According to TCA, “When most people think about trucking, they picture the men and women behind the wheel. Our drivers represent your brand, your culture, and your values with every mile. If one of your drivers consistently sets that example, take a few minutes to nominate them to represent your brand and the industry as one of TCA’s 2026 Professional Drivers of the Year.”

For drivers, this recognition is more than a pat on the back. TCA notes that “Nominating your drivers sends a powerful message to your entire fleet that their professionalism is noticed, and that your organization stands behind the people who carry your reputation mile after mile. Fleets that celebrate their drivers consistently see stronger engagement, higher morale, and better retention.”

Only five drivers will be selected as 2026 honorees, and they’ll be recognized on stage at TCA’s Annual Convention in Orlando. Cummins Inc. and Love’s Travel Stops are sponsoring the awards, helping shine a spotlight on the drivers who stand out for safety, professionalism, and commitment to the job. More than a thousand trucking professionals will be in the room when the winners take the stage.

As TCA explains, “It’s a moment that reflects not only on the driver, but on the culture and leadership of the fleet that nominated them.”

Drivers or fleets who want to nominate someone can find the nomination form here. The deadline is December 5.

Source: The Trucker

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Mike Roeth, NACFE’s Executive Director, highlights the importance of this phase in the evolution of trucking technology, saying, “The Messy Middle is a time when fleets can choose from a variety of powertrain solutions and other efficiency-enhancing technologies. For this Run, we are featuring tractors powered by diesel, natural gas, batteries, and hydrogen fuel cells. These four powertrain solutions represent currently available options for fleets today.”

The Fleets and Technologies Driving the Run

A total of 13 fleets will be participating in the event, utilizing a mix of advanced powertrains. Here’s an overview of the trucks involved in this groundbreaking demonstration:

• Albert Transport (Laredo, TX): Operating a 2022 Freightliner Cascadia sleeper tractor powered by a Detroit DD15 diesel engine.

• Frito-Lay (Topeka, KS): Using a Volvo VNL sleeper tractor equipped with the Optimus Technologies system running on B99 biodiesel.

• TBA: Deploying a heavy-duty tractor fueled by renewable diesel.

• Mesilla Valley Transportation (Las Cruces, NM): Running an International LT sleeper tractor with a Cummins X15 2027 NOx diesel engine.

• Kleysen Group Ltd. (Edmonton, AB): Operating a Kenworth T680 sleeper tractor featuring a Cummins X15N engine using natural gas.

• UPS (Salt Lake City, UT): Using a Kenworth T680 day cab tractor with a Cummins X15N natural gas engine.

• Wegmans (Rochester, NY): Running a Peterbilt 360 day cab tractor powered by a Cummins X15N natural gas engine.

• 4Gen Logistics (Rialto, CA): Featuring a Volvo VNR day cab electric tractor.

• JoyRide Logistics (Phoenix, AZ): Leveraging a battery-electric Windrose day cab tractor.

• Nevoya (Colton, CA): Operating a battery-electric Freightliner eCascadia day cab tractor.

• Saia (Stockton, CA): Showcasing a battery-electric Tesla Semi day cab tractor.

• Pilot Travel Centers (Bloomington, CA): Utilizing a Hyundai XCIENT hydrogen fuel cell day cab tractor.

• Penske Logistics (Katy, TX): Also operating a Hyundai XCIENT hydrogen fuel cell day cab tractor.

A Collaborative Effort Across the Industry

Taki Darakos, Vice President of Vehicle Maintenance and Fleet Services at PITT OHIO, expresses his enthusiasm for this wide-reaching effort, stating, “PITT OHIO, as well as other fleets I’ve spoken with, are thrilled to have such a wide range of fleets and solutions in this Run. We believe this truly represents the state of long-haul trucking today and by capturing data from these 13 vehicles that we will help the industry see the role these various powertrains play in both return-to-base and over-the-road long-haul trucking.”

Key Details About the Program

The three-week event is scheduled to begin on September 8, with Geotab acting as the official telematics and data partner. Fleet profiles will be featured on the Run on Less website throughout August, while the event will stream live data and insights during September.

The Messy Middle Bootcamp also continues to explore the technologies driving the Messy Middle. On April 8, at 1 p.m. ET, the focus shifted to battery electric vehicles (BEVs), complementing sessions on diesel and natural gas that have already concluded. Discussions on hydrogen fuel cells are set to follow.

Cummins and Shell Take Center Stage

Cummins and Shell proudly sponsor the event as title sponsors, with significant contributions from other event sponsors and supporting sponsors. Roeth expressed his gratitude, noting, “We want to thank our title sponsors, event sponsors, and supporting sponsors for helping fund this Run. We could not do this work without their assistance. We are still seeking additional support, and anyone interested in supporting the Run should contact me at 260-750-0106.”

The diversity of participating fleets and technologies underscores the complex transition underway in the trucking industry. Stay updated on the Run on Less – Messy Middle program and learn how these innovations pave the way towards a more sustainable and efficient transportation future.

Source: The Trucker
Image Source: RunOnLess

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To nominate a deserving driver, visit www.tcaprofessionaldriversoftheyear.com. Sponsored by Love’s Travel Stops and Cummins, this program highlights drivers who exemplify safety, leadership, and impactful contributions to their companies and communities.

“This awards program plays a vital role in honoring the dedication and hard work of exceptional truck drivers. Recognizing their contributions not only boosts morale within the industry but also highlights the critical role they play in our economy and communities. Thanks to sponsors Love’s and Cummins for their support and ensuring that these important celebrations continue,” said TCA Vice President Zander Gambill.

