CCJ Daily Dispatch, Dec. 4: ATA wants drivers prioritized for COVID vaccine; Swift founder Moyes named CEO of Top 250 fleet

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Updated Dec 7, 2020

Trucking news and briefs for Friday, Dec. 4, 2020: 

ATA asks White House to prioritize truckers for COVID vaccine
The American Trucking Associations called on elected and healthcare officials to give truck drivers and others in the supply chain priority once a COVID-19 vaccine is approved and ready for distribution.

The group sent letters to the White House, the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, President-elect Biden and the National Governors Association asking that the trucking industry’s workforce be included in prioritized access pools along with other essential workers.

“Our workforce represents a central and critical link in the nation’s supply chain and will play an essential role in the imminent COVID-19 vaccine distribution process,” wrote Bill Sullivan, ATA’s executive vice president for advocacy. “As the trucking industry is called upon to deliver vaccines across the country, it is imperative that truck drivers have prioritized access to the vaccine to minimize the potential for supply chain delays and disruptions.”

The letters cite the industry’s designation as essential by the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, noting that more than 80% of U.S. communities rely exclusively on trucks to receive necessary goods.

Also on Tuesday, the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization and Practices voted 13-1 to give priority to health care workers and nursing home residents once a vaccine is approved and is distributed. The committee said the first doses of a coronavirus vaccine should be given to an estimated 21 million health-care workers and 3 million residents and staff of nursing homes and other long-term-care facilities.

Swift founder joins Top 250 fleet as CEO
Central Freight Lines (CCJ Top 250, No. 83) a 95-year old leader in the LTL industry, announced that Swift Transportation founder Jerry Moyes is stepping into the role of Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Moyes is expected to provide a steady hand in guiding the company through these unprecedented times. Steve Vondra will return to the company as Executive Vice President and COO and replace Michael Brennan.

According to Moyes, the move is a natural extension of where the company is headed, allowing him to focus on optimizing current LTL services while expanding product offerings to deliver more for CFL customers.

“With the people and partnerships in place today, the future of Central Freight looks bright,” Moyes said. “I’m excited to be behind the wheel of this company and look forward to taking advantage of the opportunities we have before us. We are excited to welcome Steve [Vondra] back to the company. His leadership and experience will be essential as we move forward with our strategic priorities. We are confident these recent changes will enable us to achieve our safety, service, and profitability objectives.”

Special delivery: The 2020 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree was delivered to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., and a tree lighting ceremony was held Wednesday, Dec. 2. The tree was transported by Apex Transportation with a Kenworth T680 from Colorado to D.C. Members of Colorado’s congressional delegation, U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and others spoke at a lighting ceremony for the lighting of the tree, an Engelmann Spruce from the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests in Colorado.Special delivery: The 2020 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree was delivered to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., and a tree lighting ceremony was held Wednesday, Dec. 2. The tree was transported by Apex Transportation with a Kenworth T680 from Colorado to D.C. Members of Colorado’s congressional delegation, U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and others spoke at a lighting ceremony for the lighting of the tree, an Engelmann Spruce from the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests in Colorado.