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Celadon Group Named Inaugural Winner of Healthy Trucking Fleet of the Year

INDIANAPOLIS, IN. -- Celadon Group, Inc. announced that it has been awarded the 2012 Healthy Trucking Fleet of the Year award, presented by FusionHealth and Navistar. This is the inaugural year for the award, which honors trucking companies that excel in integrating health and wellness programs and practices into their operations for improving the health and well-being of its driver workforce.

The Healthy Trucking Fleet of the Year award is scored on a set of criteria focusing on how the company's program integrates into its operations, how it targets the continuum of health care issues, tailors to population needs, includes high participation of employees and evaluates the results on clear definitions of success. Celadon was specifically recognized for its on-site, full service health clinic that offers primary physician care, prescription services, workers compensation rehabilitation, and physical therapy. Celadon was further recognized for its comprehensive Wellness Program, which consists of health screenings, health seminars, diet and weight loss programs, nutritional and exercise programs, and incentives for healthy habits. Finally, the company was recognized for its below industry average driver turnover rate, attributed in part to its health and wellness programs.

A team of Celadon executives accepted the award at Celadon corporate headquarters in Indianapolis. "We are extremely proud of our strategic, progressive approach to long term health and wellness initiatives," said Paul Will, Vice Chairman, President and COO. "We have worked diligently to initiate innovative, truly life changing practices for our drivers and all Celadon employees. We are excited to be awarded the Healthy Trucking Fleet Award and help elevate industry adoption of pro-active healthcare and healthy lifestyle choices."

Chelle Pfiffner, Vice President of Strategic Employer Solutions at Fusion Health, elaborated on the significance of the Healthy Trucking Fleet of the Year Award. "Drivers power the industry, and it can be difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle during long stints on the road," said Pfiffner. "The program is meant to raise awareness of employer initiatives to support health among drivers and to recognize outstanding fleets leading those efforts. FusionHealth and Navistar believe the trucking industry can set the example for moving America forward to better health."

"Just as healthy drivers are paramount to a successful fleet, a healthy fleet is essential to a successful business," added Phil Tindell, Vice President, North American Regional Sales, Navistar. "Navistar and International Truck are working toward a healthier population of drivers and part of that is recognizing those individuals and fleets that are dedicated to a healthier industry."

Celadon Group, Inc. (www.celadongroup.com), through its subsidiaries, provides long-haul and regional full-truckload freight service across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The company also owns Celadon Logistics Services, which provides freight brokerage services, less-than-truckload services, as well as supply chain management solutions, including warehousing and dedicated fleet services.

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U.S. preparing for onslaught of Japanese tsunami debris

When the tsunami hit Japan in March 2011, it uprooted and swept much of what was in the danger area into the ocean.

The heavy stuff sank close to shore, but most anything that could float was carried out to sea.  Today, there are items of debris starting to hit our shores.

First it was a Japanese fishing vessel set adrift by the tsunami that had to be sunk by the U.S. Coast Guard in Gulf of Alaska waters last month.  Then, it was a volleyball and soccer ball that washed ashore on Middleton Island, 70 miles off the mainland coast of Alaska.  The latest tsunami related debris to hit North American land was the wreckage of a Harley-Davidson, discovered on a beach in British Columbia, Canada.

The Harley was an eye-opener and demonstrates the power of Mother Nature.  The bike was found inside the remains of a moving storage container. The doors were ripped off the container, but amazingly, some of the contents remained inside until it was beached.  Along with the Harley were golf clubs and some camping equipment.

Scientists are predicting that debris will be hitting the U.S. and Canadian coasts for the next several years.  Winds and ocean currents have scattered items, but fairly large debris fields have been spotted.  Estimates have floating debris yet to hit our shores weighing in at around 1.7 million tons.

The areas forecasted to get hit with the debris are vast, ranging from northern California to Alaska.  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is now gearing up for what may likely be a massive coastal clean-up effort. 

In addition to the clean-up concerns, the debris fields pose a threat to shipping lanes and fishing vessels.  Fortunately there haven’t been any hazardous threats reported or collision impacts yet.

The U.S. government is working with authorities in Japan to establish a way to return items that may have sentimental value to the Japanese.

Driver Carl Bailey of Hirschbach Motor Lines Take Top Honor in TCA’s Trucking’s Weight Loss Showdown

Winners to Be Honored at TCA’s Safety & Security Division Annual Meeting

Alexandria, Virginia – The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) is proud to announce the winners of its inaugural Trucking’s Weight Loss Showdown.  Carl Bailey of Fair Play, Mo., took the top honor for individuals and Prime, Inc. of Springfield, Mo., won the company contest.

