The Michigan State Police have embarked on an initiative to enhance road safety by delivering geotargeted alerts to truck drivers via their electronic logging devices (ELDs). This innovative approach aims to keep truckers informed about potential road hazards, inclement weather conditions, and other critical updates, playing a crucial role in accident prevention.

Patrick Morris, a motor carrier inspector with the Michigan State Police’s commercial vehicle enforcement division, emphasized the importance of keeping professional drivers well-informed to ensure safer roads for everyone. “Putting messages out is a good thing. There’s no way to lose on that,” Morris stated. He continued, “We want to let people know about road safety situations. Our goal is to never write a ticket.”

A Strategic Initiative for High-Traffic Periods

Launched on August 28, this campaign aligned with the Labor Day holiday traffic surge, providing an opportunity to evaluate the system’s effectiveness in preventing accidents amidst increased vehicular traffic.

“Safer commercial drivers make for safer roadways for all roadway users,” Morris elaborated. “Coupled with continued education and enforcement, digital messaging direct to commercial drivers is another way our motor carrier officers are working to increase traffic safety and reduce traffic crashes and injuries on Michigan roads.”

With federal mandates requiring interstate truckers to use ELDs, Michigan’s initiative utilizes Drivewyze Inc.’s Smart Roadways service to send alerts about road hazards and enforcement operations directly to truck drivers.

Enhancing Roadway Safety with Technology

The Michigan State Police can now geotarget up to 300 zones across the state, deploying alerts within a defined 20-mile radius or larger. These concise messages, limited to 25 characters, are displayed prominently on a truck driver’s dash-mounted ELD.

“The messages are deliberately short. They come across quickly. We don’t want to create a distraction for drivers,” explained Morris. The initiative represents a forward-thinking phase in leveraging technology to improve roadway safety across Michigan.

By sending emails to Drivewyze with specified zones, dates, and alert durations, police can dispatch messages instantly during emergencies or over set periods.

Future Applications and Funding

The current focus is on identifying high-crash corridors for messaging, hoping to encourage caution and behavioral adjustments, such as reducing speed, in these areas.

Morris also mentioned plans to use this tool in anticipation of high-traffic holidays or specific driving hazards that require heightened awareness. The state has committed to a one-year contract worth $85,000 with Drivewyze to fund this experimental initiative. At the end of this period, the police will assess its effectiveness based on driving behavior metrics before deciding on contract renewal.

Source: Transport Topics

The post Michigan State Police Leverage ELD Alerts in Hopes of Decreasing Roadway Accidents appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Scheduled Ramp Closures

• Eastbound I-94 Ramp Closure: Expect rerouted traffic from Monday to Friday, August 12-16, via Napier Avenue.

• Westbound I-94 Ramp Closure: Planned for August 19-23, with traffic being detoured along State Route 63.

Moreover, the I-94 stretch in Berrien County—extending from Britain Avenue in Benton Harbor to Puetz Road in Stevensville—will undergo an extensive 8.5-mile reconstruction as part of this essential Rebuilding Michigan strategy. State transportation officials highlight the importance of this investment in long-lasting repairs which play a critical role in improving the infrastructure throughout the state.

Source: Land Line

The post Important Updates on I-94 and State Route 139 in Michigan appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

New Store Locations

• Middletown, VA: Located at 121 Confidence Lane, this site features nine dedicated truck lanes and is easily accessible from Interstate 81, exit 302.

• Asheville, NC: This establishment at 5440 Asheville Highway in Hendersonville includes four truck lanes and can be accessed via exit 44 on Interstate 26.

• Warsaw, NC: The store at 2543 W NC 24 Highway boasts five truck lanes, conveniently situated off exit 364 from Interstate 40.

• Romulus, MI: Making its debut in Michigan, this new site at 33380 Wick Road offers four truck lanes and is reachable from exit 197 on Interstate 94.

