Trucking news & briefs for Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020:
ATA fails in move for temp halt to Rhode Island tolls at question in suit
The American Trucking Associations was denied its request for an injunction to halt the collection of trucks-only tolls in Rhode Island as a lawsuit challenging those tolls proceeds through the federal courts.
The ATA, as previously reported, filed for the injunction in March. The decision, according to the Providence Journal, was handed down earlier this month. The state of Rhode Island’s RhodeWorks trucks-only tolls were implemented in 2018, and given denial of the injunction, the state will continue to collect them.
The suit is proceeding through the courts as the state pulls in millions from 11 sites, the Journal reported. The 12th, on Route 195 and the Washington Bridge, is currently being tested.
TruckPark partners with UCT to offer subscription-health service
The UrgentCareTravel (UCT) medical clinic network with locations at Pilot Flying J Travel Centers has partnered with the TruckPark reservations service to offer the UCT Health subscription service to TruckPark customers.
UCT Health’s no-deductible and no-co-pay services include health coaches, personalized care plans for chronic conditions, DOT physicals and drug screens, primary care services (sick visits and annual exams), in-clinic lab services (lipid profiles and A1C testing) and mail-order pharmacy services. TruckPark customers can access the services anywhere while on the road via telehealth and UCT’s walk-in medical clinics. TruckPark customers are able to sign up for UCT Health by registering from the TruckPark website and can contact customer service for more information.
For more about UCT, read this recent feature in Overdrive about growing telehealth options.
CVSA opens nominations for annual driver award
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance is accepting nominations for the 2021 International Driver Excellence Award (IDEA).
The award recognizes truck drivers who go above and beyond the performance of their duties as a commercial vehicle driver, distinguishing themselves and going beyond the call of duty with safe operation and compliance carried out with evident distinction for an extended period of time. CVSA says nominated drivers must be of personal character beyond reproach with no disqualifying past behavior, as indicated in the IDEA award criteria.
Nominees must have:
- At least 25 cumulative years of crash-free driving in a commercial motor vehicle with a clean driving record for the past three years
- No felony convictions
- No safety-related driving suspensions in the past three years
- No driver violations in the past three years, excluding form and manner violations
The IDEA winner will receive a check for $2,500 and a crystal trophy.
The winner will be presented with his/her award and receive public recognition during the general session of the CVSA Workshop in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 19, 2021. If the 2021 CVSA Workshop is held in-person, the IDEA winner will also receive airfare for the winner and one guest to Louisville a two-night hotel stay at the Louisville Marriott Downtown.
The deadline to submit the 2021 IDEA nomination form is Dec. 11.
The IDEA Program Committee will review and authenticate all nominations. The final decision will be made by the CVSA Executive Committee.
Truck renting, leasing organization pledges support for COVID-19 vaccine
The Truck Renting and Leasing Association (TRALA) announced its support for the U.S. government’s race to find a vaccine to fight COVID-19, offering to lend its vehicles, logistics and warehouse network to store and help distribute and deliver the vaccines across the nation when the time comes.
The group says its members account for more than 25% of over-the-road highway trucks and tractors in the U.S., and its nearly 500 members have vehicles and facilities throughout the country.
“TRALA member companies are industry leaders in logistics, have the necessary refrigerated vehicles and equipment as part of their rental and leased fleets, and have the critical experience operating in every state and region in the country, which will be essential in the efficient delivery of a coronavirus vaccine,” TRALA President and CEO Jake Jacoby.
