Emma’s favorite part of trucking is learning about where everything comes from and the hard work behind it. Even though she’s fairly new to trucking, she’s passionate about understanding the industry and the people who keep things moving across the country.

When she’s not working, Emma is a fitness trainer, so she’s always on the go. She enjoys working out, hanging out with her fiancé and friends, and spending time with her Bernedoodle. She lives by the saying, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts,” which really shows her mindset.

Fun fact: Emma loves the movie P.S. I Love You and has a background in cheerleading and gymnastics.

We’re glad to have Emma with us. She’s here to help support truck drivers and partners everywhere and is excited to keep learning and growing in the industry.

Join us in welcoming Emma to the team!

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Key Winners and Highlights

Bret McBain was undoubtedly the star of the event, but he wasn’t the only one to shine. Chaunce Umfleet from FedEx Express earned the position of grand championship runner-up.

Here’s a breakdown of the class winners:

• Straight Truck and Highest Pre-Trip Score: Albert Mullen – Walmart Transportation

• 5-Axle and 2024 Grand Champion: Bret McBain – Walmart Transportation

• 3-Axle: Loren Hatfield – ABF Freight

• Step Van: Bradley McKay – FedEx Ground

• Twins: Jeff Cochran – FedEx Freight

• Sleeper: Tom Merrill – Walmart Transportation

• Tank: Randy Lovell – Walmart Transportation

• 4-Axle and Grand Champion Runner-Up: Chaunce Umfleet – FedEx Express

• Flatbed and Highest Written Exam Score: Larry Rhein – FedEx Freight

Special Awards

Additional accolades went to individuals and teams showcasing exceptional skill and sportsmanship:

• Sportsmanship Award: Tommy Hargis – Maverick Transportation

• Rookie of the Year: Nathaniel Evans – Tyson Foods

• Small Team Award: ABF Freight

• Large Team Award: J.B. Hunt Transport

Road to Nationals

The winners in each category have now qualified to represent Arkansas at the national truck show, set to take place from August 21-24 in Indianapolis.

Source: Truckers News

Image: Arkansas Trucking Association

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“The interstates of Arkansas are a prominent workplace for the men and women in the trucking industry. Anything we can do to make the roadways safer for them and the motoring public is a win for everyone,” said Shannon Newton, Arkansas Trucking Association (ATA) president. “We know that our carriers invest heavily in safety. Connected truck technology can amplify this by providing critical safety information to an exponential number of drivers when and where they need it most.”

The Arkansas Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Arkansas Trucking Association (ATA) collaborated to launch a program delivering free in-cab safety alerts for professional drivers traveling on the state’s interstates and highways. Developed by Drivewyze, a company known for its e-inspection software that allows semi-trucks to bypass weigh stations, this new traffic data network is expected to save owner-operators and freight carriers time and money while reducing carbon emissions, reducing truck drivers’ frustration, and keeping them on the road.

Arkansas, home to some of the nation’s largest trucking operations, plays a crucial role in interstate truck commerce. I-40 consistently experiences heavy truck traffic. Commercial motor vehicles reportedly account for 60% of the traffic between Little Rock, Ark., and Memphis, Tenn. Officials are promoting the free in-cab alert system as a significant enhancement to highway safety.

“With so much truck traffic in our state, we wanted to find a way to inform truckers traveling on major roadways of sudden slowdowns,” said Joe Hawkins, state intelligent transportation systems engineer from Arkansas DOT. “It’s clear that if a truck driver knows of an upcoming sudden slowdown before he or she sees brake lights, accidents can be avoided. It takes a lot of time for a truck to slow down, and the extra time afforded by these alerts can make all the difference in preventing a crash.”

Drivewyze’s Smart Roadways service helps officials convey safety alerts directly to participating truckers. It monitors over 800 miles of heavily traveled truck routes in real time. Truckers receive virtual messages providing advanced warnings about unexpected collisions or incidents. For example, Arkansas truck drivers were alerted about the impact of the recent solar eclipse on highway congestion, advising them to take alternative routes. The Drivewyze Free service can be accessed at no cost to truckers through devices, smartphones, or tablets.

This innovative system aims to improve efficiency and safety for truck drivers, making Arkansas a part of the nine other states utilizing technology to enhance transportation for truck drivers.

Source: Truckers Report

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These proactive safety alerts provide drivers with advance notifications of unexpected traffic congestion and other potential hazards. They are provided free of cost to commercial carriers, thanks to the Arkansas DOT and Arkansas Highway Police, with support from the ATA. These alerts are delivered through the Drivewyze-connected truck network.

Utilizing Drivewyze’s Smart Roadways service, which enables state agencies to extend their safety messaging directly into the cabs of commercial trucks, over 800 miles of roadways in Arkansas are actively monitored for real-time traffic conditions. In addition to real-time alerts, Arkansas also offers virtual sign messaging to help drivers anticipate special traffic conditions or explore alternative routes.

