Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023:
PowerTrucks ELD reinstated
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on Dec. 15 announced that the PowerTrucks ELD has been reinstated to its Registered ELDs list.
The device was one of 10 removed from the list on Dec. 1, and the second one to make it back on the list after the CI ELD Logs device by CV Options LLC was reinstated on Dec. 8.
FMCSA originally said it placed those ELDs on the Revoked Devices list due to the providers’ failure to meet the minimum requirements established in 49 CFR part 395, subpart B, appendix A (functional specifications for ELDs).
Now any drivers using the PowerTrucks ELD or CI ELD Logs device can put it back into service rather than having to revert back to paper logs or logging software.
Carriers utilizing the other eight recently revoked ELDs have 60 days to revert to paper logs and decide on a replacement if the device isn't reinstated.
[Related: 10 ELDs removed from FMCSA's 'Registered Devices' list]
Canada Cartage opens new terminal in Calgary
Canada Cartage has announced the opening of its latest terminal and cross-dock at 135 High Plains Drive, Rocky View County, Alberta.
The cutting-edge facility is strategically positioned to efficiently serve major cities in Western Canada, including Calgary and Edmonton, the company said.
Located in the High Plains Industrial Park, the new terminal provides convenient access to the Calgary International Airport, the Calgary-Edmonton Highway 2 corridor, and the Stoney Trail/Calgary Ring Road. The facility is minutes from important Western Canada distribution centers, including Walmart, Rona, Amazon, Home Depot, CHEP Canada, Smuckers Food, Sobeys, and others.
The facility boasts 30 advanced dock doors; a substantial 66,000-square-feet of heated cross-dock space; 10,600-square-feet of newly furnished, modern office space for staff; a paved yard accommodating 145 tractors, straight trucks, and 330 trailers; a fully secured, fenced property featuring round-the-clock access-gate security; and high-tech truck maintenance bays.
The new facility in the Calgary area is an important addition to Canada Cartage’s national network, the company noted, which includes 28 transportation terminals and 12 distribution centers across Canada.
Women in Trucking seeks Driver of the Year nominations
The Women in Trucking Association is seeking nominations for its annual Women In Trucking Driver of the Year award, sponsored by Walmart. The fifth annual award recognizes exceptional female professional drivers who lead the industry in safety standards while actively working to enhance the public image of the trucking industry.
The application is open to any female driver who has demonstrated safety on the road and a positive contribution to the trucking industry and their community.
Nomination forms can be submitted here by Jan. 29.
“It’s a joy to celebrate and honor drivers each year through the Women in Trucking Driver of the Year award,” said Jennifer Hedrick, WIT president and CEO. “Recognizing the value that female drivers bring to the trucking profession is a key mission of WIT and we’re pleased to showcase their stories year after year.”
The finalists and overall winner will be recognized at the 2024 Salute to Women Behind the Wheel event at the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) in Louisville, Kentucky, on Friday, March 22. The winner will be chosen based on her safety record, positive community contributions, and impact on the public image of the trucking industry. She will receive a plaque, a commemorative ring and more.
International dealer expands in Texas
Holt Truck Centers recently announced the grand opening of a new facility in Wichita Falls, Texas.
This growth comes after the organization expanded its International and Idealease dealerships into Oklahoma in 2021 and Tyler, Texas, earlier this year. The new facility in Wichita Falls will bring Holt Truck Centers to a total of 15 locations across Texas and Oklahoma.
"As an International dealer, we look forward to bringing innovation grounded in a rich history to Wichita Falls," said Brandon Acosta, vice president of Holt Truck Centers. "We understand the work our truck customers do every day and their need to have top-quality products, solutions and support to move our community forward. This expansion helps ensure we can meet their needs where they are.”
Holt Truck Centers provides full-service, rebuilds, and parts for all makes and models of on-highway trucks. Holt Truck Centers sells new on-highway trucks, trailers and buses, as well as used on-highway trucks and trailers, the company added.
Operations Manager Derek Girouard, a long-time Wichita Falls resident, will oversee the new location with the assistance of Acosta and his team of technicians and parts specialists and customer service representatives.
The new location will have approximately 12 employees with six service bays across 12,000 sq.-ft. Holt Truck Centers is an authorized dealer of IC Bus, Isuzu commercial trucks, Ottawa, Hi-Vac and Crane Carrier specialty vehicles. The new facility is located at 1811 Central East Freeway, Wichita Falls.
