[ 2026 Tank Truck Week Preview Page 32 ]
Operational insights for the bulk logistics industry
Safety Sealed
Heniff, Usher, SWTO close the deal on award-winning results Pages 20-31
Schneider sets new training standard Page 8
Exosent earns NPGA safety honor Page 36
September/October 2026 | BulkTransporter.com
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Contents September/October 2026
Features 24 Ultimate vindication Accelerated Partner certification sparks Usher’s latest title run
28 Absolute accountability Elite oversight, gamified metrics fuel SWTO’s journey to the top
32 Competitive edge Industry leaders look to turn challenges into advantages at Tank Truck Week 2026
Cover Fleet
20 Peak performance
32
Disciplined execution and unyielding rigor power Heniff’s rise to Heil glory Cover Photo: Heniff Transportation
24
28
Departments 4 Online
41 Event Calendar
6 Editorial
41 Advertiser Index
8 Industry News
42 People in the News
36 Equipment News September/October 2026 | BulkTransporter.com 3
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Visit BulkTransporter.com for more information from stories in this issue, plus online exclusives on pertinent topics in the tank trailer industry.
Online OPERATIONS
TECHNOLOGY
Bulk Transporter Market Leader Commercial Vehicle Group – Dyanna Hurley dhurley@endeavorb2b.com Editorial Director – Kevin Jones kjones@endeavorb2b.com Editor – Jason McDaniel jmcdaniel@endeavorb2b.com Marketing/Advertising – Dan Elm delm@endeavorb2b.com Art Director – Eric Van Egeren evanegeren@endeavorb2b.com
Photo: Jason McDaniel, generated with Gemini
Photo: 1946938607 | Nattawit | Adobe Stock
Potential Trimble sale signals ‘C-SaaS’ revolution
Stopping the leak: The case for digital tanker inspections
Reported divestiture of a major TMS provider highlights a critical tech shift.
Paper clipboards no longer keep pace with complex bulk logistics operations.
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PODCAST
MANAGEMENT
Production Manager – Patricia Brown pbrown@endeavorb2b.com Directories/Listings – Maria Singletary msingletary@endeavorb2b.com Audience Development Manager – Laura Moulton, lmoulton@endeavorb2b.com
Endeavor Business Media, LLC CEO Chris Ferrell COO Patrick Rains CDO Jacquie Niemiec CALO Tracy Kane CMO Amanda Landsaw EVP Transportation Group Chris Messer
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How Gravitate is rewiring the digital fuel supply chain
Valuable lessons in resilient growth for bulk haulers
Jason McDaniel sits down with Gravitate CEO Mike Scharf to discuss the AI shift.
Financing expert explores how tanker fleets best adapt to market fluctuations.
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Bulk Logistics Trends Sign up for the official newsletter of Bulk Transporter Stay up-to-date on industry news and events, new products launches, and more.
BulkTransporter.com/subscribe Read the digital edition online at: BulkTransporter.com/magazine/78830 [ 2026 Tank Truck Week Preview Page 32 ]
Operational insights for the bulk logistics industry
Safety Sealed
Heniff, Usher, SWTO close the deal on award-winning results Pages 20-31
Schneider sets new training standard
Want your own issue? 1. Go online to: BulkTransporter.com/ subscribe 2. Complete the online subscription form.
Page 8
Exosent earns NPGA safety honor
Follow us at: @bulktransporter
linkedin.com/in/ jason-mcdaniel-BT
VP of Content Strategy, Transportation Group Josh Fisher
Bulk Transporter Volume 123, Issue 5, is published six times per year by Endeavor Business Media, LLC, 201 N Main St, 5th Floor, Fort Atkinson WI 53538. Postmaster: Send address changes to Bulk Transporter, PO Box 3257, Northbrook, IL 60065-3257. Send inquiries to Bulk Transporter, PO Box 3257, Northbrook, IL 600653257. Customer service can be reached toll-free at 877-382-9187 or at bulktransporter@omeda.com for magazine assistance or questions. Printed in the USA. Copyright 2026 Endeavor Business Media, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopies, recordings, or any information storage or retrieval system without permission from the publisher. Endeavor Business Media, LLC does not assume and hereby disclaims any liability to any person or company for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions in the material herein, regardless of whether such errors result from negligence, accident, or any other cause whatsoever. The views and opinions in the articles herein are not to be taken as official expressions of the publishers, unless so stated. The publishers do not warrant either expressly or by implication, the factual accuracy of the articles herein, nor do they so warrant any views or opinions by the authors of said articles.
Corporate Office: Endeavor Business Media, LLC, 30 Burton Hills Blvd, Ste. 185, Nashville, TN 37215 USA; 800-547-7377
Page 36
September/October 2026 | BulkTransporter.com
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Sneakers, stitches, and the art of safety A nasty fall brings fresh appreciation for the people charged with keeping us upright—on and off the road. I recently had to throw out a favorite pair of sneakers; white Nike Air Max Solos my
Jason McDaniel Editor
Follow us at:
@bulktransporter
linkedin.com/in/ jason-mcdaniel-BT
facebook.com/bulktrans
wife bought me for my birthday in 2024. If you’ve seen me at shows, you probably know I love fresh kicks—a nod to my old sports-writing days—so that was a particularly painful experience for me. But there was just too much blood to clean off. You see, what had happened was, I was sitting in my vehicle, feeling light-headed at a softball tournament in the Corpus Christi area, but my daughter’s game was about to start, so I opened the door, stepped out, grabbed my lawn chair … and the next thing I knew I was on the ground, confused, and failing to stop the blood pouring from my right temple. Long story short, I ended up with a concussion, four blue stitches, and a too-familiar tale about an old guy falling down. On the bright side, I gained the perfect hook for this safety-issue editorial, and new appreciation for the professionals who dedicate their lives to keeping us safe—just like the folks featured in this month’s magazine. Maybe it’s my addled brain, but I’m reminded of the time I was on the same flight home as Lance Hagler, Trimac Transportation’s director of safety operations, when I awoke to find him and an attendant helping a kid who fainted behind me. Only this time, I had a front-row seat as emergency responders staunched the bleeding, alerted my family, and transported me to ER 24/7 Portland, where caregivers evaluated the damage, sewed me up, and put me back on my feet. Their work is greatly appreciated, to be sure. It’s also highly visible—in real life and in media—whereas the efforts of the people who endeavor to keep us upright every day often go unseen. But their quiet, relentless dedication is on full display in these pages. Usher Transport (page 24), NTTC’s Sutherland champion, is one of only two carriers in the 34-year history of the American Chemistry Council’s Responsible Care Partner program to complete accreditation in an accelerated one-year window. By reevaluating product safety from the driver’s perspective and combining standard-setting interviews with AI camera technology, Usher posted a 0.152 accident frequency over nearly 14 million miles last year, delivering almost 90,000 loads with only two DOT-recordable incidents—while also earning Chevron’s Bulk Lubricants Carrier of the Year award. Over in the Harvison division, Heniff Transportation (page 20) proved a tech-driven, highly accountable culture can scale seamlessly across a massive enterprise. As the only carrier trusted to handle Shell’s highly hazardous “black-banded” pyrolysis oil, Heniff’s drivers logged 113 million miles while posting a 0.160 accident frequency— leveraging custom scorecards, intelligent cameras, and aggressive DataQs tracking to protect their team. Not to be outdone, private-fleet champ SWTO (page 28) safely delivered 2.1 billion gallons of fuel across 25.5 million miles by building a Fleet Safety Center of Excellence, “competify-ing” safe driving, equipping trailers with pulsating brake lamp modules, inducting elite drivers into its Gold Oval Club—and ultimately whittling preventable crashes down to two. My only challenge was assembling all this information while reeling from concussion-induced vertigo. One day, I drove up to the gas station for a sandwich and felt like my brain stayed behind when I accelerated. At least now I know how my family routinely feels while riding in my Challenger. And please, don’t feel too bad for me, dear reader. I already purchased new shoes for Tank Truck Week 2026 (page 32). BT
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INDUSTRY NEWS ACC honors Schneider Bulk for VR and simulator training Schneider National is reinforcing safety and preparedness by integrating state-of-the-art truck driving simulators and immersive virtual reality (VR) into tank truck driver training programs. The company’s approach, which leverages driving simulators and VR technology to safely immerse and train bulk haulers on real-world scenarios, recently was recognized by the American Chemistry Council in its 2026 Responsible Care and Sustainability Leadership Awards. These awards spotlight people, organizations, and initiatives that are advancing safety with vision and innovation. Schneider’s 2026 award falls under the Responsible Care Initiative of the Year category for leadership in associate health and safety. Schneider’s award-winning training program gives drivers
Schneider Bulk was honored with a 2026 Responsible Care Award for its innovative use of virtual reality and simulators in tank truck driver training. Photo: Schneider
hands-on experience in certain scenarios that cannot be safely practiced on the road, helping build familiarity, confidence and procedural accuracy when real-world conditions demand it. Through the use of VR headsets, trainees are immersed in an interactive environment modeled after real Schneider operations, where they practice tasks such as connecting hoses, trailer inspec-
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tions, and hazard IDs, preparing personal protective equipment, and conducting unloading procedures. Complementing this VR training, Schneider’s advanced simulators give drivers the opportunity to practice unique events such as mountain-grade braking and steer-tire blowouts. The program also includes spill-prevention techniques and trailer-handling best practices. “By building muscle memory and decision-making skills through immersive, realistic scenarios, this training program prepares drivers to better manage risks in everyday operations,” said Jason Howe, Schneider senior VP and GM of bulk. “Schneider teams are continuously learning and working to improve, which helps instill confidence and reinforce our commitment to Responsible Care principles.”
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INDUSTRY NEWS Quality Carriers successfully navigated a challenging freight market to deliver a profitable second quarter driven by cost management and operational efficiency, according to a recent report from company president Randy Strutz. “I can proudly say that Quality Carriers, Inc. has remained resilient in a challenging market and had a successful second quarter,” Strutz stated in a letter to employees on Quality Carriers’ blog page. “We have made significant improvements to our operational efficiency and have continued to manage costs throughout the organization.” A key driver of that recent success is the ongoing expansion of the company’s Quality Depot Solutions (QDS) network into major logistics hubs, including new locations in North Bergen, New Jersey, and New Orleans, Louisiana, Strutz reported. QDS leverages QC’s diversified suite of transportation solutions, integrating full trucking support, repair options via Quality Repair Solutions, cross-border transit through Quality Mexico Solutions, tank cleaning via Quality Wash Solutions, and intermodal expertise. The post also highlighted key leadership updates, including the promotion of Elena Adang to general counsel and corporate secretary to head the legal, human resources, compliance, and regulatory departments.
