Punjabi Trucking Magazine - July August 2021

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July & August 2021

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ਅਸੀ ਂ ਤੁਹਾਡਾ ਿਧਆਨ ਰੱਿਖਆ ਹੈ! ਜਕ ੇ ਰ ਤਸ ੁ ੀ ਂ ਅਿਜਹ ੇ ਫਲੀਟ ਹੋ ਿਜਨਹ ੍ ਾਂ ਨੇ ਗਰ ੈ -ਿਚਰਸਥਾਈ ਰਕ ੁ ਾਵਟ ਦਾ ਸਾਹਮਣਾ ਕੀਤਾ ਹੈ 888.449.0265 'ਤੇ ਕਾਲ ਕਰੋ

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July & August 2021

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FROM THE EDITOR Raman S. Dhillon

The staff at Punjabi Trucking magazine would like to wish America, a land of Freedom and Great Opportunity, a Happy Independence Day! We hope everyone enjoyed their 4th of July!

Summer is halfway through and the fruition of President Joe Biden’s INVEST in America Act is one of the many highlights of the Trucking Industry.

Many of those connected to the Transportation Industry are focusing on several new regulations meant to improve safety on our highways.

Changes can be good but some of the changes taking place are being opposed by those in the Trucking Industry. Some feel that certain new regulations have nothing to do with improving safety but supporting the greed of trial lawyers.

Our Cover Article on page 8 goes into detail of concerns our fellow Trucking Industry face with these new regulations.

New regulations aren’t the only thing coming in the near future. For quite some time, there has been talk in the Transportation Industry about electric trucks. Some truckers feel wary of electric trucks as states such as California focus on zero-emission commercial vehicles and creating a successful transition to electric trucks. Testing trials have been going on for a while and have made great strides. New models are being developed and charging stations for these models will become more common in the future.

To keep updated on trucking related news, be sure to check out Punjabi Trucking 360 on The Raman Dhillon Show! We encourage everyone to share the road with everyone else and remember, don’t risk your safety to only arrive at a place a few minutes early. Enjoy the rest of your summer and safe travels to all those traveling for work or personal reasons.

EDITOR Raman S. Dhillon

Official Magazine for: North America Punjabi Trucking Association

Published Bi-monthly by Primetime Multimedia Company LLC 4709 North El Capitan #104, Fresno, CA 93722 Tel: 001 877 806 2525 | Email: info@punjabitruckingusa.com

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GRAPHIC DESIGN Maxx Printing, LLC Harshpal Brar

ASSOCIATE-EDITOR Sunny Vraitch

TRANSLATIONS Harjinder Dhesi

CONTENT MANAGER Rhea Randhawa

CONTRIBUTORS Rhea Randhawa Harkiran Sidhu Harjit Kaur Ruchika Kashyap Pash Brar Raman Singh Ravi Dhillon Michael Smith

OFFICE MANAGER Melissa Nolasco info@punjabitruckingusa.com

All Rights Reserved. No material herein or portions thereof may be printed without the written consent of the publisher.

DISCLAIMER: Primetime Multimedia Company LLC assumes all advertisers to be reliable and responsible for any and all liability for their claims. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement it may find unfit for publication. The opinions expressed in articles and features are of the writers and may not be those of the publisher.

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July & August 2021

ADVERTISING SALES Raman S. Dhillon sales@punjabitruckingusa.com

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NE T LOAD 5

July & August 2021

A Product of

INDUSTRY NEWS

CONTENTS

Connect with Us

Apex (Nextload) .......................................... 05

ARTICLES

Automann ....................................................... 45

09

Big Rig Tires & Alignment ............................. 15 BP Lab Services ............................................ 28 California Health Collab ........................... 07

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Compass Funding Solutions ........................ 39 Ex-Guard ..................................................... 02

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Flat Rate Dispatching ................................. 19 Gillson Trucking Inc. ..................................... 11 Golden State Peterbilt ................................... 03 Golden Land Trans. Insurance .................. 23 Jagdeep Singh Insurance Agency ................ 21 Kal Trailers ................................................... 47 Kam-Way Transportation Inc .................... 41

New bill would require speed limiters

14 kYlIPornIAw iv`c ey.bI. 5 ƒ lwgU hox qoN rokx leI keI ArzIAW drj kIqIAW geIAW

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fwktrI jWckrqw slIp AYpnIAw bwry vDyry mwrgdrSn cwhuMdy hn

Legend Transportation Inc. ......................... 46

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Load Stop ...................................................... 24

KeepTruckin’s new Fuel Hub can save gas and money

Lotus Benefits Corp ..................................... 11 Maxx Printing ............................................... 31

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NAPTA .................................................... 29, 35 Punjabi Trucking 360 ............................. 25, 40 Punjabi Trucking App ........................ 10, 23, 43 Primelink Express ........................................ 27

38

Speedy Truck Wash Inc. ............................... 36 TXT ELD Solutions ..................................... 13 Volvo Trucks ................................................. 48 Wave Financial Services .............................. 17 6

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32 irpbilkn vI.AYm.tI tYks dy p`K iv`c hn jd ik fYmokryts kwrporyt tYks vDwaux dI mMg krdy hn

34 knYktIkt ny BwrI ifaUtI tr`kW 'qy pRqI mIl dy ihswb nwl tYks lgwaux dw kwƒn pws kIqw

43 New Detroit DD Gen 5 engine boasts better flexibility, fuel efficiency www.punjabitruckingusa.com

www.punjabitruckingusa.com

July & August 2021

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COVER ARTICLE

Proposed Highway Bill adds more pressure on insurance hike, rolling back last year HOS changes

C

ompeting highway bills and visions of America’s transportation future are currently on display in Washington as the House of Representatives’ Transportation and Infrastructure Committee focuses on a fiveyear reauthorization of the FAST Act, which expires later this year.

On one hand, the Democrats’ proposal, labeled the “Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America (INVEST in America) Act,” proposes a new budget of $547 billion and adds two truck related issues to the package: guidance on truck brokers and dispatch services and a provision that would allow for the use of electronic logging devices (ELDs) for government research.

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"The INVEST in America Act puts a core piece of President Biden's American Jobs Plan into legislative text—seizing this once-in-a-generation opportunity to move our transportation planning out of the 1950s and toward our clean energy future," said Transportation Committee Chairman Peter DeFazio, D-Oregon.

On the other hand, Republicans have offered a counter proposal of $400 billion and have criticized several parts of the Democrats’ proposal.

In a statement to the press, a group of Republicans said, "The ‘My Way or the Highway Bill 2.0' doubles down on the same mandates, restrictive policies and costly diversions of infrastructure resources that led to last year's failure to provide long-term investments in America's roads and bridges.”

Although the trucking industry applauds much of the Democratic plan, it also opposes several new regulations, including: • a review of HOS changes made last year • an increase in minimum insurance requirements from $750,000 to $2 million • requiring automatic emergency brakes on all new commercial trucks • mandatory testing for sleep apnea • new performance standards for side underride guards • time and distance caps on use of a truck for personal conveyance • requiring driver safety scores to be made available to the public

New insurance requirements brought quick criticism from the OwnerOperator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA). In a press release, OOIDA President Todd Spencer said, "Everyone knows this increase will do absolutely nothing to improve safety on our highways and will destroy small trucking businesses. What good is a highway bill when it does more to support the unbridled greed of trial lawyers than truckers?"

The Democrats’ proposal calls for new guidance “to clarify the definitions of the terms ‘broker’ and ‘bona fide agents’ under 371 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations.” The bill would also require the Department of Transportation Secretary to look at the role of dispatch services in the trucking industry and to determine whether dispatch services can be considered brokers or bona fide agents.

On ELD research, the bill says the DOT Secretary "shall institute appropriate measures to protect the privacy of individuals, operators, and motor carriers when data obtained from an [ELD] is used for research pursuant to this section and such research is made available to the public."

