In times of adversity or challenge in America, the nationwide reliance on truck drivers becomes unavoidable. This scenario unfolded once more in mid-January, as record low temperatures and severe winter weather conditions hit, prompting state governors to take proactive steps by waiving hours-of-service (HOS) restrictions for truckers involved in transporting home heating oil and vital goods. These measures are crucial in maintaining supply chains during critical times, ensuring essential supplies reach those in need without delay.

Challenges of Maintaining Supply Chains During Winter

As severe winter storms continue to impact various regions, several governors now face the decision of whether to extend these HOS waivers or risk potential disruptions to critical deliveries. A handful of states have opted for long-term measures, implementing emergency orders that persist through the harsh weather, ensuring a consistent response to challenges posed by freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall. However, other states are grappling with imminent decisions on the continuation of these waivers.

State-Specific HOS Waivers and Expiration Dates

Alabama

Gov. Kay Ivey instituted an HOS waiver extending until mid-February. This order provides much-needed relief for truckers involved in delivering weather-related disaster-relief goods, ensuring continuous support during the winter season. However, a portion of the mandate is set to expire sooner, with the ban on price gouging associated with this waiver having ended on January 27. The staggered expiration highlights the balancing act between immediate relief and regulatory oversight.

Arkansas

In Arkansas, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders waived HOS rules only until January 26, primarily covering truckers transporting groceries, medical supplies, livestock, and other essential items. The temporary nature of this waiver underscores the state’s reliance on quick, short-term regulatory adjustments to manage supply chain needs during unpredictable weather events.

Indiana

Gov. Eric Holcomb’s emergency order in Indiana targeted the transportation of liquid propane gas, a critical fuel source for heating homes, schools, and other structures. Set to expire on January 25, this waiver reflects the urgent need for uninterrupted propane delivery amid plunging temperatures, emphasizing the role of fuel in sustaining daily life during harsh winter conditions.

Tennessee

Tennessee’s HOS waiver covered the transport of oil, diesel, gas, kerosene, propane, liquid petroleum, and other refined petro products and heating fuels, ending on January 27. The state’s comprehensive approach ensured that various essential fuels were prioritized, reflecting the diverse needs of communities during extreme weather.

Mississippi

In Mississippi, Gov. Tate Reeves responded to frigid temperatures with a short-term HOS order expiring on January 30. This waiver focused primarily on fuel and essential supplies, providing a crucial lifeline to residents and businesses affected by the cold. The temporary nature of these waivers highlights the need for continuous monitoring and adaptation to changing weather patterns.

Other States with Approaching HOS Waiver Expirations

• Nebraska: The HOS waiver for heating oil is set to conclude on February 11, reflecting the state’s ongoing need for fuel supplies to combat the winter chill.
• North Carolina: The waiver lifting restrictions on fuel, livestock, groceries, essential goods, and medical supplies expires on February 8. This broad waiver illustrates the state’s comprehensive approach to maintaining supply chains across multiple sectors during severe weather.
• South Dakota: Waivers for fuel deliveries remain in effect through February 11, ensuring that residents have access to necessary heating supplies during prolonged cold spells.

Conclusion

Truckers engaged in the transport of fuel and essential goods must remain vigilant regarding HOS waiver expirations and updates. With the unpredictability of severe winter storms, governors may once again call upon truckers to provide critical relief to communities in need. These waivers serve as a testament to the indispensable role of truck drivers in maintaining the nation’s supply chain during times of crisis.

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Our team recently had the pleasure of participating in a chat that took us right into the heart of Bennett’s vibrant universe. We sat down with Kris Rzepkowski, the company’s VP of Marketing & Communications, and it was a real treat.

We got to dive into everything that makes Bennett so awesome – the cool stuff they’re involved in, those awesome partnerships they’ve cooked up, the heartwarming charities they back, and how they roll out the red carpet to show their drivers some serious love, and now, we’re here to share some of the highlights of that conversation with you.

Bennett Motorsports

Bennett Motorsports was formed when the company expanded their umbrella to sponsor Austin Hill, NASCAR Xfinity Series driver in the No. 21 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Richard Childress Racing. In that first year of sponsorship, Hill was awarded Sunoco Rookie of the Year after finishing 6^th in the championship.

