Rhode Warrior Issue 1, 2022 ~ Home Sweet Home*

Rhode Warrior

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE RHODE ISLAND TRUCKING ASSOCIATION (RITA)

ISSUE 1 2022

RITA's NEW
HOME SWEET HOME

Legacy Spotlight: Driver Shortage & Where Will We
Danny Bell the Supply Chain Be at 100?
Infrastructure ATRI Critical Issues

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CONTENTS Rhode Warrior

ISSUE 1 2022 |

FEATURES DEPARTMENTS

COVER STORY 4 Chairman’s Message
8 RITA’s New Home
13 What Does RITA’s BY MIKE KISELICA

Future Hold? 4 RITA’s Board of Directors
7 From the President's Desk:
RITA reflects on what’s to come and how to best
meet the needs of its members as it looks toward BY CHRIS MAXWELL
turning 100 years old
38 Calendar of Events
BY DAN CALABRESE 38 Advertising Resource Index

18 Op-ed from the Top

BY CHRIS MAXWELL

18 In Memoriam: Edward
Rodricks, TAM

22 Legacy Spotlight:
Danny Bell, Ocean State Oil

BY ERIC FRANCIS

24 Infrastructure Spending

BY ATA

25 RITA Congratulates
Outstanding Professionals

27 Heart of Supply Chain
Challenge: Driver Shortage

RITA, DMV working to bring more drivers into
the industry

BY STEVE BRAWNER

31 ATRI’s Top Ten Critical Issues

Driver shortage runaway top choice in ATRI critical
issues survey

BY STEVE BRAWNER

36 TruckSTOPShop B2B
Marketplace

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Rhode WarriorCHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
ISSUE 1 2022 |

Rhode Island Trucking Association

The Rhode Island Trucking Association kicks off its 91st year in strong fashion. We have Board of Directors
fully moved into our beautiful new building at 831 Bald Hill Road in Warwick. Prominently
located on one of the state’s busiest roadways, the brick exterior mirrors everything we stand Chairman
for – solid, strong, able to withstand the challenges that come our way, and built to last. Mike Kiselica
Kiselica Law Firm
In a state where image is everything, our new location emits the most important
messages. To our members: rest assured we are always there for you. To our advertisers Past Chairman Justin Jarvis
and sponsors: your time, effort and support is not only most appreciated, but has helped us Jim Anderson N.E. Truck Solutions
achieve an unrivaled prominence. To our detractors, to those who challenge us, to those who Anderson Motors
cast blame our way: we have the persistence, determination, drive, and wherewithal to stand Vice Chair
up to you and let the truth be known. Past Chairman Debora Babin Katz
John Anderson
Our message is clear. The Rhode Island Trucking Association has firmly staked its Anderson Motors TrucBrush
presence in the middle of Rhode Island. We stand tall, proud, and visible. We stand solid
and united. Al Batista William Kelsey
Gold Medal Bakery NETTTS
This year, the Association moves forward with bold initiatives designed to enhance both
the interests of the trucking industry and the need for more drivers and industry professionals Past Chairman Secretary
at the state and national level. The Rhode Island Trucking Association Foundation continues Daniel Bell Frank Kernan
to build and strengthen. We are committed to providing two annual scholarships in
conjunction with Women in Trucking. The John J. Gill Scholarship will also be awarded Ocean State Oil M&G
annually. Job development programs are on the way aimed at increasing opportunities for Materials Handling
women, minorities, and high school students for entry into lucrative careers in trucking. Richard Caldarone
Petrodriver Transportation Joseph Quattrocchi
Finally, we are well-positioned to protect trucking’s image with the public. People are Santoro Oil
reminded every day of the truth in the statement that trucking moves America forward. Our Dave Collins
message must be clear that everything which affects trucking affects all. Americans are M & D Transportation Ryan Roche
partners with trucking and should view us that way. D.L. Terminals Inc.
ATA State VP
The current economic and political climate may be difficult, perhaps ominous. The Michael Collins Anthony Santoro
Rhode Island Trucking Association is ready, willing, able, and poised to meet that. We are M & D Transportation CK Smith Superior
here for the long haul.
Al Cook Clarence Snead
Mike Kiselica Coletta’s Downtown S & S Trucking

Mike Kiselica Auto Svc Treasurer
Kiselica Law Steve Soares
RITA Chairman Dave Duhamel Ocean State Job Lot
N & D Transportation
John Tweedie
Past Chairman Penske Truck
Mark Giuffre
Claire Viera
UPS Transportation Services

Chris Gossler by Claire
Volvo Trucks
Katie Werchadlo
Past Chairman Argus Transport USA
David Harrison
Conlon Moving

& Storage

|4 RHODE WARRIOR ISSUE 1 2022 For more information, contact RITA at:
Rhode Island Trucking Association, Inc.
831 Bald Hill Road, Warwick, RI 02886
Phone 401-729-6600 | Fax 401-729-5220

ritrucking.org

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Rhode Warrior FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK
ISSUE 1 2022 |
The word pillar has dual meaning.  It is most literally defined as ‘a tall vertical structure
The Official Magazine of the Rhode Island Trucking Association (RITA) of stone wood or metal , used as a support for a building, or as an ornament od monument’. 
Rhode Warrior is owned by the Rhode Island Trucking More figuratively, a pillar is described as ‘a person or thing as reliably providing essential
support for something’.   
Association and is published by Matthews Publishing Group.
To request additional copies, order reprints of individual On January 25, set within the pillars of its majestic, brick colonial, RITA performed a
ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the acquisition of its new home at 831 Bald Hill
articles or to become a subscriber to Rhode Warrior, please Road in Warwick.  The association’s 91-year history opened a new chapter and began an era. 
contact Monique Chartier at (401) 729-6600. To inquire about In the wintery dusk sun, things seemed to freeze in time as friends old and new posed for a
advertising, please contact the publisher at (501) 690-9393. group photo that will, no doubt, live in infamy in the annals of the association’s remarkable
history.  It will be hung alongside the aged photos of storied events and gatherings and, of
Publisher course, those who carried the association on their back and perpetuate the association.
Jennifer Matthews-Drake The pillars. 
Matthews Publishing Group
[email protected] In my introductory comments following the ceremony, and event which duly served as
our 91st Annual Meeting, I paid homage to some of our noteworthy the pillars – John Gill,
Executive Editor Lena Daly, Dave Harrison, John Anderson – while we paid homage to a “newbie” within
Christopher J. Maxwell the ranks with a recognition plaque for UPS’ Mark Giuffre to be hung on our walls in
recognition of his many contributions.  These are just a few as there are many more pillars
Managing Editor who have quietly served and contributed to RITA’s mission and success.  We know who you
Monique Chartier are…and you know who you are. 
Creative Director
Our new structural pillars, six in total, will serve metaphorically as a reminder of
Fran Sherman the many pillars who have served on the Board, contributed financially, conspicuously
[email protected] volunteered time for an event or initiative, or simply stood firm as an engaged and vested
member. Pillars come in many shapes and sizes as do the people who take on that special
Graphic Designer meaning and the contributions they make. Are you a pillar?
Barbara Negron
On the subject of pillars, I close by remembering and paying tribute to a friend
Ad Production of RITA and a great advocate for the trucking industry.  Trucking Association of
Doug Benjamin Massachusetts’(TAM) Board Chairman passed on December 30, 2021.  Ed was a true pillar
Contributing Writers of TAM and will forever be remembered for his impactful leadership and contributions to
Steve Brawner our neighboring federation state.  In death, Ed’s spirit will, no doubt, serve to inspire others
Dan Calabrese in TAM and the trucking industry to engage and make a difference. His legacy looms large
Andrew Dunn and we remember him and his family in this issue of Rhode Warrior.