Arkansas becomes the 10th state to offer these alerts, which include visual in-cab messages like “sudden slowdown ahead” with an audible chime. These alerts are designed to provide sufficient time for trucks to adjust speed or stop if needed. The program is accessible to drivers and fleets at no charge as part of the Drivewyze Free safety service and is compatible with most ELDs, telematics devices, smartphones, and tablets.

“We’re thrilled that the Arkansas DOT and its highway police division have come on board to invest in safety with in-vehicle alerts designed especially for truckers,” said Brian Heath, CEO of Drivewyze. “The state has a great partnership with the Arkansas Trucking Association, and it was gratifying to see the collaboration the two organizations have and are building on with the rollout and support for this new safety program.  With so many trucks residing and passing through the state, we know we can move the needle on highway safety.”

To sign up to receive these complimentary in-cab safety alerts, drivers or fleets can visit www.drivewyze.com/free.

Source: Truckers News

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Attendees can expect to see demonstrations of cutting-edge safety equipment, including green-light vehicles, Lane Blade devices, and Gator Getters. Furthermore, ARDOT’s Mobile Work Zone Memorial will be on display, serving as a poignant reminder of the importance of work zone safety.

National Work Zone Awareness Week, observed annually each spring, kicks off construction season by promoting safe driving practices in highway work zones nationwide. This year, the campaign will run from April 15 to April 19.

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has also shown her support by signing a state proclamation designating April 15 to April 19, 2024 as Work Zone Awareness Week in Arkansas. To mark the occasion, bridges and buildings in the central Arkansas area will be illuminated in orange, symbolizing solidarity for work zone safety.

Key industry partners, including the Arkansas Chapter of the American Traffic Safety Services Association, the Associated General Contractors of Arkansas, the Arkansas Asphalt Pavement Association, the Arkansas Good Roads Foundation, and the Federal Highway Administration, bolster ARDOT’s efforts.

The National Work Zone Awareness Week campaign, initially launched by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), underscores the collective commitment to prioritizing safety in work zones across the country.

Source: The Trucker

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Situated at 100 Fish Lake Drive, TA Atkins is a franchised site providing food, fuel, convenience items, and various other services. This latest addition brings the total number of TA locations in Arkansas to five, catering to the needs of travelers passing through the region.

TA Atkins boasts a variety of offerings, including two Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs): Sbarro, scheduled to open on April 1, and Charley’s Cheesesteaks, slated for July 2024. Additionally, the center provides six diesel fueling positions equipped with DEF and eight gasoline fueling positions.

For drivers’ convenience, TA Atkins features ample parking, with 100 truck parking spots and 50 car parking spaces available. The center also offers:

• Six shower stalls
• Driver’s lounge
• Laundry facilities
• CAT Scale

All of these amenities were included to promote the comfort and convenience of professional drivers who need a safe, secure, and accessible place to stop.

“TA’s mission is to return every traveler to the road better than they came, and the company also strives to make the communities it serves better,” the news release states. “In celebration of the TA Atkins opening, TA is donating $2,500 to the Main Street Mission, a local food bank serving the Atkins area.”

Source: The Trucker

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Interested individuals can access the applications by clicking here. The deadline for submission is April 5.

Established in 2017, the Carl Tapp Memorial Scholarship Fund by ATA’s Maintenance & Technology Council aims to inspire young Arkansans to pursue careers as technicians within the trucking industry.

Named in honor of the late Carl Tapp, the Council’s inaugural chairman, known for his dedication to recognizing and empowering emerging talent in the field, the scholarship seeks to continue his legacy.

Since the inception of the scholarship fund, the organization has consistently encouraged young individuals in the state to enter the field, fostering the growth of highly knowledgeable and skilled technicians. This initiative ensures that the nation benefits from having top-notch professionals working on tractor-trailers navigating our roads.

“The Carl Tapp Memorial Scholarship has already awarded $90,000 to students across Arkansas pursuing education and training for a career in trucking. We are proud to launch a new search for the next recipients,” said ATA President Shannon Newton. “Investing in a well-trained workforce is one that enhances the future of safe vehicles on our roadways, one that improves the training and preparedness to support future families of Arkansas and one that moves the economy of our state and nation forward.”

For students intending to begin coursework in August 2024 or January 2025, applications must be submitted by April 5, adhering to individual program requirements. ATA plans to announce the 2024 scholarship recipients in May.

Eligible applicants must be graduating seniors from accredited high schools planning to attend or currently attending a truck technician program with an accredited Arkansas institution.

For inquiries about the scholarship, individuals can contact Sarah Newman at sarahnewman@arkansastrucking.com. Additional details about the Scholarship Fund and the application process can be found at www.arkansastrucking.com/tech-scholarship.

Source: The Trucker

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This initiative is aligned with Project Zero, a collaborative effort across the state created and led by the Arkansas Department of Human Services Division of Children and Family. The primary goal is to shed light on children eagerly awaiting adoption, as highlighted in a recent press release.

Throughout the previous weeks, both individuals and businesses graciously took on the responsibility of fulfilling the wish lists of children in foster care.

