Noam Frankel, president of Optimal
Freight, and his team to build on the success
of both organizations.”
“We are excited to be a part of a company
which maintains the same core values our
organization was founded on,” Frankel said.
“Optimal Freight has strengths in van, flatbed,
refrigerated services, and over-dimensional
operations, and we look forward to
utilizing Transport America’s extensive full
truckload and intermodal operations. With
Transport America’s support, we are eager to
offer customers a more robust range of services
in more locations.” 8
Business December 15-31, 2015 • 37
Courtesy: ABF LOGISTICS
ABF Logistics has experienced rapid growth since it was formed in 2013. This is the
second acquisition of the year for the company after its purchase of Oklahoma City-based
Smart Lines Transportation Group in January 2015.
What types of additives are in diesel engine oil
and how do they work?
By Mark Reed
Shell Lubricants
Additives represent 15 to 20 percent of a gallon of oil with the balance
being high-quality base oil. Additive packages help keep an engine clean
and protected from varnish and sludge, as well as provide protection
against wear, heat and acids. Key additives perform vital functions:
Antioxidants - Engine oils react with oxygen in the air forming organic
acids. Oxidation causes an increase in oil viscosity, sludge and varnish
formation, corrosion of metallic parts and foaming. Antioxidants inhibit
the oxidation process.
Anti-wear additives - Anti-wear additives prevent direct metal-to-metal
contact between the engine parts by adding a protective, sacrifical film.
Using anti-wear additives promotes long engine life by reducing wear and scoring of the engine.
Friction modifiers - Friction modifiers reduce engine friction, resulting in less fuel
consumption.
Dispersants - Dispersants keep foreign particles suspended from oil so they don’t form
deposit build-up on engine parts.
Detergents - Detergents neutralize strong acids present in oil and remove them from metal
surfaces. Detergents also form a film on the metal surfaces preventing sludge and varnish from
forming in high temperature parts of the engine.
Pour point depressants - Pour point is the lowest temperature at which oil may flow. Pour
point depressants prevent wax particles from forming in mineral oils at low temperatures. This
allows more oil fluidity at low temperatures on engine startup.
Viscosity index improvers - Engine oil viscosity sharply decreases at high temperatures
which causes a decrease in the ability of the oil to lubricate properly. Viscosity index improvers
keep the viscosity at acceptable levels, which provide a stable oil film even at increased
temperatures.
Anti-foaming agents - Foaming enhances oil oxidation and decreases its lubrication
effect, which can cause oil starvation. Anti-foam agents prevent agitation and aeration of
engine oil that may result in air bubbles or foaming in the oil.
Properly functioning diesel engine oils help enhance fuel economy, prevent deposits and
maintain proper flow and viscosity under all temperatures. On-road testing is important to
understand how well diesel engine oil will hold up under extreme road conditions. Shell
Rotella ® T Triple Protection ® engine oil has been proven in more than 50 million miles of
durability testing.
This monthly column is brought to you by Shell Lubricants. Got a question?
Visit ROTELLA.com, call 1-800-231-6950 or write to The Answer Column,
1001 Fannin, Ste. 500, Houston, TX 77002.
The term "Shell Lubricants" collectively refers to the companies of the Shell Group
engaged in the lubricants business.

