Federal Court Ruling is Victory for XPO Workers in Laredo, Texas

A federal court has denied XPO/Con-way’s latest attempt to delay the decision by workers in Laredo, Texas to form their union as Teamsters with Local 657.

The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit rejected the company’s petition for review of an order of the National Labor Relations Board requiring the company to recognize Local 657 as the workers’ bargaining representative. The workers voted to form their union as Teamsters in September 2014.

“The court has rejected yet another attempt by XPO to delay justice to these workers,” said Frank Perkins, President of Local 657 in San Antonio. “The company can appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, but we think that is unlikely in this case. We demand that the company respect these workers’ wishes and begin bargaining a contract soon.”

Hoffa: CR Less Than Ideal, Doesn't Address Real Pension Reform

Congress Must Tackle Comprehensive Retirement Reworking In 2017

The following is a statement from Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa about the continuing resolution (CR) funding bill cleared through Congress and signed by President Obama late last week that will keep the federal government operating until April 28, 2017.

“Short-term funding measures are never ideal, and that includes the bill passed by the House and Senate last week. But given that Washington finds itself on the cusp of a change in leadership, it was inevitable, yet still disappointing, that such legislation would be passed by this Congress to keep the government operating into the new year.

“While the Teamsters are pleased no action was taken to ram false pension fixes down the throats of our members and other hard-working Americans, comprehensive reform for all pensioners is needed in the next Congress. People who worked hard all their lives should not be left in their golden years with such uncertainty.

“In addition, the Teamsters are disappointed to see the continuation of anti-safety policies for truckers included in the CR. It is an undisputable fact that many truck drivers are pushed to the limit on our roads. The Hours of Service rules originally put forth but suspended by Congress must be reinstated for the good of all who use the nation’s highways.

“However, there were two important issues included in the funding bill. During the past year, the Teamsters have been active in lending a helping hand and advocating for the residents of Flint, Mich. due to the ongoing water crisis there, as well as for people all over the country suffering from the scourge of opioid addiction. We are glad to see those matters addressed with additional funding.”

YRC Chief Financial Officer Jamie Pierson Resigns

The chief financial officer of YRC Worldwide Inc. has resigned, effective at the end of the year, to work for an unidentified company near his home in the Dallas area.

Jamie Pierson had been a consultant for the Overland Park-based trucking company starting in 2008 and became an employee in 2011. Throughout that time, YRC struggled to avoid bankruptcy, which it ultimately did thanks to a financial restructuring and extended concessions from its Teamsters union employees.

YRC Worldwide disclosed Pierson’s plans to leave the company in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. It said Pierson would work to transition his duties to Stephanie D. Fisher. He will remain a consultant for six months to further the transition.

Fisher will become acting chief financial officer on Jan. 1. She currently is YRC’s vice president and controller.

“Mr. Pierson is resigning to take a chief financial officer position with a privately-held building supply and material company located near his home in the Dallas, Texas, metropolitan area, where his family resides,” YRC’s filing said.

It added that Pierson has commuted to the Overland Park headquarters since first becoming a consultant. Pierson became YRC’s top finance officer in 2011, continuing his commute.

Pierson previously had been a managing director of Alvarez & Marsal North America. His work for the firm included business restructurings outside of bankruptcy court and advisory work for companies’ senior management.

“We want to extend our deepest gratitude to Mr. Pierson for his service, contributions, and commitment to the company, including the personal family sacrifice experienced with commuting for eight years” YRC CEO James Welch said in the company’s filing. “Jamie has been a great partner, working closely with me, and I wish him well in his new endeavor.”

Welch and Pierson discovered while working together that they had attended the same high school in Texas, though at different times.

Another Successful NTDC for New Penn

From August 10-13, the very best drivers in our country converged on Indianapolis to compete at the 2016 National Truck Driving Championships (NTDC). Commonly referred to as “The Super Bowl of Safety,” the NTDC is the most elite venue for competitive truck driving in our nation.

In fact, simply qualifying for NTDC is a major accomplishment. To compete, drivers must first take top honors at their state-level safety competitions, and also maintain a collision-free driving record for the entire year prior.

After achieving those honors, New Penn professional driver Richard Gagnon took his talents to Indy this August and made New Penn proud. Rick performed very well in a highly competitive, tightly knit contest, and showed that he is still one of the best drivers in the country.

We say “still” because Rick Gagnon is no stranger to the NTDC. In fact, this was his fourth consecutive year competing at nationals and his sixth time overall! That's a whole lot of “best of the best” state truck driving championship success, and we are confident that Rick will continue to build on his record for years to come.


Rick has been driving professionally for 27 years and has spent the past 20 years with New Penn as a City Driver out of our Providence, RI terminal and most recently out of our Springfield, MA terminal. Rick's long history of safety championships began in 2009, when he took first place in the 5-Axle class and was named Grand Champion of the Rhode Island Truck Driving Competition. The title of Grand Champion is given to the driver with the highest overall score in the competition across all classes.

Rick has taken gold in the 4-Axle category in the state of Rhode Island four times, and most recently this year, won in the state of Massachusetts. Each of those first place finishes earned him a trip to NTDC, where he is a top competitor.

Rick Gagnon represents the very best of New Penn and the industry at large. His commitment to safety and self-improvement make him an exceptional example of hard work and professionalism.

When it comes to staying safe behind the wheel, Rick says it's all about maintaining your focus.


“The number one key when driving is to always be fully aware of your surroundings,” said Rick. “You have to be aware of weather conditions, road conditions, your own vehicle, the people around you...everything.”

