News

CDOT launches new videos to increase trucker safety

Focal point: Preventing crashes on mountain highways  

Denver — As part of “The Mountain Rules” truck driver education series, the Colorado Department of Transportation is releasing three new videos aimed at educating and preparing truck drivers — especially those from out of state — for the unique challenges they face on Colorado’s mountain highways.

The videos are specifically focused on safe winter driving, navigating construction work zones, and handling hot brakes.

“We know that our state’s terrain and unpredictable weather conditions create immense challenges for semitruck drivers,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “We’ve created this series as a way to equip truck drivers with the necessary knowledge and awareness to safely and confidently navigate our highways, especially in the high country.”

“The Mountain Rules” series was developed by CDOT, in partnership with the Colorado State Patrol and the Colorado Motor Carriers Association in 2019. All videos in the series emphasize the importance of being prepared for the specific obstacles truck drivers face when traveling through the state.

While local truckers may be familiar with Colorado’s highways, those from out of state often are new to the intricacies of navigating winter driving conditions along steep mountain corridors, understanding chain and traction laws, managing hot brakes, and adhering to Colorado's Move Over law. Each topic has its own dedicated, 10-minute video as part of the overall series to help prepare drivers.

"Traveling along the I-70 corridor includes sharp curves, seven and eight percent grades, not to mention congested peak travel times accompanied by quickly changing weather conditions," stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. "Colorado relies on your presence and services, and this video series will help prepare you for the common conditions on I-70. Safety should never take a back seat - prepare yourself before the trip." 

CDOT and its partners encourage all truck drivers to educate themselves and view the videos, which can be found on CDOT’s YouTube channel and at freight.COtrip.org. The Mountain Rules videos also are distributed to truck driving schools, trucking companies, and other trucking-related entities.

“The steep downgrades, winding roadways, and fast changing weather conditions, make for a challenging drive, for even the most experienced truck driver,” said the CMCA President Greg Fulton. “The Mountain Rules program and videos provide a great educational tool for truck drivers, especially those unfamiliar with Colorado's mountains. It helps them to understand how to navigate our mountainous roadways in a safe manner.  We believe this tool and other strategies by our state and local partners will make mountainous corridors like I-70 safer and reduce delays and closures.”

ABOUT “THE MOUNTAIN RULES”

A partnership between the Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado State Patrol and the Colorado Motor Carrier’s Association, “The Mountain Rules” is a comprehensive, strategic and safety-focused effort to inform and educate in-state and inter-state trucking companies and drivers on the challenges of driving in Colorado’s mountains. It includes information on potential hazards, and a consistent reminder to go slow, steady, and safe for the long haul. For more information, please see: https://freight.colorado.gov/safety/mountain-rules

In light of the announcement by Yellow Corp. that it has ceased operations, American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear issued the following statement and encouraged former Yellow employees to access a new ATA database to help them find new employment opportunities within the trucking industry:

“Yellow’s closure is a substantial blow to America’s economy and the company’s 30,000 hardworking employees and their families in all 50 states.

“Since its founding nearly a century ago, Yellow has been an integral part of our supply chain.  As the nation’s first less-than-truckload carrier, it was a key part of trucking history as well.  Through the company’s involvement with the American Trucking Associations, Yellow employees promoted the industry and were tremendous advocates for highway safety, leading by example.

“The past several days have been especially difficult for drivers, dock workers, mechanics, salespeople, administrative and support personnel, and other employees, many of whom dedicated decades of their careers to the company.  Yellow personnel earned a well-deserved reputation as being professional and solution-oriented, helping countless customers to seamlessly navigate the complexity of logistics to ship their products on time virtually anywhere in the country.  

“Our message to former Yellow employees is that we want them to remain a part of the industry that they have done so much to build and strengthen.  That is why the ATA is launching a new website to connect former employees with prospective employers who are eager to utilize their unique and in-demand skills and experience.  Former Yellow employees can share information at www.trucking.org/JobSeeker. Providing this personal information is completely voluntary and will not be given to employers outside of ATA membership, nor will it be disclosed to third-party vendors.

