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      Tennessee Volunteers To Lead New $2M Transportation Education Center

      UTK leading Center for Freight Transportation for Efficient The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has been awarded a $2 million a year grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to lead a new and exciting venture: a multi-institutional University Transportation Center aimed at improving the mobility of people and goods across the country. The Center for Freight Transportation for Efficient and Resilient Supply Chain will partner alongside these universities: Texas A&M University University of Illinois Chicago Oregon State University North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University California State University, Long Beach. Supply Chain Innovations The center will be led by Mingzhou Jin, John D. Tickle Professor in UT’s Tickle College of Engineering, who expressed excitement over the opportunity to work with other institutions to develop innovative technologies and solutions that maximize the capacity of existing roadway infrastructure and ensure the just-in-time delivery of goods that support America’s retail and manufacturing economy. The goal is to enhance supply chain resiliency by addressing the challenges in freight transportation system design, planning, operations, and innovations in national and global supply chains through research, education, workforce development, and technology transfer activities. UT’s Commitment to Future Mobility The new center will be located in UT Knoxville’s Center for Transportation Research. The overarching goal of the facility will be to lead the way in new and transformational work paving the way for the future of the industry. Through support of both new technology advancements and the creation of a skilled workforce for Tennessee and the nation there is no doubt that this will have a monumental impact. According to UT Vice Chancellor for Research Deb Crawford, the state of Tennessee already plays a critical role in the U.S. freight network, and UT is committed to amplifying the impact of its research outcomes by building research capacity. Why Tennessee? Quick Facts! Tennessee is home to nearly 14K Distribution and Logistics establishments The second busiest cargo airport in the world is located in Memphis, TN 231K+ Tennesseans are employed in the Distribution and Logistics industry $4 Billion in capital investment from industry projects since 2017 Although the trucking and logistics industry has experienced its share of ups and downs in recent years, we’re seeing positive developments that largely suggest a much brighter future. Established universities, as well as institutions like Ivy Tech and New Castle Career Center, are making significant efforts to strengthen the industry’s foundation. For example, we recently featured the new CDL Scholarship program from Ivy Tech and New Castle Career Center. These efforts are likely to have a huge impact on the industry’s future. If you made it to this part of the article, we’d just like to take a moment to thank you for taking the time to read it. Be safe out there and as always, If you’re in search of CDL A, B, or warehouse positions, check out our open positions. And if you need staffing solutions for commercial driving or industrial positions, be sure to explore our offerings.

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      Indiana CDL Scholarship: New Castle and Ivy Tech Team Up!

      Future Drivers, Get Ready To Start Your Engine! Exciting news coming out of Indiana! The New Castle Career Center (NCCC), a vocational education center located in New Castle, Indiana has teamed up with Ivy Tech, a leading Indiana community college. Together they’re using their educational forces for the future of trucking. The two have come together to launch an awesome new program for high school students who want to pursue a career in trucking and other supply chain jobs. A CDL Scholarship? If you’re in your junior or senior year of high school, you can take part in the new Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Program. This program offers two pathways to choose from: the Transportation Pathway and the Supply Chain Pathway. Transportation Pathway The Transportation Pathway is for seniors who want to earn six credit hours while getting their CDL A or B license certifications. During the program, you’ll learn all about safety and take part in hands-on learning experiences. In the second semester, you’ll actually work in the transportation industry four days a week while continuing your studies. This is an excellent opportunity to get actually qualifiable, hands-on experience while continuing to learn about the transportation industry. Supply Chain Pathway This pathway is open to anyone who wants to earn six credit hours and may participate in the program for one or two years. During the Supply Chain Pathway program, you will: Logistics Management Supply Chain Strategy Planning and Design Customer Service Purchasing Forecasting Warehouse Management Transportation Systems In your second year, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in work-based learning and gain valuable experience. Only Six Spots Available – Apply Now! Space is currently limited for the Transportation Pathway, with only six students accepted into the program. To apply, you must have reliable transportation to Ivy Tech in New Castle, where all classes will be held. Don’t hesitate – this is an incredible opportunity to pursue your dreams and gain valuable experience in an essential and growing industry. Henry County is very fortunate to have such a strong Career Center in our area. Mackenzie Jackson, Director of the Career Center, is always looking to build program offerings for students that will make them a skilled commodity in high wage high demand professions when they graduate… I really wish i was given this kind of opportunity as a young person Jeanie Hamblin-FoxSite Director, Ivy Tech Get Ready to Start Your Engines! As the trucking industry continues to evolve, many discussions have focused on self-driving vehicles. However, Indiana is taking a unique approach by investing in the education and training of future drivers. By doing so, they’re not only revitalizing the industry but also laying a strong foundation for a promising future. Are you ready to be part of this exciting future? Don’t wait, apply now for the CDL Program at the New Castle Career Center and start your journey towards an exciting career in the transportation and supply chain industries. For more information, call (765) 593-6680 today! As always, If you’re in search of CDL A, B, or warehouse positions, check out our open positions. And if you need staffing solutions for commercial driving or industrial positions, be sure to explore our offerings.

