Bill streamlining TSA credentialing advances in Senate

Trucking news and briefs for Friday, Aug. 2, 2024:

Senate transpo committee approves bill to streamline TSA credentialing

A bill in the U.S. Senate that would make it easier for truck drivers to obtain both a hazmat endorsement and a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) was approved Wednesday by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

The Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act would allow workers to apply existing valid background checks to multiple TSA-managed credentialing programs, such as the TWIC and the hazmat endorsement, and using just one background check for both programs.

Harmonizing these programs and eliminating duplicative screenings, the bill would codify formal recommendations made by the Government Accountability Office dating back to 2007. Those recommendations have since been reaffirmed in a comprehensive security assessment conducted in 2020 by the Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center.

American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear said, “Subjecting essential supply chain workers to the same exact background check multiple times in order to receive different credentials from the same agency does nothing to enhance security. This system only serves to pad government coffers by forcing truckers and other transportation workers to pay duplicative fees for a background check they’ve already cleared.”

The bill does not affect how background checks are conducted, so applicants would still go through the same level of review as they currently do.

A companion bill was previously introduced in the House by Representatives by Reps. Garret Graves (R-Louisiana), Adam Smith (D-Washington), Mark Green (R-Tennessee), Michael Guest (R-Mississippi), Salud Carbajal (D-California), and Dina Titus (D-Nevada) and is currently pending before the House Committee on Homeland Security.

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 (CCJ Top 250, No. 21) (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 (No. 75) (Trained by Troops Into Transportation)
Justin Sisler, U.S. Marine Corps (E-2), Prime Inc. (No. 16) (Trained by Roadmaster Drivers School)
Douglas Couch, U.S. Navy (E-5), Roehl Transport (No. 62)
Mark Joseph, U.S. Navy and U.S. Army National Guard (O-3), Stevens Transport (No. 52) (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 (No. 13) (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.

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.

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. 1st 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.

Newark port adds propane to fleet

Ribbon cutting at Port Newark Container Terminal for 20 propane-powered port tractors.

Port Newark Container Terminal (PNCT) has added 20 propane-powered terminal tractors to its fleet. These vehicles, manufactured by MAFI and powered by PSI’s ultra-low nitrogen oxide (NOx) 8.8-liter propane engines, emit 99% fewer NOx, near zero particulate matter, 51% less total hydrocarbons, and 14% less lifecycle carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions compared to their diesel counterparts.

In real-world testing at the port, Charlie Ferlisi, director of engineering and equipment services at PNCT, said the vehicles also demonstrated enough power to easily handle operations without loss of power. In addition to clean and powerful performance, the propane port tractors are also expected to reduce fuel and operating costs.

Mike Bozza, deputy port director at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, noted the port’s commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

“The decision to adopt propane-powered terminal tractors exemplifies Port Newark Container Terminal’s forward-thinking in energy efficiency and sustainability,” said Tucker Perkins, president and CEO for PERC. “Their smart choice not only boosts operational performance but also underscores the vital importance of reducing emissions for a clean future. This initiative is a beacon for other ports to follow, highlighting the profound impact that innovative energy solutions can have on both environmental and economic fronts.”