38 • December 15-31, 2015 Business
thetrucker.com
Getting prepared now for tax time can save time — and money later on
Cliff Abbott
cliffa@thetrucker.com
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year,”
or so the popular Christmas song goes. If you
own one or more trucks, however, it just may be
the most important time of the year, too. What
you do before the clock winds down to the last
moments of 2015 will have a big impact on
your 2016, including the taxes you pay.
It’s a great time to take a look at your records
storage process. Misplaced and disorganized
records and receipts can increase
your cost at upcoming tax time, first from the
expenses you won’t be able to claim without
receipts and then from the increased fees your
accountant can charge for having to organize
your box full of loose papers.
Equipment to scan and electronically save
your receipts and other documents can help
you stay organized and has the added benefit
of easy (and free) transmission to your accountant,
plus the expense of purchasing the equipment
can be tax-deductable.
It’s also time to make sure your dispatch
and travel records can justify the standard deduction
you’re allowed for meals and incidental
expenses while on the road. The IRS allows
you to deduct a standard amount for these without
saving receipts or tracking expenses, but
only for days spent away from home. You’ll
need your copy of logbooks or a printout of
your electronic record to prove you were away
if you are audited. The deduction is reduced,
The Trucker file photo
Don’t wait until April to begin preparing for your 2015 taxes. By getting organized now and
planning your year-end expenses, you can help make 2016 a better year.
too, for the day that you leave home and the
day you return.
A financial review will help you make decisions
about upcoming expenditures. If you’ve
had a good 2015, you may choose to get those
repairs done that you’ve been putting off so
that they can be claimed as expenses occuring
in 2015, where they will reduce the amount of
profit you’ll pay income tax on.
If, on the other hand, you think you’ll show
a loss for 2015, you may choose to purchase
those new drive tires in January so the expense
can be claimed on 2016 taxes.
Vehicle-related purchases aren’t the only
expenses to consider. Electronics like smartphones
or laptop computers, if used for business
purposes, can be claimed on taxes, too.
Your accountant can tell you which can be deducted
in full and which must be claimed as
depreciation over a period of years, but any
business-related expense, including Christmas
gifts to your customers, can help reduce your
tax liability.
You won’t have the actual profit and loss
figures yet, but if you’ve kept good records
you should have an idea of where you’ll end
the year, especially if you’ve made your quarterly
estimated tax payments. Your accountant
should be able to help you make year-end
spending decisions, too.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care
Act, also referred to as Obamacare, could play
a large part in your income tax liability this year
and an even larger part next year. Your financial
advisor or accountant can help you understand
the details, but expenses for health insurance
and healthcare can impact the amount of taxes
you’ll pay as well as penalties you may owe if
you aren’t in compliance.
Another year-end decision deals with time
off. In many segments of the trucking industry,
freight slows down in the last few weeks of the
year, and your earning potential may drop as
well. Rather than struggling, some drivers decide
to take some time off during the holidays
so they are refreshed and ready to run when the
new year starts.
Don’t wait until April to begin preparing for
your 2015 taxes. By getting organized now and
planning your year-end expenses, you can help
make 2016 a better year. 8
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December 15-31, 2015 • 39
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CD OO
AG Trucking, Inc.
www.agtrucking.com
(800)366-1216
See our ad on page 34!
Cargill
www.cargillmeatlogistics.com
(316)462-7220
See our ad on page 14!
Diamond Transportation
www.diamondtrans.net
(262) 554-4039
See our ad on page 35!
McCollister’s Transportation
www.mccollisters.com
(800)257-9595 ext. 9490
See our ad on page 11!
PFS Brands (Pro Food Systems)
www.PFSbrands.com
(888) 581-9188
See our ad on page 24!
Secured Land Transport
www.SLTtrans.com
(888) 983-9842
See our ad on page 9!
CD OO T LP F V R H E S TK
Anderson Trucking Service
www.atsthetrucker.com
(877)818-9414
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Clark Transfer
www.clarktransfer.com
(800) 440-6361
See our ad on page 32!
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HVH Transportation, Inc.
www.driveforhvh.com
(888) 845-4278
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Mercer
www.mercertown.com
(888) 374-8445
See our ad on page 14!
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ProFleet Transport Corp.
www.profleet.com
(877) 684-8787
See our ad on page 26!
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TMT, Inc.
www.drivefortmt.com
(877) 397-4795
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CD OO
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Autumn Transport Inc.
www.AutumnTransport.com
(800)328-1405 ext. 810
See our ad on page 33!
Celadon
www.driveceladon.com
(800) 333-1327
See our ad on page 20!
Interstate Dist. Co.
www.driveforinterstate.com
(866) 526-3292
See our ad on the cover!
National Carriers
www.drivenci.com
(888) 439-3196
See our ad on page 31!
RLT
www.rlttrucking.com
(800) 444-4758
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Transport Designs, Inc.
www.transportdesigninc.com
(855) 496-3039
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Bennett Motor Express
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(844)339-0991
See our ad on page 36!
Chief Carriers
www.cheifcarriers.com
(888) 430-8860
See our ad on page 19!
Janco Ltd.
www.jancoltd.com
(800) 526-9085
See our ad on page 11!
Opies Transport
www.opiestransport.com
(800) 341-9963
See our ad on page 6!
Roadlink Express
www.roadlinkexpress.com
(763) 398-6695
See our ads on page 40!
Watkins Shepard
www.wksh.com
(800) 634-3318
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California Overland
www.caoverland.com
(888)700-2254 ext. 124
See our ad on page 52!
D&D Sexton, Inc.
www.ddsextoninc.com
(800) 743-0265
See our ad on page 53!
Landstar
www.lease2landstar.com
(877) 472-0097
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40 • December 15-31, 2015 thetrucker.
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Technology
December 15-31, 2015 • 41
Courtesy: PEOPLENET
Per the electronic logging device mandate, the unit must be fixed, mounted and within arm’s
reach of the driver while the vehicle is in operation.
Aprille Hanson
aprilleh@thetrucker.com
Special to The Trucker
The final electronic logging device
(ELD) mandate for trucking companies has
been brewing for years, deep within the
confines of the Congress-enacted MAP-21
bill. The storm is nearing landfall, with the
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
expected to issue the final mandate requiring
ELDs to keep track of truckers’ Hours of
Service any time now.
As of press time, however, that had not happened.
For carriers and drivers left out in the rain of
confusion, PeopleNet has provided an umbrella
— a guide titled, “Considerations for Complying
With the ELD Mandate.” The seven-page
document is meant primarily as a learning tool
for companies to be compliant while also getting
the most return on their investments, but
it is also an educational resource, providing
statistics and what to know about the mandate
itself.
“We can bring together a backdrop of information
and how they contribute to safety,
helping people better understand their
options and truly what it takes in terms of
Courtesy: PEOPLENET
Drivers using a smartphone or tablet outside of the cab can perform walk-around vehicle
inspections, complete proof of delivery forms, or stay connected with family and friends.
PeopleNet offers guide to take mystery out of choosing the appropriate ELD
team support” to successfully implement an
ELD, said Elise Chanielli, director of safety
and compliance at PeopleNet. “I think
a lot of times skepticism comes based on
conversations or kind of your assumptions,
so we can eliminate some assumptions and
show how they [ELDs] bring value to your
day.”
PeopleNet, a fleet mobility technology
company with more than 2,000 trucking industry
clients, began researching information to
include in the white paper about a month or so
before its release in October.
“A lot of it is from the mandate itself,”
Chanielli said about the stats and figures presented
in the white paper and from broader
FMCSA studies. However, Chanielli said PeopleNet
works closely with its clients, allowing
teams to validate information presented by
other organizations.
The mandate was put in place, according to
the paper, because “almost 400 motorists and
truck drivers are killed in large truck crashes
every month — and one third of these fatalities
and injuries are related to fatigued truck drivers,”
according to FMCSA statistics, Chanielli
said.
See ELD on p42 m
Omnitracs, Drivewyze partner to offer
GPS-based weigh station bypass service
Courtesy: OMNITRACS
PreClear will allow commercial truck drivers the ability to bypass weigh stations up to 98
percent of the time, depending on operators’ safety scores.
THE TRUCKER NEWS SERVICES
DALLAS — Omnitracs, a global provider
of fleet management solutions to transportation
and logistics companies, has partnered with
Drivewyze, a mobility services company for
the transportation industry, to equip Omnitracs
mobile computing platforms with its PreClear
Weigh Station Bypass services.
Through the integration of the Drivewyze
PreClear bypass solution, commercial truck
drivers are able to bypass weigh stations up to
98 percent of the time depending on the operators’
safety scores.
“By providing the Drivewyze PreClear
weigh station bypass service, Omnitracs is able
to offer customers an end-to-end mobile solution
that reduces costs and improves productivity,”
said Andrew Kelley, Omnitracs’ vice
president of corporate development. “With
this innovative solution, Omnitracs customers
no longer have to rely on separate, cumbersome
transponder-based systems if they want
to leverage their safety records to reduce the
amount of time their trucks needlessly spend at
weigh stations. We look forward to helping our
customers save time, money and fuel, thanks to
our partnership with Drivewyze.”
Drivewyze uses GPS technology and the mobile
Internet instead of traditional battery-operated
transponders, which must be mounted on the
windshield and can only be used at sites equipped
with poles and transponder readers. The GPS
technology and mobile Internet add transponderlike
functionality to electronic logging devices
or ELDs. The Drivewyze service is available at
611 fixed weigh stations and mobile inspection
sites throughout 35 states, meaning it provides
See Omnitracs on p42 m

42 • December 15-31, 2015 Technology
b ELD from page 41 b
An estimated 3.1 million trucks and 3.4 million
drivers are expected to be affected by the
mandate, according to FMCSA data. The white
paper outlines various areas of the mandate, including
a list of what it establishes:
• “Minimum performance and design standards
for recording HOS through ELDs
• “Rules for the mandatory use of ELDs by
drivers currently required to prepare HOS as a
part of RODS
• “Requirements concerning HOS supporting
documents, and
• “Measures to address concerns about harassment
resulting from the mandatory use of
ELDs.”
“There’s a huge opportunity to continue educating,”
Chanielli said, adding that some carriers
have taken the attitude of waiting to learn more
about it once it is officially a final rule. “People
know it will impact their business and now they
need to understand what that means.”
Companies have until 2017 to become compliant,
but companies already equipped with
what was then called automatic on-board recording
devices (AOBRDs) will have until 2019.
Find us on
Facebook
search: The Trucker
While the terms AOBRD, Electronic Onboard
Recorder (EOBR, now also not used)
and ELD might be confusing, the white paper
explains specifically that ELD’s are meant to
“sync with a truck’s engine to capture additional
data points such as power status, motion
status, miles driven and engine hours to ensure
compliance.”
The mandate requires all of this information,
not just HOS compliance, should be readily
available to safety officials during inspections
or reviews.
According to the paper, ELDs save drivers
about 20 to 40 minutes per day wasted filling
out a paper log, which equates to 50 hours per
year, citing a study published by iTech around
2005.
Besides saving time, it outlines other
ways ELDs can benefit the driver, including
accurately tracking detention time, providing
a place to store vehicle inspection reports and
other data and earning a driver more money
by cutting down wasted time and driver tickets.
“There are a lot of drivers out there when
they hear their carrier is going to implement an
ELD, they think ‘big brother’; they feel skeptical,”
Chanielli said, but added that once it’s installed,
“They really start to understand the efficiencies
of the system … you can be focused
on your deliveries, you don’t have to fill out
paper logs and you avoid spending money by
avoiding citations. That’s money back in their
pockets.”
Among the facts and statistics, the paper
includes a “perfect match” guide for selecting
an ELD, which asks if a company is seeking
the ELD just to remain compliant or if
they are seeking more safety features. It also
suggests having several people accountable
for the ELD program at a company, including
management, finance, technology, maintenance,
operations and driver manager representatives.
“There’s a plethora of different types of solutions,”
Chanielli said, adding that some companies
want the “bells and whistles” which can
justify a larger purchase if a company wants an
extra feature the ELD can provide, whether it’s
better fuel saving strategies or improved navigation.
At the end of the white paper, a graph shows
the efficiency of PeopleNet eDriver Logs for
the trucking company Coastal Pacific Xpress,
out of Canada. With a fleet of 375 trucks, the
eDriver logs reduced costs for driver fatigue
incidents by 61 percent and reduced rollover
accidents by 67 percent, both in a two-year period.
“Everybody could relate to this … even a
one-truck fleet,” Chanielli said. “One thing we
really look at is different features; drivers and
carriers are going to come back with different
needs, what they want with a system, and
PeopleNet works very closely with customers
… aligning them with the right solutions at the
end of the day.”
The white paper, a PDF, can be accessed
by visiting peoplenetonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/PN_ELDWhitePaper_F.pdf
More ELD educational tools by PeopleNet
can be found at: peoplenetonline.com/products/safety-compliance/edriver-logs/
8
thetrucker.com
b Omnitracs from page 41 b
bypasses at more locations than any other bypass
service, according to an Omnitracs news release.
The partnership is also projected to be an effective
driver retention and recruitment tool, as
recent Drivewyze data suggests that drivers are
three times more likely to choose to work for
a carrier that equips them with a weigh station
bypass service, and that 65 percent of drivers
are more likely to stay with a carrier that provides
them with company-paid weigh station
bypass as a benefit.
“Through this partnership, Drivewyze will
be compatible with the large majority of trucks
that are on the road today and currently equipped
with ELDs and other in-cab technologies,” said
Brian Heath, president of Drivewyze. “In fact,
there will be more trucks in the United States
that are equipped with Drivewyze-ready in-cab
technologies than there are trucks equipped with
weigh station bypass transponders. For all of
these trucks and fleets, they can get started with
Drivewyze at the click of a button, without dealing
with the hassle of transponder installation or
management.”
The weigh station bypass service will adhere
to a tiered roll-out early next year, starting
with Omnitracs’ MCP110 and MCP200 mobile
computing units; the MCP50 unit is expected to
follow suit soon thereafter.
Upon completion, more than 360,000 Omnitracs-equipped
trucks in North America will be
able to access and benefit from the weigh station
bypass services powered by Drivewyze. 8
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thetrucker.com
Technology December 15-31, 2015 • 43
I’m able to get home and
spend time with my family.
- Jason C., Dedicated Driver

