Trucker Buddy International announces that Mike Reilly and Kate Miller have been elected to serve on its board of directors. The two bring a vast range of experience and industry knowledge to help Trucker Buddy move forward in the future.

Mike Reilly is the Chairman, President, and CEO of Randall Reilly Publishing, an integrated media company located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama serving the trucking and construction markets.  It produces trucking related magazines Overdrive, CCJ, Truckers News, eTrucker.com and many other related media products. During his more than 30-year career with the company, Reilly's strategic vision has led to numerous start ups and acquisitions which have strengthened the company's platforms in the construction, trucking and industrial sectors.

Reilly began his career at what was then Randall Publishing while a student at the University of Alabama. Upon graduation, he joined the company full time, working closely with Chief Executive Officer Pettus Randall III. Apart from a brief stint with Gulf Publishing in Houston, Texas, Reilly has spent his entire career with Randall.

Kate Miller is president and group publisher of Newport Communications Group and produces Heavy Duty Trucking, Heavy Duty Aftermarket Journal and the new RoadStar magazines, as well as Truckinginfo.com web site. The company includes custom publishing services and other industry media offerings.

Prior to joining Newport Communications, Miller was president and owner of Blue Edge Marketing Ltd., a full-service marketing communications and public relations firm serving clients in the commercial vehicle and construction industries. Previously, Miller was editor in chief of Equipment Today and technical editor for OEM Off-Highway magazines, covering both the truck and construction markets. Miller also worked in the machine tool industry, specializing in training and technical writing. She led the training effort for Caterpillar's truck and marine engine lines, including CNC and fault analysis, and engine lines at Ford Motor Co.'s Dearborn Engine and Gas Tank Division.

"We are thrilled to have both of these individuals on our board. I am very pleased that Mike accepted this appointment to the board and will participate in a leadership role for Trucker Buddy International. During these economic times we need the wealth of experience and ideas that he brings to our organization so we can influence children and improve our industries' image." says Randy Schwartzenburg, Executive Director. "Adding Kate to our board of directors is going to really help Trucker Buddy.  Her wide range of experience and creativity will help us develop new ideas that will broaden and increase our influence within the industry.  Trucker Buddy will be a better organization with her on the board."

Trucker Buddy International, an independent, non-profit 501(c) (3) organization, often called the number one trucking image campaign in North America, has helped educate schoolchildren and introduce educators to the trucking industry.  This gives them the world through the eyes of a professional truck driver.  The Trucker Buddy program helps to educate and mentor schoolchildren via a pen pal relationship between professional truck drivers and children in grades 2-8 as supervised by their teachers.

After an extensive screening process, the professional truck drivers are matched with a class and as directed by the teacher, drivers share news about their travels with their class. Students write letters and send pictures to their drivers. Students' skills in reading, writing, geography, mathematics, social studies, and history are enhanced and learning is fun.

Since 1992, Trucker Buddy International has helped educate over a million schoolchildren and introduced them to caring, compassionate men and women, professional truck drivers.  The on going success of the program is due to driver volunteers, participating teachers and the contributions of sponsors.  There is no cost to the drivers or teachers to participate in the program. The Trucker Buddy program is funded entirely by sponsorships and your donations.

ORLANDO, Fla.  - The No. 1 issue facing the commercial truck industry heading into the American Truck Dealers (ATD) convention next month is credit availability for dealers and their customers, says Kyle Treadway, ATD chairman.

"Dealers are facing critical floorplan financing and operational credit line issues," says Treadway, who has been dealer principal of Kenworth Sales Company in Salt Lake City, Utah, since 2000. "Our customers are struggling to qualify for equipment purchases under today's standards."
 
Several hundred of the nation's commercial truck dealers will attend the ATD Convention & Expo, which runs April 23-26, at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Orlando.
 
"The ATD convention is a time for dealers to come together, meet with their manufacturers, talk to the suppliers, business management providers and financial partners," says Pamela Hall, ATD convention chairwoman.
 
Hall, who has been the dealer at Hall Volvo, GMC, Isuzu and Hino in Tyler, Texas, for the past six years, says another issue facing dealers is the decline in used truck values affecting new trucks sales.
 
"In too many cases the amounts owed on the trucks exceed their value," Hall says. "The negative cash trends affect all businesses. It is a problem both in the medium and heavy duty sectors."
 
Convention keynote speakers are Treadway; Dennis Slagle, president and CEO, North American Trucks (Volvo and Mack); and Jim Meil, economist for the Eaton Corp.

