Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023:
CARB extends reporting deadline for ‘smog check’ program
The California Air Resources Board is extending the Clean Truck Check reporting deadline to Jan. 31 to allow truck owners additional time to complete their initial fleet reporting and pay the $30 2023 compliance fee.
As previously reported, CARB’s Clean Truck Check program replaces the state's current Periodic Smoke Inspection Program (PSIP).
It requires non-gasoline (diesel, alternative fuel, and hybrid) trucks, buses, and other heavy-duty vehicles (such as California-registered motorhomes) with a gross vehicle weight rating over 14,000 pounds to undergo emissions testing if they operate in California, regardless of the state in which they are registered.
[Related: California puts teeth in emission regs with new 'smog check' system]
Truck owners who operate in California can report their trucks and pay their annual fees here.
CARB has previously hosted training sessions to help owners navigate through the system, which can be viewed here.
In addition, CARB is hosting a newly scheduled public online training webinar on the CTC-VIS reporting database. This webinar will be held Jan. 9 from 1:30-5 p.m. Pacific time via Zoom. Registration is available here.
Maverick announces first female driver for veteran tribute truck
Maverick Transportation (CCJ Top 250, No. 74) announced its newest veteran tribute truck driver, 2022 Driver of the Year, Army veteran and road trainer, Charlette Cohee.
Cohee has been with Maverick for more than six years and has achieved a number of accomplishments during that time. Not only is she an Army veteran, but since starting with Maverick, she has trained more than 14 student drivers, was a Driver of the Month and was named Maverick’s 2022 Driver of the Year.
Maverick driver and Army veteran Charlette Cohee was named the company's first female driver to drive the "Salute" truck.Maverick Transportation
To date, Charlette is the 10th Maverick driver to take the helm of a Salute truck at the company. There is an extensive interview process, a high standard of performance requirement, and each driver must have served in a branch of the United States military. There are currently five Maverick veterans that are driving a Salute truck.
Salute was first introduced in 2018 with the aim of portraying honor and pride in military veterans and active-duty service members. Its distinctive vinyl wrap depicts each branch of the United States military and images that show a peek into our history.
“When I say I am honored, I can’t put it into words or describe it,” Cohee said. “This entire year has been unbelievable, and I am still speechless. Yes, I work hard but this is so humbling. I truly appreciate it.”
Nikola names former TA CEO to Board of Directors
Nikola Corporation earlier this month announced the appointment of Jonathan Pertchik, a seasoned executive, to its Board of Directors.
Pertchik has previously served as the CEO and Managing Director of TravelCenters of America (TA) and has demonstrated success in various capacities in real estate, investment groups and in startup environments, Nikola said.
“It’s an honor to welcome Jon to Nikola’s Board of Directors. His wealth of experience in finance and customer service will be a tremendous asset as we venture into 2024,” said Steve Shindler, Chairman of Nikola’s Board of Directors. “We look forward to leveraging his insights, acumen and industry relationships as we introduce our hydrogen fuel cell electric truck to the marketplace and support our customers.”
During Pertchik’s most recent role at TA, he executed a company-wide transformation that culminated in a sale of the company at nearly 10 times the first-day share price. Part of that transformation was a sustainable energy program, eTA, that was championed by Pertchik and played a significant role in the successful sale.
“I’m thrilled to join Nikola’s Board of Directors and be a part of a mission-driven team,” said Pertchik. “I’m eager to contribute to the company’s journey as it continues to develop zero-emissions vehicle and infrastructure solutions and pioneer cutting-edge technology.”
[Related: Nikola founder sentenced to prison for fraud]