44 • December 15-31, 2015 Technology
thetrucker.com
ALK Maps adds overlays
for optimal route planning,
more operational efficiency
Courtesy: ALK TECHNOLOGIES
Elevation routing helps to ensure pressure-sensitive goods are delivered safely and prevents
cargo damage by avoiding roads above a certain elevation.
THE TRUCKER NEWS SERVICES
PRINCETON, N.J. — ALK Technologies,
a global provider of GeoLogistics solutions
and navigation software, has announced that
ALK Maps, a Web-based, customizable interactive
mapping platform providing high-quality
visualization, has added new map overlays
that provide route planning and data insight for
increased operational efficiency.
“ALK Maps continues to expand its product
offerings to meet customer demand for map
visualization across all industries,” said Rishi
Mehra, director of Web products at ALK Technologies.
“Our new capabilities provide tools
not only for enhanced transportation route planning,
but also for improved strategic decision
making. By transforming operational data from
numbers to visual, actionable intelligence, ALK
Maps can enable businesses to improve their efficiency,
productivity and decision making.”
Enhancing its set of features and functionality,
ALK Maps’ new visualization overlays include:
Traffic Incidents
View traffic occurrences, including accidents,
roadwork and weather-related events,
identified by an icon directly on the map. The
new traffic incident layer provides visibility of
potential impacts or delays for current or future
routes to improve asset utilization and operational
efficiency with more accurate ETAs and
re-routing of affected drivers.
Drive Time Polygons
Generate and display polygon boundaries
showing how far a driver can travel within an
indicated length of time (maximum 120 minutes)
from a specified origin or location. Drive
time capacity insight within a given geographic
area allows companies to ensure appointment
times and service commitments are met. It also
can increase mobile workforce efficiency by
providing data that allows companies to complete
more jobs per day or locate truck stops
and maintenance facilities in a specific area.
Elevation Routing
Elevation routing helps to ensure pressuresensitive
goods are delivered safely, and prevents
cargo damage by avoiding roads above a certain
elevation. Fewer gradient road changes may also
result in fuel efficiency and lessen environmental
impact with reduced gas emissions.
Boundary Polygons
Highlight U.S. state and Canadian provincial
boundaries, as well as U.S. county and ZIP code
boundaries, allowing users to analyze regional
data or view assets in localized groupings.
For more information on ALK Maps visit
alkmaps.com. 8
Aljex, Post.Bid.Ship
partner for transportation
marketplace for shippers
THE TRUCKER NEWS SERVICES
MIDDLESEX, N.J. — Aljex, a hosted software
of choice for brokers, 3PLs, carriers and
other transportation providers, has integrated
with Post.Bid.Ship, a transportation marketplace
that makes it easy for shippers and brokers to offer
loads and for carriers to bid on them.
Now Aljex customers can enjoy the efficiency
of Post.Bid.Ship without leaving their working
Aljex pages, according to Aljex CEO Tom Heine.
Post.Bid.Ship is not a broker, but an online
matching service for shippers or brokers and
carriers. Post.Bid.Ship protects proprietary
information in the bidding process. For example,
bidders can see shipment origins and
destinations, but not the names of shippers and
consignees.
Post.Bid.Ship prequalifies carriers, verifying
their authority, insurance, and safety rating.
Carriers can search the marketplace any time for
loads.
Posters see the bids and can select any one
of them, not necessarily the lowest. It’s their
choice. Once the selection is made, Post.Bid.
Ship releases shipment information to the carrier
and helps the two parties complete the transaction.
Post.Bid.Ship does not involve itself in the
transaction and does not take a share of the revenue.
Instead, the company is strictly an efficient,
subscription marketplace for freight. 8
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Equipment
December 15-31, 2015 • 45
Courtesy: PETERBILT MOTORS CO.
Available in low- and mid-roof configurations, the new sleeper can reduce weight by up to
100 pounds.
THE TRUCKER NEWS SERVICES
AKRON, Ohio — Goodyear has launched
its Fuel Max tire for regional and long-haul
fleets that provides excellent fuel economy
for regional/long-haul driving and enhanced
toughness for driving in urban environments,
plus long miles to removal and a high level of
traction.
“The new Fuel Max RSA has been designed
to deliver numerous benefits to help lower the
operating costs of regional/long haul fleets that
operate mainly on-highway and have some exposure
to urban driving,” said Norberto Flores,
marketing manager, Goodyear.
“Despite the fact that fuel costs have declined
in recent months, fuel efficiency will
remain a prominent fleet requirement, which
is why we’re extending Goodyear Fuel Max
Technology to regional tires,” he noted.
The Fuel Max RSA, which is SmartWaycompliant,
features:
• Goodyear Fuel Max Technology, which
contains cool-running compounds to lower tire
rolling resistance and improve fuel efficiency
• A tri-layer compound for exceptional
mileage, rolling resistance and curb impact resistance
• A non-evolving tread to help maintain
traction through the tire’s lifecycle
• Super-tensile steel belts to add stability
and enhance toughness
• Goodyear Unisteel casing construction
Peterbilt’s lighter 58-inch sleeper
in production for 579, 567 models
THE TRUCKER NEWS SERVICES
DENTON, Texas — Peterbilt’s lightweight,
full-featured 58-inch sleeper is now in production
for the company’s flagship aerodynamic
Model 579 and vocational Model 567.
Available in low- and mid-roof configurations,
the new sleeper can reduce weight by up
to 100 pounds.
“Peterbilt’s 58-inch sleeper is ideal for
short- and regional-haul operations where less
weight and a shorter wheelbase are critical,”
said Robert Woodall, Peterbilt assistant general
manager of sales and marketing. “It includes
all of the amenities found in Peterbilt’s larger
sleepers, including ample storage, driver comforts
and exceptional fit and finish for quality
rest and off-duty time.”
The new sleeper includes a full-length door
to help facilitate loading personal gear from
outside the truck. Additionally, full-length, integrated
sleeper extenders minimize trailer gap
Goodyear launches Fuel Max Tire for regional/long-haul fleets
for optimal retreadability, and
• A computer-optimized tread design and
footprint for more miles to removal.
In addition, the Fuel Max RSA contains
Goodyear’s IntelliMax Rib Technology, which
provides a stiffer tread area for lower rolling
resistance, higher mileage and even wear, according
to Flores.
“The Fuel Max RSA also offers outstanding
snow traction thanks to its innovative tread
design and boasts a 20/32-inch tread depth for
lower cost-per-mile,” he said.
The Fuel Max RSA is available in size
11R22.5, Load Range G. Additional sizes
— including 295/75R22.5 and 11R24.5
See Tire on p46 m
and improve aerodynamic efficiency.
“The sleeper was designed with extensive
research and customer interviews to help ensure
every inch of space was considered for a
layout that was both practical and premium,”
said Scott Newhouse, Peterbilt chief engineer.
“Operators will enjoy the full-length mattress
and abundant storage areas, including the cabinets,
under bunk and back wall.
“The new 58-inch sleeper is designed with
an open, spacious feel that drivers expect from a
Peterbilt sleeper. It’s thoughtfully engineered.”
Other features include a television mount,
refrigerator and microwave shelf.
Newhouse added that offering the 58-inch
sleeper in both low- and mid-roof configurations
further increases its versatility to meet
specific application requirements, including
flatbed and tanker operations.
For more information about Peterbilt, visit
peterbilt.com. 8
Courtesy: GOODYEAR
The new Fuel Max RSA has been designed
to deliver numerous benefits to help lower
the operating costs of regional/long haul
fleets, Goodyear officials said.
Courtesy: TRUSTAR ENERGY
The new fueling station features six Ariel 300-horsepower compressors packaged by ANGI,
a PSB dual-tower gas dryer and three ANGI fast-fill dispensers.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to fuel
transport tractors at new CNG station
THE TRUCKER NEWS SERVICES
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — TruStar Energy,
a developer of Compressed Natural Gas
(CNG) fueling stations, has completed construction
of a private CNG fueling station for
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US.
Located at the company’s North American
Detroit Terminal, the CNG station will fuel 179
tractor trucks in FCA Transport’s fleet with domestically
produced natural gas.
With six Ariel compressors able to dispense
CNG at nearly 40 gasoline-gallon
equivalent (GGE) per minute, it is the largest
private fast-fill station in North America.
“Allocating FCA US resources to convert
the fleet to CNG not only yields the company
long-term cost savings, it significantly reduces
CO2 emissions and continues the company’s
leadership in the areas of technological advancement
and sustainability. We’re also sending
a strong signal to the Detroit community
that we’re going to play a supportive role in the
City’s comeback,” said Marty DiFiore, head of
FCA Transport.
The FCA Transport fleet delivers parts and
See GNG on p46 m

