Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, March 13, 2025:
FMCSA extends bird flu-related emergency
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has extended a regional emergency declaration that gives regulatory relief to motor carriers and truck drivers transporting live chickens from areas impacted by bird flu to unaffected areas.
The declaration was first issued on Feb. 8 and expired on March 10 in response to the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) resulting in the widespread loss of chicken flocks. FMCSA said the bird flu’s impact on the national food supply, including the supply of eggs, and its effects on people and property, including immediate threats to human life, public safety, and public welfare, prompted the declaration.
Because conditions related to HPAI have not abated, FMCSA has extended the declaration through April 10. Under terms of the declaration, motor carriers and drivers transporting live chickens from areas impacted by bird flu to unaffected areas are granted relief from the maximum driving time limits in 49 CFR 395.3.
To qualify for the waiver under the declaration, carriers and drivers must meet the following conditions, among others, which can be seen at this link:
- Before dispatch, the motor carrier must have a valid agreement from the receiving facility to accept delivery of the live chickens.
- A driver must not drive more than 16 hours in any 24-hour period
- The driver must stop all driving at 12:00 a.m. (midnight) each day
- The driver must take a minimum of a 6-hour break in a sleeper berth before resuming any driving
- Drivers must use paper records of duty status (RODS) and supporting documents, maintain RODS and supporting documents for 6 months from the date the record is prepared, and make RODS and supporting documents accessible to FMCSA and law enforcement upon request
FMCSA also noted that carriers and drivers must still comply with all applicable federal and state requirements, such as U.S. Department of Agriculture and state Departments of Agriculture requirements for transporting live chickens, and obtain any necessary authority to load, transport, and deliver the live chickens, and carrying all required documentation.
Motor carriers and drivers must also, before transport begins, ensure that they have any and all approvals necessary for the loading, transport, and delivery of the live chickens.
The extended declaration is in effect through April 10, or until the end of the emergency, whichever is earlier.
[Related: Bird flu, egg shortage prompts regional emergency, hours waivers for relief-haul]
Averitt recognizes partner carriers
In an effort to recognize its trusted network of vetted partners, Averitt (CCJ Top 250, No. 24) has announced its inaugural Integrated Carrier Awards.
For more than 25 years, Averitt has leveraged a trusted network of vetted partners to provide truckload brokerage services beyond its footprint, including full-load dry van, reefer, flatbed, and cross-border solutions across North America. The company’s new awards program honors top-performing carriers among its truckload, brokerage, intermodal, and non-asset network.
The awards are based on tracking and visibility, proactive communication, overall carrier quality, on-time performance, and total volume covered.
“This recognition highlights the vital role our full-load carrier partners play in providing seamless service to our customers,” said Steve McDonald, vice president of Integrated Services. “Their commitment to reliability and quality strengthens our ability to deliver transportation solutions across North America.”
The 2025 Averitt Integrated Carrier Award winners are:
- Small Fleet Dry Van Carrier: Hidden Creek Transportation
- Large Fleet Dry Van Carrier: Mercer JTV
- Truckload Carrier for Mexico: Central de Fletes
- Truckload Carrier for Canada: Trans Expert Inc.
- Flatbed Carrier: Melton Truck Lines
- Reefer Carrier: J.R.’s Transportation
- Intermodal Rail Carrier: Florida East Coast
- Drayage Carrier: Intermodal West
- Integrated Services Provider of the Year: Landstar B & B
This annual program reflects Averitt’s ongoing commitment to fostering strong partnerships with carriers that uphold the highest quality and service standards in the industry, the company said.
ContainerPort Group’s parent company acquires Dray Alliance
ContainerPort Group (CCJ Top 250, No. 74) is set to expand its technology-driven operations and service capabilities following an acquisition by its parent company, World Group LLC, of Dray Alliance Inc.
The move positions CPG as a leader in modernized drayage solutions, providing greater capacity, automation and efficiency to customers while enhancing its experience for drivers, the company said.
“This acquisition is about growth, innovation and customer experience,” said Joey Palmer, President of CPG and Co-CEO of World Group. “Dray Alliance has built an incredible platform that aligns with our commitment to innovating and digitizing, while maintaining the reliability and service that our customers know and expect. By bringing their technology into CPG, we’re unlocking new efficiencies and expanding our ability to serve shippers with smarter, tech-enabled solutions.”
Dray Alliance, founded in 2018 by Steve Wen, is a technology-enabled drayage provider built with carriers and customers in mind. Operating in the Los Angeles/Long Beach (LA/LB) market, the company created a platform that blends automation and visibility tools with a commitment to service and efficiency. Their approach empowers carriers with seamless load selection, real-time tracking, and simplified updates – helping them move freight with greater ease and dependability.
Now, as part of CPG, Dray Alliance’s technology and expertise will strengthen a growing presence in LA/LB, making their combined network one of the largest in the market.
“This is an exciting step forward for both companies,” added Wen. “By combining CPG’s scale, reliability, and expertise with our cutting-edge technology, we are creating a best-in-class solution that benefits customers, carriers, and the entire industry.”
Customers and carriers currently using Dray Alliance’s platform will continue to do so as CPG integrates its existing customer base and expands its technology and service offerings.