Eric J. Francis
Kevin Jones
Johnny Kampis
Renee Miller
David Monteith
Jack Roberts
John D. Schulz
Lacey C. Thacker
Todd Traub

Rhode Island Trucking Association

President & CEO
Christopher J. Maxwell

[email protected]

Member Services & Communications Director
Monique Chartier

[email protected]

For more information, contact RITA at:
Rhode Island Trucking Association, Inc.
831 Bald Hill Road, Warwick, RI 02886
Phone 401-729-6600 | Fax 401-729-5220

ritrucking.org

Rhode Island Trucking Association is an affiliate of the Christopher J. Maxwell
American Trucking Associations. RITA is a Rhode Island
corporation of trucking companies, private carrier fleets Christopher J. Maxwell
and businesses which serve or supply the trucking industry. President & CEO
RITA serves these companies as a governmental affairs Rhode Island Trucking Association
representative before legislative, regulatory and executive [email protected]
branches of government on issues that affect the trucking
industry. The organization also provides public relations |ISSUE 1 2022 RHODE WARRIOR 7
services, education services, operational services and serves
as a forum for industry meetings and membership relations.

RITRUCKING.ORG

Home Sweet Home

House Warming Celebration 

UPS’s Mark Giuffre (L) holds ribbon as Mayor Frank Picozzi performs the cut. Holding ribbon (R) is David Zelano. Pictured within the pillars (L-R)
Debora Babin-Katz, Clarence Snead, Chris Maxwell, John Anderson, Mayor Picozzi, Dan Bell, Robert Salmani, Mike Kiselica, and Jeff Wadovick

Past Chairman Mark Giuffre of UPS receives recognition award for his RI Department of Business Regulation(DBR)Director Liz Tanner with 
dedication and the support of the UPS Team. Chris Maxwell

|8 RHODE WARRIOR ISSUE 1 2022 RITRUCKING.ORG

Chairman Mike Kiselica rings in 91st Annual Meeting and first meeting at 831 Bald Hill Road.

Chairman Mike Kiselica(L) and Chris Maxwell (R)present recognition plaque to Mayor Picozzi Mark Giuffre hangs recognition plaque on conference
room wall next to other legacy awards.

Chris Maxwell presents RITA pin to new Board Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi addresses attendees and, as lifetime building contractor,
Member Clarence Snead of S & S Trucking.  Also recognizes the trucking industry
pictured is new Board Member Bill Kelsey of NETTTS. 

RITRUCKING.ORG |ISSUE 1 2022 RHODE WARRIOR 9

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Chairman Kiselica and Chris Maxwell with vice Chair Debora Babin Katz who will assume the gavel in 2023 as the first woman to head the
RITA Board. 

President Chris Maxwell delivers opening remarks to Board members
and guests.

RITA Board Secretary Frank Kernan delivers 2022 nomination report David Harrison strikes parting blow to 660 Roosevelt Ave, Dec. ’21 .
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What Does RITA’s Future Hold?

RITA reflects on what’s to come and how to best meet the
needs of its members as it looks toward turning 100 years old

BY DAN CALABRESE

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Rhode Island Trucking these, the association is well-positioned "It’s a real testament To
Association is still a decade away to make a positive impact during the the steadfastness of our
from its centennial. And its recent next decade. organization, our commitment
90th birthday is not to be dismissed. to members and to our
But RITA has always been a forward- “We’ve overcome a decade of very future members. And it’s a
looking organization. So, as it recognizes the costly legal challenges,” Maxwell said. “At commitment to the city of
anniversary of its founding back in 1931, the the same time, we’re rebuilding our financial Warwick, which has been a
association and its leaders are looking ahead standing from some tougher times, while very welcoming city.”
to 2031 – and envisioning the impact they rebuilding our board to be more engaged and
want to have on the state of Rhode Island more supportive.” —Mike Kiselica, Kiselica Law Firm
and on the trucking industry in the final & RITA Chairman
decade of RITA’s first century. No victory is more apparent than the
opening of RITA’s new building, which is CONTINUES 
It makes sense to look forward. RITA was located in Warwick at 831 Bald Hill Road.
challenged in recent years with the loss of |ISSUE 1 2022 RHODE WARRIOR 13
its former building and had to take on fights The location alone has tremendous value
like the truck-only toll issue at the same time. to RITA, according to Mike Kiselica, the
President and CEO Christopher Maxwell current chairman of the RITA board.
believes that, after taking on battles like
“It’s a road everyone knows, and it’s
heavily traveled,” Kiselica said. “It’s a
statement building. It’s a real testament to the

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steadfastness of our organization, our organization to park its signature truck ““The challenges we have as an
commitment to members and to our future that identifies RITA’s headquarters. Kiselica industry are basically that last
members. And it’s a commitment to the hopes it will be seen as a welcoming place mile. How do we get it from the
city of Warwick, which has been a very for members. distribution point in Providence
welcoming city.”
“Any members who want to stop by for to a residence in Cranston?”
The new building, which was formerly a the myriad of business advantages we give
Coldwell Banker Real Estate office, contains them dealing with trucking administrative —Frank Kernan, M&G
6400 square feet of office space – some of matters, or just coming by to say hi, are Materials Handling
which RITA will be able to lease out to other welcome,” Kiselica said. “Our members are
users for an additional source of revenue. The able to obtain guidance on the many aspects opportunities for women in trucking.
building was constructed in 2007 and sits on of the state and federal regulatory necessities Debora Babin-Katz, vice president of
a 26,000-square-foot lot. of the trucking business at our location.”
TrucBrush and incoming board chairman
In addition to plentiful parking, the RITA will also be able to host seminars, of RITA, has been the primary driver in
new building also has visible space for the presentations, and events such as fundraisers establishing the scholarship. It is also near
in the new building, as well as educational and dear to her heart.
events on matters like safety and regulations.
“Either it’s a woman getting her CDL
“If someone wants some advice, or if license, or taking a course to be a mechanic,”
they want to open a trucking company or Babin-Katz said. “We’ve had several people
consider doing that, we’re open for that too,” awarded these scholarships. We want to
Kiselica said. promote females in the trucking industry. We
obviously have a labor shortage nationwide.
One of the most important things
happening in the new building will be the CONTINUES 
administration of the RITA Foundation.
The Foundation’s mission is to promote
career opportunities in the trucking industry.
One aspect of that effort is the Lena Daly
Scholarship, which was created to promote

PLEASE DONATE TODAY!

