Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, April 19, 2022:
XPO expands in SoCal, Atlanta
XPO Logistics (CCJ Top 250, No. 6) announced Monday the further expansion of its North American LTL network with the upcoming openings of two LTL terminals.
A new Adelanto, California, terminal will expand XPO’s footprint in San Bernardino County, where an influx of business development is driving demand for LTL services, XPO says. The 51,500 square-foot facility includes 99 doors and a freight assembly center, and is expected to open this month.
A new terminal in Conley, Georgia, will be a sister site to XPO’s existing terminal and freight assembly center in Atlanta, adding pickup-and-delivery capacity in a high-volume metropolitan area. The 55,000 square-foot facility has 97 doors and is expected to open in May.
“We’re making strategic investments to optimize our network for the long-term,” said Mario Harik, acting president, less-than-truckload, and chief information officer of XPO Logistics. “In California, demand is on the rise from manufacturing and retail expansion in the High Desert area. Atlanta is one of the largest LTL regions in the South, and a freight gateway into Florida. We’ll continue to add capacity where it will be most effective in driving efficiency, growth and returns.” The announcement marks XPO’s latest progress with its five-point LTL action plan introduced in October 2021.
The main components are to continuously improve network efficiencies to best serve customers; continue to deploy proprietary pricing technology; increase the annual graduate count in the company’s national truck driver training network; increase production at the company’s trailer manufacturing facility in Arkansas; and add 900 net new doors to the network by the end of 2023. With the two new openings, the company will have added 345 cumulative net new doors under the plan.
TA launches new fleet card program
TravelCenters of America has announced the launch of TA Fleet Universal, a new fleet card payment program, powered by WEX Inc.’s global commerce platform.
The new TA Fleet Universal card can be used at all 275 TA, Petro or TA Express travel centers and at 16,000 truck stops and 95% of retail fueling stations nationwide where WEX network cards are accepted. Cardholders may benefit from fuel and product discounts, and additional perks that will soon be available for TA’s UltraOne Loyalty Program members as well.
“The TA Fleet Universal Credit Card program increases driver convenience and supports our commitment to enhance the guest experience nationwide,” said Jon Pertchik, CEO of TravelCenters of America. “Engaging with WEX’s powerful global platform allows us to provide professional drivers a competitive, quality program with many benefits and purchasing options when visiting us.”
Utility plant hits production milestone
Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company’s Paragould, Arkansas, manufacturing facility hit a production milestone recently when it produced its 200,000th trailer, a 4000D-X Composite dry van.
Utility’s Paragould plant marked the milestone when Target Corporate purchased its 200,000th trailer. Target received the 4000D-X Composite dry van that includes a Target graphic decal on the trailer, and standard features such as 80K flush steel logistics posts and Utility’s aerodynamic side skirt.
“This is a special milestone for Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company and the 715 dedicated employees at this plant,” said John Oliver, Utility’s Plant Manager in Paragould, Arkansas. “We are also grateful for Target’s continued trust in us. As the new plant manager, I look forward to many more successes from our team for years to come.”
Utility’s Paragould plant opened in 1994 and expanded in 2004 with a second line. Besides Paragould, Utility also produces dry vans at their Glade Spring, Virginia, plant.