Photo: Quality Carriers
Quality Carriers posts strong Q2 despite ‘challenging times’
Additionally, QC celebrated its workforce during Military Appreciation Month in May to honor its large base of veteran employees, alongside maintaining active community engagement initiatives across several states. Looking ahead, Strutz expressed confidence in the team’s ability to maintain momentum and drive collective growth through the remainder of 2026. “I take immense pride in our team’s resilience and achievements— particularly while navigating challenging times,” Strutz concluded.
Quality Depot Solutions opens multi-purpose New Orleans facility Quality Depot Solutions (QDS) recently opened a new facility in New Orleans. The container depot—located at 6666 Old Gentilly Rd. near the Port of New Orleans, multiple rail yards, and Interstate 10—offers numerous services, including staging (loaded, dirty dedicated, and empty), heating, tracking, and inventory deployment from a secure facility, QDS reported. The facility’s team is trained and equipped to prepare ISO tanks for export loading. QDS also can conduct many tests on-site, including hydrostatic pressure tests, pneumatic pressure tests, internal and external visual inspections, safety relief valve tests, and leak tests. “We are incredibly excited to open this facility and offer our services to the New Orleans market,” Joe Acevedo, QDS vice president, said in a news release. “We have a talented team in place that is ready to support the transportation industry and have invested in first-class equipment to support our operations. “We look forward to providing this additional business solution for our existing customers and welcoming new customers.” Since QDS is part of the Quality Carriers business suite, customers also benefit from additional solutions located at or near the New Orleans facility, including: ■ Full trucking support through Quality Carriers ■ Integrated repair options through Quality Repair Solutions ■ Transit to and from Mexico through Quality Mexico Solutions ■ Interior and exterior tank cleaning through Quality Wash Solutions ■ Intermodal expertise through QC Intermodal QDS plans to open other locations across the U.S., too, including in Los Angeles; Stockton, California; Dallas; St Louis; Chicago;
Quality Depot Solutions has inaugurated a new facility in New Orleans, offering comprehensive container staging, testing, and inventory services, supported by a skilled team and advanced equipment, to bolster regional logistics. Photo: Quality Depot Solutions
Detroit; Jacksonville, Florida; Savannah, Georgia; Parkersburg, West Virginia; and Norfolk, Virginia; as well as on-site depots with select customers. “Bringing QDS to New Orleans is going to expand our already extensive operations within that market,” Quality Carriers President Randy Strutz said. “QDS has been providing tremendous service to our customers at our new locations, and I am confident they will provide exceptional support to New Orleans. Our mission is to offer a vast suite of solutions to our customers, and opening a depot here is just one more way we are staying committed to that goal.”
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INDUSTRY NEWS H.Essers, a Belgian family-owned logistics provider, recently entered the United States market by acquiring Palmer Logistics, a chemical warehousing and logistics specialist based in Houston. The deal establishes a trans-Atlantic platform designed to support the chemical industry’s shifting “center of gravity” toward the U.S. Gulf Coast. For U.S.-based tank truck carriers and bulk logistics professionals, the acquisition introduces a new player to the domestic landscape. H.Essers brings an extensive European asset base, including a fleet of nearly 1,500 trucks and 2,000 ISO tanks, with more than 50% of its fleet being multimodally deployable, the company reported. By combining these assets with Palmer’s 3.8 million sq. ft. of specialized warehousing in Texas and Louisiana, the group aims to provide end-to-end, high-compliance logistics for global chemical manufacturers. “We chose H.Essers because they share our values and respect what Palmer has built over the past 60 years,” Brett Mears, Palmer president, said in a news release. “H.Essers is a family-owned company with a long track record, deep expertise in chemical logistics, and a long-term mindset. “For our customers and our people, this is the right choice. Same team, same locations, same service, backed by a stronger trans-Atlantic platform.”
Photo: H.Essers
Belgian firm H.Essers acquires Palmer in US bulk expansion
The strategic move is centered on the U.S. Gulf Coast, the heart of the U.S. chemical manufacturing sector. H.Essers CEO Gert Bervoets noted that the company is planning for where their customers will be in 2035, anticipating continued growth in the U.S. Consequently, the group set an ambitious target to grow U.S. revenue from $70 million to $300 million within five years. Following the stabilization of the Palmer integration, H.Essers intends to expand its specialized bulk and chemical logistics footprint toward the East and West Coasts, the company stated. For the time being, Palmer’s 350 employees and management team will remain in place to ensure service continuity while gradually integrating H.Essers’ multimodal capabilities and global ISO tank network.
National Tank Truck Carriers supports the GHOSTRUCK Act— the new bipartisan “Guarding Hours-of-Service Oversight and Stopping Tampering by Remote Unofficial Carrier Keeper” legislation designed to strengthen the integrity of electronic logging device (ELD) records and improve highway safety by closing a loophole that allows foreign-based personnel to manipulate driver logs. The GHOSTRUCK Act was introduced by U.S. Representatives Greg Steube (R-Fla.) and Dave Taylor (R-Ohio). Ryan Streblow, NTTC president and CEO of NTTC, emphasized the critical nature of the bill for the tank truck industry. “Safety is at the heart of everything we do at National Tank Truck Carriers,” Streblow said in a news release. “The GHOSTRUCK Act strengthens the integrity of the hours-of-service system by ensuring that edits to electronic logging device records are made only by authorized personnel physically located in North America and remain subject to driver approval. “Accountability in driver records is essential to maintaining compliance, protecting drivers from undue pressure, and ensuring that commercial motor vehicles operate safely on our nation’s highways.” According to a report from Bulk Transporter’s affiliate publication, FleetOwner, the legislation addresses growing concerns that overseas dispatchers are altering driver logs while remaining beyond the reach of U.S. accountability and enforcement measures. Current federal law does not explicitly prohibit foreign-based personnel from editing or annotating these records, a gap that proponents say allows for the falsification of logs and the overworking of drivers. The GHOSTRUCK Act would mandate that any edits or
Photo; vit |2037985262 | Adobe Stock
NTTC: GHOSTRUCK Act safeguards against overseas ELD tampering
annotations to an ELD record be made only by a carrier, dispatcher, or driver physically located in North America. Critically, the bill preserves the requirement that all edits remain subject to driver approval, ensuring the driver maintains final say over their record of duty status. Steube noted that the act is necessary because foreign actors have been found falsifying driver logs to avoid accountability when tragedies occur on American roads. Beyond NTTC, the bill has garnered broad industry support from other trucking organizations, including American Trucking Associations, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, and the Truckload Carriers Association. “Foreign dispatchers should not be able to manipulate trucking safety records from halfway around the world and put American lives at risk,” Steube said in a release. “Reports have exposed how overseas actors are falsifying driver logs, overworking truckers beyond safe limits, and avoiding accountability when tragedies occur. “The GHOSTRUCK Act closes this loophole and helps keep our roads safe.”
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INDUSTRY NEWS The people behind Luma Brighter Learning, including co-founders Gina and Scott Anderson, recently published a collection of trucking-industry stories that convey the power of family values, trust, and legacy. The transportation leadership playbook, “Powered by the People: Building Culture that Outlasts the Founder”—which delivers eight moving stories, including the century-long tale of LCL Bulk Transport—already has generated over 100 sales since debuting July 7 on Amazon, helping raise money for organizations that aim to strengthen the future of transportation. “I’m so grateful to Bulk Transporter for connecting me to generational family-run companies in the trucking industry—companies like LCL Bulk Transport,” Gina, Luma’s CEO, told Bulk Transporter. “My goal in writing the book was always to capture the family stories that move our world forward. This book delivers their stories in chapters, beautifully illustrating their resilience and grit, and how they’ve reinvented themselves over the years—like LCL creating a tank
trailer to haul chocolate. It’s amazing. “All the proceeds from sales of the book are going to authors’ choice organizations in the industry. As of [July 20], we have sold 139 copies and made our first $500 donation to NextGen Trucking. “I’m so excited to share these beautiful generational stories that show how our industry is truly powered by people.” The eight stories in the collection are told by LCL’s Mary Schaupp, Ezzell Trucking’s Catherine Ezzell-Joiner, Leonard’s Express’ Elise Johnson, Pemberton Truck Lines’ John Pemberton, Nagle Companies’ Ed Nagle, Keizer Companies’ Brooklyn Keizer, Kottke Trucking’s Collin Kottke, and Transmark’s Garrett Knollman. The book includes a foreword from Gina and a chapter on legacy by Scott, Luma CTO. The industry authors chose the benefiting organizations, which include National Tank Truck Carriers’ Tank Truck Institute, the Tennessee Trucking Association’s Haulin’ for the Holidays initiative, and the Sampson Community College Foundation.
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INDUSTRY NEWS Energy Transfer expands Nederland NGL Export Terminal Energy Transfer is expanding its Nederland NGL Export Terminal to meet customer demand. The project will increase ethane export capacity in Nederland, Texas, by 240,000 barrels per day (bpd), along with 55,000 bpd of additional LPG capacity, the company reported. One hundred percent of the ethane export capacity is committed in long-term agreements running into the 2040s. Since Energy Transfer began exporting ethane out of Nederland in 2021, the company has exported over 430 million barrels. This latest project demonstrates that the continued growth in global NGL demand supports expansion of Energy Transfer’s Nederland assets, which partnered with the company’s wellhead-to-water system platform, creates a network capable of providing North American energy to the rest of the world, Energy Transfer maintained. As part of these transactions, Energy Transfer also plans to expand its Mont
Energy Transfer is expanding its Nederland NGL Export Terminal, adding 240,000 bpd of ethane and 55,000 bpd of LPG capacity, with long-term commitments through the 2040s, supporting global NGL demand. Photo: Energy Transfer
Belvieu-to-Nederland NGL export pipeline capacity to service the increased refrigeration capacity and construct two additional NGL ship docks. The company expects its previously announced expansion of the Nederland refrigerated propane and butane storage tanks to 1.2 million barrels and 0.8 million barrels, respectively, to be available in the first half of 2027. These assets, along with Energy Transfer’s existing 1.3 million barrel refrigerated ethane tank, provide the largest refrigerated storage capacity for each of these products of any export complex on the
U.S. Gulf Coast, the company said. The expansion project is expected to be placed into service in stages beginning in 2028. Following the anticipated completion of the additional docks in mid-2029, the refrigerated NGL export capacity at Nederland will be greater than 1.25 million bpd. Combined with the Marcus Hook NGL Export Facility capacity of 420,000 bpd (post-expansion mid-2027), Energy Transfer’s total NGL refrigerated export capacity will be approximately 1.7 million bpd.
