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      The Weight of the Debate: Unpacking New Trucking Legislation

      The rumble of a truck engine is a familiar sound across America’s highways, a testament to the vital role the trucking industry plays in our everyday lives. Amid the steady rhythm of commerce and transportation, a current debate is sending shockwaves through the industry: how heavy should our trucks be? This issue, while technical, affects us all, from safety on our roads to the efficiency of goods delivery. Let’s explore the heart of this controversy. Efficiency Versus Opposition With the rise in eCommerce and an ever-increasing demand for swift delivery, several bills aimed at increasing the maximum weight of trucks in the US are now on the journey towards the House of Representatives. These bills seek to maximize trucking efficiency, but they face stiff opposition. Key dissenters include the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), standing alongside various other groups, voicing strong disapproval for legislation that could potentially amplify the weight or length limits of trucks. Safety First Despite resistance, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved H.R. 3372. This bill suggests a 10-year pilot program allowing specific six-axle trucks to bear gross weights of up to 91,000 pounds, subject to bridge formulas. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, heavier trucks could pose a risk to road infrastructure and safety – a factor that lawmakers need to consider alongside efficiency gains. State Sovereignty and Differing Perspectives Dave Williams, a notable figure in the Truckload Carriers Association, has already given a voice to industry concerns regarding the potential impact of heavier trucks on highway safety and infrastructure. Major industry unions echo these apprehensions, underscoring fears that increased weight limits may jeopardize both road users and infrastructure. Striking the Right Balance We’re seeing a balancing act in action with bills like the Carrying Automobiles Responsibly and Safely (CARS) Act (HR 2948) and the Dry Bulk Weight Tolerance Act. The CARS Act would offer a 10% weight tolerance for transporters moving heavier hybrid and electric cars. This allowance reduces the need for multiple trips without exceeding federal bridge weight limits. Despite this progressive push towards efficiency, concerns persist regarding the potential impact on our roads. Peering into the Future Further down the legislative pipeline, we see H.R. 3447, advocating a 2,000-pound weight exemption for hydrogen-powered vehicles. This proposal mirrors existing exemptions for battery-electric and natural gas-powered heavy-duty trucks, showing an industry preparing for a greener future. These bills are attempts to improve transport efficiency, but they ignite controversy, highlighting the challenge of balancing safety, efficiency, and infrastructure impact. The debate surrounding truck weight legislation is unlikely to reach a full stop anytime soon. As we gear up for further discussions, it’s crucial for industry stakeholders, legislators, and safety advocates to stay informed and make their voices heard. Before You Hit The Road… As the U.S. House of Representatives gears up to weigh these bills, it’s clear that any legislation concerning truck weight is a significant issue, with far-reaching implications for us all. Will we see a greener, more efficient future, or will safety concerns put the brakes on these new bills? Stay tuned for our next blog post, where we will take a closer look at the potential environmental implications of these legislative changes. 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 this weekly recap. 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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      Driving New Innovations: EASE Logistics & Ohio Debut America’s First Automated Truck Platooning System

      In this age of fast-paced technological advancements, the transportation sector remains a vibrant arena of innovation and evolution. Today, we will delve into a remarkably transformative venture led by EASE Logistics, the first American carrier championing the integration of truck platooning technology on revenue-generating routes. This monumental leap, achieved in partnership with the Ohio Department of Transportation and DriveOhio’s Rural Automated Driving Systems, marks a significant milestone in leveraging automated technology in the name of optimized safety, efficiency, and control in the industry. Pushing Boundaries with Truck Platooning Technology Ohio-based company, EASE Logistics, is at the forefront of this transformative venture. Making history, it stands as the first American carrier to introduce truck platooning technology on revenue-generating routes. In collaboration with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and DriveOhio’s Rural Automated Driving Systems (ADS). This style of automated technology is a bit different than other examples we’ve seen in the industry. With platooning systems, there is a “leader” truck guiding a “follower” truck on rural Ohio routes, allowing one driver to manage two separate vehicles through the utilization of this unique automation tech. A Partnership Driving Innovation on Ohio Roads In line with its vision to pioneer innovative supply chain solutions, EASE