For more than a decade, parking has remained one of the most persistent problems tied to freight movement. Lost time searching for a safe place to stop cuts into productivity and adds pressure to already tight schedules. The issue has also been linked to serious safety concerns when drivers are left with no option but to park in unsafe or unauthorized locations.

Longstanding Problem With No Quick Fix

The scale of the problem has drawn attention at the highest levels. The National Transportation Safety Board took the unusual step of backing legislative action after investigating a fatal crash involving a truck parked along a highway shoulder.

“It appears that essentially the same obstacles we were facing two decades ago are the same obstacles we’re facing today,” NTSB member Thomas Chapman said. “It’s a funding issue. I’m guessing in some respects, it might be more than funding. It could be available space, but this is a problem that has been around for a long time, and it’s only getting worse.”

Funding Moves Forward but Gaps Remain

A federal spending package signed in February included $200 million dedicated to expanding truck parking. While that investment marks progress, it does not come close to solving the shortage on its own.

Beyond funding, another challenge continues to slow expansion efforts. Many communities and local decision makers still do not fully understand how truck parking impacts safety, freight efficiency, and local economies. Even when awareness exists, projects can face resistance at the local level.

New Study Aims to Quantify the Impact

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is now preparing a study designed to put hard data behind what drivers already experience on the road.

On April 6, the agency published a notice in the Federal Register requesting input for a study focused on measuring the real world benefits of adding truck parking capacity.

According to FMCSA, “there is a lack of research on the actual precise monetary benefits of new truck parking spaces.” The goal is to build a clearer picture that can support future decisions and funding efforts.

What Drivers Will Be Asked

The study will gather detailed input on how parking shortages affect daily operations. Drivers will be asked about how often and how long they:

• Park in unauthorized locations
• Shut down early to secure a spot
• Leave planned routes to find parking
• Push hours of service limits while searching for space

This level of detail is intended to capture the real cost of the issue, from lost time to safety risks. The results will be combined with other research to help guide where new parking should be built and how those projects are presented to local communities.

Why Participation Matters

The effectiveness of the study depends on how much real world input it receives. Data collected from drivers will shape how the issue is understood by policymakers, planners, and private investors.

Public comments on how the study will be conducted are due May 6. To submit a comment, click here or go to Regulations.gov and enter Docket No. FMCSA-2025-0787.

A Chance to Influence What Comes Next

Parking shortages are not new, and neither are the challenges tied to solving them. What may change is how the issue is documented and presented moving forward.

By contributing feedback, drivers have an opportunity to put real experiences into the data being used to guide future decisions.

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1. Intermodal: A Chain of Coordination

Intermodal freight transports containers via ship, rail, and truck. Drayage completes the critical “first and last mile,” moving containers between port terminals and rail ramps—vital for efficient freight flows.

2. Appointment Systems Reduce Congestion

Major ports now require drayage trucks to book gate times before arrival. Without an appointment, drivers face delays or extra fees. According to C.H. Robinson, during peak demand in February 2025, up to 30% of transactions exceeded two hours due to appointment shortages.

3. Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR) Shapes Drayage Flow

Nearly all Class I railroads now use PSR—the practice of operating trains on fixed schedules, regardless of load volume. A recent study showed PSR reduces terminal dwell times and improves overall efficiency. Drayage providers must sync their pickups with these train schedules to avoid missed departures.

4. Tech Tools: Gate Scanners, Mobile Check-Ins & AI

New tech helps drivers navigate port and rail interactions:

• Gate scanners & mobile check-in apps: Racing IDs and container numbers, speeding entry, and reducing paperwork.
• AI-driven scheduling: Forward-looking platforms suggest less congested time slots based on historical and real-time terminal activity.

5. Infrastructure Upgrades Are Easing Turn Times

Ports are investing in infrastructure to keep pace with demand. Savannah, Los Angeles, Houston, and New York/New Jersey are upgrading cranes, yard space, traffic management, and equipment to reduce congestion and speed truck and rail access.

6. Why Timing is a Driver’s Advantage

• Shorter dwell times on terminal leads to less idling and more trips
• Better route planning when appointments align with rail departure schedules
• Avoid rebookings or detention fees, which cost time and money

Intermodal drayage in 2025 runs on precision coordination between port appointments, rail schedules, tech systems, and infrastructure upgrades. The smartest way to stay ahead?

• Schedule your gate time early
• Use available tools (apps, scanners, AI)
• Track terminal and train status in real time

Getting these elements right means fewer delays, better pay, and more control over your route.

The post How Intermodal Trucking Syncs with Port & Rail Timetables appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

With the GPA Trucker app, drivers gain access to critical information at their fingertips, enabling them to save valuable time, streamline paperwork, and stay informed with alerts such as updated gate hours essential for daily planning. For added convenience, the app features advanced security measures, allowing users to log in via facial recognition or fingerprint technology.

