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The Official Magazine of the National Star Route Mail Contractors Association

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Published by Matthews Publishing Group LLC, 2025-03-03 13:38:53

Star Carrier August 2024

The Official Magazine of the National Star Route Mail Contractors Association

Keywords: trucking,postal services,nsrmca

Inside this Issue Breaking Through on New Fuel • 10 Eleven Members Recognized • 14 2023 Convention Service • 22 August 2024 A Patriarch’s Pledge ... Fulfilled • 6 Keeping Your Drivers in the Clear • 12 Remembering Attorney David Hendel • 16


Copyright 2024, National Star Route Mail Contractors Association All rights reserved. No part of this monthly publication may be reproduced – either wholly or in part – without the express permission of the copyright holder. 8521 Leesburg Pike, Suite 350, Vienna, Virginia 22182 • Toll Free 1-866-543-1661 • (202) 543-1661 • www.nsrmca.org National Executive Board Member at Large Tony Davis Davis Mail Services (844) 864-1767 [email protected] Member at Large Nina Dittmar Marathon Mail Service [email protected] Jack Khudikyan President AJR Trucking [email protected] Eastern Region Vice President Lisa McAbee McAbee Trucking (864) 491-3576 [email protected] Managers PNT - George Rood (330) 502-2023 [email protected] LDT - Vacant CDS - Janelle Hankins [email protected] Central Region Vice President Larry Stough Sodrel Truck Lines (812) 282-7941 [email protected] Managers PNT - Tom Brandtner [email protected] LDT - Terry Leckel [email protected] CDS - Paul Millan [email protected] Suzan Porter Vice President C Blackburn, Inc. (845) 756-2261 [email protected] Jami Sweeney Secretary-Treasurer Katlyn, Inc. (301) 643-0212 [email protected] Southern Region Vice President Jeff Lepak Louis V. Lepak Trucking Co., Inc. (405) 236-0944 [email protected] Managers PNT - Ed Zengel, Jr. [email protected] LDT - Tony Davis [email protected] CDS - Cindy LoRusso [email protected] Acting Western Region V.P. Dan Rackley Blue Eagle Contracting, Inc. (530) 272-0287 (Ext. 201) [email protected] Managers PNT - Albert Rosette [email protected] LDT - Joshua Stoneback [email protected] CDS - Randy Weber [email protected] Caribbean Region Vice President Andry Aguirre Usuga A. Aguirre Transport [email protected] Northeast Region Vice President Richard Salanger Salanger Trucking LLC (315) 422-8867 [email protected] Managers PNT - Dwayne Andreasen [email protected] LDT - Kalib Carmichael [email protected] CDS - Jim Jennings [email protected] 2 NSRMCA


Editorial Managing Editor: Cameron Ayers Editor: Landon Stamper Contributors: Mindy Long, Sean O’Connell Production Layout: Landon Stamper & Cameron Ayers Printing/Distribution: Heritage Printing Visuals Cover Art: Jennifer Patterson Profile Photos: Brian Powers Infographic: Chris Donegan CONTENTS The Star Carrier • Vol. 75, No. 8 From the Executive Director 4 Freight Auction Board Carrier Requirements 18 Legal Corner Jonathan Todd & Robert Naumoff 28 President’s Perspective Jack Khudikyan 36 News & Columns Features Legislative Roundup 22 Used Truck Sales Summary 26 NSRMCA Rewind 30 Upcoming Events 32 DOE Fuel Indexes 40 CPI-W: CDS Contractor Index 42 Top Stories Porter Steers Family-Owned B&B Toward a Bright Future 6 Getting in the Weeds 10 Keeping Drivers in the Clear 12 Think Tank Session Highlights Solutions 14 Friends and Colleagues Mourn Loss of David Hendel 16 Top 9: Preparing for a DOT Audit 20 Member Spotlight: Jeff Lepak 24 AUGUST 2024 3


From the Executive Director Gregory R. Reed [email protected] (202) 543-1661 Dear Star Carrier Readers, Postmaster General DeJoy has repeatedly asserted over the past four years that the only constant in this industry is change. As reflected by the cover of this month’s The Star Carrier, the same is true for the association. The idea of continuous change can be difficult to embrace. It is equal parts frustrating and exhausting. If there is something in the future which we can look toward, we impatiently wonder why it has not occurred yet and the reason for the delay. Alternatively, once some progress has been achieved, we are inclined to declare victory and pause to catch our breath. But embracing continuous change is a necessity for success in life and the postal industry. Or as Benjamin Franklin, the nation’s first Postmaster General, has been reported as saying: “when you’re finished changing, you’re finished.” Over the years, The Star Carrier has been one of the most visible barometers of change. If you go back far enough, but much more recently than you might guess, amid industry insights you could find family recipes and personal announcements, such as births and weddings. Since 2021, The Star Carrier has leaped forward from a basic newsletter to a high-quality production magazine. The subject matter has significantly expanded, insights are shared from numerous authors, and in-depth reporting has become a regular component. Member features, proudly celebrating the contribution of postal transportation suppliers, greet readers on the cover of the digital and print versions each month. Change has now come to the magazine’s cover. This month’s cover story departs from our recent work in two ways: first, it explores a regulatory issue; second, that regulatory issue impacts the entire transportation industry and not just postal transportation suppliers. While you will still find a member feature within — an addition to The Star Carrier that began with Lisa McAbee in September 2021 that I will always fight to keep — this new cover reflects NSRMCA’s recognition that we must continue to experiment and evolve. That approach informs all of the association’s work. If you have not done so in a while, visit the association’s website, where you will find new content under “Events,” “News & Education,” and “Postal Resources.” The national convention is also a testament to change with new industry insight, supplier-led training, and a structure intended to better support our industry partners. There is still more change to come, which is also an invitation to NSRMCA members and partners to participate in shaping the future of the association and industry. Neither frustrating nor exhausting, embracing continuous change is tremendously fun. Sincerely, Gregory Reed 4 NSRMCA