46 • December 15-31, 2015 Equipment
thetrucker.com
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b CNG from page 45 b
b Tire from page 45 b
in Load Ranges G and H, and 11R22.5 in
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“We are confident that this product will be
enthusiastically embraced by fleets that are
materials to FCA US assembly plants in Michigan,
Ohio, and Ontario, Canada.
“With this new CNG station, FCA US is taking
a leadership position in its industry—and
in creating a lower carbon future,” said Adam
Comora, president of TruStar Energy. “Companies
that have fleets are beginning to take a
longer strategic look at migrating their vehicles
to domestic compressed natural gas. Even in a
lower oil price environment, certain CNG applications
still make economic sense providing
significant cost savings while allowing corporations
to make progress toward sustainability
goals.”
The largest private CNG fueling station
built by TruStar Energy to date, the project was
completed for the FCA Transport fleet in under
six months—several months less than the industry
standard of 12-18 months. TruStar Energy
owns, will operate and maintain the station
and will provide CNG for FCA US under a
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“TruStar Energy worked closely with FCA
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The station features six Ariel 300-horsepower
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dispensers.
TruStar Energy has constructed over 100
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the country. 8
looking for an excellent all-around tire to help
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To learn more, visit goodyeartrucktires.
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thetrucker.com
Equipment December 15-31, 2015 • 47
Evel Knievel’s ’74 Mack spending
holidays at Mack Historical Museum
THE TRUCKER NEWS SERVICES
ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Mack Trucks
Historical Museum is celebrating the holidays
with one of the most famous Mack models ever
built: Evel Knievel’s 1974 Mack FS786LST
model show truck.
Affectionately known as “Big Red,” it’s the
sleigh Santa wishes he had.
A temporary exhibit featuring the truck
opened December 5 at the museum located in
Allentown, Pennsylvania.
“The Mack Trucks Historical Museum is
where the history of Mack Trucks comes to life,
and Evel’s show truck is no exception,” said John
Walsh, Mack vice president of marketing. “Seeing
Big Red not only brings back memories for those
who watched Evel’s incredible stunts, but also
helps create new memories for those who didn’t.”
Big Red was custom built to Knievel’s specifications
to haul the daredevil’s motorcycles,
ramps and other equipment from event to event
and was featured prominently as he attempted
many of his legendary stunts.
The truck’s recent history began with its
discovery in a Florida salvage yard before being
fully restored by Lathan Mckay of Evel
Knievel Enterprises and Historic Harley Davidson
of Topeka, Kansas.
Great care was taken to restore Big Red to
as close to its original condition as possible,
both inside and out, Walsh said. Original pieces
and components were refurbished and reused
where possible, with replica items created to
match original items as needed.
The fully restored truck made its debut in July
during an event at Historic Harley Davidson, where
an Evel Knievel museum is under construction and
will make its permanent home there.
The museum will feature several one-of-akind
pieces of Knievel memorabilia, including
motorcycles, leathers, helmets, medical X-
rays, casts and other items. Once construction
Courtesy: MACK TRUCKS
Evel Knievel’s Mack FS786LST model
show truck is celebrating the holidays at the
Mack Trucks Historical Museum in Allentown,
Pennsylvania. The truck was custom
built to Knievel’s specifications to haul the
daredevil’s motorcycles, ramps and other
equipment from event to event and was featured
prominently as he attempted many of
his legendary stunts.
is complete, Big Red will become the cornerstone
exhibit of the museum.
While construction continues at its permanent
home, Big Red has been traveling the
country, thanks to two Mack Pinnacle highway
models provided by Mack to help transport the
truck from stop to stop.
To date, the traveling exhibit has visited Evel
Knievel Days in Butte, Montana; the Sturgis
Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, South Dakota; the
premiere of the Evel Knievel documentary “Being
Evel” in Hollywood, California; the Great
American Trucking Show in Dallas and NAS-
CAR race weekend at Texas Motor Speedway.
Big Red is scheduled to remain at the
Mack Trucks Historical Museum in Allentown
through June 2016. There is no admission fee
to view the exhibit, though donations to the
museum are welcome. 8
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PerDiemPlus.com

