121521_TT_AllPages

More documents

Recommendations

Info

18 • DECEMBER 15-31, 2021 EQUIPMENT & TECH THETRUCKER.COM Sysco to electrify 35% of fleet by 2030 THE TRUCKER NEWS STAFF Courtesy: Waymo Via Autonomous driving technology company Waymo Via is partnering with UPS to use Class 8 trucks for trial runs in Texas this holiday season. Waymo, UPS using Class 8 autonomous trucks to help move holiday freight MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — Autonomous driving technology company Waymo Via is partnering with UPS to use Class 8 trucks for trial runs in Texas this holiday season. UPS’s North American Air Freight unit is using Waymo Class 8 trucks, equipped with the fifth-generation Waymo Driver, to transport freight between facilities in Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston. According to Waymo, the trial runs will provide data showing how autonomous driving technology can help enhance safety and efficiency. THE TRUCKER NEWS STAFF In addition, Waymo plans to use the data collected to evaluate and refine the Waymo Driver system for eventual scaling. Company officials pointed to an “unprecedented demand and need for freight movement,” noting that self-driving tech is a way to “help fill critical needs for our partners during this time.” The current Class 8 trial runs build on Waymo’s previous testing with UPS, J.B. Hunt and other carriers, according to a company statement. 8 HOUSTON — Foodservice distribution giant Sysco Corp. has announced plans to reduce its global emissions by electrifying 35% of its U.S. tractor fleet by 2030. The company said in a Nov. 22 statement that the measure is the equivalent to adding nearly 2,500 electric trucks to its fleet. In addition, the company will source 100% renewable electricity for its global operations by 2030. Sysco’s new science-based emissions reduction target aligns with the Paris Agreement and is an integral part of the company’s roadmap to reducing its carbon footprint over the next decade, the news release stated. “At Sysco, we recognize and take seriously our role as a global industry leader,” said Neil Russell, senior vice president of corporate affairs and chief communications officer for Sysco. “We understand that taking action now on climate change is important to the future of our planet and have developed an actionable, achievable plan with a clear roadmap to meaningfully reduce emissions,” he continued. The company says it plans to further its Courtesy: Sysco Corp. Foodservice giant Sysco Corp. has announced plans to electrify 35% of its U.S. tractor fleet by 2030. Shown here is a Freightliner eCascadia electric tractor being tested by the company. efforts to help reduce emissions over time, he added, noting that Sysco’s actions will “quicken the pace of innovation and provide a pathway for other companies to participate in climate action.” “To ensure we hold ourselves accountable, our CSR strategy is now an integral part of our new business strategy, our ‘recipe for growth,’ which is designed to advance our pace of leadership, further differentiate Sysco, create a sustainable competitive advantage and make a positive impact on the world.” Russell concluded. 8 LOOKING TO GET YOUR CDL? Check out .com’s ALL NEW comprehensive TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL DIRECTORY to find the best CDL training facility near you. .com is your source for: 4 truck driving schools with easy to use search functionality 4 the latest CDL training regulation changes starting February 2022 4 truck driving job listings 4 truck driving job resources 4 truck driving job news articles Visit GoTruckers.com/schools If you are a representative from a truck driving school or CDL training facility and would like to add, update or enhance your school’s complimentary listing with additional information, please contact us at info@GoTruckers.com.
FEATURES THETRUCKER.COM DECEMBER 15-31, 2021 • 19 Moving forward MILITARY VETERANS ENJOY SUCCESSFUL CAREERS ON THE ROAD DWAIN HEBDA | SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT About 10 years into his 12-year driving career, Karl Blissenbach of Jacksonville, North Carolina, suffered a health issue that basically put him in “park” with his former employer. And, despite demonstrable improvement in his condition, the military veteran said, the company refused to put him back on the road. “So, I said, ‘Fine,’ and I started looking for another job. I’m glad I did,” he said. “I really like this company.” “This company” is Forward Air Corp., a carrier based in Greeneville, Tennessee. Blissenbach says making the move gave him a new lease on his driving career. During decade since joining Forward Air, he has covered much of the lower 48 states, to the tune of 300,000 to 500,000 miles a year, he reckons. “A favorite? It’s hard to say,” he said of the ground he’s covered. “Every state is beautiful. I mean, I love going through Montana. They got some