Veteran Medallion Transport Holdings Executive Vice President, Richard Panuski has announced he is retiring from the trucking and logistics industry this year. Richard was part of the Medallion team that worked alongside Medallion’s CEO when the company was founded in 2009. He has enjoyed a 40-year career in the industry.

During Richard’s leadership as Executive VP, he helped grow the company’s freight agent and owner-operator base and set a standard for Medallion’s vision and growth. He also played an intricate role in helping transition the business for the next level of leadership.

Richard joined the work force in the early 70’s as a police officer, and after strong consideration left the force to start his career in the trucking and logistics industry in 1981. Richard proved himself as a salesperson which led to various promotions, including regional operations manager and sales manager. In the early 2000’s his success continued with two more promotions to business developer and VP. This took him down a path where he met Medallion CEO, Gary Weilheimer. The pair worked together for almost 10 years, and Richard made the move to work with Weilheimer shortly after Medallion Transport & Logistics was formed in 2009.

Medallion started during a very tough economic climate, a recession, and Weilheimer credits Richard for his help establishing the company. At the time, Richard was the only company salesperson.

“Richard has been very integral to the success of Medallion from inception. He was involved in various applications within the company; he’s brought significant expertise, relationships, knowledge and stability.” said Weilheimer. “He helped us see what and who should be representing Medallion.”

Richard demonstrated strong discipline and leadership during his tenure with the company, and in addition to, made personal sacrifices that played a big part in the success of Medallion.

“He put the company in front of his personal benefit.  Now that he’s retiring, he can put his family first,” said Weilheimer.  

“It feels pretty good to retire. I’m sure it will be strange at first, but I do look forward to spending time with my motorcycles, cars and granddaughters” said Panuski. “I’m very proud of the company we’ve built and I have confidence in the management team, and the future looks bright for Medallion.” 

Richard’s retirement is effective July 1.

“He’ll always be part of the Medallion family, but it’s his time to pursue and enjoy retirement after working for 50 years. He’s determined to enjoy the back nine,” said Weilheimer.  

Effective immediately, the I-40 bridge, also known as the Hernando DeSoto “M” bridge, at the Tennessee/Arkansas border, which crosses over the Mississippi River will be closed.

The Arkansas DOT released a statement which said crews discovered a crack in the bridge.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) says the crack is on the bottom side of the bridge truss and the bridge will be shut down indefinitely. River traffic is shut down until further notice.

TDOT says contract crews will investigate the crack’s extent and make emergency repairs, including adding temporary shoring and replacing beams, but a definite timeline for completion is unknown at this time.

TDOT and Arkansas DOT share responsibility for the bridge.

During the shutdown, traffic is being re-routed in both directions to I-55.

Some diesel pumps at truck stops and travel centers are feeling the effects of the cyber-attack on the company that operates the Colonial Pipeline which stretches 5,500 miles across the U.S.

Colonial has said it will restore deliveries of fuel by the end of the week. In addition, the FMCSA issued a regional emergency declaration, in effect until June 8, to waive hours of service regulations for drivers hauling fuel.

Here’s an update from a couple of truck stops and travel centers.

Love’s

Love’s locations in Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina are experiencing intermittent diesel (and gasoline) outages. Love’s and its teams are working diligently to best minimize outages to only a few hours.

Seven locations are reported to be temporarily out of diesel fuel. For Love’s updates on locations with outages, click here.

Pilot/Flying J

Pilot/Flying J have reported all locations are open and there are no diesel shortages, with the exception of one location at this time. Pilot #6996 in Warsaw, NC has no diesel available.

In a statement, they said they are monitoring their supply closely and adjust to changing conditions due to the Colonial Pipeline cyber-attack. While we are seeing spiking gas demand in the Southeast, diesel is holding steady in most markets. If the Colonial Pipeline outage continues to linger, the strain on the market will increase and supplies will get tighter.

Contact Medallion Transport

Medallion Transport & Logistics is committed to helping our nationwide team of freight agents and owner-operators stay up-to-date on all the latest industry news. We work hard to publish updates for all, including our heavy haul owner-operators such as oversize travel restrictions, updates to online permitting systems and more over-dimensional trucking industry news. If you have any questions, give us a call at 704-235-0460, ext 2004 or send us an email to safety@medalliontrans.com.

Love’s locations in Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina are experiencing intermittent diesel (and gasoline) outages. Love’s and its teams are working diligently to best minimize outages to only a few hours.

If Love’s incurs any extended diesel outages, we will add a store-specific list to this post.

Because the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a regional emergency declaration to waive the hours-of-service (HOS) requirements for drivers hauling fuel, Love’s continues to leverage its Gemini fleet and sleepers from other regions to increase delivery opportunities.