Logistics is putting this novel technology into action across 32 counties in Ohio’s Eastern and Southern rural regions. The company’s drivers, have already thoroughly trained over a combined 400 hours. With training now behind them, they are are poised to operate this technology proficiently and effectively. The future of Ohio’s roads seems bright with EASE’s semi-trucks, nicknamed ‘Tom’ and ‘Jerry’, equipped with state of the art AI vehicle-to-vehicle communication, hitting the roads soon. A Balance of Automation and Human Control Despite being at the helm of technological advancement, EASE Logistics places an important emphasis on safety and control. Both trucks in the platoon will carry trained drivers, and platooning will only be deployed under optimal operating conditions, taking into account things such as the weather, traffic, and any other road circumstances that could jeopardize safe operation. The follower truck driver is also equipped with the ability to override the system if necessary and assume manual control of the truck, further reinforcing the company’s commitment to safety. Leading State in Smart Mobility Innovation This collaborative effort with DriveOhio, ODOT, the Transportation Research Center (TRC), and Bosch is a testament to EASE’s ambition to pave the way for safer and more efficient supply chains. EASE’s CEO, Peter Coratola, Jr., highlights the significance of this innovation, calling it a crucial stepping stone towards safer rural roads. Furthermore, any data generated from the Rural ADS project will go on to be shared with federal legislative bodies in an effort to help shape national Automated Driving System policies, truly demonstrating Ohio’s leading role in smart mobility innovation. Recognized Excellence and Anticipated Impact Having already been ranked #1 in transportation on Fortune’s list of America’s Most Innovative Companies, EASE Logistics has a proven track record in innovation. With this new initiative, the company aims to generate a ripple effect of positive change throughout the transportation industry, reinforcing Ohio’s status as the leading state in smart mobility innovation. The deployment of this technology is expected to contribute to improved safety and efficiency, paving the way for a brighter future of transport. Before You Hit The Road… it’s clear that the industry is on the brink of a major transformation, with innovative companies like EASE Logistics steering the course in new and fascinating ways. Their pioneering work in truck platooning technology, already standing out due to its potential to enhance both safety and efficiency, truly sets the stage for a new form of revolution in the transportation industry. As Ohio continues to pave the way in smart mobility innovation, we’re eager to see how this impacts the broader transportation landscape. We’d love to hear your thoughts on these developments. How do you envision the future of trucking with the integration of this fresh and innovative technology? Let us know in the comments section below. 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 this weekly recap. 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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      Racing Clocks: How Good Intentions Plague An Industry of Independence

      Safety: Not So Simple Recently, new light has been shown on the trucking industry and how it has been grappling with the unintended consequences of the Hours of Service (HOS) regulations and Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) in the years since their introduction. Initially implemented to enhance safety and reduce driver fatigue, these changes have left truck drivers feeling shackled and forced to race against the clock, ultimately compromising the flexibility and freedom that drives so many to a career on the road. This was further emphasized in a 2019 study led by Scott from the University of Tennessee. The study found that the ELD mandates actually worked in the opposite direction, resulting in an unintended increase in unsafe driving behavior, leading to little or no improvement in overall crash rates for small fleets and owner-operators. Struggles of the Open Road Being out on the open roads of this country, truck drivers often work in dynamic and uncontrolled environments, making their profession uniquely challenging at even it’s most basic level. Their battles with inconsistent sleep schedules are not well-studied and have forced regulators to instead rely on sleep studies conducted on factory workers. Beyond sleep, some truck drivers are even exempted from overtime. This being due to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and specifically the Motor Carrier Act (MCA) exemption. This exemption applies to drivers, driver’s helpers, loaders, and mechanics whose duties affect the safety of operation of motor vehicles in transportation on public highways in interstate or foreign commerce.  