Last year’s honorees included Tim Chelette of Big G Express, Rosalinda Tejada of Knight Transportation, Howard Robinson of NFI Industries, Clark Reed of Nussbaum Transportation, and James White of P&S Transportation.

“Every day, the Love’s Travel Stops’ team strives to make life on the road easier for professional truck drivers. These underappreciated heroes impact each and every one of us as they perform one of our country’s most demanding and important jobs. We are honored, once again, to recognize those drivers who set the highest standard for the industry mile after mile,” said Jon Archard, Love’s Travel Stops’ Vice President of Fleet Sales.

José Samperio of Cummins Inc. noted, “Many truckers are responsible for more than just safely transporting the goods we rely upon in our daily lives. When they aren’t logging miles, they are also responsible for community involvement, peer leadership, and improving their respective company cultures. Cummins is honored to continue to support the TCA Professional Driver of the Year program that rewards those drivers who go above and beyond to make a positive difference in the world around them.”

If you know a driver who embodies these qualities and works for a TCA member carrier, nominate them today and celebrate their remarkable impact.

Source: Truckers News

Image: Truckload Carriers Association 

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Key Participants in the Clean Truck Partnership

The partnership includes industry giants such as Cummins Inc., Daimler Truck North America, and Ford Motor Co., among others. These companies have pledged to meet California’s stringent vehicle standards, which mandate the shift towards zero-emissions technology, irrespective of federal challenges.

CARB is committed to collaborating closely with manufacturers, offering ample lead time for compliance with emission standards and supporting ZEV infrastructure development. “This agreement makes it clear that we have shared goals to tackle pollution and climate change,” stated CARB Chair Liane Randolph.

Jed Mandel, President of the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association, echoed this sentiment, saying, “Through this agreement, we have aligned on a single nationwide nitrogen oxide emissions standard.”

Agreement Highlights

1. Alignment with Federal Standards: CARB will mirror the EPA’s 2027 nitrogen oxide emissions regulations while modifying some 2024 NOx requirements.

1. Regulatory Stability: CARB will provide a minimum of four years lead time and three years of stability before new regulations are introduced.

1. Commitment by Manufacturers: Companies will adhere to California’s zero-emission regulations, regardless of challenges to state authority.

Progress Towards a Clean Future

California is set to implement a phased transition to 100% zero-emission technology for medium and heavy-duty vehicles by 2045. This initiative is supported by federal approval, making California the first state to enforce such stringent standards.

Industry Leaders Weigh In

• Cummins Inc. expresses dedication to a zero-emissions future, appreciating CARB’s flexibility and alignment with EPA standards. “These actions will enable Cummins to improve product availability for our customers, while delivering significant emissions reductions,” says Shelley A. Knust.

• Daimler Truck North America remains focused on carbon-neutral vehicles by 2039, with Sean Waters emphasizing the importance of collaboration.

• Ford Motor Co. highlights the need for program harmonization during this industry transition. Cynthia Williams notes, “This alignment… will help us get more clean trucks on the road across the country.”

• Navistar values the regulatory certainty provided by the agreement, stating it allows for preparation for an increase in zero-emissions technology.

• PACCAR Inc. supports the environmental goals of California and the nation, with John Rich acknowledging the agreement’s role in ensuring product supply.

• Volvo Group North America praises the partnership for fostering product availability in line with California’s climate goals. Dawn Fenton believes cooperative efforts will lead to a less disruptive transition to zero-emission vehicles.

This partnership signals a united front in the move towards a sustainable future, paving the way for cleaner air and a healthier planet.

Source: The Buzz EV News

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The partnership will bring two options to the market: the Mobile 50, a mobile 50-kilowatt DC electric vehicle charger that can be plugged into any compatible power source without fixed installation, and the Flex 180, a stationary 180-kilowatt DC charging system that provides fleet customers with optimal flexibility in charging.

This solution features up to three dispensers, offering static, sequential, and dynamic charging options for plug and pantograph. As part of the agreement, Cummins will distribute and sell both electric vehicle chargers to its North American distribution network and provide repairs and planned maintenance.

This collaboration marks a significant step in Cummins’ commitment to transitioning to battery electric vehicles while providing cost-effective charging solutions for fleets.

“We have a storied history of building innovative partnerships that combine strengths to create incremental value for our customers. Our relationship with EV charging partners builds on this legacy, and we are excited to work together to better serve customers who rely on battery electric technology. It’s yet another step in our journey to Destination Zero,” Zach Gillen, general manager of Cummins Sales and Service North America, said in a statement shared by both companies. “Our collaboration with Heliox will deliver a reliable solution to support fleet customers in reaching their sustainability and emissions goals.”

About the two companies

Heliox is a Dutch-based company that specializes in rapid electric bus charging networks. Since launching in 2009, the company has expanded to the United States and opened its technology center in Atlanta in 2022. All UL-listed Heliox chargers are manufactured in Minneapolis.

Cummins Inc., based in Indiana, has been manufacturing diesel internal combustion engines for over 100 years. The company now offers electric and hybrid power solutions, including components like fuel systems, microgrid controls, fuel cell products, and more. In March, Cummins rebranded its New Power unit as Accelera, and the company predicts they’ll be ready to meet the EPA’s 2027 emission regulations a full year early. Additionally, they reported record first-quarter revenue this month.

Source: Land Line

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