AUGUST 2024 5


ntrepreneur Bob Keller believed in the lifechanging potential of a single postal contract, and in 1969 he uprooted his life and family from Elkhart, Indiana, to Kalamazoo, Michigan, for the opportunity. It was a promising risk that, 55 years later, has continued to feed his family across four generations. Keller passed unexpectedly in 1983, leaving his three adult children — Theresa, Terry and Tom — to run the company. Today, all three of them are still involved in B&B Trucking’s operations, but it is their children who are running the company. Justin Porter, Keller’s grandson, is part of the team pushing the company into the future, By Sean O’Connell A Patriarch’s Pledge ... Fullfilled Porter Steers Family-Owned B&B Toward a Bright Future Justin Porter has been working for his family’s business, B&B Trucking, since he was 13. (Photo by Brian Powers) E 6 NSRMCA


embracing tradition while still anticipating the hurdles around the bend. An avid hiker, Porter is equipped for whatever terrain lies ahead: physically, mentally and economically. Officially, Porter answers to the title of Contracting Client Manager but there is no corner of the company that he has not been in. “I came under employment at B&B at 13 years old,” he says with a laugh. “As soon as I could get a work permit, I was a general laborer. They had me cleaning poles, scraping gum off the chairs. I did some work in the trailer shop. I’ve done dispatching, even accounts payable. But that’s not unusual. The whole company is that way. We have mechanics that have transitioned to drivers and dispatchers who are now managers. We try to empower our employees.” These days, B&B Trucking logs more than twentyone million miles per year with more than two dozen contracts scattered across the eastern United States. The name comes from Bob Keller and his business partner, affectionately known as Bub. B&B Trucking employs more than just Keller’s family. Over three hundred people help to operate a 12-bay garage, a 20,000-square-foot mechanic’s shop and dozens of trucks plowing their way through Atlantic snow drifts. Work It Out A strong work ethic and singular focus was drilled into Porter as he explored the company. “I gravitate towards anything in our operations,” he says. “Our logistics and operations are what I still put a lot of support onto. I work with dispatchers all the time. I like that. I’ve been able to adapt to whatever role for our organization. It’s like a math problem. I like that there is not a clear solution here. I always think ‘let’s collaborate and find a solution.’” Porter grew up admiring his family’s dedication to each other and the business. “My mother is still licensed to drive a truck,” says Porter. “Both of my uncles still have their licenses too.” Shortly after September 11th, 2001, college-aged Porter was given a pop quiz assignment. “My continued on page 8 uncle threw a commercial driver’s license handbook at me and told me to get down to the DMV and get my CDL. I got my temporary instruction permit, which allowed me to team drive. Next thing you know, my mom and I are in a truck heading from Detroit to Orlando.” Despite Keller’s sudden passing in the ’80s, the company was able to not only survive but thrive, acquiring dozens more contracts and expanding their capabilities as a self-sufficient trucking stronghold towards the end of the century. “It was thrust upon them to sink or swim. My mother and her two brothers were dealt a tough hand,” explains Porter. “In the last five years, I’ve been grateful and blessed to see people retire who have been with us for forty years, twenty-five years. Coworkers who have seen the best of me to the worst of me, from little kid stuff to now.” Justin Porter isn’t the only family member of his generation working the day-to-day operations at B&B Trucking. His cousin, Jamie Vander Baan, is the transportation systems manager, while his brother, Josh, serves as the director of operations. “I grew up with my brother as my best friend,” says Justin. “Josh has always been optimistic and forward-thinking. With a family business, the dynamic can change a lot when a new generation takes over, but he has tremendous leadership qualities.” Adaptation Is Key Changing dynamics are also a big part of Porter’s personal life. Lately, his focus has been on staying healthy, finding an exercise regiment that works for him that also makes room for his Pitbull/Mastiff mix, Buddy. The two of them have found that groove in the pre-dawn hours, hiking the darkened trails of Kalamazoo in the time before most of his neighbors are even awake. “Where I live, I have a sanctuary that I go out to every morning usually between 5 and 6 a.m. I’m out there running with my dog for an hour. I got all the gear. I’ve got spikes for my shoes if it is icy out. You have to adapt. I go out daily no matter what time of year.” AUGUST 2024 7


Bright Future Continued That philosophy of acceptance does not come about without working on it. Porter sought to strengthen not only his physical body (“You can’t always eat like a campground raccoon,” he jokes) but maintaining a positive and present mental state. He has found that in the form of meditation. “My personal commitment to consistency and continuous improvement is a reflection of what we do as an organization,” he says. “It helps me focus. It helps me to put my day in perspective and see what lies ahead.” Bob Keller would probably not recognize the expanded juggernaut his business has become. That is largely due to the company’s growth focus. They have expanded their non-postal shipping routes and have found a network of trucks looking to handle freight. The company has been recognized as one of the “Top 3 Green Fleets” in the nation while their pursuit of efficient electronic interfaces maximizes their ability to adapt. Their FedEx service award for 100 percent on-time service with zero failures attests to that winning strategy. That persistence to learn and adapt is at the heart of Porter’s journey, as it has been for generations in his family. “Don’t have too much pride to ask for help,” he advises. “Lean on your resources. Identify issues before they become issues. Foster communication. There are all the resources in the world to be successful. Use them.” Justin Porter, middle, goes over some notes with employees in the B&B Trucking yard. (Photo by Brian Powers) 8 NSRMCA


AUGUST 2024 9


Federal regulators have proposed downgrading marijuana’s drug classification in a move that could create headaches for drug testing in the transportation sector. The May 16 proposed rule issued by the Justice Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) would reclassify marijuana for the first time since 1970, moving it from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule I drugs — such as heroin, LSD and peyote — have a high potential for abuse, whereas Schedule III drugs — like Tylenol with codeine, ketamine and steroids — have moderate to low potential for abuse and dependance. The potential switch — which could take years to enact — comes with lots of baggage for the transportation industry. Marijuana accounts for nearly 60 percent of positive drug tests reported to the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse in the past five years (see related story, p. 12). P. Sean Garney of Scopelitis Transportation Consulting A proposed rule would move marijuana from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III drug. (Photo by Moussa81, courtesy of iStockphoto.com) By Mindy Long and Cameron Ayers Getting In the Weeds Proposal Would Change Marijuana’s Classification 10 NSRMCA


