OTRworkforce.com Trucking News

Driving simulator seeks volunteers to participate in heavy truck study

The National Advanced Driving Simulator (NADS), a research and teaching unit of the University of Iowa College Of Engineering, today began to recruit drivers for a study investigating the effectiveness of Electronic Stability Control (ESC) in heavy trucks. This is the second in a series of NADS studies examining safety issues related to heavy trucks.

ESC is an active safety control system designed to help the driver maintain vehicle control under adverse driving conditions. A series of ESC studies has been performed at the NADS using various passenger vehicles. In light of recent results, this study is designed to estimate the extent to which heavy trucks may benefit from ESC systems.

The study involves recruiting more than 100 healthy participants, aged 22 to 55 years, with valid Commercial Drivers Licenses, Class A (CDL-A). Prospective drivers who would like to participate can learn more by visiting http://www.drivingstudies.com or by calling the NADS hotline number at 319-335-4719.

Located at the University of Iowa's Oakdale Research Park, NADS is the most sophisticated research-driving simulator in the world. Developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it offers the highest fidelity, real-time driving simulation experience. The NADS mission is to conduct and support simulator-based research and motor vehicle systems research with the goal of enhancing the safety of U.S. highways and improving the safety and productivity of the vehicle-manufacturing sector. The NADS vision is to achieve these goals in collaboration with academia, government, and industry partners through the advancement of multi-disciplinary simulation science and technology.

Arnold Transportation unveils new recruiting website

Catering specifically to driver interests in finding a good truck driving job, Arnold Transportation has unveiled a website called www.DriveArnold.com.

The regional and flatbed carrier has posted a number of available positions on the site, examples include:

MAP IT WITH ARNOLD TRANSPORTATION!
Super Driving Opportunities:
EAST OF I-35
Great Home Time! Excellent Pay & Benefits!
CDL-A req'd w/1 yr exp OR 6 mos w/major carrier
Contact ARNOLD today!
877-812-2198
www.DriveArnold.com
*Not hiring in ME, MN, NH, VT, WV, Canada & Mexico

Barr-Nunn Drivers Enjoy Milwaukee Nascar Race

GRANGER, IA. -- Barr-Nunn Transportation, a nation-wide leader in the industry, is proud to show appreciation for the hard work their drivers put forth. Providing their drivers with a good time is just one of the ways they do it.

Through their sponsorship of Mac Hill Motorsports, Barr-Nunn gave drivers Todd Lueck and Armin Strutzenberg pit and garage passes to the NASCAR Nationwide Series Camping World RV Rental 250 in Milwaukee, WI at the Milwaukee Mile.

“The company offered an opportunity to take advantage of some ‘downtime’ and what would be more exciting than attending a NASCAR Race?” Lueck said.

“It was quite an eye opener,” said Strutzenberg, who attended the race with his wife. “We had a wonderful time.”

Both drivers got to enjoy more than just the race, however. Lueck got a chance to ride a Spyder motorcycle. And Strutzenberg enjoyed the perspective from the pit, chatting up the pit crews.

“Seeing the race from the pit, you get a different perspective,” he said. “Watching from the pit is the most spectacular way to experience the races.”

To find out more about Barr-Nunn’s dedication to our drivers, call 888-999-7576 or go to www.barr-nunn.com. To learn more about Mac Hill Motorsports, visit www.machillmotorsports.com.

ATA Calls for Comprehensive Plan to Ensure Affordable Oil

ARLINGTON, VA. -- The American Trucking Associations today urged the Bush Administration and Congress to implement a comprehensive plan to increase domestic oil supplies and ensure an affordable supply of oil for the nation's 3.5 million truck drivers and American consumers.

Speaking at a National Press Club press conference hosted by Consumers For More Energy, ATA Senior Vice President Tim Lynch encouraged Congress to implement policies that will reduce oil demand, accelerate the development of research and technology, prudently increase government oversight of the petroleum markets and increase domestic oil supplies.

"ATA recognizes that the solution to this problem is multi-faceted," said Lynch. "We need a broad relief agenda that includes increasing domestic oil production to address the escalating cost of fuel and relieve the financial hardships of the trucking industry and all drivers."

Lynch was joined at the press conference by the American Highway Users Alliance, National Defense Council Foundation, The National Grange and the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council.

The trucking industry is experiencing the highest prolonged fuel prices in history. For most motor carriers, fuel has surpassed labor as their largest expense. It currently costs $1,400 to fill a typical tractor trailer's fuel tanks. Fuel cost increases ultimately will increase the cost of everything delivered by truck.

