Trucking news and briefs for Monday, July 22, 2024:
C.H. Robinson debuts enhanced load-matching platform
C.H. Robinson last week announced Digital Dispatch, its enhanced load matching platform.
Utilizing a new algorithm powered by data science and artificial intelligence, Digital Dispatch analyzes a broad range of data to offer more timely and precise load recommendations based on a carrier's unique search history and preferences within CHR’s Navisphere Carrier.
The technology aims to provide carriers with hyper-customized recommendations, sent immediately via text or email as soon as a suggested load becomes available, reaching carriers wherever they are through their preferred channel of communication.
"In a dynamic and ever-shifting freight marketplace, carriers need real-time access to freight to secure loads before they disappear,” said Cody Griggs, Vice President, Digital Brokerage, C.H. Robinson. “This need is even more critical today as the competition for available loads intensifies. Not only does Digital Dispatch send loads in real-time giving carriers a ‘first look,’ but they are also highly relevant, allowing them to secure the best suited freight for their network, and in turn driving better business outcomes and improved service for customers.”
[Related: Fighting 'cheap freight' one load at a time]
Instead of sending recommendations in bulk batches, the platform now instantly notifies carriers to a single load at a time, offering a competitive advantage to secure relevant freight before it’s gone, the company said. On average, Digital Dispatch books loads four times faster than traditional methods, CHR added, transforming hours spent searching into valuable hauling time.
“We are seeing carriers book 40% of their C.H. Robinson loads through our Digital Dispatch program, allowing them to access loads tailored to their specific needs at lightning-fast speeds,” Griggs added.
Digital Dispatch is currently available to carriers with 1-10 trucks, with plans to expand to larger carriers in the future.
[Related: Who is really hauling all the cheap freight? Truckers weigh in]
U.S. investigating brake drums imported from Turkey, China
Earlier this month, the International Trade Commission (ITC) launched an investigation into dumping allegations regarding brake drums imported from Turkey and China. Provisional duties could be imposed as early as later this summer.
Webb Wheel filed a petition in June asking the federal government to impose antidumping and countervailing duties on these components. The petition alleges imports from Turkey and China are being sold at unfairly low prices in the U.S., undermining domestic manufacturers, such as Webb.
According to the National Trailer Dealers Association and MacKay and Co., the U.S. aftermarket for brake drums for trailers is valued at $180 million annually. NTDA said in a news release that if half the brake drums imported from the two countries are subjected to a hypothetical 300% tariff, it would "significantly" increase the cost of imported brake drums, affecting dealers' pricing structures and potentially leading to higher trailer prices.
The NTDA added that it's worried about increased costs, potential supply chain disruptions and competitive disadvantages for businesses that rely on imports. The association encouraged concerned members to contact the ITC, Department of Commerce (DOC) or legislators.
Zonar becomes first CARB-certified 'smog check' on-board diagnostic device
Fleet management system provider Zonar is the first telematics provider to receive formal certification from California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Clean Truck Check (CTC) program as a provider of continuously connected remote on-board diagnostic (CC-ROBD) testing devices, the company announced July 16.
Zonar’s V4 telematics control unit (TCU) has undergone rigorous assessment and approval processes to achieve certification as an OBD device in accordance with CARB’s CTC requirements, the company said. After providing the requisite emissions data and supporting information, Zonar has officially been granted an executive order to provide its OBD device and over-the-air emissions monitoring service to customers.
“As the first certified telematics provider of OBD testing devices, Zonar is proud to provide a solution that will automatically perform emission checks while fleet vehicles are on route ensuring compliance, eliminating downtime and reducing costly logistical nightmares due to rerouting vehicles to testing centers for a required scan,” said Greg Colvin, Senior Director of Solutions Engineering at Zonar. “Our end-to-end solution will help drivers seamlessly adapt to the new mandate, save significant time and money, and ultimately make meaningful progress toward reduced carbon emissions."
By combining regular vehicle testing with advanced emissions monitoring, OBD testing devices must scan every Clean Truck Check regulatory-required vehicle in a fleet at the beginning of its 90-day compliance intervals (based on vehicles’ VIN or date of registration) to give fleets and other owners adequate time to identify and schedule emissions-related repairs as needed to pass.
Fleets will have two emissions scanning options: a handheld shop tool plugged into the OBD port operated by a certified technician; or an OBD device installed into the vehicle which automatically performs scans and sends the data over-the-air directly to CARB.
If a CTC-regulatory required vehicle is unable to pass an emissions test, consequences may include fines, citations, and/or vehicle registration holds.
Beginning January 1, 2025, any commercial vehicle traveling to or through California will be required to undergo testing twice per year. In 2027, vehicles will be required to test four times per year.
[Related: CARB sets April 1 effective date for 'smog check' regulation]
Love’s renovates Missouri location
Love’s Travel Stops announced it has completed renovations at a Love’s in Rolla, Missouri, located off I-44 at Exit 189.
The location is open 24/7 and now offers a more modern design for customers, including an updated sales floor, bathrooms and showers, restaurant lobby and a newly painted interior and exterior design.
As part of Love’s Strategic Remodel Initiative, the company said it has remained committed to investing more than a $1 billion in remodeling efforts for current locations, prioritizing a first-class experience for customers. These locations remain open during the process and receive updates to amenities and services based on foot traffic, sales and the store’s age. Over the next four years, 200 Love’s locations will be enhanced through this initiative.