“NTDC is always a special trip,” said Rick. “Meeting other drivers with the same dedication to their craft, who enjoy competing against one another is great. It also helps me sharpen my skills as a driver and increase my knowledge of the industry, while competing against the very best of the best. These competitions are a great experience, and I wish other drivers would try it out and see what they are missing.”

Team New Penn thanks and congratulates Rick on his continued safety success, and wish him the best of luck in the 2017 safety competitions! Drivers like Rick are what make New Penn the industry-leader that it is today.

BNSF Logistics Honors Holland with 2015 Regional LTL Carrier of the Year Award

Holland has been honored by BNSF Logistics with their 2015 Regional LTL Carrier Partner of the Year award. This is the second year-in-a-row for BNSF Logistics to honor Holland with this award.

Carrier Partner of the Year winners are selected based on service quality, performance, loss and damage events, customer service, claims resolution and overall commitment to partnership.

“We are honored to receive this award from our partners at BNSF,” said Scott Ware, Holland President. “Customer satisfaction is the best measure of success in any industry, and this award serves as affirmation that Holland is doing business the right way.

“Our combination of unmatched performance and uncompromising customer service creates a shipping experience that is second to none. And all of this is made possible by the hard work and dedication of our Holland professionals. It is their commitment to excellence that allows Holland to continuously deliver the very best in on-time, next-day LTL shipping. We would like to thank BNSF for this honor, and we look forward to many more years of award-winning service to come.”

“I am excited to announce Holland as our 2015 Supplier Excellence Award recipient,” said Ray Greer, president of BNSF Logistics, LLC. “BNSF Logistics continually strives to provide the highest level of customer service to our clientele, and we couldn’t reach the level of satisfaction we have without companies such as Holland to help meet and exceed the expectations of our customers.”

Greer further stated, “Holland was the clear choice for ‘best of the best’ in Regional LTL service because of the dedication to service and delivering at the highest level of performance, allowing BNSF Logistics to be the most reliable 3PL company. Thank you for your service and for helping BNSF achieve its mission to ‘provide a superior customer experience by delivering innovative, flexible and value-driven solutions.’”

We extend our sincere thanks to BNSF. We were honored to demonstrate excellence by complying with service requirements of BNSF Logistics’ customers, proactively communicating with operations personnel when concerns occurred, and providing BNSF Logistics the high level of customer service they are known for.

James P Hoffa Statement on Reelection

It is a great honor to be reelected as General President of the Teamsters Union.

I want to thank my fellow candidates and supporters who spent countless hours campaigning for our slate.

I also want to congratulate our opposition for a hard fought campaign. There is more that unites us than divides us. Members may have their disagreements, but at the end of the day we are all Teamster brothers and sisters.

In the coming months and years, we will need to stand together to fight our real enemies: ruthless employers, unfair trade deals, attacks on our pensions and a hostile political climate. We will need to work together, regardless of which slate we supported, to win these battles.

Although this is a time of great division in our country, it is my hope that we can unite as brothers and sisters following our election and work to make a more perfect union.

- James P. Hoffa

TPP Opponents Talk Next Steps on Trade

Teamsters joined with hundreds of other union members and activists at a Capitol Hill rally yesterday afternoon to laud the defeat of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and to talk about how trade policy must be reshaped in the future to benefit everyday Americans.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) headlined a slate of lawmakers and labor leaders who hailed the halting of the 12-nation TPP deal, saying the victory belonged to union members, fair trade advocates, environmentalists and other advocates who spent years protesting the agreement. Together, they raised public awareness that ultimately led to the TPP’s demise.

“We have taken on corporate America, we have taken on the National Association of Manufacturers, we have taken on the pharmaceutical industry, and we have defeated the Trans-Pacific Partnership,” Sanders, the former Democratic presidential candidate, told attendees. “Those are no small things.”
But he and others warned there is much more to be done to ensure that policies that are best for workers are instituted. They noted that while TPP failed because it “stacked the deck” against hard-working Americans, future trade efforts must be examined closely.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), a long-time TPP opponent who helped lead the fight against the deal in Congress, said it is time to rewrite the rules on trade so that any future agreements won’t be another boondoggle on behalf of big business.

“We will remain united in our fight to deliver that change. We face a new chapter in U.S. trade, and our negotiations should reflect increased transparency, input from civil society and policymakers, and elimination of fast track,” she said. “I promise you that we will keep up the pressure and ensure that the people who have fought for years to defeat this agreement did not fight in vain.”

The TPP result is a win for working families. But fair trade supporters must remain vigilant to ensure future victories over Washington lobbyists and corporate fat cats.

XPO Logistics Workers Near Philadelphia Choose Teamster Representation

Workers Want Decent, Affordable Health Care and Retirement Security

Drivers at XPO Logistics in suburban Philadelphia voted for Teamster representation today, propelling a nationwide campaign where XPO workers are standing together and forming their union to win fairness and respect on the job. The vote was 37 to 13.

The 52 drivers at the former Con-way Freight join workers in Miami; Laredo, Texas; Vernon, Calif.; Aurora, Ill.; and in North Haven, Conn. who have already voted for Teamster representation. In addition, 777 workers at Parsec, Inc., in California, who handle XPO freight, voted to join Teamsters Local 986 this week. Hundreds of XPO trucks come in and out of the Parsec yard each week.

"Three victories at XPO in less than a month (Aurora, North Haven and King of Prussia) show that the workers are building momentum in their quest for fairness, strength and a real voice at one of the world's largest transportation companies," said Tyson Johnson, Director of the Teamsters Freight Division. "We will continue to stand with XPO workers across the country who demand positive change."

"Despite the company sending in its high-priced union busters, the workers stood strong, boldly and united in their fight for a better future," said Michael Bonaduce, President of Teamsters Local 384 in Norristown, Pa. "Now, the fight for a strong contract begins."