Bennett’s goal was to bring new faces to the races while also creating some seriously cool and unique experiences for their truckers and clients. To this effort, they’ve created several VIP experiences to show their appreciation to these folks, including a unique experience for their Drivers of the Year at the Martinsville Speedway. They’ve also been known to have some exciting events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

In addition to NASCAR’s Austin Hill, Bennett is an official Trans Am and SVRA Series sponsor and works closely with Danny Lowry, Bennett owner and driver of a Mercedes AMG in the XGT class. The company has proudly brought drivers and customers to these events as well as their special way of treating them to exclusive experiences to show just how much they are appreciated.

Rzepkowski recalls a Father’s Day experience in which he got to see his father drive an MG Midget in the SVRA race and recalls just what a fantastic experience this was for all involved.

In addition to the big races, there are also a few other smaller things that fall under Bennett Motorsports.

At the 2023 MATS truck show, the company was introduced to Ryan DeBroux and the Playin’ with Fire Semi Pulling team in the National Tractor Pullers Association (NTPA) and Professional Pulling League (PPL). They were excited to get involved from the start, even when they weren’t sure how it would be received. They were pleasantly surprised to find that the league was well-known and loved among many of their drivers and employees hailing from the Midwest, and so they were excited to add this to the mix and bring even more people to enjoy the sport.

Tony Justice Partnership

Tony Justice is a highly acclaimed independent country music artist, with a track record of selling over 100,000 albums and garnering extensive media coverage. His music embodies the quintessential American spirit, combining respect, adventure, and a tribute to the hard-working patriots he encounters as a truck driver in small town America. Furthermore, he is actively involved in a two-year collaboration with Susan G. Komen, dedicated to raising funds for breast cancer through his annual Large Cars & Guitars Music and Truck Show. Adding to his accomplishments, he released his long-awaited greatest hits album, entitled “Greatest Shifts,” in 2023.

Bennett has had a longstanding relationship with TA Petro, and in 2020, this relationship would lead them to connect with Tony Justice to lead entertainment for their virtual Symposium during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

It turns out that Tony was looking for a sponsor for his new album, and Bennett thought they just might fit the bill.

Their paths crossed again in 2021 in Atlanta where Tony appeared at an in-person Symposium. It was here that “He and David (Lowry) hit it off like they were long lost brothers,” according to Rzepkowski.

Justice has been a featured performer at numerous events hosted by Bennett. They showcased his talent at Driver Appreciation Week in 2022 and both the 2021 and 2022 Symposium. In support of Tony’s fundraising endeavors for breast cancer research during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in 2021, Bennett lent their assistance by promoting his single, “War Paint”. In the previous year, Bennett extended its partnership with Tony by wrapping his new tour bus, which made appearances at various truck shows nationwide. Bennett also sponsored several of these shows.

This year, the company sponsored Tony’s “Greatest Shifts” album, adding the album’s cover art to the #21 Bennett car driven by Austin Hill.

The partnership just made sense as Justice shares many core values with the company.

Driver Appreciation

The Bennett Family of Companies has been widely known to appreciate drivers year-round, but when asked about what collaborative events the company has coming up that he was most excited about, Rzepkowski immediately told us about the festivities they have planned for Driver Appreciation Week in Bristol, Tennessee with Tony Justice headlining at the race.

“We like to appreciate our truck drivers with really unique experiences,” said Rzepkowski.

The event will also feature a social media influencer panel, a new experience they’re excited to debut to drivers.

Rzepkowski was also pretty pumped about an upcoming Breakbulk America event in Houston featuring Austin Hill. The company plans to have a Victory-Lane themed booth at the event.

Giving Back

“Our core values are to give back to the communities we live and work in,” said Rzepkowski.

For Bennett, they not only talk the talk, but walk the walk when it comes to giving back. They’ve given a good amount to local charities in their home communities and beyond. This is a company that cares. They like to get involved; they enjoy sharing their success by giving back.