FOUNDATION

The RITA Foundation is a 501c3 Charitable Foundation

Mission: to advance the interests of and develop
career opportunities in the trucking industry

2022 Fundraising Goal: $100,000

To learn more about how your company may donate,please call Christopher Maxwell at (401) 729-6600

|14 RHODE WARRIOR ISSUE 1 2022 RITRUCKING.ORG

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This is where I would like to focus my time RITA has never been better positioned “These are important areas – the
as the first female chair of the board.” to make a positive impact on Rhode Island driver shortage, supply chain
in general, and the trucking industry shortages and environmental
Babin-Katz previously served for seven in particular. challenges – that we’re going to
years as a member of the Women in Trucking have to take the lead on,”
Foundation board and suggested a few years Frank Kernan, RITA’s current board Maxwell said. “To not only
ago to Maxwell that RITA should use its secretary and a long-time de facto move our association
foundation to do something that promotes ambassador for the association, foresees a membership but also to make
women in trucking. significant impact on pressing problems for our industry a better place.”
the industry.
The RITA Foundation has struggled to —Chris Maxwell,
find funding during the pandemic period, but “The positive outcomes are to form president & CEO, RITA
its leaders believe they can achieve a goal of strong communication links between the
raising $100,000 in 2022 through various users of the supply chain and those who rely Kernan also sees RITA helping
events and other fundraising efforts. on it to run their businesses,” Kernan said. the industry strengthen itself in an
“We have a driver shortage. Why is that? environment that too often makes trucking
By the time RITA turns 100 in 2032, Amazon has 80,000 vans on the road, so the “whipping boy.”
Babin-Katz hopes to see at least $1 million now UPS, FedEx and a lot of local carriers
cash on hand – thus allowing the interest are competing for that driver.” “The big truck industry is a highly
from that principal to fund scholarships. regulated, capital-intensive and low-margin
Kernan believes RITA can help the industry,” Kernan said. “We fight for that.
“I believe that philanthropy is the core trucking industry get up to speed with People think all the road deterioration is the
of every successful individual,” Babin-Katz major fleets like Amazon and Walmart fault of trucks. No. Clean your storm drains
said. “I’ve been very fortunate in my career. moving toward fully automated warehouse once in a while. But it’s an easy industry you
And it’s not necessarily that we’re attracting systems, robotic controls and 24/7 packing can beat on, so to speak, and this has always
just drivers. I have a company that – through and shipping. been the case.”
products and services delivered by the
transportation industry – supports the entire “The challenges we have as an Kernan believes it will make a significant
state of Rhode Island.” industry are basically that last mile,” and positive impact on the industry just to
Kernan said. “How do we get it from have legislators, regulators and the general
With a new statement building – along the distribution point in Providence to a public better understand the realities of the
with a foundation ready to promote the residence in Cranston?” trucking industry, and the challenges faced by
development of new talent for the industry – those in it.

S&S Trucking That’s all the more important, Kernan
said, because change is happening quickly.
Hauling Construction Materials since 2002 E-commerce, for example, is probably
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Since opening for business in 2002, S&S has developed a reputation for being a reliable, expected it to be at this point – because
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broken concrete, asphalt, highway debris, aggregated materials, mulch, loam, gravel,sand and same time, advances in vehicle technology
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World War II, when we moved supply lines
from Tokyo to Berlin. No one has done that.”

In the next 10 years, the trucking industry
will grapple with other advances that were
once unimaginable – like package delivery
by drones, or robots delivering pizza. The
trucking industry can be on the forefront of
all this, Kernan said, and he wants everyone

|16 RHODE WARRIOR ISSUE 1 2022 RITRUCKING.ORG

from policymakers to ordinary people to VIKING
understand the impact trucking makes. STRONG

RITA is in a better position than ever to
help make that happen.

“We’re the front line for understanding
customer demand and bringing those
demands to the industry,” Kernan said. “We
can work with the customers to explain what
our capacities are, to deliver products and
services most effectively.”

As he leads RITA’s day-to-day operations,
Maxwell said the objectives of RITA for the
next decade come down to three things.

The first is to make sure the association
remains solvent financially, which he believes
is best accomplished by remaining an
effective voice for the industry.

“At the end of the day it’s an
interpersonal responsiveness to the people
who pay our bills, and that’s our members,”
Maxwell said. “We need to position ourselves
as the AAA for commercial vehicle owner
and operators. That will keep us relevant and
financially solvent.”

The second objective is to be part of the
solution to the nation’s driver shortage and
supply chain challenges.

“These are important areas – the
driver shortage, supply chain shortages
and environmental challenges – that we’re

“I believe that philanthropy
is the core of every successful

individual."

—Debra Babin-Katz, TrucBrush &
RITA Chairman-elect

going to have to take the lead on,” Maxwell EVERY DIESEL, HEAVY OR LIGHT DUTY, ADDS UP TO CLEANS FUEL
said. “To not only move our association DESERVES HOWES DIESEL DEFENDER. 2.5X LUBRICITY INJECTORS
membership but also to make our industry a USE IT AT EVERY FILL-UP. BOOSTS FUEL REMOVES
better place.” ECONOMY WATER

The third objective Maxwell identified is |ISSUE 1 2022 RHODE WARRIOR 17
to advance the goals of the RITA Foundation,
including fundraising and successful
development of new talent for the industry.

“We feel that the RITA Foundation
over the course of the next decade is going
to be as formidable a force for good as
the Trucking Association,”
Maxwell said.

It’s an ambitious vision, and that befits an
association that just turned 90 and is already
looking ahead – as forward-looking people
always do – to turning 100.

RITRUCKING.ORG

Op-Ed from the Top

BY CHRIS MAXWELL

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

For the past several years amid the safe roadways and structures are repaired or of an “asset management” model, states such
Covid pandemic, we have heard replaced.  Often times, this type of inexact as Rhode Island are allowed to utilize the
persistent cries for the government to and contradictory prioritization inhibits subjectivity of visual inspections to pick and
follow and ‘trust the science’.  When efficient supply chain movement by allowing choose projects that may not serve the public
it comes to infrastructure investment and the very conservative weight postings and interests, but fit the agenda of these agencies
necessary prioritization of a “Fix it First” restrictions.  Only through the broadscale and their special interests.  Structures and
strategy, it is critical that the same theory adoption and implementation of structural projects may be selected and prioritized by
hold true.  FHWA needs to immediately move monitoring, can DOT’s and project owners subjective factors  that undermine the best
away from subjective visual inspection and effectively identify those projects most need interests of efficiency and safety. The ten
implement a policy of science whereby the of investment. million dollar replacement of the Oxford
results and findings of objective engineering Bridge on Interstate 95 in Providence, Rhode
govern infrastructure decision-making.  The State of Rhode Island, now nearly Island, was perhaps the most egregious
The current antiquated and highly variable six years into its RhodeWorks program, still example of a DOT/project owner using
processes, identified as such by FHWA, often ‘enjoys’, according to several reliable studies, current ‘loose’ inspection protocols to further
results in programs that prematurely address ranking of 49th in terms of infrastructure an agenda that contradicts safety and supply
and invest in projects that could safely be condition and efficiency of investment.  Why chain efficiencies.  This structure, by all
shelved for years until more deficient, less is this?  When a state is granted latitude to measures, had close to a decade of life and
prioritize bridge replacements under the guise

|18 RHODE WARRIOR ISSUE 1 2022 RITRUCKING.ORG

utility, but curiously, was included as a ‘high- our country’s freight.  This can only be earmarked for construction under the Biden
priority’ project under Rhodeworks.  Yet, optimally achieved through the deployment Infrastructure Plan, it is imperative, at this
just miles down the road, in November of of structural monitoring as standard policy juncture, that structural monitoring become
2021, an overpass on Rte. 37 was determined for identifying those projects most worthy commonplace in infrastructure planning and
to be structurally deficient and posted at 16 of our dollars.  With trillions of dollars project prioritization.
tons.  This highway, just hundreds of feet
from the interstate and a major commercial
link to the state’s international airport, was
suddenly discovered to be deficient.  How
can a state DOT repair/replace a structure
that is structurally sufficient while ignoring
the deficiency of a major commercial artery? 
Subjectivity and a glaring lack of objective,
empirical  engineering are the root cause of this
phenomenon.  This is just one example within
this state’s contradictory and failed strategy -
one that is clearly not working given the state’s
persistent low ranking and failure to move the
needle despite and influx of resources.

