Why Are So Many Trailers Just Sitting There?

Do they owners of these trailers know where they are? Maybe, maybe not. Photos: Tom Berg

Last weekend I needed to be in my old home state of Wisconsin for a cousin's funeral, and instead of driving up from Ohio I rode on Amtrak. It takes more time, but the ride is enjoyable because I can doze, closely watch the passing scenes, read a newspaper, magazine or book, and even do some writing.

I'm starting this item on Sunday. The funeral finished the day before; tears were shed, relatives and friends greeted, and I'm now headed toward home on Amtrak's eastbound Capitol Limited, rolling through the night in northern Indiana. In a few hours, just before midnight, we'll arrive in Toledo, where I'll leave the train, climb into my cold car and drive a couple of hours south to Westerville.

Railroad tracks tend to run past America's back yards. Some of the scenes are gritty, especially in old, big cities, where many things have deteriorated over the years and litter has been strewn and left to rot. Even in small towns and rural areas, there are abandoned and neglected buildings, and all kinds of debris – scraps of old wood and chunks of aged concrete scattered around a property, and sometimes old cars and trucks, seemingly parked one last time by hoarders who probably weren't aware that their unwillingness to discard anything is a recognized psychiatric disorder.

Then again, while riding out of Milwaukee on the Hiawatha, I spotted a modern terminal, gleaming white in the winter afternoon sun, everything clean and orderly on its acres of clean concrete. Trailers were parked smartly in ranks or backed against docks, with several staged in precise lines nearby, apparently waiting to be grabbed and loaded, then sent on their way.

Trailers! At new places and old, ...Read the rest of this story

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CFI Appeals to Drivers With Better Pay and Tech

Photo via CFI

Truckload carrier CFI is investing in its drivers with a 2-cent per mile pay raise, improved home time policy, newer tractors, and upgraded technology, the company announced.

The per-mile raise goes into effect this month. When combined with the company's existing compensation and incentive programs, the raises increase total starting per-mile pay for new-hire one-year experienced drivers to a total of 44.5 cents per mile. Team drivers, independent contractors, and hourly drivers in California also received compensation increases.

The company has also improved paid time off and home time policies, along with additional in-house phone support, according to CFI.

"We take pride in providing competitive compensation, newer equipment, and advanced technology,” said Tim Staroba, president of CFI. “Our drivers are the company's most important asset; we empower and incent them to operate our equipment as safely and efficiently as possible."

CFI has purchased 626 new Kenworth T680 tractors with 76-inch sleepers as well as a contract with on-board communications system provider PeopleNet, bringing new vehicles and new technologies into its fleet. The Kenworth trucks are equipped with Cummins engines and automated manual transmissions and will be arriving in March.

CFI chose PeopleNet for its updated tablet and technology after the company researched on-board communications systems through pilot programs, focus groups, and surveys.

Related: CFI Name Returns With TransForce Acquisition

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Q&A: Truckload Carrier Association’s David Heller

Late last month, HDT quizzed David Heller on how the trucking regulatory landscape might shape up this year. He's got an excellent vantage point on all that, having recently been promoted by the Truckload Carriers Association from director of safety and policy to vice president of government affairs. In his new role, Heller is tasked with expanding TCA's presence on Capitol Hill and forming partnerships and alliances with those sharing a common vision with the association. He's been with TCA since 2005.

HDT: Now that you've been in your new position for about three months, what are you finding to be the most intriguing aspect of your responsibilities?

David Heller Photo: TCA

Heller: You know something, whether it has been a product of my new position or a sign of the times that our industry is in, I have noticed a tremendous increase in the number of discussions regarding legislative and regulatory issues that are being circulated throughout our industry. Conversations with Capitol Hill staff, government personnel and even other industry-related groups and associations have elevated and reached levels that I have not seen before. The underlying feeling is a need to finally bring to a head the issues that we have been speaking about for years and getting some of them in the rear view mirror.

HDT: As a key voice for the truckload segment on Capitol Hill, what policy issues will you have right on the front burner going into 2017?

Heller: You hit the nail right on the head with this one. Going into 2017, regardless of the issue, it is imperative that not only should I be a key voice for our industry on Capitol Hill, but also that TCA establish itself as THE voice of the truckload industry. With the 34 hour restart provision put to ...Read the rest of this story