Follow Us
Subscribe
TRENDING

Tag: Newsletter 5th Article

  • $35 million Transportation Technologies Center opens at Texas Technical College

    $35 million Transportation Technologies Center opens at Texas Technical College

    Texas State Technical College’s Fort Bend County campus opened its new Transportation Technologies Center.

    Mike Reeser, TSTC’s chancellor and CEO, said of the new facility, “The vision of what we do is manifested in this new building. We focus on the big, heavy-duty jobs that are at the core of Texas power.”

    The new $35 million, 105,000-square-foot building houses the Automotive, Automotive Collision and Management, and expanded Diesel Equipment programs.

    The Automotive program has two pathways, an associate degree and certificate, both of which focus on internal maintenance on a variety of vehicles from small sedans to large trucks. Auto Collision and Management has two associate degrees, one focusing on outer-body repairs, the other on refinishing, along with a certificate of completion. Diesel Equipment retained the Heavy Truck specialization associate degree and certificate while adding an Off-Highway degree option.

    Registration for the spring semester is underway. For more information, go to tstc.edu.

  • Goodyear sells truck care centers to Southern Tire Mart at Pilot

    Goodyear sells truck care centers to Southern Tire Mart at Pilot

    Southern Tire Mart at Pilot recently acquired Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.’s 42 Truck Care Centers.

    Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

    Southern Tire Mart at Pilot already operates 90 locations in 30 states.

    Southern Tire Mart operates 296 locations in 15 states.

    “Goodyear has entered into an agreement to sell 42 truck care centers (TCCs) to Southern Tire Mart at Pilot (STMP),” the company said in a statement. “Goodyear’s extensive national network of more than 200 remaining company-owned Commercial Tire & Service Centers locations will continue to be a cornerstone of the company’s commercial tire go-to-market strategy – offering trusted tires, reliable services and powerful management tools to help fleet customers lower operating costs, maximize uptime and improve efficiency.”

  • TLG Peterbilt relocates Kentucky facility; new one has 15 service bays

    TLG Peterbilt relocates Kentucky facility; new one has 15 service bays

    TLG Peterbilt irecently announced the new location for its TLG Peterbilt – N Kentucky dealership.

    The dealership relocated to 2780 Earhart Court in Hebron, KY, and officially opened to the public Nov. 10.

    Located off I-275, the new facility is less than eight miles from its previous location. The new building will provide expanded parts and service capacity, increased office space and a modern driver’s lounge for a first-class experience.

    The move is in response to TLG’s growth in the area and will provide more accessibility and support for customers.  Cincinnati Commercial Contracting led the building remodel and design. CCC is a longstanding partner and has completed several TLG facility expansion projects.

    The new facility provides a 6,500 square foot parts warehouse, 15 service bays, and a body shop with a paint booth. Customers now have access to more amenities in a state-of the art facility to meet their trucking needs – all backed by TLG’s best-in-class customer service.

    “We’re thrilled to bring an even bigger and better TLG Peterbilt – N Kentucky to our customers and employees that they can call home,” said Regional Vice President Brian Farmer. “With the help of CCC, we’ve been able to provide a modern facility and better amenities that will only strengthen our support of customers in this area.”

    An Open House celebrating the new facility will occur in Spring 2026.

  • Funding available for propane engine training

    Funding available for propane engine training

    As fleets continue to shift away from diesel and toward cleaner, reliable energy sources, a new generation of skilled automotive service technicians is needed to maintain alternative fuel vehicles, like those running on propane autogas. The Propane Autogas Vehicle Inspection Grant Program, offered by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), is providing schools across the country with valuable training and resources needed to prepare students to work on propane autogas buses, trucks, vans, and more.

    This grant program provides U.S. educational institutions with up to $7,500 in funding to integrate propane-specific curriculum and equipment into their existing automotive training programs. The goal is to equip students with real-world experience maintaining and servicing vehicles powered by propane autogas, according to a
    statement from PERC.

