FMCSA to Tap Louisiana’s Cathy Gautreaux as Next Deputy Administrator

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is expected to soon name Louisiana Motor Transport Association Executive Director Cathy Gautreaux as the agency's next deputy administrator, according to an industry source.

An announcement posted on the LMTA website states only that Gautreaux is leaving the association to fill “a leadership capacity” at FMCSA. The LMTA's executive committee noted that it has already begun a search for Gautreaux's successor, as it is “imperative that we have someone in place to get acclimated to the position in preparation for the 2018 Legislative Session next spring.”

Gautreaux has been employed by LMTA for 32 years, serving as the executive director for the association for the past 29 years.

Cathy Gautreaux Photo: Louisiana Motor Transport Association 

However, Daphne Jefferson, the current deputy administrator, who is reportedly retiring soon, is a career civil servant. She was appointed to the post in 2015 after having served just prior as Counselor to the Chief of Staff at the Department of Transportation.

The number-two position at FMCSA does not require confirmation by the Senate.

Earlier this week, the confirmation process for Raymond Martinez, President Trump's choice to lead the agency as FMCSA Administrator, got under way on Capitol Hill with his appearance before the Senate committee charged with vetting his nomination.

Related: FMCSA Nominee Martinez Committed to ELD Rule

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Earnings Watch: XPO Sets Record High; C.H. Robinson, Hub Group Post Declines

Trucking and logistics provider XPO Logistics Inc. on Wednesday reported income and revenue hit a record-high of any quarter during the third quarter of 2017.

Net income was $57.5 million for the quarter, or 44 cents per share, compared with net income of $13.8 million, or 11 cents per share, for the same period in 2016.

While this was below a consensus estimate from a survey of analysts, the more than 300% surge in earnings reportedly marked the eighth straight quarter in which the Connecticut-based company beat year-earlier profits.

Revenue was $3.89 billion for the quarter, compared with $3.71 billion for the same period in 2016. Revenue increased year-over-year by $305.1 million, excluding third quarter 2016 revenue of $131.8 million from the North American truckload unit XPO sold off in October 2016.

“We benefited from positive market dynamics, including e-commerce demand for contract logistics and last mile, growth in intermodal, and a brokerage market that is trending in our favor,” said Bradley Jacobs, chairman and CEO. “Our diversification is yielding results."

The company's transportation segment generated revenue of $2.47 billion in the quarter compared with $2.41 billion for the same period in 2016, which included $131.8 million of revenue from the North American truckload unit it previously owned.

Segment revenue was led by increases in North American freight brokerage, less-than-truckload and last mile, and European less-than-truckload, according to XPO.

Operating income for the transportation segment increased to $145.2 million in the quarter, compared with $125.4 million for the same period in 2016.

XPO's logistics segment generated revenue of $1.46 billion for the quarter, compared with $1.35 billion for the same period in 2016.

It said the increase in logistics revenue was led by strong demand for contract logistics both in Europe and North America, partially offset by a decline in managed transportation revenue in North America. In Europe, contract ...Read the rest of this story

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TRALA Affirms Effort to Prevent Truck Attacks

Image: TRALA

In the wake of a terrorist aiming a rented pickup truck down a bike path in an attack that killed 8 persons and injured another 12 in Manhattan on Halloween, the Truck Rental and Leasing Association has stated that it continues to “stand with all law enforcement in doing everything we can to prevent the misuse of trucks to do harm.”

The association also said in a Nov. 2 statement that it “condemns the senseless act of terror that claimed innocent lives and left many injured in New York City this week.” TRALA pointed out that the association along with its members and law enforcement officials have been “collaborating to enhance efforts in support of this commitment for many years.”

"TRALA members stand in full support of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and their efforts to prevent the use of trucks for illegal and/or harmful purposes," said Jake Jacoby, TRALA president and CEO. "Further, we will continue to work with law enforcement agencies to prevent these types of acts in the future."

According to TRALA, its member companies are “well versed in a wide range of security matters and have robust safety and security procedures in place, which they share with industry counterparts as best practices on an ongoing basis.”

TRALA and its private-sector members worked with the Department of Homeland Security to develop a Security Guide, which has been distributed to its entire membership, that outlines the importance of counterterrorism and security at truck rental and leasing businesses and, in particular, what could constitute a "red flag." In addition to the brochure, TRALA has developed a Self-Assessment Guide for companies to grade themselves based on their security measures.

In addition, TRALA said the association and its members have partnered with local, regional and federal law enforcement agencies, such ...Read the rest of this story

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