The International Liquid Terminals Association recently honored industry leaders and recognized safety excellence during its 2026 Conference and Trade Show at the Marriott Marquis Houston. ILTA’s Safety and Leadership Awards celebrate individuals and companies whose leadership, service, and commitment to safety strengthen the liquid terminal industry. The association’s Platinum Safety Awards—ILTA’s highest safety honor— went to Intercontinental Terminals in the large-company category and Colonial Pipeline in the small-company category. These awards recognize terminal companies that go “above and beyond” in fostering a culture where safety is embedded in every level of the organization and reflected in daily operations, leadership, and decision-making, ILTA reported. “The Safety and Leadership Awards recognize the individuals and companies whose leadership and commitment continue to strengthen the liquid terminal industry,” Leakhena Swett, ILTA president, said in a news release. “We congratulate this year’s recipients for raising the bar and
Photo: ILTA
ILTA crowns terminal industry leaders and safety champions
inspiring excellence throughout the liquid terminal community.” ILTA presented its Outstanding Young Professional Award to Peter McHenry, director of operations at Sprague Operating Resources, in recognition of his professional achievements and growing impact on the industry. McHenry helped lead Sprague’s Albany Terminal to a 25-year recordable-free milestone while also partnering with the U.S. Coast Guard to strengthen cybersecurity and digital resilience across terminal operations, ILTA noted. ILTA also presented its Distinguished Service Award to Byrne Evans of IMTT and Dennis Mendenhall of Marathon Petroleum. The award recognizes Evans and Mendenhall for their years of volunteer leadership and lasting contributions to ILTA and
the liquid terminal industry. Together, they have guided the association’s Health and Safety Committee as co-chairs, supported the Education and Programming Council, and served on the Platinum Safety Award selection committee, shaping programs and initiatives that benefit all ILTA terminal members. Additionally, ILTA recognized 30 terminal member companies with 2026 ILTA Safety Excellence Awards. Recipients ranked among the top two quartiles in both leading and lagging safety indicators, demonstrating a strong commitment to workplace safety, operational discipline, and continuous improvement, the association said. These awards are based on a survey of terminal members, which this year included participation from 48 member companies.
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INDUSTRY NEWS Samsara crowns Action Resources hauler US Driver of the Year Action Resources driver Darrin J. Lonsdale, with 4.7 million accident- and ticket-free miles, is Samsara’s 2026 U.S. Driver of the Year, highlighting his commitment to safety and mentorship in the transportation industry. Photo: Samsara
Samsara recently named Darrin J. Lonsdale, an Action Resources driver with 4.7 million accident- and ticket-free miles, its 2026 U.S. Driver of the Year. The award is part of the transportation technology provider’s global Connected Operations Awards, which recognize individuals who exemplify professionalism and safety in high-stakes environments. “The winners of Samsara’s Connected Operations Awards are proof that AI represents a fundamental shift in how work gets done—one that’s already saving lives and cutting costs,” Robert Stobaugh, Samsara’s chief operating officer, said in a news release. “The submissions told stories of safer workers, more efficient operations, and real impact for communities. “What unites every winner is a team that refuses to settle, and we’re proud to work alongside them.” Lonsdale, a second-generation chemical hauler with a son who is now entering the profession, mentors up to 40 regional drivers and collaborates with refinery customers to redesign loading setups to better prevent hazardous spills. He credits Samsara’s realtime alerts for enhancing his situational awareness on the road. “Samsara gave me the awareness that I had something coming up in front of me I wouldn’t have known about otherwise, and I was able to react appropriately,” Lonsdale said in a Samsara case study, recalling an instance where the
system alerted him to a stalled vehicle when his CB radio was silent. A proactive shift in safety culture The recognition for Lonsdale comes as Birmingham, Alabama-based Action Resources—which operates 400 tractors and 800 tank trailers across 14 terminals— continues a major digital transformation. Before partnering with Samsara, the company relied on legacy telematics that offered limited visibility, making coaching reactive rather than proactive. “We did not want to start using Samsara in a negative way with our drivers,” explained Roger Howard, Action Resources director of safety. “We wanted to coach drivers, using real dashcam footage, and help them see for themselves how simple it is for them to correct these behaviors.” This approach has been critical in protecting drivers’ livelihoods, advocates agree. In 2025, AI dashcam footage exonerated a driver by proving a third-party claim of a collision was false, allowing the driver to keep his CDL and stay on the road. Operations and asset management The transition to a unified platform has also streamlined operations for the bulk hauler. Previously, tracking 800-plus trailers involved manual spreadsheets and playing “phone tag” with dispatchers. Now, the team has a live view of every asset. “With Samsara, I can see every asset and every
person associated with it, no phone tag needed,” said Danelle Feuerbacher, Action Resources operations manager. Key operational highlights include: ■ Smart trailers: Load planners can now instantly filter by trailer type—such as chemical tankers, vac trailers, or end dumps—to optimize backhauls and equipment recovery. ■ Digital permits: Lonsdale described the new Samsara Qualifications Management system as a “lifesaver” for hazmat haulers. “You just press a button, and it lists the permits that are about to expire. You have access to everything right there instead of flipping through a permit book,” he noted. ■ Asset protection: The company recently used Samsara Asset Tags to lead law enforcement directly to a stolen $20,000 piece of equipment, resulting in a full recovery. ■ Maintenance efficiency: By integrating live mileage data with Fleetrock, Action Resources saw a 36% increase in efficiency for on-time preventative maintenance. To gain buy-in from skeptical owner-operators, the safety team used fleet data to prove that reducing speed directly increased fuel savings, Howard added. “Once you start talking about money in your pocket, getting drivers to get on board to reduce their speed is pretty simple,” he concluded.
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NA SAFETY CONTEST ■ Harvison division
Peak performance
Founder Bob Heniff, at left, and VP Leon Lupina walk the walk on Heniff’s uncompromising safety vision. Photo: Heniff Transportation
Disciplined execution and unyielding rigor power Heniff’s rise to Heil glory by Jason McDaniel Shell treats pyrolysis oil, or pyoil, as a “black-banded” product,
meaning it’s a highly hazardous chemical that’s subject to the most stringent levels of health, safety, security, and environmental control. And because of its extreme risk profile, Shell doesn’t ship this feedstock over the road. Or at least it didn’t until identifying the right tank truck carrier. “We typically ship pyoil via rail, but we really wanted to think outside the box, and we wanted to see who would be a good partner to move that product into our Norco facility in Louisiana,” said Rosalinda Brinkmeyer, a terminal and road contracts manager who supports Shell’s chemical and polymer businesses. “For us, that was Heniff [Transportation Systems].
“There were unique operational requirements, and multiple organizations had to be involved in the communications, and making sure the coordination occurred. And Heniff played an essential role in that. They worked closely with us to understand the requirements, confirmed we had the proper equipment, facilitated an open dialogue throughout implementation, and, most importantly, kept us safe. That was our primary goal— and Heniff delivered.”
More than two years later, Heniff still is the only carrier cleared to handle Shell’s pyoil, which is routed by tank car to Heniff’s New Orleans facility, where the carrier transloads it to trailer for final-mile delivery. The work that went into making this ongoing feat of operational excellence possible earned Shell Chemical’s inaugural Refining Most Valuable Partners silver award. It’s also a shining example of what powered Heniff to National Tank Truck Carriers’ Harvison-division North American safety championship in the same calendar year. Achieving both wins simultaneously indicates Heniff’s strategy—weathering freight recessions through intermodal expansion, while fostering a highly
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accountable, tech-driven culture—is a blueprint for scalable success. “Safety and service sell. That’s all we have. That’s it—and that’s always been our top priority,” Heniff founder and CEO Bob Heniff said. “We’re going to be the safest, we’re going to provide the best customer service, and we’re going to create the most compelling company to do business with. “That is how we’re going to win.”
Weathering the storm Bob was busy building one of the industry’s biggest and best bulk transportation companies when Bulk Transporter last checked in on Heniff for its October 2021 cover story, “Best in Bulk.” The 2018 acquisition of Miller Transporters doubled Heniff’s size, and the 2019 purchase of Superior Bulk Logistics doubled it again, capping a series of nine pickups that transformed the Chicago-based carrier into a $600 million concern with 2,000 trucks and 5,000 trailers. Five years later, following the historic freight recession, Heniff’s fleet is about the same size, with reduced volumes and M&A activity—slowed by often “unbridgeable” double-digit dips in valuations—conspiring against equipment increases. “There was a lot of wrongly perceived hope that we were going to start rocking and rolling with the change in administration,” Bob said. “And candidly, particularly in the chemical markets, you saw how detrimental tariffs were to North American businesses, just due to the nature of chemical manufacturing. “We’ve seen many customer projects shelved because of the uncertainty.” That doesn’t mean Heniff stopped moving forward. Rather than forcing fleet growth in a depressed environment, the carrier utilized the unplanned downtime to optimize operations, enhance efficiencies, and aggressively swell intermodal capabilities. The goal was to evolve from a traditional tank truck carrier into comprehensive, one-stop bulk logistics provider by reinforcing the five pillars of its business. “Who knows
VP of Safety Leon Lupina, third from left, and the Hazel Crest, Illinois, team helped Heniff Transportation post a company-best 0.160 accident frequency en route to NTTC’s 2025 North American safety championship in the Harvison division. Photo: Heniff Transportation
what the economy will bring, but we’ve positioned ourselves to continue taking market share,” said Scott Templeman, Heniff chief operating officer. “We’re all about helping our customers with total supply chain solutions, and that includes trucking, our ISO depots and transloading services, our brokerage, and tank cleaning.” A solutions-based approach is driving massive infrastructure growth. Since acquiring Superior, Heniff has nearly doubled its transload network to 40-plus locations nationwide, with 15 offering food-grade transfers. The carrier also ventured out internationally, introduced fresh warehousing services, established new cleaning facilities, and forged sustainability partnerships—all while swelling tank storage to more than 1 million gallons in Texas alone. Yet Heniff’s managers never lost sight of the founder’s core tenets. “Yes, we won the Heil for the trucking piece, but it’s only one part of what we do,” Templeman said. “And we preach safety in every endeavor we undertake. From the drivers to the guys who clean tanks, the technicians, and the transloaders—everybody must do their job well.”