"This is a great day for us and we urge our co-workers across the country to stand bravely to win dignity, respect and fairness by banding together," said Bill Strouse, a road driver and 23-year employee. "We need to have a voice on the job so that management will listen to our concerns."

The workers are also seeking affordable and decent health care, retirement security and better working conditions. XPO is the second-largest freight brokerage provider and second-largest less-than-truckload carrier in North America.

YRC Freight opens new terminal near Atlanta

YRC  Freight has opened a new freight terminal south of Atlanta, with 60 new employees.

The Overland Park, Kansas-based company announced the 75-door facility in in Conley, Georgia, in an Oct. 27 earnings call, according to Transport Topics.

The Conley, Georgia, freight terminal is the company’s 259th in the United States, which YRC said will benefit customers and the freight division. “This facility should allow us to strengthen our customer service in and around the congested Atlanta area in a cost-effective manner and as a good example of our ability to strategically grow and invest in our company when we identify the right opportunity,” said Darren Hawkins, YRC Freight president.

Hawkins also told analysts on the call that YRC began using new software to better handle loading freight based on the delivery route.

ArcBest Announces Restructuring, Income Drop, Job Eliminations

ArcBest Corp. announced a 32 percent decline in third-quarter net income as revenue rose and executives announced a plan to restructure the company.

The company reported income of $12.9 million, down from $19.1 million in the same quarter of 2015. Earnings per share was 49 cents, down from 72 cents in the same quarter a year ago.

Quarterly revenue was $713.9 million, up 0.6 percent from the $709.4 million it reported in the third quarter of 2015.

ABF Freight, the company’s trucking division, reported a revenue drop to $509.4 million in the third quarter of 2016 from $511.3 million in the same quarter a year ago. The company said a continuing soft market caused a drop in rates and freight tonnage, which dropped from 855.9 tons to 831.8 tons.

The company's asset-light divisions saw a rise in revenue from $211.1 million a year ago to $217.9 million this year.

ArcBest CEO and Chairman Judy McReynolds also announced an organization change in which the asset-light divisions Panther Premium Logistics, ABF Logistics and ABF Moving will be combined under the ArcBest name, beginning in 2017.

McReynolds said about 130 employees' positions would be eliminated.  "I recognize this is difficult but necessary," McReynolds said.

ArcBest said the restructuring aims to "differentiate" the company's asset-light divisions from a crowded logistics market — "more loudly trumpet the ArcBest brand," McReynolds said. The company said it will save about $15 million annually because of the restructuring to combine sales, marketing, customer serve and other functions.

FleetNet, ArcBest’s maintenance division, is not affected by the restructuring.

ArcBest has focused on expanding its asset-light logistic services since acquiring Panther Expedited Services in 2012. ArcBest said its non-asset divisions represented 31 percent of its third-quarter revenue.

In 2015, McReynolds said the company goal was to have its asset-light revenue account for 50 percent of its overall revenue.

ArcBest has made several asset-light acquisitions since Panther, including Bear Transportation in 2015 and Logistics & Distribution Services LLC in September.

Federal Labor Board Rejects XPO's Latest Anti-Union Tactics

NLRB Dismisses Company’s ‘Frivolous’ Labor Objections

The National Labor Relations Board has dismissed six objections filed by XPO Logistics involving the Oct. 12 election in Aurora, Ill., which means the Teamsters are now certified as the workers’ bargaining representative. The union anticipates the company will appeal the decision to further delay the will of the workers.

“We expected and are pleased that the NLRB definitively rejected these frivolous charges as simply a desperate attempt by the company to delay the certification of the election,” said Tom Flynn, President of Teamsters Local 179 in Joliet, Ill. “We look forward to negotiating a strong first contract for the 74 drivers in Aurora.”

“This is good news, but the company continues to hire professional, high-priced union busters and attorneys to try to stop workers from forming their union,” said Tyson Johnson, Director of the Teamsters Freight Division. “The hundreds of thousands of dollars the company spends should go to workers’ wages and benefits instead. This company needs to start honoring the will of its employees who choose to form their union as Teamsters, and it also needs to stop attempting to intimidate its workers who are exercising their federally protected rights to organize.”

Local 179 has filed 10 labor charges against XPO for its actions in Aurora.

The Aurora drivers at XPO voted for Teamster representation on Oct. 12, the same day that 127 warehouse workers in North Haven, Conn., voted to form their union as Teamsters. They join XPO workers in Miami; Laredo, Texas; and Vernon, Calif. who have already formed their union as Teamsters. On Nov. 10, XPO freight workers in the Philadelphia area will vote in their Teamsters election.

On Oct. 21, the NLRB certified the Teamsters as the bargaining representative for the workers in North Haven.

YRC FREIGHT DRIVERS CHOSEN AS FINALISTS FOR THE NEXT AMERICA’S ROAD TEAM

YRC Freight announced that professional drivers Bill Krouse, Thomas McIntosh and Jimmy Wisley have been selected as finalists to serve as America’s Road Team Captains by the American Trucking Associations (ATA).

Krouse, McIntosh and Wisely join an elite group of 33 professional drivers who will take part in the final selection process to be held in Washington DC early next year.  The America’s Road Team is a group of professional truck drivers who share superior driving skills, remarkable safety records and a strong desire to spread the word about safety on the highway. Those selected to the join the 2017-2018 America’s Road Team spend the next two years traveling the country speaking on behalf of the trucking industry to the community, news media and public officials.