Because trucking is a highly competitive industry with very low profit margins, many trucking companies are reporting that higher fuel prices are greatly suppressing profits, if they are making a profit at all. According to Avondale Partners, in the first quarter of 2008, nearly 1,000 trucking companies with at least five trucks failed. This represents the largest number of trucking-related failures since the 2001 third quarter. In another report, the U.S. Department of Labor said that for-hire trucking companies decreased payrolls by over 10,000 during the first five months of this year.

ATA is urging the federal government to help bring down the price of diesel fuel and to alleviate trucking companies' hardships by doing the following:

-- Allow environmentally responsible exploration of oil-rich areas in the United States that are now off-limits;

-- Allow environmentally responsible development of crude resources in oil shale and tar sands in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming;

-- Streamline EPA's regulatory framework for reviewing and processing applications for additional refinery operations;

-- Establish a national diesel fuel standard;

-- Work with the 50 state Attorneys General to combat any fuel price gouging that might occur;

-- Continue to fund EPA's SmartWay Transport Partnership Program, which encourages fuel-saving strategies;

-- Require speed limiters set for 68 mph or lower on all new trucks;

-- Set a national maximum speed limit of 65 mph;

-- Eliminate the collection of the 12 percent federal excise tax on motor carriers' purchase of auxiliary power units (APUs), which cut the consumption of fuels in idling truck engines;

-- Require states to grant a weight exemption for APUs;

-- Eliminate "splash and dash" - a tax benefit for imported biodiesel that is subsequently exported; and

-- Release oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

The American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of other trucking groups, industry-related conferences, and its 50 affiliated state trucking associations, ATA represents more than 37,000 members covering every type of motor carrier in the United States.

Website: http://www.truckline.com//

Kenworth Environmental Programs Site Debuts, Features Industry-Leading Trucking Technology Products

KIRKLAND, WA. --The new Kenworth Environmental Programs website offers customers a convenient way to learn about Kenworth’s green products and initiatives.

“The new Kenworth Environmental Programs website makes it convenient to learn more about Kenworth vehicles equipped with industry-leading technology and our commitment to lower fuel costs and reduced emissions,” said Gary Moore, Kenworth assistant general manager for marketing and sales.

The Kenworth green Internet site leads off with the Kenworth Clean Power® no-idle system and an easy-to-use calculator to help figure savings. Also featured are Kenworth alternative fuel trucks and hybrid programs. Rounding out the site are sections on Kenworth dealerships, PACCAR engines, the in-cab Kenworth Driver Information Center, EPA SmartWay™ models, and PACCAR Environmental Leadership.

Kenworth Truck Company is the manufacturer of The World’s Best(TM) heavy and medium duty trucks. In addition, Kenworth is the recipient of the 2007 J.D. Power and Associates awards for Highest in Customer Satisfaction for Over The Road, Pickup and Delivery and Vocational Segment Class 8 trucks. Kenworth’s home page is www.kenworth.com. Kenworth. A PACCAR Company. 

Highway Users Lead Call for Increased Oil Supply

WASHINGTON -- The American Highway Users Alliance (Highway Users) today called for Congress and the President to enact a comprehensive energy policy that includes more oil supply. Today, the Highway Users hosted diverse consumer and business associations at an event where the groups called on Congress to approve more access to domestic resources and encourage the production and use of oil from Canada, a friendly and highly reliable trading partner.

"Motorists, truckers, bus companies and recreational travelers are being hurt by the high cost of gas at the pump, which is a direct result of the current price of crude oil," said Greg Cohen, President and CEO of the Highway Users. "Congress must come together, overcome partisanship, and increase the supply of oil so that these prices can come down. Americans are hurting enough!"

Cohen was joined at a news conference today in Washington by the American Trucking Associations, National Defense Council Foundation, The National Grange and the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council.

The speakers also called on political candidates of both parties to pledge to work together to increase all sources of energy to lower fuel prices and make America more economically secure.

"The current energy crisis is causing serious pain for our members and the public as-a-whole," said Cohen. "The situation is threatening jobs and America's competitiveness in the global economy. While we support increased efficiency and more conservation, there is no getting around the fact that our country is feeling the harmful effects of tight energy supplies."

Congress must act to open access to plentiful domestic oil supplies on the outer continental shelf and on federal lands in Western states. Modern engineering techniques would be employed to protect the environment as drilling proceeds.

"We would not be in this situation if Congress would have allowed more drilling years ago," said Cohen. "Unfortunately, it has taken $4 a gallon gasoline for them to get talking about it. Let's put words into action and get it right this time. We cannot afford to wait until gasoline is $10 a gallon."

