Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, March 19, 2025:
Roadrunner announces 278 new LTL lanes
Roadrunner (CCJ Top 250, No. 106), a leading provider of direct metro-to-metro, less-than-truckload (LTL) long-haul transportation services across the United States and Canada, announced Tuesday that it has added an unprecedented 278 new lanes to its Smart Network.
"In our latest expansion, one-third of the lanes are more than 1,000-miles long, which as the preeminent long-haul LTL carrier in the nation, is our 'sweet spot,'" said Tomasz Jamroz, President and COO at Roadrunner. "We are expanding our already robust network out of Atlanta, Detroit, Nashville, Cleveland, Grand Rapids and more. This is while continuing to run zero freight on rail. Our investment in technology and commitment to operational efficiency enables us to add to our Smart Network while maintaining expedited industry service levels.”
Since 2020, Roadrunner has prioritized on-time delivery and superior service quality, the company said, adding that it’s proud to have built one of the industry's most reliable networks, consistently achieving on-time performance and expedited service that exceeds customer expectations.
In the coming year, Roadrunner will further strengthen its industry-leading direct metro-to-metro network, ensuring faster and more reliable connections between major metropolitan areas across North America. Jamroz noted that the company is looking into “enabling more self-serving capabilities to make it easier for customers,” as well as adding more visibility into the pickup process and developing new pricing products for customers. The company is also investing heavily in innovative technologies and automation, driving efficiency and enhancing the customer experience.
Three truckers named Highway Angels of the Year
The Truckload Carriers Association's Highway Angels of the Year, from left, are: Jason Corino of Melton Truck Lines, Michael Dorsey of Mercer Transportation, and Daljit Sohi of Triple Eight Transport.
Truck drivers Jason Corino of Melton Truck Lines (CCJ Top 250, No. 72), Michael Dorsey of Mercer Transportation (No. 61), and Daljit Sohi of Triple Eight Transport have been named the 2024 TCA Highway Angels of the Year by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA).
These exceptional drivers were announced and celebrated at a luncheon awards program held this week during TCA’s annual convention in Phoenix. TCA Highway Angel sponsors EpicVue and Northland Insurance introduced the TCA Highway Angels of the Year, and each driver received standing ovations for their heroic actions.
Corino’s heroic actions took place on Nov. 29, 2023, while driving on U.S. 491 in Cortez, Colorado. Corino witnessed a road rage incident escalate when a car was pulled over by the police. As he approached the scene, the suspect emerged from the car and opened fire on the officer. Without hesitation, Corino slammed on his brakes to stop traffic behind him, potentially saving lives. He also captured the entire incident on his truck camera, which later became crucial evidence in the investigation. Tragically, the officer succumbed to his injuries, and the suspect was later fatally shot in a confrontation with law enforcement. Corino’s bravery and quick thinking helped save lives and made him an invaluable witness in the investigation.
Dorsey’s heroic act took place on Sept. 26, 2024, during a catastrophic flood in Erwin, Tennessee. While loading his flatbed truck at an industrial park, Dorsey became aware that floodwaters from Hurricane Helene were rapidly rising. With a nearby river swelling dangerously, Dorsey allowed 10 people to take refuge on his trailer. As the floodwaters overtook the area, Dorsey and his passengers were forced to cling to the trailer, which was eventually separated by the current. Despite being knocked unconscious, Dorsey’s determination to survive led him to save six lives. His selflessness and bravery in the face of disaster make him a true hero and TCA Highway Angel of the Year.
Sohi’s act of kindness and generosity took place on Nov. 29, 2024, while traveling from Banff to Salmon Arm in western Canada. Sohi noticed a woman unknowingly drop her purse at a rest stop while tending to her child. Inside the purse was $1,100 in cash, a gold chain, and other important personal items. Without hesitation, Sohi retrieved the purse and followed the woman and her family for three hours in an effort to return it. When he finally caught up with them and returned the purse, the woman offered him a reward, which he humbly declined. Sohi’s selfless actions in returning the purse with everything intact demonstrate his generosity and kindness, making him a well-deserving TCA Highway Angel of the Year.
Each of these drivers will receive a complimentary EpicVue satellite TV package, which includes a 24-inch flatscreen TV, a DVR, and a one-year subscription to over 100 channels of DirecTV programming, including premium channels such as HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, and the NFL Sunday Ticket.
Pilot begins rollout of biodiesel at select locations
Pilot on Tuesday, in recognition of March 18 being National Biodiesel Day, celebrated the installation of the nation’s first B99 biodiesel retail offering for commercial fleets at its location in Decatur, Illinois.
The installation was made possible through collaboration with PepsiCo, one of North America’s largest private fleets, and ADM, a global agricultural supply chain manager and processor, Pilot noted.
This development sets a milestone in sustainable energy by bringing B99 into the travel center space, helping make low-carbon solutions more accessible to fleets. B99 biodiesel is a lower-carbon fuel is manufactured from vegetable oils, animal fats or recycled grease and can improve fuel efficiency and help reduce carbon emissions in commercial trucking.
Optimus Technologies, a leader in fleet sustainability innovation, enabled the rollout through its development of technology that upgrades diesel engines to operate on up to 100% biodiesel.
"We know how important sustainability is to our customers and strive to help meet these growing needs for more sustainable fuel options for commercial fleets," said Eric Fobes, head of renewables at Pilot. "Introducing B99 at our travel centers is another way we support fleets committed to reducing carbon emissions. This collaboration with PepsiCo, ADM and Optimus Technologies exemplifies how partnerships can create impactful solutions.”
Pilot’s initial rollout will feature installations of B99 biodiesel dispensing capabilities at three Pilot locations:
- Currently available at 4030 East Boyd Road, Decatur, Illinois
- Coming this spring to 11957 Douglas Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa
- Coming this summer to 8787 South Lancaster Road, Dallas, Texas
[Related: Biodiesel: Is it a better option for trucking than EVs?]
Southeastern Freight’s Birmingham terminal celebrates milestone
Southeastern Freight Lines (CCJ Top 250, No. 29) is celebrating 35 years of service at its Birmingham, Alabama, service center.
The service center opened for business in 1990 with 12 dock doors and 11 associates. Since its founding, the facility has experienced notable expansion, currently boasting 144 dock doors and a dedicated team of 150 associates.
"As we mark the 35th anniversary of our Birmingham service center, we are proud of the incredible team that has lived our core values every day," said Chandler Klein, service center manager. "Looking ahead, we are excited to expand our capabilities and continue delivering the exceptional service and quality that have defined us, all while strengthening our partnerships and embracing new opportunities in the years to come."
Since its establishment, the service center has given back to the Birmingham community through its Southeastern Serves initiative – a program dedicated to giving back to communities across Southeastern’s footprint by having associates of all levels get involved with providing for the less fortunate. Birmingham associates have donated time and resources in partnership with nonprofit organizations such as Three Hots and a Cot, which helps veterans experiencing homelessness transition into society.
The Birmingham service center was the 26th service center opened by Southeastern Freight Lines since its founding in 1950. The company now operates 89 service centers spanning 13 states, Canada and Puerto Rico and has undergone numerous upgrades in trucks and trucking technologies.