“Bill, Thomas and Jimmy are true champions of safety and are among the best drivers in the business. We are honored that they are representing YRC Freight with this nomination,” said Darren Hawkins, president of YRC Freight. “Their commitment to quality, unparalleled customer service and unmatched enthusiasm for the trucking profession make them remarkable ambassadors to the industry. We salute Bill, Thomas and Jimmy and thank them for their continued dedication to keeping our highways safe.”

Bill Krouse, based in Shakopee, Minnesota, has been a professional truck driver since he turned 18 years old. In 2015, he received the Minnesota Driver of the year award and is active with the Minnesota State Truck Driving Championships, having won a total of four times. In addition to ranking 12th in Nationals, he also won Rookie of the Year in 2004.

Thomas McIntosh, based in Aurora, Colorado, has been in the industry for over 40 years and with YRC Freight for 24 years. Over the years, Tom has received numerous safety awards and he recently served as a peer trainer at YRC Freight. In 2015, he was awarded the Leo Wozniak Award at the Colorado State Truck Driving Championships.

Jimmy Wisely, based in Wichita, Kanas, has driven for YRC Freight for 20 years. He’s placed thirteen times in state championships and in 2016 had his highest finish at National Truck Driving Championships in Indianapolis beating out 46 other competitors for 2nd place in the 3 axle division.

ArcBest Corporation Announces Third Quarter 2016 Results

·         Third quarter 2016 revenue of $713.9 million and net income of $12.9 million, or $0.49 per diluted share.

·         Third quarter ABF Freight® operating results were impacted by reduced freight levels. 

·         ArcBest’s asset-light revenue equaled 31 percent of total consolidated revenue in September 2016 following a recent acquisition.

ArcBest Corporation reported third quarter 2016 net income of $12.9 million, or $0.49 per diluted share, compared to third quarter 2015 net income of $19.2 million, or $0.72 per diluted share.  The continued softness in the U.S. industrial economy impacted freight tonnage levels and profit margins at ABF Freight.  ArcBest’s asset-light logistics companies were highlighted by improved revenue and operating profit at Panther.

Excluding certain items in both periods, ArcBest’s non-GAAP net income was $12.7 million, or $0.48 per diluted share, in third quarter 2016 compared to third quarter earnings of $20.2 million, or $0.76 per diluted share, last year.

“As we have seen throughout the year, pricing in the less-than-truckload sector remained rational despite a soft economic environment and we continued to experience benefits from investments in new equipment,” said ArcBest Chairman, President and CEO Judy R. McReynolds. “In addition, we continued to expand our asset-light logistics service offerings with the acquisition of Logistics & Distribution Services, as we add further scale to the full supply chain solutions our customers are seeking.”

Full report here.....

United Parcel Service Inc. Posts Earnings Results, Meets Expectations

Daily Export Shipments up 7.1% Led by Double-Digit Gains in Asia
Total UPS Revenue up 4.9% with Headwinds from Fuel and Currency

UPS announced third-quarter 2016 diluted earnings per share of $1.44, a 3.6% increase over the same period last year.  International operating profit increased 14% to $576 million, achieving the seventh consecutive quarter of double-digit growth.

Total reported revenue was $14.9 billion, up 4.9% over the same quarter last year.  Changes in fuel surcharges and currency exchange rates negatively affected revenue growth.  On a currency-neutral basis, revenue increased 5.1%.  In addition, lower fuel surcharge rates reduced revenue growth by approximately 50 basis point.

Full Report Here........

YRC Worldwide Reports Third Quarter 2016 Results

YRC Worldwide Inc announced its most recent quarterly financial results on Thursday, Oct-27-2016.

YRCW reported $0.42 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the analyst consensus estimate by $-0.08. Analysts had a consensus of $0.50. The company posted revenue of $1221.30 million in the period, compared to analysts expectations of $1229.90 million.

YRCW’s revenue was down -1.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.61 EPS.

YRC Worldwide Inc opened for trading at $13.2 and hit $13.42 on the upside on Tuesday, eventually ending the session at $13.33, with a gain of 0.98% or 0.13 points. The heightened volatility saw the trading volume jump to 8,38,441 shares. Company has a market cap of $444 M.

Full Report Here........

State Champion Holland Competitors Cruise to NTDC

From August 10-13, 2016 some of the very "best of the best" drivers in the United States competed at the 79th annual National Truck Driving Championships (NTDC) in Indianapolis, IN. The event, referred to as the "Super Bowl of Safety," is the premier stage for professional driver safety skills. It challenges the nation's most talented and knowledgeable transportation professionals to navigate complex maneuverability courses, demonstrate driving and inspection skills, knowledge and professionalism, personal interview, pre-trip inspection test, and take detailed written exams on laws, regulations and equipment.

Qualifying for the NTDC is a major accomplishment in and of itself. Competitors must first have taken gold at their respective state-level competitions, and also have maintained a collision-free driving record for the entire year prior. That means that each NTDC participant is already a champion before ever setting foot on the convention center floor.

This year, Holland was well-represented by two such champions: NTDC veterans Dennis Cole (Kansas City, KS) and Russell Simpson (Columbus, OH).


Dennis Cole has been driving professionally for 44 years and has spent the past 10 years as a city driver with Holland. This was his sixth year competing in TDCs and his third time qualifying for national competitions. In his very first year competing in TDCs, Dennis took top honors in the state of Kansas, and was named Kansas Rookie of the Year. This year, Dennis continued his winning ways by placing first in the Straight Truck class at the Kansas State Truck Driving Competitions in June.

Not only did Dennis qualify for the NTDC this year, but he actually placed as a Top 5 finalist in the nation in the Straight Truck category. That means that Dennis finished in the top 10% of competitors in his class! Although he didn't ultimately walk away with a trophy, Dennis made us proud at Team Holland and solidified his position as one of the most elite Straight Truck drivers in the country!