Taxpayers demand efficient use of their
contributions, road users need safe roads
and bridges, and supply chain stakeholders
require the most direct routes to move

RITRUCKING.ORG Edward Rodricks

1956 – 2021
Trucking Association
of Massachusetts (TAM)
Chairman of the Board

|ISSUE 1 2022 RHODE WARRIOR 19

RITA's 2022 An

|20 RHODE WARRIOR ISSUE 1 2022 RITRUCKING.ORG

nnual Sponsors

RITRUCKING.ORG |ISSUE 1 2022 RHODE WARRIOR 21

Legacy Spotlight:
Dan Bell, Ocean State Oil

BY ERIC J. FRANCIS

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Dan Bell, pictured far right, accepts David Harrison Navigator Award at 2021 RITA Annual Dinner.

Thirty-five years ago, back when respect as a newcomer.” “He’s one of the pillars of our
RITA President and CEO Chris Being generous and unstinting with association,” said Maxwell. “He’s been a big
Maxwell was a “young, naïve part of the rebirth and resurgence of RITA
kid” just out of college and getting his respect – not to mention his time, his as an advisor, a person whose opinion I trust,
started in the trucking industry, working in expertise, his advice, and his commitment – is whom I call for advice. He’s been an integral
a maintenance garage facility dispatching a hallmark for Bell, whose leadership roles in part of restoring some of our financial controls,
trucks, Dan Bell was already growing his RITA helped build the association over the our board, our rules of order. He’s been a great
family’s Ocean State Oil into an enormously years. Now RITA has moved to acknowledge supporter of mine, a mentor, and a friend.”
successful business. But whenever Bell that dedication by both recognizing him with
dropped by the shop, he always had time for the prestigious Dave Harrison Navigator For Bell’s part, the appreciation flows
a youngster just getting started. Award and creating a perpetual recognition both ways. He credits the association for a lot
for his service: the ‘Daniel A. Bell Bell,’ a cast of good works to help the trucking industry
“I knew him when and he knew me iron bell inscribed with his name that will in Rhode Island. But ask him about RITA
when,” said Maxwell. “Danny always entered be rung in his honor to commence all formal creating an award in his name, and he’s quick
that garage and treated me with tremendous future business for the association. to offer a little self-deprecating humor.

|22 RHODE WARRIOR ISSUE 1 2022 RITRUCKING.ORG

“I guess that’s for just being there,” he Lubricants turned out to be a good an office and held meetings at the TK Club
said with a laugh, before adding, “No, I paid business plan. Ocean State Oil grew pretty – it was pretty formal; you’d put a tie and a
my dues. I chipped in my time and experience quickly to 100,000 gallons a year – “When jacket on.”
for the new building acquisition. You do you start at zero, that got to be a lot,” Bell
what you can, you work on things.” noted – and then he picked up his first Soon enough he was taking leadership
manufacturer’s line with Sunoco. That’s roles, starting as the board secretary, and
And work on things – specifically where the true growth began. gradually moving up to chairman. Ask him
trucks – he did. Bell got his start as a teen, why he got involved and his first response
working after school and on weekends for his But it didn’t come without challenges. is to deflect credit – “I was just one of those
father’s fleet maintenance business in the days Firstly, Bell's father, Jack - whose guys in the room,” Bell says. But it quickly
before deregulation. business savvy had been critical from the becomes clear how much he admired the
start - underwent heart bypass surgery and organization and recognized its potential.
“He had big accounts like Arrow stepped back from the day-to-day operations He got behind purchasing the association’s
Transportation, hundreds of tractor-trailers,” (and later died in 1998). And then in 1990, building in Pawtucket to ensure it had
Bell said. “I’d go in on Friday night, Saturday, tragedy struck when Bell’s 16-year-old son room to grow, a lesson he’d learned from
and Sunday and work under the trucks. Danny Jr. was killed in a car accident. his own early days in business. And he saw
Grease it, drop the oil and change it, inspect Maxwell said that in creating the award that this “good group of guys” could help
things. It was a tough job. You did it outside named for the senior Bell, they acknowledged companies keep up with a quickly changing
in the heat and in the cold, and we’d work on the loss with a memory of his son on the regulatory landscape.
days like today and slide on the ice under bell itself.
the trucks.” “We wanted to recognize not only Danny, “I like the trucking association a lot,”
but also the son he lost who might, today, said Bell. “It’s been a good service for
It was a good starting point for Bell, who have been sitting in our Board room carrying everybody in the trucking industry, from
had moved into working on hydraulics by the on his father’s legacy,” said Maxwell. small to large. I like that aspect of it – we
time he was 19. And by then he and his first Ocean State Oil continued to grow, can help the guys with the two trucks and
wife had a son, Daniel Bell Jr., as well. bringing in Shell and Chevron oils, acquiring the landscapers. We went from big fleets
other oil and lubricant companies in the and Ryder and UPS and all that to the
“I had to grow up quick,” he said. area, and adding industrial lubricants small trucks.”
“I bought a house with a small garage in to its product line, and moving in the
the back and ran the hydraulics company out neighborhood of 2 million gallons of oils and Having sold Ocean State Oil for a
of that single-car garage. Most of the work lubricants annually after about 40 years in respectable amount of money, Bell and
was on the road – I’d pick up pumps and fix the business. By the time the Santoro family his wife Pat were able to pay for their
them on-site.” approached him about selling the company kids’ college – they have a grown son and
around 2012, Bell – who had just finished a daughter, both of whom got married in the
Bell continued to work for his father bout with kidney cancer – didn’t think they past year – and are now enjoying a life of
on the side those first four or five years, as could afford him. But he was willing to listen. comfortable retirement.
well as expanding the hydraulics business to “A year later after hard negotiations, I
include floor jacks and then car lifts, which sold to the Santoro family,” he said. And, with his characteristic generosity,
brought auto dealerships into his customer “I did all right with the sale,” Bell added he’s quick to note that growing that
base. And once he had car dealerships, he with characteristic understatement. “It’s a successful business didn’t happen in a
started getting into lubricants, as well. He’d rags-to-riches story.” vacuum – there’s credit aplenty for those who
offer dealerships a package: If they’d give Paralleling that success was Bell’s friendship shared the road during that journey.
him their oil business, he’d work on their with Maxwell and involvement with RITA. It
hydraulics, too. was one of the people he’d worked with in the “We’re living the American dream,”
fleet services business, Jimmy Jennings, who he said, “and the Rhode Island Trucking
That led him to expand the premises first suggested he join the association. Association has been right there with us.”
of his business. He moved up to a two- “I thought it would be good for
car garage. business,” said Bell. “They didn’t even have |ISSUE 1 2022 RHODE WARRIOR 23
a building at the time. They were renting
Meanwhile, it was the tail-end of the
Carter years and the fuel crisis, and business
was pretty tough. One of his best friends had
started an operation blending oil in Fall River
and asked if he’d consider getting into the oil
business. At that point Bell felt that “we gotta
try something,” so with his father – who had
retired from a sales job at an oil company –
they founded Ocean State Oil in 1980.

“My father and I ran that for a while,”
Bell said. “I picked up the products in Fall
River with a ’61 Ford two-tank truck we
bought from Ralph’s Oil Company in South
Providence. That thing was a real bomber!
We’d drive over the Newport Bridge and fill
up some tanks, and in the garage, we installed
these smaller tanks, and we’d make deliveries
to dealerships.”