The exemption is frustrating for many truck drivers are who regularly face with unpaid waiting times at warehouses or even cruising for scarce parking spaces. Believe it or not, an American Trucking Associations study put an actual number on it, revealing that they spend nearly an hour each day just looking for parking. To take this perspective even further, according to research for an article we published earlier this year, there are roughly 1 parking space for every 11 drivers on the road. The fact that truck drivers are not entitled to overtime pay essentially reduces the value of their time to a free commodity. Although they still legally receive at least the federal minimum wage for all hours worked, it raises concerns about their compensation. It’s crucial to remember that this exemption applies specifically at the federal level, and individual states may have their own labor laws offering additional protections, including overtime pay, for truck drivers. This complex situation highlights the need for a closer examination of truck drivers’ working conditions and compensation. ELD: The Best of Intentions The introduction of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) was initially seen as a potential game-changer in the trucking industry. The idea was simple: by tracking drivers’ waiting time at customer warehouses, trucking companies could demand fair compensation for the time employees spent waiting to be loaded or unloaded. This, in turn, could have alleviated some financial pressures faced by truck drivers and created a more equitable working environment. However, implementing these changes has been far more complex. If retailers and manufacturers were to start compensating trucking companies for drivers’ waiting time, the increased costs associated with this shift would likely be passed on to consumers. This could lead to a surge in the prices of goods and services across the board, impacting the economy and consumers’ spending habits. On top of that, the pressure to maintain low costs and remain competitive may also prevent trucking companies from insisting on compensation for detention time. This would leave drivers in a difficult situation, still struggling with unpaid waiting hours and the resulting financial consequences of losing out on a good contract. As a result, the potential benefits of ELDs in reducing detention time and improving drivers’ working conditions have yet to be fully seen, and until then, the trucking industry continues to grapple with finding an optimal solution. Taking A Different Toll Truckers have long been an example when it comes to freedom, the profession has always emanated a certain sense of freedom. The introduction of the ELD mandate, however, has taken a toll on drivers’ sense of independence and job satisfaction. Although there is no definitive evidence that a significant number of skilled truck drivers have left the industry due to the ELD mandate, many have openly threatened to do so. This has led to a high turnover rate in the trucking industry, compelling companies to increase salaries to retain and attract drivers. High turnover rates in the trucking industry pose a serious problem. Training new drivers after they receive their Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) takes several weeks and can potentially impact safety. This is a truly slippery slope, as it turns out that high turnover rates at trucking fleets negatively affect the company’s safety scores. In light of the mounting list of challenges, the trucking industry continues attempting to strike a delicate balance between maintaining safety standards and addressing the unique challenges faced by truck drivers. Once this is accomplished, it will ensure a safe and sustainable environment for the future of the industry while respecting the needs and well-being of those who keep the wheels turning. Before You Hit The Road… We hope you enjoyed this week’s roundup of important trucker news! As always, we want to hear your thoughts and opinions on these stories, so be sure to leave your opinion in the comments below. Together we can stay informed and engaged. Don’t forget to check back next week for another edition of our weekly trucker news roundup. 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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      Simulators, Scams and Sustainability: Unforgettable Stories In the Trucking World

      Another Week of Unforgettable Stories Welcome to another edition of our weekly hits in trucker news, where we bring you the most important and intriguing stories affecting the trucking industry. From a Nebraska couple sentenced for embezzling thousands of dollars from drivers, to a major acquisition in the US trucking sector, and the innovative trucking simulator setting high school students up for success, these stories are bound to grab your attention. Stay with us as we dive into the world of trucking and explore the latest developments that are shaping the industry. Nebraska Couple Sentenced for Embezzling $140K from Drivers Owners of B&B Midwest Trucking, a Nebraska-based company, have been sentenced for failing to pay over employment taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). William H. White and Sarah A. White, the husband and wife who owned the company, withheld federal income taxes and FICA taxes from employees’ paychecks between 2015 and 2018, totaling $144,220.31 for B&B and $281,827.44 for another of their companies, 419 LLC. Instead of paying the taxes on time, the couple used the funds to pay other creditors and for personal expenses. William White was sentenced to a year and a day in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, while Sarah White received three years of probation and a $10,000 fine. They were also ordered to pay $426,047.75 in restitution. The employer share of payroll taxes was paid before sentencing. