TEAMSTERS-YRCW COMMITTEES BEGIN WORK ON PENSIONS, COMPETITIVENESS

Meetings have begun of the two joint labor-management committees set up to address the YRC Worldwide Inc. companies’ re-entry into Teamster pension funds in January 2011 and ways to enhance the companies’ competitiveness in the freight industry.

The committees held kickoff meetings on June 8 and 9, where they established ground rules for the talks. More meetings were scheduled June 22 and 23.

YRCW members will have an opportunity to get an update on the discussions during a national conference call at 7:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) Tuesday, June 29. YRCW members should call their local unions for the call-in information.

The union and company announced the formation of the committees in late May. The YRCW companies are scheduled to re-enter the Teamster pension funds in January. Regarding the competitiveness, the goal is to look at how YRCW operates to determine if more effective and competitive modes of operations can be implemented.

“We have an opportunity, through these two committees, to shape the future of the freight industry for decades to come,” said Tyson Johnson, Director of the Teamsters National Freight Division. “For decades, the Teamsters have improved the lives of countless freight workers, and we remain committed to making sure that the industry continues to provide decent wages, benefits and working conditions.”

Meanwhile, the Teamsters announced in late May that the union has named New School professor Teresa Ghilarducci to be its selection for the YRCW board seat, which was recently negotiated as part of the job security plan. Ghilarducci is the Bernard L. and Irene Schwartz Professor of Economic Policy Analysis at the New School for Social Research in New York City. Professor Ghilarducci is a nationally recognized multi-employer and defined benefit pension expert who has worked with the Teamsters on numerous projects in the past. She has previously held a professorship at the University of Notre Dame and has researched and published extensively on employee pension and benefit matters. She is currently a trustee for the UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust for GM, Ford, and Chrysler and the Goodyear Retiree Health Care Trust for Steelworker trustees.

Conference Call June 29

All YRCW Teamsters are invited to participate on a national conference call to learn more about the joint labor-management committees that have been set up to address the YRCW companies’ re-entry into Teamster pension funds in January 2011 and ways to enhance the YRCW companies’ competitiveness in the freight industry.

The call is at 7:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) Tuesday, June 29. YRCW members should call their local unions for the call-in information.

Members will be able to submit questions during the call. The most commonly asked questions will be selected.

PLEASE HELP FORMER CF TEAMSTERS CLAIM THEIR MONEY

Approximately 850 former Teamster employees of Consolidated Freightways (CF) have un-cashed or undeliverable payments due to them stemming from the 2002 CF bankruptcy, and time is running out for them to collect their money.

The vast majority of the 14,000 affected Teamster CF employees have received money from the 2002 bankruptcy, but the union has been unable to locate approximately 850 former employees who are entitled to payment. As freight Teamsters, many of you may know former CF Teamsters. Below is a link to a list of ex-CF Teamsters who are owed money.

If you know ex-employees on this list, please contact them and let them know that they may be entitled to a payment, but they must act now to claim their money. Any employee who is listed must respond on or before July 30, 2010, or they will lose their money.

If you know any of the listed former CF Teamsters on the attached pdf, please urge them to visit www.cfwy.com. Any employee on the list must call (414) 223-0408 to claim their money, and must do so on or before July 30, 2010. More information is available at www.cfwy.com.

The list contains names of ex-CF workers and their local union numbers. Not all local unions are available.

See list here.

YRC Worldwide Announces Definitive Agreement for Austin Ventures to Acquire YRC Logistics

YRC Worldwide continues to benefit from global logistics services through partnership with new company

YRC Worldwide Inc. today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell a portion of its YRC Logistics business to Austin Ventures, a strategic private equity investor. This logistics business will operate as a private company owned by Austin Ventures. The sale will form the basis for a new company specializing in international freight forwarding, customs brokerage, transportation management, truckload services, and dedicated warehouse and fulfillment services in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia.

"This transaction enables YRC Worldwide to focus on our core transportation capabilities while continuing to offer full global logistics solutions for our customers through a strong business relationship with the new company," says Bill Zollars, chairman, president and CEO, YRC Worldwide. "There will be no change in the way a customer's business is handled, and they will benefit from advancements in the delivery of comprehensive supply chain solutions by both companies. In addition, the incremental liquidity from the transaction will support YRC Worldwide business growth."

YRC Worldwide will retain all of its China-based operations and the strategic partnership with Austin Ventures gives customers of the new logistics company ongoing access to these capabilities.

