Trucking news and briefs for Friday, March 14, 2025:
Atlas boss recognized with Lifetime Achievement Award
The American Trucking Associations’ Moving and Storage Conference this week recognized Jack Griffin, Chairman and CEO of Atlas Van Lines (CCJ Top 250, No. 49), with the Moving & Storage Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
“Jack is a pillar of the moving and storage industry, pioneering new business models, adopting innovative technology, and advocating for policies that benefit businesses and contribute to the well-being of workers,” said MSI Chairman Steve McKenna. “Throughout his tenure at Atlas, Jack has deftly navigated the turbulent economy while elevating moving standards. He is passionate about improving customer service and has had an indispensable role in enhancing the industry's public image and growth.”
Griffin was elected CEO of Atlas World Group, Inc. in November 2016, bringing over 30 years of industry experience to his current position. He is a member of ATA and ATA’s MSC, serving on the executive committee, and previously chaired the Moving and Storage Institute. Additionally, he is an active member of the International Association of Movers (IAM), the Worldwide ERC (WERC), and Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM).
“Jack places a premium on community involvement, leading by example and fostering a culture at Atlas that encourages volunteerism. Above all, he treats employees and colleagues in the industry like family,” said MSC Executive Director Dan Hilton. “For his countless contributions, we are thrilled to recognize Jack with the MSI Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating his enduring impact on the industry and community.”
Griffin is deeply involved in his local community of Evansville, Indiana, where he volunteers with several local charities and supports community development initiatives.
The Lifetime Achievement Award for Distinguished Service is the moving industry’s most prestigious symbol of leadership, innovation, integrity and service, awarded to individuals who have built a reputation for professional excellence and made significant contributions leading to overall industry growth and advancement
In addition to the Lifetime Achievement Award, MSC handed out a number of awards to member carriers as part of the group’s Annual Meeting this week:
- American Red Ball Transit, Inc., JK Moving Services, and Wheaton Van Lines were honored with Fleet Safety Awards
- Moyer & Sons Moving and Storage was named Independent Mover of the Year
- Imlach Group was recognized with the Agent of the Year Service Excellence Award
- Supermove received the Summit Award for Supplier Member
[Related: Atlas Van Lines acquires customs brokerage service]
New Mexico eyes split speed limit for trucks
A bill introduced in New Mexico would create a maximum speed limit for “truck tractors” of 65 mph – 10 mph slower than the maximum speed for cars in the state.
Senate Bill 226, introduced by State Sen. George Munoz (D-Gallup), would also create a $250 fine for trucks caught traveling faster than the new 65 mph limit.
According to a Fiscal Impact Report accompanying the bill, the intent of the legislation “is to improve road safety by reducing speed differentials between passenger vehicles and large commercial trucks, minimizing accidents and enhancing traffic flow efficiency.”
Despite this, the report also highlights an analysis from the state’s Department of Transportation that says it’s “an open question” as to “whether reducing the speed of truck tractors provides any definite safety benefit.”
The DOT added that the legislation “could potentially result in at least a 10-mph speed differential between truck tractors and other vehicles on interstates, leading potentially to speed differential related crashes as well as additional congestion.”
Paccar Parts opens 11 new TRP stores
TRP, Paccar Parts’ exclusive brand of aftermarket parts for all makes and models of trucks, trailers and buses, announced the opening of 11 new stores in North America since early 2024.
Notable store openings include the first TRP locations in Arkansas, Maryland and South Dakota in the United States.
Included in the list is the 350th store in the TRP global network, TRP Batesville. Located in Batesville, Arkansas, the store is owned and operated by The Larson Group and will offer TRP parts as well as mobile service.
The additional stores offer customers increased access to quality TRP products that support their all-makes parts and service needs.
The 11 new locations are:
TRP Aberdeen, Aberdeen, South Dakota – TRP Parts and Service
TRP Batesville, Batesville, Arkansas – TRP Parts and Mobile Service
TRP Bay St. Louis, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi – TRP Parts and Service
TRP Cuautitlán TUM, Cuautitlán Izcalli, Mexico – TRP Service
TRP El Paso, El Paso, Texas – TRP Parts and Service
TRP Ellicott City, Ellicott City, Maryland – TRP Parts
TRP Frankfort, Frankfort, New York – TRP Parts and Mobile Service
TRP Independence, Independence, Missouri – TRP Parts and Mobile Service
TRP Sabinas Hidalgo, Sabinas Hidalgo, Nuevo León – TRP Parts
TRP San Luis Potosí ALMEX, San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí – TRP Service
TRP Smithers, Smithers, British Columbia – TRP Parts and Service
“Congratulations to each store on their successful opening,” said Bryan Sitko, Paccar Parts general manager and Paccar vice president. “We’re pleased to partner with the new locations in delivering TRP parts and service to customers where and when they need them.”