On Dec. 1, at the enchanting “North Pole” hosted by EngageMed in North Little Rock, Ark., a team of dedicated community volunteers gathered to meticulously organize, categorize, and load the generously donated gifts onto awaiting trucks. These gifts were destined for Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock, scheduled to arrive on Dec. 2, marking the culmination of the heartwarming “Candyland Christmas” event.

“Candyland Christmas” stands as Project Zero’s cherished annual affair, orchestrating a festive gift-giving experience that gathers foster children and teens at a central location. Here, their holiday wish lists are brought to life, creating a magical and memorable Christmas for those who need and deserve it the most.

“Everyone deserves holiday magic, and truck drivers are proud to be a part of delivering that to children and teens in every situation,” said Shannon Newton, Arkansas Trucking Association president and board member of Project Zero.

Source: The Trucker

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Recently, flatbed driver Marcus Yarbrough, a graduate of WorldLink Truck Driving Academy, returned to the school in North Little Rock, Arkansas to speak with current students. Yarbrough, who completed the four-week program and earned his CDL this spring, has been working for Jordan Carriers since April. During his talk, he emphasized the importance of staying focused and following instructions in order to succeed as the next generation of truck drivers.

Through their partnership, WorldLink and Arkansas Baptist College hope to replicate Yarbrough’s successful entry into the trucking industry. This collaboration aims to diversify the pool of truck drivers by promoting the academy to students enrolled in the HBCU’s Adult Education Program.

Yarbrough, with 27 years of experience manufacturing military-grade weapons for Lockheed Martin, is still getting accustomed to his new life as a long-haul trucker. Despite being on the road all week, he is able to make it home to Camden, Arkansas, in time to spend his weekends with his wife, Demetria, daughter, Kyana, and 1-year-old granddaughter, Kyari.

“The most I’m away from home is two weeks at a time,” Yarbrough said. “Getting adapted to not being at home every night, that’s the only hard part about it … not being able to touch them. We FaceTime and talk, but it’s just different than touching your family. That’s the hardest part right now.”

Federal Funding Supports Trucking Recruitment at Arkansas Baptist College

Arkansas Baptist College’s Adult Education Program is utilizing federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funding to connect low-income residents with job opportunities in the trucking industry.

In addition to training aspiring commercial truck drivers (CDL applicants), the program also offers support for those interested in becoming medical assistants or welders, according to Adult Education Director Debra Baker.

The program has already seen success, with one graduate from the partnership now actively searching for employment. Two more students are currently being considered for enrollment at WorldLink, while three others have received TANF funding to attend Pine Bluff Truck Driving School.

“Our goal would be to have eight of them complete the program in the next year,” Baker said.

A Successful Business Pivot and Some Valuable Advice

WorldLink founders, Gladys and Gary Godley, initially ventured into the world of entrepreneurship with a single-truck carrier operation. Despite facing the common driver retention challenges in the industry, they made a significant decision to tackle this issue head-on. In 2021, they established an academy aimed at boosting the driver pipeline.

“We decided to pivot,” Gladys Godley said. “Rather than have a trucking company, we decided to go into a truck driving school and train drivers.”

In a bid to entice more individuals into the world of truck driving, Yarbrough proposes a critical examination of wages.

In a bid to entice more individuals into the world of truck driving, Yarbrough proposes a critical examination of wages. He recalls how an offer of $1,100 a week as an inexperienced trainee sealed the deal for him at Jordan. Impressed by the company’s commitment to fulfilling their promises, he remains a loyal employee.

“From my experience with Jordan, what they say is what they do,” he said.

Source: Trucking Dive

Photo: Marcus Yarbrough

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In addition to an array of amenities, such as 84 truck parking spaces, Love’s Travel Stop will also feature a state-of-the-art truck wash. Providing top-notch service has always been a priority for Love’s, and this is just one of the many ways we strive to exceed expectations.

Additional amenities to be offered at the new Love’s include:

• More than 13,000 square feet
• Bojangles restaurant (opening Sept. 25)
• 88 car parking spaces
• Four RV hookups
• Speedco (opening Oct. 20)
• Truck wash (opening Oct. 2)
• Eight diesel bays
• Seven showers
• Laundry facilities
• CAT scale

“We’re excited to open our second location in Prescott and add more amenities to help get customers back on the road quickly,” said Shane Wharton, president of Love’s. “This location will have ample parking, a Speedco and truck wash for professional drivers, and all the amenities customers enjoy like fresh food, clean restrooms, and friendly service.”

Love’s Truck Stop in Prescott offers exclusive amenities like gourmet coffee made from freshly ground beans and a convenient Mobile to-go Zone that is open around the clock.

In addition to these exceptional offerings, Love’s is proud to support the local community through a generous $2,000 donation to the Prescott Senior Citizen Center.

As a trusted and established truck stop chain, Love’s operates 645 locations across 42 states, employing over 40,000 individuals. With 430 truck service centers, 1,500 maintenance bays, and 1,200 emergency roadside vehicles, Love’s is dedicated to providing top-notch service and amenities to its customers.

Source: Land Line

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