Managed by Lindora Clinic, a personalized weight management company, the competition brought together teams of 12 drivers and staff from 11 carriers to determine which individual and which company could achieve the greatest percentages of weight loss.  The participants followed the Lean-for-Life program, which is based on a low-carbohydrate, low-fat, moderate protein menu plan coupled with exercise, nutrition education, and lifestyle changes.  The competitors received weekly phone calls from Lindora’s coaches, who educated them on nutrition and behavioral changes, helped boost their morale, supported them through their personal challenges, and recorded their weight loss.

Bailey, a professional truck driver for Hirschbach Motor lines of Medata Heights, Minn., went from 227 to 169 pounds.  This 58-pound loss equaled 26 percent of his body weight.

For his achievement, Bailey will receive $2,500 from the sponsor of the individual contest, Cline Wood Agency of Leawood, Kan.

“All of us at Cline Wood recognize how important drivers are to not only the industry but to the entire economy,” said Mike Wood, president and co-founder of Cline Wood Agency.  “Given the high percentage of them struggling with health issues, we are excited to see greater awareness of and action in this area.  We began promoting wellness for our employees two years ago and the results have been outstanding.  Trucking’s Weight Loss Showdown is a great way to get the health and wellness message out and it’s a privilege to be a program sponsor.”

The team from Prime lost a total of 353 pounds, going from 2,309 to 1,956.  This represented a 15 percent drop in the team’s collective weight.

As the top company, Prime will receive StayFit Fitness room equipment donated by TravelCenters of America/Petro.  Valued at $13,000, the package includes the following commercial grade items:  A cable motion dual pulley strength frame rack, an integrity elliptical cross trainer, and a recumbent stationary bike.  TA/Petro will also provide restaurant and food gift cards or certificates valued at $3,000.

“TA/Petro has been thrilled with the opportunity to support Trucking’s Weight Loss Showdown,” said Tom O’Brien, the company’s president and CEO.  “We saw enormous synergy between TCA’s efforts to promote driver health and wellness and our own StayFit program of better eating, fitness rooms, walking trails, and other health services.  We congratulate Prime as the company winner of this year’s Showdown and all of the participants for committing themselves to better, healthier living.”

Overall, the 2012 competitors shed 3,022 pounds, or 10 percent of their collective body weight.  Also, 90 percent of the participants managed to complete the program.  According to Lindora Clinic, this figure is higher than the completion rates for similar initiatives, which are usually about 80 percent.

“The fact that so many competitors made it to the end and achieved so much proves our industry is ready to stop talking and start acting when it comes to health and wellness,” said Chris Burruss, president of TCA.  “My thanks and congratulations go out to all of them.”

TCA will recognize the achievements of the Showdown’s winners at its 2012 Safety & Security Division Annual Meeting.  This event is scheduled for May 20-22 in Norman, Oklahoma.

To learn more about the competition and its participants, visit www.truckingsweightlossshowdown.com.

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Professional Truck Driver Posthumously Named TCA Highway Angel

Raul C. Perez, Jr. was killed while attempting to help an accident victim

Alexandria, Virginia – The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has learned of a professional truck driver who was killed while attempting to help an accident victim. To honor this Good Samaritan, the organization has bestowed Highway Angel status upon the late Raul C. Perez, Jr., who drove for Aquatic Trucking Co., of Lancaster, Texas.

On February 12, 2012, at about 6:45 p.m., Perez was headed westbound on I-20 near Clyde, Texas. The roads were icy, and Perez saw that an accident had recently taken place. The 33-year old driver parked his truck just off the roadway and walked to the disabled vehicle to check on its occupants. As he was returning to his truck, an older woman driving west struck the disabled vehicle, and then hit Perez. The driver was taken to the hospital, but, tragically, did not survive.

“Raul was a great person and an excellent employee,” said Greg Sechrist, transportation supervisor for Aquatic Trucking Co. “He was always helping others, whether asked or not, and never asked for or expected anything in return. He went above and beyond what was expected of him. I am proud to have been not only his supervisor, but his friend. He truly will be missed.”

To recognize Perez for his selfless actions, TCA has sent a Highway Angel certificate, lapel pin, and patch to Sechrist, who will present them to Perez’s wife and children. The organization also mailed Sechrist a certificate that can be hung at Aquatic Trucking’s office acknowledging the efforts of this caring professional driver. 

Since its inception in August 1997, the Highway Angels program has recognized hundreds of drivers for the unusual kindness, courtesy, and courage they have shown others while on the job. TCA has received letters and e-mails from people across North America nominating truck drivers for the program.

To view archival copies of past Highway Angel press releases, visit www.truckload.org/newsroom. To learn more about the program or to nominate a driver, go to www.truckload.org/highway-angel or visit the Angels’ Facebook page at http://on.fb.me/tcanews. For additional information, contact TCA at (703) 838-1950 or angel@truckload.org.

Truckload Carriers Association Announces Opening of Scholarship Program for 2012-13

Eligible students may apply online until June 15 

Alexandria, Virginia - The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) officially opened the application process for its annual scholarship program this morning.  Interested applicants have until 5:00 p.m. ET on Friday, June 15, 2012, to complete the application at www.truckload.org/Scholarships.

