Trucking news and briefs for Friday, Aug. 2, 2024:
Big marijuana haul found in load of auto parts
Bundles containing 373 pounds of marijuana seized by CBP officers at World Trade Bridge.U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Officers from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Field Operations at the World Trade Bridge seized the marijuana hidden within a commercial shipment.
“Frontline officers at the World Trade Bridge demonstrated exceptional effort in successfully disrupting this drug smuggling attempt,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “This drug bust is a prime example of efficient targeting strategies utilized in the cargo environment to help combat the flow of narcotics seeping into our communities.”
The seizure occurred Monday, July 29, at World Trade Bridge, when a CBP officer referred a tractor hauling a shipment of auto parts for secondary inspection. Following a non-intrusive inspection system examination and deployment of CBP canines, CBP officers discovered 16 packages containing more than 373 pounds of alleged marijuana hidden within the conveyance. The narcotics had a combined street value of $835,875.
CBP seized the narcotics. Homeland Security Investigations special agents are investigating the seizure.
[Related: Truckers’ anti-trafficking efforts as eyes, ears making a difference, leading to major arrests]
10 semi-finalists named in Transition Trucking award program
Kenworth, Fastport, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative announced on Thursday the semi-finalists for the 2024 Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award.
Launched in 2016 to recognize the achievements of veterans transitioning into the transportation industry, this year’s semi-finalists represent multiple branches of the military, including National Guard and Reserve components. The semi-finalists are:
- Jadarion Blakemore, U.S. Army (E-5), CRST (Trained by Troops Into Transportation)
- Quantae Dozier, U.S. Army (E-4), Epes Transport System (Trained by Troops Into Transportation)
- Richard Flirt III, U.S. Navy (E-4), Legacy Express (Trained by Fox Valley Technical College)
- Brian Ferguson, U.S. Army and U.S. Army National Guard (E-7), Melton Truck Lines (Trained by Troops Into Transportation)
- Justin Sisler, U.S. Marine Corps (E-2), Prime Inc. (Trained by Roadmaster Drivers School)
- Douglas Couch, U.S. Navy (E-5), Roehl Transport
- Mark Joseph, U.S. Navy and U.S. Army National Guard (O-3), Stevens Transport (Trained by Troops Into Transportation)
- Cory Troxwell, U.S. Army (E-7), Stevens Transport (Trained by Phoenix Truck Driving Institute)
- Shawn Haley, U.S. Marine Corps (E-4), Veriha Trucking LLC (Truck Driver Institute)
- William Taylor, U.S. Coast Guard (E-7), Werner Enterprises (Trained by Roadmaster Drivers School)
The grand prize is a Kenworth T680, equipped with a 76-inch sleeper and the Paccar Powertrain featuring the Paccar MX-13 engine rated at 455 horsepower, Paccar TX-12 automated transmission and Paccar DX-40 tandem rear axles. The truck features a Diamond VIT interior in slate gray with madrona accents and includes the latest in driver amenities.Kenworth
It also offers the latest in driver assistance systems, including Kenworth’s Digital Mirrors, Bendix Fusion Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop and Auto Go, and Lane Keeping Assist with Torque Assisted Steering.
As part of the ninth annual award program, each semi-finalist will attend a ceremony at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum on Sept. 25th in Columbus, Ohio. The following day will include a tour of the Kenworth Chillicothe manufacturing plant where semi-finalists will be recognized and finalists will be announced.
[Related: ‘Roll on, Alabama!’: On the road with tour hauler Josh Gentry]
Finalists and the ultimate winner will be part of a greatly expanded veteran-focused week that includes a Veteran-Ready Summit, Dec. 11-14, the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award announcement on Dec. 13, Employment Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Statement of Support Signing Ceremony later that afternoon, and Wreaths Across America on Dec. 14.
A public vote will occur online from Nov. 1 until Veteran’s Day – an important determiner for the award’s Selection Committee – which makes the ultimate choice for the next Transition Trucking award winner.
Pilot opens new location near Savannah
Pilot has opened a new travel center in Ellabell, Georgia, at Exit 143 along I-16 west of Savannah.
The new store offers 72 truck parking spaces, eight diesel lanes, six showers and more.
New Love’s opens in south Georgia
Love’s Travel Stops on Aug. 1 opened a new location in Valdosta, Georgia — the company’s 20th in the state.
The new store is located at Exit 13 along I-75.
It offers 111 truck parking spaces, Bojangles and Godfather’s Pizza restaurants, eight diesel lanes, seven showers and more.