"Our industry is changing rapidly," says Treadway, who operates 19 dealership locations in Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Wyoming, Montana, Washington and Oregon. "From advances in technology to market segmentation, what was true yesterday is likely evolving to something completely different today."
 
"The best way for dealers to keep abreast of rapid changes to the industry is to listen to the experts, network with our peers and study our supplier's offerings," Treadway added. "Our annual convention is formatted specifically to meet the needs of today's dealer."

Dealers will also have an opportunity to meet face-to-face with their manufacturer representatives at 12 franchise meetings and with suppliers on the expo floor. More than a dozen workshop sessions will be offered for dealers and their managers to learn ways to improve their business operations.

The winner and runner up of the ATD/Heavy Duty Trucking Truck Dealer of the Year will be announced April 24. The winners of the ATD Commercial Truck of the Year for new medium- and heavy-duty trucks sold in the United States will be selected April 25.
 
"We are excited for our dealers to come together at the ATD convention as we look to the future of our association and our dealers," Hall says.
 
About ATD: Founded in 1970, the ATD division of the National Automobile Dealers Association is the only national trade organization representing dealers selling new medium- and heavy-duty trucks. For more information about the ATD convention, visit www.atd.org/convention.

ST. LOUIS, Mo., - Kenworth Truck Company will add Bendix(R) ESP(R) (Electronic Stability Program), a full stability program, as an option on select Kenworth medium duty tractor and full truck applications with air brake systems.
 
Kenworth currently offers Bendix ESP for the Kenworth T660, T800 and W900 Class 8 models in select applications. In addition, the Bendix ABS-6 braking system is standard for Kenworth Class 5-8 models in tractor and full truck configurations with air brake systems.

"Kenworth continues to expand its offering of technology systems to help our customers achieve success in their specific operations," said Jason Skoog, Kenworth director of marketing planning and research.
 
According to Bendix, its full stability technology is designed to help stabilize the vehicle during loss of control situations on dry, wet, snow and ice-covered roadways and assist in mitigating a potential rollover. In addition to using sensors that monitor lateral acceleration found on some roll-only systems, the Bendix ESP system also uses sensors to monitor steering angle and vehicle direction.  This allows for detection of a vehicle's impending loss of stability and automatic intervention through dethrottling of the engine and selective application of tractor steer and drive axle brakes, along with trailer brakes, helping the driver to maintain control of the vehicle in a variety of situations.
 
For more information, contact your Kenworth dealer, Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC at 1-800-AIR-BRAKE (1-800-247-2725) or visit www.bendix.com.
 
Kenworth Truck Company is the manufacturer of The World's Best(R) heavy and medium duty trucks. Kenworth is a leader in providing quality vocational trucks, including dumps, mixers and heavy haulers, which offer outstanding performance and low cost of ownership. In 2009, Kenworth became the first truck manufacturer to receive the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Air Excellence award in recognition of its environmentally friendly products. In addition, Kenworth is the recipient of the 2009 J.D. Power and Associates awards for Highest in Customer Satisfaction for both Over the Road Segment and Pickup and Delivery Segment Class 8 Trucks, and for Heavy Duty Dealer Service. Kenworth's Internet home page is at www.kenworth.com. Kenworth. A PACCAR Company.

GREEN BAY, Wis. -  Schneider National, a premier provider of transportation, intermodal and logistics services, announced that Indianapolis Operating Center Shop Manager Brian Shaw received the Excellence in Maintenance Supervision Award from the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC). TMC, a technical council of American Trucking Associations, is North America's premier technical society for truck equipment technology and maintenance professionals. The award honors front-line supervisors who exemplify excellence and professionalism in maintenance supervision in the technical and administrative areas.

A panel of TMC leaders selected Shaw from all the nominations received. Shaw's supervisor James Enright, regional maintenance director for Schneider National, nominated the Indianapolis-based associate citing his dedication to Schneider's safety-first-and-always-core value, his personal and organizational discipline and his service leadership.

"Brian's team of maintenance associates are proud of their work and understand the important contributions they make to the business," remarked Rob Reich, vice president of maintenance for Schneider National. "Everyone is focused on providing our drivers with excellent service and high-quality repairs. That's a direct result of Brian's leadership and the great example he sets each and every day."

Under Shaw's safety-focused leadership, there was only one minor injury during all maintenance work performed at the facility last year. Also, the Indianapolis facility, like all Schneider facilities, has an open parts room so mechanics can quickly address repair issues. In 2009, Indianapolis had the highest parts accuracy on record at Schneider National, 96.25 percent.