Sheetz plans to celebrate the grand openings with exciting events at each location. Guests can enjoy free self-serve coffee and soda throughout the day, along with the chance to win various prizes, including a grand prize worth $2,500 for free Sheetz for a year via a gift card. Entry into the prize draw does not require a purchase, though participants must be at least 18 years old and present at the event.

Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for donation, and each contributor will receive a limited-edition Sheetz-branded thermal bag, one per person.

With over 740 operating locations throughout Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, and Maryland, Sheetz remains dedicated to serving customers around the clock.

Source: The Trucker

The post Sheetz Introduces New Diesel-Friendly Locations This Month appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Upcoming Locations for Truck Drivers

Here’s a rundown of where these new stores will be strategically located for your convenience:

• Middletown, Virginia: Positioned at 121 Confidence Lane, this location boasts nine dedicated lanes for truck drivers and is easily accessible from Interstate 81 at exit 302.

• Asheville, North Carolina: Found at 5440 Asheville Highway, this store offers four truck-friendly lanes and is located just off Interstate 26 at exit 44.

• Warsaw, North Carolina: Located at 2543 W NC 24 Highway, this new store provides five lanes specifically for truck drivers and can be easily reached from Interstate 40 at exit 364.

• Romulus, Michigan: Marking Sheetz’s inaugural entry into Michigan, this store at 33380 Wick Road features four lanes for truck drivers and is conveniently accessible from Interstate 94 at exit 197.

Celebratory Grand Opening Events

Each store will host an exciting grand opening celebration, complete with free self-serve coffee and soda available to attendees throughout the day. Guests can engage in various activities and prize giveaways, with the main attraction being a chance to win a $2,500 Sheetz gift card, offering “Free Sheetz for a Year.” Visitors are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item, which will be donated to local nonprofits. In return, donors will receive a Sheetz-branded thermal bag, limited to one per customer.

About Sheetz

Sheetz proudly operates over 740 stores across several states, including Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, and Maryland. All locations are open 24/7, 365 days a year, ensuring customers have access to essential services at any time.

Truck drivers can check the availability of high-flow diesel fuel and Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) at other Sheetz locations using the Sheetz mobile app or by visiting the Sheetz website. To find the nearest location catering to specific needs, simply filter the search for “truck diesel” and/or “Bulk DEF.”

Source: The Trucker

The post Sheetz To Open Four Brand-New Stores This August appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently signed a bill into law that modernizes the state’s approach to the 85th-percentile speed rule. Sponsored by Rep. Bradley Slagh, the legislation offers the state more flexibility in rounding down the 85th-percentile speed when appropriate.

Under this new law, local officials gain authority to set speed limits within 5 mph of the 85th percentile, rounded to any multiple of 5 mph. This change allows for greater adaptability, as illustrated by Slagh’s example of setting a speed limit at 35 mph on a road with an average speed of 37.6 mph, instead of the previously mandated increase to 40 mph.

Additionally, the bill removes the requirement for local governments to conduct an engineering and safety study to adjust speed limits. Instead, modifications can now be based on traffic engineering practices, ensuring a more objective analysis of highway characteristics.

Furthermore, the law permits speed limits to be set below the 85th percentile if an engineering and safety study identifies hazards to public safety not reflected by the 85th percentile speed, with a minimum threshold set at the 50th percentile speed.

New Jersey is also considering changes to speed limit regulations. Senator Declan O’Scanlon’s bill, S1652, seeks to implement the 85th-percentile formula for setting speed limits on limited-access highways like the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway.

He said a change could result in “the smoothest, safest level of traffic flow and inflict the least amount of arbitrary punishment on people behaving reasonably.”

If passed, this legislation would empower state traffic agencies to utilize 85th-percentile studies to establish speed limits, ensuring a data-driven approach.

O’Scanlon asserts that adopting this formula represents a superior method for determining speed limits compared to relying on subjective decisions from politicians and officials. The bill is currently under review by the Senate Transportation Committee, suggesting a potential shift towards evidence-based speed limit regulations in New Jersey.

Source: Land Line

The post Speed Limit Rules Revised in Michigan, New Jersey appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) voices concerns over the potential repercussions of such legislation, emphasizing the adverse impact on truckers and the safety of road users.