“We hope that launching this resource will assist displaced employees by connecting them with new opportunities within the industry and help fill the void left by Yellow’s closure.”  

#ATRI’s research found that while pay is the top motivating factor for young adults when choosing a career as a truck driver, it isn’t everything. Sixty percent of younger drivers identified another factor as their primary motivation for becoming a driver, including a stable career path, love of driving, and work life balance.
 
Download the full report, Integrating Young Adults into Trucking Careers, from ATRI’s website at:  https://lnkd.in/grDymX5b

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) released today the findings of its 2023 update to An Analysis of the Operational Costs of Trucking.  A record number of motor carriers participated in this year’s research, which analyzes a wide variety of line-item costs, operating efficiencies, and revenue benchmarks by fleet size and sector.

Total marginal costs climbed to a new high in 2022 for the second year in a row, increasing by 21.3 percent over 2021 to $2.251 per mile.  Though fuel was the largest driver of this spike (53.7% higher than in 2021), multiple other line-items also rose by double digits.  Driver wages increased by 15.5 percent, to $0.724 per mile, reflecting the ongoing industry effort to attract and retain drivers.  Driver benefits, however, remained stable in 2022.

Atypical market conditions posed unique challenges for acquiring and maintaining equipment in 2022.  Truck and trailer payments increased by 18.6 percent to $0.331 per mile as carriers paid higher prices, largely due to equipment impediments in the supply chains.  Closely related, parts shortages and rising technician labor rates pushed repair and maintenance costs up 12 percent to $0.196 per mile.

In response to rising costs, motor carriers initiated improvements in key operational efficiencies.  For example, driver turnover, detention times, and equipment utilization each improved across nearly every fleet size and sector during 2022.  This year’s report includes new metrics such as mileage between breakdowns and the ratio of truck drivers to non-driving employees.

Despite falling rates throughout the year, average operating margins were at least six percent in all sectors.  While larger fleets’ average operating margins improved from 2021 to 2022, smaller fleets saw operating margins decline.

“In a softening market with costs rising at an unparalleled pace, carrier benchmarking becomes more critical than ever,” said Dave Broering, President of NFI Integrated Logistics.  “ATRI’s newest Operational Costs report provides the reliable data and analysis we need to better understand our partners’ underlying costs in a volatile economy and decelerating rate marketplace.”

Since 2008, ATRI has received over 31,000 requests for Operational Costs reports.

A full copy of the report is available through ATRI’s website here.

ATRI is the trucking industry’s 501c3 not-for-profit research organization. It is engaged in critical research relating to freight transportation’s essential role in maintaining a safe and efficient transportation system.

2023 DRIVER OF THE YEAR - WILBERT VANO, XPO LOGISTICS

The Driver of the Year Award is our highest honor to be bestowed upon a professional truck driver.

The Driver of the Year Award is presented to a professional truck driver to honor their career-long professional achievements, holding a stellar safety record, and providing the highest degree of professionalism, safety, service, and courtesy while representing the trucking industry.

NJMTA awarded Wilbert Vano from XPO Logistics the Driver of the Year Award at the NJ Truck Driving Championships Awards Banquet on June 4 at Harrah's Resort in Atlantic City.

Wilbert has been a driver for over 25 years. He has racked up over 1.6 million miles and received his company’s leader award several times.

He is highly skilled and knowledgeable and is a mentor to other drivers.

He has been a runner up for the driver of the year.

Wilbert was our state grand champion in 2010, 1015 and 2016 and 2021. He has won the pre-trip test and written test several times.

In 2021 he won the written test, pre-trip test, and skills test, became our grand champion and if that wasn’t enough, he went on to nationals and won 1st place in the three-axle class.

He’s married with 2 children. He is the head coach of St. Agnes CYO basketball and enjoys listening to music.

Congratulations to Wilbert!

NJMTA is pleased to announce the winners of the 2023 Fleet Safety Contest sponsored by Great West Casualty. Awards were presented by NJMTA President Helder Rebelo, Daybreak Express during the NJ Truck Driving Championships Awards Banquet on June 4, 2023 at Harrah's Resort, Atlantic City.

