Trucking news and briefs for Friday, Nov. 15, 2019:
Kenworth W990 begins transport of U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
The 55th U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree began its cross-country journey from Carson National Forest in New Mexico to Washington, D.C., behind a Kenworth W990 driven by New Mexico-based Wilbanks Trucking Service. The 60-foot Blue Spruce was loaded onto a special 82-foot trailer on Nov. 6. The tree was then fitted with a special 40-gallon water bladder to keep it hydrated during the transport.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, a sponsor of the tree’s journey, was on-hand for the tree-cutting ceremony. The FMCSA team conducted a full safety inspection of the W990 before it began its journey.
The tree’s cross-country tour, which includes stops at 30 community events, began Nov. 11 and continues through Nov. 24, when it will arrive at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland before being delivered to the U.S. Capitol. A tree lighting ceremony will be held in early December.
Uber Freight subsidizing Geotab ELD purchase with data-share consent
The Uber Freight digital broker has partnered with the Geotab telematics provider to offer small carriers (less than or equal to 10 trucks) electronic logging devices by Geotab for free and with a free year of service. For eligible carriers with 10 trucks or fewer, ELDs will be free and service will be fully subsidized for the first year, and $15 per truck thereafter.
The deal, however, is contingent upon a data-share consent agreement with Uber Freight you can read about here.
Pilot Flying J opens new Texas location
A new Pilot Travel Center will open this month in Andrews, Texas, just north of Odessa. The new truck stop features 28 truck parking spaces, five diesel lanes, five showers, a Dunkin Donuts self-serve, PJ Fresh grab-and-go offerings and more.
