Trucking news and briefs for Monday, Aug. 19, 2024:
Another two ELDs revoked by FMCSA
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on Thursday announced the removal of two electronic logging devices from its Registered Devices list -- a version of Blue Star ELD and Reliable ELD.
FMCSA placed these ELDs on the Revoked Devices list “due to the companies’ failure to meet the minimum requirements established in 49 CFR part 395, subpart B, appendix A,” the agency said. The removals were effective Aug. 15.
The Blue Star ELD company said that FMCSA had revoked a version of it's ELD back in May, and that FMCSA had reinstated it days later after they moved the service over to a new system. FMCSA's list of registered ELDs includes the BSE model of Blue Star ELD, but the BRS model was revoked on Aug. 15.
A representative from Blue Star said the revoked model was on the old system and wasn't aware of any changes in status with the new models.
A Reliable ELD representative said the service should be back online within two weeks, and that the system can still be used as a backup system to paper logs in the meantime.
Carriers and drivers using the revoked devices are required to discontinue their use and revert to paper logs or logging software to record required hours of service data. They must also replace the revoked ELDs with a compliant ELD from the Registered Devices list before Oct. 14.
Motor carriers have up to 60 days to replace the revoked ELDs with compliant ELDs. If the ELD providers correct all identified deficiencies for their devices, FMCSA will place the ELDs back on the list of registered devices and inform the industry of the update.
During the 60-day replacement period, safety officials are encouraged not to cite drivers using these revoked ELDs for 395.8(a)(1) (“No record of duty status”) or 395.22(a) (“Failing to use a registered ELD"). Instead, enforcement officers should request the driver’s paper logs or logging software, or use the ELD display as a back-up method to review the hours-of-service data.
Beginning Oct. 14, carriers still using the revoked devices will be considered as operating without an ELD. Safety officials who encounter a driver using a revoked device on or after Oct. 14 should cite 395.8(a)(1) and place the driver out-of-service, the agency said.
FMCSA strongly encourages motor carriers to take the actions listed above now to avoid compliance issues in the event that the deficiencies are not addressed by the ELD providers. –Alex Lockie
[Related: FMCSA places four ELDs on 'Revoked Devices' list]
Former fleet owner gets 2.5 years in prison for PPP loan fraud, reincarnating carriers
After pleading guilty earlier this year, a Georgia-based former fleet owner has been sentenced to federal prison for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan fraud and operating an illegal trucking business.
Billingslea, 30, of Dacula, Georgia, was sentenced on Aug. 13 to two years, six months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $591,668.89 and the cost of his incarceration, or $49,770 annually.
“Billingslea falsified documents in order to receive PPP funds to operate illegal and unsafe businesses that he was ordered to stop operating,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “He has now been held accountable for his crimes. But our office’s work continues in collaborating with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who defraud the United States Government, including by stealing funds from PPP and other important programs.”
According to Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: In January 2020, the Department of Transportation ordered Billingslea’s trucking business, Billingslea’s Inc., to cease all operations due to multiple safety violations. Billingslea was also prohibited from creating any successor trucking entities.
Despite this order, Billingslea filed multiple registrations with DOT for new trucking entities that listed false owners and fake addresses. Billingslea controlled and operated these illegal businesses by stealing the corporate identities of legitimate trucking businesses. He then employed unsuspecting truck drivers who were unaware that they were hired by an illegitimate business. Billingslea used the drivers until they incurred DOT violations, after which he hired new drivers and moved on to another illegal entity.
Billingslea funded this illegal trucking enterprise with money he obtained from a PPP loan that he received through false pretenses. In June 2020, he applied for and received a PPP loan for $564,363 on behalf of Billingslea, Inc. He lied on his application, claiming that he was not barred from operating a trucking business. He also inflated the number of employees and monthly wages for the business.
In April 2022, he obtained forgiveness of the loan by submitting false tax documents with the forgiveness application.
[Related: Georgia man pleads guilty to CARES Act fraud, falsifying FMCSA records]
NACFE to focus on ‘messy middle’ in long-haul with next Run on Less event
The North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) announced last week its fifth Run on Less event will take place this fall with a focus on the long-haul segment of the trucking industry.
This year’s event will combine the Run on Less series with NACFE’s work on the ‘messy middle’ concerning the future of heavy-duty tractors, NACFE Executive Director Mike Roeth said.
Run on Less – Messy Middle will focus on the long-haul segment of trucking – both trucks that return to base and those in over-the-road duty cycles. It will feature fleets deploying Class 8 day cab and sleeper trucks with a variety of alternative fuel powertrains and energy-efficient technologies.
Roeth said Run on Less – Messy Middle “will explain the various decarbonization efforts, including alternative fueling options, and explore the impact of duty cycle on powertrain selection. Previous runs have focused on vehicles in local deliveries or regional haul.”
Burnsed Trucking announces leadership appointments
Burnsed Trucking, an LTL refrigerated carrier specializing in moving seafood and fish across the U.S., has appointed two seasoned professionals to its executive team.
Paul Pointer has been named General Manager, and Greg Banks has been appointed Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) and Executive Vice President (EVP) of Sales. These strategic hires are part of Burnsed Trucking's continued growth and commitment to delivering exceptional service to its clients nationwide, the company said.
Pointer brings over 25 years of experience in the transportation and logistics industry, with a proven track record of leadership, operational excellence, and team building. In his new role as General Manager, he will oversee all aspects of Burnsed’s operations, ensuring that the company continues to deliver on its promise of safety, efficiency, and reliability in every shipment.
Banks joins Burnsed with a distinguished career in sales leadership and revenue generation. With over two decades of experience in driving sales strategy, customer engagement, and business development, he will play a critical role in expanding Burnsed’s market presence and driving revenue growth. As CRO and EVP of Sales, Banks will lead the company's sales and marketing efforts, focusing on building strong customer relationships and identifying new opportunities for business expansion.
