We hope everyone had a safe and pleasant Thanksgiving Holiday!
(we’re still stuffed!)

ATRI Releases Annual List of Top Truck Freight Congestion Locations

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) today released the latest findings of its annual truck bottleneck listing.  The 2015 Congestion Impact Analysis of Freight-Significant Highway Locations, which assesses the level of truck-oriented congestion at 250 locations on the national highway system, uses several customized software applications and analysis methods, along with terabytes of data from trucking operations to produce a congestion impact ranking for each location.  The data is associated with the FHWA-sponsored Freight Performance Measures (FPM) initiative.  The locations detailed in this latest ATRI report represent the top 100 congested locations.

The number one spot on the ATRI list this year is the Tom Moreland Interchange in Atlanta, GA, a five-level stack interchange at the intersection of I-285 and I-85.  Known by local commuters as “Spaghetti Junction,” it is not only the confluence of two highly traveled interstates, but also provides ramps to four secondary roadways.  Also notable on this year’s list – four of the top 10 truck choke points are located in Houston, TX.  The top 10 locations on the ATRI list this year are:

ATLANTA, GA: I-285 AT I-85 (NORTH)
CHICAGO, IL: I-290 AT I-90/I-94
FORT LEE, NJ: I-95 AT SR 4
LOUISVILLE, KY: I-65 AT I-64/I-71
HOUSTON, TX: I-610 AT US 290
HOUSTON, TX: I-10 AT I-45
CINCINNATI, OH: I-71 AT I-75
HOUSTON, TX: I-45 AT US 59
LOS ANGELES, CA: SR 60 AT SR 57
HOUSTON, TX: I-10 AT US 59

“With a robust economy comes increased demand for consumer goods, the lion’s share of which is carried by truck.  We see that reflected in the ATRI truck bottleneck list as more trucks move through the nation’s major metropolitan areas to deliver the goods,” said Ed Crowell, Georgia Motor Trucking Association President and CEO.  “ATRI’s ranking allows states to better understand where targeted infrastructure improvements could keep the economy moving.”

ATA, America’s Road Team Offers Holiday Driving Tips

During the holiday season, American Trucking Associations and America’s Road Team Captains, elite professional truck drivers with millions of miles of accident-free driving, are urging motorists to be safe on the roads.

“Highway safety is a critical part of making sure everyone has a happy holiday celebration,” said Charlie Demchock, a driver with Walmart Transportation and an America’s Road Team Captain. “Drivers may have to deal with difficult weather conditions, heavy traffic, and many other problems, so we want to make sure everyone has the tools and information to get to their destinations safely.”

Tips for safe holiday travel include:

Leave early and avoid risks:  Leave early and allow for delays in your travel schedule. Know your limitations: don't drive when tired, upset or physically ill.

Plan ahead: Before you get on a highway, know your exit by name and number, and watch the signs as you near the off-ramp. Drivers making unexpected lane changes to exit often cause accidents.

Avoid extreme weather conditions: Ice, hail and snow make roads difficult to travel. Try to avoid driving through extreme weather conditions, and travel during daylight as much as possible.

Remove ice and snow from your vehicle:  Clear your windows and roof of snow to ensure you have maximum visibility and avoid creating a hazard for the vehicle behind you. Don't allow ice and snow to create additional blind spots on your vehicle.

Prepare your vehicle for long distance travel: Check your wipers and fluids. Have your radiator and cooling system serviced. Simple maintenance can prevent many of the problems that strand motorists on the side of the road before you leave your home.

Buckle up: Safety belts are not a fashion statement – they save lives.

Slow down: Chances of a crash nearly triple when driving faster than surrounding traffic. With winter weather conditions present, speeding becomes increasingly hazardous. Allow plenty of space around you as a cushion and reduce your speed.

Abide by traffic rules: Follow traffic signs and signals, while paying special attention to work zones.

Pay Attention: Distracted driving is a leading cause of crashes. Looking away for even two seconds doubles the chances of an accident.  Turn cell phones and PDAs off.

Be aware of trucks' blind spots:  When sharing the road with large trucks, be aware of their blind spots.  If you can't see the truck driver in his or her mirrors, then the truck driver can't see you.

Do not cut in front of large trucks:  Remember that trucks are heavier and take longer to make a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them.

Use hands-free mode on GPS/smartphone: If using a smartphone for GPS directions, make sure to plug in the route before starting the trip, then set the phone down and leave it in hands-free mode with voice direction activated. GPS directions are useful but it is important to avoid looking at the device while driving to prevent safety distractions.

Pennsylvania Mother’s Day Convoy Seeks 500 Trucks & New Record

For the past 26 years the Make A Wish Foundation of Philadelphia, Northern Delaware and Susquehanna Valley has raised some $5 million with the help of truck drivers.

It’s annual Mother’s Day Truck Convoy For Wishes is one of its major fundraiser's, and in  2016 the Pennsylvania organization hopes to raise more than $350,000 to grant wishes to children with severe medical conditions.

Road Pro is once again the presenting sponsor for the event. When the event is held next May 8, the organization is also hoping to set a new record for the largest truck convoy in the world. They want to attracted at least 500 trucks for the event.

The convoy assembles at the Burle Business Park in Lancaster, Pa., and events get started at The 8:30 a.m. Plans call for the convoy to depart the business park at 1:30 p.m., travel to Ephrata, Pa., and return.