48 • December 15-31, 2015 Equipment
Michigan’s M&K Truck Centers picked
as North American Volvo dealer of year
thetrucker.com
THE TRUCKER NEWS SERVICES
GREENSBORO, N.C. — M&K Truck
Centers of Byron Center, Michigan, has been
recognized as the 2015 North American Dealer
of the Year by Volvo Trucks.
Volvo also honored its top dealers in Canada
and Mexico.
The 2015 Canada Dealer of the Year is Pacific
Coast Heavy Truck Group of Langley,
British Columbia, and the 2015 Mexico Dealer
of the Year is Tractoremolques del Noroeste,
SA de CV of Son, Mexico.
The annual North American Dealer of the
Year award recognized M&K Truck Centers
and its employees for outstanding performance
in a number of key areas, including new truck
sales, market share, parts sales, customer satisfaction,
dealer operating standards, franchise
investment and support for other dealers.
“M&K Truck Centers is deserving of this
recognition because they consistently deliver
outstanding service and support to Volvo Trucks
customers, while successfully competing in a
large and competitive market,” said Göran Nyberg,
president of Volvo Trucks North America.
“We appreciate owner Ron Meyering and the
whole M&K Truck Centers organization’s commitment
to success.”
Meyering’s Byron Center location doubled
its sales objectives, aggressively stocked inventory
and actively sold to a diverse group
of customers. M&K Truck Centers operates
Volvo dealerships in Illinois and Michigan and
has been in operation since 1989. 8
Courtesy: VOLVO TRUCKS
M&K Truck Centers owner Ron Meyering, center, receives the 2015 Volvo Trucks North
American Dealer of the Year award from Göran Nyberg, president, Volvo Trucks North America,
left, and Terry Billings, Volvo Trucks vice president-business development .
Recruiting Area
Terminals

Features
December 15-31, 2015 • 49
Putting truck drivers in an honest,
affectionate light: TV’s ‘Movin’ On’
still popular for myriad reasons
Dorothy Cox
dlcox@thetrucker.com
There’s a reason the 1974-76 TV series
“Movin’ On” about the lives of two independent
truckers has stood the test of time and is
available on demand (on Hulu for example)
and revered in the U.S. and around the globe.
There’s a reason why it’s still popular today
with truck drivers, their children and grandchildren.
Why? Let’s see, there were truck races,
two moral, upstanding guys who were always
ready to help somebody in need, lots of action
and fist-fights, multiple shots of the green
Kenworth they drove and did we mention truck
races?
There were also guest appearances by a
plethora of stars — some who were famous at
the time you may not have heard of and some
you know now who were making their first
forays into acting. Samuel L. Jackson played
a cop. A cop? Frank Gorshen, MacKenzie Phillips,
Tina Louise (“Gilligan’s Island”), pro
footballer Roosevelt “Rosey” Grier, John Ritter
(“Three’s Company” and many other TV
shows and films) also were on the show in addition
to many others.
But the major reason for the continued popularity
is that the TV series, unlike most mainstream
media today, portrayed the two truckers
and the job of trucking in an honest and affectionate
light.
It was on location in New York City shooting
the 1973 film “The Seven-Ups” with producer/director
Philip D’Antoni (“Bullitt” and
Truckers Final Mile charity providing respect and dignity for N.A. truck drivers
Dorothy Cox
dlcox@thetrucker.com
Around
the Bend
We know truckers put their backs, their
hearts and their souls into their job, but
there also are those who put their blood,
sweat and tears into helping other truckers.
One of those is Robert Palm of Castle
Rock, Colorado, who in 2013 founded
Truckers Final Mile, a charity with the mission
of assisting grieving families in bringing
home the body of a driver who has been
killed while on the road, helping families
reach a driver who has been injured while
on the road arrange transportation home,
help unite family with a trucker who has had
“The French Connection”) that producer Barry
J. Weitz got the idea for a show that would end
up as the NBC TV series starring two truckers
he called “In Tandem.”
“I was at the Bronx terminal market and I
saw these owner-operators coming in delivering”
their produce, he told The Trucker recently.
“I had done a lot of research. I had met a lot
of them; I went to a lot of truck stops around
Los Angeles and spent a lot of time in the South
booking music acts and I hung out at truck
stops because I liked the food better. I got to
know these guys.”
He wrote up the characters of Sonny (Claude
Akins), a career owner-operator with a slightly
crusty exterior but a heart of gold and Will
(Frank Converse), a college kid who’s new to
trucking but is seeing it through Sonny’s eyes
and coming to love it.
When Weitz presented the idea to NBC they
loved it, although the head of NBC didn’t think
TV audiences would understand the reference
to tandem axles in the title and changed the
name to “Movin’ On.” It would become a kind
of working man’s “Route 66.”
Weitz then contacted country music legend
Merle Haggard to see if he would write a
song for the show. “I had known the music of
Merle Haggard and the Bakersfield (California)
sound. I thought he would be great to do
the theme song. … I called him up … we went
bass fishing and he said ‘I’d love to.’ He came
See Movin’ on p50 m
a heart attack or some other medical emergency
on the road, or help a driver return
home to deal with a family emergency.
More than 800 drivers a year die on the
road, according to figures from the Federal
Highway Administration, Palm said, and
more than 20,000 annually are injured badly
enough to be transported from the scene in
an ambulance.
Driver injuries and deaths are not only from
collisions, Palm, a 30-year career driver, said.
It can be from heart attacks, murders where
drivers are shot and killed in their cabs in unsafe
parking lots and more. “We had five or
six this year who passed away in their truck;
it was a huge summer for that,” Palm told
The Trucker. “The [government] stats aren’t
counted for that. We lose 2,000 to 3,000 a year
on the road. You don’t hear about the poor guy
who passed away after making a delivery and
was found two days later.”
Film and TV stars Claude Akins (left) and Frank Converse who played Sonny and Will respectively
on the 1974-76 “Movin’ On” TV series about two independent truckers pose in
front of the show’s iconic green Kenworth.
One driver passed away while parked at
the receiver’s lot in Idaho Falls, Idaho. “He
had his dog with him and we got the dog to
his sister’s home [via a trucker] … and a
trucker took the driver’s remains home.
“It’s a silent thing that goes on out here
with Canadian, Mexican and American drivers.
We move the [countries’] economies.
We’re out here every day. Some companies
bend over backwards to help a driver in any
situation” while others, not so much.
Palm speaks from experience. The 57-
year-old started driving trucks in the Army
and continued after he got out. He not only
was in a serious crash in 1997, in 2010 he
had a ruptured appendix while on the road
and had to be hospitalized.
As word about the organization gets
out via social media, the demand becomes
greater.
See Bend on p50 m
All “Movin’ On” images courtesy of and
©2015 D&R LLC /Squawtyna Films LLC
All photos are never-before-published
stills from the NBC TV series
“Movin’ On,” which ran 1974-1976.
Courtesy: ROBERT PALM
ROBERT PALM