Streamlining operations for 14,000 plus daily moves

The Port of Savannah processes between 14,000 and 16,000 gate moves daily, operating from 4 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Garden City Terminal boasts truck turn times of approximately 35 minutes for single moves and 53 minutes for dual moves, such as delivering an export and picking up an import.

“At GPA, we see drivers as our front-line customers, and we are always working to provide a superior customer experience,” GPA President and CEO Griff Lynch said. “Helping truckers solve problems before they arrive at our gates improves overall efficiency for them and for the cargo owners who choose Georgia Ports.”

Simplifying container transactions

The app’s primary goal is to enhance the entire container transaction process. Through the GPA’s system, drivers utilize PINs (valid for 72 hours) to track container movements. Upon arrival at the terminal gate, drivers input the PIN to obtain a physical ticket indicating the container’s pickup or drop-off location. Now, the GPA Trucker app offers a digital version of the ticket, which drivers can save on their devices or send to their trucking companies.

Looking ahead, the app will evolve to include push notifications, enabling drivers to receive digital tickets automatically, without needing to search within the app.

Additional features to save time and improve efficiency

The GPA Trucker app also helps drivers avoid unnecessary trips. For example, the app notifies users if a PIN has expired for a container move or if an export container has been assigned to a different vessel. Furthermore, the app guides drivers by indicating the closest terminal entry gate for their containers and sending updates like weather changes or gate hour adjustments.

Upcoming updates to the app will include navigation integration with platforms such as Waze and Apple Maps, which will assist drivers in efficiently locating containers within terminal premises.

The GPA Trucker mobile app exemplifies the Georgia Ports Authority’s commitment to improving the trucking experience and enhancing overall operational efficiency. By leveraging technology, the Port of Savannah is setting new standards for streamlined logistics and driver convenience.

Source: Truckers News

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Shape the Future of Trucking with Your Input  

“With the industry cost data that comes from ATRI’s Operational Costs of Trucking report, our fleet is able to apply the operational metrics to better manage our expenses,” said Dr. Robert Howard, Dohrn Transfer Company president, COO. “This information will help every carrier benchmark their financials and prepare them for contract negotiations. Equally valuable are the customized insights into how our costs and performance measure up to our peers in this challenging freight market.” 

The Importance of ATRI’s Benchmark Tool  

Recognized as the leading public resource for trucking cost benchmarking, ATRI’s Operational Costs of Trucking report aggregates confidential data from carriers of all sizes, regions, and specialties. Whether it’s a single-truck owner-operator or a fleet of 10,000+ vehicles, participants contribute valuable information that tracks cost trends and helps companies maximize profitability and efficiency. 

The data points gathered include key operational cost metrics like driver wages, insurance expenses, and equipment financing or purchasing costs. Insights into operational performance indicators, such as non-revenue mileage, average dwell times per stop, and miles driven between vehicle breakdowns, are also included.  

How to Participate  

Data for the 2024 calendar year can be submitted confidentially via ATRI’s online form or through an emailed PDF form. A simplified version for owner-operators has also been introduced, making this process accessible for smaller trucking operations. 

Motor carriers who contribute will gain access to a customized report comparing their fleet’s costs and performance against anonymized data from similarly sized companies in their sector. Additionally, participants receive an early release of the full report. 

To add your input, submit the requested information no later than Friday, April 25. The data collection form, a sample customized report, and an FAQ resource are available online here. ATRI emphasizes that all contributions will remain confidential and will only be published in an aggregated, anonymized format. 

Source: The Trucker  

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The Beginning of an Industry Game-Changer

It all started on a cold February morning in 1990 when J.B. Hunt’s first intermodal load departed Chicago, marking the debut of a trailblazing partnership between trucking and rail companies. This collaboration was the brainchild of J.B. Hunt founder Johnnie Bryan Hunt and Santa Fe Railway President Mike Haverty (now BNSF Railway). Aptly named “Quantum,” the service embodied a forward-thinking approach that promised a lasting impact on the freight transportation industry.

“Intermodal started as an idea to bring two services together and create a customer-focused, efficient solution,” said Shelley Simpson, president and CEO of J.B. Hunt. “This dream was brought to life by teams working closely together, never losing faith in the belief of a better way to move freight, one rooted in integrity, respect, safety, and excellence. It changed freight transportation forever and set the company on a path of continued innovation, sparking 35 years of growth and expansion.”

From Humble Beginnings to Market Leadership

The service that began with just 150 trailers has grown into North America’s largest intermodal operation. Today, J.B. Hunt Intermodal (JBI) boasts a fleet of over 122,000 company-owned containers and 6,500 tractors. The groundbreaking concept of double-stacking containers proved pivotal, enhancing efficiency while significantly cutting load and unload times—a benefit that attracted a steady stream of customers over the years.