    “The Propane Autogas Vehicle Inspection Grant Program gives students an opportunity to learn these technologies in-depth, preparing them for successful careers after graduation supporting fleets that are increasingly turning to propane autogas,” said Joel Stutheit, senior manager of autogas business development at PERC. “This program also supports fleet owners by building a pipeline of talented and qualified technicians who can keep propane autogas trucks, vans, and buses on the road for years to come.”

    Now in its second year, the grant program has already supported 24 schools in 16 states, training hundreds of students to inspect, service, and maintain propane autogas engine systems. Each participating school receives propane-specific curriculum, as well as funding to purchase propane autogas training equipment and to send an instructor to a “Train the Trainer” course. Eligible institutions must already offer an automotive program.


    PERC said in a statement that more than 60,000 propane autogas vehicles are in operation across the U.S., providing dependable service to transit agencies, delivery companies, emergency response fleets, utility crews, and more. Propane autogas is not only reliable but also clean, producing up to 96 percent fewer nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions than diesel, according to PERC. It offers lower fuel and maintenance costs, supports better air quality, and contributes to more consistent uptime, the association said.

    “Enhanced curricula made possible by the Propane Autogas Vehicle Inspection Grant Program have given both students and schools a leg up,” Stutheit said. “Schools are able to expand their course offerings without increasing costs to students, while students gain new, valuable skill sets that position them for long-term success in a rapidly changing transportation industry.”

    The application window is open through December 19. To learn more about the grant program or to apply, visit propane.com/autogasgrantprogram.

  • TA Petro halts highway repair calls; research shows many motorists do not slow down and move over

    TA Petro halts highway repair calls; research shows many motorists do not slow down and move over

    Citing safety concerns, one of this country’s leading travel center operators has decided temporarily not respond to roadside breakdowns.

    Travel Centers of America, which operates TA, Petro and TA Express, this week said it is looking at how to improve the safety of technicians making repairs alongside busy highways.

    A statement issued by the company said, “We have paused Emergency Roadside Assistance (ERA) work on the highways until further notice. Roadside ERA will not resume until we have a better understanding of what improvements may be needed to support the safety of our employees. Our ERA teams are still responding to non-highway calls.” 

    A social media post making the rounds of trucking related accounts added, “During this time we will continue to provide services in parking lots, rest areas, and other non-highway or highway locations where it is safe for our team members to do so.”

    Travel Centers of America provides a variety of truck service repairs and maintenance at 245 Truck Service locations. According to its website, TA Petro maintains its own 24-hour Emergency Roadside Assistance network of 600 roadside assistance trucks and more than 3,000 service technicians. It also relies on qualified third-party providers to respond to roadside repair requests.

    Travel Centers of America is owned by BP Products of America, part of the London-based energy company formerly known as British Petroleum. bp finalized the purchase of TA Petro in 2023 for $1.3 billion.

    At about the same time TA Petro made its decision to pause on-highway service responses, AAA issued new research that shows that many motorists are not observing laws which require them to slow down and move over when passing first responders and repair personnel working on the side of the highway.

    When AAA researchers reviewed real-world footage of drivers passing roadside incidents, they found only 64% of vehicles either slowed down or moved over. The remaining 36% did neither. Changing lanes was far more common than reducing speed, suggesting that many drivers are missing half the law’s intent. 

    “Slow Down, Move Over laws exist to protect roadside heroes, first responders, and the stranded motorists who they serve. However, as these statistics demonstrate, drivers do not always follow the law, all too often resulting in preventable tragedies,” said Dr. David Yang, President and Executive Director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. 

    While every state and the District of Columbia has a “Slow Down, Move Over” law, many drivers don’t fully understand what those laws require. AAA’s national survey found two-thirds of drivers said they’ve heard of SDMO laws, but many couldn’t say whether their state has one or what the law entails. Drivers are far less likely to move over or slow down for tow trucks or stranded vehicles than for police, revealing a widespread misconception about who the laws protect. 

