Trucking news and briefs for Friday, Jan. 5, 2024:
Prime announces new president
Darrel Hopkins
Hopkins joined Prime in December 1994. His primary function at the company was the management and expansion of Success Leasing, Inc. In so doing, he oversaw the delivery of trucks to Success Leasing and the leasing of each truck to operators. He was also the company’s controller where he managed financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls. Hopkins received his MBA from the University of Kansas and is a Certified Public Accountant.
As president of Prime, Hopkins will oversee the administration of the company and some of the its ancillary businesses. Low will oversee all trucking operations at Prime Inc.
PA Turnpike tolls set to increase Sunday
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission will increase tolls on the Turnpike beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 7.
The Commission approved a 5% increase for E-ZPass and Toll by Plate customers last summer.
The most common toll for tractor-trailers will increase from $14.40 to $15.20 for E-ZPass and from $29.40 to $30.90 for Toll by Plate.
After the increase is applied, E-ZPass and Toll by Plate rates for passenger and commercial vehicles will round up to the nearest dime.
E-ZPass drivers will continue to get the lowest rates, saving nearly 60% on tolls. Toll rates for travel on the PA Turnpike can be checked here.
“Our annual toll increases directly support the escalating Act 44 debt service we have had to manage due to the mandates of Act 44 of 2007,” said Rick Dreher, PTC Chief Financial Officer. “However, even given that significant financial management challenge, our per-mile toll rates are lower than national toll averages and remain in the mid-range among the 47 toll roads in the U.S.”
With the state’s passage of Act 44 of 2007, the Turnpike was obligated to pay PennDOT $450 million per year to fund non-Turnpike transportation needs around Pennsylvania totaling $8 billion since 2008. Though the payments have been greatly reduced, and no new Act 44 debt is being accrued, the Turnpike must continue to raise tolls in order pay the resulting escalating Act 44 debt service due through 2051, PTC noted.
Jim Walenczak named Kenworth GM, Paccar VP
Jim Walenczak is the new general manager of Kenworth and Paccar vice president.
Jim Walenczak
A graduate of Michigan State University and the University of Washington, he has been with Paccar for 13 years, serving the last two as assistant general manager for sales and marketing for Kenworth. At Paccar, he has held positions of increasing responsibility, including fleet, region and general sales manager at Kenworth and assistant general manager for operations at Paccar Parts.
"I am excited to continue working with the world's best customers, employees and dealers as Kenworth's general manager," Walenczak added.