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska, the Whites had sufficient funds to pay the taxes but chose not to, gaining an unfair competitive advantage over other businesses. The IRS Criminal Investigation’s Field Office wants to remind business owners that they have a significant duty to collect and turn over all IRS withholding taxes, and those who fail to do so will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. This case serves as a reminder that not paying taxes can result in severe consequences, including criminal charges, imprisonment, and fines. To read more about this story, click here. Trucking Company Owner Reunited with $39,500 After Seizure by Phoenix Police Jerry Johnson, the owner of a North Carolina-based trucking company, has finally been reunited with $39,500 that Phoenix police seized through civil asset forfeiture in 2020. Johnson was accused of being part of a money laundering operation and had his cash confiscated after police found the money split between his carry-on and checked baggage at Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix. However, Johnson was never charged with a crime related to the money. Under civil asset forfeiture laws, the government can seize property it believes is connected to a crime, even if no one is charged, and it’s the responsibility of the property owner to hire an attorney to get it back. The Institute for Justice, a libertarian legal advocacy group, took up Johnson’s case, and the Arizona Court of Appeals ruled in May 2022 that Johnson could contest the seizure. Prosecutors moved to dismiss the case in February, and Johnson got his money back. Although Johnson’s money has been returned, the case isn’t over yet. The Institute for Justice is still fighting over whether the state should pay him standard interest on the money and whether he’s owed attorney fees from the period before the group began representing him pro bono. The ordeal has created a significant financial burden for Johnson and his family, and he missed out on business opportunities because the money was held in a government account for nearly three years. To read more about this story, click here. Major Takeover in US Trucking: Knight-Swift’s Acquisition of US Xpress Knight-Swift, the largest player in the US truckload industry, is set to acquire US Xpress in a deal worth about $808 million, the biggest takeover in US trucking in years. According to the two companies, US Xpress will add about $2.2 billion in annual revenue, a boost of around 30%, to Knight-Swift’s turnover, with $1.8 billion generated in the truckload segment. The smaller carrier has struggled in recent years, with a net deficit of $40.5 million in 2022 and a restructuring plan to reduce costs by $25 million a year. The acquisition is an opportunistic move for Knight-Swift, and a rare opportunity for shareholders in US Xpress to get a generous return on their investment. The deal is expected to close by the end of the second or early in the third quarter, and US Xpress will continue as an independent brand. Despite the high purchasing price and outstanding debt, some observers believe the takeover could prove a bargain for the larger player if it manages to turn US Xpress around. As headwinds for US truckload operators are not expected to disappear in the near future, pundits have predicted more consolidation in the coming months. Knight-Swift’s acquisition of US Xpress affirms its interest in growth through acquisition, with president and CEO David Jackson signaling that it won’t be the final move of the company this year. To read more about this story, click here. Steering Success: How A Trucking Simulator is Setting Students Up For Success Richland School District One in South Carolina is offering a unique program for high school students to help them get a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and jumpstart their careers. Eau Claire High School is leading the way with a 45-student program that recently received a big boost by installing a brand new trucking simulator. Students can now learn space management, speed management, and hazard prevention without the risk of damaging a vehicle or themselves. After completing the program, students will have hands-on training and experience that could give them a competitive advantage in securing a job. Rick Todd, president of the South Carolina Trucking Association, says trucking is universal and a skill needed across the country, adding it can be a lucrative job with salaries of up to $100,000. Companies are always trying to up their game and get the best drivers they can find. For Keshawn Hair, a student…

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      A New Team: The Bipedal Robot Redefining Logistic Automation