Dennis Cole’s love of the big rig and the open road began at an early age. His father was a truck driver in the 1960s, and Dennis grew up sitting passenger in his cab. He started driving professionally himself at the young age of 18 and--other than a year-long stint with the postal service--has been driving trucks ever since.

When it comes to safety, Dennis emphasizes preparedness and foresight. "Look far ahead so you are anticipating an occurrence rather than just responding to what is directly in front of you," Dennis said. "You need those extra moments to react if something happens."

Dennis currently operates as a city driver out of the Holland Kansas City, KS terminal He has logged approximately 4.8 million miles over his career, providing him with a whole lot of the practice necessary for success.


Our second NTDC competitor, Russell Simpson, and our second Holland driver to be chosen as an ATA Road Team Captain, is also no stranger to Ohio TDC success.

Russell has been driving for 29 years, the past 22 of which he's spent as a city driver for Holland. He currently operates as a city driver out of our Columbus, OH service center and has racked up over 2.5 million collision-free miles over the course of his career.

Not only did Russ go to Indianapolis as a safety representative of Holland, he was also representing America’s Road Team. Last year, Russ was selected for the prestious position of 2015-2016 America’s Road Team Captain by the American Trucking Association. The Road Team travels the country promoting safety and championing the importance of trucking in our daily lives.

"Safety is very important," said Russ. "As a truck driver, you’re in charge of a very heavy vehicle and surrounded by a lot of traffic. That’s a huge responsibility and one that every driver needs to take very seriously. Competing in these events is my way of improving my skills, and showing respect for the company by giving back the best way I can."

He first started competing in 2008, and has taken top honors in the state of Ohio four times since then. Just like Dennis, Russell also won Rookie of the Year his first time competing at the state-level. He earned his ticket to the NTDC this year by placing first in the Tanker class at the 2016 Ohio Truck Driving Championships. Russ put forth an excellent performance and made Holland proud.

Congratulations to Dennis and Russ on yet another year of safety success!


Their dedication to safety and self-improvement has made them ambassadors for both Holland and the industry.

Talented drivers like Dennis and Russ are essential to our success, and we are thankful to have them on Team Holland. We thank them for continuously working to improve their safety skills and putting forth the extra efforts required to be a safety champion.

It is with great pride and appreciation that we congratulate them on their safety success. Safety dedicated drivers like Dennis and Russ are essential to maintaining our industry-leading level of customer service here at Holland. As the stewards of our customers’ cargo, safe drivers like these provide the reliability and security that our customers need.

Many thanks to Dennis and Russ, and to all of our talented Holland drivers, for helping to make Holland great! We thank you for all of your hard work and your sustained commitment to safety!

YRC Worldwide Schedules Third Quarter 2016 Earnings Conference Call

YRC Worldwide Inc. announced that on Thursday, October 27, 2016, at 4:30 p.m. ET, company executives will host a conference call with the investment community to discuss third quarter 2016 financial results.

Third quarter earnings will be released the same day, Thursday, October 27, 2016, following the close of the market.

The call will be webcast and can be accessed live or as a replay via the YRC Worldwide website yrcw.com.

YRC Freight Driver Achieves 5 Million Accident-Free Miles

Joe Brown didn’t understand what the big deal was Wednesday, Oct. 5, at the YRC Freight Memphis terminal and distribution center in South Memphis.

He told executives of the company that he was just “doing his job.”

Brown was honored this week for driving 5 million miles without an accident in a career that began in 1977.

He is the only driver among the global company’s 20,000 employees currently at the 5 million-mile mark. Fellow Memphis YRC employee Arthur Cage was honored last month for driving 6 million miles without an accident. Cage reached the 5 million-mile mark in 2009 and logged a million more in almost seven years.

In Wednesday’s ceremony, Brown got his name on the side of a YRC trailer and was inducted into the company’s hall of fame.

“Thank you for giving me a chance to prove myself,” said Brown, who drives a route between Memphis and Houston, Texas.

When he started driving in 1977, the city’s factories were just beginning a decline in a recession that would grow more severe. Gas shortages were a fact of life for the industry.

Brown said he took the job for one reason.

“I had kids,” he said, pointing to his five children, who attended the ceremony along with his wife and six grandchildren.

He learned the business with some basic advice from his father.

“My father told me to keep my mind on what I’m doing and watch what’s around me,” Brown said, also crediting his belief in God.

“It was a lot easier in the day – not as much traffic,” he said of the business of being a truck driver nearly 40 years ago compared to today. “A lot more traffic. A lot more everything,” he said of the current life on the road between Memphis and Houston.

YRC president Darren Hawkins is a believer in training drivers in the Smith System, a training program founded in the 1950s that’s been updated over the past six decades but still centers around five keys: Aim high in steering, get the big picture, keep your eyes moving, make sure they see you and leave yourself an out.

All 8,500 YRC tractors have event recorders as well as forward-collision warning and lane-departure systems that alert drivers.

But Hawkins said much of the credit goes to Brown’s work ethic.

“That’s totally about him being alert and paying attention and watching out for the other guy constantly … with distracted driving and other things,” he said. “Not only has Joe not caused an accident, he’s avoided being in an accident.”

Overland Park, Kansas-based YRC is the result of a 2003 merger between Yellow Transportation and Roadway – two national carrier names with a long history in Memphis trucking.

The company bills itself as “the original LTL (less than a truckload) carrier since 1924.”

“When Joe started in ’77, just a few years after that, deregulation came to the industry,” Hawkins said. As a result YRC is one of three union trucking companies in the country. Teamsters union officials were also among those honoring Brown Wednesday.

