New York cracks down on overheight trucks

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Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025:

NYS Thruway cracks down on overheight trucks

The New York State Thruway Authority during the fourth quarter of 2024 conducted a commercial vehicle enforcement campaign along its 570-mile system, designed to cut down on bridge strikes caused by overheight trucks and improve the safety of all vehicles using the Thruway.

In total, during the three-month blitz, enforcement officials issued 7,301 violations, including 31 for overheight vehicles.

“Bridge hits on the Thruway system are a safety issue and can cause considerable damage to our infrastructure resulting in countless delays for motorists and the diverting of critical resources from highway maintenance and upkeep,” said Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare. “The law requires drivers to know the height of their vehicle to mitigate these avoidable incidents, and with the increasing number of trucks on the roads, it’s incumbent upon drivers to be vigilant to keep traffic moving.”

Since 2020, there have been 231 bridge hits reported on the New York State Thruway’s system, including 56 reported bridge strikes in 2024.

During the last four years, the three bridges on the NYS Thruway that have been hit the most are:

  • Middle Black Brook Road at milepost 318.57 over I-90 in Seneca County. It has been hit 31 times -- 16 times since 2023.
  • North Grand Island Bridge Northbound on I-190 over the Niagara Scenic Parkway in Niagara County. It has been hit 23 times with eight hits in 2024.
  • South Broadway over I-87 at milepost 16.44 in Rockland County. It has been hit 14 times with three hits in 2024.

Bridge strikes are an issue that every state has to deal with, and over the last several years, the Thruway Authority and the State of New York have implemented measures and are using technologies aimed at preventing these incidents. By leveraging technology, the Thruway Authority recently launched a pilot program to install and implement an overheight vehicle detection system at two locations in Central New York. The systems were installed and activated in December at the Parking/Rest Areas located on I-90 eastbound at milepost 250 between exit 33 (Verona-Rome) and exit 32 (Westmoreland - Rome), and I-90 westbound at milepost 256 between exit 33 (Verona-Rome) and exit 34 (Canastota-Chittenango-Cazenovia-Oneida).

When an overheight vehicle drives past the sensors, it triggers the system and a sign is illuminated warning the driver that their vehicle is overheight.

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Averitt opens new terminal in Alabama

Averitt (CCJ Top 250, No. 24) has completed its new service center in the Dothan, Alabama, area, enhancing capacity, security, and associate amenities. The facility opened on Jan. 10, 2025. 

Compared to the previous location in Dothan, the new service center features over three times the previous dock space, expanded parking for more than 200 trailers, and increased office space to support operational needs. Enhanced security measures include electric fencing, motion-sensor lighting, a security badge system for all doors, and automatic gates equipped with advanced cameras. 

Additional improvements include added fuel pumps, a dedicated conference room, and an upgraded dock operational hub. These enhancements support the operational needs of associates while improving functionality across the facility, the company said.

Averitt’s new service center is located at 4261 Mance Newton Rd., Midland City, AL. 

Roadrunner announces first rate increase since 2021

Roadrunner (CCJ Top 250, No. 106) on Monday announced a general rate increase (GRI) of 6.9%, effective Jan. 15.

The increase applies to rates set up under the existing RDFS 501 tariff, which was implemented on Nov. 29, 2021.

"After three years without an across-the-board rate adjustment, this increase is a necessary step to ensure we can continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers while delivering the highest levels of service and operational excellence," said Thu Vu, Director of Pricing. "As part of Roadrunner's commitment to long-term, sustainable growth, this adjustment will enable us to enhance our capabilities, maintain industry-leading service levels, and continue investing in our award-winning network."

The general rate increase will be applied across select lanes, adjusted in line with operational requirements. The GRI will affect each customer differently, depending on their specific shipping lanes and total distance traveled. In addition to the rate increase, several accessorial charges in the Roadrunner 100 Rules Tariff will also be implemented. These adjustments reflect rising operational costs and will support enhancements to the company's comprehensive service offerings.

Women in Trucking seeks Driver of the Year nominations

The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has opened nominations for its annual Women In Trucking Driver of the Year award sponsored by Walmart.

The award recognizes exceptional female professional drivers who exemplify outstanding safety, leadership, and a commitment to advancing the trucking industry, particularly for women drivers. 

The 2025 Driver of the Year Award aims to honor drivers who not only demonstrate exemplary skill behind the wheel but also serve as a role models, mentors, and advocates for the industry. Nominations are open to women who are currently employed as professional drivers within the trucking industry. 

Eligibility criteria for nominees: 

  • Must have at least two years of driving experience.
  • Demonstrated commitment to safety, professionalism, and driving excellence. 
  • Contributions to mentoring, advocacy, or involvement in programs that support the advancement of women in trucking. 
  • A history of exemplary service in the trucking industry. 

Nominations can be submitted here through Jan. 31.

The finalists and overall winner will be honored at the 2025 Salute to Women Behind the Wheel event at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky, on Friday, March 28. 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.