"We are very pleased to partner with the management team of YRC Logistics. We see opportunities to invest in the company and position it for growth through expanded offerings and the continued expansion of its global network," says David Lack, partner, Austin Ventures. "This investment builds on Austin Ventures' commitment to work alongside talented executive teams in leading, high-growth supply chain services companies."

"The current YRC Logistics management team remains in place and customers will experience the same expertise and accountability," adds John Carr, president-YRC Logistics. "The substantial equity infusion from Austin Ventures positions us to pursue new business development as well as growth through acquisition."

The agreement between YRC Worldwide and Austin Ventures is for an acquisition price of $37 million, and incremental value will be realized by both parties through a comprehensive commercial services agreement. The transition to new ownership is expected to be complete within the next 30-45 days.

2010 North Carolina Truck Driving Champion

David Turnipseed, of Kernersville, was named the best professional truck driver in North Carolina after winning the three axle competition and receiving the highest overall score in the nine competing categories at the 2010 North Carolina Truck Driving Championships. The annual event is sponsored by the North Carolina Trucking Association.

Turnipseed, who drives for Con-way Freight, now qualifies to compete in the American Trucking Associations' National Truck Driving Championships August 3-7, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio — also known as the "Super Bowl of Safety." The winners from each of the eight other categories are also eligible to compete in the national championship.

Nearly 400 drivers from all 50 states will compete in Columbus for four days, challenging their driving skills, and knowledge of safety, equipment and the industry. From 18-wheeler five axle sleepers to tank trucks to twin trailers—they will drive a course that recreates situations truck drivers face daily. These maneuvers may include: an alley dock, a rear line stop, a side park, a scale stop, a right turn, a front line stop, and straight line driving through a diminishing clearance.

On Saturday night, August 7, one contestant will drive away as the 2010 National Grand Champion Truck Driver.

"The Truck Driving Championships represent the culmination of the industry's dedication to safety," said North Carolina Trucking Association President Crystal Collins. "I congratulate all the contestants and I hope North Carolina cheers for our drivers as they move on to Nationals in Columbus."

North Carolina participants at National for each category include:

Robert Crowder, Wilson Trucking, Eden, N.C. (Straight Truck)

David Turnipseed, Con-way Freight, Kernersville, N.C. (Three-Axle)

Jeff Whitaker, USF Holland, Belmont, N.C. (Four-Axle)

James Nichols, USF Holland, Greensboro, N.C. (Five-Axle)

Bobby Johnson, UPS Freight Truckload, Mooresville, N.C. (Five-Axle Sleeper)

Neil Morgan, FedEx Express, Walnut Cove, N.C. (Tankers)

Cecil Hicks, FedEx Freight, Norwood, N.C. (Flatbed)

Andy Heffner, FedEx Express, Greensboro, N.C. (Twins)

David Williams, Con-way Freight, Durham, N.C. (Step Van)

2010 Mississippi Truck Driving Champion Announced

John Smith, Jr. was named the best professional truck driver in Mississippi after winning the flatbed competition and receiving the highest overall score in the nine competing categories at the 2010 Mississippi Truck Driving Championships. The annual event is sponsored by the Mississippi Trucking Association.

Smith, who drives for FedEx Ground, now qualifies to compete in the American Trucking Associations' National Truck Driving Championships August 3-7, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio — also known as the "Super Bowl of Safety." The winners from each of the eight other categories are also eligible to compete in the national championship.

Nearly 400 drivers from all 50 states will compete in Columbus for four days, challenging their driving skills, and knowledge of safety, equipment and the industry. From 18-wheeler five axle sleepers to tank trucks to twin trailers — they will drive a course that recreates situations truck drivers face daily. These maneuvers may include: an alley dock, a rear line stop, a side park, a scale stop, a right turn, a front line stop, and straight line driving through a diminishing clearance.

On Saturday night, August 7, one contestant will drive away as the 2010 National Grand Champion Truck Driver.

"The Truck Driving Championships represent the culmination of the industry's dedication to safety," said Mississippi Trucking Association President David Roberts. "I congratulate all the contestants and I hope Mississippi cheers for our drivers as they move on to Nationals in Columbus."