The American Highway Users Alliance represents motorists, RV enthusiasts, truckers, bus companies, motorcyclists, and a broad cross-section of businesses that depend on safe and efficient highways to transport their families, customers, employees, and products. Highway Users members pay the taxes that finance the federal highway program and advocate public policies that dedicate those taxes to improved highway safety and mobility.

International® LoneStar® Earns EPA SmartWay Certification For Fuel Efficiency, Emissions Reduction

WARRENVILLE, Ill. -- One of the first awards for the category-defining new International® LoneStar® may make other truck manufacturers “green” with envy. LoneStar, introduced in February as the first fuel-efficient “Advanced Classic” big-rig truck, has been certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a SmartWay truck.

LoneStar joins the International® ProStar®, the most fuel efficient Class 8 truck on the market, with this environmental designation. LoneStar is the first classic-styled Class 8 truck to receive this honor.

The SmartWay program is a voluntary partnership between freight industry sectors and the EPA which establishes recognition and incentives for fuel efficiency improvements and reductions to greenhouse gas emissions. Eligibility for the SmartWay truck certification is based on a comprehensive set of fuel-saving, low-emission equipment specifications for new Class 8 long-haul tractors.

By 2012, this initiative aims to reduce as much as 66 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and up to 200,000 tons of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions per year. At the same time, the initiative targets fuel savings of up to 150 million barrels of oil annually.
“As today’s diesel prices reach record highs, developing more fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible trucks is necessary to keep operating costs down for customers and to curtail each truck’s carbon footprint,” said Dee Kapur, president, Navistar® Truck Group. “Navistar is committed to green transportation with advanced engineering and purposeful design. We look forward to working with the EPA to continue to improve the environmental performance of our commercial trucks, diesel engines and buses.”

In recent wind tunnel testing, International LoneStar proved to be as aerodynamic as competitors’ most stream-lined trucks, and LoneStar is far more aerodynamic than other “classic” trucks. Superior aerodynamics plays a major role in improving an on-highway truck’s fuel efficiency.

LoneStar was designed with fuel efficiency as a top priority. Several design elements of LoneStar provide dramatic aerodynamic performance that leads to superior fuel efficiency:

Bumper – Through careful shaping, Navistar created a bumper ideal for aero and styling. The bumper is shaped to direct the airflow smoothly around the corner and past the front tire.

Hood – LoneStar’s hood splits the air and sends most of it down the side of the truck – the way air naturally wants to go. Navistar engineers conducted extensive studies to fine tune the hood height and the fullness of the hood profile to optimize aerodynamic performance.

Windshield – The windshield angle is increased by five degrees compared with the International 9200. The curved shape of the windshield helps reduce drag and helps move air past the cab.

External Air Cleaners – The air cleaners have a unique shape to minimize their impact on aerodynamic drag. Rather than a cylindrical design, the air cleaners feature a “compressed” design that more closely resembles a capital “D”. This shape also maximizes fuel efficiency through better aerodynamics.

Chassis Skirts – The chassis skirts integrate the fuel tank into the skirting system. The fuel tank is partially exposed and functions aerodynamically, as part of the skirt system. In addition, Navistar engineers designed a carefully crafted flare at the aft end of the skirt to move the air smoothly past the drive wheels.

The truck’s aerodynamic performance has been tested according to Society of Automotive Engineer (SAE) standards, the highest standards in the industry, to validate its claims. LoneStar has been evaluated with computer analysis models, small-scale wind tunnels and large-scale wind tunnels.

“The aerodynamic design of LoneStar’s bumper, hood, windshield and side skirts can save truck drivers significant amounts of fuel,” said Tom Baughman, vice president and general manager, Navistar Heavy Truck Vehicle Center. “When a truck driver is spending more than $1,000 with each fill-up, they really appreciate the fuel efficiency that LoneStar delivers. LoneStar and ProStar are changing the game in Class 8 trucking.”

In addition to improved aerodynamics, Navistar also offers other ways for truck customers to be environmentally responsible, including:

Idle Improvements
A MaxxPowerTM auxiliary power unit (APU) from International is a fully integrated, factory installed option that provides truck drivers with a best-in-class power system that can save each truck more than $7,000 in fuel costs annually by reducing idling. No idling means less diesel fuel used. The APU can produce the power many trucks rely on while using only two-tenths of a gallon per hour.

Green Diesel
Diesel engines are no longer the smoky, noisy polluters that many people remember from earlier eras. Today’s diesel engines meet strict EPA emissions requirements. With diesel fuel, drivers can get 40 percent more miles to the gallon than gasoline. Plus, diesel engines burn cleaner due to reformulated diesel fuel introduced in 2007 called Ultra Low-Sulfur Diesel.