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July & August 2021

www.punjabitruckingusa.com

COVER ARTICLE

pRsqwivq hweIvyA ib~l ieMSorYNs ƒ hor vDwaux Aqy ipCly swl hoeIAW HOS qbdIlIAW ƒ vwips krn dI g~l krdw hY hwaUs AwP irpRYzYNtyitvz trWsportySn AYNf ienPrwstrkcr kmytI, ies swl dy AMq iv~c Kqm ho rhy, AYP.ey.AYs.tI. AYkt ƒ muV pMj swlW leI lwgU krn bwry soc rhI hY ijs leI hweIvy ib~l Aqy AmrIkw dy AwvwjweI Biv~K bwry vwiSMgtn iv~c crcw ho irhw hY[ iek pwsy, fYmokRyts dy pRsqwv auqy AmrIkw ivc "ienvysitMg ien inaU ivizn &wr d ienvwiermYNt AYNf srPys trWsportySn ien AmrIkw (AweI. AYn. vI. eI. AYs. tI. AmrIkw ) AYkt ny $547 iblIAn dy nvyN bjt ƒ pyS kIqw hY ijs iv~c do tr~k sbMiDq mu~idAW ƒ Swiml kIqw igAw hY[ pihlw ieh ik tr~k fIlrW Aqy tr~kW ƒ Byjx bwry jwxkwrI muh~eIAw krvweI jwvy Aqy dUjw ieh ik koeI Aijhw pRbMD kIqw jwvy ijs iv~c srkwrI KojW leI ielYktRwink lOigMg aupkrxW dI vrqoN dI AwigAw id~qI jwvy[ AwvwjweI kmytI dy cyArmYn pItr dyPwizE, fI-Erygon ny ikhw ik AwvwjweI dI XojnwbMdI ƒ 1950 qoN bwAd hux ie~k vDIAw Aqy sw& Biv~K v~l lY ky jwieAw jwvy ijs leI ienvyst ien AmrIkw AYkt ny rwStrpqI ibfyn dI AmrIkn nOkrIAW dI Xojnw ƒ kwƒnI inXmW iv~c Swiml krvwieAw[ dUjy pwsy, irpbilkn ny ies dy jvwb iv~c 400 iblIAn fwlr pyS kIqy Aqy fYmokRyts dy pRsqwv dy keI ih~isAW dI inMidAw kIqI[

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July & August 2021

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INDUSTRY NEWS

New safety features come at a time when crash fatalities involving trucks are down

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ust as big rig-related crash fatalities dropped last year, Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is doubling down on its safety systems, adding three new features to its Detroit Assurance suite, giving more automation to speed control and braking.

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July & August 2021

The new features come at the same time as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released data showing truck-related crash deaths were down by 2% in 2020. At the same time, passenger vehicle-related fatalities increased by 7.2% despite the fact that fewer cars were on the road because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than 42,000 people died in vehicle accidents last year.

NHTSA officials believe that with fewer cars on the road, risky driving behaviors increased.

In contrast, truckers have increased their safety statistics.

New automated systems which have become standard on many commercial trucks are undoubtedly a factor in the improved numbers. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking and lane departure assist were introduced on many trucks beginning in 2018.

One trucking industry strategy which appears to be paying off is the adoption by many fleets of a shorter life span for their trucks. This means more trucks with added safety features are hitting the road every day.

With this in mind, Daimler has introduced new features to its Detroit Assurance suite on the new Class 8 Freightliner Cascadia and Western Star 49X: Active Speed Intervention (ASI): Through both visuals and sound, ASI alerts a driver if they exceed the posted speed limit.

If the warnings are ignored the truck will de-throttle and the adapted cruise control (already standard on these trucks) will adjust to the correct speed.

Active Lane Assist (ALA) with Auto Stop: This feature is only available on the Cascadia. It automatically brakes a truck instead of letting it continue to roll in case of either an incapacitated driver or if the driver’s hands are off the steering wheel for longer than one minute. When Auto Stop is engaged, Lane Keep Assist (also already standard) maintains the truck's position centered in its lane while gradually slowing to a stop.

At this point, the truck’s doors unlock and interior lights flash, www.punjabitruckingusa.com

INDUSTRY NEWS

alerting other drivers to the trucker’s need for help.

Brake Hold Mode: This feature is activated when the driver comes to a stop and then continues to press the brake down further. It reduces driver fatigue by automatically holding down the brake for long periods of time instead of relying on the driver to continually press down on the pedal. This is helpful when a driver is in heavy traffic or when at weigh scales.

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July & August 2021

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INDUSTRY NEWS

New bill would require

speed limiters

A

bipartisan bill introduced into the House of Representatives by Reps. Lucy McBath (D-Georgia) and John Katko (R-N.Y.), would require speed limiters on heavy duty commercial trucks.

The potential law, the Cullum Owings Large Truck Safe Operating Speed Act, is named after Cullum Owings who was killed in a crash in 2002 with a truck that was on cruise control. The bill would direct the National Highway Safety Administration to make it a law that trucks are equipped with speed-limiting technology. Maximum speeds would be 65 mph and 70 mph with adaptive cruise control and automatic braking systems.

“The safety and security of our families, our friends, and our loved ones is always of the utmost priority,” McBath said. “The Owings family has done so much to protect other children like Cullum, and I want to thank them for all they have done. This is an important, bipartisan step to make our roadways safer, protect drivers and stop these heartbreaking crashes from happening.”

The new bill, which is now in committee hearings, has the endorsement of Republican Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Georgia). In addition, the American Trucking Associations and Road Safe America support speed limiter 12

July & August 2021

guidance but are not so sure about universal speed rules.

In 2016 a rulemaking proposal from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration called for a speed limiter rule requiring trucks, buses and large passenger vehicles over 26,000 pounds to be equipped with speed limiters. Top speeds of 60, 65 or 68 were proposed.

In a letter to Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, ATA President Chris Spear said, “When the Department of Transportation initially published the 2016 notice of proposed rulemaking, ATA and many motor carriers shared several concerns about the efficacy of a one-size-fits-all solution applied to a sector as complex and nuanced as trucking. Foremost among them were the unintended and potentially dangerous consequences of limiting commercial drivers to one universal speed limit despite the varying limits set for passenger vehicles on interstate and secondary roads. Another question was how such a rule would adapt to the rapid evolution taking place in vehicle safety technology.”

The letter also pointed out that new technology has been added to trucks in recent years, including adaptive cruise control which would have prevented the type of accident which killed Owings. www.punjabitruckingusa.com

INDUSTRY NEWS

Ontario-based companies up for sale after dispute between brothers

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fter three years of litigation and arbitration, a contentious legal battle between brothers Paul and Rana Randhawa over their jointly owned trucking business is finally drawing to a close, but not without one of the brothers opening an investigation.

The dispute began in 2018 and arose from the brothers’ ownership of the 12-company Ontario, Canada-based Randhawa Group, which includes the trucking company ASR Transportation.

Based in the Toronto suburb of Oakville, ASR has a fleet of more than 60 trucks registered to operate across the border.

In May, Ontario Superior Court Justice Markus Koehnen ruled the Randhawa Group should go into trustee receivership pending a sale. Koehnen said, “They have been involved in a long, acrimonious dispute about the separation of their interests in various businesses that they once ran together.”

While the reasons for the litigation are unclear, there was obviously a good deal of mistrust between the two brothers, which has prompted Paul Randhawa to give the trustee the power to open an investigation of the company to make sure he gets maximum value in the sale. He has even put up $87,000 to fund the investigation which he hopes to recover from Rana Randhawa who the judge has ruled is liable for those costs.

The brothers have employed prominent Canadian law firms, Lenczner Slaght and Stikeman Elliot, although neither brother will go on the record to discuss their problems.

The amount of money involved is not known, but the trucking company has annual revenues into the millions of dollars.

Part of the investigation revolves around the transfer of at least 12 trucks from ASR to another trucking company which has raised “red flags for potential fraud,” according to the arbitrator. That www.punjabitruckingusa.com

prompted Koehnen to rule that “the need for an investigation is well-founded.” The judge wrote, “Paul is entitled to 50% of the proceeds of sale. Rana is not entitled

to any unequal benefit. There are a series of suspicious circumstances the arbitrator identified that would, if substantiated, lead to an unequal benefit to Rana.”