“When I read this bill, one thing comes to my mind, and that’s arbitrary and capricious,” said Doug Morris, OOIDA director of state government affairs.

The OOIDA argues that while the intentions behind these measures may be well-meaning, they present significant challenges for truck drivers and could compromise overall safety.

Colorado is currently considering SB100, spearheaded by Sen. Dylan Roberts, which seeks to prohibit large commercial vehicles from utilizing the left lane on Interstate 70, except for passing slower vehicles. Advocates contend that these measures, including enforcement of truck speed limits, are vital for enhancing safety. However, Doug Morris of OOIDA disputes the necessity of such legislation, citing a lack of evidence linking truck presence in the left lane to increased accidents.

In Kentucky, SB107 aims to restrict trucks from the far-left lane on highways with three or more lanes, with exceptions for specific situations like entering or exiting the highway. Despite unanimous Senate support, concerns persist among professional drivers regarding enforcement challenges and potential safety implications.

Michigan’s HB5304 addresses left lane usage on freeways, clarifying that large trucks are prohibited from the far-left lane, aligning with existing statutes. While proponents argue for improved safety and traffic flow, the Michigan Department of Transportation acknowledges flaws in current laws but refrains from taking a stance on the bill.

Rep. William Bruck, R-Erie, said that the Michigan DOT can only make recommendations, emphasizing that this is the case with road signs that direct drivers to stay right unless to pass.

“This (bill) would clarify this so MDOT could actually restrict the heavy traffic to remain in the right two lanes,” Bruck said. “It’s a commonsense issue. There’s less safety when people are passing on the right. For the ease of travel, we would like to open up the left-most lane for that faster traffic and make it safer in the process.”

Meanwhile, similar initiatives are underway in other states like Florida, Iowa, and Oklahoma, where lawmakers are considering broader left lane regulations affecting all vehicles. These efforts aim to optimize traffic flow and enhance safety on highways, though concerns regarding enforcement and practical implementation remain prevalent.

Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, R-Fort Myers, spoke on the real point of the bill.

“It simply provides that the left lane is for passing only, with some commonsense exceptions,” she said.

Rep. Mike Klimesh, R-Winneshiek, called attention to the work this bill would do to improve traffic flow.

“Basically, this bill is an effort to prevent left-lane camping on multi-lane highways and improve traffic flow,” he said.

Overall, the ongoing legislative efforts reflect a broader push to address left lane usage, with implications for both truckers and general motorists, as states seek to balance safety concerns with efficient traffic management.

Source: Land Line

The post Six States Reassess Left Lane Use in New Bill appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

In Indiana, there is a notable speed limit differential for cars and trucks, with cars allowed to travel at 70 mph on major roadways, while vehicles weighing over 26,000 pounds are limited to 65 mph. Efforts to eliminate this speed limit disparity in rural areas have been ongoing, as demonstrated by Rep. Mike Aylesworth’s pursuit with bill HB1055.

He feels a rule revision is necessary in Indiana “to correct a law that is flawed in nature and does nothing to improve highway safety.”

Despite consideration in the House Roads and Transportation Committee, the bill did not progress to a vote, facing opposition from the Indiana Motor Truck Association. Supporters argue that uniform speed limits enhance traffic flow, referencing a study by the Indiana Department of Transportation and Purdue University indicating a potential 20% reduction in crash frequencies with uniform 70 mph speed limits.

Maryland, too, is undergoing potential changes to speed limit rules. A bill, HB278, aims to empower the Maryland State Highway Administration to decrease maximum speeds by 5 mph on urban state highways without necessitating a traffic or engineering study. The bill, approved by House lawmakers, is set to proceed to the Senate Judicial Proceedings.

In Michigan, the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has advanced HB4012, addressing perceived flaws in how the state establishes local roadway speed limits. Sponsored by Rep. Bradley Slagh, the bill aims to provide flexibility in applying the 85th percentile speed rule, allowing the rounding down of speeds when necessary. The legislation seeks to eliminate the requirement for an engineering and safety study, relying on traffic engineering practices for objective analysis. The bill awaits further consideration on the Senate floor.