RITRUCKING.ORG

Rhode Islanders Win Big In
Infrastructure Spending Bill

Infrastructure

Rhode Island American Society of Civil Engineers How Rhode Island Benefits
Infrastructure Report Card: from the Infrastructure Bill:

State of Rhode Island C- $1.7 Billion

Rhode Island Infrastructure Snapshot: Federal highway formula funding for
highways and bridges
148 bridges in poor condition
15.5% MORE
860+ miles of highway in poor condition
than the State’s Federal-aid highway
10.2% increase in commute times since 2011 formula funding under current law.
(On an average annual basis over 5 years)
$845 spent per year by each driver in costs
$9.4 Million
due to driving on roads in need of repair
Funding to augment commercial motor
vehicle (CMV) safety efforts to reduce
CMV crashes through the Federal
Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s
Motor Carrier Safety Assistance
Program (MCSAP) formula grant

45% INCREASE

in funding compared to FAST Act
levels

National Infrastructure Grant Programs: Nationwide Total

In addition to the $1.7 billion in guaranteed formula funding, $8 billion
Rhode Island is also eligible to apply for these competitive grants: $12.5 billion
Nationally significant freight and highway projects (AKA INFRA)
Bridge investment program $2 billion
Rural surface transportation grant program $2.5 billion
Grants for charging and fueling infrastructure $400 million
Reduction of truck emissions at port facilities $10 billion
National Infrastructure Project Assistance $250 million
Congestion relief program $7.5 billion
Local and Regional Project Assistance (AKA RAISE/BUILD program)

Trucking.org FOR MORE DETAIL: Visit the link below for a U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway
Administration spreadsheet including year-over-year Highway Authorizations by program.
https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bipartisan-infrastructure-law/docs/highway_authorizations_nov302021.xlsx

|24 RHODE WARRIOR ISSUE 1 2022 RITRUCKING.ORG

RITA Congratulates Outstanding
Professionals on Being Awarded
Best of the Best 2021 Driver of the Year

Paul Dubois of N&D Transportation was the recipient of the
NETTTS 2021 Driver of the Year award. Mr. Dubois has driven
for N&D Transportation for almost 30 years and has never had

an accident during the 2,150,000 miles of his career.

2021 Fleet of the Year

Volvo Trucks

FedEx Freight was the recipient of the Volvo Trucks 2021 Fleet
of the Year award. Del Thompson accepted the award on behalf

of FedEx Freight at RITA’s 90th Annual Dinner.

2021 Navigator Award

(L to R) Jeffrey P. Cascione, Navigant Credit Union; David |ISSUE 1 2022 RHODE WARRIOR 25
Harrison; Christopher J. Maxwell, RITA; Daniel Bell, recipient

(Ocean State Oil).

RITRUCKING.ORG

Proud Supporter of

RITA

How RITA Addresses the
Heart of the Supply Chain
Challenge: Driver Shortage

RITA, DMV working to bring more drivers into the industry

BY STEVE BRAWNER
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

CUSTOMERCHANNELS SERVICE MUST COMMERCIALIZATION

LEVEL PROCESSPRODUCT

COLLABORATION TOTAL
SUPPLY ACTIVITIESBEST PROCUREMENT QUALITY
CHANNEL
PROCESSSCHEDULING PHYSICAL
FINISHEDCHAIN NEW MEASURES REDUCING SOURCING NUMBER
COMPONENTS
MARKETING ALSO

MANAGEMENTINVENTORYCENTERS

PLANNINGREQUIRIEND FORMATION
SHIPPINGCUSTOMERSRAWREDUCE CYCLE
ADVANTAGE SUPPLIER INCREASE
PRODUCTIVITY
TIME
SCMCOST COMPANY
DISTRIBUTIONOPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
DECISIONS DEMAND
TRUCKLOAD
CONTROL
PRODUCTION FOLLOWING

MATERIALS

WAREHOUSING

MOVEMENT
DEVELOPMENT

TRADE-OFFLOGISTICS
DELIVERY
ACCESS
FACILITIES
OPERATIONS MANUFACTURINGTRANSPORTATIONFORECASTGOODS CRITICAL
CARRIER LOCATION
MODEL
MARKET MANAGING SUPPLIERSINTERNAL NETWORK

FLOW RELATIONSHIP
WORK-IN-PROCESS
PRODUCTS STRATEGY INCREASINGLY
BASICS ORDER
STRATEGIC MEASUREMENT
COMPETITIVE PARTNERS
ORGANIZATION

With the driver shortage continuing The driver shortage easily ranked first increase possibly to more than 160,000 by
to challenge motor carriers, in the American Transportation Research 2030. Trucking will need to recruit almost one
the Rhode Island Trucking Institute’s 2021 “Critical Issues in the Trucking million drivers over the next decade to fill the
Association is preparing a new Industry” survey, with driver retention need. New drivers will be needed to replace
driver development initiative to bring more placing second. retiring drivers, drivers that leave voluntarily
people into the industry. Meanwhile, a recent or involuntarily, and drivers needed for the
change in the Department of Motor Vehicles’ The American Trucking Associations’ industry’s growth. The shortage is worst in the
testing infrastructure is already moving new chief economist, Bob Costello, has raised the longer-haul, for-hire truckload market.
drivers through the system faster. estimated current driver shortage from 60,000
to 80,000, with that number projected to CONTINUES 

RITRUCKING.ORG |ISSUE 1 2022 RHODE WARRIOR 27

Trucking will need to
recruit almost one million

drivers over the next
decade to fill the need.

Chris Maxwell, president and CEO of Investment and Jobs Act passed by Congress Maxwell said the industry must sell the
the Rhode Island Trucking Association, said and signed by President Biden last year. positive aspects of a driving career – the pay,
RITA is preparing a new effort to attract It requires participating young drivers to the career path for advancement and the
drivers and is developing a member task participate in an apprenticeship program opportunity to own your own truck or business
force to create strategies. It plans to engage involving 400 probationary hours. The first – while also acknowledging the challenges. If
with the University of Rhode Island, which probationary period must be 120 hours of the industry isn’t honest about driving’s negative
Maxwell said has one of the top supply chain on-duty time, of which 80 hours must be aspects, it will have a lot of washed-out drivers.
academic programs in the country. The RITA spent driving a commercial motor vehicle.
Foundation will procure grants and fund The second probationary period must be 280 “If you don’t paint the bad out of the blocks,
initiatives for career and job development, hours of on-duty time, of which 160 hours then you’re going to sell them a bag of moon
partnerships, and on-the-job training. It will must be spent driving. An experienced driver rocks,” he said. “You’ve really got to paint the
award two scholarships through the Women must be in the passenger seat, and the truck picture first and then say, ‘Now the good thing
in Trucking Association to assist future must be equipped with safety technology and is,’ and there are many more good qualities
drivers, diesel technicians and managers. be governed at a speed of 65 miles per hour. and things that a career in trucking has to offer,
Motor carriers must submit monthly data on versus the bad.”
“I think that we’re right now on the cusp an apprentice’s activity and must notify the
of really mobilizing our message, the tools Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Along with the pilot program, another
that are there, and the strength and prowess of injury or fatal crashes involving an positive development has been a Rhode
of the Rhode Island Trucking Association and apprentice, alcohol-related citations, and other Island policy change moving control of testing
our board of directors to move this forward negative events. procedures from a third-party vendor to state
and to start really direct-developing a driver employees at the state’s CDL test site.
development initiative,” he said. Even if companies can hire younger drivers
legally, they still face hurdles with insurance Mark Greenberg, owner of the New
RITA has already participated in companies who don’t want to cover younger England Tractor Trailer Training School, said
partnership planning grant programs that drivers. Katie Werchadio, operations manager the previous vendor could only deliver 6-7
would identify potential drivers in other for Argus Transport USA, said her insurer tests a week, when his company’s Rhode Island
careers. It has also been actively participating wants her company to hire drivers who are no campus needed 20. The delay in testing after
in efforts to find and recruit diesel technicians. younger than the 23-25-year-old range. classes had ended made it harder for students
The technician shortage ranked number 10 on to pass the tests. The campus had been forced
the Top Ten Critical Issues survey. Still, the pilot program is a step in the right
direction. Maxwell said the industry can sell "We saw a significant
Because interstate driving opportunities its career path to various underrepresented change over the last
are closed to drivers ages 18-20, many go groups: young people, veterans, women’s few months as a result of
into other career fields out of high school. groups, recently released offenders, and people work that was done
Maxwell noted that a driver under age 21 living in urban areas. over the last year. We owe
can travel from New York City to Buffalo [RITA's] Chris Maxwell
but can’t drive from Providence to Barrington “Once we establish the baseline core values a debt of gratitude for
because Highway 114 briefly passes through that are required, then we can pull a big shiny his involvement in that
Seakonk, Massachusetts. rig into a high school parking lot and do an
assembly with a number of kids who may not process,” he said.
But a new federal Safe Driver have a pathway or an idea of where they want
Apprenticeship Pilot Program can bring some to go, and they’re going to maybe perhaps —Mark Greenberg, owner, New
of those young people into the industry. The toil in a population that isn’t going to either England Tractor Trailer Training
program allows up to 3,000 younger drivers go into the military, go to college, or go into
employed by up to 1,000 motor carriers to another trade. We’ll offer them what I think is School (NETTTS)
drive across state lines at any one time. The a tremendous career pathway,” he said.
program was included in the Infrastructure