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INDUSTRY NEWS

kYlIPornIAw iv`c ey.bI. 5 ƒ lwgU hox qoN rokx leI keI ArzIAW drj kIqIAW geIAW kYlIPornIAw tr~ikMg AYsosIeySn nwl iml ky AmrIkn tr~ikMg AYsosIeySn, vYstrn styt tr~ikMg AYsosIeySn, Enr-Awprytr suqMqr frweIvr AYsosIeySn ny kYlIPornIAw dy suqMqr TykydwrW dy kwƒn, ey.bI. 5 ƒ lwgU hox qoN rokx leI ie~k Aimks bRIPs drj kIqw[ iPlhwl ies smyN ies kwƒn dy ivru~D iv~c ie~k hukm jwrI kIqw igAw hY pr hwl hI iv~c 9 vIN XU. AYs. srkt kort Aw& ApIlz dy ie~k iqMn j~jW dy pYnl v~loN ley gey &Ysly iv~c aus hukm ƒ Tukrw id~qw igAw, jo ik ey.bI. 5 dy lwgU hox dI sMBwvnw ƒ drswauNdw hY[ Adwlq ny ApIl krn dI iejwzq id~qI hY, Aqy ieh cwr tr~ikMg AYsosIeySn 11 j~jW dy ie~k pYnl dI mMg kr rhy hn qW jo aus hukm ƒ jwrI krn bwry A~gy g~lbwq kIqI jw sky[ hwlWik smUhW ny v~Kry qOr 'qy Aimks bRIPs drj krwey hn, pr auhnW dI kwƒnI dlIl 1994 dy PYfrl eyvIeySn eyQorIsySn AfiminstRySn AYkt (AYP. ey.ey.ey.ey.) 'qy inrBr krdI hY ijs ivc ikhw igAw hY ik ie~k rwj AMqrrwStrI vpwr dy kuJ pihlUAW ivc d^l nhIN dy skdw qW jo swry rwjW ivc sQwpq v~Ko v~Kry kwƒnW ƒ bcwieAw jw sky[ auh kihMdy hn ik ey.bI. 5, kImqW, mwrgW Aqy syvwvW ƒ zrUr pRBwvq krdw hY, ijsdw izkr AYP.ey.ey.ey.ey. iv~c tr~ikMg dy sMbMD iv~c kIqw igAw hY[ suprIm kort dy PYsly dw hvwlw idMdy hoey, ey.tI.ey. ny ieh ikhw ik AYP.ey.ey.ey.ey dy pRImSn sYkSn '' kWgrs dI icMqw ƒ drswauNdw hY ik '' rwj dIAW zrUrqW AswnI nwl rwj syvwinrDwrq krn vwly kwƒnW Aqy inXmW ƒ sQwipq kr skdIAW hn[ '' Asl mu~dw ijs kwrn tr~ikMg audXog dw ey.bI. 5 nwl kMm krnw muSikl ho igAw hY, ey.bI.sI. tYst iv~c bI pRoNg dw hoxw hY jo ik kwƒn dw ie~k ih~sw hY Aqy Asl iv~c kYlIPornIAw dy 14

July & August 2021

suprIm kort duAwrw bxwieAw igAw sI[ ieh ie~k krmcwrI ƒ Aijhy kMm krn vwly ivAkqI vjoN pirBwSq krdw hY ijsƒ kMpnI duAwrw iksy kMm jW syvw leI inXukq kIqw jWdw hY[ ies iv~c kMpnI dy rozwnw dy kwrobwrI kwrj jW ies qoN ku~J v~Krw vI ho skdw hY[ sp~St qOr 'qy izAwdwqr, iksy kMpnI nwl juVHy ibnHW kMm krn vwly Tykydwr tr~k frweIvr huMdy hn jo koeI hor kMm nhIN krdy[ fblXU. AY~s.tI.ey. ny ey.bI. 5 kwƒn ƒ “sB ku~J jW ku~J vI nhIN ” hox dw lybl id~qw hY jo “motr kYrIArW ƒ AwpxI AwzwdI dI vrqoN nwl iksy kMpnI nwl juVHy ibnHW kMm krn vwly TykydwrW Aqy krmcwrIAW iv~c cox krn dy AiDkwr 'qoN rokygw[” fblXU.AY~s.tI.ey. ieh dwAvw krdw hY ik kYrIArW Aqy TykydwrW dy cMgy sMbMDW kwrn mhWmwrI dy dOrwn swry kMm shI qrHW nwl ho pwey hn Aqy nwl hI auhnW ny ieh iliKAw ik jW qW aus smr~Qw ƒ burI qrHW Gtw id~qw jwvygw nhIN qW nvyN kwƒn dy ADIn kImqW bhuq izAwdw v~D jwxgIAW[ Awpxy ie~k Coty ijhy ibAwn iv~c, E.E.AweI. fI.ey. ny iliKAw ik ey.bI. 5 kYlIPornIAw ƒ tr~ikMg audXog dy ie~k mh~qvpUrx ih~sy duAwrw vrqy gey kwrobwrI mwfl ƒ svIkwr nw krn dI AwigAw idMdw hY Aqy motr kYrIArW dI ie~k AijhI SRyxI ƒ Kqm krdw hY jo iksy kMpnI nwl juVHy ibnHW kMm krn vwly mwlk AwpRytrW 'qy vpwr krn leI inrBr krdy hn Aqy ies kwrn kWgrs dy ierwdy dw ivroD krdy hn[ " fblXU.AY~s.tI.ey. ny bhuq swry Aijhy audXogW bwry d~isAw, ijMnHW 'qy ieh kwƒn lwgU nhIN huMdw[ auhnW audXogW iv~c svwrIhyilMg syvwvW - aubyr Aqy lIPt vI Swml hn ijnHW ny pRwp 22 ƒ sPlqwpUrvk pws kIqw ijs ivc ikhw igAw sI ik ieh kwƒn aunHW dy kwrobwr dy mwfl 'qy lwgU nhIN huMdw[ www.punjabitruckingusa.com

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AY~P.AYm.sI.AYs.ey. tr`k cwlkW ƒ sI.bI.fI. dI vrqoN nwl Awaux vwlIAW muSklW bwry Xwd krvwauNdw hY kYnbIfIEl - sI.bI.fI. dy qOr qy jwixAw jwx vwlw pdwrQ Aksr ishq nwl juVIAW bhuq swrIAW ibmwrIAW dy ielwj iv~c vriqAw jWdw hY, ijvyN ik drd, icMqw, audwsI, bl~f pRYSr ƒ Gtwaux Aqy kYNsr dy ielwj qoN bwAd dy mwVy pRBwvW ƒ shI krn iv~c ies dI vrqoN kIqI jWdI hY[ hwlWik ieh BMg dy pOidAW 'coN k~iFAw jWdw hY, pr sI.bI.fI imSrx iv~c BMg dI mwqrw bhuq izAwdw nhIN huMdI hY[ pr ieh Ajy vI auhnW tr~k cwlkW leI musIbq dw kwrn bx skdw hY, ijnHW leI nSy dw tYst krwauxw zrUrI hY[ PYfrl motr kYrIAr syPtI AYfminstRySn ny vIrvwr, 27 meI ƒ ie~k Apfyt jwrI kIqw ijs iv~c auhnW ny tr~k cwlkW Aqy aunHW dy mwlkW ƒ sI.bI.fI dI vrqoN qoN swvDwn rihx dI ApIl kIqI hY[ AYP.AYm.sI.AYs.ey ny "klIAirMg hwaUs Apfyt" jwrI kridAW d~isAw, "ikauNik sI.bI.fI. vwly pdwrQW dI vrqoN nwl nSw tYst dy nqIjy skwrwqmk pwey jw skdy hn, ies leI AwvwjweI ivBwg ny sur~iKAw leI sMvydnSIl krmcwrIAW ƒ ies dI vrqoN krn bwry swvDwnI vrqx leI ikhw hY[

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eyjMsI ny tr~k cwlkW Aqy horW ƒ ieh Xwd krvwieAw ik: fI.E.tI. tYst iv~c BMg dI jWc hox dI loVH hY nw ik sI.bI. fI. dI keI sI.bI.fI dI vrqoN nwl bxy pdwrQW 'qy l~gy lybl shI nhIN huMdy ikauNik lybl au~qy d~sI tYtrw hweIfRo kYnwbInol (tI.AY~c.sI.) dI mwqrw aus cIz iv~c Swiml mwqrw qoN G~t d~sI geI huMdI hY[ tI.AY~c.sI.auh imSrx hY ijs dI mwqrw BMg iv~c nSy dI mwqrw ƒ drswauNdI hY[ nSw tYst dy nqIjy skwrwqmk Awaux dw kwrn, sI.bI.fI dI vrqoN ƒ d~sxw, fwktrW Anuswr ie~k jwiez kwrn nhIN hY[ iesdw mqlb hY ik mYfIkl smIiKAw AiDkwrI fr~g tYst dy nqIjy ƒ skwrwqmk mMn ky aus dI jWc krngy, BwvyN ik koeI krmcwrI dwAvw krdw hY ik aus ny isrP sI.bI.fI vwly pdwrQ dI vrqoN kIqI hY[ XU.AYs. dy fI.E.tI. nSy Aqy Srwb dI jWc dy inXm, 49 sI.AYP. Awr. dy Bwg 40 Anuswr iksy vI kwrx leI, iksy ƒ BMg smyq hor vI Aijhy niSAW ƒ lYx dw AiDkwr nhIN hY ijMnHw dI mYfIkl vrqoN ƒ Ajy svIkwirAw nw igAw hovy[

July & August 2021

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Republicans favor VMT while Dems ask for higher corporate tax rate

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n a reversal of the typical stereotypes surrounding the nation’s two political parties, Republicans are in favor of a new tax, namely a vehicle-miles-traveled (VMT) tax while Democrats, usually labeled as the “tax and spend” party are rejecting such a tax when it comes to paying for new roads, bridges and other highway infrastructure.