Contact Medallion Transport

Medallion Transport & Logistics is committed to helping our nationwide team of freight agents and owner-operators stay up-to-date on all the latest industry news. We work hard to publish updates for all, including our heavy haul owner-operators such as oversize travel restrictions, updates to online permitting systems and more over-dimensional trucking industry news. If you have any questions, give us a call at 704-235-0460, ext 2004 or send us an email to safety@medalliontrans.com.

The Spotted Lanternfly is an invasive planthopper that feeds on sap from a myriad of plants but have a strong preference for plants important to Pennsylvania’s economy including grapevines, maples, black walnut, birch and willow.

In March 2021, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture added 8 additional counties to the Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine, for a total of 34 Pennsylvania counties now in quarantine. A county is placed under quarantine when evidence of a reproducing population of spotted lanternflies, such as an egg mass, is found. View counties here.

Businesses located or working within the quarantine, which move products, vehicles or other conveyances within or from the quarantine are required to have an SLF Permit or hire companies that have one. Download the business tool kit for information and resources here.

HELP STOP THE SPREAD OF SPOTTED LANTERNFLY

Know Your Zones: The spotted lanternfly is quarantined in several Eastern states, so drivers who travel through these areas need to be extra careful that they aren’t moving this pest. Find your zone through the interactive spotted lanternfly map.

If your business operates in or near an infested area, or if you receive shipments from an infested area:

* Check Your Vehicle: Before leaving a parking lot or work site, inspect vehicles for spotted lanternfly egg or insects 

* Inspect Items Being Moved: Check shipping containers, propane tanks, pallets and other items being stored outdoors before they are moved off-site. Inspect incoming goods for egg masses and insects.
*  Park with Windows Closed: When parked, make sure to keep windows closed. If possible, try to park 15 feet away from trees if in a quarantine zone.
*  Remove and Destroy Pests: Crush nymphs and adult insects. Crush or scrape egg masses into a plastic bag containing hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol to kill them.

*  Report Sightings: Report online here or by calling 1-888-4BAD-FLY (1-888-422-3359), Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. If possible, take a picture or capture the insect in alcohol.

* Comply with Permitting: Businesses operating in quarantine zones must have permits to move equipment and goods. Click here for information about permits.

Medallion Transport & Logistics along with its affiliate heavy haul company, NHH Services will be attending the 23rd Annual 75 Chrome Shop Truck Show April 23 – 24 in Wildwood, FL along with other shows in 2021.

The 75 Chrome Shop Truck Show attracts thousands of attendees each year and will include an array of show trucks on display. An NHH owner-operator entered the show, and will attend adding a sleek, maroon Peterbilt with custom graphics to the mix. Contestants will be competing for two main awards, plus over $25,000 in prizes.

Team NHH will take their involvement at this show as an opportunity to reconnect with truck owners and other industry enthusiasts after trade and truck shows have been on hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the past, NHH has had participation at major truck shows, including MATS (Mid-America Truck Show) which was canceled in both 2020 and 2021.

75 Chrome Shop Show Info

Admission to the 75 Chrome Shop Truck Show is free.

The show also includes food and entertainment for the whole family,  along with a light show on Friday, April 23.

The show is located at:

I-75 (exit 329) & SR 44
Wildwood, FL

75ChromeShop.com

More Show Participation in 2021

Also join NHH at the American Truck Historical Society National Convention & Truck Show June 3 – 5 at the Rockingham County Fair Grounds in Harrisonburg, VA.

For years Medallion Transport and NHH have been active members of the Specialized Carriers and Rigging Association. This year’s Transportation Symposium will be held June 22-24 in Birmingham, AL and NHH will be in attendance.

NHH will also be at the 2021 Walcott Truckers Jamboree at the Iowa 80 Truckstop in Walcott, IA.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation will end winter load increases in the CENTRAL frost zone Thursday, March 4, 2021 at 12:01 AM.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation will start spring load restrictions (SLR) in the SOUTH, SOUTHEAST and METRO frost zones Thursday, March 4, 2021 at 12:01 AM.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation will start spring load restrictions (SLR) in the CENTRAL frost zone Friday, March 5, 2021 at 12:01 AM.

As announced in the February 25 memo, winter load increases will end in the SOUTH, SOUTHEAST and METRO frost zones Wednesday, March 3.

Frost zones and restricted routes can be found on the MnDOT load limits map.

Start and end dates and other load limit information are shown at mndot.gov/loadlimits.

Overweight permits for more than 80,000 pound gross vehicle weight will continue and new permits will be issued if all axle and group weights are legal (axle weight limits).

Full-summer overweight permits can be issued, during the spring load restriction period, for travel on the interstate system only.