beautiful creeks and streams. So does Washington, and Portland in Oregon,” he said. “Every place has got good stuff.” What’s the secret to surviving in the trucking business? Keep it simple. “What makes a person a good driver is paying attention and doing your job,” said Blissenbach, now 62. “If you do a good job, they’ll give you more jobs.” In addition to being a good driver, Blissenbach, who served in both the U.S. Marines (1978-1982) and the U.S. Army (1986- 1989), has another thing going for him in his career: He works for a company that describes itself as “extremely veteran-focused.” Forward Air has been nationally recognized for its driver programs, which are designed to get willing vets behind the wheel and out on the road. The company also supports causes that can make a tangible difference in the lives of wounded veterans. In addition, Forward Air has established its own charitable foundation, Operation Forward Freedom, funded through a portion of sales in the online company store, through which it provides monetary support to various nonprofits. One such group, Hope For The Warriors, received a $10,000 donation in honor of Veterans Day this year. That money that will make life-changing improvements for veterans, helping them to restore their independence by providing adaptive driving equipment and rehabilitation for those who have lost the ability to drive. “Forward is committed to America’s servicemen and women, who continue to make the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” said Tom Schmitt, the company’s chairman, president and CEO in a release announcing the donation. “As an organization, we show our Photos courtesy: Forward Air Corp. Left: Karl Blissenbach, age 62, served in the Marines from 1978-1982 and in the Army from 1986-1989. He’s now been a truck driver for 12 years. Right: Richard Rhine spent 16 years in the U.S. Navy and has been with Forward Air for two of his nine years as a truck driver. Courtesy: Forward Air Corp. Karl Blissenbach, left, and Richard Rhine, both veterans of the U.S. military, are drivers for Forward Air Corp., based in Greenville, Tennessee. gratitude to those who served and are currently serving, by joining with other veteran supporting organizations, like Hope For The Warriors, to provide opportunities and programming for military families,” Schmitt continued. “It is our honor to give back to our nation’s veterans with this donation.” Such gestures do not go unnoticed by employees, particularly those who have a military background. Richard Rhine spent 16 years in the U.S. Navy and has been with Forward for two of his nine years as a professional truck driver. “It’s definitely a vet-friendly environment here” he said of his employer. “I’m going to drive for as long as I can physically do it.” Like Blissenbach, Rhine says he feels that Forward Air appreciates his life experience. The 62-year-old said that, from dealing with pandemic conditions to inclement weather, the company has demonstrated it understands the skillsets that only come with having “been there, done that.” “Dealing with all the other traffic is the biggest challenge in driving,” he said, adding that 2020 offered truckers a respite from that particular headache. “We had a special treat during the pandemic when they made everybody (else) stay at home and we had the roads to go ahead and do our job. That was nice, and due to the crunch, the money has gotten much better.” Blissenbach agrees. “Yeah, the pandemic made the job better. We got a lot more work,” he said. “People kept buying TVs because now, they had money. And I got to haul them. We also got some raises over the last year because the company’s trying to keep us.” Blissenbach and Rhine — both veterans of the military as well as experienced drivers — also find time to impart their knowledge and experience to the company’s younger drivers. The result, they hope, is helping new drivers get off to a good start and make the most out of their driving careers. “Most companies prefer team drivers, so I tell them to try to find you somebody that you can live with 24/7,” Rhine said. “If you can find that person — which I have fortunately been able to do — you can have a good living out here. The money is available, if you’re willing to work,” he advised. “If you can hang on and get past a few hard road bumps you’re going to have with your co-driver, you’re going to do good.” 8
Page 1 and 2: SCAN THE CODE FOR MORE NEWS VOL. 34
Page 3 and 4: THETRUCKER.COM NATION DECEMBER 15-3
Page 5 and 6: THETRUCKER.COM NATION DECEMBER 15-3
Page 7 and 8: MakingPersonal4hlfTCKR 9/14/21 10:5
Page 9 and 10: THETRUCKER.COM PERSPECTIVE DECEMBER
Page 11 and 12: CATTheTrucker111521 fullpage.qxp_La
Page 13 and 14: BUSINESS THETRUCKER.COM DECEMBER 15
Page 15 and 16: THETRUCKER.COM DECEMBER 15-31, 2021
Page 17: EQUIPMENT & TECH THETRUCKER.COM DEC

121521_TT_AllPages

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?