|28 RHODE WARRIOR ISSUE 1 2022 RITRUCKING.ORG

to reduce enrollment significantly in order to "DMV Administrator Bud Craddock and
ensure tests were available, but a backlog has his entire staff recognize their agency’s critical
still existed. Now that a state-based group is in role in this process as it relates to licensing, job
charge, the backlog is starting to reduce. development, and ultimately the supply chain. They

Greenberg credited RITA for lobbying to continue to make it their highest priority."
make the change. -- Chris Maxwell, president & CEO, RITA

“We saw a significant change over the last CONTINUES 
few months as a result of work that was done
over the last year, I would say. … We owe Chris 618 Greenville Road, North Smithfield, Rhode Island 02896
Maxwell a debt of gratitude for his involvement (401) 232-3010
in that process,” he said.
www.mssccorporation.com
Maxwell praised the Rhode Island
Department of Motor Vehicles for improving its |ISSUE 1 2022 RHODE WARRIOR 29
testing capacity.

“DMV Administrator Bud Craddock and
his entire staff recognize their agency’s critical
role in this process as it relates to licensing, job
development, and ultimately the supply chain.
They continue to make it their highest priority,”
he said.

He said the DMV’s takeover is a good
example of its commitment to efficiently meet
the high demand for drivers. 

“We can do everything in our power
to bring candidates into the industry and
properly prepare them through grant funding
for apprenticeships and training programs,
but bottlenecks in license testing and issuance
will undermine those initiatives and dissuade
people from pursuing trucking as a career
path,” he said.

Greenberg’s school was founded in 1966
in Connecticut and now also has campuses
in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The
combined schools train thousands of students
yearly in a 20-week class, with half the time
spent in classroom instruction and half
spent in hands-on training. Half the students
are working other jobs – their economic
circumstances, in fact, are why many are
taking the course. Half the students are
nonwhite. About five to seven percent
are women.

Greenberg said the key motivator for
students is the ability to earn a good wage and
be appreciated as a valued part of the company.
They also want to be part of something that is
important to the nation.

“I’ve heard this from a lot of people who
have just not done well with a boss over their
shoulder, and I hear that as a consistent theme
as to why trucking was interesting to them,” he
said. “You get up in the morning, and you put
the key in the ignition, it’s the same as putting
a key in your own small business, and you’re
open for the day.”

A big challenge has been the different states’
lack of uniformity in testing procedures and
expectations. Greenberg would like to see more
consistent tests across state lines.

RITRUCKING.ORG

“If the driver were to go and have a
random drug test and show that [result],
DOT’s not going to care what your state
says,” she said. “If they tested positive for
marijuana use, they’re not going to care
that, ‘Oh, Rhode Island says that you can
use it for medical purposes.’ They’re going

to see that it violated federal law.”

—Katie Werchadio, operations manager,
Argus Transport USA

“We find ourselves training in different For Ryan Roche, operations manager of which reduces the pool, particularly among
ways for different tests in different states and DL Terminals, the driver shortage has not younger Americans. As more states legalize
different examiners, so it’s very difficult to get a been a huge issue. His company is a regional the drug for medicinal or recreational
high pass rate first time,” he said. LTL carrier and is able to keep its 14 trucks in purposes, it puts the industry in an awkward
Rhode Island filled, along with the 19 trucks position: Does it obey state laws legalizing
Argus’s Werchadio said it’s much easier owned by JSA, a sister company in New Jersey. the drug, or federal ones saying marijuana
to find over-the road drivers than LTL drivers Many drivers at DL Terminals are longtime is still illegal? Werchadio noted that Rhode
at her company, which previously was known company employees. Six have been with Island doesn’t allow employers to discriminate
in Rhode Island as J Line Transportation the company 25-plus years, one for 42. The against an employee over a medical issue, so
before it was purchased by Argus. She said controller is semi-retired and has been with the how can a carrier do that and still comply
her carrier doesn’t have trouble filling the company more than 50 years. with federal requirements?
seats of its eight local trucks, but only seven
of its 11 sleepers at the time of the interview The company has had to keep up with pay “If the driver were to go and have a
were occupied. increases. Last year was the first where the random drug test and show that [result], DOT’s
company provided two pay increases in one not going to care what your state says,” she
“It’s next to impossible to find over-the- year, but those costs have been passed on said. “If they tested positive for marijuana
road drivers sometimes,” she said. “We’ve been to customers. use, they’re not going to care that, ‘Oh, Rhode
running ads and paying top dollar and have Island says that you can use it for medical
great incentives or benefits, and it still doesn’t A bigger problem has been obtaining purposes.’ They’re going to see that it violated
seem to be pulling people in the door.” equipment, all of which is leased. The company federal law.”
signed for trucks in early November but
Werchadio said that while pay is a big doesn’t expect to receive them until September RITA’s Maxwell said a further rollout
part of attracting drivers to the industry, for or October. of marijuana legalization needs to wait for
younger generations it’s also important that the advances in the science of detection because of
environment makes them feel respected and Another challenge for carriers trying to the way the supply chain is being affected.
part of a team. attract drivers is the legalization of marijuana,
RITRUCKING.ORG
|30 RHODE WARRIOR ISSUE 1 2022

