Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024:
Charcoal load inspection yields $3 million cocaine bust
Border officials in Rio Grande City, Texas, recently seized more than $3 million in cocaine from a truck pulling a load of charcoal.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations officers at the Rio Grande City Port of Entry on Aug. 24 made the seizure.
“Our frontline officers continue to exercise vigilance in the cargo environment, and their inspection skill coupled with technology and our canine unit all contributed to this significant seizure,” said Port Director Rogelio Olivares, Rio Grande City Port of Entry. “Seizures like these exemplify CBP’s commitment to advancing our border security mission while facilitating lawful trade and travel.”
The seizure occurred at the Rio Grande City International Bridge when a CBP officer referred a tractor-trailer hauling a shipment of charcoal for secondary inspection. CBP officers conducted a secondary examination that included utilization of a non-intrusive inspection system and CBP canines.
After additional physical examination, CBP officers discovered 100 packages containing a total of 228 pounds of alleged cocaine within the conveyance. The narcotics had a street value of $3,044,859.
CBP seized the narcotics. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents are investigating the seizure.
[Related: Drugs found in flatbed frame, loads of celery, watermelon, more crossing border]
Nominations open for Best Fleets program
Leased owner-operators can now nominate their fleet for the 17th annual Best Fleets to Drive For program, produced by CarriersEdge.
Now through Oct. 31, company drivers and independent contractors can nominate the companies they work for as Best Fleets to Drive For here.
All for-hire fleets operating 10 or more tractor-trailers in the U.S. or Canada, regardless of freight segment, are eligible to participate in the program.
“Despite coming through some of the most challenging conditions the industry has seen in decades, fleets have managed not to lose sight of the importance of supporting their drivers,” said Jane Jazrawy, CEO of CarriersEdge. “We’re excited to hear about the new, innovative ways companies are making a difference for their people.”
Once nominated, fleets who choose to participate complete a questionnaire and interview, providing information about driver programs across a range of categories. A selection of drivers is also surveyed, supplementing the information provided by management.
Company responses and driver surveys are compiled and scored, with the top 20 scorers identified as Best Fleets to Drive For. The top 20 is then divided into “small” and “large” fleet categories, and the top-scoring fleet in each category is crowned Best Overall Fleet for the category. The top scoring fleet in the Hall of Fame will also be honored as an overall winner in that category.
The Top 20 Best Fleets, the overall winners, and fleets entering the Hall of Fame will be recognized at the Best Fleets to Drive For Education & Awards Conference, which will be held March 3-4, 2025, at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, North Carolina.
[Related: How mostly owner-op fleet K&J Trucking became the 'Best Fleet to Drive For']
Kalmar Ottawa terminal tractors recalled
Terminal tractor manufacturer Kalmar Ottawa is recalling some of its T2 6x4 units due to an issue with the air brake system, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents.
The recall affects approximately 96 model year 2016-’17 Kalmar Ottawa T2 terminal tractors in which the air tanks have an insufficient volume of air for the brake system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 121, "Air Brake Systems."
Dealers will replace the air tank, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Sept. 16. Owners can contact Kalmar customer service at 785-229-6327. NHTSA’s recall number is 24V-620.
[Related: Continental truck tires recalled for shoulder separations]