Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024:
Nikola reports record FCEV sales in Q3
Nikola Corporation announced this week that it wholesaled 88 of its Tre hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks in the third quarter, a quarterly sales record for the company.
The 88 sales met previously set expectations of between 80 to 100 units for the quarter.
So far this year, Nikola wholesaled 200 hydrogen fuel cell (FCEV) trucks and a total of 235 since the vehicle hit the market in Q4 of last year. Last summer, the OEM reported its hydrogen truck sales exceeded Q2 expectations.
“This is a record sales quarter for Nikola, with 88 hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks wholesaled to our dealers for end customers, as well as the addition of a first-ever U.S. dealer-based HYLA modular refueling station,” said Nikola CEO Steve Girsky. “Despite overall market headwinds, Nikola remains focused on our mission to pioneer solutions for a zero-emission world, and we’re doing it one truck at a time.”
Universal Logistics Holdings opens new Washington state facility
Universal Logistics Holdings (CCJ Top 250, No. 26) opened a new intermodal terminal in the Tacoma, Washington, region. The facility is now operational, offering a range of drayage services designed to enhance efficiency and convenience for the company’s customers.
The new terminal features 2.5 acres of secured container yard space for 24/7 service.
The location was strategically selected for its outstanding connectivity, ULH said. It offers convenient access to all Northwest Seaport Alliance South Harbor Terminals and direct links to major highways. The terminal's proximity to key industrial areas – including Sumner/Kent Industrial Park, Puyallup/Spanaway Industrial Centers, and Olympia/Lacey Industrial Areas – makes it an ideal hub for streamlined operations and reduced transit times.
"Our new terminal in Tacoma expands our operational capabilities and strengthens our commitment to providing exceptional service to our customers,” said John Wroby, President of Universal Intermodal Services, Inc. “The strategic location of this terminal will facilitate quicker access to critical industrial zones and major transport routes, greatly enhancing the efficiency of our service."
Universal is also expanding its team for this new facility, actively hiring for owner-operators and dispatch office positions.
Finalists named for military veteran trucker award
The Transition Trucking Award finalists, from left: Douglas Couch, U.S. Navy, Roehl Transport; Cory Troxell, U.S. Army, Stevens Transport; Billy Taylor, U.S. Coast Guard, Werner Enterprises; Brian Ferguson, U.S. Army and U.S. Army National Guard, Melton Truck Lines; and Shawn Haley, U.S. Marine Corps, Veriha Trucking.
Finalists for the 9th annual “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” award were recently announced by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes program, Kenworth Truck Company and Fastport.
The award honors military veterans who have transitioned into the trucking industry. Through a comprehensive nomination process, careful review by a selection committee, and a final public vote, the program will recognize and reward America’s top rookie military veteran drivers. The winner will receive a brand-new Kenworth T680, the runner-up will receive $10,000, and the remaining finalists will receive $5,000.
Public voting for the award will be held from Nov. 1 through Veterans Day, Nov. 11. The final winner will be revealed on Dec. 13 during a special event at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C.
The five finalists, their trucking company, and where they trained are:
- Douglas Couch, U.S. Navy (E-5), Roehl Transport (CCJ Top 250, No. 60), Roehl Transport Training
- Brian Ferguson, U.S. Army and U.S. Army National Guard (E-7), Melton Truck Lines (No. 72), Troops Into Transportation
- Shawn Haley, U.S. Marine Corps (E-4), Veriha Trucking LLC, Truck Driving Institute
- Billy Taylor, U.S. Coast Guard (E-7), Werner Enterprises (No. 14), Roadmaster Drivers School
- Cory Troxell, U.S. Army (E-7), Stevens Transport (No. 52), Phoenix Truck Driving Institute
TA expands diesel tech training center
TravelCenters of America has expanded its training center in Lodi, Ohio, to accommodate the training of additional technicians with more diversified skills to meet the needs of its growing truck service business. Two bays and a classroom were recently added to the existing facility, doubling the training capacity.
“This isn’t just a brick-and-mortar investment for us,” said Homer Hogg, VP, Truck Service. “The extra space will enable us to offer more educational opportunities for more technicians. There is nothing like the hands-on training we offer to ensure our technicians are equipped with the highest skill level to serve all trucking maintenance and repair needs.”
The Lodi facility offers training in core truck services including tires, preventive maintenance, foundation brakes, and air systems. Advanced courses include diagnostics and repair of electrical, electronic, HVAC, engine and aftertreatment systems.
Training for trailer collision repair services is also offered at the center by a dedicated team.
Annually, more than 1,400 TA Truck Service technicians receive training at the Lodi training facility. The facility is also home to TA’s annual competition, where TA’s most skilled technicians compete for the Top Tech title by taking a rigorous written exam and demonstrating their skills by performing a repair. Winners of this event compete in the annual national TMCSuperTech competition.