ATRI’s Critical Issues Report

Driver shortage runaway top choice in ATRI critical issues survey

BY STEVE BRAWNER

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

1,200
1,000

800
600
400
200

0

Total #1 Votes Total #2 Votes Total #3 Votes

The driver shortage by far The top 10 issues were: 8. Infrastructure/congestion/funding
ranked first in the American 1. Driver shortage 9. Insurance cost/availability
Transportation Research Institute’s 2. Driver retention 10. Diesel technician shortage
2021 “Critical Issues in the 3. Driver compensation
Trucking Industry” survey, with driver 4. Lawsuit abuse reform This was the 17th year ATRI conducted the
retention ranking second and driver 5. Truck parking survey. The Institute asks respondents to rank
compensation third. 6. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety their top three choices out of 30 critical issues
and to rank three strategies for addressing those
Another workforce-related issue, the Administration’s Compliance, Safety,
diesel technician shortage, made its first-ever Accountability (CSA) program CONTINUES 
appearance in the top 10. 7. Driver detention and delay
|ISSUE 1 2022 RHODE WARRIOR 31
RITRUCKING.ORG

Established 1924 Incorporated 1934 issues. More than 2,500 industry stakeholders respondents – selected by 45 percent – was
responded, with 52.4 percent being motor advocating for the DRIVE Safe Act pilot
D. J. Cronin, Inc. carrier personnel, 24.1 percent of them program, which would allow drivers ages 18-
commercial drivers, and 23.5 percent of them 20 to cross interstate lines. It was reintroduced
More than 97 years having other types of jobs, including suppliers, in Congress in 2021 after previously being
of experience at driver trainers, and law enforcement. introduced in 2018. Second on the list was
your service. developing new outreach initiatives targeting
The driver shortage ranked number one high school students and young adults. It was
Bulk Hauling of Gasoline overall for the fifth year in a row, with 47.4 selected by 40.5 percent. The third choice was
Asphalt & Petroleum percent of respondents, including the vast advocating for making it easier for fleets to
Products majority of motor carrier personnel, ranking recruit drivers from other countries through the
it in the top three and 30.1 percent ranking it EB-3 permanent work authorization permit.
Covering Rhode Island, first. The driver shortage merited twice as many
Massachusetts and top three responses as second place driver A closely related issue, driver retention, rose
Connecticut retention and had four times as many first- four places from 2020 to become the second
place selections. In fact, the driver shortage had most selected critical issue. Seven percent
Richard Cronin, more first place selections than driver retention ranked it first and 21.7 percent ranked it in the
President & Treasurer had total selections. Five percent of drivers top three. The American Trucking Associations
ranked it in their top three. estimates that driver turnover was 92 percent
PO BOX 14257 at the end of 2020.
East Providence, RI 02914 The responses came before the American
Trucking Associations’ chief economist, Bob More than half the respondents (53.8
(508) 336-5252 Costello, raised the estimated current shortage percent) said the top strategy should be
to 80,000 from 60,000, with that number researching and prioritizing retention strategies
|32 RHODE WARRIOR ISSUE 1 2022 projected to increase possibly to more than based on driver feedback and driver tenure
160,000 by 2028. The report notes that several data. The rest believed the top strategy involved
pressures are contributing to the shortage, evaluating the impact of driver benefits (30.3
including increasing freight demand, an aging percent) and quantifying the relationship
driver workforce, COVID concerns and between safety technology and driver
challenges, and drivers not attempting to return satisfaction and retention (13.7 percent).
to the road after a positive drug test.
The third highest-ranking critical issue
The most popular strategy among was another workforce-related one, driver

RITRUCKING.ORG

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for the Long Haul
FIDUCIARY FIRST

FIDUCIARY FIRST
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Disability Insurance
compensation, which ranked second in 2020. “phantom” damages” should be the top
Thirty-three percent of drivers ranked it in strategy for addressing the problem. Phantom www.ivywealth.net
their top three, many perhaps considering damages reflect the difference between billed
compensation too low. Fifteen percent of motor medical costs and paid medical costs. That www.ivywealth.net
carrier respondents ranked it in their top three, difference increases the payouts to plaintiffs 1350 wDiwviwsi.oivnywRoealdth, S.nueite 200
but for them, the concern is the sustainability of and their attorneys at the expense of trucking
rising compensation. companies, the industry, and insurers. Second 135W0eDstivWisaiorwniRcko,aRd,I S0u2i8te93200
at 31.1 percent was encouraging Congress to 135W0eDsti(vW4i0sai1or)wn6iRc8k1o,-a4Rd2,I6S06u2i8te93200
As for strategies in response, 42.3 percent expand federal court jurisdiction over accidents Advisory sWerveicsets(oW4ff0ear1erd)wth6rioc8uk1gh,-4IRv2yI6W06ea2lt8h9M3anagement,
ranked as their first choice analyzing driver involving motor carriers. Federal courts tend IRnecg.,isateDreBdAInovfePsatmt(r4ieon0ttFA1ind)avni6scoi8ar.l1SGe-rc4ouu2rpit6iLe6sLoCf,fearnedSEthCr-ough
compensation in relation to competing to be more favorable to truckers. Third at 22.9
employment sectors. The second most popular percent was educating motor carriers and law Securities America, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. The
strategy, selected by 30.5 percent, was assessing enforcement on identifying staged accidents Patriot Financial Group LLC, Ivy Wealth Management, Inc.
the effectiveness of retention programs that and advocating for making staging an accident and Securities America, Inc. are separate entities.
offer drivers incentives for safety, fuel efficiency with a commercial vehicle a criminal offense.
and trip productivity. Another 24.7 percent BOSTON TRAILER
chose quantifying how pay models and driver Closely related to lawsuit abuse reform was
satisfaction and productivity are related. insurance cost/availability, which was ninth. is your one stop shop for all
That issue was ranked in the top 10 in ATRI’s your trailer rental, sales and
One other workforce-related issue appeared first survey in 2005 and did not appear again maintenance needs.
on this year’s list. The diesel technician shortage until last year, when it was number five. It fell
made its first appearance at number 10 as this four spots this year. ATRI’s annual Operational Call or email us today…
year’s only newcomer. ATRI’s report cites U.S. Costs of Trucking report found premium costs 888-393-4280 or
Bureau of Labor Statistics data predicting more dropped 19 percent in 2020 – mostly the result [email protected]
than 28,000 job openings for diesel technicians of carriers increasing their deductibles and
and mechanics each of the next 10 years. other ways of increasing their own risk. Family-owned Boston Trailer has be-
come New England’s leader in new &
Rebecca Brewster, ATRI’s president and Motor carrier personnel and commercial used trailer rentals, leasing and sales.
chief operating officer, said the prevalence of drivers had significantly different concerns, We also provide mobile maintenance
workforce issues among trucking’s top 10 is as they have in the past. Four issues and lift gates. Over the past decade,
related to concerns facing the entire economy. appeared among both groups’ top 10: driver we have grown to service multiple lo-
compensation; transportation infrastructure/ cations throughout New England and
“I think it really underscores what we’re congestion/funding; driver distraction; and now have a fleet of over 4,000 trailers.
seeing across the entire, not just the supply detention/delay at customer facilities.
chain, quite frankly – across the entire U.S. 888-393-4280
workforce,” she said. “It’s a workforce Among motor carriers, the top 10 were
challenge right now getting enough people to as follows: Massachusetts -
do the jobs we need them to do.” 1. Driver shortage West Bridgewater & Springfield
2. Driver retention
Lawsuit abuse reform rose three spots from 3. Lawsuit abuse reform www.bostontrailer.com
last year’s list to reach number four overall. 4. CSA
Labeled as “tort reform” in prior surveys, |ISSUE 1 2022 RHODE WARRIOR 33
the issue’s rise reflects an increase in so-called CONTINUES 
“nuclear verdicts.” Almost half of respondents,
or 45.1 percent, said advocating for eliminating

