Trucking news and briefs for Monday, Aug. 5, 2024:
Florida, Georgia issue emergency declarations for Hurricane Debby
After making landfall early Monday, Hurricane Debby was downgraded to a tropical storm later in the morning. It's expected to travel across Florida and into Georgia before settling in the Atlantic along the South Carolina coast by mid-week.National Hurricane Center
Officials in Florida and Georgia are waiving certain regulations for truck drivers providing direct assistance to hurricane-affected areas after Hurricane Debby made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region Monday morning as a Category 1 hurricane.
The storm made landfall near Steinhatchee, Florida, and is expected to move northeast through southeast Georgia and along the South Carolina coast as the week goes along.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an emergency declaration on Aug. 1 and amended the declaration on Aug. 2, giving Florida transportation officials the ability to issue waivers.
As such, the Florida Department of Transportation has suspended size and weight regulations for divisible loads on any vehicles transporting emergency equipment, services, supplies or personnel, or to transport FEMA mobile homes or office-style mobile homes, and agricultural commodities and citrus. The waiver is effective in 61 counties, which can be seen in the order here, through Aug. 16.
Overweight vehicles are required to operate in accordance with overweight routing maps, which can be found here.
Additionally, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is suspending registration requirements for commercial vehicles that enter the state to provide emergency services or supplies through Aug. 9. Hours of service regulations are also waived through Aug. 15 for drivers providing direct relief to the emergency.
In Georgia, Gov. Brian Kemp issued an emergency declaration ahead of the storm, suspending hours of service regulations for commercial vehicles delivering goods and services in direct support of the storm.
[Related: Sleeper berth: Should more truckers be able to split as they see fit?]
Texas enforcement blitz set for this week
The Texas Highway Patrol (THP) is increasing enforcement efforts this week as part of the Distracted Reckless Impaired Visibility Enforcement or SafeDRIVE initiative. This concentrated highway enforcement will run Aug. 6-8, on Interstates 10, 20, 35, 40 and 45.
SafeDRIVE aims to eliminate commercial motor vehicle traffic collisions through periods of high visibility enforcement along major interstate corridors where a large number of the nation’s fatal CMV collisions occur.
This enhanced enforcement campaign will focus on both passenger vehicles and CMVs, looking for aggressive drivers, speeders, tailgating, failure to wear safety belts, distracted drivers and motorists driving under the influence. SafeDRIVE will also help ensure CMV drivers are following industry regulations. Texas highway officials are reminding all drivers to follow these safety tips:
- Stay out of blind spots. Large trucks and buses have huge blind spots on all four sides.
- Pass safely. Make sure you can see the CMV driver in their side mirror. Signal clearly and safely pass the truck or bus. Don’t linger in the blind spot. Make sure the truck or bus is visible in your rearview mirror before you pull in front.
- Don’t cut off large vehicles. It takes a large truck traveling at highway speeds the length of two football fields to stop.
- Don’t tailgate. Tailgating a truck or bus puts you in a blind spot.
- Buckle up. Wearing a seatbelt can be the difference between life and death, make sure to buckle up.
- Put the phone down. Texting while driving in Texas is illegal.
[Related: Brake Safety Week blitz upcoming August 25.-31]
Mack recalls trucks for improperly tightened driver’s seats
Mack Trucks is recalling approximately 242 trucks equipped with RollTek driver's seat assemblies, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents.
Included in the recall are model year 2024-’25 Mack Anthem, Granite and Pinnacle trucks manufactured between July 27, 2023, and May 10, 2024. The seat pedestal and seat belt attachment in the affected units may have been improperly tightened, which may not restrain the occupant as intended.
Dealers will replace and tighten the seat pedestal and seat belt attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Sept. 27. Owners can contact Mack customer service at 1-800-866-1177 with recall number SC0469. NHTSA’s recall number is 24V-567.
Five drivers named finalists for Relay Haul of Fame
Relay Payments on Aug. 1 announced the Top 5 truckers for its second annual Haul of Fame contest, which honors inspiring truck drivers and their contributions to the trucking industry.
Thousands of votes were tallied during the public voting process, revealing the 2024 Relay Payments Haul of Fame Top Five. The finalists are:
- Kevin Worley: With 48 years of experience, Worley began his trucking career hauling automobiles and has driven across nearly every interstate. Known for his meticulous care of equipment and adherence to safety, he loves the open road. His dedication has earned him a reputation as a standout professional in the industry.
- Kirk Phillips: Phillips has been a truck driver for 43 years with Johnsonville Trucking, amassing over 3.1 million safe miles. A member of the Wisconsin Motor Carriers President's Safe Driver's Club for 25 years, he is known for his dedication to safety and mentorship. He also drives the 'Big Taste Grill' truck, providing food and supplies during disaster relief events.
- Roger Mackbach: Mackbach has been driving trucks for 24 years and returned to the road in 2008 after losing his right arm in a boating accident. He designed a custom prosthetic arm and became one of the first in Maine to qualify for interstate travel with an amputation. He now advocates for other amputees, helping them regain their CDLs and adapt to life post-amputation.
- Fidel Herrera: Herrera has been a truck driver for 20-plus years, starting with a local supermarket before obtaining his CDL. Known for his dedication to safety, clean trucks, and mentoring fellow drivers, he enjoys the freedom of the road and providing excellent service. He is a respected owner-operator and passionate advocate for the trucking community.
- Deb Labree: A truck driver for 18 years, Labree is a key figure in Women in Trucking, serving on the organization’s board and the Image Team. She exemplifies that trucking is not just a “man's job” and is a role model for aspiring female drivers. She is also committed to safety and efficiency, making her an inspiration for all in the industry.
[Related: Eyes on the big climb: Careful prep the name of the game for Trucker of the Month]
A celebrity judging panel will now evaluate these five drivers, and two drivers will ultimately be selected as the 2024 Haul of Fame winners. Judges include:
- NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon, four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and current vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports
- Timothy Dooner, host of the What the Truck?!? podcast
- Clarissa Rankin, one of the most well-known female truck drivers, CDL school owner and TikTok influencer with 1.8 million followers who advocates for women in trucking
- Ryan Droege, CEO and co-founder of Relay Payments
The two winners will receive an array of prizes, including a trip to the Quaker State 400 race weekend in Atlanta Sept. 6-8, ahead of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week.