“ ” Evolving cultural norms around marijuana [are] muddying the drug-free waters of the trucking industry. —P. Sean Garney believes that in the near term, the proposal will reinforce increasingly lax attitudes toward marijuana among commercial drivers. “Recent data from the American Transportation Research Institute demonstrated that as states legalize marijuana, some may believe that — despite rules that say otherwise — it’s okay to smoke pot during home time,” said Garney. “Of course, this isn’t true, but evolving cultural norms around marijuana [are] muddying the drug-free waters of the trucking industry.” Safety Concerns The American Trucking Associations (ATA) views this as a safety issue, noting that marijuana and alcohol are the most common causes of impaired driving in serious or fatal crashes. “ATA is alarmed by the possibility that this reclassification could prohibit certain industries from screening for marijuana use by workers performing safety-sensitive roles,” the organization stated in a May 16 release. Deregulation or rescheduling of marijuana would likely preclude testing for all professional drivers and transportation workers as part of the DOT testing program, according to the ATA. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) voiced the same concerns, arguing in July 19 remarks that rescheduling marijuana “would prevent testing for marijuana use by safety-sensitive employees who are subject either to the U.S. Department of Transportation ... drug testing ... or to federal workplace drug testing under HHS Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs.” “We urge the DEA to ensure that any final rule to reschedule marijuana does not compromise marijuana testing under DOT and HHS procedures applicable to safety-sensitive transportation employees,” the NTSB wrote. However, DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg has insisted that his agency will continue to test for marijuana, regardless of its classification. This is because the regulations governing testing identify the drugs by name, rather than classification. Marijuana testing falls under 49 C.F.R. Part 40 Section 40.82(a). More Steps Remain From a technical perspective, several steps will have to be taken before marijuana use is allowed in the industry, which Garney said will take time. “This includes DEA finishing its rules — don’t forget it’s an election year, the outcome of which could change the course of this rulemaking — and then DOT taking specific action to allow its use,” he said. For now, Garney recommends carriers and the trucking industry make it clear that marijuana use among truck drivers is not acceptable. He also suggests preparing for a future in which the focus is on impairment rather than use. The rescheduling of a controlled substance follows a formal rulemaking procedure that requires notice to the public, as well as an opportunity for comment and an administrative hearing. The proposed rule became public on May 16. There may be an administrative hearing after a public comment period to receive additional input before a final rule is issued. AUGUST 2024 11


Drug testing is a critical element of the hiring process for truck drivers to ensure safety on the road. With that in mind, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration established the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse in 2016, which carriers use to gain insights into driver applicants’ drug and alcohol testing results history before they hire them and throughout the year. FMCSA recently reported that positive drug tests for marijuana and other substances identified among drivers dropped in 2023 compared with 2022. Despite this, the overall number of drug violations reported to the Clearinghouse and the number of refusals increased. “Drivers either say no because they know they’re going to fail or they tried to pass a fake urine sample and it was detected, which is considered a refusal,” said Jeremy Reymer, founder of DriverReach. John Weathers, president of Altress Trucking, said his company takes a strict approach to drivers who avoid or falsify tests. “We have not had any refusals, but we also have a zero-tolerance policy, so if anyone did refuse, it would result in employment termination,” he said. To help streamline the testing process, Altress Trucking utilizes a drug and alcohol program at the local hospital. “We send our information via eScreen for the preemployment hires and the random testing requirements,” Weathers explained. Keeping Drivers in the Clear By Mindy Long The Clearinghouse keeps a record of drivers’ drug and alcohol testing history. (Photo by Lothar Drechsel, courtesy of iStockphoto.com) Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse 12 NSRMCA


McAbee Trucking works with an agency that handles random drug testing to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. “They determine the percentage we test. They know the number of employees we have and the DOT requirements and take care of that,” said Lisa McAbee, vice president of McAbee Trucking. Once drivers are selected, they have two hours to get tested. Testing costs can add up, especially when turnover is high. “Alcohol testing is running around $37, and drug testing is approximately $72. We had several years where driver turnover was extremely high and frequent new hire testing was necessary,” Weathers said. Types of Tests Currently, only urine testing can be conducted to comply with DOT and FMCSA controlled substances testing regulations. However, a final rule that would permit — but not require — the use of oral fluid specimens for drug testing went into effect June 1, 2023. “However, for employers to begin using oral fluid specimens in accordance with the final rule, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services needs to certify at least two laboratories for oral fluid testing, which has not yet occurred,” said Cicely Waters, FMCSA communications director. The DOT’s Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance (ODAPC) and FMCSA will inform FMCSA-regulated employers when these laboratory certifications are in place, which will allow employers to conduct drug testing using saliva. “Oral fluid for drug testing will give employers a choice that will help combat employee cheating on urine drug tests and provide a less intrusive means of achieving the safety goals of the program,” Waters said. Hair testing is not authorized under DOT regulations. Waters said the Department of Health and Human Services must issue scientific and technical guidelines for hair testing before DOT’s ODAPC can consider a proposed rule to integrate hair testing into DOT’s rules, which has yet to occur. Increased Safety Overall, those in the industry said the Clearinghouse is continued on page 14 improving safety. “Since January 6, 2020, over 235,000 commercial drivers have had at least one drug or alcohol violation reported to the Clearinghouse,” Waters said. “This indicates the Clearinghouse is functioning as Congress intended by identifying drivers not legally authorized to operate a commercial motor vehicle due to a drug or alcohol violation.” If drivers receive a violation, they can complete a multistep return-to-duty (RTD) process to get back on the road. “The process includes referral to and evaluation by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), clearance by the SAP for RTD testing, a negative RTD test and follow-up testing,” Waters said. Since implementation, only about one-third of drivers in a prohibited status have enrolled in the return-to-duty process. “It’s probably safe to assume that the other drivers have left the industry for other occupations,” Garney said. “We as an industry have asked ourselves if losing drivers not willing to stop using drugs and/or misusing alcohol is a bad thing. The answer has been a resounding ‘no.’” McAbee said insurance companies can prohibit carriers from hiring drivers who have a violation, even if they’ve completed an SAP program. “Insurance requirements and DOT requirements are different things. Your insurance can be put at risk,” she said. Kathy Close, an editor for JJ Keller, a provider of compliance services and solutions for the trucking industry, said employers should work with human resources professionals to ensure they comply with all employment laws when creating a policy about hiring drivers who have had a violation. Change is Coming Upcoming changes to the Clearinghouse that will take effect on November 18 will make it easier for roadside inspectors and carriers to identify drivers in a prohibited status, which will show up on their motor vehicle record, Garney said. As part of new federal regulations, FMCSA is partnering with State Driver’s Licensing Agencies so that drivers with a “prohibited” Clearinghouse status will lose or be denied AUGUST 2024 13


