News roundup, Sept. 17: Uber Freight expands trailer-pool program, adds loads packages

Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2019

Uber Freight expands Powerloop trailer program to Calif., adds Bundles program
Uber Freight on Tuesday announced that its trailer-pooling program Powerloop is now available in California. The company also announced it will be rolling out a new program, dubbed Bundles, that will allow operators to book multiple loads at once, which the company says can reduce deadheading.

Bundles is intended to allow Uber Freight users to book multiple loads along the same route and access to backhauls, so that a driver could book a load from one point to another and then pick up a load bound for their original departure point. Bundles will be available in the Uber Freight app in the coming weeks, the company says.

The Powerloop program, launched last year in Texas, is effectively a trailer leasing program, allowing small carriers and owner-operators access to pre-loaded trailers in the Powerloop network. Trailer rentals cost $25 a day. The program aims to reduce detention time and allow access to drop and hook freight.

Winners named at IFDA Truck Driving Championship

September 15, 2019 – Orlando, Florida, USA: IFDA Truck Driving Championships gala dinner. Photo by Ian Wagreich / © Ian Wagreich PhotographySeptember 15, 2019 – Orlando, Florida, USA: IFDA Truck Driving Championships gala dinner. Photo by Ian Wagreich / © Ian Wagreich Photography

The International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) announced the winners of its 34th annual IFDA Truck Driving Championship. The event has drivers compete in different categories ranging from written exams to a driving obstacle course and pre-trip inspection. First-, second- and third-place winners were named in three divisions:

Straight Truck
First place: Glenn Anderson of the Eby-Brown Company
Second place: Duane Kaitoku of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
Third place: Will Eisen of McLane Foodservice Distribution

3-Axle (28-foot tractor-trailer)
First place: Erik van’t Veer of Gordon Food Service
Second place: Brian Mickels of Shamrock Foods
Third place: Sam Palya of US Foods

5-Axle (53-foot tractor-trailer)
First place: Glenn Shaw of Ahold Delhaize USA
Second place: Ray Carson of Reinhart Foodservice
Third place: Chris Shirley of Reinhart Foodservice

Heartland Express reopens Tacoma, Washington, terminal
Heartland Express announced Monday the reopening of its newly remodeled facility in Tacoma, Washington. The terminal now offers a multi-lane drive through service shop, fully covered 24-hour fuel island, a driver lounge, private walk-in showers and more.

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