Calstart launches new EV fleet advisor program in New Jersey

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Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024:

Calstart, New Jersey launch EV fleet advisor program

Calstart and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), on Tuesday announced the creation of the New Jersey Fleet Advisor Program, a free technical assistance program that helps medium- and heavy-duty fleets plan for electrification in support of sustainability goals.

During its first round, the program will provide free technical assistance to 15 New Jersey fleets interested in learning how to transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). 

The goal of the program is to help small fleets overcome challenges to electrification, such as bridging knowledge gaps about ZEVs, evaluating charging needs, securing incentives, and engaging with utilities, manufacturers, and permitting authorities. By working directly with fleets, the program hopes to spur ZEV adoption and achieve state climate and health goals.

Participation in the program is free and aims to help fleets navigate key decisions around transitioning to ZEVs.  

“Calstart is thrilled to partner with NJDEP to bring personalized fleet assistance to small fleets in New Jersey,” said Jennifer Kritzler, Regional Deputy Director, Northeast, Calstart. “We truly believe that working one-on-one is the best way to meet fleets’ needs as they begin to think about what the zero-emission vehicle transition means for them.”

[Related: Calstart aims to help EPA in lawsuits challenging Phase 3 GHG regs]

Pilot supporting Hurricane Helene relief efforts

Pilot is mobilizing its extensive network of travel centers to support communities affected by Hurricane Helene through an in-store round-up campaign for the American Red Cross.

In addition to the round-up, Pilot is donating $300,000 to hurricane relief efforts, including $100,000 to Red Cross Hurricane Helene relief and $200,000 across various local non-profit organizations in highly impacted areas.

From Oct. 4 to Oct. 18, guests can visit any U.S. owned and operated Pilot, Flying J and One9 travel center location to round up their purchase to the nearest dollar to provide aid to those affected by the hurricane. One hundred percent of funds raised will support Red Cross response efforts in impacted communities across the Southeast.

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“Our thoughts and prayers are with the countless individuals, families and communities, including our own team members, experiencing the utterly devastating effects of Hurricane Helene,” said Julius Cox, Pilot’s chief people officer. “Pilot is profoundly thankful to our team members and emergency personnel for all they are doing to support the affected communities. We are working around the clock to ensure our stores are open and able to provide essentials like fuel and food as we start down the road to recovery together.

Since Hurricane Helene, Pilot has worked to restore operations as safely and quickly as possible to serve the communities and emergency responders. Currently, all Pilot, Flying J and One9 travel centers, including those in highly impacted areas, are open and operational. The latest operational updates for stores in impacted areas can be found here.

[Related: FMCSA declares regional emergency for Helene response]

Trucking Cares Foundation donates $25K to Texas driving school

The Trucking Cares Foundation recently donated $25,000 to South Dallas Driving Academy, a non-profit that provides free driver education courses to low-income teens and young adults.  

TCF previously donated $15,000 in seed money to SDDA, which helped launch the program in 2021, and an additional $20,000 in 2023 as part of TCF’s ongoing support of the program.

“The South Dallas Driving Academy has been instrumental in removing roadblocks to rewarding careers in trucking,” said Phil Byrd, chairman of the Trucking Cares Foundation. “Providing young Texans with the tools they need to succeed empowers them to break the cycle of poverty and build a bright future for themselves and their families. This organization has grown exponentially in such a short time. It is truly amazing to witness.”

Nearly 40 percent of low-income individuals in urban areas in the U.S. – and nearly half in South Dallas – do not have a valid driver’s license principally because of the lack of accessible, affordable driver education. South Dallas Driving Academy provides a dual program pathway for residents of South Dallas to obtain their driver's license in preparation for a career in transportation. The only program of its kind, SDDA is offered at no cost to Bonton and South Dallas residents with a student course completion and program graduation rate of 90%. “When so much of our energy at the South Dallas Driving Academy is focused on helping young men and women overcome seemingly insurmountable barriers entering our industry, the continued support of ATA leadership and the Trucking Cares Foundation is incredibly encouraging,” said Chris Petersen, VP of Rally Fleet Services and chair of SDDA. “I will always remember ATA Chairman Andrew Boyle’s emphatic endorsement of our vision when we first presented the concept just over three years ago. Shortly thereafter, TCF began its support of our program.”

Petersen added that SDDA has expanded from a seven-student pilot program to graduating 110 Class C and five Class A drivers in the past 14 months.