      Move over, Iron Man, because there’s a new superhero in town: Digit, a bipedal robot from Agility Robotics! The logistics and transportation industry is already witnessing the transformative power of automation and autonomy, with autonomous trucks leading the charge. In fact, we’ve covered a handful of these advancements on our blog this year. Once again, we’re thrilled to discuss another area experiencing an onslaught of innovation – bipedal robots and their impact on logistics and supply chain management. ProMat 2023 This week logistic pros and enthusiasts will attend ProMat 2023, the biannual trade show and exhibition taking place in Chicago, IL. This event showcases the latest manufacturing, distribution, and supply chain solutions and technologies. Industry professionals from manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, and transportation gather to learn about cutting-edge trends and innovations. Among the many impressive exhibits appearing, one particularly exciting attraction that has caught the attention of many is Agility Robotics and their unique bipedal robots. Agility Robotics Agility Robotics was founded by Dr. Jonathan Hurst and Dr. Damion Shelton a duo based out of Albany, Oregon. The company has already made waves based on their unique take on specializing in designing and building advanced robots for various commercial applications. The twist? They have legs. Their flagship product, the Cassie robot, is designed to operate autonomously and navigate complex environments with ease. Agility Robotics has attracted significant attention and investment from diverse industries, such as logistics, e-commerce, and healthcare, due to their groundbreaking technology and the potential to transform various parts of the industry from warehouse work to delivering packages. Taking the Stage This year’s ProMat is slated to be one for the books as it will finally showcase Agility Robotics’ latest bot, Digit. Digit is the team’s latest rendition of a bipedal robot and it is quickly becoming the go-to solution for numerous arms of our industry. At this week’s event, Digit will demonstrate its logistic capabilities in a replica warehouse. This is expected to be a very interesting and inspiring display of technology since unlike other robots we’ve become used to, Agility Robotics’ creations aren’t designed to simply mimic human movements. Instead, they’re built to work alongside humans, complementing human labor rather than striving to replace it entirely. Meet Digit While we wait for the full display later this week, let’s discuss what we already know about Digit. For starters, Digit is compact, strong, and versatile, capable of carrying up to 16kg (35lbs) and working for up to 16 hours in a 24-hour period. Even more impressive robot can autonomously connect to its docking station to recharge, eliminating the need for costly retrofitting. It’s just like a Roomba! As for walking capabilities, it’s actually able to move in any direction, traverse unstructured terrain, and detect and navigate around obstacles, including people. This is a game changer because it opens a door for true collaboration between human workers and their automated counterparts. Especially since Digit can pick up and put down objects of varying sizes and weights, making it an even more valuable asset in logistics and transportation. With its wide range of capabilities, it’s no surprise that Digit is rapidly becoming the robot of choice for many industries. As we continue to explore advancements in automation and autonomy, it’s evident that Agility Robotics is worth keeping your eye on as they seem to be spearheading a new movement and mindset in innovation within logistics and transportation. Live Stream Update: For those interested, a livestream of the Digit Demo at ProMat 2023 will be streamed on YouTube later today. Be sure to check it out! That’s All For Now As automation and autonomy continue to revolutionize these sectors, bipedal robots like Digit have the potential to play an increasingly important role in supply chain management. With its unique design, versatility, and ability to work alongside humans, Digit represents a new era of automation that complements human labor rather than replacing it. We hope you enjoyed this week’s roundup of important trucker news! As always, we want to hear your thoughts and opinions on these stories, so be sure to leave your opinion in the comments below. Together we can stay informed and engaged . Don’t forget to check back next week for another edition of our weekly trucker news roundup. 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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      Hauntings To Hazmat: Unforgettable Moments In The Trucking World

      A Quick St. Paddy’s Day Thank You! Before we get into another wild ride in the trucking industry this week, we’d like to take a minute to wish you a Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Today, we celebrate our unrivaled road warriors and logistics experts who keep the world moving. Thank you for your dedication and hard work! Wishing you a day filled with good luck, fewer potholes, and smooth travels. Stay safe this weekend & cheers from The Optimum Logistic Team! Onto The News! A rising number of fatal crashes calls for action through a new Roadway Safety Action Plan that utilized data to identify crash hotspots and aims to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on Knoxville’s roads. Emergency crews responded to a hazardous material spill at an East Tennessee truck stop, meanwhile a highway safety advocacy group is demanding action to improve safety standards to prevent events like this from taking place. And to top it all off, for those who love a little strangeness, a truck driver’s dashcam captured a mysterious ghost-like figure on an eerie Arizona highway. Buckle up and join us as we dive into the latest news from the world of trucking! New Plan To Eradicate