Uncompromising accountability Global petrochemical producers like Shell demand excellence. And Heniff’s ability to deliver responsible service across every business unit makes it one of Shell’s primary bulk logistics allies. The carrier hauled 1,542 chemical loads for Shell’s Norco and Geismar, Louisiana, facilities in 2025—without any on-highway incidents that endangered the motoring public. “Heniff always demonstrates safety is more than a metric,” Brinkmeyer said. “It’s part of their culture, and throughout all the work I have done with Heniff, including the pyoil project we worked on together, they’ve consistently approached every operation with professionalism.” That competency is tested daily at Shell’s Geismar plant, which is notoriously strict regarding HSSE compliance, Brinkmeyer attested, turning it into a proving ground where only the most diligent carriers thrive. And to guarantee those standards are upheld, Shell’s security team conducts Business Performance Reviews with Heniff twice per year, scrutinizing its safety performance, any incidents or rejections, and terminal communications. September/October 2026 | BulkTransporter.com 21
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NA SAFETY CONTEST ■ Harvison division “We take safety in operations very seriously,” Brinkmeyer emphasized. But true accountability goes beyond flawless execution. It’s also determined by how companies respond when challenges inevitably arise. And, in Heniff’s case, leaders don’t disappear, Brinkmeyer said. Instead, they show up, conducting joint analyses at Shell facilities, ensuring procedures are reviewed and transparently refined to prevent recurrences. “When we’re talking about protocols and compliance, there’s a lot to it, but it’s important,” said Leon Lupina, Heniff’s vice president of safety. “And in the grand scheme of things, the drivers who routinely do what’s right typically are the ones who are most successful.” Lupina would know. He entered the tanker industry in 1985 and spent 13 years as an owner-operator before transitioning to safety. Now he’s responsible for the well-being of 2,000 drivers in a role that necessitates top-down support, constant vigilance, complementary equipment and technology, and the coordinated effort of an elite team featuring Terry Kolacki, a past NTTC Safety & Security Council national chairman who came to Heniff from GLS Transport, and—until his recent retirement—Phil Gardner, who arrived via Miller. Both helped their previous employers win Heil trophies. “We didn’t have much of a safety program before Leon arrived nearly 20 years ago,” Templeman said. “But he’s
The Heniff team gathers around the trophy with NTTC and EnTrans leaders in Baltimore. Photo: Jason McDaniel | Bulk Transporter
worked very hard to nurture our culture, develop this program, and get everyone working together.”
Defending the fleet Heniff’s average length of haul is declining as intermodal moves accelerate. But load counts are up, and Heniff’s drivers still covered 113 million miles in 2025 while collectively posting a company-best 0.160 accident frequency, which translates to only 18 DOT-recordable accidents. That count initially stood at 32 incidents. But Lupina—who admits he’s both driver advocate and safety stickler—refuses to accept initial reports at face value. So he regularly utilizes internal crash analyses and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s DataQs system to reevaluate situations
and remove non-preventable accidents from drivers’ records, resulting in consistently low Compliance, Safety, Accountability scores—and elevated awards applications. “I spend a lot of time on DataQs,” Lupina said. “I look at that information all the time, basically daily, and the system has improved. I wish we could get FMCSA’s determinations faster, but that process is critical. And the companies that aren’t actively monitoring federal crash data, and challenging incidents that fit the agency’s criteria, are really missing the boat. “Not paying attention is a big mistake.” So is not taking advantage of technology. To keep incident counts low from the get-go, Heniff relies on a proactive tech stack powered by an IT team that enjoys engineering fixes for customers As its intermodal activities accelerate, Heniff has nearly doubled its transload network to more than 40 locations nationwide to offer total supply chain solutions. Heniff currently has more than 200 ISO tanks in its fleet. Photo: Heniff Transportation
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and employees alike. The in-house Heniff Connect app combines digital workflows—including proof of delivery and authority to unload—with data from AI-powered Samsara cameras and Platform Science electronic-logging devices in a user-friendly system that allows drivers to access real-time performance metrics. And custom scorecards track standard regulatory compliance like hours of service alongside business-based qualifiers, giving fleet managers the insights they need to correct behaviors with targeted training. “Joe Neal, who is our chief technology officer, and his team put in a lot of work on the front end, so the back-end work is easier for dispatchers, drivers, and our customers,” Templeman said. “That helps tremendously—ensuring we’re working smarter, not harder.” Heniff’s proprietary software is bolstered by a comprehensive arsenal of safety and communication tools, including Sentry Road modules for ongoing education, truDigital signage for vital updates, and Bendix Wingman Fusion for advanced driver assistance on Peterbilt trucks. Video data also guides legal strategy, allowing Heniff to quickly settle claims if genuinely at fault. And the carrier incentivizes expectations with robust bonuses, so drivers who meet the standard are financially rewarded for their proficiency, keeping total turnover at 33%. “Bob never says no when it comes to spending money on safety,” Lupina said.
Ultimate validation The culmination of that disciplined, data-driven strategy is the company’s
Heniff’s 25-acre Hazel Crest facility has an ISO depot, maintenance shop, and tank wash. Photo: Heniff Transportation
first championship trophy with the Heniff name etched into it, proving intermodal expansion and efficiency gains are achievable—even amid unfavorable conditions—without sacrificing stewardship. “We also won Grand awards in 2020 and 2023, when our program was as good as it was in 2025, but we didn’t win the Heil those years,” Lupina said. “So we’ve done a great job. “Winning our division three times in six years validates our approach.” While this is the first trophy to bear the Heniff nameplate, it’s actually the fifth in the combined organization’s historical lineage—joining prior wins by Miller (2006 and 2015), Superior (2013), and Lemmon Transport (1978), which Superior absorbed in 1984. Integrating those legacies, however, was no accident. Backed by private-equity owner Olympus, Bob and his board of directors share a unified, uncompromising vision for scaling the specialized logistics network. Rather than pursuing Bringing oldschool principles to modern logistics, CEO Bob Heniff—who started out managing sales and safety for his father—views the Heil championship as the next step in the company’s evolution. Photo: Heniff Transportation
“turnarounds” that require rehabilitation, the company strictly targets entities that already possess equally careful cultures. “The underlying safety standards are paramount in acquisitions,” Bob said. “I’ve done turnarounds. I won’t do one again. They take three times the energy and you still lose folks who won’t buy in. “It’s not worth the effort.” Smooth integrations better protect the public and keep soaring insurance premiums in check—a benefit compounded by Heniff utilizing its own risk retention group to self-insure third-party liability lines—providing a competitive advantage in today’s litigious environment that allows it to keep supplying award-winning service. “I’m not surprised they won,” Brinkmeyer said. “It’s well-deserved.” The only task left is to celebrate this achievement—and then prepare for what’s next. “This was the first win, but it shouldn’t be the last,” Templeman said. Not if it’s up to the man whose legacy is at stake. For Bob, capturing the industry’s highest honor simply sets a new baseline as Heniff attempts to capitalize on slowly improving circumstances. “At first, it was a relief,” Bob said of his initial reaction to the Heil breakthrough. “But, really, it’s just the evolution. It’s our turn now. I truly believe we’ve improved upon those championship legacies over time—and we’re not content. We’re always striving to be better.” BT September/October 2026 | BulkTransporter.com 23
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NA SAFETY CONTEST ■ Sutherland division
Ultimate vindication Accelerated Partner certification sparks Usher’s latest championship run by Jason McDaniel
Usher Transport has secured Heil trophies in three consecutive decades.
Usher Transport is unique. So is the road it traveled to Responsible
Usher’s leaders say cementing Partner status in the same year they claimed their third Heil trophy was a key factor in the company’s award-winning success. But it certainly wasn’t the only one. The carrier also applies a thorough, standard-setting interview process to ensure only the most qualified prospects join their team; offers safety bonuses and chaplain services as part of their pledge to care for drivers’ well-being; and leverages Motive cameras and artificial intelligence-generated data in an “intimate,” non-punitive approach to performance improvement that includes ongoing training—and produces some of the best drivers in the industry. “They have consistent drivers who they treat very well, and you can tell immediately the difference between an Usher driver and the other carriers’ drivers,” said Deidra Collins, operations
Care Partner certification. The Kentucky-based tank truck carrier is one of only two companies in the program’s 34-year history to complete the rigorous process in the accelerated one-year window the American Chemistry Council allows candidates in their second attempt at accreditation. “It was professionally gratifying to see them return,” said Greg Rhoads, a senior ACC advisor who manages the Partner program. “Usher already had a strong safety program. That’s true. But they learned some things about themselves by going through the process. They saw gaps they hadn’t seen before, made changes, and they improved— and that’s the value of the program.” The rewards extend far beyond a plaque on the wall. For Usher, certification enhanced safety performance and increased access to leading petrochemical manufacturers, many of whom
require RCP participation to haul their loads. And, in Usher’s compelling case, the process propelled the fleet to another National Tank Truck Carriers North American safety championship, the carrier’s first as one of 43 RCP-certified companies in the program’s bulk-sector category—more than a third of which have claimed NTTC’s top safety honor at some point. “That isn’t by happenstance,” Rhoads said. “It’s by design. These are all excellent companies, so it makes me smile to see them recognized.”
Photo: Anna Matthews | Usher Transport
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manager at Chevron’s Louisville lubricants plant. “They always pay attention to the details, they’re accountable, and many of them are like family because they’ve been coming here for years.”
The winning blueprint Usher emerged as champion of the Sutherland division, which includes carriers who traveled fewer than 15 million miles, despite carrying the most exposure in the group as the division’s highest-mileage Grand award winner. Usher delivered nearly 90,000 loads and covered almost 14 million miles with only two DOT-recordable incidents—one of which was ruled internally as non-preventable—for an accident frequency of 0.152 per million miles. Neither incident occurred in Kentucky—where Usher maintains three terminals and annually records the most miles. “Our goal is to win the Heil trophy every year, and not just so we can show off the hardware,” Usher COO Eric Mink said. “That’s great, too, but if every year we’re striving to be the safest tank truck carrier in North America, we’re going to be in the top 2-3%, whether we win that award or not.” RCP certification improved Usher’s chances this year, Mink added, forcing them to recalibrate how new products are evaluated. “Previously, we reviewed
The Usher Transport crew celebrates their uplifting achievement by hoisting CRO Beau Mosley off his feet. Photo: Anna Matthews | Usher Transport
the Safety Data Sheet to ensure we had the right equipment,” he shared. “But we didn’t consider the safety of the driver, as far as respiratory dangers or other issues involved with handling the product. “Documenting that process gave us a whole new peace of mind.” From there, the main concern for Beau Mosley, Usher’s chief risk officer, was making sure the team’s hard work was captured in their Heil submission—a tall task to be sure, but one that pales in comparison to the humbling, year-long “gut check” required for RCP certification. “I put 40-plus hours into filling out that application, because our people, and especially our drivers,
did the work to earn this award from a numbers perspective,” Mosley said. “So I wanted to make sure I did my part to secure the recognition they deserve by putting in the time and effort to optimize our submission.” That dedication is intentional, too. It’s the foundation of Usher’s broader corporate philosophy—which dictates an uncompromising approach to building championship-caliber operations. “Being people-focused is not about being tolerant,” cautioned Ryan Usher, Usher president and CEO, who’s also a certified Air Force instructor. “It’s about being relentless. You must ensure the right people are in the organization, and that necessitates tough choices. “Then you take care of your people— and they will take care of the mission.”
