Coordinated Road Checks Across State Lines

This yearly campaign sees state and local law enforcement agencies from the five participating states working in unison to identify and remove impaired drivers from the roads. Officers will conduct simultaneous road checks across state borders, focusing on catching drunk and drugged drivers, while also issuing citations for speeding, distracted driving, and seatbelt violations, including improper car seat usage.

“We are fortunate to have neighbors who are as committed as we are in Georgia to saving lives on our roads and that they are always ready to work with us during the year on other projects that promote safe driving,” remarked Allen Poole, Director of the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. “Hands Across the Border sends a message to every driver in the southeast to slow down, buckle up, and drive sober and alert before the Labor Day holiday travel period.”

A Longstanding Tradition of Safety

The Hands Across the Border campaign began in 1991 as a friendly challenge between the Georgia State Patrol and the Florida Highway Patrol to see which state could reduce alcohol-related traffic deaths over Labor Day weekend. The initiative quickly expanded, with all states bordering Georgia now participating in joint road checks along their state lines. The primary aim of this effort is to intercept impaired drivers before the final holiday weekend of the summer, contributing to safer roads for all.

“Our ultimate goal at any time of year is to get dangerous drivers off the roads and help reduce traffic crashes, injuries and fatalities,” said Roger Hayes, Law Enforcement Services Director at GOHS. “But with a major travel weekend coming up and so many warm weather vacation destinations across the southeast, we want everyone to make sure they drive sober, put down their phones, slow down and that everyone in their vehicle is properly buckled up.”

Addressing the Southeast’s Traffic Fatality Rates

Campaigns like Hands Across the Border are crucial, especially given the concerning traffic fatality rates across the southeastern United States. In Georgia alone, there were 1,504 traffic-related deaths in 2018, a slight decrease from the 1,540 recorded in 2017. However, alcohol-related fatalities rose from 356 in 2017 to 375 in 2018, and speed-related deaths also saw an increase from 248 to 267 over the same period.

Hayes further emphasized the importance of this collaborative effort, stating, “We partner with our state line neighbors in communities along the South Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee borders for road checks, enforcement, and awareness. This isn’t about raising revenue, but rather lowering fatalities.”

Ensuring a Safer Labor Day Weekend

With millions expected to travel for Labor Day, the Hands Across the Border campaign plays a vital role in keeping drivers safe. By working together, these five states aim to make the roads safer and remind everyone of the importance of driving responsibly.

Source: The Trucker

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Severe Weather Strikes Florida

Florida faced the brunt of Hurricane Debby, with the Orlando Sentinel reporting wind speeds reaching up to 95 mph. The storm triggered numerous tornado warnings and caused extensive flooding in the Gulf Coast and North Florida regions.

The state has issued two separate emergency declarations due to the storm. One is set to expire on Thursday, August 8, while the other will remain effective until August 15. These orders provide relief to motor carriers and drivers offering emergency services or supplies to the affected areas by waiving IFTA, IRP, and size and weight regulations for divisible loads.

According to an emergency order released, up to 12 inches of rain could fall within the week.

“These conditions could damage the operational capability of critical infrastructure to include major interstates and roadways, bridges, airports, schools, hospitals, power grids and other critical infrastructure,” the Hurricane Debby declaration stated.

Georgia’s Response to Hurricane Debby

Georgia’s emergency declaration offers regulatory relief from hours-of-service and size and weight restrictions for commercial vehicles distributing goods and services in response to the storm.

“This storm has the potential to produce severe impacts to citizens throughout south central and southeast coastal Georgia,” the emergency order emphasized. “Assistance from the state is necessary to provide for the public’s safety, protect public and private property, and maintain the social and economic welfare of the state.”

Commercial vehicles operating outside regular weight, height, and length limits will receive permits from the Georgia Department of Public Safety. The emergency also enforces the state’s prohibition on price gouging of motor fuel, diesel fuel, and other petroleum products.