Instead, Democrats led by President Joe Biden, believe that a VMT would be a regressive tax that would hurt middle and working-class families. In a recent post on Twitter, Biden said, “I’m working hard to find common ground with Republicans when it comes to the American Jobs Plan, but I refuse to raise taxes on Americans making under $400,000 a year to pay for it.

It’s long past time for the wealthy and corporations to pay their fair share.”

In order to pay for his infrastructure plan, Biden has proposed raising the corporate tax rate from its current 21% up to 28%—it had been 35% before the 2017 tax cut. Republicans oppose such an increase. Biden had originally put a $2.3 trillion price tag on his plan but has since lowered that amount to $1.7 trillion.

A bipartisan group of senators, led by Mitt Romney (R-Utah) and Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia) have offered $1.2 trillion over eight years. One idea has been to index the gas tax to a measure of inflation, although Romney has said it would not raise enough money.

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July & August 2021

Since the advent of electric cars, the fuel tax has decreased in recent years, leaving lawmakers to look for other avenues of revenue. Recently, Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) proposed a 25cent per mile tax on heavy trucks. The fuel taxes garner $34 billion for the nation’s highway fund. Unfortunately, federal spending on highways and public transportation now exceeds $50 billion a year.

This willingness to raise any taxes at all is an about face for Republicans who have been steadfast in their opposition to higher taxes in the past. Rep. Sam Groves (R-Missouri), however, believes a VMT could be easily implemented with vehicles assessed the tax at the gas pump, as is customary with the fuel tax.

Democrats argue that it is time that corporations, many of whom have been avoiding taxes through various loopholes for years, pay for the nation’s infrastructure needs.

“The suggestion is, middle-class workers are going to pay what mega-corporations will not,” Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, said during the panel’s hearing on funding infrastructure in May. “That’s not a step toward fairness.”

In the House of Representatives, Democrats have introduced a $547 billion bill to replace the FAST Act. It is more than $50 billion larger than the bill they approved last year that never got a Senate vote. Republicans have offered $400 billion. This highway funding is expected to be part of the overall infrastructure package. www.punjabitruckingusa.com

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July & August 2021

17

INDUSTRY NEWS

Although problems loom, CTA encourages Canadian truckers to choose ELDs

E

ven though the Canadian government has been slow to certify electronic logging devices (ELDs) for the nation’s truckers, the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) is “strongly encouraging” Canadian fleets that are currently not using ELDs to meet with vendors for selection ahead of the June 12 deadline.

American truckers operating across the border will also need to make sure they have Canadian certification for their ELDs. CTA claims that over a dozen vendors are working through the certification process and some vendors have submitted multiple devices for approval.

In a press release, CTA said, “A number of ELD vendors have issued public statements describing their organization’s readiness for the June mandate. There are now many more vendors engaged in the certification process. Once these systems are certified, carriers can make informed decisions in a timely manner for their onboarding process.”

CTA also indicated there are “many resources” on the internet for truckers to make informed decisions and answer any questions about potential ELDs.

This appears to be good news for the industry since recent reports indicated that with only one approved certification entity, FPInnovations, and no devices currently certified, the June deadline could not be met. Several ELD suppliers, however, have said they would have products available that can comply with the deadline.

Unfortunately for U.S. drivers who do business across the border it looks like only 10% to 15% of American ELD suppliers will even try to get Canadian certification.

With these issues in mind, the Canadian government said it would use “phased-in” enforcement for compliance. In March, the government said, "we will work together on the successful and effective implementation of a progressive enforcement period."

In February, the CTA offered a one-year progressive enforcement strategy to the Canadian transportation agency to take a slower approach in dealing with carriers who are still using paper logs. The Private Motor Truck Council of Canada is also asking for a phased-in approach.

Unfortunately for U.S. drivers who do business across the border it looks like only 10% to 15% of American ELD suppliers will even try to get Canadian certification.

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July & August 2021

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July & August 2021

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INDUSTRY NEWS

J.B. Hunt, Waymo partner for self-driving run in Texas

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July & August 2021

I

nterstate 45 between Houston and Fort Worth will be the proving ground for a partnership between Arkansasbased J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. and Waymo, the autonomous driving unit of Alphabet, Inc., the parent company of Google.

Hunt will use the Waymo platform, which boasts Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities, on its Class 8 trucks to run freight between facilities in central Texas. The self-driving trucks will have an onboard commercially licensed driver and a Waymo software technician to supervise each trip.

Hunt Executive Vice President Craig Harper said, "While we believe there will be a need for highly skilled, professional drivers for many years to come, it is important for J.B. Hunt as an industry leader to be involved early in the development of advanced autonomous technologies and driving systems to ensure that their implementation will improve efficiency while enhancing safety."

The new run will allow Hunt to collect data and feedback about its customers’ level of confidence in using self-driving Class 8 tractors to move freight. It will also provide the company much needed information on how best to provide maintenance, which lanes are best suited for such trucks as well as giving insight as to how facility layouts can be configured for optimum results.

Mountain View, California-based Waymo began designing autonomous technology in 2009 and currently runs a self-driving taxi service in Phoenix.

In recent simulations, Waymo Driver has consistently proven its safety and effectiveness.

Charlie Jatt, head of commercialization for trucking at Waymo, said he was "thrilled" about the partnership with J.B. Hunt. He added, “Our teams share an innovative and safety-first mindset as well as a deep appreciation for the potential benefits of autonomous driving technology in trucking. It’s companies and relationships like these that will make this technology a commercial reality in the coming years.”

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Hydrogen fuel cell trucks slated for pilot program at Port of Los Angeles

I

n line with California’s goal to reduce its carbon footprint over the next few years, the Port of Los Angeles, in accordance with its Clean Air Action Plan, is setting up a pilot program with five hydrogen fuel cell vehicles while also opening two hydrogen fueling stations.

The goal for the port is to demonstrate the operational and technical suitability of using zero-emission vehicles in the port’s busy setting while at the same time upgrading existing infrastructure to support hydrogen fuel in the area.

The pilot is part of the $82.5 million Shore-to-Shore project which has brought together both public and private sector partners for a 12-month program of zero-emission heavy duty trucks.

Eventually, the pilot will add five more hydrogen fuel cell trucks, two battery-electric forklifts and two battery-electric yard tractors.

In a press release, the port said, “The large-scale, multiyear demonstration is designed to advance the Port’s Clean Air Action Plan goals and help California achieve statewide climate change, air quality improvement and sustainability targets for reducing greenhouse gases and toxic air emissions.”

The new trucks have the capability of traveling 300 miles on one charge of hydrogen and have enough torque for a standing start on a 20% grade.

Andrew Lund, a chief engineer for Toyota, one of the partners in this project, said, “That is incredible power. All of this without any emissions. The only thing that comes out of the tailpipe is water.”

Toyota designed and manufactured the trucks’ powertrains with fuel cell capability while Kenworth designed and built the Class 8 T680 fuel cell electric trucks at its plant in Renton, Washington. Shell will design and build the project’s fueling stations.

“Shell believes hydrogen offers a promising solution to achieving net-zero emissions both in terms of immediate improvements of local air quality as well as meeting long-term climate goals especially for heavy-duty vehicles and for longdistance travel,” said Paul Bogers, Shell’s vice president of hydrogen.

The project is getting support from the California Air Resources Board which is contributing a matching grant of $41.1 million. www.punjabitruckingusa.com

French gas and technology company Air Liquide is also a partner and will supply fuel. Another partner is the Port of Hueneme which will be a testing site for zero-emission yard tractors.

“Transporting goods between our Port and the Inland Empire is the first leg of this next journey toward a zero-emissions future,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “This project is a model for developing and commercializing the next generation of clean trucks and cargo-handling equipment for the region and beyond. Just as the air we breathe extends beyond the Port’s footprint, so should the clean air and economic benefits we believe this project will yield.

July & August 2021

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INDUSTRY NEWS

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July & August 2021

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Freight rates soar just as Class 8 truck manufacturing slows

D

espite an abundance of freight to be moved and spot rates at an all-time high, orders for new Class 8 trucks dropped in May to a seven-month low and were down 30% when compared with April. April orders appear to have fulfilled the current backlog and manufacturer order books for 2022 have not yet opened.

Analysts indicate that while demand is high, supply chain problems have hampered production. Problems include computer chip shortages, a lack of steel and lumber (for new trailers), and plastic resin availability. They expect new order books to open at some point this summer.

Unfortunately, these issues occur at the same time as the freight economy is surging with jammed ports, increased inventory for retailers who have had a hard time keeping up during the pandemic, and tight driver capacity. In normal times, fleets would be buying up trucks at a high rate.