RITRUCKING.ORG

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s1Oy.usretecNomomwZwp-ieXfltehrLrtoemFolmseu-oeelttliu’mptstlheiboiaepsntotsiIweninrceoylrdupnoduopewRtssieo:ternrseyfLeeraTdraeirlse.rs Our complete solution includes:
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For details, contact DJ Rubino at [email protected]

eNow, Inc. 205 Hallene Road, Warwick, RI 02886 P: 401 732 7080 E: [email protected] © 2021 ENOW, INC.
TM eNow, Inc. 205 Hallene Road, Warwick, RI 02886 P: 401 732 7080 E: [email protected]

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eNow, Inc. 205 Hallene Road, Warwick, RI 02886 P: 401 732 7080 E: [email protected]

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RITRUCKING.ORG |ISSUE 1 2022 RHODE WARRIOR 37

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Rhode Warrior
ISSUE 1 2022
April ADVERTISER
24 Steak & Clays Shoot - Addieville East Farm RESOURCE INDEX
Anderson Motors..... 36, INSIDE FRONT COVER
MAY American Transportation Research Institute
22 Truck Torch Convoy for Special Olympics Rhode Island (ATRI) ........................... INSIDE BACK COVER
Ballard Truck Center ...........36, BACK COVER
JUNE Boston Trailer............................................ 33
4 Rhode Island Truck Driving Championships Coletta’s ............................................... 5, 36
Conlon Containers.................................... 36
SEPTEMBER Cooke Disposal Services /
1 Fleet/Driver of the Year Nomination Period Begins Sweet Enterprises..................................... 35
11-17 National Truck Driver Appreciation Week – #ThankATrucker Delta Dental of Rhode Island.................. 36
12-16 Call on Washington DISA Insurance Solutions......................... 26
DJ Cronin ................................................. 32
OCTOBER eNow ................................................. 10, 36
11 2022 John J. Gill Golf Tournament Ernest Price Photography......................... 37
Rhode Island Country Club Howes Products ....................................... 17
Barrington, RI Ivy Wealth Management ................... 33, 36
31 Driver/Fleet Nominations Due M&G Materials Handling ......................... 37
Material Sand & Stone ............................. 29
NOVEMBER n & d Transportation........................... 12, 37
15 RITA’s 91st Annual Dinner NETTTS Industry Safety Training.......... 15, 37
Venue TBA New England Truck Services...................... ??
DECEMBER Penske Truck Leasing............................ 6, 37
15 RITA’s Holiday Celebration Rhode Warrior .......................................... 34
S&S Trucking ............................................ 16
|38 RHODE WARRIOR ISSUE 1 2022 The Pete Store .......................................... 29
TravelCenters of America.......................... 37
TrucBrush.................................................. 37
This publication was made possible
with the support of these corporate
advertisers. They support the trucking
industry by enabling RITA to provide this
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Please visit ritrucking.org to see the digital
version of RHODE WARRIOR with live
links to advertisers’ websites.

RITRUCKING.ORG

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF ATRITHE NATION’S TOP TRUCK

This year ATRI celebrates 20 years of leadership in critical data and analysis to improve the

BOTTLENECKS 2021trucking industry’s safety and productivity. From the truck stop to the executive suite, to the
ANALYSsItSate house and Capitol Hill, ATRI’s reputation for providing objective industry analyses means

data-driven decision making on the industry’s biggest issues.ince 2002, the American Transportation Research Institute

S(ATRI) has collected and processed truck GPS data in support
truck GPS dataset, ATRI found average truck speeds at some of the
worst truck bottlenecks improve by 100% or more as car drivers
of numerous U.S. DOT freight mobility initiatives. Using truck GPS sheltered in place and trucks kept moving to deliver essential goods.
data from over 1 million freight trucks, ATRI develops and monitors In a separate analysis in April 2020, ATRI found state-level truck
a series of key performance measures on the nation’s freight activity increased in early February as panic-buying drove consumer
transportation system. Among many GPS analyses, ATRI converts demand, followed by a decrease in truck activity as more businesses
its truck GPS dataset into an ongoing truck bottleneck analysis that were closed. However, by April and into May, ATRI’s Truck Activity
is used to quantify the impact of traffic congestion on truck-borne Index began to improve across the states analyzed, signaling a
freight at over 300 specific locations. While other datasets may return to pre-pandemic freight demand.
identify congested corridors, no dataset available today specifically
identifies granular chokepoints in the nation’s truck freight An additional impact on traffic congestion in 2020 was the number IMPROVING SAFETY
transportation system. of roadway construction projects that were able to commence and/ AND LOWERING RISK
or advance at a faster pace due to fewer vehicles on the road during
ATRI’s annual Top Truck Bottleneck Analysis uses a full year of the pandemic. Once traffic levels increased in the second half of
truck GPS data to calculate the top chokepoints. However, 2020 2020, those construction projects became even more congested.
was by all definitions a different year with pandemic-related impacts As such, this year’s Top Truck Bottleneck list reflects a rise in
intersecting with traffic patterns. In a March 2020 analysis using its ranking in a number of locations impacted by roadway construction.

2021 TOP TRUCK BOTTLENECKS • BY THE NUMBERS On topics as wide-ranging as predicting future crash
involvement to safety technology cost-benefit analyses to

AVERAGE PEAK 33.9%up year-over-year TOP 100 BOTTLENECKS 25% 29NUMBER OF STATES obstructive sleep apnea, ATRI’s research provides a blueprint
WITH AVERAGE TRUCK for managing risk and improving roadway safety.
43.0HOUR TRUCK WITH AT LEAST ONE
mphSPEED: SPEEDS <45 MPH: TOP 100 BOTTLENECK:

WA

9# Rye, NY OPERATIONAL DATA
1-95 at I-287 YOU CAN COUNT ON

NY Whether you’re looking to route your drivers around congestion or
CT benchmark your costs against your peers in the industry, ATRI’s
analyses combine real-world data with a deep understanding of
6# Chicago, IL PA industry operations.
I-290 at I-90/I-94
LEADING WITH DATA,
1# Fort Lee, NJ NOT EMOTION
1-95 at SR 4
ATRI’s research uses data and analyses to dissect the true
CA 2# Cincinnati, OH impacts of policies and regulations across a range of critical
I-71 at I-75 topics including Hours-of-Service, autonomous vehicles, CSA,
8# St. Louis, MO tolling, and nuclear verdicts.
I-64/I-55 at I-44

10# San Bernardino, CA 7 TN
I-10 at I-15 # Chattanooga, TN 3# Atlanta, GA
I-75 at I-24 I-285 at I-85 (North)

GA

STATES WITH THE 4# Atlanta, GA
HIGHEST NUMBER OF I-20 at I-285 (West)
TOP 100 BOTTLENECKS: TX

Texas.................. 12 Georgia ................ 7 5# Houston, TX
California ............. 8 Pennsylvania....... 7 I-45 at I-69/US 59
Washington ......... 8 New York .............. 6
Connecticut......... 7 Tennessee ........... 6

For more information on ATRI’s Top Truck Bottleneck analysis, including a detailed description of the methodology, visit www.TruckingResearch.org.

WHERE THE RUBBER
MEETS THE ROAD

ATRI has a long history of research focused on the issues and
concerns of professional truck drivers. From involvement in over
40 national, state, and regional truck parking studies to quantifying
the impacts of detention, ATRI’s analyses provide a key input to
advancing the safety and productivity of the industry’s workforce.

We rely on YOU to make our research successful. Help secure ATRI’s future for
the next 20 years with a charitable contribution from you or your organization!

Visit us today online at TruckingResearch.org
to learn more about our research and commit to
supporting ATRI through a charitable contribution.

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