Estes Express Lines, a top player in the logistics sector has significantly expanded its operational network by acquiring seven former Yellow Transportation terminals. This strategic move underscores Estes’ commitment to enhancing operational capacity and improving service for its customers.

2024 Expansion Overview

In 2024, Estes has achieved a major milestone by increasing its terminal capacity by 508 doors, marking a 4.5% growth from the previous year. The company’s total door count now stands at 11,832, with plans to add 940 more doors within the next nine months. This expansion includes the acquisition of 29 terminals and the assumption of 10 leases from Yellow Transportation. Key new locations include Charlotte, NC; Milwaukee, WI; Minneapolis, MN; Rockford, IL; South Bend, IN; and Eugene, OR.

“These acquisitions demonstrate our ongoing investment in resources to boost capacity and better serve our customers,” said Webb Estes, President and COO. He praised the team for the swift integration of these new assets, which include hundreds of shipping containers and trailers.

Growth of Network and Fleet

The recent acquisition has bolstered Estes’ coast-to-coast network with the addition of 290 new doors. The Charlotte terminal, now the largest in the network with 275 doors, highlights the scale of this expansion. Alongside increasing terminal capacity, Estes has also expanded its fleet, acquiring 6,800 additional trailers this year, bringing its total fleet to over 45,000.

This expansion reaffirms Estes’ commitment to scaling operations and enhancing service delivery, solidifying its position in the competitive logistics and transportation industry.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

Image: Commercial Carrier Journal

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Among the promising newcomers is Matthew Boenisch from Wisconsin. In his thirties and recognized for his approachable nature, Boenisch has garnered attention for his precise driving skills. Having outperformed a cadre of experienced competitors in his home state, he is now poised for a national stage once more, earning the distinction of Badger State grand champion in the process. His commitment to honing his driving abilities in his leisure time has undoubtedly yielded significant rewards.

Understanding the intensifying competition within the flatbed driver ranks, Boenisch is eager to channel his youthful energy as he gears up for this month’s national contest.

NTDC 2024 Details:

• Who: Champions from nine distinct categories compete for the prestigious Grand Champion title.

• What: Competitors will be evaluated through written exams, thorough pre-trip inspections, and practical driving skills.

• When: August 21-24

• Where: Indianapolis

Reflecting on his recent achievements in Wisconsin, Boenisch remarked to Transport Topics, “I knew I could win again — but to win grand champion, that was not even on my radar. So I guess I’m going to try to ride this wave all the way to Indianapolis and we’ll see where the cards fall.”

At the NTDC, participants are challenged by three primary tasks: adhering to federal regulations, undergoing a rigorous pre-trip vehicle inspection, and navigating a complex driving course. Competitors achieving top five scores across nine vehicle classifications will progress to the finals.

“We all know everybody can drive,” Boenisch stated, “but the winnings I think come from the written test and the pre-trip. So that’s what I really have been focusing on. Because if you don’t have your best run on the course, you can at least have a chance with the stuff that you do behind the scenes. So, that’s where I’m putting most of my focus right now.”

Meet Matthew Boenisch

• Name: Matthew Boenisch

• Age: 39

• Hometown: Howards Grove, Wisconsin

• Vehicle: Flatbed

• Favorite Music: Chicago (soft rock)

• Hobbies: Boating and tubing

• Favorite Food: Deep-dish pizza

• Favorite Movie: “Twister” (1996)

• Most Memorable NTDC Moment: “Walking across the stage and hearing our name called.”

• Philosophy: “Keep doing what got you where you are. Don’t change. And just prepare.”

As the NTDC approaches, Boenisch is buoyed by the full support of his family. His wife, Kayla, along with their children, Hailey (10) and Nathan (8), are eagerly looking forward to his performance. “My whole family is very excited because they got to experience nationals,” noted Boenisch. “And now I have a little pressure from them that I have to do this every year.” The sentiment is reciprocal as he mentioned, “Once I got that taste, I think you want to go back for more.”

Boenisch is determined to reach the final day of competition on August 24, aiming for a top-five finish in his category. Yet, he values the NTDC experience beyond merely winning; it’s a chance to cultivate friendships and be part of a distinctive community.

“It’s just an awesome group of safe drivers, and just the camaraderie that you get,” he expressed. “You don’t know most of these people when you come [here]… I just think it’s neat that all these people have had to be safe for at least a year just to make it to the nationals. In today’s society that’s a very big accomplishment.” He added, “Some people make it [look] easy, but just being there is a big deal.”