May rates for spot market loads were up 15% compared to April with van load-to-truck and reefer

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load-to-truck rates both up well over 50%. Analysts see these increases continuing and for the American economy to grow significantly in 2021.

Class 8 sales were over 22,000 for May, a 30-32% decline, but still up over 16,000 units compared with last year at the height of the pandemic. Class 8 orders numbered 420,000 units for the last 12 months.

July & August 2021

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July & August 2021

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July & August 2021

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Drone demo provides a delicious delivery in Alabama

I

nstead of traditional delivery methods, a new company in Alabama is now flying its products to waiting customers with drones. Dubbed as an infrastructure innovation, the new drone delivery system, devised by Deuce Drones, is hoping to gain legislative support for its efforts.

At a recent demonstration, which was attended by a U.S. Congressman and an assistant to Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville, Deuce flew smoothies via drone to consumers in Mobile, Alabama to show off its ability to take orders with a phone app and then deliver its goods.

Deuce uses off-the-shelf drones for its services and is developing software to take orders and manage delivery flights. The company is also devising “drone ports” which will automate the loading and recharging of the drones.

The company is the brainchild of former Continental Aerospace CEO Rhett Ross and Burton Property Group CEO Philip Burton.

They are hoping to get governmental support for their project since drones are heavily regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

In his pitch to lawmakers, Burton said, “If there are trillions of dollars that are going to be invested in infrastructure, then maybe there’s a pilot program that could be funded in south Alabama to roll out some drone ports.”

In the same vein as other online delivery apps such as Postmates or DoorDash, Deuce will work with participating businesses, such as Tropical Smoothie Café which supplied the smoothies for the Alabama demonstration, to procure goods in cargo boxes 26

July & August 2021

for loading onto a drone. Automated flight management software handles the flight with a human controller ready to take over as needed.

Although Deuce has approval for one area of Mobile, a big hurdle for the company is that FAA regulations require direct line-of-sight observation of a drone by a human pilot. During the demonstration, Deuce employed a group of observers to make sure the drone’s position was being monitored at all times.

“If the U.S. is going to be a leader in this space, there’s going to have to be some public and private partnership,” Burton said. “A lot of companies that are in this space are actually going to different countries to start to develop this tech because the regulations are not as burdensome.”

Burton is convinced that managers of shopping areas and office facilities can benefit from drone ports in order to gain back some of the business they have lost to online retailers who have not been shy in developing new modes of delivery, including robots and self-driving vehicles.

Despite the company’s best efforts, however, large-scale drone deliveries may be years away as the technology and logistics are worked out.

“I’m very impressed, I’m just awed…I’ve been telling everybody this was coming,” said U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl. “We’ve got a little way to go, we don’t need drones running into one another up there, we’ve got to figure out how to keep them separated.”

Meanwhile, Deuce will continue to run its limited route at least one day a week. www.punjabitruckingusa.com

INDUSTRY NEWS

Extended warranties now available for Detroit engines

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aimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is now offering extensions on previously expired warranties for the Detroit DD13, DD15 and DD16 engines through the Detroit OE Advantage warranty program.

Like other Detroit extended warranties, the OE Advantage has multiple plan options and terms of one year or 125,000 miles or two years or 250,000 miles. OE advantage offers flexibility and can be added without caps, deductibles, hidden fees, surcharges or aggregate limits. Maximum coverage is 7 years or 750,000 miles.

DTNA Sales and Marketing Manager Kevin Holland said, "We want to provide our customers with the best support for their Detroit engines at every stage of their ownership experience. Detroit OE Advantage provides the highest level of OEM protection for customers with expired Detroit engine warranties, giving them confidence that their engines are fully backed by Detroit."

DTNA offers several warranty options with the Detroit OE Advantage, including Extended Engine, Extended Next

and Truck Chassis warranties. There are more than 700 authorized service locations throughout North America with factory trained mechanics for Detroit engines.

DTNA Product Manager Shawn Hinson said, "This product is truly unique, in that, it is a time-flexible, hassle free OEM coverage supported by the Freightliner and Western Star dealers and the Detroit service network."

HIRING DRIVERS Benefits • Competitive Pay • New Trucks 2 Years Experience

800-641-7374 • info@primelinkexpress.com • www.primelinkexpress.com www.punjabitruckingusa.com

July & August 2021

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Connecticut passes miles-traveled tax on heavy duty trucks

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n order to repair and rebuild its roads and bridges, Connecticut’s legislature recently passed a per mile traveled tax on heavy duty commercial trucks that do business in the state. Governor Ned Lamont is expected to sign the bill which would take effect in January 2022.

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The new tax is expected to bring in $45 million to the state in 2022 and $90 million annually after that. The tax is in addition to the federal fuel tax which trucks will still have to pay. It would be levied on trucks weighing 26,000 pounds or more.

The tax rate would begin at 2.5 cents per mile for lighter trucks all the way up to 17.5 cents for trucks weighing more than 80,000 pounds.

Connecticut, like many states, has been plagued by dwindling funds for highway repairs over the last few years.

State Rep. Roland Lemar (D-East Haven) said, “This small fee on large tractor trailers that are doing 20,000 times the amount of damage as a passenger vehicle is a responsible way to address part of that crisis.”

Both the trucking industry and Republicans in the states House and Senate opposed the tax. Republicans argue that the tax will be regressive and ultimately passed down to every citizen of the state through higher costs for food and consumer goods.

Rep. Devin Carney (R-Lyme) opposed the bill. “I think it’s going to raise costs on food, on things like heating oil, clothing, gasoline. I just think it’s a trickle-down tax that’s very regressive,” he said.

Trucking advocates have further argued that the tax would particularly hurt the state’s truckers because out of state carriers will simply avoid the tax by rerouting around Connecticut’s roads.

Connecticut joins Kentucky, New Mexico, New York and Oregon in implementing a vehiclemiles-traveled (VMT) fee on commercial trucks.

A similar tax has been proposed at the federal level by Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas).

The new law would require carriers to apply to the state’s Department of Revenue Services (DRS) for a highway user tax permit and would prohibit carriers from operating their trucks in the state without one. Fees would be paid to DRS each month. www.punjabitruckingusa.com

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July & August 2021

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INDUSTRY NEWS

KeepTruckin’s new Fuel Hub can save gas and money

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an Francisco-based fleet management solutions company KeepTruckin has developed new software that will help fleets increase fuel savings of up to 10% while operating more efficiently.

Using high frequency telematics, the new Fuel Hub deploys artificial intelligence to analyze driver and vehicle efficiency to identify potential cost saving measures. Not only will the new service save money, but it is also considered an environmental solution as well.

“The Fuel Hub is the first AIdriven fuel efficiency program,” KeepTruckin CEO Shoaib Makani said

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July & August 2021

in a statement. “Our 90,000 customers spent more than $5 billion on fuel last year. We know that with deeper context and visibility into the factors that affect fuel consumption, we can help our customers take a precise approach to manage their fuel spend and reduce waste, improving their bottom line while also reducing their carbon footprint.”

Fuel Hub analyzes information from the company’s Vehicle Gateway, such as speed, idle time and other factors.

With that data collected, the software then utilizes “machine learning and historical trends to analyze driver and fuel efficiency.”

Wasteful driver behaviors, including over RPM, hard braking and average speed can be corrected. More than that, the performance of the truck can be analyzed to look for over consumption of fuel due to engine problems.

Companies using Fuel Hub could see substantial savings. Lynch Logistics, Inc. Safety Manager Vickey Witham said, “This last year we were spending around $110k/month on fuel, and some months it’s higher than that.

With insights from the Fuel Hub, we anticipate annual savings of at least six figures—which is money we get to invest toward other areas of the business.”

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INDUSTRY NEWS

South Carolina is site for electric truck demonstration in accordance with California agencies

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hat happens in California doesn’t necessarily stay in California and the state’s current focus on zeroemission commercial trucks has spread to South Carolina where Michigan-based Benore Logistics Systems, Inc. has been using a Peterbilt Model 579EV on demonstration routes in the Palmetto State since mid-May. Benore will receive its first production model of the 579EV in September.

The new model has a range of 150 miles per charge. Benore has been using Peterbilt trucks in its fleet for some time and Benore’s President Jeffery Benore said it was an easy choice to deploy the new Peterbilt electric trucks.

Benore said, “Implementing the Peterbilt EVs will be a quick adjustment for our drivers as they are very familiar with the diesel version of the vehicle."

The company has ensured the need for consistent charging

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will not interfere with delivery schedules. In fact, using the recommended DC fast charger, the high-energy density battery packs can get back to full charge within three to four hours.

