Trucking news and briefs for Monday, Feb. 24, 2025:
FMCSA amends winter weather emergency declaration
Following the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s announcement on Feb. 14 that it was extending a regional emergency declaration for certain fuel haulers due to winter weather conditions in parts of the country, the agency on Feb. 19 amended the emergency to include seven more states.
The Feb. 14 extension of the declaration waived maximum driving time hours-of-service regulations for motor carriers and drivers providing direct assistance supporting emergency relief efforts transporting heating fuel, including propane, natural gas, and heating oil, and gasoline and diesel fuel into 15 states through Feb. 28. Those 15 states were: Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin.
With the Feb. 19 amendment to the declaration, motor carriers and drivers hauling the fuels listed above into Colorado, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Virginia and Wyoming are now also covered under the waiver.
The declaration is still set to expire on Feb. 28, or until the end of the emergency, whichever is sooner.
[Related: Fuel haulers' regional emergency declaration extended in 15 states]
Averitt recognized as top carrier by PepsiCo
Averitt (CCJ Top 250, No. 24) has been recognized as PepsiCo’s 2024 Asset Based Carrier of the Year – South Division for its truckload services, highlighting the company’s strong performance and reliability.
Averitt is among the top five carriers for truckload volume in Pepsi’s South division. Pepsi’s transportation leadership cited Averitt’s on-time performance, which exceeded the company’s goal, as a key factor in earning this recognition.
“This award is a testament to the dedication of our associates and their commitment to delivering outstanding service,” said Kent Williams, executive vice president of sales and marketing at Averitt. “We are proud to be recognized by Pepsi and look forward to continuing to meet and exceed expectations.”
Pennsylvania trucking org partners with sleep apnea provider
Lofta, a provider of sleep apnea diagnosis and management programs, has announced a strategic partnership with the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association (PMTA).
Through Lofta Direct, Lofta's employer-focused offering, the partnership aims to increase access to streamlined at-home sleep apnea testing and treatment for trucking professionals.
Through the partnership, PMTA members will benefit from Lofta Direct's comprehensive at-home sleep apnea program, which provides fast, accurate diagnoses without the need to visit an overnight lab. Lofta will also provide ongoing CPAP therapy support for diagnosed drivers. This ensures compliance with federal regulations, including the need to renew medical cards as a commercial driver.
"We're excited to have Lofta supporting the association. Their commitment to PMTA shows they are interested in promoting the trucking industry holistically," said Megan Magensky, Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association Director of Communications. "Their platform is focused on prioritizing driver health and safety, which aligns with PMTA's mission."
As part of the partnership, Lofta Direct will offer a dedicated landing page for PMTA members, with easy access to Lofta's resources. Lofta Direct and PMTA will also collaborate on educational email campaigns and a health seminar to raise awareness about the importance of sleep health in trucking safety.
Volvo names 2024 Canadian Dealer Group of the Year
Volvo Trucks North America recently recognized Gerry’s Truck Centre as the recipient of the company’s 2024 Canadian Dealer Group of the Year award.
The recognition underscores their exceptional contributions in critical areas, including sales volume and market share, customer satisfaction, parts sales, and commitment to sustainability initiatives, Volvo said.
Gerry’s Truck Centre, a family-owned dealership group with locations in London and Woodstock, Ontario, has been serving the province for more than 40 years. Under the leadership of dealer principal Mike Wardle, Gerry’s Truck Centre has consistently demonstrated a commitment to providing best-in-class transportation solutions and outstanding customer service.
The dealership group has made significant investments in facility enhancements, employee training, and support for customers transitioning to sustainable transportation solutions, Volvo added. Both locations have also completed the rigorous process to be named Volvo Trucks Certified Electric Vehicle Dealerships.
"We are incredibly honored to be named Volvo Trucks’ 2024 Canadian Dealer Group of the Year,” Wardle said. “This award reflects the dedication and hard work of our entire team, who go above and beyond every day to support our customers with world-class service and innovative solutions. At Gerry’s Truck Centre, we believe in building long-term relationships with our customers and providing them with the knowledge and support needed to navigate the evolving transportation landscape."