Notable Wisconsin Champions

• 3-Axle: Jacob Moore, Old Dominion Freight Line

• 4-Axle: Paul Smith, FedEx Freight

• 5-Axle: Matthew Myer, Old Dominion Freight Line

• Sleeper Berth: William Minor, Walmart Beaver Dam

• Step Van: Matthew Callis, Old Dominion Freight Line

• Straight Truck: Nicholas Jamtowski, Old Dominion Freight Line

• Tank Truck: Shawn Modaff, FedEx Freight

• Twins: Connor Dent, FedEx Freight

Source: Transport Topics

Image: Transport Topics

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The Wisconsin State Patrol, in collaboration with the Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association (WMCA), has successfully conducted its third annual “Trooper in a Truck” campaign, aimed at reducing instances of distracted driving. This impactful initiative took place over five days in July, where law enforcement officers teamed up with professional truck drivers to monitor driver behavior on the roads.

With strategic placements in cities such as Green Bay, Hudson, Madison, Waukesha, and Wausau, the officers leveraged their elevated positions to identify risky behaviors like speeding, not wearing seat belts, and tailgating. Neal Leclaire, WMCA Road Team Captain and driver at Duplainville Transport Inc., underscored the value of this partnership, stating, “Working with law enforcement gives us the opportunity to work together for safer roads.” His straightforward advice resonates: “As a professional driver my advice would be, pay attention to your driving and be patient.”

Aerial View on Road Safety Violations

As part of the Trooper in a Truck program, officers utilize the height advantage provided by larger vehicles to observe and report traffic violations. When infractions are detected, troopers promptly notify nearby patrol units to take appropriate action against offending drivers, ensuring safety on the highways.

Leclaire, a professional driver with nearly three decades of experience, noted the evolving landscape of driving habits, exacerbated by advancements in technology. “As technology advanced, it seems the problem has gotten worse. That’s why I participated in the Trooper in a Truck program,” he remarked, sharing that he has observed a decline in distracted driving since his initial involvement. The campaign spanned from July 8-12, strategically aligning with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s Operation Safe Driver Week, aiming to mitigate accidents involving commercial vehicles.

Collaborative Efforts for Safer Highways

Initiated three years ago by Kim Conradt, WMCA’s safety programs coordinator, this initiative has not only expanded its reach each year but also garnered significant media coverage. “Some of my road team captains came to me about three years ago and they said every day they’re up in the truck, they can see the drivers and what they’re doing down below,” Conradt explained. She pointed out the prevalence of distractions like texting and applying makeup, stating the urgent need to address these issues. “We want to educate. There’s nothing that’s more important than you getting home alive.”

Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan has called on all motorists to stay alert, especially near larger vehicles that have substantial blind spots and limited maneuverability. “All motorists have to work together to prevent crashes,” he emphasized. With an average of 7,000 accidents annually involving large trucks within the last five years, the significance of initiatives like this cannot be overstated.

Commitment to Road Safety

Gillian Taylor, senior logistics safety coordinator at Duplainville Transport, highlighted her commitment to enhancing safety for every road user. “Professional drivers spend 11 hours a day on the road, which unfortunately is more than enough time to witness firsthand the results of distracted driving,” she stated. “It’s not worth it, a life is not worth it.”

Joining the campaign this year was Kwik Trip, a well-known convenience store chain. Jeremiah Wickersham, a driver and lead trainer for Kwik Trip, echoed the importance of prioritizing safe driving. “Safe driving is important to me because I am always seeing the effects of unsafe driving while either training new drivers or driving myself,” he expressed.

Source: Transport Topics

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Program Overview

The primary goal of this initiative is to minimize crashes and injuries involving commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). From July 8 to July 12, troopers will be actively monitoring highways across the state to detect and prevent dangerous driving behaviors.

Enforcement Schedule

Drivers should be aware of increased patrols in the following areas:

• July 8: Hudson

• July 9: Waukesha

• July 10: Madison

• July 11: Green Bay

• July 12: Wausau

During these dates, officers will be especially vigilant for any unsafe driving near CMVs.

“Drivers need to pay attention on the road, especially around large trucks and buses,” said Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan. “Commercial motor vehicles have large blind spots, limited maneuverability and require longer distances to stop. All motorists have to work together to prevent crashes.”

Traffic Safety Concerns

Over the past five years, Wisconsin has seen an average of about 7,000 crashes annually involving large trucks. In 2023 alone, these incidents resulted in 70 fatalities. Distracted driving is a significant factor in many of these crashes and remains a growing concern in the state.

Focus on Distracted Driving

The “Trooper in a Truck” program aims to curb distracted driving. When a trooper identifies a traffic violation from their elevated position, they will communicate with nearby patrol cars to take appropriate enforcement actions. They will also monitor for other hazardous driving behaviors such as speeding, reckless driving, and tailgating.

“This is the third year we are teaming up with the Wisconsin State Patrol to prevent dangerous driving through the Trooper in a Truck program,” said Kim Conradt, Safety Programs Coordinator for the Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association. “We’re grateful for the wonderful partnerships that make this initiative successful.”

Source: Truckers News

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