A shipper’s-eye view
CRO Beau Mosley insisted CEO Ryan Usher join him on stage to accept Usher Transport’s 2025 North American safety championship at NTTC’s Annual Conference in Baltimore. Photo: Jason McDaniel | Bulk Transporter
Chevron’s bulk lubricants operation on the Ohio River in Louisville’s Rubbertown area includes 100 storage tanks and 30 employees. As the facility’s primary transporter, Usher annually hauls out 2,500 tank trailers filled with Chevron products—all of which are loaded by Usher’s dedicated drivers, who even help train competitors on plant procedures. The drivers are so ingrained in the operation that Chevron treats them like family—inviting them to company events and gifting them the same T-shirts employees receive. Collins September/October 2026 | BulkTransporter.com 25
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NA SAFETY CONTEST ■ Sutherland division specifically noted veteran drivers and long-time managers feel like direct extensions of her own team. “We’ve talked about moving to a model where our employees load the trucks,” Collins revealed. “But that would add costs, with increased head count and oversight, so we truly appreciate the relationship with Usher. “We don’t have to worry about it because the trust factor is there.” That deep-rooted reliability extends well beyond the loading rack. If a mechanical or quality issue arises, neither party points fingers, Collins said. Instead, they work together to troubleshoot the problem. “If there’s a mistake, they don’t run from it,” Collins said. “We can own it—and they can, too.” Sustained accountability recently helped Usher claim Chevron’s Bulk Lubricants Carrier of the Year award for the third time in four years—an honor that factors in safety, cost competitiveness, and feedback from local plants. And, while Collins admits she initially was unaware of Usher’s latest NTTC safety accolade, she insists logistics teams “absolutely” pay attention to high-level industry honors when negotiating contracts. “I’ve told them they should toot their own horn more, because I’m so proud of them—and we want to celebrate their achievements, too,” Collins said.
Previous NTTC Driver of the Year winner Dave Powell ensures Usher’s youngest Heil trophy is buckled in for a ride along. Photo: Anna Matthews | Usher Transport
Third-generation leader Bill Usher Jr., at left, and fourth-generation CEO Ryan Usher have a shared commitment to safety, resulting in two Heil trophies in the last 15 years. Photo: Anna Matthews | Usher Transport
And shippers who view carriers as partners worth celebrating—rather than line-item expenses—are exactly the customers Usher’s leadership team wants to attract in a volatile freight market. “We want to be quality-focused—and not all about price in terms of customer relationships,” Ryan explained.
Generational validation The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II in May that freight brokers can be sued under state negligence laws for hiring unsafe motor carriers, placing a renewed spotlight on broker and shipper responsibilities in carrier vetting—and what qualifies as a “passing grade” with price-focused shippers. “We’ve always had marks on safety, so I’ve asked shippers, do you pay attention to safety performance? Are you looking for an ‘A’ student—or one with a passing grade?” Mink relayed. “Unfortunately, all too often, I hear, ‘We just need a ‘C’ student.’ “Now, when you tell them you’re a Responsible Care member, that really gets their attention.” The Montgomery ruling, combined with the increasing threat of “thermonuclear” jury verdicts, has “flipped the script,” he argued, turning elite credentials like RCP certification and Heil trophy wins into a critical “arrow in the quiver” for carriers like Usher who are operating responsibly.
The timing only intensifies Ryan’s appreciation. Usher’s leader was still a kid when his father and uncle shared stories about their inspirational 2001 safety championship, and he was a dispatcher at Usher’s Atlanta terminal when they repeated in 2013, but those memories are still fresh. And winning again in 2025 proves the family business—which this year celebrated its 80th anniversary— is heading in the right direction. “I feel as proud today as I did when I was a kid,” Ryan said. “This is validation that we’re resetting the company after a generational transition exactly how we intended. “We’re doing what we promised we’d do.” Usher’s unwavering commitment to excellence in all endeavors makes it a destination employer for people like CFO Wilson Tucker, who joined the company in 2022. And with the legal landscape actively shifting to penalize safety negligence, Tucker believes Usher’s uncompromising standards are poised to pay serious dividends. “Shippers are looking for people that are more legitimate, and we’re the gold standard of legitimacy,” Tucker concluded. “So, I think it’s going to push some carriers out—and it definitely puts us in the driver’s seat. “Really, it’s vindication for our approach.” BT
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NA SAFETY CONTEST ■ Private-fleet division
Absolute accountability
Elite oversight and gamified metrics fuel SWTO’s journey to the top by Jason McDaniel
The SWTO team proudly displays their championship hardware in front of a specially wrapped tank trailer. Photos: SWTO
The modern world requires a staggering amount of fuel to keep
moving. In 2025 alone, SWTO, the private fleet for 7-Eleven and its integrated fuel supplier, SEI Fuels, put 2.1 billion gallons of motor fuel into the ground. Transporting such massive volumes takes a fleet of 225 power units, 245 DOT 406 tank trailers, and 525 drivers—who last year combined to deliver 235,000 loads and travel 25.5 million miles across the fleet’s footprint, which spans the Southeast United States and Texas, with more than 40 operational locales. That’s why managing all this while staying the safest private tank truck fleet in North America is a feat worth celebrating. Now it’s forever enshrined within a prestigious Heil trophy. The company’s dual focus on high-volume service and unwavering precision
powered SWTO to one of three National Tank Truck Carriers North American safety championships, earning it the 2025 private-fleet title. “The SWTO 2.0 transformation allowed us to scale the business while maintaining a high standard of safety performance,” said Archie Wood, director of transport operations for SWTO. “In many growth scenarios, companies experience a degradation of safety performance, so it was important for us to maintain and improve our safety performance while scaling out the business. The 2.0 business plan allowed us
to build our organizational structure to support growth and maintain or improve our safety performance. It was not an either-or—it was a both.” SWTO’s championship run didn’t happen overnight. The company began participating in NTTC’s safety contest in 2021 and quickly earned a Grand award for elite safety performance in its mileage class—a year before the association added a private-fleet division. Participating in the contest offered SWTO an inside look at the evaluation process, which shaped its safety controls, Wood says. He also reached out to prior winners for guidance, drawing on the expertise of Chris Pape, vice president of safety and training for nine-time grand champion Groendyke
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y SWTO’s Archie Wood flashes a smile and gives a thumbs up for safety at NTTC’s 2026 Annual Conference in Baltimore. Photos: Jason McDaniel | Bulk Transporter
SWTO’s comprehensive Samsara camera system utilizes inward- and outward-facing lenses alongside up to six auxiliary cameras to monitor activities and coach risky behaviors. Photos: SWTO
Transport. And the collaborative nature of the tanker industry was on full display when SWTO’s win was revealed at the 2025 NTTC Annual Conference. “Chris and [G&D Trucking/Hoffman Transportation COO] Jerry Curl were the first two people to offer their congratulations when SWTO was announced as the private-fleet champ,” Wood said. “I appreciate their contributions to our industry—and their willingness to share best practices.”
Scaling a ‘Center of Excellence’ Backed by a 7-Eleven leadership team that provides robust support for topof-the-line equipment and technology, SWTO completely restructured its approach to risk management. The crown jewel of this transformation is the Fleet Safety Center of Excellence, an initiative designed to add specialized safety expertise without separating it from daily fleet operations. The center sits at the nexus of highly specialized industry expertise, strict regulatory processes, and advanced safety technology. To help lead this initiative, SWTO named Ronnie McCoy its fleet safety, compliance, and safety manager in April 2023. McCoy possesses an extensive background in the industry; he began his career as a driver before transitioning into fleet safety, where he spent several years working under
legendary safety executive Bob Heinish at Eagle Transport. But even with the best leadership and structure in place, the organization knows safety ultimately relies on the personnel. “At SWTO, training and safety are inseparable,” said Melissa Sieradzki, 7-Eleven’s senior human resources manager. “While equipment, technology, and policies all play an important role, the foundation of a strong safety culture begins with hiring the right people and continuously investing in their development. We focus on selecting professional drivers who demonstrate sound judgment, accountability, and commitment to safe operations.” This continuous investment ensures drivers are prepared for unpredictable roadway variables. “Safety training is the foundation of a strong safety culture,” added Matt Hodges, SWTO fleet manager in Lubbock, Texas. “It gives drivers and employees the knowledge, skills, and confidence to recognize hazards, make sound decisions, and respond appropriately in challenging situations. In a transportation operation, training is not a one-time event—it’s a continuous process of coaching, reinforcement, and development.” To elevate this foundation, SWTO is rolling out “fleetSMART PRO,” a refresh of its safety management and
responsibility training. The program standardizes driver training across the enterprise while allowing local operations to comply with terminal-specific requirements, Wood explained. It includes a customized Certified Driver Trainer (CDT) program developed in partnership with Luma Brighter Learning CEO Dr. Gina Anderson, as well as Smith System eLearning for new hires. To ensure top-down alignment, all regional transportation managers are Smith System-certified.
Technology and ‘competify-ing’ A major pillar in the Center of Excellence is SWTO’s video-based safety management program. Under McCoy’s guidance, the carrier implemented a comprehensive Samsara camera system that utilizes inward- and outward-facing lenses, alongside up to six auxiliary cameras mounted on the sides and rear of vehicles. “SWTO is better able to monitor our drivers’ activities behind the wheel, as well as their loading and unloading activities, for opportunities to identify, coach, learn, and correct risky behaviors, hopefully before they lead to an accident, incident, or injury,” McCoy said. This repetitive, four-pronged strategy led to a 100% improvement in Samsara driver scores within the first six months of deployment, Wood attested. To further September/October 2026 | BulkTransporter.com 29
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NA SAFETY CONTEST ■ Private-fleet division drive these numbers, SWTO leaned into a gamification concept he refers to as “competify-ing,” or utilizing objective performance metrics to turn safe driving into a friendly competition. The “Driven by Excellence” recognition program provides the scoreboard, allowing drivers to view anonymous safety scores alongside their peers and sparking a natural desire to climb the leaderboard. “Everyone wants to be the best, and most people think they are, so having a scoring system that spotlights the safest, most reliable, and efficient drivers really works,” said Chris Barnes, SWTO regional transportation manager. “Suddenly, safety conversations became easier. Instead of chasing down drivers to address risky behaviors, the drivers are coming to me.”
Observation, authority, and the ‘Gold Oval’ SWTO pairs its high-tech tools with hands-on engagement. “The Fleet Safety Observation Program is where the fleet managers, regional transportation managers, safety managers, and even our director of transport operations all get in the trucks and run loads with our drivers,” Barnes noted. “This is the perfect oneon-one training that drives changes in behaviors, reduces bad habits, and reinforces expectations.” Furthermore, every employee possesses “stop-work authority,” granting them the absolute right to immediately pause operations if a hazard is identified. “Training is the foundation of safe operations,” said Nicky Yelverton, SWTO fleet manager for North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. “Even the best policies and procedures are ineffective if employees can’t understand or apply them in real-world situations.” This meticulous method shows in the data. SWTO posted a 0.237 accident frequency in 2025. While the fleet initially had more DOT-recordable crashes, aggressive use of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s DataQs process saw many of those
SWTO driver Jefferson Benjamin, a member of the fleet’s prestigious Gold Oval Club, wears the emblem recognizing his 10 consecutive years of safe driving with pride. Photos: SWTO
incidents removed from their record, Wood indicated. SWTO’s crash review team utilized the National Safety Council’s preventability criteria to evaluate the remaining incidents, and determine which ones were preventable. And, after noticing many of their recent non-preventable crashes were rear-end collisions, leaders installed Intellistop pulsating brake lamp modules and a ring of red LED brake lights on the rear of trailers to improve visibility. Drivers who consistently navigate these hazards without incident are inducted into SWTO’s Gold Oval Club— an exclusive honor for those who achieve 10 consecutive years of safe driving. Inductees are treated to a blazer ceremony and receive a special patch for their uniform and professional headshots. “It’s a tremendous accomplishment,” said driver Jefferson Benjamin, a Gold Oval Club member. “Having that gold oval on your uniform is amazing and something no one can take from you. It comes with plenty of pressure because you must lead by example. “The Gold Oval serves as a visual reminder to other drivers that attention to safety doesn’t go unrecognized.”
