FMCSA extending Truck Leasing Task Force application deadline

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Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, May 5, 2022:

FMCSA extends Truck Leasing Task Force application period

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is extending the deadline for Truck Leasing Task Force (TLTF) applications through May 13.

Mandated by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and a long-term effort of the Trucking Action Plan, the TLTF will evaluate the impacts of commercial motor vehicle lease agreements and discuss best practices for future agreements.

FMCSA encourages diverse, non-traditional representatives, especially women and people of color, to apply to serve on the task force. To apply, provide the following materials to [email protected]:

  • A letter expressing your interest and qualifications to serve on the committee
  • A resume of relevant work experience
  • One letter of recommendation from someone who knows you and your professional accomplishments firsthand from a supervisor or a colleague

TCA awards more than $160k in scholarships

The Truckload Carriers Association has named its 2022-23 TCA Scholarship Fund recipients.

Since 1973, the Fund has been providing scholarships to students associated with the trucking industry. Each scholarship recipient must be a student in good standing attending a four-year college or university and must be associated with a TCA member company as an employee, independent contractor, or the child, grandchild or spouse of an employee or independent contractor of a TCA member company.

“What makes the TCA Scholarship Fund so special is the fact that it is funded by the proud and generous people of the trucking industry,” said the Fund's Chairman and American Central Transport's Sr. Vice President Bob Kretsinger. “Whether it’s through fundraisers, company and/or individual donations, the Fund has been awarding scholarships for nearly 50 years. This year we had a record number of applications, yet we were still able to award nearly 25% of all applicants with a scholarship.”

Again this year, the application process was managed by the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC). A selection committee, established by OFIC, scored the applicants, taking into considering the applicant’s GPA, major, extracurricular activities, hours worked, and more.

This school year, 19 high school seniors, 15 college freshman, 11 college sophomores, seven college juniors and three college seniors were awarded scholarships totaling more than $160,000. Recipients span across the United States and Canada, with Wisconsin leading the way with eight recipients.

Additionally, the Fund announced a new, fully-endowed Past Chairmen’s Fund scholarship — the Tom Kretsinger, Jr. Scholarship. Kretsinger served as TCA’s Chairman from 2013 to 2014.

In order for a TCA Past Chairman to have a fully-endowed scholarship in their name, their Past Chairmen’s Fund is required to receive $50,000 in donations.

The inaugural recipient of the scholarship, in the amount of $3,250, is Anthony Ciraulo whose father works at Werner Enterprises. Ciraulo will be a college senior at Saint Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, and is majoring in accounting.

The full list of winners can be found here.

Penske now leasing Orange EV electric terminal tractors

Penske Truck Leasing is adding Orange EV electric terminal trucks for use with customers across the U.S.

The vehicles are designed for trailer-handling operations in truck yards, warehousing and distribution centers, container terminals and related operations where short-distance moves are required. The units will be leased and maintained by Penske, and charging will take place in the customer’s yard, plugging in when the vehicles are not in operation.

 â€śAs we continue furthering our relationship with Orange EV and after spending significant time understanding this equipment’s capabilities, we are very pleased to make it a new product offering for our sales force in the U.S.,” said Paul Rosa, senior vice president of procurement and fleet planning for Penske Truck Leasing. “We currently have several customers placing orders for these units and taking delivery of their equipment.”

Among the features of the Orange EV trucks are: Zero tailpipe emissions Regenerative braking with 50% shorter stopping distance Operates up to 24 hours on a single charge Digital cab architecture Remote diagnostic capabilities

Trillium, Cummins partner to help fleets transition to alternative fuel tech

The Love’s Family of Companies and Cummins recently agreed to work together to help customers use alternative fuel and zero emission technologies.

Renewable and alternative fueling provider Trillium will take the driver’s seat at Love’s in the development and deployment of strategies to support the initiative, the companies said. 

Trillium and Cummins will collaborate to assist customers who want to integrate alternative fuel technologies into their fleets by providing information, technology and infrastructure needed to save them time and money. 

“Together, Trillium and Love’s provide customers a variety of fueling options across the country,” said Ryan Erickson, vice president of Trillium. “This new relationship will make it easier for customers wanting to make the switch to zero- and near-zero emission vehicles. With Trillium’s clean fueling options and Cummins’ powertrain expertise, we’re convinced together we can help our customers meet their ESG goals.” 

Currently, Trillium offers renewable natural gas (RNG), compressed natural gas (CNG), electric vehicle charging (EV) and hydrogen fueling options for light and heavy-duty vehicles at more than 200 locations across the country, including Trillium-branded stations and Love’s Travel Stops. Cummins’ portfolio of power solutions for commercial vehicles include diesel, natural gas, and hydrogen internal combustion engine-based powertrains, as well as battery electric and fuel cell electric powertrains.