In 2012, the company established The Taylor Family Foundation, their non-profit dedicated to giving back 10% of the company’s profits to causes aligned with the company’s Core Values. For example, Bennett has been actively involved with Wreaths Across America every year since 2017 to honor Military Veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice and “Real Life” Christian Summer Camps are dedicated to bringing God’s word to children of Bennett Drivers and employees.

In addition, they use Driver Appreciation as a way to build Driver Relief Funds. To this goal, they raised over $140K last year alone, matched by $40k in funds from the Taylor Family Foundation. These funds help drivers in times of need such as health issues, housing issues, and natural or personal catastrophes. The funds are used to help drivers recover from these periods by taking a little stress off until they can get back on their feet.

Spiritual Commitment

Bennett is also proud of the spiritual commitment they’ve made to their team, their drivers, their clients and beyond. As a testament to that commitment, Chaplain John Dewberry gets on SiriusXM Channel 146, The Dave Nemo Show every single morning to start the day by praying for truck drivers. The company has been humbled by the number of people that not only tune in, but who have expressed their appreciation for this daily gesture.

Supporting Women in Trucking

Bennett firmly believes that their whole team is elevated when the team includes people from all walks of life. This is truly a diverse and equitable company that’s actively working to empower women. Their Women in the Driver’s Seat program brings together experienced women from various departments within Bennett who excel in their roles as fleet managers, independent contractors, and owner/operators. These accomplished women are driven by a desire to give back and share their valuable expertise with others.

In addition, the company has formed a Women Drivers Advisory Board which advises them, the partners, and leadership at all levels to ensure they are addressing the particular challenges faced by women drivers.

“There’s a lot of wonderful energy going into that right now,” said Rzepkowski.

Future Plans

One of David Lowry’s personal passion projects has been putting funds into driver campgrounds that includes hookups, as well as areas to rest, park, and cook. They’ve already completed two of these projects in Casa Grande, AZ and Carthage, MO with plans to expand in the coming years.

If you’d like to learn more about the Bennett Family of Companies, check them out at http://www.bennettig.com.

The post Meet the Bennett Family of Companies: Where Variety and Compassion Drive Success appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

I-4 vehicle accident & fire MM 101 WB Sanford. 18-wheeler tractor trailer caught fire carrying 10,000 frozen turkey. No injuries… SCFD units have fire under control. FHP on scene. Extended operation – two lanes blocked. pic.twitter.com/EAL9i7xlLw

— Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD) PIO Media (@scfdpio) August 4, 2022

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We love you too!

Our Truck Drivers USA community is very important to us and we strive to build it everyday. If you haven’t already, join our online community here!

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P.S. Please cook your food in appropriate areas.

@redrhea8789Some things that helps me in the heat.

♬ original sound – Robert Red Rhea

Written by TDUSA

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Mental health has a direct impact upon physical health with stress, anxiety and depression increasing the chances of developing metabolic syndrome, heart disease, diabetes, migraine headaches, allergies, fatigue and muscle and joint pain. Since we just wrapped up Mental Health Month in the United States, it’s a good time to take a look at ways truck drivers can address any issues or stave them off with practical, proactive steps.

Get active. Physical activity not only helps keep the weight in check, but it boosts your immune system and improves your mental health. When you take time to move your body, you burn stress hormones, and feel more energized, focused, and calm. It’s hard when you’re on the road but you can break up your day by cleaning the truck or walking a few laps around the truck and trailer. If your health allows, go for a run or carry a bicycle with you for a brisk ride.

Focus on the present. Leave regrets behind and resist negative thinking. You can’t change the past or control the future so stay focused on the present to avoid negativity taking root. Consider keeping a journal to record what’s on your mind so you can better understand the emotions that may cause depression and anxiety.

Connect with others. For professional drivers, isolation is part of the job. But you can make the most of smart phone technology by connecting via Zoom or Skype or making a Facetime call to stay in touch. It’ll be good for you and your loved ones!

Remember, if you feel you’re facing a crisis, you can always reach out for help to organizations such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, (800) 273-8255 or the Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741-741 for 24/7 support via text.

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