500,001 to 1 MILLION MILES

1st Place - Lester Fellows Company (not pictured)

2nd Place - Trans American Trucking Service, Inc.

3rd Place - Transways Motor Express

1.000,001 - 4.9 MILLION MILES

1st Place - Magnolia Logistics, Inc.

2nd Place - Daybreak Express, Inc.

5 - 9.99 MILLION MILES

1st Place - ABF Freight Systems, Inc.

2nd Place - Pitt Ohio Express, LLC

10 - 24.99 MILLION MILES

1st Place - NFI

2nd Place - Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

3rd Place - A. Duie Pyle, Inc.

Special Thanks to our Fleet Safety Award Sponsor

On June 4, NJMTA presented Paul Carmeci from Nick's Towing Service with our Highway Hero Award, during our Safety Awards and TDC Banquet. 

NJMTA loves to recognize and honor the many professional truck drivers - unsung heros - who have acted selflessly for the good of others during their workday.

Read Paul's story below:

On 3/10/23 At approximately 4:40 am, while in his personal vehicle traveling to work, Nick’s Towing Service operator Paul Carmeci saw a cloud of dirt and debris just as he came around a curve from the Route 3 West to the Route 17 North exit ramp. A tractor trailer, in front of him, started to brake heavily and pull to the shoulder of the road. Fearing there was a problem, Paul also pulled to the shoulder, donned his safety vest, and jumped out of his car to evaluate the scene. He found a silver 2001 Mazda MX-5 had indeed just careened off the roadway and rolled over onto its roof. The truck driver had dialed 911 and Paul took over the call, providing the exact location of the accident to the 911 operator. He also advised he saw movement from a person coming from the passenger window. He advised 911 he was going to assist the patron in the car and turned the phone call back over to the tractor trailer driver.

The driver of the vehicle was not wearing his seatbelt and had been thrown from the driver's seat to the passenger side of the vehicle. The window was blown out and he was cut and bleeding from his face and arms. Concerned about the safety of the man in the vehicle, Paul wrapped his arms around the man's torso and pulled him out through the passenger window bringing him to safety just moments before the convertible roof collapsed. Paul did his best to stabilize the man’s neck while awaiting EMS to arrive. The incredibly swift response from the Rutherford police, EMS, and fire department was truly unbelievable! They took over the scene at that point.

We were directed by the Rutherford Police Department to dispatch the necessary equipment needed to handle the recovery. Walter brought out our 2006 Peterbilt 35-ton heavy duty Vulcan wrecker and Jeff responded with our 2022 International MV607 carrier. The wrecker set up to upright the vehicle and winch it back to the roadway, which was approximately 60 feet into the Meadowlands marsh. We then swept all debris off the roadway and Jeff used tire skates to load and unload the vehicle on and off of our flatbed carrier. Paul remained on the scene to assist the NTS team and then drove into work to get cleaned up and prepared for his shift. What a wild way “start” the day!

Paul Carmeci is a United States Marine who served our country for 8 years and was in Iraq during Operation Freedom. He is approaching his 10th anniversary here at Nick’s Towing Service. Paul credits his military and towing experience for his quick response and not hesitating to stop and assist when he saw trouble. 

We are so proud of Paul’s efforts and are passionate about bringing to light the amazing, good deeds towers do day in and day out within the communities they serve. Please Slow Down and Move Over whenever you see flashing lights on the side of the road. It not only saves lives, but it's the law.

NJMTA is please to announce the 2023 winners of the 67th Annual Truck Driving Championships and 13th Annual Step-Van Driving Championships.  We had a great turnout of drivers and volunteers helping to make sure we had a great event.

We would also like to thank the many sponsors that make this event possible.

HEAVY DUTY SPONSORS - FedEx Freight - NFI - United Parcel Service

BIG WHEEL SPONSORS - A. Duie Pyle, Inc. - FedEx Ground - PITT OHIO

DRIVER OF THE YEAR SPONSOR - FedEx Ground

BANQUET SPONSOR - HUB International

TDC T-SHIRT SPONSOR - Romark Trucking LLC

PROGRAM ADVERTISERS - Inkwell Global Marketing, FedEx Freight, FedEx Ground, United Parcel Service, TOPS in Emergency Response, Inc., A. Duie Pyle, PITT OHIO, Ho-Ro Trucking and NFI.