Fatal Crashes in Knoxville Knoxville, a picturesque East Tennessee city, has been plagued by a rising number of fatal and serious crashes. With 30% of these accidents occurring on 12 specifc roadways, the Knoxville Regional Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) is taking action. They’ve developed a Roadway Safety Action Plan, bringing together engineers, planners, law enforcement, community members, and other organizations to make Knoxville’s streets safer for everyone. While still acknowledging that humans make mistakes, the plan aims to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on Knoxville’s roads by addressing the factors contributing to accidents. For example, planners are examining roadway curves and roadside conditions to prevent crashes caused by drivers losing control and veering off the road. The TPO’s plan uses a data-driven approach, identifying and ranking crash hotspots based on the number of accidents per mile. This includes high-crash areas both in and around the city, popular areas such as like downtown’s Henley Street, Broadway and Chapman Highway, as well as Illinois Avenue in Oak Ridge, which lies on Knoxville’s outskirts. The next step will be securing funding to implement the plan and begin the work of making Knoxville’s streets safer. The TPO is also issuing some public through surveys to gather feedback and help achieve their zero-fatality goal. Ellen Zavisca, the TPO’s principal transportation planner, remains optimistic that they can prevent fatal and serious crashes, forever changing the lives of Knoxville’s residents for the better. Read the full story here! Highway Haunting: Truck Driver Captures A Spooky Sight on Dashcam Picture this: you’re driving alone on a desolate Arizona highway at 2:30 a.m. when you suddenly see a mysterious figure appear on the side of the road. That’s exactly what happened to truck driver William Church, whose dashcam captured a creepy, ghost-like figure on Arizona State Route 87 between Phoenix and Payson! With no other cars around, Church and the many viewers of his unique footage have been left wondering if this eerie encounter could be something supernatural… Arizona State Route 87 has a long and deadly history, with many fatal car accidents occurring on the 96-year-old road. Constructed in 1927, the highway stretches over 272 miles from the north end near Second Mesa to the south end near Picacho. Some locals have even come to believe that the road could be haunted, with Valley Chevy Dealers in Phoenix dubbing it one of Arizona’s “most dangerous roads” due to its looping turns and beeline-like route. Captured by a Nexar dashcam, which is designed to record drives for security reasons, the six-second clip reveals a translucent figure resembling a person standing in the roadway. Church pointed out that you can even see the lines through the figure’s legs, adding to its ghostly appearance. With no other cars on the road and the highway’s spooky reputation, it’s no wonder people are discussing the possibility of a supernatural occurrence. While we may never know for sure if William Church’s sighting was a ghost, it’s clear that this spine-chilling encounter will leave viewers questioning the unknown. Hazmat Leak At East Tennessee Truck Stop Emergency crews responded to a hazardous material spill at a truck stop on Watt Road in Knoxville. A semi-truck began leaking some kind of dangerous substance, prompting the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office, county EMA, and fire crews to respond along with Knox County Rural Metro. The hazmat teams worked to clean up the spill and people were urged to avoid the area and take alternate routes if possible. Update: The quick response from multiple emergency crews shows just how seriously they take these kinds of incidents. Authorities have already identified the material as Peroxyacetic Acid. This multi-purpose antimicrobial agent, surface cleaner, and sanitizer is currently used across many different industries. While it is safe while stabilized, when it’s in its purest form, it can be corrosive. Two passerbys who witnessed the acid’s “vinegar-like” odor actually ended up driving themselves to the hospital to get checked out. Highway Safety Advocacy Group Calls for Crackdown on Trucking Industry From a train derailment in East Palestine to a semi-truck rollover in Tucson, Arizona, we’re seeing more and more that there is a growing issue with hazardous material spills. Scary, right? Well, the Truck Safety Coalition (TSC) is demanding that U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg take action. Their goal is to improve truck safety standards and prevent dangerous crashes, while simultaneously putting public safety ahead of corporate profits. Okay, sounds great, but how exactly do they plan to achieve this? The TSC has a list of recommendations for the Department of Transportation (DOT), and they’re not holding back: Requiring Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) on all commercial vehicles. Research shows AEB could eliminate over 40% of large truck rear-end collisions. The European Union has been requiring AEB on heavy trucks since 2013. Mandating…

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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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      Wishing You A Very Happy Valentines Day!

