Trucking news and briefs for Friday, Dec. 15, 2023:
Penske Logistics names next president
Penske Logistics (CCJ Top 250, No. 11) announced Dec. 14 the appointment of Jeff Jackson as its new president in advance of the planned retirement of Marc Althen. Jackson is a longtime Penske leader with more than 28 years of experience in the transportation industry.
Jeff JacksonPenske Logistics
Throughout his career, Jackson has held numerous operations management and leadership roles with Penske Logistics as Executive Vice President of Operations – Dedicated Contract Carriage (DCC), Senior Vice President of Operations – DCC and SVP, Operations of the Eastern Region, as well as prior roles within Penske Truck Leasing including Area Vice President – Northeast, and District Manager in Tampa and Memphis.
Prior to Penske acquiring Rollins Leasing Corp., he also held positions as rental manager and branch manager in Atlanta, Jacksonville, and Tampa.
"I'm honored and thrilled to take on this new opportunity and to work with such a dynamic leadership team and group of associates," said Jackson. "We have built an incredible logistics and supply chain business and see tremendous opportunities ahead for us."
Jackson holds a bachelor's degree in marketing from the University of South Florida. He is a member of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals and was recently named a "top supply chain pro to know" by Supply and Demand Chain Executive magazine.
[Related: Penske recognizes top carriers in its network]
Marten names new EVP
Marten Transport (CCJ Top 250, No. 37) announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Adam D. Phillips as its Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, effective Dec. 13.
“Adam’s appointment is a continuation of our plan to develop and transition to our next generation of leadership,” said Randy Marten, Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors. “Adam will continue to be an integral member of our leadership team involved in our strategic business vision and day-to-day operations enhancement and growth.”
Phillips has been Marten’s COO since March 2023 and served as the company’s President of Western Operations and MRTN de Mexico from August 2019 to March 2023; Vice President of Regional and Mexico Operations from January 2014 to August 2019; Senior Director of Regional Operations from April 2010 to January 2014; and Director of Regional Operations from January 2008 to April 2010.
He also served in various operational and management capacities for Knight Transportation Inc. from 2001 to 2008.
New York seeks feedback on truck parking
The New York State Department of Transportation is asking for feedback from truck drivers in the state to help determine areas where truck parking is needed in the state.
Drivers are asked to complete this survey, which asks respondents to pinpoint places on a map where they know of a truck parking need or issue, as well as areas where they think there are opportunities to expand truck parking.
The survey is part of NYSDOT’s efforts in developing a State Freight Plan to guide policy and investment decisions to address freight needs and enhance economic competitiveness, safety, efficiency, infrastructure condition, equity, and environmental sustainability.
The plan will include a Truck Parking Assessment, providing an updated truck parking inventory, a truck parking needs review and an analysis of truck parking conditions.
NYSDOT said driver input can help them identify challenges, needs and opportunities related to truck parking across the state.
[Related: ATA, state groups call on governors for truck parking funding]
Peterbilt adds collision mitigation features to Model 579
Peterbilt announced this week enhanced standard collision mitigation features on the Model 579 with the Bendix Fusion safety system.
“The Model 579 is the most technologically advanced and fuel-efficient truck on the road today,” said Jake Montero, Peterbilt assistant general manager, sales and marketing. “The integration of these new advanced safety system features and functionality enhance the driver's experience and convenience."
The company said this is highlighted by Fusion Stop & Auto-Go, which aids drivers in heavy traffic situations with active cruise and braking to zero miles per hour if necessary. According to Peterbilt, Fusion Stop & Auto-Go functionality will hold the Model 579 in place after an automatic braking event and then automatically resume acceleration to the initial, pre-set cruise speed without driver intervention, when the truck can progress forward with a safe following distance.
The company added that the Fusion Stop & Go features are fully integrated with the 15-inch Peterbilt Digital Display, and all alerts are prominently displayed for the driver and accompanied by audible warnings to promote safety on the road.
Other safety features on the Model 579 include collision mitigation technologies such as highway lane departure braking, multi-lane emergency braking and stationary vehicle braking, Peterbilt noted.