50 • December 15-31, 2015 Features thetrucker.com
Claude Akins as Sonny (left) and Frank Converse as Will (driving) share a laugh in a scene
from the “Movin’ On” ’70s TV series.
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b Movin’ from page 49 b
in and recorded [his hit song “Movin’ On”]. He
understood what we were trying to accomplish
with a trucker’s series.”
The show’s pilot began with Will sliding out
of control because of poorly maintained brakes.
After he finally manages to pull to a safe stop
he makes it to a nearby truck stop and calls his
company and quits over the incident.
But then he meets Sonny, who talks Will
into driving team with him.
“There’s an honesty about it,” Weitz said of
the trucking profession, and “a dignity about
how we treated the truckers with respect to the
characters in the show. … It’s a very, very, very
hard job. I wanted young people to know this
is a great occupation [but] you have to know
that trucking is extraordinarily hard work and
also very dangerous. We wanted people to understand
this and not take them lightly. This is
heavy-duty stuff.
“If you’re owner-operators you’ve got to
work; you’ve got to keep the truck going. They
understand the ups and downs of hard labor.
You have to keep some jobs that don’t put a
smile on your face and I think we achieved”
that look into the reality of the trucking lifestyle.
The show also had good writers, Weitz said,
and the shows always had three levels, what
Sonny and Will were delivering and the trucking
business part of the job, the people they
met along the way and the growing friendship
between Sonny and Will. There was also the
aspect that the two truckers would “do the right
thing when nobody’s looking … that cowboy
[hero] mentality.”
Weitz knew the series should be shot around
the country to keep it authentic. “Truck drivers
were like the new cowboy if you will. I was
intrigued with the owner-operator concept,” he
said. “That’s why we moved it from place to
place.”
But moving the actors and crew around was
harder than he realized. Looking back, he said,
“It was like moving a circus. That’s really what
See Movin’ on p53 m
“The greaTer
danger for mosT
of us lies noT in
seTTing our aim Too
high and falling
shorT; buT in
seTTing our aim Too
low, and achieving
our mark.”
– Michaelangelo
b Bend from page 49 b
The nonprofit does so much for a driver’s
loved ones but they want to do more
in the future if donations allow.
Beginning in January they hope to provide
pro-bono counseling in the event of
driver suicide or in cases of a multi fatality
and in 2017 to start providing counseling
for a driver and any family member.
This year, the organization launched
its “Sleigh Bells and Santa” campaign to
bring Christmas to the children of truckers
who have lost their lives in the course
of their employment or self employment.
Additionally, they will grant a wish of a
CDL holder that has a terminally ill child.
They partner with Missing Truck Driver
Alert Network (missingtruckdriver.
com) when necessary.
A Truckers Final Mile volunteer team
works to provide the services 24 hours a
day and it’s funded by donations from corporate
sponsors and individuals.
Financially, “it’s been very tight,”
Palm said.
“I’m out six weeks at a time, traveling
within 48 states, so I know what it’s
like to have that worry,” he continued. As
a lease operator, he started the organization
from his 2012 Freightliner. “I drive
a truck for my real job; it’s hard to keep
in communication with these companies
to donate.”
“We’ve been knocking on doors, mailing
letters, anything we can do to bring
attention to the program.”
If you donate before year’s end, you
can take it off your income tax. To donate,
go to truckersfinalmile.org and click on
the donate button.
To donate to the Sleigh Bells and Santa
nonprofit, visit gofundme.com/sleighbells.
If you have questions, partnership requests
or want to volunteer, call Palm at
(505) 288-2282. 8
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thetrucker.com
Prime
Features December 15-31, 2015 • 51
Performers
NCI Driver of the Month
National Carriers
has named Donna
Davis Driver of the
Month for October
2015. She is a resident
of Junction City,
Kansas.
Davis began driving
for National Carriers
in March 2014.
She operates a company
truck in the NCI
Hide division.
“I am still in shock, it’s hard to believe
I was selected as driver of the month. I just
focus on doing my job safely and on time,”
Davis said
National Carriers spokesperson Ed Kentner
said, “As we compare nominees for this recognition
each month the competition is fierce.
Only the best of the best are considered and
this month Donna Davis was a runaway winner.
She displays an outstanding work ethic
blended with a keen concern for the motoring
public’s safety.”
Each Driver of the Month is a finalist for
NCI Driver of the Year 2015. Each monthly
winner receives a $500 bonus and the Driver of
the Year is awarded a $5,000 prize.
Decker Drivers of the Month
Dominic Pesa,
Gerald Schad, Christopher
Gulley, Steve
Green and Timothy
Wadlow have been
chosen as the Decker
Truck Line October
2015 Drivers of the
Month.
Dominic Pesa
Courtesy: DECKER
won for the Fort
TRUCK LINE
Dodge/Fort Wayne
Reefer/Van Division.
He was nominated by his fleet manag-
DOMINIC PESA
er, Marcia Goodale, who said, “Dominic is a
great driver to work with. He is always willing
to help. He is very dedicated to Decker
Truck Line which is demonstrated by him
sacrificing his summer months by doing the
Tour De Fat and strives to be on time all the
time.” Pesa has driven with Decker for six
years.
Schad won for the Missoula Reefer/Van
Division. He was nominated by his fleet
manager, Alan Henderson,
who said, “Jerry
has been with the company
since we started the
Western division and became
an owner-operator
in September 2014. Jerry
has always done an outstanding
job for Decker.
Courtesy: DECKER
TRUCK LINE
GERALD SCHAD
Courtesy: NCI
DONNA DAVIS
He represents Decker
very well; he just does a
great job.”
Presented by
For outstanding career
opportunities visit primeinc.com
Courtesy: DECKER
TRUCK LINE
CHRISTOPHER
GULLEY
Schad has driven
with Decker for 5 1/2
years.
Gulley won for
the LeMars Reefer/
Van Division. He was
nominated by his fleet
manager, Chris Krogman,
who said, “Chris
is a company man who
does an outstanding
job!” Gulley has driven
with Decker for 1 1/2
years.
Green won for the Fort Dodge/Hammond
Flatbed Division. He was nominated
by his fleet manager, Jarod Smith, who said,
“Steve consistently
has proven himself
to be one of the most
valuable members of
the Bessemer fleet.
With Steve, I can rest
easy knowing that
his character doesn’t
allow him to be nothing
less than great.
He likes to run and
works with us when
freight requires him
to meet with other drivers, pick up the next
day, etc.”
Green has driven with Decker for 2 1/2
years.
Wadlow won for the Bessemer Flatbed
Division. He was nominated by his fleet
manager, Megan Kruse, who said, “Tim is
an excellent asset
to the company. He
is flexible on dispatch
and is always
willing to help out.
Tim has a positive
attitude, communicates
well, is
easygoing, and is
enjoyable to work
with.”
Courtesy: DECKER
TRUCK LINE
TIMOTHY WADLOW
Courtesy: DECKER
TRUCK LINE
STEVE GREEN
Wadlow has
driven with Decker
for two years.
In addition to winning a Decker gift certificate,
each of these drivers will now be eligible to
compete for Driver/Owner-Operator of the Year.
This year-end recognition of one driver from each
division brings a 1-cent-per-mile pay increase for
12 months. 8