      To Our Valued Drivers, Associates, & Clients, Happy Valentine’s Day! On this special day, we at Optimum Logistic Solutions would like to express our heartfelt appreciation for each and every one of you. To Our Top-Talent Drivers & Industrial Staff Thank you for your hard work and commitment to excellence. Your tireless efforts ensure that everyday people receive what they need on time, every time. You are the backbone of not only our company, but our daily way of life. Your work has infinite impact. We are beyond proud to have you as a critical member of our team. Thank you for joining the Optimum Family. To Our Unrivaled Clients Thank you for entrusting us with your logistics and delivery needs. Your confidence in us means the world to us, and we are grateful for the opportunity to serve you. We are committed to providing you with the best possible service, and we look forward to continuing to be your go-to experts in transportation and logistics personnel. Together, We Make a Difference In The Transport Industry, We have been a part of this industry for nearly half a century. We continue to grow alongside you and are proud to be a part of this critical community. From All of Us At Optimum Logistic Solutions, On this day, we want to wish you a season filled with friends, family, love, happiness, and too many memorable moments to count. Happy Valentines Day & Be Safe Out There!

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      Hope on the Horizon? Confronting The Driver Shortage

      Quiet Highways? The sound of engines roaring down the highway has undoubtedly become quieter the past couple years. But, if you look at the data, you can see the industry is revving its engine! After years of facing shortages and feeling the strain on supply chains, it looks like the transportation industry is back on track. As the shortage of truck drivers decreases and more pros hit the road, the demand for freight has taken a long-overdue sigh of relief. Could 2023 be the year we see the roads bustling with life again? Workforce Constraints Remain a Concern Although the shortage of truck drivers across the country appeared to ease slightly last year, it’s still a major worry for the transportation industry in 2023. This was emphasized by a group of top industry experts at the recent Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association (IFCA) annual convention. According to Kirby Wagner of GROWMARK, the workforce shortage is the number one problem the transportation sector is facing right now. Existing shortages have exasperated issues and has resulted in a lot of retirements and many drivers feeling overworked. The American Trucking Associations (ATA) estimates that in 2022, the US was in need of around 78,000 drivers. While still a large amount, this is a noticeable drop from the shortage of 80,000 back in 2021. Regardless of the shortage showing slight signs of letting up, the shortage continues to be a cause for concern and definitely stands as something that everyone should be paying attention to. Expanding the Pool of Drivers The most significant challenge for the industry right now is in expanding the pool of drivers and employees. GROWMARK, a leading wholesaler within the agricultural industry, is actively working towards resolving this issue by providing training and assistance to new truck drivers to help them navigate the complex regulatory landscape. In addition, the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association (IFCA) is exploring new ways to increase the number of drivers in the agriculture industry by proposing an extension of restricted Class B licenses. Struggles Across Transport The trucking industry isn’t the only one feeling the squeeze when it comes to a shortage of workers. The railroad industry is also in the same boat, as BNSF Railway’s representative, Peter Skosey, recently shared. The company is facing a stressed workforce, leading to efficiency concerns in recent times. But BNSF didn’t sit idly by, they took action by negotiating a tough but rewarding round of labor talks, resulting in a whopping 24% pay raise for their hardworking employees. While BNSF may not offer paid sick leave, they make up for it by offering time off, with the average worker receiving a generous 27 to 33 days off each year. And if an employee needs even more time off, they have the option of long-term sick leave. These efforts demonstrate the determination of the transportation industry to overcome the workforce shortages and ensure their employees are well taken care of. The positive changes made by BNSF serve as a shining example for what things are bound to follow as the industry is urged to correct these longstanding issues. Investing in Infrastructure At BNSF, they’re not just talking the talk, they’re walking the walk – with over $3 billion invested annually in maintaining their network, they’re determined to reduce service disruptions and keep things running smoothly. Peter Skosey, a representative from BNSF, notes the company’s focus on efficiency and the luxury of investing in infrastructure to make it happen. As for the transportation sector as a whole, while the shortage of truck drivers has improved, it’s still a pressing issue. Companies are stepping up their game with training programs, regulatory support, and even expanded licenses to bring in more drivers. And the railroad industry? They’re in the same boat, with a stretched workforce, but are showing their determination with investments in technology and infrastructure to boost efficiency. Thank you for taking time our of your day to check out this article! At Optimum Logistics, we have been at the forefront of staffing logistic positions since 1976. If you’re looking for a career in commercial driving, hold a CDL A or B, or are seeking a warehouse position, look no further. We have you covered! Feel free to reach out to us for any of your employment & staffing needs. Stay safe and drive on! – The Optimum Logistics Team

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