Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, July 17, 2024:
Averitt names new VP of Corporate Services
Doug Lloyd
In his new position, Lloyd will take a lead role in Averitt’s properties and construction efforts. Additionally, he will maintain his current responsibilities of leading Averitt’s fleet maintenance and equipment teams.
Before coming to Averitt in 2008, Lloyd gained several years of experience in the construction field. He began his Averitt career with its Productivity & Efficiency team, then transferred to Preventive Maintenance, where he served until being promoted to his most recent role as Director of Maintenance.
“We are excited about Doug’s continued role in helping ensure we have the best fleet in the industry,” said Averitt President and Chief Operating Officer Barry Blakely. “We are also excited about his leadership to propel us forward with the growth of our facilities.”
Higher penalties, jail time now possible for violating Wyoming wind restrictions
The Wyoming Department of Transportation is reminding drivers of new penalties for violating highway closures to light and high-profile vehicles that went into effect July 1.
The “Light and high-profile vehicle closures bill” passed in the 2024 legislative session. The bill language notes that, “any person who willfully fails to observe any sign, marker, warning, notice or direction” for closures to light, high-profile vehicles is guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction, subject to a fine of $1,000 and potential imprisonment for up to 30 days.
If the motorist is convicted of subsequent offenses within three years of the first offense, the violator is subject to a $2,500 fine. The conviction would be deemed reckless driving under Wyoming Statute 31-5-229, with possible driver licensing action.
Also new with the new legislation, the driver of the light and high‑profile vehicle at the time of the violation would be liable, upon conviction, for any of the above penalties.
“We hope these new penalties will be a better deterrent for drivers who otherwise may decide to test their luck and chance the wind closures to save some time,” said Col. Tim Cameron with the Wyoming Highway Patrol. “We see time and time again that this gamble results in crashes, injuries and lost time for everyone if the road has to close for cleanup.”
This new law does not just apply to commercial drivers; RVs, campers, moving vans, utility trailers and other large, boxy vehicles or trailers are also considered light and high profile and are subject to these penalties.
WYDOT noted that the law’s new fines also apply to “other weight-based closures” that aren’t necessarily wind related.
“Even on highways without strong wind restrictions, like Wyoming Highway 22/Teton Pass, drivers who willfully disregard weight restriction signage will be subject to these steeper penalties,” Cameron added.
Landstar gives away new truck to owner-operator
John Fuller (right), Landstar All-Star Truck Giveaway Winner and Landstar Two Million Mile Safe Driver and Roadstar honoree, is shown with his wife, Jo, and Landstar President and CEO Frank Lonegro (left).Landstar
John Fuller, a Landstar Two Million Mile Safe Driver, was awarded the keys to a brand-new 2025 Freightliner Cascadia as part of the company’s BCO All-Star Celebration held earlier this month in Orlando, Florida.
The All-Star Truck Giveaway is exclusively reserved for Landstar Million Mile Safe Drivers and Roadstar honorees — the designation awarded to the “best of the best” for high levels of safety, productivity and excellence in customer service. This is the 49th truck Landstar has given away in its history, and the 11th truck awarded specifically to a Landstar Million Mile Safe Driver or Roadstar recipient. This year’s truck was sponsored in part by Comdata, and the prize includes all registration fees and taxes paid by Landstar.
“John certainly deserves to win this new truck after having safely driven, not one, but two million miles, and helped set the industry standard for safety and service excellence as a Landstar Roadstar,” said Landstar President and CEO Frank Lonegro. “Our congratulations to John, and all the men and women who were recognized for their individual achievements as Landstar Million Mile Safe Drivers and Roadstar recipients.”
Fuller leased to Landstar as an owner-operator in 2003. He achieved his first million miles as a safe driver in 2012. Just two years later, he was recognized as a Landstar Roadstar honoree for consistently proving his commitment to safety and excellence.
Fuller accepted his Two Million Mile Safe Driver award at the BCO All-Star Celebration shortly before he was called to the stage again, this time, as one of four finalists randomly drawn from the pool of Landstar owner-operators eligible to win the truck giveaway. Then, the finalists each selected one of four boxes, one of which contained the key to the new truck.
Rite Way Transport Group launches 60 vehicle storage locations
Automotive transportation company Rite Way Transport Group has launched 60 new vehicle storage locations across the United States.
We are thrilled to unveil our new Vehicle Storage service, which has been in development since Q2 of 2023,” said Jeff Lassen, CEO of Rite Way Transport Group. “Going ‘LIVE’ with this offering is a testament to our dedication to providing versatile solutions for our clients. This addition will help us better serve our clients’ growing needs and enhance their overall experience with Rite Way.”
The company’s ability to now offer secure and convenient storage options is expected to benefit clients who require flexible solutions for their vehicles.