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      More Love & Recalls: The Latest in the World of Trucking

      Truckers, take note: the world of trucking is constantly evolving, and there are some exciting updates on the horizon. Love’s Travel Stops is expanding its services and locations, with new travel stops, truck care locations, and restaurants set to open in 2023. Meanwhile, BP has acquired TravelCenters of America, adding 280 travel centers to its existing US convenience and mobility business. In safety news, over 70,000 Freightliner and Western Star vehicles are being recalled. Keep reading to stay in the know about the latest updates in the world of trucking. 70,000 Trucks Over 70,000 Freightliner and Western Star vehicles produced over the past six years are affected by a recall due to modular valve corrosion that may cause brake pull, potentially leading to a safety hazard. This little bit of corrosion is enough to cause the vehicle to begin pulling to one side when the brakes are applied which can ultimately cause the driver vehicle to lose control. The affected vehicles include Freightliner Cascadia trucks produced between 2017-2023, Western Star 47X, Western Star 49X, and 2022 Freightliner 114SD vehicles. But don’t worry, Daimler Truck North America has got your back! They’ll replace the front brake modular valves free of charge. Customers can expect to receive owner notification letters by April 10th, and they can contact DTNA customer service for further information. Pivot! That’s not all, folks! The second recall is for a potential problem with a foldable upper bunk in certain 2021-23 Freightliner Coronado tractors. The mounting pivot bolt for the bed may loosen, which could lead to an increased risk of injury. Daimler Truck North America is on it again. The company will tighten the pivot bolts for free at Freightliner dealers, so you can rest easy knowing you’ve got your best foot forward and are safe on the road. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed by April 5th, and owners can contact DTNA customer service from there. The recall number for this issue is FL964. So there you have it, truckers! Make sure to check if your vehicle is affected by these recalls and get in touch with DTNA customer service at 800-547-0712 for any questions or concerns. Stay safe out there on the road! America’s Best Truck Stop & More Truck stops are all the rage this week! From app-based rankings to surprise champions, we’ve got all the latest news to keep you in the know. here are just a few quick snippets to ensure you’re up to date on the latest. If you saw our article earlier this week you’ll know that Trucker Path, the nation’s leading navigation app for commercial drivers, released their comprehensive list of the best truck stops in North America based on real data they’ve collected from real drivers using their app. The 2022 champion is a Kwik Trip out of Iowa if you can believe it! BP Spends $1.3 Billion BP has acquired TravelCenters of America, a popular travel center operator, for a whopping $1.3 billion cash deal. This move will add 280 travel centers to BP’s existing US convenience and mobility business, all strategically located on major highways across the country. Not only that, but this acquisition is expected to nearly double BP’s global convenience gross margin and bring growth opportunities for four of their five transition growth engines. BP plans to invest heavily in these areas over the next decade, with around half of their annual and cumulative investments going into convenience, bioenergy, and EV charging. According to BP, this is a smart business move that is expected to deliver big returns and be accretive to free cash flow per share from 2024. In other words, we can expect to see some exciting new offerings from BP in the near future. With convenience and mobility at the forefront, BP is taking things to the next level, and we can’t wait to see what they have in store for us! More Love to Give Love’s Travel Stops announced it is expanding its services and locations in 2023, with plans to open 25 new travel stops, 15 new truck care locations, and add 30 new restaurants. The company will also remodel older locations and expand the number of RV hookups, in addition to adding new services and partnerships with top brands. Love’s President, Shane Wharton, emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation and strategic growth, stating that Love’s will continue to find new ways to offer good value at competitive prices across the Love’s Family of Companies. Professional drivers will have access to exclusive partnerships with Interstate Batteries and Daimler Truck North America, as well as additional truck care and maintenance services. Love’s other entities, including Musket, Gemini Motor Transport, and Trillium Energy Solutions, are also set to expand and add new services. With plans to add 2,000 employees across the country in 2023, Love’s is poised for major growth in the coming year. Stay Safe Out There! Whether you’re a trucker, a fleet owner, or just a curious reader, there’s always something new and exciting happening in this ever-changing field. From Love’s Travel Stops’ expansion plans to BP’s acquisition of TravelCenters of America, the trucking industry is poised for major growth in the coming years. And with a focus on safety and innovation, the future of trucking looks brighter than ever. As always, If you’re in search of CDL A, B, or warehouse positions, check out our open positions. And if you need staffing solutions for commercial driving or industrial positions, be sure to explore our offerings.