In 2007, new diesel engines were introduced that eliminate more than 90 percent of particulate and hydrocarbon emissions, leaving the exhaust smokeless, odorless and much cleaner for the environment. In 2010, diesel engines will be even cleaner, with aggressive “near-zero” emissions goals.

Choosing the Right Specs
For a limited time, Navistar is introducing a fuel economy program called MAXXimum MPG to help truck customers order a truck with the right specs to maximize fuel economy and aerodynamics. This program is available on ProStar and LoneStar trucks and includes a $1,000 customer incentive for selecting a MAXXimum MPG fuel economy spec.

About Navistar
Navistar International Corporation (Other OTC: NAVZ) is a holding company whose wholly owned subsidiaries produce International® brand commercial and military trucks, MaxxForce™ brand diesel engines, IC brand school and commercial buses, and Workhorse® brand chassis for motor homes and step vans. It also is a private-label designer and manufacturer of diesel engines for the pickup truck, van and SUV markets. The company also provides truck and diesel engine parts and service. Another affiliate offers financing services. Additional information is available at www.Navistar.com.

Report: Volvo truck shipments rise 15 pct in May

Volvo, the world's number two truck maker has announced that truck shipments rose 15 percent year-on-year in May.  The increase was credited to higher deliveries in the U.S. and Asia.

In the United States, Volvo's truck shipments were up 49 percent in a year-on-year comparison.  That increase is attributed largely to a buying spree ahead of new emission rules for truck engines.

RUAN DRIVER RECEIVES MILLION MILE SAFETY AWARD

DES MOINES, IOWA -- Ruan Transport Corporation recently honored driver John Gorman, who received the Ruan Million Mile Safety Award. This remarkable achievement recognizes his one million miles of accident-free driving for Ruan.

Dave Cochran, Gorman’s terminal manager, selected him to receive this prestigious award. “John is a very professional and conscientious driver, who always takes care of the equipment and performs to the highest standards. He is looked upon by his peers as one that will always assist in any way he can – whether it is advice, helping to load or unload, or even just moral support,” Cochran said of Gorman, who has dedicated 10 years of outstanding service driving for Ruan.

A former Ruan Red R award recipient, Gorman has also received numerous annual safety awards with Ruan and two safe driving awards with Knight Transportation.

Gorman will be presented his award at the annual safety recognition banquet in Fall 2008, where he will receive a personal plaque of recognition.

About Ruan
Ruan Transport Corporation is one of the largest privately owned transportation service companies in the United States. With more than 75 years of transportation management experience, Ruan provides dedicated contract carriage services as well as bulk transportation and Ruan Certified Brokerage Services. Through strong customer partnerships, Ruan adds integrated services such as logistics, warehousing, cross-docking and others to provide customers with individualized and scalable supply chain solutions. For more information about Ruan, visit www.ruan.com.

DECKER ANNOUNCES MARCH 2008 DRIVERS OF THE MONTH

FORT DODGE, IOWA -- Decker Truck Line, Inc. recently introduced their March 2008 Drivers of the Month. Rick Catherwood was selected from the flatbed division and Rodney Knapp was selected from the reefer/van division.

Catherwood has been driving for Decker for 12 years. His dispatcher, Jerry Chapman says, “Rick is very easy to work with, he is always looking for more to do and will run most anywhere”. Catherwood and his wife Karie live in Vinton, IA. When he’s not working and the Iowa weather permits, the Catherwoods enjoy riding their motorcycles.

Knapp has been with Decker for 17 years and, for the last four years, has been one of a small group of drivers who haul animal pharmaceutical products on a dedicated route. Karen Davis, Knapp’s dispatcher, says, “Rodney is good to work with, he is polite and always gets the job done.” Knapp and his wife Connie reside in Charles City, IA, where they enjoy camping and family time, when he is not on the road for Decker.

Drivers and owner-operators are nominated monthly by their dispatcher, and are selected based on overall performance within all areas of the company. Areas include operational productivity, safety records, maintenance/care of equipment (including idle time), payroll, billing and customer service. All chosen drivers and owner-operators are also eligible to be selected as Driver/Owner-Operator of the year.

Founded in 1931, Decker Truck Line, Inc. is a diversified carrier, transporting flatbed, refrigerated and dry van freight to the 48 contiguous states and seven Canadian provinces. Under the sole ownership of Don Decker, Decker’s corporate office is located in Fort Dodge, IA. Additional terminals are in Davenport, Iowa; Mediapolis, Iowa; Mason City, Iowa; Hammond, Indiana; Masury, Ohio; Birmingham, Alabama and Hutchins, Texas.