Trucking news and briefs for Friday, Nov. 15, 2024:
UPS’ Detroit facility gets stationary wireless charging as part of Michigan partnership
The project includes new installations of stationary wireless charging at a UPS facility in Detroit, facilitating cable-free stationary overnight charging suited to the dense operational area of the depot.
The state of Michigan on Thursday announced a new partnership with wireless electric vehicle charging company Electreon, and commercial electric vehicle manufacturer Xos, Inc. to operate wireless charging solutions for electrified commercial delivery vehicles in Michigan.
With this commercial partnership, Electreon is set to extend the company’s wireless EV charging network and use cases in Michigan.
In partnership with Xos, Electreon's wireless charging technology will be integrated into an Xos Stepvan, demonstrating wireless charging technological value and its potential to lower the total cost of ownership (TCO) in the electrification of commercial truck fleets.
The project also includes new installations of stationary wireless charging at a UPS facility in Detroit, facilitating cable-free stationary overnight charging suited to the dense operational area of the depot.
“This new partnership with Electreon and Xos builds on the success of the nation’s first public EV-charging roadway,” said Justine Johnson, Chief Mobility Officer for the state of Michigan. “By expanding the applications and capabilities of this innovative technology to UPS’ Detroit facility, Michigan continues to be a leader in the electrification of mobility.”
The project is supported by $200,000 in funding from the Michigan Mobility Funding Platform (MMFP), which supports the real-world testing and deployment of mobility projects across the state.
"We are proud to partner with Electreon and support UPS to demonstrate the potential of wireless charging in commercial fleets. This innovative approach will revolutionize how we power our electric vehicles and drive fleet electrification forward," said Dakota Semler, CEO & co-founder of Xos, Inc.
Together, Electreon, UPS, and Xos aim to show a unique approach to commercial EV charging, including both stationary and dynamic wireless charging, which eliminates operational interruptions and charging downtime. This solution can also offer extended vehicle range capabilities without the need for expensive electric grid upgrades or purchasing larger vehicle batteries, thereby mitigating major hurdles in the transition to electric fleets, the companies said.
[Related: Zero emissions journey a quest 'of making the impossible possible']
Goodyear opens nomination period for Highway Hero Award
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is putting out a call for nominations for its annual Highway Hero Award. Since 1983, Goodyear has been recognizing commercial truck drivers who go above and beyond their regular duties to keep our highways safe.
Now through Dec. 31, Goodyear is inviting nominations for drivers with a CDL who went the extra mile to help others on the road. Goodyear is eager to hear from drivers across the commercial industry from long-haul truckers, to dump truck drivers, regional delivery and vocational vehicle operators and more.
"Commercial truck drivers are not only at the center of the supply chain industry, but they also act as vigilant guardians of the roads, ready to assist others in need," said Joe Burke, vice president, Goodyear North America Commercial business. "For over four decades, the Goodyear Highway Hero Award program has celebrated remarkable contributions of professional truck drivers who have acted selflessly for the good of others on the road."
Nominations can be submitted online here. Goodyear will determine an approved list of nominees from which a panel of judges will select one winner and up to two finalists. Goodyear will announce the award winner in 2025, honoring the driver with cash prizes and a ride on the Goodyear Blimp. Up to two runners-up will also receive a cash prize.
Eligible nominees for this year's Highway Hero Award must be a full-time commercial driver with a valid CDL, reside in the U.S. or Canada and be actively operating a commercial, infrastructure, vocational vehicle or non-lifesaving emergency vehicle with rim size greater than 19 inches. The commercial trucker must be on the job at the time of the heroic incident and the act must have occurred between Jan. 1, 2024, and Dec. 31, 2024.
[Related: Goodyear names 2023 Highway Hero award winners]
Mackinac Bridge to begin collecting credit card fees
Michigan’s Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) voted recently to enact a 2.3% “convenience fee” for tolls paid by credit cards to recoup what MBA said are “increased costs for credit and debit card transaction fees.”
Authority members cited the rising costs of transaction fees from credit card companies, which have totaled $341,761.51 in 2024, as the reason for the new convenience fees. The current average credit card fees for tolls paid is 3.07%; roughly 12-13% of all tolls are paid by credit card.
Noting the relatively higher credit card processing fees for American Express, currently at 4.79%, MBA will no longer accept those credit cards for payment beginning Jan. 1, 2025.
"Though this convenience fee will not cover all credit card processing costs, it will help defray those costs in a way that will allow us to continue directing most of our toll revenues to the never-ending job of maintaining and operating the Mackinac Bridge," said Authority Chairman Patrick "Shorty" Gleason.
The current toll for non-passenger vehicles, including tractor-trailers, to cross the bridge is $5 per axle. Passenger vehicles are charged $2 per axle, or $4 per car. The new fees will add 11.5 cents per axle for trucks to cross the bridge.
The new fees will take effect Jan. 1, 2025.
Customers who pay in the toll lanes can avoid the credit card fees by paying cash. MacPass holders can make deposits with cash or electronic checks to avoid the fees.
The MBA also approved lower minimum MacPass deposits, reducing the initial account minimum deposit from $80 to $40, and lowering refill deposit minimums from $50 to $20. Those changes are expected to take effect Dec. 1, or as soon as possible, the Authority noted.
