Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, July 23, 2024:
Dart Transit names new CEO, president
Dart Transit on Monday announced a transition to new leadership. Shown from left are: incoming Dart Transit President Mike DelBovo, new Dart Transit CEO David Oren, and Company Chairman of the Board Don Oren.Dart Transit
Dart Transit (CCJ Top 250, No. 82) is announcing the appointment of David Oren as the CEO of the company. Mike DelBovo will be joining David Oren on the Dart Transit Executive Leadership Team as the company’s president. Don Oren will remain as Chairman and Consultant.
An industry veteran who began his trucking career in 1979, David Oren launched and has successfully led Dart Express for six years. Operated as an independent business entity and separate from Dart Transit, Dart Express has made its mark within the trucking industry by specializing in providing shippers with fast relay service within defined traffic lanes, the company said.
With nearly 40 years of transportation experience to his credit, including a significant amount of time within senior leadership positions, DelBovo will be serving as the President of Dart Transit, effective Aug. 5.
“I am extremely grateful to my son, David, and the team he is putting together that will continue to move Dart Transit into the future,” said Don Oren, the company’s Chairman of the Board. “David, Mike and their team are developing a strong plan for our company that will continue to carry the Dart Transit name and legacy forward, and they have my full support.”
U.S. investigating brake drums imported from Turkey, China
Earlier this month, the International Trade Commission (ITC) launched an investigation into dumping allegations regarding brake drums imported from Turkey and China. Provisional duties could be imposed as early as later this summer.
Webb Wheel filed a petition in June asking the federal government to impose antidumping and countervailing duties on these components. The petition alleges imports from Turkey and China are being sold at unfairly low prices in the U.S., undermining domestic manufacturers, such as Webb.
According to the National Trailer Dealers Association and MacKay and Co., the U.S. aftermarket for brake drums for trailers is valued at $180 million annually. NTDA said in a news release that if half the brake drums imported from the two countries are subjected to a hypothetical 300% tariff, it would “significantly” increase the cost of imported brake drums, affecting dealers’ pricing structures and potentially leading to higher trailer prices.
The NTDA added that it’s worried about increased costs, potential supply chain disruptions and competitive disadvantages for businesses that rely on imports. The association encouraged concerned members to contact the ITC, Department of Commerce (DOC) or legislators.
C.H. Robinson debuts enhanced load-matching platform
C.H. Robinson last week announced a major efficiency for carriers through the launch of Digital Dispatch, its enhanced load matching platform.
Utilizing a new algorithm powered by data science and artificial intelligence, Digital Dispatch analyzes a broad range of data to offer more timely and precise load recommendations based on a carrier’s unique search history and preferences within CHR’s Navisphere Carrier.
The technology proactively provides carriers with real-time, hyper-customized recommendations, sent immediately via text or email as soon as a suggested load becomes available, reaching carriers wherever they are through their preferred channel of communication.
“In a dynamic and ever-shifting freight marketplace, carriers need real-time access to freight to secure loads before they disappear,” said Cody Griggs, Vice President, Digital Brokerage, C.H. Robinson. “This need is even more critical today as the competition for available loads intensifies. Not only does Digital Dispatch send loads in real-time giving carriers a ‘first look,’ but they are also highly relevant, allowing them to secure the best suited freight for their network, and in turn driving better business outcomes and improved service for customers.”
CHR said its new Digital Dispatch optimizes the traditional method of finding freight, including more timely and immediate alerts through text or email. Instead of sending recommendations in bulk batches, the technology now instantly notifies carriers to a single load at a time giving carriers a competitive advantage to secure relevant freight before it’s gone.
On average, Digital Dispatch books loads four times faster than traditional methods, transforming hours spent searching into valuable hauling time, the company noted.
“We are seeing carriers book 40% of their C.H. Robinson loads through our Digital Dispatch program, allowing them to access loads tailored to their specific needs at lightning-fast speeds,” Griggs added. “This early adoption reinforces that this is a game-changer for carriers looking to stay ahead of the competition and scale their business.”
Digital Dispatch is currently available to carriers with 1-10 trucks, with plans to expand to larger carriers in the future.
TCA welcomes first Mexican carrier as member
The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) announced Monday that Olympic Transport is its first carrier member from Mexico.
This significant expansion underscores TCA’s role as a truly North American trade association that actively serves members across Mexico, the USA and Canada, TCA noted.
“We are thrilled to welcome Olympic Transport to the TCA family,” said Jim Ward, President of TCA. “Their inclusion not only marks a significant milestone in our association’s history but also strengthens our position as a dynamic North American trade association. With Olympic Transport, we enhance our advocacy and representation of carriers across all of North America, ensuring a more connected and efficient cross-border trucking landscape.”
Founded in 1990 by Fernando Paez, Olympic Transport has become a pivotal player in cross-border logistics. Headquartered in Monterrey, Mexico, with strategic terminals in Nuevo Laredo, Monclova, Queretaro, Laredo, and San Antonio, Texas, the company excels in providing seamless and regulatory-compliant services across North America, TCA added.
Their journey to success began with Paez’s first truck purchase in San Antonio from a Freightliner dealership, which set the foundation for what has become a highly regarded operation known for its efficient, straightforward cross-border transport solutions.
“Joining the TCA is a proud moment for all of us at Olympic Transport,” Paez said. “This partnership signifies our commitment to enhancing the efficiency and safety of North America’s freight transportation network. We look forward to contributing to and benefiting from TCA’s extensive resources and advocacy efforts, further enabling our growth and operational excellence across borders.”