Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023:
Brokerage acquires 80-truck fleet
Third-party logistics provider (3PL) FST Logistics, based in Dublin, Ohio, has acquired 80-truck for-hire carrier Hyway Trucking, based in Findlay, Ohio.
By integrating Hyway Trucking's operations, FST Logistics extends its reach and strengthens its transportation and logistics industry presence while also diversifying the company by broadening its customer base and offering extended services through dry and full-truckload assets.
"FST Logistics proudly welcomes Hyway Trucking and its valued customers to our family. As a 100% employee-owned company, we are committed to delivering excellence to our customers and vendors, community and shareholders," said Matt Hartman, Chairman and CEO of FST Logistics. “With the addition of Hyway Trucking and its asset-based truckload model, we are now uniquely positioned to offer unparalleled transportation and logistics full-service solutions to our customers, ensuring our ongoing commitment to the success of FST."
[Related: J.B. Hunt acquiring brokerage of BNSF Logistics]
Drivers at Restaurant Technologies in Dallas vote to join Teamsters
Twelve drivers at Restaurant Technologies in Dallas have voted to join Teamsters Local 745.
“Restaurant Technologies is dedicated to living our values by sustaining a safe, cohesive, and rewarding work environment. This commitment involves treating all employees with respect and dignity, providing excellent benefits, offering schedule flexibility, ensuring safe and optimum working conditions, and maintaining competitive wages," the company told CCJ via emailed statement Tuesday night. "We are committed to negotiating in good faith with Teamsters Local 745 who will represent the 12 drivers in the Dallas depot. We are also committed to supporting every one of our employees, as well as ensuring that our leadership upholds our values each and every day.”
Restaurant Technologies delivers and picks up cooking oil for eateries like McDonald’s, Whataburger, Texas Roadhouse, and Chipotle. Teamsters Local 745 represents workers throughout Texas across different industries.
Headquartered in Mendota Heights, Minnesota, Restaurant Technologies has 41 depots and over 1,200 employees serving more than 37,000 customers nationwide.
“There is momentum in this industry. The word is spreading that being a Teamster means better wages, benefits, and working conditions for tank haul drivers,” said Michael Perez, an Assistant Business Agent with Local 745. “We are looking forward to more workers joining the Teamsters in this industry in Texas and beyond.”
[Related: Teamsters release policy framework for AV truck development]
Diesel Technology Forum rebrands as Engine Technology Forum
The Board of Directors of the Diesel Technology Forum (DTF) announced that, effective Oct. 2, the DTF has evolved into the Engine Technology Forum (ETF).
Building off of two-plus decades of success around the transformation of diesel technology, the scope, mission and vision of the organization have expanded, ETF said. The change recognizes opportunities and challenges for diesel, as well as other internal combustion engines, and fuels in powering key sectors of the global economy while contributing to reduced greenhouse gases and other emissions.
“Internal combustion engines (ICE) like diesel, gasoline and natural gas are the fundamental power behind our economy and mobility,” said ETF Executive Director Allen Schaeffer. “Continued innovations in efficiency, lower emissions, new engine designs, and new fuels offer tremendous promise for the future of ICE technology and helping meet our societal goals.”
ETF said it will work with all stakeholders, including government, industry, environmental, and community groups, to seek ways to reduce greenhouse gas and other emissions. ETF’s work will encompass freight transport, agriculture, construction, mining, as well as other industrial and commercial applications.
“There are many pathways to a reduced carbon future, and we should embrace all of them,” Shaeffer added.
ETF’s members represent all aspects of internal combustion engine industry including engine, vehicle, and equipment manufacturers, emissions control and other component suppliers, as well as petroleum, renewable fuel producers, specialty chemical companies along with their allied organizations.
The organization aims to raise awareness that internal combustion engines, vehicles, equipment, and technology using renewable and other fuels are valued options that can contribute to decarbonizing key sectors of the economy.
[Related: Low-emission diesel tech use grew 10% in 2022]
Arrive Logistics expands into Canada
Arrive Logistics, a multimodal transportation and technology company headquartered in Austin, Texas, announced Oct. 3 its expansion into Canada with an office in Toronto with the goal of providing localized service to customers with operations in Canada, and scaled operations with prospective Canada-based shippers.
Increasing Arrive's presence in Canada is one key initiative in the company's growth trajectory, following the opening of five new office locations within the last 18 months. Much like Arrive's recently opened office in Guadalajara, the move marks the company's commitment to scaling its success within the U.S. truckload market across North America, enhancing both its cross-border and intra-Canada freight services.
"We look forward to bringing Arrive's service-first mentality and market insights to our partners in Canada," said J-Ann Tio, Arrive Chief Strategy Officer. "Whether that be with our current customers or to engage and find solutions for prospective customers, we are committed to providing an experience that matches our award-winning service in the U.S.''
The new office is located between the financial and fashion districts inside a Toronto cultural heritage building at 240 Richmond St. W. Arrive plans to hire additional business development team members throughout the year to take advantage of the rich talent market in Toronto and establish a strong foundation for the company's operations in Canada.