In addition, Benore’s longtime partner BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC is currently installing a high-capacity electric charger at its plant in Greer, South Carolina to support the new electric trucks.

Benore Vice President Dennis Kunz believes the demonstration routes will give the company important data which will lead to a successful transition to electric trucks.

The 579EV’s being used in South Carolina are part of projects run by the California Air Resources Board and South Coast Air Quality Management District GreenHouse Gas Reduction Zero Emission Drayage Truck Demonstration Project. Data from Benore trucks in South Carolina will add to the research which is part of the project.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

irpbilkn vI.AYm.tI tYks dy p`K iv`c hn jd ik fYmokryts kwrporyt tYks vDwaux dI mMg krdy hn dyS dIAW do rwjnIiqk pwrtIAW iv~c Awm qOr 'qy Awaux vwlIAW rukwvtW dy ault, irpbilkn nvyN vwhn-mIl-trYvl (vI.AYm.tI) tYks dy h~k iv~c hn jd ik "tYks Aqy Krcy" pwrtI vjoN jwxy jwn vwly, fYmokRyts, jdoN nvINAW sVkW, pulW Aqy hor rwjmwrgW dy inrmwx leI pYsy dyx dI g~l AwENdI hY qW ies tYks dI inMdw krdy hn[ ies dI bjwey, rwStrpqI jo ibfyn dI AgvweI vwly fYmokryts, ieh mMndy hn ik vI.AYm.tI tYks ie~k duKdweI tYks swibq hovygw ijs nwl m~D Aqy mzdUrvrg dy pirvwrW ƒ nukswn phuMcygw[ hwl hI iv~c ie~k tiv~tr post rwhIN jo ibfyn ny iliKAw, " jdoN AmrIkI jObz plwn dI g~l AwauNdI hY qW mYN irpblIknz leI aus 'qy sKq imhnq krdw hW pr mYN iesdw Bugqwn krn leI $400,000 pRqI swl jW ies qoN G~t pYsy kmwaux vwly AmrIkIAW 'qy tYks vDwaux qoN ienkwr krdw hW[ bhu~q lMby smyN qoN AmIr lokW Aqy kwrporySnW ny ies iv~c Awpxw bxdw ih~sw nhIN id~qw[ Awpxy buinAwdI FWcy dy Bugqwn leI ibfyn ny ies smyN c~l rhy 21% dy tYks ryt ƒ vDw ky 28% krn dw pRsqwv r~iKAw hY jo ik 2017 dI tYks ktOqI qoN pihlW 35% sI[ irpblIkn Aijhy vwDy dw ivroD 32

July & August 2021

krdy hn[ ibfyn ny pihlW AwpxI Xojnw 'qy 2.3 itRlIAn fwlr dI kImq dw tYg lgwieAw sI pr iPr ies rkm ƒ Gtw ky 1.7 itRlIAn fwlr kr id~qw[ imt romnI (Awr-autwh) Aqy jo mMicn (fI-vYst vrjInIAw) dI AgvweI vwly sYnytrW dy ie~k do-p~KI smUh ny A~T swlW iv~c 1.2 itRlIAn fwlr dI pySkS kIqI[ ie~k ivcwr ieh vI id~qw igAw ik mihMgweI dw AMdwzw lgwaux leI gYs tYks dI vrqoN kIqI jwvy hwlWik romnI ny ikhw ik ies nwl pYsw iek~Ty krn iv~c koeI Pwiedw nhIN hovygw[ ielYkitRk kwrW dy Awaux qoN bwAd, ip~Cly ku~J swlW iv~c iPaUl tYks iv~c kmI AweI hY, ijs nwl kwƒn bxwaux vwly hux AwmdnI leI dUjy qrIky l~B rhy hn[ hwl hI iv~c, syn jOn kOrinn (AwrtYksws) ny BwrI tr~kW au~qy 25 pRqISq pRqI mIl tYks lgwaux dw pRsqwv r~iKAw sI[ iPaUl tYks kwrn dyS dy hweIvy PMf iv~c 34 iblIAn fwlr dw vwDw hoieAw[ bdiksmqI nwl, hux iek swl iv~c, hweIvy Aqy jnqk AwvwjweI 'qy, 50 iblIAn fwlr qoN v~D &Yfrl Krcw huMdw hY[ bIqy smyN iv~c vDwey gey tYksW dw ivroD krn vwly irpbilkn hux iksy vI qrHW nwl tYksW ƒ vDwaux leI rwzI hn[ irpbilkn

sYm grovz (Awr-imsUrI) hwlWik, mMndw hY ik vI.AYm.tI. ƒ vwhnW nwl bVI AwswnI nwl lwgU kIqw jw skdw hY[ fYmokryts dw kihxw hY ik hux auh smW Aw igAw hY ik AijhIAW kwrporySnW jo keI swlW qoN v~K v~K qrIikAW nwl tYks 'qoN b~c rhIAW sn, hux auh dyS dIAW buinAwdI zrUrqW pUrIAW krn iv~c Awpxw Xogdwn pwaux[ sYnyt dI iv~q kmytI dy cyArmYn, ron vwiefn (fI-Erygn) ny meI iv~c PMifMg sMbMDI ie~k pYnl dI suxvweI dOrwn ikhw, "myrw kihxw ieh hY ik mYgw-kwrporySnW ies iv~c koeI Xogdwn nhIN pwauxgIAW ijs kwrn m~D-SRyxI krmcwrIAW ƒ ies dw Bugqwn krnw pvygw Aqy ieh ie~k shI &Yslw nhIN hY[ AYP.ey.AYs.tI. AYkt iv~c bdlwv ilAwaux leI fYmokryts ny hwaUs AwP fYmokryts iv~c 547 iblIAn fwlr dw iek ib~l pyS kIqw[ ieh ipCly swl aunHW duAwrw mnzUr kIqy gey ib~l, ijs ƒ kdy sYnyt dI vot nhIN imlI, nwloN 50 iblIAn fwlr v~D hY[ irpbilkn ny ies leI 400 iblIAn fwlr dI pySkS kIqI hY[ aumId hY ik ieh hweIvy PMifMg dyS dy ku~l buinAwdI FWcy dw ie~k ih~sw bxygI[ www.punjabitruckingusa.com

INDUSTRY NEWS

Howes Diesel Defender cleans injectors and improves fuel economy

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vailable at travel centers and other locations, Howes Diesel Defender cleans fuel systems and injectors while also fighting against low lubricity and harmful deposits. Rhode Island-based Howes has been developing lubricants and fuel additives since 1920.

Diesel Defender is 100% petroleumbased and is alcohol-free to make sure the lube doesn’t dry out seals and gaskets. It emulsifies water which is essential for a well-running engine. These features help improve fuel usage.

On its website, Howes said, “When used as a year-round solution to lower lubricity and harmful deposits, Diesel Defender provides unmatched performance and guarantees a 5% increase in fuel economy.”

Diesel Defender uses its patented IDX4 detergent for cleaning power. Howes

says it “cleans the toughest deposits from injectors and keeps them clean.” It also reduces emissions with more complete fuel combustion.

Features include: • Maximum lubricity in injectors, pumps and upper cylinders • Cleans all types of deposits including internal injector deposits • Prevents future deposits • Removes water, eliminating microbial growth • Reduces exhaust emissions • Boosts engine performance • Guarantees a minimum 5% in fuel savings • Warranty safe in all diesel and biodiesel fuels including home heating oil Treatment ratios are one quart per 160 gallons or half-gallon per 320 gallons.

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July & August 2021

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INDUSTRY NEWS

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July & August 2021

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Shyft Group set to offer medium-duty all-electric chassis

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ichigan-based Shyft Group, a manufacturer for the commercial vehicle industry, announced its plans to make available an all-electric Class 3 chassis platform for medium-duty trucks, including last-mile parcel delivery, passenger buses and recreational vehicles.

The new chassis can work with most gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) classes and has a high degree of configurability.

Prototypes will be available for customers as early as next year with production scheduled to start in 2023.

In a press release, Shyft said, “The EV-powered chassis features customizable length and wheelbase, making it well suited for a variety of vehicle types. The chassis’ modular design can accommodate multiple GVWR classifications, based on build out and usage. With this high degree of configurability, the all-electric chassis is adaptable to last mile delivery, work truck, mass transit, recreational vehicle, and other emerging EV markets.”

Shyft is a nationwide company originally formed in Lansing, Michigan as Spartan Motors in 1975. It has plants in ten states from Maine to California with one facility in Mexico. Its customers range from government to utility and infrastructure companies.