Mississippi participants at National for each category include:

Tim Walters, YRC, Grenada, Miss. (Straight Truck)

Cary Mayer, Con-way Freight, Potts Camp, Miss. (Three-Axle)

Jason Matte, FedEx Freight, Richland, Miss. (Four-Axle)

Gerald Delancey, Wal-Mart Transportation, Purvis, Miss. (Five-Axle)

Ricky Webster, Jr., Con-way Freight, Olive Branch, Miss. (Five-Axle Sleeper)

John Maddox, Jr., Ergon Trucking, Stringer, Miss. (Tankers)

John Smith, Jr., FedEx Ground, Mooreville, Miss. (Flatbed)

Don Nehring, FedEx Ground, Southaven, Miss. (Twins)

Rose Mathis, FedEx Ground, Blue Springs, Miss. (Step Van)

Idaho Driving Champion Crowned

Eight Drivers Continue on to National Competition

Paul Unser was named the best professional truck driver in Idaho after winning the Straight Truck competition and receiving the highest overall score in the eight competing categories at the 2010 Idaho Truck Driving Championships. The annual event is sponsored by Idaho Trucking Association.

Unser, who drives for YRC, now qualifies to compete in the American Trucking Associations' National Truck Driving Championships August 3-7, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio — also known as the "Super Bowl of Safety." The winners from each of the seven other categories are also eligible to compete in the national championship.

Nearly 400 drivers from all 50 states will compete in Columbus for four days, challenging their driving skills, and knowledge of safety, equipment and the industry. From 18-wheeler five axle sleepers to tank trucks to twin trailers — they will drive a course that recreates situations truck drivers face daily. These maneuvers may include: an alley dock, a rear line stop, a side park, a scale stop, a right turn, a front line stop, and straight line driving through a diminishing clearance.

On Saturday night, August 7, one contestant will drive away as the 2010 National Grand Champion Truck Driver.

"The Truck Driving Championships represent the culmination of the industry's dedication to safety," said Idaho Trucking Association President Kathleen Fowers. "I congratulate all the contestants and I hope Idaho cheers for our drivers as they move on to Nationals in Columbus."

Idaho participants at National for each category include:

Paul Unser, YRC, Kuna, Idaho (Straight Truck)

Jeremy Alt, FedEx National LTL, Mountain Home, Idaho (Three-Axle)

Herb Sweeney, III, Con-way Freight, Pocatello, Idaho (Four-Axle)

Jeffrey Halford, Con-way Freight, Meridian, Idaho (Five-Axle)

Rick Sebring, FedEx National LTL, Mountain Home, Idaho (Five-Axle Sleeper)

Ray Sitton, Con-way Freight, Nampa, Idaho (Tankers)

Mike Burt, Kimberly, Idaho (Flatbed)

Tim Melody, ABF Freight System, Fruitland, Idaho (Twins)

W.Va. truck drivers honored for skill, safety

Larry Gorby of Lake, Logan County, was named grand champion of the West Virginia Trucking Association's Truck Driving Championship.

Gorby is a professional driver for Con-way Freight in Belle. He took the top honor after competing in a variety of skill and safety tests.

Nearly 50 professional truck drivers representing more than a dozen West Virginia-based motor freight companies participated in the June 12 event in Charleston.

Also during the event, the West Virginia Trucking Association recognized drivers for their 2009 safety accomplishments. Edward Thommason of Culloden, a driver with Yellow Roadway Corp., was honored with the "2009 Driver of the Year Award."

Thommason has driven for 36 years, logged more than 3.9 million miles behind the wheel and hasn't had a chargeable accident in more than 28 years.

Clarence Jenkins Jr. of Winfield, who drives for UPS Freight, was honored with the "2009 State Police Safety Award." Jenkins has driven for 38 years and 3.8 million miles with no accidents.

James Flanagan of Nettie, a driver with Burns Motor Freight in Marlinton, received the "Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Carrier of the Year Award." Flanagan has driven for 46 years and logged more than 3.4 million miles with only one non-traffic chargeable accident.

Other winners:

Billy Taylor of Boxley Trucking, "Rookie of the Year."
Larry Gorby, Con-way Freight, first place straight truck.
John Hodges, UPS Freight, first place three-axle tractor semi-trailer.
Jason Powell, Con-way Freight, first place four-axle tractor semi-trailer.
Desmond Simpkins, Supervalu, first place five-axle van.
Kenneth Grimmett, Con-way Freight, tank truck.
Paul Norman, Pitt Ohio Express, flatbed.
James May, FedEx Freight Inc., twin trailers.
Clarence Jenkins Jr., UPS Freight, sleeper berth.

UPS Freight was the team champion.

All first-place drivers will compete in the American Trucking Association's National Truck Driving Championship later this summer.