South Carolina’s Emergency Measures

South Carolina’s executive order highlights the potential for significant property damage and disruption of essential services. Thus, regulations concerning registration, permits, length, width, weight, and load are suspended for commercial and utility vehicles traveling on non-interstate routes for up to 120 days, provided these vehicles do not exceed a gross weight of 90,000 pounds or a width of 12 feet.

Additionally, time-of-service suspensions for commercial and utility vehicles on both interstate and non-interstate routes are in effect for up to 30 days.

Source: Land line

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New TA Locations

Cowpens, South Carolina

The new TA site in Cowpens, located at 175 Truck Stop Road, offers a variety of amenities:

• Quick-Serve Restaurant: Sbarro (Opening in September)
• Convenience Store: A wide range of hot and cold beverages, snacks, and merchandise.
• Fueling Options: 6 diesel fueling positions, including Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF).
• Truck Parking: Accommodates 80 trucks.
• Private Showers: 6 showers available for drivers.
• Laundry Facilities: Convenient for extended stays.
• Driver’s Lounge: A comfortable resting area.
• Game Room: Entertainment options for travelers.
• Truck Service: Two service bays for maintenance and repairs.

Coburg, Oregon

Located at 32910 E. Pearl St., the new Coburg TA site includes:

• Full-Serve Restaurant: Coburg Crossing Café featuring an Iron Skillet menu.
• Convenience Store: Offers a selection of hot and cold beverages, snacks, and various merchandise.
• Fueling Options: 8 diesel fueling positions with DEF.
• Truck Parking: Space for 100 trucks.
• Private Showers: 8 showers for drivers.
• Laundry Facilities: Available for drivers.
• Truck Service: Three service bays for repairs.
• Truck Wash: On-site truck washing services.
• Driver’s Lounge: A comfortable area for drivers to rest.

Nevada Locations

TA Express in Henderson, Nevada

The new TA Express site at 1550 Railroad Pass Casino Road offers:

• Quick-Serve Restaurant: Capriati’s.
• Fueling Options: 7 diesel lanes with DEF.
• Truck Parking: Over 200 paved spaces.
• Reserve-It Parking: 20 reserved spots for trucks.
• Private Showers: 5 showers available.
• CAT Scale: For accurate weight checks.

Petro Travel Center in Henderson, Nevada

The Petro site located at 1700 Railroad Pass, Casino Road, features:

• Quick-Serve Restaurants: Sonic and Dunkin.
• Fueling Options: 7 diesel lanes, all equipped with DEF.
• Truck Parking: More than 100 paved spaces.
• Reserve-It Parking: 10 reserved parking spots.
• Private Showers: 5 showers for drivers.
• Laundry Facilities: Available for drivers.
• Truck Wash: On-site washing services.

With these new additions, TravelCenters of America strengthens its ability to serve travelers with top-notch facilities and services. Whether you need a meal, fuel, or a place to rest, TA’s expanded network is prepared to meet your needs.

Source: Truckers News

The post TravelCenters of America Expands Network with Four New Sites appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The new PGT Ghent facility, situated at 3738 Highway US 42 West, spans five acres and includes ample truck parking along with a brand-new building that houses an operations center, driver lounge, and showers. Its proximity to major steel and building product customers enhances PGT’s service capabilities in the region. This facility is managed by PKM Transportation Services, LLC.

Located at 615 Simuel Road, PGT Spartanburg offers office space, a driver lounge, on-site parking, and a maintenance facility. This terminal enables PGT to provide improved port delivery services, ensuring the secure and timely transportation of international cargo while supporting their dedicated fleet of professional drivers in the Southeast.

“PGT Trucking continues to grow our operation across the United States, solidifying our company as a premier leader in flatbed transportation solutions,” said Gregg Troian, PGT Trucking President. “PGT remains committed to our customers, providing innovative services through the Future of Flatbed®, and to our drivers, securing their financial future with consistent freight. PGT Ghent and PGT Spartanburg will help us deliver on those promises.”

Source: Truckers News

Photo: PGT Trucking

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