Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024:
Fossil fuel company exec picked to lead Energy Department
Chris Wright, CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy, is Trump's nominee to lead the Department of Energy. Wright has no prior government experience -- something many see as a major benefit that will lead to a new approach to energy policies.LinkedIn
President-elect Donald Trump's nomination of Chris Wright, a fossil fuel executive who founded and serves as CEO and board chairman of Denver-based Liberty Energy, to lead the Department of Energy is a clear indicator as to how the incoming administration is expected to undo much of the outgoing administration's energy policies under current DOE secretary Jennifer Granholm.
For many in trucking, Wright’s fossil fuels background will be a welcome change, representing likelihood of a domestically-produced energy dominance approach that will continue to rely heavily on, or even expand fossil fuel use.
"The whole issue of climate change and what we do about it needs a pragmatist at the helm, not a hardcore believer on either side," said Joe Rajkovacz, director of governmental affairs and communications of the Western States Trucking Association.
In announcing Wright’s nomination, Trump described Wright as “a leading technologist and entrepreneur in Energy,” pointing out that Wright has worked in the nuclear, solar, geothermal, oil, and gas industries.
According to reporting from CCJ sister publication Clean Trucking’s Jay Traugott, Wright's beliefs are in direct contradiction to many environment groups, elements of the scientific community, and several state governments, specifically California. He's a climate change sceptic, fracking proponent, and a self-described "tech nerd turned entrepreneur... who [doesn't] care where energy comes, as long as it secure, reliable, affordable, and betters human lives."
He's not, however, a climate change denier, but rather disagrees with the way Democrats and many in the international community are addressing it.
The trucking industry has long taken a conservative stance regarding the transition from fossil fuels to “zero-emission” technologies but has not outright declared it's not open to electrification. Instead, it's maintained the approach that the path to “zero emissions” cannot be mandated, both at the state and federal level.
"Chris Wright is a pragmatist on energy policy and similar to us, believes 'bridges' to the future need to be built with energy policy," Rajkovacz added. "He actually does believe carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas and is making the atmosphere warmer. His disagreement is what we do about it and how we continue to have a stable and expanding economy while moving towards a greener future."
Read more from Clean Trucking on Wright’s nomination in Traugott’s report here.
ATA opens registration for annual TMC event
The American Trucking Associations has opened registration for its Technology & Maintenance Council’s Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition, which will be held in March 2025.
“The TMC Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition is central to the Council’s mission to raise professional and technical standards for the trucking industry,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “Whether it is on the exhibit hall floor, or in one of TMC’s many study groups or educational sessions and task forces, the events taking place at TMC’s Annual Meeting drive the industry’s success.”
Scheduled for March 10-13 at the Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee, TMC’s 2025 Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition will take place on two tracks – one geared toward attendees seeking to dive deep into the details of the issues facing the industry, and the other providing a high-level overview of the technological trends that will be driving change in trucking. Both tracks will address critical issues ranging from emissions and efficiency to safety and emerging technologies, under this year’s theme – Advancing Technology Through Industry Engagement.
“The Council’s 2025 Annual Meeting carries on its tradition of providing thought leadership with a focus on ways to improve maintenance, sustainability and fuel efficiency,” said TMC Executive Director Robert Braswell. “Each of our educational sessions will center around one of two valuable tracks – Back to Basics, and Advanced Technology. These sessions will address pressing regulatory compliance issues, emerging truck/trailer technologies, maintenance, diagnostic and repair topics, key performance indicators and benchmarking solutions, and equipment specification trends.”
More information on TMC’s 2025 Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition, as well as registration, is available online here.
Nextran Truck Centers expands with Mack dealer acquisition
Nextran Truck Centers, a full-service commercial truck dealer, has acquired Quincy Mack, Decatur Mack, and H&L Mack, a well-respected Mack Trucks dealer with five locations across Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa. The acquisition expands Nextran's footprint from 26 to 31 locations across the United States.
Founded over 40 years ago, Quincy Mack, Decatur Mack, and H&L Mack have built a strong reputation in the Midwest, founded on a commitment to treating employees and customers like family.
The acquisition will enhance Nextran's sales, parts, service and rental & leasing operations, enabling the company to serve a broader customer base and continue its expansion into new and contiguous geographies.
"With the acquisition of Quincy Mack, Decatur Mack, and H&L Mack, we are not only expanding our geographic footprint but also reinforcing our commitment to growth, service and support for our customers across the US," said Jon W. Pritchett, President and CEO of Nextran Truck Centers. "Their strong family-oriented culture and dedication to superior service align perfectly with Nextran's values. We are thrilled to welcome them into the Nextran family and look forward to a bright future together."