Validating the work Winning the Heil trophy is the ultimate industry validation of the fleet’s comprehensive, culture-wide effort. “This award means far more than simply having a low accident rate,” Yelverton said. “It validates the dedication and hard work of everyone in the
organization—from our drivers and technicians to frontline supervisors and leadership teams. It demonstrates that safety is not just a priority at SWTO; it is a core value embedded in our daily operations.” For McCoy, the award is the culmination of a career-long pursuit. “It’s tremendously gratifying and humbling to earn this award,” McCoy said. “It is, by far, the most coveted award a tank truck operator can receive. Winning it, when competing with such well-known and successful carriers, is full justification for all we do to be the safest motor carrier on the road.” To celebrate the achievement across the enterprise, SWTO commissioned First Gear to produce a replica 2025 NTTC Grand Champion toy truck—featuring a full tank wrap—to give to every employee. Yet, for a company dedicated to continuous improvement, the celebration is brief. Safety never sleeps—and the work of protecting the public restarts each day. “This award is great recognition for our professional drivers, front-line support staff, and leadership,” Wood concluded. “It validates that we are doing things the right way for the right reasons—our ‘why’ is to ensure we get our folks home at the end of every shift. Speaking frankly, within 30 minutes of the award being announced, I found myself in my hotel room, reviewing videos, reviewing daily operational issues, and focusing on how we do it all over again.” BT
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EVENT PREVIEW ■ Tank Truck Week
Competitive edge Industry leaders look to turn challenges into advantages in Oklahoma City by Jason McDaniel
Tank Truck Week 2026 is slated for Sept. 27-30 at the Oklahoma City Convention Center. Photo: Oklahoma City Convention Center
Economic factors, including tariff uncertainty and
global oil supply, collided with accelerating AI capabilities last year, creating a perfect storm of confusion that continues to cloud market outlooks. Now bulk haulers are looking for a little clarity entering 2027. National Tank Truck Carriers staff will do their best to deliver at Tank Truck Week 2026 in Oklahoma City, where this year’s theme is built around turning challenges into competitive advantages by deep diving into the operational realities facing today’s fleets, including accelerating equipment costs, rapidly evolving technologies, and geopolitical tensions that are out of their control. The three-day event is designed to help carriers navigate an increasingly complex landscape through collaborative committee meetings, educational sessions, and supplier presentations—all capped by the Safety & Security Council’s Annual Awards Banquet. Tank Truck Week 2026 is set for Sept. 27-30 at the Oklahoma City Convention Center. “We are focused on real-world business applications and pulling in as many subject-matter experts as possible to provide valuable content across the board,” NTTC President and CEO Ryan Streblow said. “But the other topic is one none of us can
get away from; and really, we haven’t been able to for some time, but it’s exploded as of late—and that’s artificial intelligence. “So those two factors are driving forces behind this year’s content.” Economic volatility and the digital revolution serve as the backdrop for a program designed to provide actionable solutions. Whether it’s preserving institutional insights through technical training, exploring the safety implications of emerging tech, or networking inside a jam-packed exhibit hall, the industry’s largest event is engineered to ensure carriers leave with a distinct market advantage.
Bridging the gap: From spec’ing to safety A highly anticipated addition to the 2026 agenda is a “Tank Spec’ing 101” session, a first for Tank Truck Week. Streblow highlighted a growing concern among membership regarding the loss of legacy knowledge as veterans retire; and said the association is taking steps to address those concerns now. “We have so many new people in this industry, and that legacy information, unless it’s verbally transferred from one person to the next, often is lost in translation,” Streblow said. An expert panel will cover fundamental equipment applications, from welds and suspensions to lighting and components, helping carriers spend capital more effectively.
Pe 80
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The event also remains the premier destination for safety professionals. Streblow said the gathering facilitates a unique “poetry in motion” where safety experts from competing fleets come together to help everyone improve. This focus on excellence is personified by keynote speaker Hilary Knight, a U.S. women’s hockey Olympic gold medalist. “She’s a champion through and through,” Streblow enthused. “When we talk about decision making and work ethic, she’s got a lot to share.” The safety awards banquet, set for 6 p.m. Sept. 30, will celebrate individual and team success in safety. The dinner includes a presentation from guest speaker Marty Barr, president and CEO of The Phoenix Charity, which reigning Driver of the Year Bruce Jones selected as the recipient of this year’s NTTC donation in the grand champion’s honor.
TTW 2026 features dozens of meetings and educational sessions. Photo: Jason McDaniel | Bulk Transporter
A sold-out showcase of innovation Nearly three-fourths of the space available inside the Oklahoma Convention Center’s 200,000-sq.-ft. exhibit hall sold out within 24 hours of opening, Streblow said, an indication of “unprecedented” demand. More than 90 exhibitors had signed up before this issue was printed. “We’ve had power-unit OEMs that haven’t been with us for years coming back and saying, ‘We need to be part of this,’” Streblow said. “So it’s amazing to see the level of support across the board.”
NTTC once again welcomes a distinguished sports star as keynote. Photo: Jason McDaniel | Bulk Transporter
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EVENT PREVIEW ■ Tank Truck Week Attendees also will receive critical updates on new initiatives like the Tank Truck Institute launch and the association’s partnership with Wreaths Across America. The TTI foundation, chaired by Luma Brighter Learning CEO Dr. Gina Anderson, is focused on education and workforce development, which Streblow says will have a beneficial long-term impact on the industry’s image.
Regulatory and economic outlooks The 2026 program is rounded out by high-level regulatory and economic updates. Paul Roberti, administrator for the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, will address attendees during a general session, providing a
Nearly 100 exhibitors will fill the conventioncenter floor with tankers and new tech. Photo: Jason McDaniel | Bulk Transporter
status report on the agency’s activity. Additionally, the U.S. Energy Information Administration will provide a forecast on the energy outlook, a strategic addition meant to help carriers prepare for global energy influences that impact both business and daily operations. BT
2026 Agenda schedule Sunday, Sept. 27 • 4-5:30 p.m.: Cargo Tank Risk Management Committee (CTRMC) meeting • 4:15-5:15 p.m.: Young Executives and first-time attendee event • 5:30-7 p.m.: Political Action Committee (PAC) reception Monday, Sept. 28 • 8:30-9:30 a.m.: Dry Bulk and Food Grade Committee meeting, featuring committee chairman Jerry Curl, G&D/Hoffman • 9:45-10:45 a.m.: Chemical Committee meeting, featuring committee chairwoman Tanya Rogers, KAG • 11 a.m.-noon: Workforce Development Committee meeting, featuring committee chairwoman Bailey Glendenning-Stark, Glendenning Brothers • 1-2 p.m.: Energy Services Committee meeting, featuring committee chairman Patrick Usher, Usher Transport, and guest speaker Tim Hess, the EIA’s short-term energy outlook product manager • 2:15-3:15 p.m.: Advocacy Committee meeting, featuring committee chairman Hans Schaupp, LCL Bulk • 3:30-4:30 p.m.: General session • 4:30-6:30 p.m.: Exhibit hall open, ACT 1 grand opening reception Tuesday, Sept. 29 • 8:30-9:30 a.m.: Regional Safety and Security Council roundtables • 9:45-11:30 a.m.: General session and keynote speaker— PHMSA update by Paul Roberti, PHMSA administrator; and keynote from Hilary Knight, a U.S. women’s hockey Olympic gold medalist • 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.: Exhibit hall open • 2-3 p.m.: Board of Directors meeting (invite only) • 3:15-4 p.m.: Educational sessions—“NTSB Report:
Cargo Tank Combination Vehicle Rollover and Release in Teutopolis” with NTSB’s Shawn Currie; “Managing Risk in Tanker Truck Operations” with Avatar Management Services’ Mark Garner; and a tank wash and maintenance session • 4-4:45 p.m.: Educational sessions—“The 85% Problem: Preventing Tire Failures Before They Cost You a Load” with Viaduct’s Arnaud Bayce and Dunlop Tires’ Jacob Koo; a Safety and Security session; and a tank wash and maintenance session • 4:30-6:30 p.m.: Exhibit hall open Wednesday, Sept. 30 • 9:45-10:30 a.m.: Educational sessions—“From Algorithm to Accident: Are We Ready? (An AI Interactive Tabletop Exercise)” with CyberGeist Security’s Robert Renzulli and CargoCheck’s Kathy Green; “Insurance Costs in Trucking: Trends, Benchmarks, and Risk Management Strategies” with ATRI’s Alex Leslie; and a tank wash and maintenance session • 10:45-11:30 a.m.: Educational sessions—“Inside the Winner’s Circle: Pulling Back the Curtain on the Industry’s Premier Safety Contest” with Bulk Transporter’s Jason McDaniel, CVSA’s Bill Reese, Matt Wise’s Great West, and Heniff’s Leon Lupina; an operational session; and a tank wash and maintenance session • 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.: Exhibit hall open • 1:30-2:30 p.m.: Tank Maintenance and Cleaning Council meeting, featuring council chairman Doug Vineyard, Highway Transport • 2:45-3:45 p.m.: Safety and Security Council meeting, featuring council chairman Dan Wright, KAG • 6-8:30 p.m.: Annual Safety and Security Council banquet (Reception 6-6:30 p.m., Dinner and awards 6:308:30 p.m.), featuring guest speaker Marty Barr, Phoenix Charity president and CEO
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2026 Exhibitors list (as of 08/11/2026) Company Booth
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Alumitank/Blend A. Stucki AJA Tanks Alkon AnyTrek APSCO Austin Hose Avatar Management Services B&R Repair Betts Industries (See ad p.14) BeyondTrucks BTI (Bulk Tank, Inc.) Butterworth CarrierEdge Civacon Comptank Corporate Chaplains D&W Diesel DCI (See ad p.31) Direct Dimension Dixon Bayco (See ad p.38) Drivers Headquarters Eco Flaps EES Consulting EnTrans International (See ad p.44) ERTS Essentra (Outsert) Eyes That Ride Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Fleetpal FleetPride
Fort Vale Gardner Denver Garnet Instruments (See ad p.13) Girard Equipment Global Tank Guttman Energy Hart Industries (See ad p.39) Hendrickson (See ad p.15) High Quality Truck Parts Hutchens Industries Intellistop The Jack Olsta Company Jikoh Mfg. Jost International Kraft Tank Liquid Surge Control Littlejohn Tank & Equipment LPG Energy Services Luma Brighter Learning MAC LTT (See ad p.9) Midwest Hose & Specialty Mosherflo Pumps NuLine PakEnergy Paragon Tank Truck Equipment Pelican Peterson Manufacturing Platform Science Poly-Coat Systems Premier Truck Group Pronoss
PT Coupling 806 Quality Repair Solutions 524 Republic Services 708 RETESA 1307 RMC Engineering 1202 Roper Pump Company 1102 SAF-Holland 711 Scully Signal Company 818 Solimar Pneumatics 1401 Spraying Systems (See ad p.11) 506 507 STE (See ad p.17) Stuart Tank Sales 1110 TankTronicks 1502 Team Drive Away 411 Toolbox Forms 419 Total Control Systems 707 Toyo Tires USA 1500 Trailer Transit 812 TransQuip USA 822 Tremcar (See ad p.7) 201 TRIARC Tank 413 UltraFlo 1410 Unibloc Hygienic Technologies 518/520 Viking Pump 828 Vortox Air Technology Australia (See ad p.19) 330 Wabash 1239 Webb Wheel 731 1017/1019 Werts Welding (See ad p.27) West-Mark 1634 Wreaths Across America 1108 Zistos 719
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EQUIPMENT NEWS Exosent Engineering earns 2026 NPGA Safety Award The National Propane Gas Association recently honored LPG transport manufacturer Exosent Engineering with its 2026 NPGA Safety Award for “distinguished service to the cause of safety in the propane industry.” Exosent received the award earlier this month at NPGA’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C. “President UV Doron and his team at Exosent relentlessly focus on
improving operational safety while reducing driver fatigue and stress and improving vehicle stability,” the association said in a LinkedIn post. “Exosent equipment combines cutting-edge structural integrity, driver-centered ergonomics, and superior handling—resulting in safer operations and reduced risk.”
