Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, July 18, 2024:
J.J. Keller launches new CARB compliance service
Two new programs introduced by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) – Clean Truck Check and Advanced Clean Fleets – require carriers to register most commercial vehicles operating in California and pay an annual fee. J. J. Keller & Associates is helping carriers simplify that process by introducing its Clean Fleet State Compliance Reporting Service.
“This new service helps carriers avoid CARB-related enforcement actions, including the denial of plate renewals and the blocking of purchases or sales of non-compliant vehicles,” said Shaun Gunderson, executive vice president of managed services at J. J. Keller. “We take all of the detailed and time-consuming reporting work off carriers’ hands and ensure everything is handled accurately and on time.”
The CARB programs apply to carriers operating diesel, alternative fuel and hybrid powered vehicles in the state of California with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 14,000 lbs., and also to carriers operating drayage truck fleets, government fleets, and high-priority fleets (50 or more vehicles or $50 million in revenue) in the state with a GVWR over 8,500 lbs.
J. J. Keller’s Clean Fleet State Compliance Reporting Service provides these carriers with expert advisement on the requirements, registration and reporting of all applicable vehicles, fee processing, record updates as carriers buy or sell vehicles, and support in the event of an audit or inspection.
“We understand that if a carrier’s trucks can't run due to non-compliance with CARB, their business in California comes to a stop,” Gunderson added. "But it’s not only California. More states are joining the effort for cleaner vehicle emissions, with differences in each state’s requirements. This makes compliance extremely complex for carriers with vehicles travelling in multiple states. We’re here to make that process easier.”
Atlas appoints new CIO
Atlas Van Lines (CCJ Top 250, No. 67) this week announced the appointment of Ryan Parmenter to Chief Information Officer.
Ryan Parmenter
Parmenter's primary focus will be on establishing the technology vision and roadmap to support Atlas’ short-, medium-, and long-term business objectives. He will also ensure all technology operations and deliverables exceed business needs while continually enhancing the technology talent pool and providing the efficient, effective use of resources.
“Ryan’s 23 years of IT experience with Atlas has significantly elevated our team’s technology and overall logistics. We’re thrilled to appoint him as Atlas’ Chief Information Officer for Atlas,” said Ryan McConnell, President and Chief Operating Officer of Atlas Van Lines. “He’s been a strong asset to our leadership team, and we’re excited about his new role.”
Parmenter joined Atlas in 2001 as a software engineer and has held roles of increasing scope and responsibility over his time with the company. During his tenure, Parmenter has provided guidance and enhancement of logistics and household goods transportation systems. In his most recent role as Vice President of Information Technology, Parmenter led an experienced technology team and oversaw the strategic technology committee ensuring Atlas remained a technology leader in the relocation and logistics industry.
“I look forward to leading Atlas’ IT initiatives to new heights. By leveraging technology to drive innovation, enhance our services, and streamline operations, we will continue to deliver exceptional value to our customers, employees, and Agents,” Parmenter said. “It is a privilege to continue serving on Atlas’ senior leadership team and drive success within our digital ecosystem to support all areas of the business.”
Former fleet co-owner sentenced for workers’ comp fraud scheme
Frances Hall, former co-owner of Bill Hall Jr. Trucking, has been sentenced for her role in a scheme to avoid $9 million in workers’ compensation premiums. Hall was charged in 2013 with the murder of her husband, was convicted in 2017 and served two years in prison.
In 2022, she was charged in relation to the workers’ comp scheme when Texas officials discovered that between 2009 and 2016, she allegedly provided false payroll information to Texas Mutual Insurance Company and concealed payroll reports to get lower insurance premiums for the Halls’ gravel hauling business.
During her appearance on July 10 in Austin’s 147th District Court, Hall was sentenced based on a plea she entered in May. Under the plea agreement, Hall received 10 years deferred adjudication, was ordered to pay $150,000 in restitution, and will undergo treatment as the probation department recommended. The type of treatment recommended is unknown.
Shorepower Technologies acquiring three IdleAir truck stop locations
Shorepower Technologies has agreed to acquire three truck stop electrification locations from IdleAir. The acquisition of these operations is immediately accretive, as the locations already generate revenue and represent nearly 100 connection points.
The three sites are located in Texas: two in Laredo and one in Baytown. The acquisition of these IdleAir sites represents a perfect complement to Shorepower’s geographical footprint. While Shorepower is mostly on the West Coast and in the Northeast, IdleAir’s locations are mostly located in the Southern states.
The acquisition represents Shorepower’s first acquisition and marks a milestone for the company. Shorepower is hopeful that this first foray will be followed by many similar transactions with IdleAir -- enabling Shorepower to continue to grow its commercial electrification services in the country.
