15. Auto vs. manual transmission: Data-driven tech better than complete control?
As the horizontal integration between drivetrain components — engines and transmission — becomes more popular and the data shared between the two becomes more useful, automatic transmissions are becoming more and more common in the trucking industry. Automatic transmissions allow drivers to be more productive and safer, manufacturers point out, but drivers say they like having complete control over their vehicle. Click here to see the first piece in the series that covers that debate, and click here for part 2: Will drivers com around on automatic transmissions?
Truck stop chain and fuel provider Pilot Flying J’s headquarters in Knoxville, Tenn. were placed on lockdown April 15 when federal agents from the FBI and IRS raided the building and ordered non-essential employees to leave. Three days later, an affidavit filed by the FBI was unsealed, detailing allegations against the company that it had been systematically and intentionally defrauding some of its trucking company customers out of millions of dollars in owed rebate checks. Click here to see all of the coverage since April involving the Pilot allegations, including dozens of lawsuits — most of which have been settled — employees pleading guilty to fraud charges and Pilot CEO Jimmy Haslam detailing the action the company’s taken to prevent similar problems from occurring again.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration — including agency head Anne Ferro — has mentioned specific dates all year for the publication of the new electronic logging device mandate rule, and all of those dates came and went without a rule being published. This story, from earlier this month, said the Office of Management and Budget is still reviewing the rule. And again, Dec. 23 came and went without a rule. The rule now may not be published until after the new year. A story about the driver harassment-prevention component of the e-log mandate — a separate rulemaking — was also one of the most read stories of the year. Click here to see it.
12. Trend Settin’, Family Buziness crowned Pride & Polish national champs
Two trucks that stole the show all year in Overdrive‘s Pride & Polish competitions completed their circuit sweep by being named the national champs in Dallas at The Great American Trucking Show, where the Pride & Polish season ends each year. This story also included bits about the other two national champions — Bill Rethwisch’s 2007 Peterbilt 379 and Josh Skidmore’s 2007 Peterbilt 370 — along with a full winner’s list from the show.