    The research reveals several troubling trends: 

    • Tow truck operators face the greatest risk. Only 58% of drivers witnessed in surveillance footage slowed down or moved over when a tow truck was stopped at the roadside, compared to 66% who slowed down or moved over for police vehicles. 
    • Intentions don’t match actions. Most drivers say they comply with SDMO laws, but roadside video shows otherwise—especially when it comes to reducing speed.
    • Weak enforcement reduces deterrence. Drivers perceive little risk of being ticketed, and penalties vary widely—from $30 in Florida to $2,500 in Virginia. 

    AAA is encouraging policymakers, enforcement agencies, and safety partners to strengthen and align their approaches to “Slow Down, Move Over” laws—making them clearer, more consistent, and easier for drivers to follow. 

    AAA’s recommendations include:  

    • Clarify and align SDMO laws across states, including a consistent definition of what it means to “slow down.”
    • Raise public awareness through emotionally compelling, visually clear campaigns that humanize the impact of noncompliance and showcase all vehicles covered by the laws.
    • Increase enforcement visibility with coordinated, high-visibility efforts and education-first use of emerging technologies like dashcams and automated enforcement systems. 

    Last year, 46 emergency responders never made it home, according to the Emergency Responder Safety Institute. They were police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and tow truck operators—struck while assisting others on the roadside.

    “Every responder working on the roadside deserves to make it home safely,” said AAA Director of Traffic Safety Advocacy and Research Jake Nelson. “We need clear, consistent laws, visible enforcement, and education that resonates with drivers. When everyone understands what ‘slow down, move over’ really means, we can make our roads safer for those who protect us every day.” 

  • Tampa and local college launch technician training program

    Tampa and local college launch technician training program

    The City of Tampa, Florida and Hillsborough College are joining forces to launch GEAR UP, a new workforce development program designed to build a pipeline of certified, job-ready fleet technicians to meet growing local and national demands, according to a statement from the city.

    The GEAR UP program gives participants paid, hands-on experience in the City’s Fleet Maintenance Division while they complete their education at HC. The City of Tampa will cover the full cost of program tuition and training for participants while they are employed with the city.

    GEAR UP is being created in response to a growing shortage of qualified automotive technicians across the country and in Florida, the city’s statement said. The program will help ensure reliable service for the city’s essential vehicle fleet while creating a clear pathway into stable, skilled careers for local students.

    The first three students selected to GEAR UP are Christopher Figuereo, Michael Daniels, and Maurice Daniels. Each are top students in their class, recognized by HC instructors for professionalism, enthusiasm, and potential to contribute to city operations.

    “Programs like GEAR UP show what’s possible when we invest in people who are already part of our community,” said Mayor Jane Castor. “Every great city depends on the people who keep it running, and our fleet technicians are at the heart of that, keeping patrol cars, fire trucks, and service vehicles ready to serve our residents every day.”

  • New Canadian truck dealership has 20 bays, 18 techs and 8 master techs

    New Canadian truck dealership has 20 bays, 18 techs and 8 master techs

    Mack Trucks earlier this week announced that its dealer TransWestern Truck Centres relocated and opened a new full-service facility in Southeast Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The investment in the new location will improve serviceability and operational efficiency, according to a statement from the company.

    TransWestern Truck Centres’ 52,000 square-foot new dealership rests on 5.25 acres of fully fenced and secure land. The facility offers $2.1 million in parts inventory, 20 service bays, 18 technicians and eight master technicians. In total, 43 people are employed at the Calgary location.

    “Mack invested in Calgary due to the fact that Calgary is a strong market with outstanding customers that need to move freight all over North America,” said Matt Davison, Mack senior vice president of distribution and channel development. “We had outgrown our previous facility and wanted to provide a better customer experience with greater accessibility and more amenities for all customers in Calgary or traveling through Alberta.”

