Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, June 14, 2023:
South Dakota fuel haulers get HOS waiver
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem on June 10 issued an emergency declaration related to low inventories and outages of certain fuels, waiving hours of service regulations for certain fuel haulers.
The declaration waives Parts 390-399 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for truck drivers transporting gasoline, jet fuel, propane, ethyl alcohol and natural gas into or within South Dakota.
“Although hours of service have been temporarily suspended for commercial deliveries, companies may not require or allow fatigued drivers to make deliveries,” the order says. “All other road safety and vehicle compliance regulations still apply.”
The waiver is effective through the end of the emergency, or until July 9, whichever is sooner.
Nebraska fuel haulers’ HOS waiver extended
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen this week extended an hours-of-service waiver for fuel haulers in the state due to a fuel shortage.
The governor’s order is designed to help reduce delays at petroleum product terminals, facilitating timely delivery of fuels to consumers, according to a statement from Pillen's office.
The waiver extension is effective immediately and will remain in effect through Sept. 4.
The order temporarily allows drivers to work extended hours hauling gasoline, gasoline blends, diesel, fuel oil, ethanol, propane, or biodiesel.
Drivers utilizing the waiver are required to have a copy of the governor's order with them. It can be found here.
ATA unveils mentorship program for women in transportation
The American Trucking Associations last week unveiled its Women in Motion Mentorship Program, designed to foster the growth and development of women in the transportation industry.
ATA said it aims to create an inclusive environment where experienced leaders can inspire and guide the next generation of women leaders in the industry.
“As a mentor, you not only have the chance to give back and make a positive impact on someone's life but also to learn and grow from the experience,” said Women in Motion co-Chair Sarah Rajtik, ATA executive vice president of human resources, operations and industry affairs. “Through mentorship, we can collectively empower the next generation of women leaders and shape a brighter future for our industry.”
Open to professionals in various roles within the industry – including drivers, dispatchers, managers, technicians, executives, HR professionals, meetings professionals and lawyers – the Women in Motion Mentorship Program invites individuals to join as mentors and make a profound difference in the lives of young women.
Recognizing the immeasurable value of their knowledge and expertise, ATA encourages mentors to share their wisdom with aspiring women professionals seeking guidance, support, and encouragement.
The program will be launched during ATA's Management Conference & Exhibition, scheduled for Oct. 14-17 in Austin, Texas. As part of the conference, ATA will host a mentor-mentee mixer event, providing mentors and mentees with an ideal setting to connect and begin cultivating valuable relationships.
Thosee interested in becoming a mentor and learning more about the program can do so here. The application process is simple, and ATA encourages all successful, experienced women professionals passionate about sharing their knowledge and expertise to submit their applications today.
Foodservice org inducts 87 in 2023 hall of fame class
The International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) on June 9 announced 87 inductees for its 2023 class of the IFDA Truck Driver Hall of Fame.
The program casts a spotlight on the industry's top drivers for their outstanding service and safety records. This program is reflective of the industry's commitment to a culture of safety.
The 2023 class is the largest in IFDA's history. It includes drivers from 13 companies, and 10 of the drivers have been driving for more than 40 years, including one driver with 48 years of service. The class also includes the first female inductee in the history of IFDA's Truck Driver Hall of Fame.
"It's an honor to recognize these hardworking professionals who play a vital role in our economy and way of life," said Mark S. Allen, President and CEO of IFDA. "Our drivers have dedicated their careers to ensure the safe delivery of food and products to the kitchens, shelves, and pantries of our nation's restaurants, schools, hotels, hospitals, entertainment venues, military bases, and other public service institutions."
More than 130,000 foodservice distribution drivers are currently on the road, but only those with the best safety records and longevity of service qualify for the IFDA Truck Driver Hall of Fame. To be eligible, a driver must have at least 25 years of employment with an IFDA member company with no chargeable accidents during that time frame and may not have any moving violations within the last five years.
The full list of 2023 IFDA Truck Driver Hall of Fame inductees can be found here. The 2023 class will be honored at IFDA’s Solutions Conference in Fort Worth, Texas, Sept. 11-13.