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52 • December 15-31, 2015 Features
My brother shot an intruder who had
broken into his home. He heard the window
breaking about 2 a.m.; he grabbed his
gun and went into the kitchen where he
found a guy standing in his kitchen. He
shot and killed him. This was two weeks
ago. Is there any chance the cops could file
charges against him?
— Bruce V.,
Texas
Of course the cops can always file charges
against anyone. That does not mean the
cops will win in that trial. What I think you
really want to know is if your brother has
the law on his side and can relax because
he will not have a criminal charge lodged
against him. Of course that depends in
what state your brother shot the intruder.
Also, the family of the intruder may file a
civil case against him, like the Goldmans
did against O.J. Simpson back in 1997.
Several states have what is known as
“Stand Your Ground” laws. These laws
eliminate the duty to retreat or run away
before using force in self-defense. States
started enacting these laws in 2005 and they
allow people to stand their ground instead
of retreating if they believe doing so will
prevent death or great bodily harm.
Here is a listing of states that have passed
stand your ground laws: Alaska; Arizona;
Florida; Georgia; Indiana; Kansas; Kentucky;
Louisiana; Michigan; Mississippi; Montana;
Nevada; New Hampshire, North Carolina;
Oklahoma; Pennsylvania; South Carolina;
South Dakota; Tennessee; Texas; Utah and
West Virginia.
This is the beginning of the Oklahoma
statute for stand your ground:
“O.S. §21-1289.25 Physical or deadly
force against intruder.
A. The Legislature hereby recognizes that
the citizens of the State of Oklahoma have a
right to expect absolute safety within their
own homes or places of business.
B. A person or an owner, manager or employee
of a business is presumed to have held
a reasonable fear of imminent peril of death
or great bodily harm to himself or herself or
another when using defensive force that is intended
or likely to cause death or great bodily
harm to another if:
1. The person against whom the defensive
force was used was in the process
of unlawfully and forcefully entering, or
had unlawfully and forcibly entered, a
dwelling, residence, occupied vehicle, or
a place of business, or if that person had
removed or was attempting to remove another
against the will of that person from
thetrucker.com
State law, local police, possibly a jury can
determine fate of brother who shot intruder
Jim Klepper
exclusive to the trucker
Ask the
Attorney
the dwelling, residence, occupied vehicle,
or place of business; and
2. The person who uses defensive force
knew or had reason to believe that an unlawful
and forcible entry or unlawful and forcible
act was occurring or had occurred … .”
Notice the statute says Citizens of Oklahoma.
It will also protect you if you live in
another state and you are passing through and
staying at a hotel or even renting an apartment
or room. The law considers those places your
home for purposes of self-defense.
State laws often differ and overlap but
usually they fall within three self-defense
concepts:
1. Stand Your Ground: No duty to retreat
before using deadly self-defense but is not
limited to your property.
2. Castle Doctrine: Limited to real property,
such as your home, yard or office and
some states like Ohio even include personal
vehicles and there is no duty to retreat prior
to using deadly self-defense.
3. Duty to Retreat: In these states you
must retreat, run away, and deadly force is a
last resort; however you may not use deadly
force if you are “safely” inside your home.
Here are states that impose some form of Duty
to Retreat before using deadly self-defense:
Arkansas; Connecticut; Delaware; Hawaii;
Iowa; Massachusetts; Missouri; Minnesota;
Nebraska; New Jersey; New York; North
Dakota; Ohio; Rhode Island; Wisconsin and
Wyoming.
There is some disagreement over Stand
Your Ground laws. Those opposing them
claim they cause shoot first and ask questions
later. Those that favor them claim they allow
people to protect themselves without worrying
if they have “retreated enough” before
they protect themselves.
Depending upon where your brother shot
this guy, a Stand Your Ground, Castle or Retreat
state, will have an impact on his case.
Stand Your Ground state laws should recognize
his right to self-defense. Castle state laws
will protect him because he was in his home.
Retreat state laws may or may not protect him
depending upon the cops and jury interpretation
of if he did retreat, was he “safely” inside
his home? He is more open to prosecution in
the Retreat state based upon subjective judgment
of the cops and any jury.
Jim C. Klepper is president of Interstate
Trucker Ltd., a law firm dedicated to legal
defense of the nation’s commercial drivers.
Interstate Trucker represents truck drivers
throughout the 48 states on both moving and
non-moving violations. A former prosecutor,
he is also a registered pharmacist, with considerable
experience in alcohol- and drug-related
cases. He is a lawyer who has focused
on transportation law and the trucking industry
in particular. He works to answer your
legal questions about trucking and life overthe-road
and has his CDL.
For more information call (800) 333-
DRIVE (3748) or contact interstatetrucker.
com and driverslegalplan.com. 8

thetrucker.com
Features December 15-31, 2015 • 53
In addition to filming the “Movin’ On” series all over the country at various locales, cameramen
had to get creative about how to get close-ups of stars Claude Akins (left) who played
Sonny, and Frank Converse, who played his sidekick Will, in the truck.
b Movin’ from page 50 b
it was like. … There was an enormous amount
of planning.”
They worked their way down the West
Coast shooting at various locations and then
worked their way down the East Coast. Had
the show continued they probably would have
worked their way to the South, he said.
“I wish it would have continued longer,” he
said. “It was cancelled too soon. It was a matter
of ratings. It’s always ratings. We had huge ratings
compared to today.”
D’Antoni/Weitz Television Productions,
their small independent company, owned the
show, making it easier to cancel than a show
owned by a huge conglomerate. “It’s not like
cancelling a Universal show,” he said.
Weitz said although today truck drivers and
trucking seem to have fallen out of favor with
the public, he still holds them in high esteem,
“probably more-so” today than then.
Truck racing was a big draw for viewers in
the TV series “Movin’ On” starring Claude
Akins and Frank Converse as a team of
owner-operators.
“The country needs the show more now”
that it did then, he said, “because something
has slipped” in the country’s psyche. Americans
don’t understand the significance of the honest
working man, “of what it means to be American.
We have lost our way in some respect.”
Would they consider bringing the show
back? Well, let’s just say they’re working
on it. 8
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54 • December 15-31, 2015 www.thetrucker.com
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2 • The Trucker NATIONAL EDITION August 1-15, 2005

www.thetrucker.com December 15-31, 2015 • 55
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The Trucker
CONNECTIONS
Dating
made Easy
888.634.2628
To Order Call Now Toll Free 800-766-4243
www.ddinstruments.com or email sales@ddinstruments.com
EQUIPMENT
R
EQUIPMENT
Drain Valves
EQUIPMENT
Save on Fuel and Engine Wear ... The Ultimate Combination
12V Bunk Warming Pad
800-990-4622
Fall, Winter, Spring
www.electrowarmth.com
BREEZEWAY
Truck Window Screens
800-548-4013
Spring, Summer, Fall
www.breezewayscreens.com
• Enjoy a better night’s sleep • Pays for itself in fuel savings
• No fumes, noise, vibrations • Made in USA
Use 15% discount code TT16 ONLINE ORDERS ONLY!
Found in Truck Stops Nationwide • Call for Fleet Pricing
18+ www.MegaMates.com
EQUIPMENT
HOME DELIVERY: CALL
800-666-2770 EXT. 5029
Hate it when you can’t find
The Trucker? Now you
can see it in your mailbox!
Have our issues sent to
your home for less than
$5 a month.
leahb@thetrucker.com
LOAD SERVICES
BROKER
ONE STOP
SHOP
Authority, Permits,
Fuel Tax Reporting,
DOT Compliance,
Brokerage, Truck Repair
and Detail.
TCT
Call 800-569-8341
barbaraj@tctrans.com
DRUG TESTING
DRUG & ALCOHOL
RANDOM TESTING CONSORTIUM
FULL COMPLIANCE
with FEDERAL REGULATIONS
3,500 testing sites
Nationwide
Only $60/year!
800-528-9075
800-528-9075
More Details at
AmericanDrugTestingConsortium.com
EQUIPMENT
VeeBoards
• Protects your load from
strap damage.
• Protects your straps.
• Holds your freight in place.
• Saves money on claims.
• Made from HD Polyethylene.
• Crack resistant.
• Light weight and user friendly.
• Hundreds of happy customers.
• Special BrickGuards available.
CALL 1-866-628-3621
www.veeboards.com
EQUIPMENT
No more ‘loco’ motion
Donvel DVI Motion Controls turn
air springs into a powerful
source of ride control for your
entire truck.
Donvel Stabilizers are for the
steer axle, while DVI Motion
Controls work with existing air
springs on the cab, sleeper,
seat, drive axles and trailer
axles.
Safer cornering, less body and
cargo roll, greater ride safety,
stability, less pain and fatigue,
longer shock absorber and tire
wear.
DONVEL INC.
(800) 411-1725 www.donvel.com
Find us on
Facebook
search:
The Trucker
EQUIPMENT
Chain toolS
Strap rollerS
Strap Roller
• ROLLER BEARING ALLOWS
FOR SMOOTHER OPERATION
• CAN BE MADE RIGHT
OR LEFT HANDED
• CLAMP STYLE AVAILABLE
Tire Chain Tool
• USE BOTH HANDS FOR
MORE LEVERAGE
• SOLID STEEL
• TIRE THUMPER AND
CHAIN TOOL IN ONE
• 3 STYLES AVAILABLE
Built to last a
LIFETIME!
Call us at (541) 941-0226
CHAINTOOL.com • STRAPROLLER.com
4 • The Trucker NATIONAL EDITION August 1-15, 2005