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“We have a well-established track record as a manufacturer of choice for purpose-built fleets. With nearly a decade of EV proficiency and over 15 years of alternative propulsion category experience, we’re a natural choice for other bodybuilders seeking a reliable commercial grade EV chassis,” said Shyft President and CEO Darly Adams.

“We believe this multi-dimensional platform has the power to fast-track EV adoption within the vocation-specific specialty vehicle category. It will be made domestically by a proven team of skilled tradespeople already building today’s most successful fleets.”

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INDUSTRY NEWS

California starts zero-emission truck voucher program in June

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ith zero-emission Class 8 truck prices often double the amount of a diesel truck, California is once again offering financial assistance through the Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP).

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) in partnership with the nonprofit Calstart announced that on June 8 the new voucher program worth $165 million will be made available to companies who want to begin the transition to zero-emission fleets.

Money from the voucher program brings electric truck prices down to roughly the same price tag as a diesel truck. Smaller fleets without as much capital now have an opportunity to buy new trucks that will meet California’s strict emission standards.

The voucher amounts will range from $45,000 for a Class 4 truck up to $120,000 for a Class 8 truck. Six Class 8 battery electric trucks qualify for the largest subsidy, including: • BYD 8TT Class 8 • Freightliner eCascadia • Kenworth t680E • Lion Electric Lion8T • Peterbilt 579EV • Volvo VNR Electric

The voucher program comes in two phases with half of the funding released on June 8 with the remaining half made available on August 10. This two-phase process should give added opportunities to smaller companies.

Class 8 trucks performing drayage operations, however, will be exempt from the two-month pause with CARB hoping to have 800 zero-emission drayage truck orders this year. California hopes to have 100% zero-emission drayage trucks by 2035.

California has steadily been ramping up its fight against pollution from fossil-fueled powered vehicles, especially heavy-

duty trucks. Within three years, at least 5% of new trucks sold in California need to be zero-emission. That number goes up to 75% in 2035 with the goal of totally eliminating new sales of gaspowered vehicles by 2045.

California’s zero-emission truck voucher program began in 2009 with Calstart, a national clean transportation organization administering the program through CARB. So far, the program has spent $400 million with 7,000 new zero-emission vehicles on the road.

Many of those new trucks have been deployed in disadvantaged and low-income areas which are often disproportionately affected by air pollution.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Broker C.H. Robinson wants Supreme Court to address ‘negligent hiring’ issue

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n an attempt to avoid future lawsuits, C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc. is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to decide whether freight brokers should be held responsible for damages from accidents caused by drivers who were hired by the broker but were not employed by or under the control of that broker. The issue has been labeled “negligent hiring.”

Robinson’s appeal involves last September’s ruling by an appellate court that said the 1994 Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act (FAAAA) did not preempt state regulations that allow common-law tort claims like the one made by Allen Miller, a motorist who was paralyzed in 2016 in an accident caused by a trucker working for a carrier which Robinson hired to move freight from Sacramento to Salt Lake City.

The appellate court denied Robinson a rehearing and there is no guarantee the Supreme Court will take up the case either, although the validity of the FAAAA in trucking is also at the core of the industry’s argument against AB5 in California and will most likely be addressed by the high court at some point. The trucking industry has argued that since the FAAAA is a federal law it should supersede any state laws.

Robinson claims the court “badly misinterprets” the safety provision in the FAAAA in its ruling. The court said that in the case of safety the state was within its rights to exempt certain lawsuits from the purview of the FAAAA. The court had reversed a ruling by a federal district court. The district court had originally ruled the lawsuit did not come under the safety exception portion of www.punjabitruckingusa.com

the FAAAA. Brokers have long argued they should not be held responsible for accidents caused by carriers who they have contracted with.

Lawyers on the side of plaintiffs, however, say that a broker is responsible for making sure that drivers carry proper insurance and have met all of the proper safety requirements.

In addition, large brokers such as Robinson often carry far more insurance coverage than small carriers making them particularly attractive to lawsuits, such as Miller’s, where damages can run several million dollars.

Plaintiff lawyers also point out that Robinson should be held liable because it is the main point of contact between shippers and carriers and drivers are working as Robinson’s agent in moving freight.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

More briefs filed in California to keep AB5 injunction in effect

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oining with the California Trucking Association, the American Trucking Associations, the Western States Trucking Association and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association have now filed amicus briefs to prevent California’s independent contractors’ law, AB5, from being implemented.

Currently, an injunction against the law stands, but in a recent decision, a panel (three judges) of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals struck down the injunction, indicating AB5 could go into effect. The court has allowed for appeals, and the four trucking organizations are asking for an en banc hearing consisting of 11 judges in order to further argue in favor of keeping the injunction in effect.

While the groups have all filed separate briefs, their legal argument hinges on the 1994 Federal Aviation Authorization Administration Act (FAAAA) which says that a state cannot interfere with some aspects of interstate commerce to avoid a wide range of different laws set up throughout the states. They argue that AB5 definitely impacts prices, routes and service, which are mentioned in the FAAAA in regard to trucking.

Citing a Supreme Court decision, the ATA argued the preemption section of the FAAAA “reflects Congress’ concern that ‘state requirements could easily lead to a patchwork of state service-determining laws, rules and regulations.’”

The key issue that has made AB5 difficult for the trucking 38

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industry to work around is the B prong of the ABC test which is part of the legislation and was originally formulated by the California Supreme Court.

It defines an employee as a worker who is hired by a company to perform a task or service that is little or no different from the company’s regular business operations. Obviously, most independent contractors are truck drivers who do not perform other jobs.

The WSTA has labeled AB5 “an all or nothing law” which would “categorically prevent motor carriers from exercising their freedom to choose between using independent contractors or employees.”

WSTA also claims that the efficiency of deliveries during the pandemic was a result of the relationship between carriers and contractors. “That capability will be severely curtailed, or the prices will rise exorbitantly under the new law,” WSTA wrote.

In its brief, the OOIDA wrote that AB5 “permits California to wholly condemn the business model used by a significant segment of the trucking industry and eliminates an entire category of motor carriers who rely upon independent owner operators to do business and therefore subverts Congress’ intent.”

Another key argument from the WSTA cites the many industries who have become exempt from the law, including ride-hailing services Uber and Lyfft who successfully passed Prop 22 which said the law did not apply to their business model. www.punjabitruckingusa.com

INDUSTRY NEWS

New electric-powertrain conversions for heavy trucks are on the horizon

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irginia-based Trova Commercial Vehicles is currently developing a diesel-to-electric-conversion solution for existing Class 7 and 8 trucks.

Conversions will utilize TrovaCV’s new proprietary rolling chassis, which can accommodate battery-electric driveline components with battery packs packaged within the chassis rails.

This system increases battery-pack durability and safety as well as improving vehicle stability.

“Over the past year, we’ve developed our rolling chassis as a ‘skateboard’ solution for converting existing heavyduty trucks to electric power at a much lower cost than buying a new EV,” said Patrick Collignon, TrovaCV founder and CEO. “Our D2E package combines the latest electric driveline technology with a completely new chassis thoughtfully designed from the ground up specifically for EV components. Also, our conversion

process is being engineered to deliver rapid volume production, rather than the slow build of a typical mom-and-pop converter.”

Conversions will be streamlined in a factory setting to allow for quick turnarounds. Before a truck arrives, a new rolling chassis equipped with an electric driveline is produced. After the truck is drained of all liquids, the bumper, hood and cab are removed and prepared for reassembly. Then the axles, fifth wheel and brakes from the truck are transferred to the new chassis.

TrovaCV says its new conversion program will begin late next year.

Old components, including diesel engines and transmissions will be remanufactured and old chassis will be reconditioned and reused if possible or recycled if not.

“It is simply not possible to reach lofty zero emission targets without transforming existing diesel trucks in one way or another,” said Collignon.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Michelin offers two new pre-mold retreads

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esigned to save money and provide improved performance, two new pre-mold retreads have been added by Michelin to its current lineup of tire retread offerings.

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July & August 2021

The Michelin X Multi T-SA pre-mold retread solves problems with scrub and stresses in spread axle and tag axle applications in both regional and super-regional driving. The Michelin X ONE Line Energy T2 pre-mold retread offers improved trailer tread wear for the line-haul market.

In a press release, Michelin Vice President of B2B Marketing Adam Murphy said, “The smart money is on retreads. Retreading plays the central role in delivering the lowest total tire program cost and creates the greatest return on a fleet’s tire investment. In addition, manufacturing a retreaded tire requires 15 gallons less oil and approximately 90-100 pounds less total material than a new tire, so the environment also benefits.”

Boasting a new premium rubber compound, the Michelin X Multi T-SA improves scrub resistance and wear rate. It has a rounded, solid shoulder to resist aggression.