Keeping Drivers Continued NSRMCA member RFX | REFE recently hosted a “Think Tank” session, which was attended by some of the top USPS suppliers and multiple USPS officials, including Pete Routsolias, Bill Shepard and Nicholas Anziano. RFX | REFE President and CEO Nate Lourie, third from right, said “this unique idea was birthed to highlight a collaborative approach through sharing best practices to bring improvements and efficiency gains to one of the largest shippers in America.” For the photo, Lourie gave everyone a t-shirt from the XEL Foundation, which raises money for autism research and to advocate for affected individuals. Think Tank Session Highlights Solutions their state-issued commercial driving privileges. “This adds a layer of safety, making it more difficult for drivers to conceal their drug and alcohol program violations from current or prospective employers and evade the commercial motor vehicle driving prohibition,” Waters said. The final rule anticipated the upcoming changes would affect about 5,000 drivers annually due to a downgraded license, Close said. “It will put pressure on those drivers who have unresolved testing in the Clearinghouse,” she added. “The final rule allows all traffic safety enforcement officers to identify prohibited drivers by conducting a license check during a traffic stop. It will no longer limit it to roadside inspectors during a CVSA inspection.” The new requirement won’t change the process for carriers, but it will assist with “the awareness and visibility of drivers who failed a test,” Reymear explained. For Weathers, the Clearinghouse has made it easier to identify issues. “With the Clearinghouse, it only takes a few minutes to receive the requested information,” he said. Despite regulations requiring carriers to register for the Clearinghouse, there are still fleets that haven’t done so. “They have to register, and if they haven’t, they’re violating a bunch of different rules,” Reymer said. “FMCSA knows who they are.” Keeping up with all of the requirements can be a challenge, and McAbee said she has engaged partners to help her and has implemented safety programs. “I have a lot of people around me that help us stay compliant,” she said. “If you don’t have the support system, get it.” 14 NSRMCA


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“I suspect it was because of who he represented throughout his career: transportation companies, often small and family-owned, that were invaluable to the movement of the mail throughout the nation,” Reed said. “His joyfulness, in turn, was infectious.” Association President Jack Khudikyan said that “David’s memory will live on for a long time due to the work he has done for the industry. He always worked for the little guy and made sure it was fair for them to keep serving.” At the time of his passing, Hendel was a partner at Culhane; prior to that, he worked at Husch Blackwell. Brian Waagner, a partner at Husch Blackwell, said he will remember Hendel “for his creativity and for his empathy.” “David really cared for his clients and worked hard to see that they got the best result possible,” Waagner said. “He had a huge impact on everyone who knew him.” Randy Royster, NSRMCA member and past vice president, called Hendel “a real asset to our association and organization,” adding that “he was dedicated, respected and admired by all.” Hendel leaves behind a wife, two sons, a daughter and three grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Deer Valley YMCA Family Camp - Deer Valley Conservancy. Friends and Colleagues Mourn Loss of David Hendel The passing of attorney David Hendel was marked with shock and sadness by many in the postal contracting space that worked with him over the years. Hendel, who passed away July 1, was a fierce legal advocate for postal contractors over the decades, many of them NSRMCA members. He also had served as NSRMCA’s attorney and wrote the column Legal Corner for many years. Past association president John Sheehy said Hendel was “always extremely knowledgeable, friendly and willing to assist in trying to figure out issues.” “I remember having dinner with him early in my leadership career with the NSRMCA and discussing the things I was hoping to accomplish, and that relationship grew closer as I went up the ranks inside the association,” Sheehy said. “He was always someone I was able to confer with and help me make some of the tougher decisions.” Sheehy recalled that Hendel introduced him to current NSRMCA Executive Director Greg Reed when the association was searching for a new leader after the retirement of John “Skip” Maraney. “Dave has undoubtedly left a positive impact on the association and on many of us personally, [and] for that I will always think of Dave with reverence and respect, Sheehy said. “We did not always agree with each other, but that always made our conversation more interesting.” Reed described Hendel as a “happy warrior,” a rarity in the profession due to “the often-adversarial nature of the job.” By Landon Stamper 16 NSRMCA


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1. Organization starts at day one. If it starts on day two, you’re already behind. 2. Remember the intent of the audit: to keep companies on the straight and narrow. It can be easy to try and cut corners but the result will only endanger your employees and those who encounter your fleet on the road. 3. Know your company inside and out. Familiarize yourself with all processes, not just those that apply to you day-to-day. This awareness helps you anticipate issues and helps to keep lines of communication open between departments. 4. Ensure each department is aware that they are not the only ones being held to high expectations. Make sure the challenges faced by mechanics are recognized, while also highlighting the work of drivers and administrative positions. No company with more than one vehicle on the road can exist without the efforts of many. 5. Details, details, details. This process will be smoothest if you have thorough notes that stay consistently detailed throughout the year. Track miles daily, monitor gas consumption and know when and where you drivers are and where they should be. 6. Look ahead. Keep an eye on due dates and other annual expenses like license expirations to prevent lapses in coverage. 7. Keeping your paperwork in order requires a bookkeeping system that is reliable and easy to use across departments. Learn these programs to avoid frustration as deadlines near. 8. Know the regulations. Not all rules are the same and different-sized fleets and hours on the road come with different rules. 9. Do not expect the auditor to know all of the rules, whether the results favor you or not. Only you can look out for your company’s best interest. Having that knowledge prior to your audit is infinitely more valuable than after. DOT audits are an inevitability. If you treat them that way and conduct all your business according to the rules, you’ll never have to worry about them. Audits are about rooting out bad actors that don’t adhere to rigorous standards, while ensuring that carriers operate safely and compliantly. Here are nine solid suggestions to help you prepare for the process. Preparing for T op 9 : a DOT Audit By Sean O’Connell 20 NSRMCA


AUGUST 2024 21


Legislative Round Up The latest legislative developments at the state and federal level Federal Activity S. 4651 — Securing America’s Federal Equipment in Supply Chains Act (referred to committee 7/10) https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/4651 S. 4675 — United States Postal Service Stop and Study Act (referred to committee on 7/11) https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/4675 S. 4685 — A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish the truck fleet retreaded tire tax credit, to require federal agencies to consider the use of retreaded tires, and for other purposes (referred to committee on 7/11) https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/4685 H.R. 9028 — Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025 (allows for $200 million for truck parking, placed on Union Calendar 7/12) https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/9028 Supreme Court — Petition for a writ of certiorari in Diamond Alternative Energy LLC v. Environmental Protection Agency (filed July 2) https://tinyurl.com/mr2akxwj Supreme Court — Petition for a writ of certiorari in State of Ohio v. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (filed July 5) https://tinyurl.com/ykknzks9 Did we miss any important trucking legislation coming down the pike? If so, please let us know. Contact Cameron Ayers at [email protected]. 22 NSRMCA