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      FMCSA Increased Penalties Violations in 2023 – Are You Prepared?

      FMCSA Increased Penalties Violations in 2023 – Are You Prepared? FMCSA follows DOT Ruling The Department of Transportation (DOT) just made a big announcement that’s gonna shake things up for the trucking industry. They passed the new rule for 2023 that updates the penalties for breaking certain regulations, including those related to trucking company audits. 1.07745 Is A Magic Number You might be wondering why the DOT is doing this. Well, it’s because they’re required by federal law to adjust the fines every year to keep up with inflation. The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 says that agencies like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) have to make an initial “catch-up” adjustment, as well as annual adjustments for inflation. To figure out the new penalty amounts for 2023, the DOT used the October 2022 Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) and compared it to the October 2021 CPI-U. This gave them a multiplier of 1.07745, which they used to increase all the previous penalty amounts. No Sneaky Penalties It’s important to keep in mind that these new penalties will only apply to violations that happen after the rule takes effect. If you broke any regulations before the rule was released, you’ll still be subject to the previous penalty amounts. And, the DOT made it clear that the rule doesn’t change any penalties that the agency is currently collecting or has already collected. Big Changes So, what does this mean for you as a trucker? Well, if you’ve done some looking into this already, you’ve probably seen some rather large numbers being thrown around. It’s important to note here is that while these larger numbers are not the fees for individuals, if you get caught breaking any FMCSA regulations in 2023 it’s certainly gonna cost you and your employer more than it would have before. The Bottom Line The DOT is certainly taking a harder stance on breaking regulations, and it’s going to cost more if you get caught. The easiest thing you can do is, make sure you’re following the rules and staying safe on the road. Stay informed and vigilant to avoid penalties and keep your trucking business moving. For a complete list of all the changes check out the official list of FMCSA Fines.

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      Truckers, Watch Out: Don’t Fall For This DOT Phone Scam