By the early 2000s, intermodal service had evolved to become a distinct business unit within J.B. Hunt. This strategic shift allowed the company to dedicate its focus to enhancing service quality and operational performance. By 2003, JBI had become J.B. Hunt’s largest revenue generator—a title it still holds today.

The milestones kept coming. JBI moved more than one million loads in a single calendar year for the first time in 2010, and by 2018, that number had climbed to an impressive two million loads annually. Fast forward to 2024, and the company shattered records yet again, setting new benchmarks for quarterly, monthly, and weekly intermodal volumes.

Partnerships That Drive Progress

Over its 35-year history, J.B. Hunt has built enduring relationships with all major rail providers across North America. These partnerships have been essential to refining operational efficiency and introducing innovative features. Notably, the company established onsite terminals and express gates to streamline service for its customers.

Expanding to meet international freight demands, J.B. Hunt opened its first transload facility in 2021. These have since grown to serve key ocean ports and the largest land entry point into the U.S. Additionally, a significant collaboration in 2023 saw J.B. Hunt team up with BNSF Railway and GMXT to launch a Mexico service via Eagle Pass, Texas. That same year, the company reintroduced its iconic Quantum service to serve the evolving needs of highway freight clients.

Sustainability at the Core

J.B. Hunt Intermodal is leading the shift from over-the-road freight transport to rail, which offers a far more sustainable alternative. Rail transport reduces a shipment’s carbon footprint by an average of 65% compared to traditional highway trucking. Over the last decade, JBI’s efforts have prevented the emission of approximately 30 million metric tons of CO2e. This environmentally-conscious approach forms a key part of the company’s commitment to sustainable growth.

Source: Truckers News

Image: J.B. Hunt

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“At RXO, we optimize freight movements for shippers and carriers, which reduces empty miles and lowers the carbon footprint of the trucking industry,” said Drew Wilkerson, chief executive officer of RXO. “Through our RXO Connect platform and RXO Drive app, we match unused truckload capacity with our shippers’ needs. This approach reduces the environmental impact, provides our customers with efficient capacity, and drives innovation and growth.”

This recognition underscores RXO’s influential role in advancing sustainable practices and fostering a greener future within the logistics sector, according to a statement released by the company.

Pioneering Sustainability in Freight

RXO’s inclusion in the EPA’s inaugural SmartWay Leaders list can be attributed to its innovative initiative, CSR Principles: Corporate Action to Customer Options. This project demonstrates RXO’s dedication to improving freight efficiency, minimizing its environmental footprint, and delivering cutting-edge solutions to both customers and carriers.

Through its advanced technology platform and driver-focused RXO Drive app, the company is driving sustainable change while also bolstering operational resilience for the future.

RXO has implemented a series of sustainability-focused strategies to support its carrier network, including fuel optimization programs and efficiency-enhancing tools. For instance, the Intelligent Load Looper helps carriers plan multi-leg trips to maximize efficiency, while the cube utilization project analyzes trailer capacity usage to further cut down on empty miles. Features like “Get Me Home” provide carriers with flexible options to plan routes efficiently, resulting in increased driver satisfaction and improved carrier performance.

Transparent Progress for a Better Tomorrow

RXO maintains a strong commitment to accountability and measurable improvements. The company adheres to globally recognized sustainability reporting frameworks, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB). These frameworks are instrumental in setting clear goals and tracking RXO’s advancements in environmental performance.

Source: The Trucker

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Targeting Freight’s Largest-Impact Segment

Based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, NACFE has explained their decision to focus this Run on what they call the “messy middle.”

“We chose to focus this Run on the messy middle and specifically on long-haul, return-to-base, and over-the-road duty cycles because it is the largest emitting market segment and there is confusion surrounding it,” said Mike Roeth, NACFE’s executive director.

Set to take place in September, the event will highlight four distinct powertrain options—diesel, natural gas, battery-electric, and hydrogen fuel cells. Each powertrain type will be represented by three trucks from different fleets, offering valuable real-world data to help better understand the long-haul segment.

“By having trucks with a variety of powertrains, we will be able to capture real-world data and bring some clarity to the long-haul portion of the messy middle,” Roeth noted.

NACFE is actively working with fleets to select an accurate mix of participants to reflect current industry trends. The organization has announced that details about the selected fleets will be shared this spring, followed by on-site visits to each of the 12 fleet locations.

Leveraging Data to Drive Insights

For this Run, like previous ones, each participating truck will be equipped with Geotab telematics devices. Geotab, NACFE’s official data partner for Run on Less – Messy Middle, will enable the event to collect and analyze critical data.