Though the business has changed several times over during Brown’s 39-year tenure, other changes have come over a longer period of time. Brown has been driving a stick – or manual transmission – for most of his career.

“One of the big advancements you see now is the tractors are automatics,” Hawkins said. “Typically all Class A tractors have been associated with being manual transmissions and that’s no longer the case.”

Brown was a man of few words Wednesday, which other drivers at the terminal say is his usual approach to work along with being upbeat.

Asked what his plans are, Brown said, “I don’t know. I want to see. It’s up to the man upstairs.”

Teamsters Win Another Court Case Against FedEx Freight

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit rejected FedEx Freight’s efforts to avoid bargaining with Teamsters Local 439 that had won an NLRB election covering the company’s drivers at its Stockton, California facility.

After Local 439 won an election, FedEx Freight refused to bargain and challenged the appropriateness of the bargaining unit.

This is the third Appellate Court to reject FedEx Freight’s effort to avoid bargaining with the Teamsters.

Read final judgment here

Drivers at XPO Logistics in Aurora, Illinois Choose Teamster Representation

Workers Want Decent, Affordable Health Care and Retirement Security

Drivers at XPO Logistics in suburban Chicago voted for Teamster representation yesterday, as workers across the country stand shoulder-to-shoulder to fight for fairness and respect at the one of the world’s largest transportation and logistics companies.

The 74 drivers at the former Con-way Freight join workers in Miami; Laredo, Texas; and Vernon, Calif. who have already formed their union with the Teamsters. In addition, 127 XPO warehouse workers in North Haven, Conn. also voted for Teamster representation yesterday, and workers at XPO in King of Prussia, Pa. filed for an election on Oct. 11.

“The workers at XPO in Aurora and in North Haven, Conn. sent the company a message that ‘enough is enough,’” said Tyson Johnson, Director of the Teamsters Freight Division. “The workers are tired of being mistreated and not having a say in their work lives.”

“It’s a new day here in Aurora because the workers took the bold step of forming their union as Teamsters,” said Tom Flynn, President of Local 179 in Joliet, Ill. “We will work hard to negotiate a contract that addresses their issues.”

“Our victory is important to all of us because we have seen how XPO operates since taking over Con-way Freight,” said Cliff Phillips, a driver in Aurora. “XPO is treating us unfairly, denying us any voice on the job and just seems interested in the bottom line. But now we will fight back as Teamsters!”

The Aurora workers are seeking affordable and decent health care, retirement security, better working conditions and respect and dignity on the job. XPO is the second-largest freight brokerage provider and second-largest less-than-truckload carrier in North America.

Workers at XPO Logistics in Connecticut Choose Teamster Representation

Workers Want Fair Wages and Improved, Affordable Health Care

In a historic vote, warehouse workers at XPO Logistics in North Haven, Conn. voted 72-49 for Teamster representation yesterday, becoming the first warehouse workers at the company to form a union in the United States.

“This is all about us workers standing up to this corporate bully and demanding fair wages, affordable health insurance and an end to the mistreatment,” employee Ted Furman said. “XPO’s CEO, Bradley Jacobs, had the audacity to come to our warehouse and tell us we don’t need a union, and then he returned just a couple days before the election. Well, Mr. Jacobs, we are now proud Teamster members!”

The 127 workers join freight workers at the former Con-way Freight in Miami, Laredo, Texas and Vernon, Calif. who have already formed their union with the Teamsters. Also, freight workers in Aurora, Ill. chose Teamster representation yesterday, and XPO workers in King of Prussia, Pa. filed for an election on Oct. 11.

“The XPO warehouse workers have sent the company a message that they will no longer tolerate the poor treatment and low wages,” said Steve Vairma, Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division. “I look forward to working with XPO workers at other warehouses who are demanding drastic changes in the way XPO treats its valuable employees.”

“Despite the company’s anti-worker, anti-union campaign, the workers in North Haven remained strong and united,” said Daniel Flanagan, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 443 in New Haven, Conn. “We will go to bat for them to win them the positive changes they deserve.”

Port, freight and warehouse workers at XPO are coming together across the country in their fight for a more secure future.

ABF Freight Driver Ernie Wood Named Vermont Driver of the Year

The Vermont Truck and Bus Association recognized Wood during a Burlington banquet

Wood is also Vermont's reigning three-axle - grand champion and best pre-trip winner

ABF Freight is proud to announce Ernie Wood, a professional driver based in Brattleboro, Vermont, has been named Driver of the Year by the Vermont Truck and Bus Association.

"Ernie richly deserves this recognition. He has driven for ABF Freight for 10 years, and during that time he has achieved a stellar safety record with zero accidents or injuries," said ABF Freight President Tim Thorne. "We applaud his professionalism and safety-first attitude, and we are proud he's on the ABF Freight team."

During his career, Wood has driven 19 years accident free. In the Vermont Truck Driving Championships, he has earned first-place honors twice, second place three times and third place once.

"It is with great pleasure that I congratulate Ernie Wood of ABF Freight as this year's Vermont Truck and Bus Association Driver of the Year," said Robert J. Sculley, VTBA executive director. "Mr. Wood is an example of the best of the best as he competed and finished with the highest score among all drivers in the Vermont Truck Driving Championships. We applaud his commitment to safety and thank ABF Freight and his wife and family for their support of Ernie as he represents our great industry on the highways of Vermont."

Holland Wheeling Shop Surpasses Six-Year Safety Milestone

When most people set their priorities, family is at the top of their list. Family comes first. That sentiment is one of the big things that drove the Holland Wheeling, IL Maintenance Shop to reach the safety milestone of six years without a lost-time accident.