56 • December 15-31, 2015 www.thetrucker.com
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REFRIGERATOR
REFRIGERATOR
DATING
DATING
EQUIPMENT
True 12 volt DC Compressor fridge for Trucks
KY Store Georgetown I-75 exit 129
Ph 502.863.0373
NEW AZ Store Eloy I-10 exit 200
Ph 520.836.2386
FACTORING
JOIN
THE REVOLUTION
Same Day Cash For Invoices
When having fast cash just isn’t enough, join our TBS Velocity
Club and receive up to 12 free months of roadside assistance
and maintenance services through
FACTORING
Find a
Redhot Date
wherever
you go
TRY
FOR
FREE
800.404.1449
More Local Numbers: 1.800.700.6666
Find us on Facebook
search: The Trucker
EQUIPMENT
18+ redhotdateline.com
EQUIPMENT
2 0 p e r p a c k
Each piece is 4”x4”x11” polyethylene.
Easy to store and carry.
Tried and tested VeeBoards ®
design and material.
8 0 0 - 3 9 9 - 7 4 5 8
w w w . v e e b o a r d s . c o m
INSURANCE
248-790-7254
We Take You Farther
SIGN UP TODAY
888-627-2031
Special Rules Apply
Se Habla Español
tbsfactoring.com
THERE’S NEVER BEEN
A BETTER TIME TO BUY!
SCHNEIDER HAS HUNDREDS OF WELL MAINTAINED
TRACTORS AND TRAILERS READY TO SELL NOW.
TRACTORS: 2005-2009 FREIGHTLINER C120’S
WITH DETROIT DIESEL
Prices between $15,000 to $50,000
Mileage between 400,000 to 1,000,000
10 Speeds and Automated (Ultra-shift) Transmission
70” Raised Roof, 58” Mid Roof, 70 XT Extra Tall and Day Cabs
TRAILERS: 1999-2004 WABASH 53’ VAN TRAILERS
Prices between $3,500 to $14,000
2005 @ 53’ Utility & Great Dane trailers,
Pup Trailers and Dolly Converters
LOCATIONS
Atlanta, GA | Charlotte, NC | Columbus, OH | Dallas, TX
Fontana, CA | Sacramento, CA | Gary, IN | Harrisburg, PA | Houston, TX
Indianapolis, IN | Laredo, TX | New Orleans, LA | Portland, OR
Salt Lake City, UT | St. Louis, MO | Toronto, ON | West Memphis, AR
Visit www.schneidertrucks.com
Call 800-635-9801 | E-mail TruckSales@schneider.com
Jon Bodin III
Licensed Insurance Agent 10188994
6 • The Trucker NATIONAL EDITION August 1-15, 2005
EOE M/F/D/V
SAFETY
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1-888-829-1556
WHEEL-SAFETY
Because you
could lose more
than a wheel!
888.829.1556
wheel-check.com
facebook.com/wheelcheck
google.com/+wheel-check

www.thetrucker.com December 15-31, 2015 • 57
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FACTORING
FACTORING
FACTORING
Start Your Own
Trucking Company?
We make it simple!
Let Apex take the stress out of getting
your business started, so you can focus
on your future.
Get Started Today! 855-385-2739
www.apexcapitalcorp.com/trucker
TICKET DEFENSE
TICKET DEFENSE
TICKETS
Russian – Olga Español - Diana Korean - Jessica
Nationwide & Canada
DISCOUNTED ATTORNEYS
Win 9 out of 10 Cases*
1-800-525-HAUL (4285)
24 hrs (7 days a week)
All Legal Problems
CSA/DAQ Help
www.AmericanTruckersLegalAssoc.com
28 Years Fighting for the Trucker!
*Past performance of attorneys who represent ATLA members does not guarantee future performance.
TARPS
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TARPS
BUSINESS SERVICES
Elite
Recovery
Services
Providing
Over
Billion In Total
Receivables
To Our Clients
Since 2004!
WE OFFER COLLECTION
SERVICES TO OVER
200 TRUCK DRIVING
SCHOOLS NATIONWIDE.
CALL FOR MORE INFO
888-511-7251
“WHEN ONLY THE ELITE WILL DO”
“WHEN ONLY THE ELITE WILL DO”
NAVIGATION
INSURANCE
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INSURANCE
we are experienced in insuring all aspects of your business.
We operate in OK, MO, TX, AR, KS.
800-256-1455 405-273-1550
Trucking Insurance
john@weinsurebigtrucks.com
FACTORING FACTORING FACTORING
8 • The Trucker NATIONAL EDITION August 1-15, 2005

58 • December 15-31, 2015 www.thetrucker.com
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No HOME Image DELIVERY: CALL
** FILLER ** FILLER **
800-666-2770 EXT. 5029
Hate it when you
can’t find
The Trucker?
Now you can see it
in your mailbox!
Have our issues
sent to your home
for less than $5
a month.
leahb@thetrucker.com
HOME DELIVERY: CALL
800-666-2770 EXT. 5029
Hate it when you can’t find
The Trucker?
Now you can see it
in your mailbox!
Have our issues sent to your
home for less than $5 a month.
leahb@thetrucker.com
TICKET DEFENSE TICKET DEFENSE TICKET DEFENSE
Got a Ticket? FIGHT IT!
Call COAST TO COAST LEGAL SERVICES and protect your CDL!
All Tickets Handled by Licensed Attorneys • Reasonable Rates • No Monthly Dues
We all have family in the trucking business and we feel this gives us
an edge when dealing with the industry.
• There is no monthly fee. • We do not charge to research your situation with our attorneys
• We have coverage in the entire lower 48 states with a database of nearly 4,000 attorneys
1-888-266-0499
coasttocoastticketreferral.com
We are familiar with CDL law in each state and can assist our attorneys, if necessary,
in obtaining a result in one state that works to lower the points in your home state.
We follow up with all attorneys to see if the case is dismissed or reduced.
Best of all - WE CARE. We want you to refer your friends and
co-workers to us. We take pride in doing a “great job” for our clients.
Call us and find out for yourself.
TICKET DEFENSE
TAX SERVICES
TAX SERVICES
TAX SERVICES
TAX SERVICES
Call for FREE
Consultation
OTRDRIVER
Tax Services, Inc.
Bookkeeping, Permits,
Incorporation
se habla español
141 Vinton Rd, Suite B2
Vinton, TX 79821
915-886-3747
915-253-7413
Go to otrdrivertaxservices.com for coupons
TAX SERVICES
Blair Tax Consulting, LLC
www.blairtax.com
TruckerTaxHelp.com
Retired IRS Agents & Tax Experts
We resolve unfiled tax returns, tax liens, levies,
wage garnishments, and tax settlements.
We will solve your IRS tax problem
or your money back!
Free Consultation • Hablamos Español
855-572-HELP
(855-572-4357)
Joe@Truckertaxhelp.com www.TruckerTaxHelp.com
VIDEOS
Over
$1 Million
in Trucker
Tax Debt
Resolved
Every Month!
See Our Ad on Pg. 32!
( 8 8 8 ) 3 1 7 - 0 2 8 5
A+ RATING
N E T W O R K , L L C .
“Defending Your Future”
TRAINING
CDL HAZMAT TEST
Audio Manual, Audio Test Prep
& Test Prep Software
Make Driving Time Study Time
877-885-7599
whitemountainschools.com
TICKET DEFENSE
TICKET DEFENSE
“Voted Best Legal Service”
– 6 years running –
By Trucker Readers
TICKET DEFENSE
NO MEMBERSHIP FEES
MOVING & NON-MOVING
NO MONTHLY DUES
1-800-333-DRIVE
INTERSTATE TRUCKER
www.interstatetrucker.com
TICKET DEFENSE
See our ad
on page 52
10 • The Trucker NATIONAL EDITION August 1-15, 2005

thetrucker.com
Features December 15-31, 2015 • 59

’Tis the season for hard work.
Whether your hard work is on the road, in the field, or on site, here’s
to celebrating all your hard work this season. Happy Holidays
from our hard working family to yours.