It provides maximum tread to shoulder adhesion in high scrub situations with groove-bottom protectors against stone drilling. The retread comes with a 16/32-inch depth in six tread bases: 185/225, 195/235, 205/245, 215/255, 225/265 and 245/285.

Designed to improve on the X ONE Line Energy T, the X ONE Line Energy T2 has better wear rates and reduces irregular wear. It also offers significant fuel savings because of its advanced compound tread.

The new retread provides maximum shoulder adhesion with waved grooves to help prevent stone drilling. Its wide grooves also improve water evacuation. It meets SmartWay requirements and will be available in July with a 375/425 tread base with a 13/32-inch tread base.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Bridgestone offers highly efficient new truck tire

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eaturing directional edge sipes to combat scrub and offering up to 15% more miles, the Bridgestone R213 Ecopia is the newest long-haul commercial truck tire from Nashvillebased Bridgestone Americas. The new tire outperforms its predecessor, the R284 Ecopia.

The tire boasts a redesigned tread pattern and an innovative compound which reduces weight while improving rolling resistance and fuel efficiency by 6%. According to Bridgestone’s website, the new tire has these specialized features: • IntelliShapeTM Sidewall - Contains less bead filler volume, reducing tire weight and

minimizing rolling resistance for enhanced fuel efficiency and increased durability.

• NanoPro-TechTM Polymers - Patented polymer technology limits energy loss for improved rolling resistance and better fuel economy without compromising durability or mileage performance.

• Innovative Tread Compound - Together with redesign tread pattern contributes to a 15% longer removal mileage than the predecessor R284 Ecopia.

• Directional Stress Relief Sipes Directional Sipes help dissipate scrub at the shoulder, minimizing the onset of irregular wear and contributing to a 15% improvement in wear life.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Medical examiners want more guidance on Sleep Apnea

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n an attempt to get ahead of what has become a controversial issue, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is making more information available about obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) for medical examiners who have truck drivers as patients.

This is in response to a recent virtual meeting with the agency’s medical review board, who are demanding more links about apnea be added to the FMCSA medical examiner’s handbook which is currently undergoing an update. The May meeting was held to review that update.

It is estimated that 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea with 80% of those cases going undiagnosed. The medical review board suggested that the issue has become political, and some examiners are hesitant in diagnosing the condition in drivers because there is no official regulation about requiring drivers to participate in a sleep study which could properly diagnose apnea.

In 2013, a law passed by Congress forbade regulators from issuing official guidance about OSA until the FMCSA went through the rulemaking process, which could take years. In 2016, just such a process was started with a joint Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking with the Federal Railroad Administration for regulatory OSA guidance. In 2017 it was withdrawn, with the FMCSA saying its current safety programs about fatigue risk management were sufficient.

Although FMCSA is not currently advising the process begins 42

July & August 2021

again, it is including additional information on OSA in the examiner’s handbook and a link to the medical review board’s past conversations regarding OSA. They are also issuing severe warnings about the impact of the disease.

“Drivers with untreated moderate to severe OSA are at increased risk of being fatigued while driving—regardless of the amount of off-duty time prior to the beginning of the work shift,” FMCSA said. “The agency believes all medical examiners on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners should be aware of the OSA risk factors so that drivers exhibiting such conditions are referred to a sleep specialist for evaluation.”

Medical professionals argue that the issue has been ignored because special interests within the trucking industry have not wanted it to be brought forward. Doctors say that it is rare for drivers to be diagnosed with OSA and referred for a sleep study.

Drivers are often hesitant to have a sleep study because they can cost more than $1,000.

The American Trucking Associations’ opinion on the subject is that no regulatory guidance should be made unless it is done through the official rulemaking process.

Dan Horvath of the ATA said, “It’s not just about screening standards of who should be sent in for a sleep apnea test. What also needs to be addressed is how you treat it after the fact. It’s a pretty big, complex issue. And there’s a big inconsistency out there.” www.punjabitruckingusa.com

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INDUSTRY NEWS

New Detroit DD Gen 5 engine boasts better flexibility, fuel efficiency

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July & August 2021

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aimler Trucks North America (DTNA) recently announced that the new update to its Detroit DD13 engine will come with added features and higher power ratings.

Changes include more “efficiency,” “robustness” and “thermal management.”

"The DD13 Gen 5 was built on the proven Heavy-Duty Engine Platform from Detroit on which our customers depend to deliver unmatched efficiency and power," said David Carson, DTNA’s senior vice president for sales and marketing. "The DD13 Gen 5 builds on that legacy, while offering even more flexibility and options for specific application needs."

The new engine is 60 lbs. lighter than its predecessor and is available for onhighway use with the Freightliner Cascadia and for vocations use with the Western Star 49X. ThermoCoasting, which prevents aftertreatment during cool down and is efficient with vocational and urban usage where maximum uptime is essential.

In addition, the DD13 Gen 5 delivers up to 525 HP and 1,850 lb-ft of torque and is built for a broad range of applications such as oilfield, municipal, mixer and vacuum trucks. The new engine has additional power at the upper end and more torque at the lower end when compared with its predecessor.

It handles higher compression ratios, and its new swirl piston provides improved combustion and efficiency. A new asymmetric turbocharger delivers fast response and new thermal management.

"Our vocational customers played a critical role in the development and design of the new DD13 Gen 5 engine," said Mike Stricker, director of sales at Detroit.

"We listened to their on-the-job needs and responded by overhauling key engine components for an immediate and longterm benefit on performance and uptime."

Because of the new turbocharger, which provides peak power and torque much faster, the new engine uses less fuel without sacrificing “pulling power.” It also reduces “parasitic losses” and wear to ensure fuel efficiency.

The DD13 Gen 5 is equipped with the Detroit Connect suite of services, giving fleets more data on performance, diagnostics and fuel usage. Fleets will be able to know quickly when vehicles have problems as well as the best path to resolve those issues. www.punjabitruckingusa.com

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New Legend Inc. Energizes Local Lanes ordering 50 Freightliner eCascadias New Legend Inc. (“Legend”) announced on May 10, 2021, plans to switch all of the company’s local running lanes to an entirely all-electric fleet by 2023, starting with the purchase of 50 battery-electric Freightliner eCascadias for Southern California.

“This is a good move for us, and for our customers,” said Sunny Samara, owner and founder of New Legend Inc. “We want to electrify our local lanes completely by the end of 2023, starting in the Los Angeles area with 50 Freightliner eCascadias.”

Legend initiated their plan by placing an order for 50 Freightliner eCascadias the week of May 3, 2021. The company expects to receive its trucks from the nation’s leading commercial truck manufacturer beginning in early 2023. The company’s first all-electric Class 8 trucks will be deployed to their Los Angeles lanes, with plans to expand other local lanes by the end of the same year. Legend currently operates local lanes in Phoenix, Ariz., Portland, Ore., and Dallas, Texas, but as the company grows, it plans on continuing to bring zero emissions transport to more large cities.

Robert Moffitt, executive vice president and director of operations: “We are always looking for ways to invest back into the company, and to advance our technology for our drivers, for our customers, and for the cities and communities in which we operate. This could very well be the next game changer for local lanes as it will help the environment, lower our fuel costs, and we anticipate that local drivers will appreciate the new, comfortable equipment.”

Legend elected to start with adoption of electrification technologies in its local lanes to complement the best available technology. The all-new Freightliner eCascadia with an anticipated 250 miles of range on a full charge and ability to recharge completely in three to four hours was the natural choice. Legend is a long-standing Freightliner customer, and was treated to an early look at the pre-series production eCascadia.

The Class 8 semi also boasts a quiet ePowertrain from Detroit, offering up to 23,000 lb-ft of torque to haul a gross combined weight rating of 82,000 lbs and ensure a comfortable, reliable experience for its drivers. The company also expects that by equipping its drivers with an all-electric truck, it will decrease the time spent filling up at pumps, which means less hassle for Legend drivers.

Legend has always had the long-term goal of growing its business by investing back into its drivers, equipment, and technology, and expects further expansion in the coming months.

About New Legend Inc d.b.a. Legend Transportation Inc New Legend Inc. started from 1 truck and 1 man. Its Owner and Founder, Sunny Samara started driving at the age of 22 for a company in California. At 25, he purchased his own truck and hauled for a few companies throughout the continental United States. Thirteen years after founding New Legend, the company has established partnerships with mostly Fortune 500 companies in the retail and food industries. With double digit growth year after year, many companies and drivers have helped New Legend grow tremendously, and the company prides itself on the long-term relationships it has built. New Legend Inc. now provides more than 1,000 tractors and more than 4,000 plated trailers throughout the Western Region.

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Volvo Trucks. Driving Progress.

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