Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024:
Trump’s Energy Secretary pick led fossil-fuel-focused Liberty Energy
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 pick to lead the Department of Energy, Chris Wright, is a fossil fuel executive who founded and serves as CEO and board chairman of Denver-based Liberty Energy. The pick seems a clear indication of the incoming administration's intentions around 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.
[Related: Trump's EPA pick, Lee Zeldin, could press deregulatory agenda on Day 1]
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 Overdrive sister publication Clean Trucking’s Jay Traugott, Wright's priorities are in direct contradiction to many environment groups', likewise parts of the scientific community and several state governments, specifically California. He's a sceptic of many approaches to climate change, a 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 no climate change denier, but rather disagrees with the way Democrats and many in the international community want to address 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, at either state or federal levels.
"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.
[Related: Illegal emissions defeat device smuggling, distribution ring broken up]
Pre-Thanksgiving week spot rates bump | In the companies' weekly spot market update, load board Truckstop and FTR Transportation Intelligence reported broker-posted spot rates for refrigerated equipment in the Truckstop system rose sharply last week in advance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Reefer rates reached their highest level since the mid-January weather-related spike. Dry van spot rates rose modestly while flatbed rates eased, making for overall just a 2-cent/mile average rise. A year-over-year comparison shows the all-segement average in 2024 1.1% higher than in 2023, though truckload volumes were 5.6% higher. The week we're in now, though, Truckstop and FTR noted, typically produces a strong increase in dry van spot rates and -- especially in recent years -- a decline in reefer rates.Truckstop/FTR
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."
[Related: Inventories are high, 'trucks are pretty inexpensive right now': Used-market update]
Driver named Highway Angel for stopping to help injured pedestrians
The Truckload Carriers Association has named truck driver Brian Manzo, from Anaheim, California, a Highway Angel for assisting an injured woman and man after a hit and run accident. Manzo drives for ABF Freight.
Brian Manzo
“The guy was lying in the middle of the road; he’s not responsive,” Manzo said. “I’m looking at this guy, and I watch two cars hit him.”
Manzo said the accident victims appeared to be transients, and he believes they were together. No one else got out of their car to help the victims. He stopped in the middle lane, turned on his flashers and began honking his horn to bring attention to the situation.
“Two cars hit this guy, so I immediately get on my horn and immediately cars start stopping,” he said. “I look up the road and I see a lady lying there also.”
Manzo called 911 and approached the female victim, who was conscious, and told her to stay still because she had been involved in an accident.
“She had blood all over her face and she was disoriented,” he said. She stood up and ran across the street to get out of traffic. Manzo stayed on the phone with 911 until he could hear the police sirens before he left the scene.
A police officer called him a few days later and confirmed that the male pedestrian died, and that the driver of the car that hit the man and woman eventually did stop and contact police.