    The new facility is a Mack Certified Electric Vehicle (EV) Dealer and is certified to service Mack Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) customers. The Calgary site also has the capability to expand for hydrogen fuel. TransWestern Truck Centres in is a Mack Certified Uptime Dealer.

    TransWestern Truck Centres is a heavy-duty truck dealership located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, with a focus on selling, servicing, and providing parts for heavy and medium-duty trucks, particularly Mack trucks. There also is a location in Lethbridge, Alberta for parts and service. TransWestern Truck Centres has been a corporate-owned store for more than 10 years.

    “This new, expanded facility in Calgary represents a massive step forward for TransWestern Truck Centres and, more importantly, for our customers across Southern Alberta,” said Randy Muller, general manager of TransWestern Truck Centres in Calgary. “The increase in parts warehousing, service bay capacity coupled with the latest diagnostic technology, allows us to deliver on our commitment to maximize our customers’ uptime.”

  • Brakes, tires, lights lead violations during 3-day inspection blitz

    Brakes, tires, lights lead violations during 3-day inspection blitz

    Equipment problems topped the list of violations that led to 10,148 commercial vehicles being place placed out of service during a recent three-day inspection blitz in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

    International Roadcheck, which is conducted by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Administration, was held May 13-15.

    Last year, inspectors placed 9,345 commercial motor vehicle combinations out of service.

    Of the vehicle violations that led to out of service declarations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico :

    • 3,304 were for brake problems
    • 2,899 were for tires
    • 2,257 were for 20% defective brakes
    • 1,737 for lights
    • 1,549 for cargo securement

    Combined, there were 5,561 brake-related out-of-service violations, accounting for 41.1% of out-of-service vehicle violations.

    Inspectors conducted 56,178 Level I, II, III and V Inspections during the three days of International Roadcheck.

    Since its inception in 1988, more than 1.8 million roadside inspections have been conducted during International Roadcheck. For this year’s initiative, approximately 13 vehicles per minute were inspected throughout North America.

  • John Deere TECH program helps meet dealerships’ needs for qualified technicians

    John Deere TECH program helps meet dealerships’ needs for qualified technicians

    Developing new technicians needed by one of this country’s oldest and largest manufacturers of agricultural and heavy equipment is comparable to building a three-legged stool. 

    The first leg is a group of 23 colleges across the U.S. and Canada.

    The second is made up of the more than 2,000 dealership locations providing sales and service.

    The third is the company itself, which supports the colleges and the dealership sponsored students.

    Combined, they make up the John Deere TECH Program, which ensures a stream of new well-trained technicians are in the dealership’s talent pipeline to meet the growing demand for skilled technicians to work on John Deere products.

    Jason Kinzey is one of John Deere’s Service Development Managers. He and two colleagues coordinate the program, which began in 1989.

    Kinzey explains the basics of the John Deere TECH program:

    “The way our program works is a split between John Deere, the company, our dealers, who are independently owned businesses, and our partner colleges. Without all three partners working together, we’re not successful because we require a dealer sponsor for on the job training during the program.”

    Kinzey said students become involved with the John Deere TECH program generally in one of several ways. He said some will learn of it after having visited a local dealership. Many find the website online, while others, according to Kinzey may have found out about it through a school visit or career event.

    No matter how they find out, Kinzey said the potential technicians wind up in a college program focused on John Deere products..   

    “So we have a mix of classroom theory learning, and then we have hands-on shop learning to reinforce the theory, and then we send you to your dealership to actually get real world experience on live equipment.”

    And, of course, like so many learning options today, John Deere TECH also has a new virtual program. It allows students to work full-time at dealerships while taking online classes. This helps address the geographical challenges some students may face.

    Kinzey adds that students can choose to transfer high school dual credit classes to the college they are attending and then earn their associate’s degree.

    Regardless of the college they enroll in, Kinzey says students in the company’s TECH program will go through training specific to John Deere equipment and systems.