New Jersey TDC Grand Champion - Lorenso Ramos, XPO Logistics

3 Axle Winners

1st Place - Jim Senor - FedEx Freight

2nd Place - Joshua Hernandez - Old Dominion Freight Line

3rd Place - Joel Nunez - FedEx Freight

4 Axle Winners

1st Place - Carlos Chavarriaga - United Parcel Service

2nd Place - Jason Barbato - Old Dominion Freight Line

3rd Place - Richard Lopardo - A. Duie Pyle, Inc.

5 Axle Winners

1st Place - Maciej Grzywna - United Parcel Service

2nd Place - Sean O'Donnell - Pitt Ohio

3rd Place - Brian Storms - FedEx Freight

Flatbed Winners

1st Place - Erminsul Vivas Pedraza - United Parcel Service

2nd Place - Artur Lesniowski - FedEx Ground

3rd Place - Dion Benjamin - United Parcel Service

Sleeper Berth Winners

1st Place - Leszek Beben - FedEx Freight

2nd Place - Francisco Poblete - FedEx Ground

3rd Place - Kevin Byrnes - United Parcel Service

Straight Truck Winners

1st Place - Lorenso Ramos - XPO Logistics

2nd Place - Paul Szypula - FedEx Freight

3rd Place - Edward Conrad - FedEx Express

Tank Truck Winners

1st Place - Keith Zujkowski - XPO Logistics

2nd Place - Luis Agudelo - FedEx Freight

3rd Place - Jose Camacho - FedEx Freight

Twins Winners

1st Place - Miguel Valle - XPO Logistics

2nd Place - Remedios Camacho - FedEx Freight

3rd Place - Terrell Ward - FedEx Freight

Step Van Winners

1st Place - Jeffrey Handfield - United Parcel Service

2nd Place - Ronald Price - United Parcel Service

3rd Place - George Amoratis - United Parcel Service

Rookie of the Year - Joshua Hernandez - Old Dominion Freight Line

Dave Borngesser Sportsmanship Award - Carlos Ortiz - NFI

Written Exam Winners

Lorenso Ramos - XPO Logistics & Leszek Beben - FedEx Freight

Road Course Winner - Jim Senor - FedEx Freight

Pre - Trip Inspection Winner - Lorenso Ramos - XPO Logistics

Small Team Champions - A. Duie Pyle, Inc.

Large Team Champions - XPO Logistics

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR WINNERS!

Eric DeGesero, Executive Director of the Fuel Merchants Association of New Jersey, and Gail Toth, Executive Director of the New Jersey Motor Truck Association, released the following statement: 

“Assembly Bill A-4470, which is posted in the General Assembly on Thursday, would create a traffic and safety nightmare on all New Jersey major roadways by greatly impeding the flow of traffic for trucks.

Under current law trucks 10,000 lbs. registered gross weight or greater cannot be in the farthest left hand lane if there are three or more lanes of traffic moving in one direction. Assembly Bill 4470 sponsored by Assemblyman Joe Egan (D-Middlesex) will reduce that to two lanes. This means all trucks 10,000 lbs. or greater must be in the right lane only. This is any vehicle the size of a Ford F-350 or greater.

If enacted, this bill will needlessly delay the movement of goods. Of far greater concern is the safety nightmare this will cause merging onto highways and entering and exiting businesses. The National Association of Motorists opposed the bill in the Assembly Transportation Committee.

According to Choose New Jersey, 'New Jersey is one of the world’s fastest-growing hubs for logistics and distribution.' It is not possible to both be a 'hub for logistics and distribution' and hate trucks. 

Moreover, Port Newark is now the busiest port in the United States and one of the state’s largest employers. This legislation will encourage shippers to look elsewhere. 

Members of the General Assembly should consider this bill's negative logistic and traffic implications, as well as the safety of New Jersey drivers, and vote NO on A-4470."