In New Jersey, Sen. Declan O’Scanlon sponsors S1652, a bill proposing the use of the 85th percentile formula to set speed limits on limited access highways.

“[The change would result in] the smoothest, safest level of traffic flow and inflict the least amount of arbitrary punishment on people behaving reasonably,” he said.

This approach, if approved, would allow the New Jersey Department of Transportation and other state traffic agencies to employ studies for determining speed limits.

New York is also in the midst of potential speed limit changes. Bills in the Assembly and Senate propose raising the speed limit from 65 mph to 70 mph on interstate highways and other limited access roads, aligning New York with the speeds permitted in many other states.

“The majority of states across the country have state speed limits that exceed 65 mph,” said Tom O’Mara, New York. “New York has failed to keep up with the rest of the country by not adopting a more efficient speed limit. … [My bill] would correct this inefficacy by allowing for a 70 mph speed limit where appropriate.”

Lastly, in Oklahoma, Rep. Ross Ford sponsors HB3894, which seeks to implement a 65 mph minimum speed limit on rural interstate highways, where current speed limits are set at 75 mph, and on Oklahoma turnpikes, where speeds are set at 80 mph.

Source: Land Line

The post Speed Limits Could Change in Some States appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

In Michigan, House Bill 4012 aims to address perceived “flaws” in how local roadway speed limits are set. The bill proposes flexibility in rounding down the 85th percentile speed, allowing local officials to set speeds within 5 mph of the 85th percentile. It also eliminates the requirement for an engineering and safety study for speed limit modifications.

New Jersey’s Senate Bill 1652, sponsored by Sen. Declan O’Scanlon, focuses on using the 85th percentile formula to set speed limits on limited access highways. O’Scanlon believes this formula offers a more objective approach than relying on subjective decisions from officials.

In New York, identical bills (S2209 and A5044) propose increasing the speed limit for all vehicles from 65 mph to 70 mph on interstate highways and limited access roads. The change aims to align New York with the speed limits of many other states.

North Carolina’s House Bill 386, carried over from the previous session, seeks to raise the speed limit to 75 mph on certain roadways, provided it is deemed “reasonable and safe” by the state DOT.

Over the past year, Montana and Texas have revised speed limit rules. Montana’s Transportation Commission gained full authority to adjust speed limits throughout the state, while Texas authorized variable speed limits based on engineering and traffic investigations to address specific conditions affecting traffic flow.

As states continue to explore speed limit adjustments, these legislative efforts aim to strike a balance between traffic safety and the evolving dynamics of modern roadways.

Source: Land Line

The post New Speed Limit Rules Enacted in 6 U.S. States appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Introduced earlier this month, the bill, led by Rep. Will Bruck, R-Erie, has support from both sides of the aisle, boasting 10 Republican co-sponsors and six Democratic co-sponsors. Specifically, HB5304 seeks to confine large trucks to the right two lanes when navigating expressways with three or more lanes in the same direction.

Citing large trucks as culprits for congestion, Representative Bruck contends that this proposed alteration aims to ease traffic flow on bustling roadways, ensuring that these sizable vehicles do not hinder the left lane.

“By ensuring that trucks stay in the right lanes, we can keep traffic flowing smoothly in the left lanes, promoting safer and more efficient transportation for all drivers,” Bruck said.

He emphasized that these trucks are contributing factors to the aggravation associated with traffic congestion.

“This legislation is a vital step toward reducing the frustration of long traffic lines on our busiest freeways,” he said.

Bruck collaboratively worked with the Michigan Department of Transportation and the Michigan State Police to write legislation that aligns with the priorities of these agencies.

However, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) voices its opposition to this initiative. Asserting that truck drivers are firsthand witnesses to the adverse repercussions of misguided traffic laws, the OOIDA warns that restricting trucks from specific lanes presents substantial challenges for truckers and compromises the safety of the general public.