    What students learn is, in part, driven by the needs of the dealerships. Kinzey says every institution has an advisory board that helps ensure students are learning skills to be successful and also meet the needs of the supporting dealerships.

    “Dealers are advising our schools on their specific needs and curriculum updates and revisions based on industry changes.”

    Kinzey says that when students are doing their internship while not on campus, the dealership can reinforce what they learn in their classes with work assignments.

    “The expectation is then when you’re back at the dealership, the service manager knows, ‘a student just completed basic electrical and basic hydraulics, so they assign that student jobs with a senior technician, that are electrical and hydraulic issues and reinforce what they learned at school on  live work.

    Most dealers have a tuition reimbursement program for the students they hire following graduation, according to Kinzey. 

    The John Deere TECH Program also ensures that college instructors are well versed in the company’s systems and equipment.

    “We provide training, and training aids to those instructors,” says Kinzey. He and his two counterparts bring them together for an annual training event for continuing education. They also provide new equipment that rolls in and out of the school each year for instructors to use.

    And, is the John Deere TECH program being successful? Kinzey says the program has a fill rate of about 90%.

    But there are also other ways to measure the program’s success.

    Kinzey explains:

    “I see several students that as a junior in high school or a sophomore they decided, ‘Hey, I want to be a technician and I want to work on John Deere tractors,’ and they get a part-time job at the dealership. 

    “They’ve worked there for a couple years before we ever get them in the classroom, and they’re excited and they complete the program and hit the ground running.”

  • Online air brake training available

    Online air brake training available

     CarriersEdge, a provider of online training for the trucking industry, has released a new series of courses on air brakes. The program is based on Techni-Com’s Practical Air Brakes, with content provided by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA).

    The course provides a clear overview of how air brake systems work, from producing braking force at the wheel to performing safe and effective inspections.

    “Techni-Com’s content is second-to-none, and well established as the industry standard,” said Jane Jazrawy, CEO of CarriersEdge. “With the addition of the material from CVSA, there’s no other online course on the market with this depth of content. We’ve even created an interactive, virtual brake board that allows participants to see all the working parts of an air brake system and how they interact.”

    Participants will learn the function of each subsystem and its components, and what to watch for during a visual inspection. The training also covers operational tests and brake adjustment best practices so participants can determine if their air brake system is safe to operate.

    “Air brake defects continue to plague the trucking industry,” said Rolf VanderZwaag, President, Techni-Com Inc. “It is a complicated subject that can challenge even experienced drivers. Driver education is the key to a clean safety record, and an approachable, engaging, learning experience ensures drivers learn effectively. CarriersEdge has created an exceptional series of courses that are detailed, thorough, clear, and easy for drivers to digest.”

    The program includes eight interactive modules that can be taken individually or as a compilation course totaling 156 minutes of training:

    • Practical Air Brakes: Air Brake Fundamentals
    • Practical Air Brakes: The Supply Subsystem
    • Practical Air Brakes: The Service Brake Subsystem
    • Practical Air Brakes: The Spring Brake Subsystem
    • Practical Air Brakes: The Trailer Brake Subsystem
    • Practical Air Brakes: Visual Brake Inspections
    • Practical Air Brakes: Conducting Functional Tests
    • Practical Air Brakes: S-Cam Brake Adjustment

    In addition to the core training, the course also includes a baseline test for each module, so drivers can check their knowledge without reviewing the entire course, which is helpful for assessing a driver’s understanding and need for training. It also includes Put it into Practice (PiiP) exercises to supplement the online training with in-person activities. PiiPs include driver recognition, social media, surveys, and hands-on practice, all designed to reinforce learning, make the jobs of those administering training easier, and deliver better results.

    The new program is available in English to all CarriersEdge subscription customers, with French and Spanish versions coming soon. For a free trial of CarriersEdge, visit https://www.carriersedge.com/