Middle-range overweight permits become available within each frost zone when spring load restrictions are lifted. Full-summer overweight permits become available two to three weeks after spring load restrictions are lifted.

Ending dates for spring load restrictions are variable and based on how weather is affecting roadway strength.

MnDOT will report start and end dates on its 24-hour automated message center at 1-800-723-6543 for the U.S. and Canada, and locally at 651-366-5400 for the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.

See below for updates on operations and supply conditions at Pilot Flying J locations due to Winter Storm Viola. Other major truck stops as well as smaller truck stop locations may be affected. Truck drivers/owner-operators, plan ahead and be safe out on the roads.

Store Operations:
The following location is closed due to a power outage.  

• #1300 Ennis, Texas

Supply Conditions:
Deliveries are not scheduled at the following locations:

• #46 Franklin, Kentucky
• #49 Oak Grove, Kentucky
• #118 Benton, Arkansas
• #149 Stanton, Tennessee
• #157 Sulphur Springs, Texas
• #199 Haughton, Louisiana
• #261 Winona, Mississippi
• #335 Rayville, Louisiana
• #366 Jackson, Tennessee
• #367 Caddo Mills, Texas
• #388 Meridian, Mississippi
• #428 West Monroe, Louisiana
• #429 West Memphis, Arkansas
• #433 Dallas, Texas
• #460 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• #492 Caddo Valley, Arkansas
• #507 Jarrell, Texas
• #519 Senatobia, Mississippi
• #551 Cisco, Texas
• #606 Texarkana, Arkansas
• #607 West Memphis, Arkansas
• #665 Greenwood, Louisiana
• #677 Olive Branch, Mississippi
• #726 Dallas, Texas
• #741 Wichita Falls, Texas
• #883 Canton, Texas
• #1006 Junction, Texas
• #1023 Lufkin, Texas
• #1118 Clovis, New Mexico
• #1247 New Boston, Texas
• #1282 Terrell, Texas
• #1297 Italy, Texas
• #1299 Henrietta, Texas
• #4640 Lynchburg, Virginia

Important Information:
Pilot Flying J:

• Severe Weather Updates: https://pilotflyingj.com/severe-weather-updates/
• Pilot Flying J Store Locator: https://locations.pilotflyingj.com/search

We are about to have a long cold weekend throughout most of the US. We just wanted to take a few minutes and remind all truck drivers and owner-operators to make sure you and your equipment are ready for the cold weather.

Here are some tips to help you prepare and stay safe on the road.

1. Drain your air tanks and add a little additive if your able
2. If you are running in the north with temps below zero:
   1. Keep your fuel levels as close to full as possible
   1. Use additives to keep the fuel from gelling
3. If you park for long periods of time: release the brakes every couple of hours and pull the vehicle forward and back a couple times to keep the shoes from freezing to the drums
4. If you are parking for the weekend plug the block heater in and start the truck each day to keep the batteries charged and everything working
5. While traveling make sure you have extra coveralls and winter gear with you
6. Stay hydrated if you are forced to be outside for prolonged periods of time
7. Reduce speeds in inclement driving conditions. If roadways are icy, stop! Allow the emergency vehicles to get the roads treated and only continue after the roads are clear and safe to travel. Keep dispatch updated concerning conditions, we will call shippers and receivers and plan for late shipments or pick-ups, it is critical that you stay safe out there!!!

Get to know one of our newest employees and qualifications representative, Lindsey Henry who works out of our Kokomo, IN corporate office.

Q: What do you do at Medallion Transport Holdings (NHH Services & Medallion Transport & Logistics)?

A: I work with agents and all new applicants and help them through the qualifications process to make sure all docs are in to process in a timely manner. Not only that, I also work with other departments in the company during the process when any questions arise.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at NHH?

A: I like working with various people – agents, drivers, and various company departments – to help drivers obtain employment which in return helps grow our company. It’s an awesome feeling to be able to help at this capacity.

Q:  When did you start working for the company?

A: I started in March 2020.

Q:  What is your professional background?

A: I have a background in logistics working for an agriculture company prior to this position. I worked directly with drivers and farmers. 

Q: What has been your biggest challenge so far working with the company?

A: There’s a lot to qualifications – criminal reporting, drug tests, plates, insurance – it’s been a lot to take in and a lot to learn but in working together we’ve made it fun.

Q: What are you most looking forward to as you continue with the company?

A: Continuing to grow & learn with our agents. We are building our relationships with them and I enjoy working together with them to bring people on and expand our growth.

Q:  What do you do during your free time?

A: My daughter is a freshman in volleyball and my son is in 8^th grade and plays both football & baseball, so they keep me busy. As a family, we like to camp, water ski and be outdoors.