Doron celebrated the honor on social media, saying it’s a reflection of what they work toward every day: building “propane transport and bobtail equipment that makes drivers safer, reduces fatigue, and raises the standard” for the tank truck industry. “Our low center-of-gravity tank design delivers 30% greater rollover stability,” Doron said. “Our advanced aluminum perforated baffles reduce slosh so dramatically that drivers consistently tell us these trailers pull smoother than anything else on the road. “Every design decision we make starts with the person behind the wheel.” In a follow-up interview with Bulk Transporter, Doron said the award proves his MC-331 tankers and bobtails are “a big deal” when it comes to real-world safety impacts, and puts the company “on the map” with fleets who hadn’t yet heard of Exosent’s innovative designs; and also shared updates on the company’s growth, including its expanding distribution network. “This innovation is changing the industry,” Doron asserted. “It’s making drivers’ lives much better.” The award comes during a period of expansion for the Navasota, Texas-based manufacturer. Since Bulk Transporter first visited Exosent’s facility for an April 2023 story, the company has sold nearly 150 of its highly specialized trailers once considered an industry novelty. And that success is particularly notable given the recent weakness in the broader market for crude, gasoline, and chemical trailers. Doron described 2024 as a “stellar year” and noted 2025 delivered a 20% increase in business. That momentum has continued into 2026, with mid-year numbers rivaling total output in 2024, he shared. To support this demand, the company is expanding its distribution network, including a new partnership with The Jack Olsta Co.—which has moved approximately 20 units over the last nine months—and a new distributor in New England. Exosent also is investing in its manufacturing capabilities to maintain quality and meet rising demand for its designs. The facility recently added a CNC mill to machine its own nozzles in-house, as well as a secondary machine for pressing tank heads, Doron said.
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EQUIPMENT NEWS TerraVest expands tanker footprint with SPV acquisition
Truck-Lite secures FMCSA pulsating brake lamp exemption
TerraVest Industries recently acquired Superior Pressure Vessels (SPV), a Canadian manufacturer of pressurized transport tanks and trailers. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, SPV is a well-known manufacturer of pressurized tank trailers serving the Canadian market. The company, Photo: SPV which also services tankers, has a loyal brand following, a reputation for quality, and has been in business for over 45 years, TerraVest reported. “SPV further enhances our manufacturing capabilities and competitiveness in our Compressed Gas Equipment division,” TerraVest CEO Dustin Haw said in a news release. “I would like to welcome the owner of SPV, Byron Dyck, and all the employees of SPV to TerraVest.” TerraVest, a publicly traded manufacturer of transportation equipment also headquartered in Canada, last year acquired EnTrans International and its tank trailer brands, including Heil Trailer and Polar Tank, along with LBT and Tankcon in separate deals for a combined $582 million. Additionally, EnTrans acquired B&R Repair earlier this summer in an expansion of its tank trailer service capabilities.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recently granted Truck-Lite a five-year exemption allowing motor carriers to install its auxiliary amber brake-activated pulsating lamps on the rear of commercial motor vehicles. The decision, effective through June 3, 2031, permits the use of Truck-Lite and sister company ECCO’s lighting systems to supplement the steady-burning red brake lamps required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. The agency determined the technology likely achieves a level of safety equivalent to or greater than existing regulations, according to a notice posted in the Federal Register on June 3. The move is the agency’s latest attempt to address a critical safety gap made worse by distracted driving using pulsating brake lamp technology. FMCSA data indicates large trucks are three times more likely than other vehicles to be struck in the rear in fatal crashes—and tank trailers, which must stop at railroad crossings, are among the most vulnerable vehicles. Operational and technical requirements: ■ Pulsating logic: The auxiliary lamps must be amber and function as a Class II strobe, pulsating for up to 4 seconds upon brake application before transitioning to a steady red signal for the duration of the braking event. ■ Approved mounting: Fleets can use several configurations, including an upper pair centered near the identification lamps, a single lower lamp on or below the rear sill, or a combination of both. ■ Safety rationale: Research by both FMCSA and NHTSA has shown that pulsating or modulated lighting is more effective at capturing the attention of following drivers than steady-burning lamps, potentially reducing the frequency of rear-end collisions caused by distraction or poor visibility. Industry Context: Building on proven safety precedents This decision for Truck-Lite is the latest in a series of similar exemptions granted by the agency, reflecting a growing regulatory consensus on the safety benefits of enhanced rear signaling. ■ Groendyke Transport: Groendyke secured the industry’s first pulsating brake lamp exemption in April 2019. The carrier’s internal data provided a strong foundation for future waivers, showing that 632 tank trailers equipped with auxiliary amber pulsating lamps experienced 33.7% fewer rear-end collisions compared to trailers using only standard red lamps. As of 2023, Groendyke had equipped 93% of its fleet with the technology. ■ National Tank Truck Carriers: In November 2025, FMCSA renewed a five-year exemption for NTTC members through Oct. 8, 2030. This waiver allows tank trailer operators to use either red or amber auxiliary pulsating lamps in upper-center or dual-outboard positions. Member fleets, including Gemini Motor Transport and ADM Trucking, reported improved visibility and fewer accidents following implementation. ■ Grote Industries: Grote’s exemption for amber brake-activated auxiliary pulsating lamps was also renewed in November 2025 and is effective through Dec. 2, 2030. Major fleets like Amazon and Schneider National supported this renewal, citing significant reductions in rear-end collisions after equipping their vehicles with Grote’s lighting systems.
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Fastweigh, a provider of software for bulk material operations, recently unveiled a refreshed brand, including a new logo, visual identity, and website. Founded in 1988, the company has grown from a scale ticketing solution into a cloud-based operations platform serving aggregate, asphalt, waste, and other bulk material producers, the company reported. Since launching its cloud platform in 2015, Fastweigh has expanded to support customers across the United States, including large producers with complex plant, dispatch, billing, and reporting workflows. “I am thrilled with how this branding update has captured who Fastweigh is and where we are going,” Fastweigh CEO Caitlin Pomeroy said in a news release. “Our customers’ operations have evolved, and so have we. The new look represents our commitment to being the technology partner this industry deserves; one that stays practical and modern while drawing on decades of understanding how the work actually gets done.” The rebrand caps a year of momentum, the company said. In November, Fastweigh appointed Pomeroy as chief executive officer, bringing experience leading similar niche vertical software companies through periods of scale and customer-focused growth. She works alongside co-founders Steve Rasmussen and Mike Mendiola, and Head of Product Eric Wilhite, as the company invests in its platform and expands its leadership team, including the recent addition of Andrew Sabin as head of finance. Following this branding update, Fastweigh plans to introduce a unified web portal and scale application with AI-enabled in-app customization capabilities.
TreadSense rolls out tire intelligence platform
Photo: TreadSense
Fastweigh software rebrands to reflect growth in bulk operations
every tire while providing data we can actually use to make better maintenance decisions. “It’s helping us improve efficiency, increase accountability, and be more proactive instead of reactive.” In addition to recording tread depth, TreadSense is expanding its platform with new capabilities, including tire wear pattern recognition, predictive tire replacement forecasting, casing management, and maintenance analytics. By integrating tire intelligence into existing fleet maintenance workflows, the platform is designed to help fleets reduce operating costs while improving safety and compliance. Built specifically for commercial transportation, TreadSense is designed for truckload, refrigerated, bulk, private, vocational, and dedicated fleets seeking a more data-driven approach to tire management.