"Wheeling is one of the smallest of our ten maintenance shops, but they’ve got a big workload," explains Paul Childers, Holland Area Safety Manager. "They treat one another like family, and that includes looking out for each another’s safety. Everyone there wants to be sure that none of their Holland family members goes home hurt. That’s true of several shops in my area, but it’s especially true in Wheeling."

Someone did the math on the total hours of time worked by the seven-man Wheeling crew without a lost-time accident and came up with a cumulative of 91 man-years.

"We do the same thing most of our shops do to keep people focused on safety," says Wheeling Maintenance Shop manager Bob Carlisle. "That includes safety briefings prior to every shift. We also focus on keeping the shop very clean. When the guys go home at the end of their shift, they leave their bays clean. This helps prevent hazards for both the guys who work in the shop as well as the drivers and other people who visit. We’re a team, and we work together as a team towards all of our goals here at Holland"

Bob’s team keeps their shop looking good, and the mechanics in the shop will be looking a bit sharper as well. As a small thank gift to recognize their safety accomplishment, they each received a new Carhartt winter coat and a celebratory cookout.

While the Wheeling team has an impressive safety record, the Holland Indianapolis shop is the current safety milestone leader, having achieved over ten years without a lost-time accident.

"Our new goal is to earn that #1 spot," Bob says. "I am confident we can do it because, here in Wheeling, we do the things we set our minds to achieving!"

Teamsters Honor Those Behind the Wheel

This week is National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. This is a time to remind everyone of the sacrifices and skills of professional truck drivers who keep America moving. Teamsters are celebrating the hard work of the men and women behind the wheel who labor on our nation's roads and highways.

We’re asking Teamster truck drivers to send in photos of you and your truck! You can message our Facebook inbox or post to our timeline with your photo at www.facebook.com/Teamsters. Don't forget to tell us what company and Teamster local you’re with.

Later this week we’ll share all your photos in a gallery on the website and on our Facebook timeline.

YRC Freight Celebrates Employee Appreciation Week

At YRC Freight, every employee matters. That’s why we’re happy to celebrate every member of our company during YRC Freight Employee Appreciation Week 2016, September 12-16.

To all of you who keep our business moving forward, thank you!  Share your positive story about a YRC Freight employee here http://yrcfreight.com/employeestories

ABF Freight Proudly Celebrates National Truck Driver Appreciation Week

System-wide celebration acknowledges the important contributions of ABF Freight employees

Events are planned throughout the week at 245 terminals across North America

ABF Freight is celebrating National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, September 11-17, 2016, with employee appreciation events at our 245 terminals.

“I want to extend my personal appreciation and thanks to all ABF Freight employees who serve our customers with excellence and integrity,” said ABF Freight President Tim Thorne. “At this special time, we are proud to show our appreciation with events designed to honor our employees. Our leadership team will be attending these events and will have the opportunity to meet and personally thank employees for their continued service.”

ABF Freight also recognizes employees throughout the year through safe driving certificates, plaques and other awards. Through training and recognition programs, ABF Freight supports our employees as they promote safety and increase public appreciation of the trucking industry in everything they do to serve our customers.

Established by the American Trucking Associations, National Truck Driver Appreciation Week has been a tradition since 1988.

“Truck drivers provide one of the most important services to this country — the timely delivery of critical goods — and the American people demand more and more from these hard working men and women each day,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “As an industry, we want to recognize and thank drivers for the work they do and for making safety a priority.”

Spear said the ATA urges everyone to take the time to honor all professional truck drivers for their hard work and commitment in tackling one of our economy's most demanding and important jobs. “These 3.5 million professional men and women not only deliver our goods safely, securely and on time, they also keep our highways safe,” he said.

Teamsters General Candidates Forum

Fred Zuckerman and Ken Hall, candidates for top offices in the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, participated in a debate at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. James Hoffa, International Brotherhood of Teamsters general president and candidate for re-election, designated Ken Hall to represent him at this debate.  Watch full debate here......

ABF Freight Driver A.J. Kelly Earns 2nd Place at National Truck Driving Championships

ABF Freight congratulates A.J. Kelly, an ABF Freight road driver from Cheyenne, Wyoming, for earning second place in the Twins class at the National Truck Driving Championships, held August 10-13, 2016, in Indianapolis.

To earn the right to compete in the national competition, drivers must win first place in their class during state competitions. The drivers also must maintain an accident-free driving record for the preceding 12 months.

“A.J. not only earned the right to compete in the nationals by winning first place in the Wyoming Twins class, he scored the highest on Wyoming’s written examination,” said ABF Freight President Tim Thorne. “His record with ABF Freight includes driving 16 years and 2 million miles with no accidents. A.J. is a true professional.”

Kelly has been driving professionally for 37 years. He is a two-time winner of the Wyoming Trucking Association’s Larry E. Meredith Award, which honors a driver’s professionalism. He has earned numerous awards at the state level, including two-time Grand Champion, five Team Trophies, Highest Written Score, Best Personal Interview, Rookie of the Year and the Kim Fife Award. Since he joined ABF Freight in 2000, Kelly has earned a Two Million Mile Award, a 16-year Safe Driving Certificate and a 15-year Safety Performance Award. He and his wife, Susie, have five children.

Mike White Named Bendix Grand Champion at 2016 National Truck Driving Championships

Richard Merich Awarded Rookie of the Year

American Trucking Associations announced Mike White as the Bendix Grand Champion of the 2016 National Truck Driving Championships in Indianapolis.

