National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (NTDAW) runs Sunday, Sept. 10 – Saturday, Sept. 16. and there are some perks truck drivers don’t want to miss.

Pilot Offers Food & Drink Specials

In September, truck drivers will be able to enjoy savings through the myRewards Plus app at participating Pilot, Flying J and One9 travel centers, including:

• Three free drinks every week on Pilot coff­ee, fountain drinks, and top-selling beverage brands from the cooler
• Offers on freshly prepared foods each week — including 50% off pizza, burgers, salads and more
• Food and beverage discounts of 10% for active military or veteran truck drivers (after authentication through ID.me)
• Additional off­ers, including food and beverage buy-one-get- one deals throughout the month
• Canadian professional drivers will automatically receive an extra bonus point per four liters when they swipe their myRewards card

Food & Free Merch Deals at Love’s

My Love Rewards members will receive an email with two offers available throughout September. Drivers can enjoy a free Love’s-branded consumable product up to $5 in value, including Love’s water, bagged candy, salty snacks and trail mix. They can also earn $10 in My Love Rewards points on an oil change and preventive maintenance at any Love’s Truck Care or Speedco location during the month. Members can activate both offers with a single tap in the special offer email they receive.

Additional deals include:

• Fresh food and drink deals Sept. 11-15.
• Free hot sandwich, bowl or fresh salad with an oil change Sept. 11-15.
• Free Love’s hat with the purchase of a 3-pack of gloves for $9.99, while supplies last.

TA Celebrates Drivers with Special Experience

TravelCenters of America is recognizing professional drivers across the country Sept. 10-17 for their countless efforts and contributions. To honor drivers, TA said it has curated an exclusive driver experience to show its appreciation.

Professional drivers who stop at participating locations during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week will have the opportunity to engage in activities and initiatives, including:

• Cookouts
• ‘Thank You’ cards with coupons
• Window washes
• Truck mid-trip and tire inspections
• Goodie bags
• Cornhole tournaments

Now through May 15, ahead of the 2023 International Roacheck, TA Truck Service locations inside TA® travel centers and Petro Stopping Centers® will offer free mid-trip inspection services.

TA is offering the added inspections to help drivers prepare for International Roadcheck May 16-18. During the 72-hour inspection and enforcement event, CVSA inspectors will conduct inspections of commercial motor vehicles and drivers at weigh/inspection stations, designated inspection areas and along roadways across North America.

According to TA, the mid-trip inspections include checks on the following parts:

• Tires– Ensure proper pressure and tread depth, and spot damage or wear early.
• Brakes– Test the entire system for performance, functionality, safety, and compliance.
• Fluids — Look out for oil, coolant, and other fluid leaks, or signs of contamination.

• Electrical System– Verify that the battery, alternator, wiring, connectors, lights, and signals are functioning.
• Suspension — Detect any damage or malfunction in the shocks and other suspension components.
• Cargo– Be sure your vehicle’s cargo is secured properly to avoid safety hazards on the road.

TA is also advising drivers to look for warning signs that a truck needs service sooner than anticipated.

Vigilant professional truck drivers learn to look out for any signs that their vehicle needs extra attention. Warning signs can sometimes indicate you need a mid-trip inspection even sooner than you expected. Look out for unusual noises, vibrations, or changes in vehicle performance or functionality. Take note of any warning lights that appear on your dashboard, as they may indicate what needs to be inspected. Also be aware of any unusual odors or smoke from the engine or exhaust. Any of these warning signs could mean it’s time to schedule services or repairs to address potentially detrimental symptoms.

Click here to view a list of participating TA locations and to schedule an inspection prior to May 15 and the start of the International Roadcheck.

Medallion Transport Holdings CEO, Gary Weilheimer, will discuss the AB5 Law and its impact on the trucking industry on Thursday, April 20th during the Transportation Intermediaries Association 2023 Capital Ideas Conference at Loews Royal Pacific Resort in Orlando, FL. 

Gary will be speaking among a panel of three other logistics and transportation professionals which takes place from 2 – 2:30 PM ET.  

Specifically, Gary will be part of a panel that will discuss the business-to-business exceptions for California and beyond, how the Borello Standard would apply rather than the ABC Test in determining classification, and recent lobbying efforts to overturn this law. 

About TIA 

TIA serves more than 1,700 third-party logistics members and helps them better manage their companies for growth and profitability. No other association provides more ways for third-party logistics professionals to grow, connect and to protect their business. 

The 2023 International Roadcheck is set for May 16-18 with an emphasis on anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and cargo securement.

International Roadcheck is a high-visibility, high-volume 72-hour inspection and enforcement event where CVSA-certified inspectors in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. will conduct inspections of commercial motor vehicles and drivers at weigh/inspection stations, designated inspection areas and along roadways.