      An Unknown Number… The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) is warning truckers of a potential phone scam posing as the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). An OOIDA member Scott Moderson received a text message claiming there was an error with his USDOT and urging him to call a certain number to avoid interruptions in his driving. SCAM:Confirmed! An internet search of the phone number by Moderson found that the number was not in any way associated with the DOT. OOIDA was then contacted by Moderson for more information. Tom Crowley, a regulatory specialist with OOIDA’s Business Services Department, confirmed suspicions that this is likely a scam. Crowley went on to remind us that the DOT typically communicates via letter or phone call, not text messages. MCS-150 Renewal Scams This year as you’re out on the roads this year, remain vigilant against the tactics and habits of these scammers. Another common scam is an offer to update official documents such as the MCS-150 forms for a fee of up to $300. The MCS-150 form, for example, is a frequent target due to it being required in commercial transportation. Scammers have been known to charge for updating the form, but truckers can do it for free or use OOIDA for $25. Always be cautious of organizations charging high fees for the service. Renew MCS-150 For Free Your first option is to complete and file the required MCS-150 forms online, here. The FMCSA highly recommends due to its speed and user-friendly features such as built-in edit checks and straightforward questions. The estimated time to complete the form online is just 20 minutes. If you do happen to prefer a more traditional approach, you can also submit a printed and signed copy of the form by mail, fax, or through a web form. All of the information can be found on the FMCSA website What’s Up Their Sleeve There are many other types of telephone scams, where scammers may try to steal your money or personal information through phone calls, robocalls, or text messages. These scammers may make false promises or offers, or even threaten jail or lawsuits if you don’t pay them. Stay vigilant and know that such things never appear simply out of the blue via phone call. Another type of scam to be aware of is government grant scams, where scammers try to get your money by guaranteeing you a grant for things like college or home repairs. They may ask for your checking account information and claim that they will deposit the grant money into your account or withdraw a “one-time processing fee.” However, it’s important to remember that government grants are rarely awarded to individuals and are usually given to state and local governments, universities, and other organizations for research and projects that benefit the public. The DOT Doesn’t Text It’s important for truckers to be aware that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) typically communicates through letter or phone call, rather than via text message. If you ever happen to receive a suspicious text message claiming to be from the DOT, it’s best to be cautious and verify the authenticity of the message before taking any action. If you’re unsure about the message and want to be extra safe, you can always reach out to OOIDA or another trusted organization for assistance. Just remember to be vigilant and protect yourself from potential scams. Extra Steps Beyond screening calls and looking out for the things we’ve mentioned. Some drivers will set up separate phone lines in order to further protect themselves from potential scams. This can help to create a clear separation between personal and business communication, which can make it easier to identify potentially fraudulent calls or texts. One of the phone lines can be listed on more public databases, such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) website, which can be accessed by potential customers. This can be useful for professional purposes, but it’s important to be aware that listing your phone number on a public database can also make it more vulnerable to scam artists. By having a separate, unlisted phone line for personal use, truckers can help to reduce the risk of falling victim to a scam.

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      How Truck Drivers Make ADAS Work For Them This Winter

      During the winter, the elements are quite unforgiving for the average car owner. Snow, sleet and rain can cause a significant amount of damage to any vehicle. Truck drivers are no different, as winter brings on a whole new set of problems that can cause substantial damage to their expensive, heavy-duty rigs. With the inclusion of ADAS on trucks becoming more standard with every new truck release, it’s important to add maintaining this system to your checklist this winter. Meet your System If you’ve driven a newer truck, chances are you’re familiar with some form of Advanced Driver Assistance System, or ADAS. The system works through a collection of cameras and radars that automatically identify road markings, signs, surrounding vehicles, pedestrians, and any other threat you could potentially be facing on the road. ADAS is an unmatched addition to your tool belt, not only ensuring your safety, but allowing you to take your driving skills to an even higher standard of quality. In this article, we’ll break down the most common systems included and ensure you’re ready to keep them clean and clear. Blindspot Monitoring For blind-spot monitoring, ADAS uses sensors near the rear bumper to alert you when a vehicle is coming up behind you. Just like our eyes, snow can confuse these radar signals and limit their ability to notify you. To maintain these sensors, instead be sure to keep the rear bumper area free of snow and ice. Tip: Utilize mud flaps to redirect road spray away from the sensors. Lane Departure Lane departure warning systems use cameras, laser, & infrared to detect visible road markings and warn if you are unintentionally crossing out of your lane. These sensors are great in the warmer months, but in the winter it’s likely they will have trouble identifying clear road markings that are hidden by snow, slush, salt or ice. These sensors can usually be found on your mirrors as well as being mounted in other areas. If you’re unsure of their location, it’s important to ask someone who will be able to identify them. Keeping these clean is easy — just make sure they’re wiped off and you’re good to go. Forward Collision One of the most lifesaving features available is the forward collision warning system. This system uses front-facing cameras or radar to take corrective action, sometimes even on your behalf, if your vehicle is about to collide with another. Just as with the other systems, the key is clarity. Find yourself an automotive-specific detergent. Give em a shine, you’ll be fine. Tip: slippery roads = longer braking distances; In winter weather you will need more distance when stopping, that’s why it’s always important to keep your eyes on the road and never fully rely on these systems. In the end they’re just tools, you’re the driver. Tip: Be gentle, as salt and dirt can quickly turn a soft cloth into sandpaper and absolutely demolish the paint job. Final Thoughts Until these sensors become self cleaning, it’s our responsibility to know our systems and keep them performing exactly as expected. During pre-trip inspections, make sure that the entire vehicle is clear of snow, salt and ice. Note that if you are driving in snowy weather, you may need to clear off the sensors more than once during your route. It’s easy, even expected, to get comfortable having these systems at hand. You could argue that’s the whole point. But it’s important that you always maintain a distinction because at the end of the day ADAS is a tool. While, yes, they’re game changing. Keep in mind that you’re the experienced driver and ADAS is just a tool. Always count on yourself first, and take the extra steps to drive as if ADAS isn’t watching. One last tip, while the majority of this post has to do with roadways, remember droves of holiday shoppers are gonna be in full swing both in and out of their vehicles. Stay aware and stay calm and we’ll make it through this special season just fine. As always, thanks for reading.