“After an impressive showing throughout the week, Mike White emerged as the most skilled and knowledgeable truck driver in the country,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “On behalf of the ATA and the trucking community, I want to congratulate Mike and thank the entire field of competitors for participating in these championships. Your commitment to excellence has made the nation’s highways a safer place for everyone.”

To clinch the prestigious title of 2016 Bendix Grand Champion, White’s driving skills and knowledge of transportation and truck safety surpassed the over 430 other professional truck drivers competing in Indianapolis this week.

White, who also took home the 3-axle class title, lives in nearby Nineveh, Indiana and drives professionally for Walmart Transportation.

ATA also recognized Richard Merich as the 2016 Rookie of the Year. Merich took home the honor after a strong performance in the flatbed division. The team of drivers from South Carolina produced the best collective score, with an average of 278.13, and were honored as the top state delegation.

Professionalism and dedication to the trucking industry were key themes during the National Truck Driving Championships. Charles Woodland was honored during the awards banquet with the Neill Darmstadter Professional Excellence Award and Chris Ignowski, CDS was chosen as the Lifetime Volunteer Award recipient.

ACT 1 served as a premier sponsor of the 2016 National Truck Driving Championships and National Step Van Driving Championships, which took place Aug. 10-13 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.

Since 2011, Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems has been the sole sponsor of the Bendix National Truck Driving Championships Grand Champion.

Collectively, this week’s competitors have accumulated more than 600 million safe-driving miles during their careers as professional truck drivers.

Champions from each of the 9 classes and the top state delegation were also announced. Joining Mike White on the list of national champions are:

3-Axle: Mike White, Nineveh, Indiana, Walmart Transportation

4-Axle: Ronald Metternick, Lowell, Michigan, FedEx Freight

5-Axle: Toby Kort, Aurora, Nebraska, FedEx Freight

Flatbed: Jay Love, Davis, South Dakota, FedEx Freight

Sleeper Berth: Larry Breen, Bushnell, Florida, Walmart Transportation

Straight Truck: Charles Randolph, Belle, West Virginia, PITT OHIO

Tank Truck: Jeffrey Langenhahn, Plover, Wisconsin, XPO Logistics

Twins: Chris Poynor, Richland, Washington, XPO Logistics

Step Van: Frank Woods, Shawsville, Virginia, FedEx Express

Other Awards

Rookie of the Year: Richard Merich, Lochbuie, Colorado, FedEx Freight

Team Champions: South Carolina

Vehicle Condition: William Pudney, Minneapolis, Minnesota, FedEx Express

Neill Darmstadter Professional Excellence: Charles Woodland, Surprise, Arizona, FedEx Freight

Lifetime Volunteer Award: Chris Ignowski, CDS, FedEx Ground

Lifetime Volunteer Award: Chris Ignowski, CDS, FedEx Ground

Full results from today’s final competitiom

3-Axle
	1	Charles White	Walmart Transportation, LLC	Indiana
	2	Jimmie Wisley	YRC Freight	Kansas
	3	Robin Sams	FedEx Freight	Arkansas
	4	Robert Fernald	Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC	Maine
	5	Cedric Pack	FedEx Freight	Washington
4-Axle
	1	Ronald Metternick	FedEx Freight	Michigan
	2	Eduardo Camacho	H-E-B Grocery Co.	Texas
	3	Allen Sohn	FedEx Freight	Iowa
	4	Andres Orozco	FedEx Freight	Arizona
	5	Aslaiyi Wilkes	Reddaway	Oregon
5-Axle
	1	Toby Kort	FedEx Freight	Nebraska
	2	Larry Warr	Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC	Florida
	3	Daniel Bruch	FedEx Freight	New Mexico
	4	Christopher Novak	FedEx Express	Vermont
	5	Darren Bogart	Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC	Kansas
Flatbed
	1	Jay Love	FedEx Freight	South Dakota
	2	William Hill	Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.	Idaho
	3	Donald Logan	FedEx Freight	Kansas
	4	Robert Dean	XPO Logistics, Inc.	Washington
	5	Curtis McMellon	XPO Logistics, Inc.	Louisiana
Sleeper Berth
	1	Larry Breen	Walmart Transportation, LLC	Florida
	2	Bryan Elges	FedEx Freight	Ohio
	3	Ron Marker	Walmart Transportation, LLC	Indiana
	4	Roland Bolduc	FedEx Express	Massachusetts
	5	Barry Geck	Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC	Utah
Straight Truck
	1	Charles Randolph	PITT OHIO	West Virginia
	2	Glendon Buzzell	Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC	Maine
	3	Wilbur Johnson	FedEx Freight	Florida
	4	James Carver	Safeway, Inc.	Maryland
	5	Jesse Benkert	Fedex Ground	Kentucky
Tank Truck
	1	Jeffrey Langenhahn	XPO Logistics, Inc.	Wisconsin
	2	Kenneth Painter	XPO Logistics, Inc.	Montana
	3	Allen Byrne	Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC	Utah
	4	Steve Elliston	Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC	Michigan
	5	Nickolas Backes	PITT OHIO	West Virginia
Twins
	1	Chris Poynor	XPO Logistics, Inc.	Washington
	2	Andrew Kelly	ABF Freight System, Inc.	Wyoming
	3	James Luckadoo	UPS Freight	South Carolina
	4	James McNeill	FedEx Freight	Mississippi
	5	Stephen Black	Golub Corp/PriceChopper Supermarkets	New York
Step Van
	1	Frank Woods	FedEx Express	Virginia
	2	Jeff Evans	FedEx Ground	New York
	3	Curtis Harpole	FedEx Ground	Oklahoma
	4	Jason Imhoff	Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC	Ohio
	5	Matthew Allison	FedEx Ground	Colorado