This year, inspectors will focus on ABS and cargo securement to highlight the importance of those aspects of vehicle safety. Although ABS violations are not out-of-service violations, ABS play a critical role in reducing the risk of collisions by preventing the wheels from locking up or skidding, allowing a driver to maintain control of the vehicle while braking. In addition, improper cargo securement poses a serious risk to drivers and other motorists by adversely affecting the vehicle’s maneuverability, or worse, causing unsecured loads to fall, resulting in traffic hazards and vehicle collisions.

During International Roadcheck, inspectors will conduct their usual roadside safety inspections of commercial motor vehicles and drivers. Data will be gathered from those three days and shared later this year, as a snapshot of the state of commercial motor vehicle and driver safety.

During a routine North American Standard Level I Inspection, inspectors focus on two areas – driver and vehicle safety compliance.

• Vehicle safety – Inspectors will ensure the vehicle’s brake systems, cargo securement, coupling devices, driveline/driveshaft components, driver’s seat, fuel and exhaust systems, frames, lighting devices, steering mechanisms, suspensions, tires, wheels, rims, hubs and windshield wipers are compliant with regulations. Inspections of motorcoaches, passenger vans and other passenger-carrying vehicles also include emergency exits, seating, and electrical cables and systems in the engine and battery compartments.
• Driver safety – Inspectors will check the driver’s operating credentials, hours-of-service documentation, status in the drug and alcohol clearinghouse, seat belt usage, and for alcohol and/or drug impairment.

Vehicles that successfully pass a Level I or Level V Inspection without any critical vehicle inspection item violations may receive a CVSA decal, which is valid for three months. If the inspector does identify critical vehicle inspection item violations, as outlined in the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria, the vehicle will be restricted from operating until the identified out-of-service conditions have been corrected. Inspectors may also restrict the driver from operating if the driver is found to have driver out-of-service violations, such as not possessing a valid or necessary operating license or exhibiting signs of impairment.

CVSA’s law enforcement member jurisdictions in cities, states, districts, provinces and territories in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. participate in International Roadcheck with support from trucking associations, transportation safety organizations and federal agencies, such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Transport Canada and Mexico’s Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation.

As a bonus offering to owner-operators and freight agents, Medallion Transport & Logistics is hosting virtual monthly safety meetings on the fourth Wednesday of each month.

Our safety team covers topics varying from general truck driver safety, safe driving practices, pre trip inspections, health on the road, safety during bad weather, and more tips and any relevant truck driver information during each meeting.

All class attendees will receive a free truck and trailer wash up to $100 for attending, and will be entered to win a $150 gift card.

Owner-operators, drivers and freight agents outside of our NHH and Medallion Transport network, can inquire for more info below, and learn more about online safety training below.

More About Medallion Transport & Logistics

At Medallion Transport & Logistics, freight agents and owner-operators are the top priority, and we are constantly striving to develop programs that help make their business more successful.

The 2023 International Roadcheck is set for May 16-18 with an emphasis on anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and cargo securement.

International Roadcheck is a high-visibility, high-volume 72-hour inspection and enforcement event where CVSA-certified inspectors in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. will conduct inspections of commercial motor vehicles and drivers at weigh/inspection stations, designated inspection areas and along roadways.

This year, inspectors will focus on ABS and cargo securement to highlight the importance of those aspects of vehicle safety. Although ABS violations are not out-of-service violations, ABS play a critical role in reducing the risk of collisions by preventing the wheels from locking up or skidding, allowing a driver to maintain control of the vehicle while braking. In addition, improper cargo securement poses a serious risk to drivers and other motorists by adversely affecting the vehicle’s maneuverability, or worse, causing unsecured loads to fall, resulting in traffic hazards and vehicle collisions.

During International Roadcheck, inspectors will conduct their usual roadside safety inspections of commercial motor vehicles and drivers. Data will be gathered from those three days and shared later this year, as a snapshot of the state of commercial motor vehicle and driver safety.

During a routine North American Standard Level I Inspection, inspectors focus on two areas – driver and vehicle safety compliance.

• Vehicle safety – Inspectors will ensure the vehicle’s brake systems, cargo securement, coupling devices, driveline/driveshaft components, driver’s seat, fuel and exhaust systems, frames, lighting devices, steering mechanisms, suspensions, tires, wheels, rims, hubs and windshield wipers are compliant with regulations. Inspections of motorcoaches, passenger vans and other passenger-carrying vehicles also include emergency exits, seating, and electrical cables and systems in the engine and battery compartments.
• Driver safety – Inspectors will check the driver’s operating credentials, hours-of-service documentation, status in the drug and alcohol clearinghouse, seat belt usage, and for alcohol and/or drug impairment.

Vehicles that successfully pass a Level I or Level V Inspection without any critical vehicle inspection item violations may receive a CVSA decal, which is valid for three months. If the inspector does identify critical vehicle inspection item violations, as outlined in the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria, the vehicle will be restricted from operating until the identified out-of-service conditions have been corrected. Inspectors may also restrict the driver from operating if the driver is found to have driver out-of-service violations, such as not possessing a valid or necessary operating license or exhibiting signs of impairment.