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      5 Winter Safety Driving Tips For Truck Drivers

      Winter is Coming Even though it’s hard to believe, it has, quite literally, already arrived for some of us. Winter driving is not only more challenging, but it’s significantly more dangerous for truck drivers. Snow, slush, ice on the ground. These things may seem trivial, but when you look a the numbers it’s anything but. One in every four accidents in the U.S. are related to weather. Weather-related accidents result in nearly 8,000 deaths per year and 700,000 injuries. When we saw these numbers we were stunned. With all of this in mind, we wanted to take the opportunity to share some safety tips associated with driving a truck on snowy, icy roads. Now, for many of you these will be obvious refreshers. However, it never hurts to freshen up and make sure we all make it through these chilly months. 1. Mind the Gap As you surely know, when it snows or freezing rain meets the road, every vehicle is prone to slipping and sliding. Make sure you’re lowering your speed and increasing your following distance. That slight adjustment can be just enough to avoid hazards like out-of-control vehicles, ice slicks, snow pileups, and other road hazards. 2. Pump the Brakes If you’re reading this, chances are you’re a professional driver. But, are you a professional braker? Your anti-lock brakes can cause your truck to slide, so be sure to lightly pump your brakes when slowing down or stopping. This will help keep you in control and avoid skidding out on icy roads! 3. Keep Your Eyes on the Gas Winter weather is a headache for transportation. It can cause lots of hold ups, shut downs, close gas stations and even compromise fuel supply. Make sure you’re keeping an eye on your fuel gauge so that you’re not caught running on fumes in winter weather emergency. Similarly, keep an eye on your phone’s battery to ensure you’re able to keep in touch if necessary. 4. Grab Your Gear You’ve got to make sure that you’ve got the right gear—extra clothes, food, and safety equipment are a must. We want to make sure you’re as prepared as possible which is why we’ve put together a list of all the essentials you’ll need to keep you warm, safe, and comfortable in the event of a wintery weather hold up. Check back soon for an entire article dedicated to this topic. 5. Spot Black Ice Like A Pro What do we all know about, but barely ever see? Black ice. It’s an obvious winter danger on the road, and rarely easy to spot… That is unless you know what to look for! If you’re driving and it looks like the road may be wet, but you’re not seeing much spray coming up from the tires—you might be on black ice. If this happens, don’t panic! Just slow down, stay alert and proceed with caution. Remember: While you know these roads better than most people, still be sure to keep an eye out for other drivers who aren’t as experienced with these conditions. Defensive driving is your secret weapon and winter is no different. Keep On Truckin’! Well, there you have it. Whether you’ve had decades of experience on the road or are fresh out of school, winter weather is one of the biggest hurdles truckers face every single year. With these 5 simple tips in your back pocket, you’re sure to cruise smoothly onward protecting your life and the lives of everyone on the road during these wintery months. Thank you once again for all the hard work you put in on the roads as a part of Optimum and if you’re not a part of our team yet you can learn more about driving with us here.

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