The Run on Less website will also play a central role, featuring updated fleet profiles, video stories, and a dashboard tracking various metrics. Additionally, information and results from the prior four Runs will still be accessible through the site, allowing for comprehensive knowledge sharing.

Educational Bootcamp Series Kicks Off in February

Complementing the September event is a 13-session Bootcamp series, set to begin on Wednesday, February 11, at 1 p.m. EST, with sessions continuing every other week. The Bootcamp is designed to educate and engage industry professionals across various fuel technologies, including diesel, natural gas, battery-electric, and hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Three sessions will specifically cover each powertrain type, followed by dedicated recap workshops. A concluding session will address additional fuel-efficiency technologies critical to the messy middle.

Rachel Ellenberger, NACFE’s industry engagement manager, expressed her enthusiasm for the Bootcamp program, saying, “The NACFE team has been hard at work over the last few months putting together stellar programming for the Run on Less – Messy Middle Bootcamp, and I’m excited to unveil it to our audience.”

She added, “This year’s Bootcamp will include the educational sessions we all know and love along with workshops designed to be more conversational and encourage further audience participation. The agenda is set, and we’re excited to continue to recruit engaging speakers who are talented storytellers in their corner of the industry. I’m looking forward to seeing you in February!”

Participants can register for the Bootcamp today, with ACT News, published by TRC Companies, assisting NACFE in coordinating the program mechanics.

Event Sponsors and Industry Backing

NACFE has already secured two major title sponsors for the upcoming Run—Cummins and Shell. Additional sponsors announced include Chevron, Clean Energy, The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), Eaton, ExxonMobil, FlowBelow, Geotab, PepsiCo, Prologis, and TeraWatt.

“We are grateful to the Title and Event Sponsors that have stepped up so early in the process to help sponsor Run on Less – Messy Middle,” Roeth stated. “The Run is not possible without industry support, and we still need Executive, Title, Event and Supporter Sponsors.”

Don’t Miss Out on the Action

The Run on Less – Messy Middle is poised to be another groundbreaking initiative by NACFE, offering game-changing insights into how fleets can tackle emissions, operational efficiency, and a clearer path through the so-called “messy middle.”

Follow NACFE for updates on participants, sponsor additions, and insights from the Bootcamp! Don’t forget to register for the Bootcamp today and stay ahead of the curve in exploring innovative solutions for freight efficiency.

Source: The Trucker  

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According to the EPA, these honorees exemplify the best practices in sustainable transportation, achieving impressive results in reducing emissions and optimizing energy use while transporting goods across vast distances. These industry leaders stand out for their commitment to minimizing fuel consumption, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing air quality within the communities they operate.

The esteemed recipients of the 2024 SmartWay Freight Partner Excellence Award include:

• Arrow Transportation

• Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations

• Canadian Reefers Ltd.

• Cargo Transporters

• Covenant Transport

• Crete Carrier Corporation

• CRST The Transportation Solution Inc

• D&D Transportation Services Inc

• Danny Herman Trucking Inc

• Discount Tire

• Divine Enterprises, Inc.

• Dollar Tree Stores, Inc

• Edgewell Personal Care

• Elevate Textiles, Inc.

• Forza Transportation Services, Inc

• Gap Inc. Canada

• Gap Inc. USA

• Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP

• GP Transportation Co

• Hirschbach Motor Lines

• Hogan Transports, Inc.

• Keane Thummel Trucking Inc.

• Kellanova

• Kimberly-Clark Corporation

• Knight Transportation, Inc.

• Kohl’s

• Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

• May Trucking Company

• McDonald’s USA, LLC

• Meijer

• Mesilla Valley Transportation

• Mike Frost Trucking, Inc.

• Nussbaum Transportation Services, Inc.

• Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc

• Paper Transport, LLC

• Prime, Inc.

• Royal Trucking Company

• Ryder Dedicated Transportation Solutions (DTS)

• Saia Motor Freight Line, LLC

• Schneider

• Swift Transportation Co. of Arizona, LLC

• The Home Depot U.S.A., Inc

• The TJX Companies, Inc.

• Tractor Supply Company

• Trans-West Logistics Inc / Logistiques Trans-West Inc.

• Werner Enterprises

• Western Express, Inc.

Michael S. Regan, EPA Administrator, remarked, “As we mark our 20th anniversary this year, we celebrate decades of our partners advancing freight efficiency, and delivering goods with less fuel and lower emissions, thus strengthening this essential economic sector while supporting air quality goals.” He continued, “SmartWay is proud to recognize 47 top performing truck carrier and shipper Partners — with the 2024 SmartWay Excellence Award for outstanding environmental performance and business leadership in goods movement.”

This recognition underscores the pivotal role these partners play in promoting environmentally responsible practices in the transportation sector.

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