CVSA’s law enforcement member jurisdictions in cities, states, districts, provinces and territories in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. participate in International Roadcheck with support from trucking associations, transportation safety organizations and federal agencies, such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Transport Canada and Mexico’s Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation.

The ice storm and winter weather that has affected parts of the South and Southeastern United States, have resulted in several Pilot Flying J temporary location closures. Due to the weather and unsafe road conditions, some locations in Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Tennessee are and may continue to experience temporary outages.

Pilot Flying J said most of its locations across the affected region are open and fueling. Their team is working as quickly as possible to restore service to impacted stores to serve professional truck drivers and those assisting with recovery  and relief efforts.

For up-to-date information on store status, please visit https://pilotflyingj.com/operational-updates.

See below for an update on Pilot operations.

Store Operations:

The following locations are experiencing temporary outages due to local conditions:

• Pilot #1140: Rhone, TX – Store Open, No Diesel
• Pilot #1285: Santo, TX – Store Open, No Diesel
• Pilot #1297: Italy, TX – Store Open, No Diesel
• Flying J #507: Jarrell, TX – Store Open, No Diesel
• Pilot #1290: Red Oak, TX – Store Open, No Diesel

All other stores in the region are currently open and will remain open as long as it is safe to operate.

W​inter Storm Elliott is tracking eastward toward the Plains, Midwest and Great Lakes, where it will produce snow and high winds, including blizzard conditions in spots, as it potentially grows into a bomb cyclone. Elliott will also bring strong winds and a possible flash freeze to parts of the Midwest, East and South.

Any truck drivers on the road, please take extreme caution while traveling through these areas.

Here are a few facts about the storm:

• The storm will track through the Midwest, Northeast and South through the end of the week.
• The heaviest snow will target the Great Lakes, with over a foot possible for some.
• High winds capable of tree damage and power outages could blast much of the Plains, Midwest and East.
• Severe travel impact because of snow, wind and cold is expected from through at least Friday or Saturday.

Extra Safety Precautions

Anyone traveling should slow down and stop if visibility gets too low as it’s better to arrive late and safe to your destination than not at all.

1. Leave early if possible
2. Give yourself extra room between other vehicles on the road
3. Keep your gas tank full

Get updates on Winter Storm Elliott

On the road this Thanksgiving?

For some truck drivers, the Thanksgiving season is a busy time. So if you’re spending Thanksgiving on the road, we have some options for you for finding a place to enjoy a warm Thanksgiving meal.

TA Petro All-you-can Eat Thanksgiving Feast

Select TA Petro Country Pride and Iron Skillet restaurants will offer a Thanksgiving feast on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 24 from 11 a.m. until close. The special all-you-can eat buffet will be available for $24.99 and includes turkey, ham, dressing, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, salad, pumpkin pie and a beverage.

View more info here.

Pilot Flying J New Thanksgiving Dinner

This November, truck drivers can try an all-new Thanksgiving dinner at participating Pilot Flying J truck stops.

According to Pilot, the new Thanksgiving entree will be available at more than 150 participating Pilot and Flying J travel centers from November 1 through December, while supplies last.

The Thanksgiving meal will consist of brown sugar-glazed ham, mashed sweet potatoes, and cornbread stuffing.

Not only that, Pilot Flying J will offer a 25% off deal on this meal through the myRewards Plus app at participating locations from November 21 – 27 during Thanksgiving week.

In addition to the Thanksgiving meal, Pilot Flying J is also rolling out several new flavors to its seasonal beverage menu, including a White Chocolate Candy Cane Hot Chocolate and Peppermint Mocha Creamer.

These limited time hot beverages, along with a full line-up of premium coffees, will bring guests extra cheer in Pilot’s specially designed holiday cups.

The IRS announced last week that the Per Diem rate for all of the 2022 tax year will be $69 for each full day you’re away from home as a driver (owner-operator) and a ride-along that assists in business functions. Additionally, 2022 will be the last year the IRS will allow a 100% deduction on Per Diem rather than the normal 80%. This means you can deduct the full amount of $69 for each full day and $51.75 for each partial day.

In order to qualify for these deductions, IRS publication 463 states that you are traveling from home if:

1. Your duties require you to be away from the general area of your tax home substantially longer than an ordinary day’s work, AND
2. You need to sleep or rest to meet the demands of your work while away from home.

It further states that taking a nap does not satisfy the requirement. However, “you do not need to be away from home for a whole day, as long as your relief from duty is long enough to get necessary sleep or rest.

What does this mean to a driver? If you are an owner-operator, the rule is simple, you get to claim the tax deduction for each day that you are away from your “tax home”. On the days that you depart and the days that you arrive at home, you must claim a partial day allowance instead of a full day allowance. That is ¾ of the standard allowance.

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