“I am very pleased to announce the launch of this year’s online scholarship application,” said Tom McLeod, chairman of the TCA Scholarship Fund and president of McLeod Software Corporation of Birmingham, Ala.  “It offers applicants a convenient way to apply for one of the many scholarships offered to family members connected to TCA member companies.  The number of applicants has been on the rise recently and we expect that trend to continue this year!”

To be eligible for consideration, each applicant must meet the following criteria:

• Be in good academic standing
• Be attending an accredited four-year college or university as a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior for 2012-13
• Be the child, grandchild, or spouse of an employee or an employee of a TCA member
• Be the child, grandchild, or spouse of an independent contractor or an independent contractor affiliated with a TCA member
• Show financial need
• Show scholastic achievement
• Maintain full-time student status
• Exhibit high character and integrity

Scholarships for the 2012-13 academic year will range in size from $2,000 to $6,000 and will be awarded in two segments. 

TCA has been offering scholarships through its Scholarship Fund since 1973.  They are awarded without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, or religion.  For more information about the program and to fill out the online application, visit www.truckload.org/Scholarships.

Maverick Transportation, LLC Announces Temperature Control Driver Pay Increase

Citing customer growth and continued company expansion, Maverick Transportation, LLC announced a pay raise for its temperature control drivers, effective April 29, 2012.

The new plan implements a $.02/mile across the board increase for drivers in the temperature control division. All current Maverick drivers, as well as new drivers coming into this division will receive an increase in starting pay. In addition, Maverick raised detention pay to $15 an hour, almost doubling the previous rate. Starting pay for experienced temperature control drivers will now be $.41 - $.42/mile. Students with no experience will start at $.35/mile and increase to $.38/mile after 3 months. Drivers receive a $.01/mile increase after 1 year. An additional longevity incentive each year, for up to five years, was also recently announced.

“Our goal is to stay competitive in driver recruiting while simultaneously rewarding and retaining our existing drivers," said Director of Recruiting Brad Vaughn. “This is the second pay raise that Maverick has implemented in 2012.”

Maverick announced significant investments in new equipment during 2011 and 2012. The fleet currently operates 2010-2012 model Freightliner tractors providing drivers one of the safest, most comfortable rides in the industry.  With safety and technology leading the way, Maverick’s temperature control trailers are equipped with two way communications, door sensors, fuel sensors, and more. “We anticipate a considerable increase in utilization with our recent investment in additional temperature control trailers,” said Drew Selig, Director of Temperature Control Divisions. “We know that a larger trailer pool means more options for both our drivers and our customers.”

Based in Little Rock, Arkansas and operating over 1,200 units, Maverick provides OTR and dedicated service to the flatbed, glass, machinery, and temperature controlled transportation markets throughout North America. To learn more visit their website at www.maverickusa.com

Women In Trucking Association Hits Five-year Mark

PLOVER, WI -- Women In Trucking Association, Inc. was formed in March of 2007 during its inaugural board meeting at the Truckload Carriers Conference in Las Vegas.

A group of twelve women comprised the original board, which has now expanded to include both men and women representing different sectors of the industry. The association was formed to encourage women to look at careers in the trucking industry and to support those who work within the industry.

“We represent the women who design and build the trucks, sell the trucks, fix the trucks, dispatch the trucks and own the trucks, as well as those who drive them,” said Founder and President/CEO, Ellen Voie. “We are especially pleased to have many men who become members to support our efforts,” Voie added.

Mark Rousseau, Vice Chairman of the board and the first male director said, “Frito-Lay, North America congratulates Women in Trucking on their five year anniversary and we are proud of being the first Gold Partner of the organization. Over the first five years we have seen the positive impact of WIT related to recognizing the women in the Industry, and in creating awareness of the need to improve diversity and inclusion in trucking. We are looking forward to continuing our support of WIT as the organization moves into being the key resource for individuals, companies, and the government in supporting women in trucking related jobs.”

Some of the accomplishments of the group include the annual “Salute to the Women Behind the Wheel,” to honor professional female drivers, the “Influential Woman in Trucking Award,” the anti-harassment employment guide and the formation of a Scholarship Foundation. The group is nearing 2,000 members, which include both individuals and corporations and plans to hold a birthday celebration at the Great American Trucking Show in August.

Women In Trucking was established to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments and minimize obstacles faced by women working in the trucking industry. Membership is not limited to women, as sixteen percent of its members are men who support the mission. Women In Trucking is supported by its members and the generous support of Gold Level Partners; Bendix, Daimler Truck NA, Frito-Lay North America , Great Dane Trailers, Hyundai Translead and Walmart. For more information visit http://www.WomenInTrucking.org or call 888-464-9482.