The proposed bill, HB5304, has progressed to the House Transportation, Mobility, and Infrastructure Committee. As of now, the committee has yet to schedule the left lane bill for deliberation, and the earliest possible date for its consideration in committee sessions is Tuesday, Nov. 14.

Source: Land Line

The post Michigan Bill Proposes Truck Travel Ban in Left Lane appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

“Across Michigan and throughout the U.S., there’s still a large demand for CDL drivers,” said Jim Brywczynski, vice president of sales and marketing for Trainco. “WCC has done an amazing job hosting this program.”

The college has recently partnered with Trainco Inc. to offer an exclusive CDL-A training program through its Workforce and Community Development Division. This program aims to provide the necessary skills and training to meet the pressing workforce needs in our community.

Since its launch just 10 months ago, nearly 40 students have successfully graduated from this program. Even better, 37 of them have already been offered jobs.

Their training sessions run for three weeks, accommodating up to six students at a time. Due to high demand, there is currently a waiting list, so be sure to secure your spot for the next session starting on July 26.

During the program, students will receive comprehensive training on campus, with a designated WCC parking lot for skills pad practice. The training consists of 150 hours in total, including 50 hours of classroom instruction, 50 hours of skills pad practice, and 50 hours of supervised driving experience.

This community-based, grassroots program has gained recognition from various organizations promoting careers in the trucking and transportation field. It serves as a fantastic entry point for individuals considering a fulfilling and promising career in this industry.

“American Trucking Associations is predicting a driver shortage of 160,000 by 2030,” said Lindsey Trent, founder and president of advocacy nonprofit group Next Generation in Trucking Association. “Truck driving is a secure job that is considered high wage, high skill and high demand. Expanding training and making it more accessible to the next generation is the mission of Next Generation in Trucking. There is no other training in the time frame that is offered that can pay as well as a CDL.”

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts over 250,000 openings for truck drivers by 2031. With retirements on the rise, now is the perfect time to join the industry.

Trainco Inc., a leading truck training company in Ohio and Michigan, has been helping drivers launch successful careers for over 20 years. Their graduates have a whopping 90% employment rate.

CDL-A drivers in Michigan could earn an average of nearly $63,700 per year. For new drivers, starting salaries range from $50,000 to $95,000 annually.

Trainco’s director, Mr. Brywczynski, said he personally assists students in finding job placements and even connects them with companies willing to cover their tuition in exchange for a year of work.

ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello has been a long-time advocate for the importance of attracting younger individuals to the industry.

“The trucking industry needs to find ways to attract more and younger drivers,” Costello said. “Right now, the average age of an over-the-road driver is 46 years old, and almost as alarming is that the average age of a new driver being trained is 35 years old.

“Whether by removing barriers for younger drivers to begin careers as drivers, attracting more demographic diversity into the industry or easing the transition for veterans, we need to do more to recruit and retain drivers.”

Encouraging apprenticeships through private sector and government initiatives is an effective approach to attract younger individuals and more women to the industry, according to Costello and ATA.

To support this effort, the Department of Transportation has introduced the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program as part of the Biden administration’s infrastructure bill. This program enables 18-, 19-, and 20-year-olds to drive interstate after undergoing thorough training.

Former certified nurses’ aide, Lauren Kakaley, is now a successful graduate of Trainco. After completing the program in April, she has secured a position with a Tampa, Fla.-based company specializing in agriculture product transportation. Lauren’s journey to this point began with her decision to enroll in the program after being a stay-at-home mom. Prior to that, she had attended WCC for her medical care program. Now, she has successfully re-entered the workforce and is thriving in her new role.

“I wanted to change it up,” Kakaley said. “The first day, we were in the classroom for a few hours and then the instructor made us drive. He wasn’t just lecturing all the time. The class was very active, and he was very engaging. It was pretty intimidating, but it was exciting.”

Source: Transport Topics

The post Ann Arbor Community College Expanding Truck Driver Training Program to Meet Growing Demand appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.