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CDS SPOTLIGHT Cindy LoRusso VITAL STATISTICS LOCATION: ORLANDO, FLA. CONTRACTS: 4 EMPLOYEES: 6 VEHICLES: 8 STARTING YEAR: 1994 MEMBER SINCE: 2004 MILES DRIVEN ANNUALLY: 10,000 OCTOBER 2023 1 What’s Your Hidden Talent? I can rock a mic at karaoke! What Does Your Family Think of Your Work? Ask them when their shifts start. All of them deliver for me! Who Do You Most Admire? Myself, duh. What is the Square Root of 15? Answer! We Have Ways of Making You Talk! Please don’t use the thumbscrews on me again! AIGGHHHEEE!!! Describe Yourself in One Word: Tough What’s the Strangest Item You’ve Delivered? Cosmetics to a funeral home! What’s the Best Part of the Job? Being my own boss. What Do You Miss Most Fromthe ’80s? Cocaine Where Do You See Yourself in 20 Years? In a cozy cemetary plot. CDS SPOTLIGHT Cindy LoRusso VITAL STATISTICS LOCATION: ORLANDO, FLA. CONTRACTS: 4 EMPLOYEES: 6 VEHICLES: 8 STARTING YEAR: 1994 MEMBER SINCE: 2004 MILES DRIVEN ANNUALLY: 10,000 What’s Your Hidden Talent? I can rock a mic at karaoke! What Does Your Family Think of Your Work? Ask them when their shifts start. All of them deliver for me! Who Do You Most Admire? Myself, duh. What is the Square Root of 15? Answer! We Have Ways of Making You Talk! ld’hhbDescribe Yourself in One Word: Tough What’s the Strangest Item You’ve Delivered? Cosmetics to a funeral home! What’s the Best Part of the Job? Being my own boss. What Do You Miss Most Fromthe ’80s? Cocaine hlfiCDS SPOTLIGHT Cindy LoRusso VITAL STATISTICS LOCATION: ORLANDO, FLA. CONTRACTS: 4 EMPLOYEES: 6 VEHICLES: 8 STARTING YEAR: 1994 MEMBER SINCE: 2004 MILES DRIVEN ANNUALLY: 10,000 OCTOBER 2023 1 What’s Your Hidden Talent? I can rock a mic at karaoke! What Does Your Family Think of Your Work? Ask them when their shifts start. All of them deliver for me! Who Do You Most Admire? Myself, duh. What is the Square Root of 15? Answer! We Have Ways of Making You Talk! Please don’t use the thumbscrews on me again! AIGGHHHEEE!!! Describe Yourself in One Word: Tough What’s the Strangest Item You’ve Delivered? Cosmetics to a funeral home! What’s the Best Part of the Job? Being my own boss. What Do You Miss Most Fromthe ’80s? Cocaine Where Do You See Yourself in 20 Years? In a cozy cemetary plot. DeToWYoCoWBeWCoJeff Lepak Vital Statistics Role: Southern Region VP Contracts: 7 Employees: 110 Starting Year: 1986 Member Since: “its existence!” Annual Miles: 4.8 million What should a first-time visitor to Oklahoma City see? The Oklahoma City bombing memorial is very moving. The downtown riverwalk is a great spot for entertainment. You like to travel. Where would you like to see next? Greece. The Pantheon, the architecture, the history. The Acropolis! If you could play any golf course in the world, which one would it be? Augusta National. Because that’s unattainable for me as a golfer. Just going to see professionals play the tournament is on my bucket list! What is your favorite overlooked historical destination? The Roman aqueducts. Just amazing what they were able to build back then with their resources. What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Two things I really enjoy in life are golfing and spending time with my family. Not just my immediate family, but extended family and friends. 24 NSRMCA


Contact Boon today! 866 831 0847 boongroup.com Your link to benefits.® Fringe benefit solutions. Maximize your fringe dollars and give your employees some flexibility with choices on retirement options, ancillary benefits, and flexible healthcare for today’s workforce. Boon offers an hourly, fully insured major medical plan designed specifically for the unique needs of mail hauler contractors and a customized fixed indemnity solution for part-time employees. Flexible healthcare for today’s workforce. AUGUST 2024 25


205 235 142 496 322 9,967 $16,006 $12,334 $17,569 $33,596 $27,125 $33,315 143,522 147,724 149,250 194,084 220,280 523,876 8.5 yrs 10 yrs 10.1 yrs 8 yrs 10.7 yrs 8.5 yrs May 2024 June 2024 242 193 155 674 371 8,935 $14,411 $16,943 $22,376 $34,853 $25,959 $39,792 137,435 139,467 160,251 183,345 195,973 485,953 9.9 yrs 9.7 yrs 10.0 yrs 8.3 yrs 12.2 yrs 8.3 yrs actresearch.net 26 NSRMCA


FCE's approach is to provide customizable benefit solutions for client-specific challenges. FLEXIBLE & CUSTOMIZABLE BENEFIT PLANS New & Improved Mobile App WHAT WE OFFER Major Medical Hour Bank Fixed Indemnity Ancillary Benefits Retirement Options Telemedicine Employee Assistance Programs And More Parker Barrineau Regional Vice President (210) 896-1575 [email protected] Chris Porter President & CMO (650) 291-4202 [email protected] Alan Joyce Regional Vice President (865) 352-9291 [email protected] Rev Up Your Business's Benefits with FCE! AUGUST 2024 27