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TreadSense recently introduced a mobile tire intelligence platform designed to help commercial trucking fleets modernize one of the industry’s most manual and inconsistent maintenance processes—tire inspections. Using the LiDAR sensors built into compatible Apple iPhone Pro and iPad Pro devices, TreadSense captures highly accurate tread depth measurements in seconds while creating a digital record of each tire throughout its service life, the company reported. The platform gives maintenance, safety, and operations teams consistent tire condition data that supports proactive maintenance decisions, improves inspection accuracy, and increases fleet visibility. The technology is designed for use in yard inspections, preventive maintenance, and pre- and post-trip inspections, enabling fleets to identify tire issues before they result in roadside breakdowns, costly emergency replacements, or unnecessary downtime. Meiborg Companies is among the fleets implementing TreadSense as part of its maintenance and safety operations. “Our maintenance team has always understood the importance of accurate tire data, but consistency has been one of the biggest challenges,” Zach Meiborg, Meiborg owner and CEO, said in a news release. “TreadSense gives us a faster, standardized way to inspect
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EQUIPMENT NEWS Hendrickson targets tank trailer payload efficiency With more than 70% of U.S. fleets already transitioning to air suspensions, bulk transporters are increasingly turning to integrated designs to balance weight savings with the durability required for liquid and dry bulk operations. Hendrickson’s Intraax series, led by the AAT and AANT models, provides a single-source, fully integrated suspension, axle, and brake system specifically engineered for the rigorous demands of tankers and specialty trailers. Optimizing payload for bulk haulers For weight-conscious liquid tanker and grain hopper operations, the Intraax AANT 23K utilizes a tapered-beam design that reduces suspension weight by more than 35 lbs., according to Hendrickson. This system incorporates LDA Large-Diameter Axle technology to increase structural stiffness and payload potential while supporting improved tire wear and fuel economy compared to traditional 5-in. axles. For heavy-duty and versatile applications, the Intraax AAT series offers a range
of capacities, including 23,000, 25,000, and 30,000 lbs. per axle. These top-mount systems are designed for both on-highway and off-road tanker service, featuring a rigid trailing arm and solid axle connection that provides a stable platform to protect sensitive tank structures from road-induced vibration. Maintenance and safety integration The Intraax lineup includes several integrated features designed to reduce the total cost of ownership for bulk fleets: ■ Precision alignment: The Quik-Align system allows for fast and easy axle realignment without the need for welding or specialized tools. ■ Braking performance: Hendrickson’s standard Cam Tube System enhances S-cam alignment and extends component life, providing increased braking reserve and faster application cycles. ■ Extended durability: The systems feature long-life Tri-Functional bushings and are backed by a
Photo: Hendrickson
10-year/1,000,000-mile warranty on the axle-to-beam connection. ■ Advanced damping: Fleets can opt for ZMD Zero Maintenance Damping technology, which eliminates conventional shock absorbers to further streamline maintenance schedules. Supporting diverse fleet operations While specialized for bulk hauling, Hendrickson’s integrated technology extends to operators with diverse trailer portfolios. For those running dry van or refrigerated trailers alongside their tanker fleets, the Vantraax air slider system combines Intraax technology with a patented K2 slider box to resist racking and harsh loading. Additionally, the Ultraa-K tandem air slider offers a weight-optimized structure that is nearly 100 lbs. lighter than typical sliders, maximizing efficiency in van applications.
NOW SERVING MORE MARKETS. ★
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Expanding our network to better serve tank carriers and shippers across the Gulf Coast and Midwest.
NEED A TANK WASH? NOW SERVING: ★ NEDERLAND, TEXAS ★ BEAUMONT, TEXAS ★ HILLSBORO, TEXAS ★ ABBEVILLE, LOUISIANA ★ CINCINNATI, OHIO
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EVENT CALENDAR ■ September 13-19, 2026
■ October 6-9, 2026
■ November 2026
ATA’s National Truck Driver Appreciation Week trucking.org/events
NACS Show 2026, Las Vegas
Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nev.
Intermodal Tank Container Association’s 2026 Intermodal Bulk Liquid Symposium, Sundance Grill II,
■ September 20-24, 2026
■ October 6-9, 2026
ATA’s Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) Fall Meeting and National Technician Skills Competition (TMCSuperTech),
Petroleum Equipment Institute (PEI) Convention at NACS Show 2026, Las Vegas Convention Center,
convenience.org
Kemah, Texas itcatank.org ■ December 8-10, 2026 NISTM’s 19th Annual National Aboveground Storage Tank Conference & Trade Show,
Las Vegas, Nev. pei.org/convention
David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh, Pa.
The Woodlands Waterway Marriott, The Woodlands, Texas
■ October 17-20, 2026
trucking.org/events
ATA’s Management Conference and Exhibition (MCE), Charlotte Convention
■ September 20-24, 2026 Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) Annual Conference and Exhibition, Hyatt Regency Orlando,
nistm.org
Center, Charlotte, N.C.
■ January 18-21, 2027
trucking.org/events
Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week 2027, Gaylord Texas Resort & Convention
■ October 20-21, 2026
Orlando, Fla.
Center, Grapevine, Texas
International Milk Haulers Association (IMHA) Leadership Summit, Canopy by Hilton,
cvsa.org/events ■ September 27-29, 2026
hdaw.org ■ February 3-5, 2027
Sioux Falls, S.D.
Trimble Insight 2026, Marriott Marquis
NTTC Executive Forum 2027,
Key Largo, Fla.
milkhauler.org
San Diego Marina, San Diego, Calif.
tanktruck.org/events
■ November 10-12, 2026
insight.trimble.com/2026
■ February 4-5, 2027
SIGMA Annual Conference, The Diplomat, Hollywood, Fla. sigma.org
■ September 27-30, 2026 National Tank Truck Carriers’ 2026 Tank Truck Week, Oklahoma City
PACEshow Petroleum and Convenience Expo, Kansas City, Mo. paceshow.com
Convention Center, Oklahoma City, Okla. tanktruck.org
ADVERTISER INDEX Advertiser
Page
Advertiser
Page
A-One Chemicals & Equipment
37
Oilmens Truck Tanks
35
American Tank Solutions
40
Peacock Company
5
AvalonClean
40
Progressive Insurance
2
Betts Industries
14
Ridewell Suspensions
44
BTI (Bulk Tank, Inc.)
8
Semo Tank/Baker Equipment
33
Depot Connect International (DCI)
31
Spraying Systems
11
Dixon Valve & Coupling Company
38
STE (Stainless Tank & Equipment)
17
EnTrans International
43
Tremcar
7
Vortox Air Technology Australia (subsidiary of SLS Group Australia)
19
Werts Welding & Tank Service
27
Westmor Industries
36
Essentra Components
Outsert
Garnet Instruments
13
Hart Industries
39
Hendrickson USA
15
MAC Trailer Enterprises
9
September/October 2026 | BulkTransporter.com 41
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PEOPLE IN THE NEWS Fleets
Suppliers
Allen Brillhart, the long-time vice president of sales and marketing at Foodliner, recently retired following a 41-year tenure in the industry, including 28 years with McCoy Group companies. Before joining Foodliner in 1997, Brillhart spent 13 years at Bulkmatic as director of national food sales.
Andy Mulvey, VP of international sales and engineering at Tremcar, planned to retire, effective Sept. 30. Mulvey started in the industry as a design engineer and spent eight years with Trimac Transportation and 18 months with Quality Carriers before joining Tremcar in 2013. Additionally, Tremcar Mulvey welcomed John Bennett as Tremcar and Boston Steel’s northeast senior sales representative for their DOT 406 tank truck and trailer product line.
Modern Transportation recently welcomed Ken Shafer as strategic advisor for equipment and tank cleaning as it expands liquid bulk logistics offerings. Shafer entered the industry as a mechanic in 1982 before advancing through maintenance leadership roles with Superior Bulk and Heniff Transportation Systems. Quality Carriers recently elevated Elena Adang to general counsel and corporate secretary. Prior to joining the company in 2021, Adang focused her practice on business litigation and employment defense, while representing clients in the transportation and logistics sectors.
Brillhart
Shafer
Obituaries Adang
Nate Gesse recently assumed the CEO title at Quantix. Gesse joined the company last year as president and COO after nine years with MNX and a short stint as ProTrans CEO. He succeeds John Labrie, who is transitioning to senior advisor to the board. Gesse
John Anger recently joined Tandet as general manager for wash services. Anger previously spent 31 years with Trimac and National Tank Services, including the last six years as NTS area manager in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Anger
Texas TransEastern recently added Sahil Sachdeva as regional dispatch manager in San Antonio, Texas. Sachdeva spent the last two years as transportation and rail operations manager for Coleman Oil’s Northwest region. Sachdeva
Trimac Transportation recently appointed Frankie Fuchs as VP of safety. He brings more than 25 years of safety leadership experience across mining, construction, manufacturing, transportation, and oil and gas, most recently serving as global VP of EHS and operational excellence at Finning Caterpillar.
Werts Welding & Tank Service parts icon Bruce Cornelius recently retired after 42 years in the tanker industry, including 38 as Werts’ parts manager. Working alongside the Werts family for over four decades, Cornelius played an integral role in expanding the company’s footprint from one Cornelius warehouse to eight locations serving nationwide customers. During that time, the parts department grew from a few employees to a 50-member team under his leadership.
Fuchs
Alva Donald “Don” Stallings, longtime chairman of Eagle Transport, died June 9 at the age of 87. A titan of the tank truck industry, Stallings transformed his family’s small business into one of the nation’s largest petroleum and chemical carriers. The AllAmerican football player took the reins of his father’s Stallings company in 1941 and significantly expanded its footprint. Under his leadership, Stallings Oil became a major regional distributor for global brands, including Phillips 66, Texaco, and Amoco. He founded Eagle in the late 1960s. John D. Groendyke, chairman of the board at Groendyke Transport and only child of Groendyke founder Harold C. Groendyke, died June 13 at his home in Enid, Oklahoma. He was 81 years old. John played a key role in the carrier’s first load to Mexico in 1964 and earned the title of VP in 1966. Twenty Groendyke years later, after his father’s death, John became Groendyke CEO and chairman. In 2019, when the past NTTC chairman stepped down as Groendyke’s CEO, the carrier generated $240 million in revenue and had 1,400 employees, 1,000 trucks, and 1,600 trailers servicing North America. Andrew Anthony Caruana, a former maintenance manager for Trimac, died June 4 at 86 years old. After immigrating to Canada from Malta in 1959, he built a distinguished career at Trimac, rising through the ranks to lead regional maintenance operations. He was instrumental in several major initiatives and was named Canadian Fleet Maintenance Manager of the Year in 1995. He retired in 2002.
Caruana
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2610BT
LIGHTGUARD™
THE BRIGHTEST IDEA. Polar takes on that challenge with its mission-specific, engineered LightGuard technology. This innovative lighting system illuminates the trailer, creating a lit perimeter that makes it more visible to other vehicles and safer for operators when unloading after dark. • Two side-mounted lights—create a lit border on the unloading side of the trailer • One rear-mounted light—forms a lit arc around the rear of the trailer • One rear ring light—provides added visibility Along with its TANK Ai™ suite of technologies, Polar is increasing the safety and security of drivers. Visit PolarTank.com or contact your local dealer or Regional Sales Manager.
RING LIGHT
REAR LIGHT
SIDE LIGHTS
PROJECTED RED BORDER
M I SS IO N
P ROVE N.
PolarTank.com Polar Tank Trailer is part of the Engineered Transportation Internation Internationall family of brands.
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The Engineered Suspension Company
Built for Tankers, Engineered for Maximum Payload We’ve got you covered — bringing you top-tier suspensions, engineered for a smooth, seamless ride. Choose Ridewell for unmatched durability and long-lasting performance.
Ridewell Suspensions: Engineered for You. Built to Last.
THE RAR-266 TRAILER AIR SUSPENSION AVAILABLE WITH • Automatic Tire Inflation • Painted, Galvanized or Stainless Steel Hangers • Extended Wheel End Warranties • Universal Flange Accommodating Bendix, Haldex or Wabco Air Disc Brakes
Give us a call today at 800-641-4122 www.ridewellcorp.com © Copyright Ridewell Corporation. All rights reserved. Ridewell Suspensions is a registered trademark of Ridewell Corporation.
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