Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024:
Truckstop, OOIDA announce new partnership
Load board Truckstop and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association on Tuesday announced an official collaboration to cut OOIDA members a 15% discount on the load board’s services.
As part of the collaboration, OOIDA has designated Truckstop as its exclusive load board partner.
“We’re thrilled that Truckstop has teamed up with OOIDA as their exclusive load board partner,” said Kendra Tucker, chief executive officer, Truckstop. “This partnership is a testament to our commitment to putting owner-operators first by empowering them to manage, protect and grow their businesses like never before.”
Truckstop touted its safety credentials and fraud-fighting efforts in announcing the collaboration, saying it will continue to invest in a “secure load board” for owner-operators. Truckstop has its own carrier-vetting software, RMIS, which includes data from Carrier Assure. Truckstop has recently outsourced much of its Assurance Department, which combats instances of fraud on the load board, but the company’s leadership said the staffing change wouldn’t adversely impact customer experience.
“The Truckstop and OOIDA teams will engage daily with owner-operators and carriers across the U.S. to assist them in managing and protecting their businesses,” Brett Hutto, chief relationship officer at Truckstop said. “Our collaboration aims to support the owner-operator and all carriers effectively, with a focus on mitigating fraud. Our security teams actively monitor and assess data to help safeguard and stay ahead of evolving market threats.”
Despite Truckstop’s moves to crack down on freight fraud, the company’s own data shows it continues to grow. This focus on fraud brought OOIDA and Truckstop together, according to Todd Spencer, president of OOIDA.
“Over the years, Truckstop has continually demonstrated its dedication to empowering owner-operators and small fleet truckers. When rampant freight fraud hit the trucking industry a few years ago, Truckstop swiftly dedicated significant efforts and resources to protect small business truckers,” said Spencer. “With OOIDA’s 50 years of advocacy for owner-operators and Truckstop’s longstanding commitment to small carriers, this partnership is a natural fit.”
Volvo begins production of new VNL
Volvo Trucks North America (VTNA) has started production of the all-new VNL at its New River Valley Assembly Plant in Dublin, Virginia, the company announced last week. The new VNL became available for order back in April.
The New River facility is Volvo’s largest in the world and the official debut of the revamped VNL — a truck Volvo claims is all is 90% new and 10% more efficient — christens a $400 million investment in the company’s new cab plant.
More than 1,800 customers, dealers and sales personnel have participated in pre-launch events throughout the summer at Volvo Trucks’ Customer Center in anticipation of the commercial debut of the next generation on-highway flagship tractor.
The all-new Volvo VNL is packaged into four exterior and interior trim levels — Core, Edge, Edge Black and Ultimate — and six cab configurations: VNL 300 Day Cab; VNL 440 42-inch Mid-Roof Sleeper; VNL 640 62-inch Mid-Roof Sleeper; VNL 660 62-inch Full-Height Sleeper; VNL 840 74-inch Mid-Roof Sleeper; and VNL 860 74-inch Full-Height Sleeper.
Available in four horsepower ratings ranging from 405-500 hp, and three torque ratings from 1,750-1,950 lb-ft, the D13 engine’s smaller needle control valves in the fuel injectors provide improved fuel flow into the D13 engine’s combustion chamber. The control valve size reduction provides more precise and rapid control over the fuel flow rate out of the injector tip, leading to improved fuel atomization, better combustion efficiency and enhanced engine performance. The latest iteration of the I-Shift transmission features up to 30% faster shifting speeds compared to its predecessor.
[Related: The new Volvo VNL, inside and out: Take the tour with this closer look]
Pilot supporting Hurricane Helene relief efforts
Pilot is mobilizing its extensive network of travel centers to support communities affected by Hurricane Helene through an in-store round-up campaign for the American Red Cross.
In addition to the round-up, Pilot is donating $300,000 to hurricane relief efforts, including $100,000 to Red Cross Hurricane Helene relief and $200,000 across various local non-profit organizations in highly impacted areas.
From Oct. 4 to Oct. 18, guests can visit any U.S. owned and operated Pilot, Flying J and One9 travel center location to round up their purchase to the nearest dollar to provide aid to those affected by the hurricane. One hundred percent of funds raised will support Red Cross response efforts in impacted communities across the Southeast.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the countless individuals, families and communities, including our own team members, experiencing the utterly devastating effects of Hurricane Helene,” said Julius Cox, Pilot’s chief people officer. “Pilot is profoundly thankful to our team members and emergency personnel for all they are doing to support the affected communities. We are working around the clock to ensure our stores are open and able to provide essentials like fuel and food as we start down the road to recovery together.
Since Hurricane Helene, Pilot has worked to restore operations as safely and quickly as possible to serve the communities and emergency responders. Currently, all Pilot, Flying J and One9 travel centers, including those in highly impacted areas, are open and operational. The latest operational updates for stores in impacted areas can be found here.
[Related: Regional emergency declared for Helene response | FEMA update on spot load postings]
Trucker honored for rescuing four people from overturned car
Melton Truck Lines truck driver Thomas Patterson has been named a Highway Angel by the Truckload Carriers Association for rescuing four people trapped in an overturned car.
Thomas Patterson
“I saw a car on fire and pulled over to make sure they were OK,” Patterson said.
Patterson immediately stopped, got out of his truck and broke the flipped car’s windshield. He discovered four young adults trapped inside, and he was able to help each one get out and get away from the car.
Soon after, emergency vehicles arrived, and Patterson departed so his truck would not block traffic. He said he never hesitated to stop to help.
“I’m prior military,” said Patterson, a U.S. Navy veteran. “It’s just kinda in me.”