Transportation & Logistics Regulation Post-Chevron The United States Supreme Court recently brought to a close forty years of “Chevron deference” and its guidance for legal interpretation of certain federal agency decision-making authority. In two instances, the United States Congress wasted no time in exploring the impact of this decision on agencies with jurisdiction over transportation and logistics operations. This article explains how the tangible impact in a post-Chevron world is far more nuanced than a wholesale change to the power of the Executive Branch. On July 10, 2024, less than two weeks after the Supreme Court decision overturned Chevron U.S.A. Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc., 47 U.S. 837, two House chairmen began a letter-writing campaign to examine the decision’s fallout. Letters signed by Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-Mo.), together with Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.), were issued to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, as well as other cabinet secretaries. Those letters argue that an expansive “administrative state” emerged after Chevron under which the Judicial Branch “abdicated” its role by “enabling” the Executive Branch to grow all too powerful and “usurp” the Legislative Branch. In a separate press release, the chairmen summarize the letters by requesting that the secretaries “send any information about legislative rules proposed or promulgated, agency adjudications initiated or completed, enforcement actions brought by agencies, and agency interpretive rules proposed or issued since January 20, 2021.” The statement also requests “information about any judicial decisions to which agencies have been party since the 1984 Chevron decision.” Information requests for each respective agency were largely identical. A deadline of July 23, 2024, was requested. Chevron Deference Background and Why It Mattered In Chevron, the question before the court was essentially whether the Environmental Protection Agency acted appropriately within its discretion as it applied amendments to the Clean Air Act. The court held that judicial review of an agency’s decision-making requires a two-part process. First, courts must determine whether legislative intent is unambiguously clear on the face of the respective statute or through legislative history. If this is so, then the legislative intent governs the permissibility of an agency’s interpretation. Second, if legislative intent is ambiguous then courts must give deference by examining the reasonableness of the agency’s interpretation, as if the agency were expert in its field, rather than itself issuing a judicial interpretation. As a result, courts following Chevron could not exercise independent judgement when reviewing the propriety of agency statutory interpretations. By Jonathan R. Todd & Robert Naumoff LEGAL CORNER 28 NSRMCA


Loper Eliminates Chevron Deference and Why It Matters The case that challenged Chevron deference was this year’s Loper Bright Enters. v. Raimondo (2024 U.S. LEXIS 2882). Raimondo involved a federal agency known as the National Marine Fisheries Services (“NMFS”) and its finding that fishing vessels operating within the economic area of the United States must pay for federal observers pursuant to the Magnuson-Stevens Act. In its holding, the Supreme Court specifically found that a lower court’s use of Chevron deference was an improper delegation to the Executive Branch of the judiciary’s constitutionally-mandated responsibility of statutory interpretation. The court’s ruling aims to correct that perceived error of Chevron by reinstating the judiciary’s obligation to exercise “independent judgement” in the interpretation of statutes and resolving ambiguities. As such, courts may still consider an agency’s interpretation of a statute when making rulings, but those agency interpretations are no longer dispositive. Where Transportation & Logistics Operations Go From Here Raimondo overrules the long-standing “Chevron deference” by declaring that when confronted with ambiguous statutory language, the role of interpreter rests firmly with the courts and not the agencies. The high court held that, while agency statutory interpretation can be considered, the framers of the Constitution “anticipated that courts would often confront statutory ambiguities and expected that courts would resolve them by exercising independent legal judgement” (emphasis added). Chevron deference as a default legal principle is no longer the law of the land. The concrete effects immediately following Raimondo will not be quite as apparent as the Congressional letter writing campaign. Prior rulings that relied upon Chevron remain good law until subsequent challenge. Even where there are narrow legal challenges to existing or new agency decisions, a court may still consider agency statutory interpretations and may ultimately choose to rely upon the same. The difference for the first time in forty years is that today courts must exercise their own independent judgement in that process. Also, while express delegation by Congress is permissible and must be respected by the courts, we can surely expect to see stronger challenges of whether agencies exceeded the scope of their delegation during enforcement or rulemaking activities, and we have already begun to see regulated parties proactively raise the Raimondo decision with respect to forward-looking interpretations far in advance of litigation. Collectively, these effects may lead to a degree of “venue shopping” as would-be plaintiffs seek favorable outcomes from a newly independent-minded judiciary. We know all too well that transportation and logistics are heavily regulated sectors with a wide range of stakeholders. Interested parties in any agency action include not only the immediately regulated parties, such as for-hire carriers and transportation intermediaries, but also the private carriers and beneficial cargo owners who must comply with regulation and may bear enforcement. For now, the post-Chevron world means that we stay the course in dutifully complying with the letter of the law and regulation — understanding that new avenues for challenging agency discretion are now available. Jonathan Todd is Vice Chair of the Transportation & Logistics Practice Group at Benesch Law. He may be reached at 216-363-4658 or [email protected]. Robert Naumoff is Of Counsel in the Practice Group. He may be reached at 614-223-9305 or [email protected]. AUGUST 2024 29


Mail contractors by day, bowlers by night! A group of eight carriers in Wallace County, Kansas, formed the aptly-named Star Route Mail Carriers Bowling Team during the 1969-1970 season. Combined, the team represented 64 years of service to USPS. Unfortunately, there is not a way to go back and check how the team performed or why one of the members is facing the other way! They See Me Rolling! 1970 30 NSRMCA


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Upcoming Events Las Vegas 2025 Jan. 11-14, 2025 Westgate Hotel & Casino 3000 Paradise Road Las Vegas, NV 89109 Registration to come NPF April 27-30, 2025 Gaylord Opryland Convention Center 2800 Opryland Drive Nashville, TN 37214 Registration to come National Convention Aug. 22-26, 2025 Gaylord National Resort 201 Waterfront St. National Harbor, MD 20745 Registration to come Las Vegas 2026 Jan. 9-14, 2026 Caesars Palace Hotel & Casino 3570 S. Las Vegas Blvd Paradise, NV 89109 Registration to come NSRMCA has hundreds of photos from recent events on its website. If you’re feeling nostalgic, take a look. https://nsrmca.org/past-conferences 32 NSRMCA


PROPANE AUTOGAS TRUCKS DELIVER RESULTS Challenge: Result: Economic Savings: By the Numbers: • 26 Ford-750 trucks equipped with ROUSH CleanTech propane fuel systems • 8,000 miles per vehicle per month • 16,000 gallons of propane autogas used per year per vehicle Lisa McAbee, Owner of McAbee Trucking ROUSHcleantech.com | 800.59.ROUSH Company: McAbee Trucking, Inc. Industry: United States Postal Service contractor Location: Blacksburg, South Carolina Making the switch to alternative-fuel vehicles had to make sense financially. “Propane is very favorable for us economically,” McAbee said. With the money saved overall due to propane’s efficiency, the company has upgraded its facilities, vehicles and parking lots. With the addition of propane autogas delivery trucks, McAbee Trucking is reducing harmful emissions, benefiting employees’ health and improving the local community’s air quality — all while reducing costs. To cut emissions of its fleet vehicles, lead the industry in the use of alternative transportation fuels and “do the right thing” for generations to come. I want my grandkid’s grandkids to have a clean environment. I have breathing issues, as so many others do. I want to do more than my part to help. Contact ROUSH CleanTech to learn more about propane vehicles for your fleet. AUGUST 2024 33


