Trucking news and briefs for Monday, Sept. 11, 2023:
Wisconsin dealer becomes state’s first Mack, Volvo certified EV dealer
Kriete will have four technicians certified to work on the Volvo VNR, Mack LRe and MDe electric trucks at its Madison, Wisconsin, location.Kriete Truck Centers
Family owned and headquartered in Milwaukee, Kriete has 10 locations across Wisconsin. The Madison location was the first to be certified, though the company has plans for its other locations as well.
"Our priority is to serve as stewards for our employees, customers, business partners and the world around us," said David Kriete, president and CEO of Kriete Truck Centers. "As part of this commitment, we're investing in EV infrastructure at our facilities and with our people, as reflected in our Mack and Volvo certification efforts."
Volvo and Mack certified EV dealerships can support customers through the entire electromobility cycle, including a total cost of ownership analysis, funding, procurement, installation and overall operations, Kriete said. Teams have access to route planning and connected technology tools to help customers maximize the performance capabilities and benefits Mack and Volvo EVs.
In Madison, Kriete will have four technicians certified to work on the Volvo VNR, Mack LRe and MDe electric trucks, along with personal protective equipment necessary to work on high voltage systems. As certified technicians, these techs understand proper safety procedures for electric drivetrains and components, Kriete said.
Kriete Madison will have a dedicated service bay with diagnostics and equipment to safely perform battery-electric truck maintenance and repairs. It will also maintain a stock of parts and components to minimize service times.
TA seeking 2024 Citizen Driver nominations
TravelCenters of America is now accepting Citizen Driver nominations for the 14th year of the program.
TA created the Citizen Driver program to recognize truck drivers who demonstrate traits that bring a high level of respect to the truck driving profession, including good citizenship, safety, health and wellness, community involvement and leadership.
Nominations are being accepted through Oct. 27. A panel of trucking professionals will review all the nominees to select Citizen Driver finalists.
As part of the honor, Citizen Driver Award winners may select a TA, Petro Stopping Center or TA Express location to be dedicated in their name, allowing their story to be continuously displayed for all travelers that pass through. In addition, TA will make a $2,500 donation to each winner’s organization of choice.
The Citizen Driver program puts a spotlight on some of the most extraordinary drivers today and illustrates the fine examples of professionalism embedded in the truck driving profession. Over 150 nominations for the Citizen Driver award were received last year, from fleet owners and executives, professional drivers, trucking organization members and trucking industry suppliers. Truck drivers can also nominate themselves for this industry award.
To date, 41 Citizen Drivers have been awarded with this prestigious honor.
Visit Citizen Driver 2024 to complete the nomination form.
A. Duie Pyle opens new West Virginia service center
A. Duie Pyle last week opened the doors of a new LTL service center in Charleston, West Virginia.
While Pyle has serviced the state of West Virginia for the last year, this facility marks the first time the company has a physical presence within the borders to further enhance its Northeast network.
The new LTL service center has expanded Pyle’s footprint westward, enhancing its ability to service more customers, the company said. This new expansion comes on the heels of the company’s extension into Virginia in 2022, where it opened LTL service centers in Richmond, Manassas and Roanoke.
"The new service center enables us to strengthen service to our existing West Virginia customer base, and we look forward to the growth opportunities it brings,” said John Luciani, COO of LTL Solutions at A. Duie Pyle. "By expanding our geographical footprint and providing industry-leading expertise and coverage to the West Virginia area, it will better position us to continue offering exceptional service throughout the entire Northeast region.”