Is a captive the right fit for your organization? Maybe a high deductible plan, or a guaranteed cost program? HUB International will guide you from determining the strategy that is right for you to helping you create and manage it, all while guiding you through the paperwork, regulatory ramifications and administrative steps in between. Additionally, HUB’s dedicated Risk Services division provides a wide range of services that enable members to identify risks, reduce exposure to loss, and address claims issues. Jordan Kokkoris Senior Vice President Mobile: (917) 848-0999 [email protected] As the insurance partner of the NSRMCA, HUB International works to protect members’ assets through comprehensive insurance, risk management and safety solutions. Risk & Insurance | Employee Benefits | Retirement & Private Wealth hubinternational.com 34 NSRMCA


At AssuredPartners-Stafford Financial Group, we are committed to providing solutions for your SCA healthcare, retirement, and benefit administration challenges. We implement the most comprehensive employee benefit services for your organization Strategic Planning, Management Oversight & Benefits Advisory Services Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plan Implementation ACA & DOL Compliance Benefit Administration & Fringe Benefit Accounting AssuredPartners-Stafford Financial Group STAFFCORE assuredpartners.com sfcgus.com [email protected] (608) 441-3035 OUR FIRM COMMITMENT TO MAIL CONTRACTORS Independent ● Objective ● Confidential AUGUST 2024 35


In a world filled with countless distractions and fleeting desires, it is vital to recognize the true luxuries of life that nourish the soul and elevate the spirit. These luxuries are not measured by wealth or material possessions, but by the richness they bring to your heart and mind. Let us reflect on the seven luxuries of life that are bestowed upon you by the grace of God: 1. Time to be Joyful: Joy is a divine gift that resides within each of you. It is not found in external circumstances, but in the moments you choose to embrace with a grateful heart. Take time each day to rejoice in the blessings that surround you, whether in the laughter of a child, the beauty of creation, or the love of a friend. Time spent in joy is time well spent, for it uplifts the spirit and strengthens the bond with the Creator. 2. Health and Energy: Your body is a temple, a sacred vessel given to you to fulfill your purpose on earth. Cherish it, nurture it and respect it. Good health and abundant energy are precious gifts that enable you to serve others, to fulfill your duties and to experience the fullness of life. Be mindful of what you consume, how you move and the rest you give yourself, for these actions honor the temple of your being. 3. A Quiet Mind to Be Focused on What Matters: In the stillness of a quiet mind, you find the clarity to discern what truly matters. The noise of the world can cloud your judgment and lead you astray, but a peaceful mind allows you to hear the gentle whisper of God’s guidance. Cultivate moments of silence and reflection, and you will find the focus to pursue your divine calling with unwavering dedication. 4. Slow Mornings for Rituals to Get Grounded Daily: The dawn of each day is a new beginning, an opportunity to set the tone for all that follows. Embrace slow mornings as sacred time for rituals that ground you in your faith and purpose. Whether through prayer, meditation, or simple acts of self-care, these rituals connect you to the divine and prepare you to face the day with grace and strength. 5. Ability to Travel Freely: The freedom to travel is an undeniable blessing that opens your heart and mind to the wonders of God’s creation. Each journey is a chance to learn, to grow and to witness the diversity of life that reflects the Creator’s infinite love. Embrace this freedom with gratitude, and let every step that you take serve as a testament to your faith and a President’s Perspective Jack Khudikyan NSRMCA President 36 NSRMCA


TLC takes care of the back end operational aspects of your business... So you can focus on the customers and growing your market share! Special Discount for NSRMCA Members • 10% off TLC’s time clock • A complimentary onsite DOT audit • Guaranteed competitive pricing! To Learn More: https://www.tlccompanies.com/nsrmca-partnership/ TLC is the exclusive PEO Partner of NSRMCA celebration of life’s adventure. 6. A House Full of Unconditional Love: A home filled with unconditional love is a sanctuary for the soul. It is a place where you are accepted, valued and cherished for who you are. This love reflects God’s eternal love for you, and it is the foundation upon which you build a life of compassion, kindness and service. Nurture this love within your home, and let it radiate outwards to all whom you encounter. 7. To Be Grateful and to Serve Daily: Gratitude and service are the highest expressions of a life well-lived. When you are grateful, you acknowledge the abundance of blessings bestowed upon you, and your heart overflows with joy. When you serve others, you embody the love of Christ and fulfill the greatest commandment to love your neighbor as yourself. Let each day be marked by acts of gratitude and service, for in doing so, you bring light and love into the world. As we go into the National Convention, let’s keep this in mind and work together to serve our fellow Americans through the USPS. Remember, my beloved friends, that these luxuries are not mere aspirations, but attainable realities that enrich your life and deepen your connection to the divine. Embrace them with a humble heart, and you will find true fulfillment and everlasting peace. Stay safe and stay blessed! AUGUST 2024 37


Explore LoadTrek’s capabilities to understand how LoadTrek can facilitate a smooth transition in CLEAR. SOFTWARE DETAI LS Data capture options with GPS providers and or our in house phone app Performance analytics and optimization tools [email protected] loadtrek.net 877-226-0107 Integrated with BlueYonder and FourKites 38 NSRMCA


RYDER USED VEHICLES Preferred Partner Pricing Enjoy our best prices on reliable used vehicles. RYDER WARRANTY Extended Warranty Coverage When you’re in business for the long haul, it makes sense to protect your investment. Fully utilize your resources with a warranty (and maintenance) costs included in the financing package to help keep monthly payments low. MAINTENANCE Full Vehicle Maintenance History Trucks maintained by Ryder-certified technicians. EXCLUSIVE DEALS for Ryder Association Partners Program members Terms & conditions apply. ryder.com/used-trucks Discover how Ryder Used Vehicles makes your business run Ever better™ at 1-855-643-7072. RYDER PREPAID PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE SelectCare Preventive Maintenance CHOICE: Select from 1-, 2-, or 3-year PM packages at the time of your vehicle purchase. FLEXIBILITY: You can pay upfront for your PM package or choose to finance it along with your vehicle purchase. SAVINGS: Pre-paying locks in current PM prices for the immediate future (1-, 2-, or 3-years). You’ll also enjoy discounts for any necessary repairs, parts, and tires. PEACE OF MIND: Access to Ryder’s nationwide network of 5,900 top industry technicians and 800+ service facilities nationwide. AUGUST 2024 39


Fuel Indexes The charts below detail the average monthly retail prices for diesel and gasoline, according to the Department of Energy. Consult the top chart to determine which of the eight regions you occupy. The middle chart covers regular gasoline prices while the bottom one addresses diesel prices. New England Central Atlantic Lower Atlantic Midwest Gulf Coast Rocky Mountain West Coast California ME NY WV ND NM MT WA CA NH PA VA SD TX WY OR VT NJ NC NE AR UT NV MA DE SC KS LA CO AZ CT MD GA OK MS ID AK RI DC PR MN AL HI FL IA MO WI IL MI IN OH KY TN US Retail on Highway Gas & Diesel Update for DOE Monthly Average Retail Gasoline All Formulations New England (PADD 1A) Retail Gasoline Prices Central Atlantic (PADD 1B) Retail Gasoline Prices Lower Atlantic (PADD 1C) Retail Gasoline Prices Midwest (PADD 2) Retail Gasoline Prices Gulf Coast (PADD 3) Retail Gasoline Prices Rocky Mountain (PADD 4) Retail Gasoline Prices West Coast (PADD 5) Retail Gasoline Prices December 2023 3.351 3.443 3.075 2.964 2.739 3.011 4.254 January 2024 3.232 3.323 3.060 2.905 2.778 2.854 4.137 February 2024 3.273 3.399 3.211 3.119 2.933 2.980 4.166 March 2024 3.354 3.492 3.38 3.394 3.132 3.252 4.47 April 2024 3.571 3.679 3.491 3.519 3.277 3.523 4.885 May 2024 3.697 3.76 3.487 3.51 3.253 3.531 4.789 June 2024 3.58 3.66 3.367 3.393 3.096 3.431 4.483 July 2024 3.605 3.66 3.43 3.491 3.17 3.496 4.31 Highway Diesel New England (PADD 1A) No 2 Diesel Retail Sales (C/gal) Central Atlantic (PADD 1B) No 2 Diesel Retail Sales (C/gal) Lower Atlantic (PADD 1C) No 2 Diesel Retail Sales (C/gal) Midwest (PADD 2) No 2 Diesel Retail Sales (C/gal) Gulf Coast (PADD 3) No 2 Diesel Retail Sales (C/gal Rocky Mountain (PADD 4) No 2 Diesel Retail Sales (C/gal) West Coast (PADD 5) Less CA: No 2 Diesel Retail Sales (C/gal) California No 2 Diesel Retail Sales (C/gal) December 2023 4.388 4.381 3.886 3.882 3.639 4.007 4.263 5.320 January 2023 4.306 4.252 3.868 3.716 3.583 3.756 4.055 5.130 February 2024 4.327 4.318 4.095 3.938 3.795 3.853 4.200 5.214 March 2024 4.301 4.304 4.05 3.943 3.724 3.988 4.16 5.216 April 2024 4.311 4.255 3.974 3.948 3.701 3.917 4.177 5.239 May 2024 4.208 4.15 3.799 3.725 3.536 3.757 4.032 5.078 June 2024 4.091 4.053 3.732 3.597 3.453 3.68 3.962 4.927 July 2024 4.099 4.064 3.806 3.747 3.525 3.747 4.006 4.901 40 NSRMCA


AVAIL ABLE NOW! GoNikola.com THE RE AL–WORLD GAME–CH ANGER. H Y D R O G E N F U E L C E L L ELECTRIC VEHICLE AUGUST 2024 41


CPI-W: CDS Contractor Index The CPI-W is a monthly measure of the average change over time in the prices paid by urban wage earners and clerical workers for a market basket of consumer goods and services. The CPI-W is based on the spending patterns of urban wage earners and clerical workers. The CPI-W can be used to request an adjustment to your contract to accommodate increased costs. Line items 1B, 5, and 17 are adjustable by the CPI-W. A contractor may simply make a request to the Postal Service to incorporate the latest CPI adjustment and it will do the calculations. But there may be times when the comparison period reflects a downward CPI and if you ask the Postal Service to incorporate the CPI adjustment you could be faced with a downward adjustment resulting in reduced compensation. The CPI does not always go up, so it is best to do the math prior to applying for the adjustment. Source: https://www.ssa.gov/oact/STATS/cpiw.html Month & Year Rebased March 2020 251.3 April 2020 249.5 May 2020 249.5 June 2020 251.0 July 2020 252.6 August 2020 253.5 September 2020 254.0 October 2020 254.0 November 2020 253.8 December 2020 254.0 January 2021 255.2 February 2021 256.8 March 2021 258.9 April 2021 261.2 May 2021 263.6 June 2021 266.4 July 2021 267.7 August 2021 268.3 September 2021 269.0 October 2021 271.5 November 2021 273.0 December 2021 273.9 January 2022 276.3 February 2022 279.0 March 2022 283.1 April 2022 284.6 Month & Year Rebased May 2022 288.0 June 2022 292.5 July 2022 292.2 August 2022 291.6 September 2022 291.8 October 2022 293.0 November 2022 292.5 December 2022 291.1 January 2023 293.5 February 2023 295.0 March 2023 296.0 April 2023 297.7 May 2023 299.3 June 2023 299.4 July 2023 299.8 August 2023 301.6 September 2023 302.3 October 2023 302.1 November 2023 301.2 December 2023 300.7 January 2024 302.2 February 2024 304.3 March 2024 306.5 April 2024 307.8 May 2024 308.2 June 2024 308.1 42 NSRMCA


DELIVERING ALL YOUR FUEL NEEDS TrilliumEnergy.com Loves.com At Love's and Trillium, we pride ourselves in getting United States Postal Service (USPS) carriers back on the road quickly. Whether it’s diesel today, zero emissions trucks, or even CNG truck leasing, we are committed to providing solutions to meet your needs. By fueling at Love's and Trillium, USPS carriers can also earn points that can be spent on store food, drinks, merchandise and more with our My Love Rewards program. Sign up today! Contact: Marc Rowe [email protected] 630-746-6313 Kyle Bowman [email protected] 402-250-5559 Love's and Trillium Fueling Solutions: •Biodiesel •Compressed Natural Gas •Diesel •Electric Fleet Vehicle Charging •Hydrogen Fueling •Renewable Diesel •Renewable Natural Gas AUGUST 2024 43


R 1” WondeRoller™ - 70598.0000 2” WondeRoller™ - 70600.0000 Sealed bearing designed and engineered for long life. Lasts up to 5x longer than a standard roller. MILES THAT MATTER Perfect for dry freight applications, this roller will outlast the competition, keeping your repair costs down. A fully sealed bearing keeps dust and debris out, ensuring your fleet stays up and running! The Star Carrier


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