The Indianapolis Operating Center Shop is one of 29 state-of-the-art maintenance facilities Schneider National operates. With 40 maintenance associates, the facility supports Schneider National's Van Truckload, Dedicated, Bulk and Intermodal businesses. The facility conducts a wide range of services for both tractors and trailers, including preventive maintenance, express-related services and major engine repairs.

Shaw has more than 20 years experience in the trucking and intermodal industries. In fact, he started his career as an over-the-road driver for another organization. Shaw joined Schneider five years ago as a maintenance team leader and was promoted to shop manager. Prior to joining the Schneider team Shaw had actually worked with the company as a supplier.

"Having worked with Schneider as a supplier, I knew that Schneider was the place I wanted to be," said Shaw. "I couldn't be more proud to represent Schneider in receiving this award."

"Schneider National has over 12,000 tractors and over 33,000 trailers moving freight five million miles a day, said Reich. "Our outstanding reputation as an industry leader can largely be attributed to talented maintenance associates like Brian, who keep all of our trucks running efficiently and on the road."

Schneider National provides extensive training for its maintenance associates to ensure that they stay current on the latest technology and equipment. To learn more about maintenance associate positions and benefits at Schneider National, please visit www.schneiderjobs.com.

About Schneider National, Inc.

Schneider National, Inc. is a premier provider of truckload, logistics and intermodal services. Serving more than two-thirds of the FORTUNE 500 companies, Schneider National offers the broadest portfolio of services in the industry. The company's transportation and logistics solutions include Van Truckload, Dedicated, Regional, Bulk, Intermodal, Transportation Management, Supply Chain Management, Warehousing and International Logistics services.

Headquartered in Green Bay, Wis., Schneider National has provided expert transportation and logistics solutions for 75 years. A $3.7 billion company, Schneider National conducts business in more than 28 countries worldwide. For more information about Schneider National, visit www.schneider.com.

About Technology & Maintenance Council and American Trucking Associations

TMC, a technical council of American Trucking Associations, is North America's premier technical society for truck equipment technology and maintenance professionals. TMC features a diverse membership of equipment managers, service-dealers, owner-operators, industry suppliers and manufacturers, educators, academia and others that support the trucking industry. TMC member fleets represent the broad range of industry vocations, including truckload, less-than-truckload, municipal, private, on/off-highway, construction and other operations. Find out more about TMC online at tmc.truckline.com.

American Trucking Associations, the national trade association for the trucking industry, is a federation of affiliated state trucking associations, conferences and organizations that includes more than 37,000 motor carrier members representing every type and class of motor carrier in the country.  ATA serves the interests of more than nine million people and 420,000 companies involved in trucking before Congress, the courts and regulatory agencies. www.truckline.com

THOMASVILLE, N.C.  - Fleet Equipment magazine and Citgo Petroleum Corp. have honored Old Dominion Freight Line Inc. as the Top Green Shop for 2009, citing the company's commitment to building environmentally friendly facilities and using green technologies.

The annual award recognizes fleets for reducing waste, recycling, complying with environmental regulations and/or turning to additional green initiatives. Members of the American Trucking Association's Technology and Maintenance Council - with at least 15 years of trucking fleet maintenance experience - judged this year's entries; the honor was announced in the magazine's February issue.

In recent years, Old Dominion has implemented a number of green measures in all of its 31 fleet shops located in the lower 48 states. In selecting Old Dominion for the honor, judges considered a number of measures the company has taken, ranging from building processes to equipment. These measures include:

·         Drive-through truck washers with custom built oil-water separators that allow wash water to be recycled
·         Building shops with "tilt-wall" construction that requires less maintenance
·         Energy-efficient lighting and HVAC units, and no use of CFC refrigerants
·         Roofing material that is solar reflective index 80
·         Licensed companies pick up for recycling waste oil, filters and antifreeze

"Being environmentally friendly is a never-ending promise, and we are always looking for the next technology or the newest process that will help us with our commitment," said Ed Richardson, Old Dominion's vice president of equipment and maintenance. "We are honored to receive this award because we've put a lot of thought into ensuring that our decisions are right for both our customers and the environment. Ultimately, being green makes good business sense and helps foster a better community."

Old Dominion is a partner with the Environmental Protection Agency's SmartWay program.

SmartWay is collaboration between the EPA and the freight sector designed to improve energy efficiency and energy security while reducing greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions. For more information, log onto www.odfl.com or call (800) 432-6335.

About Old Dominion Freight Line

Old Dominion Freight Line Inc. is a less-than-truckload multi-regional motor carrier providing one-to-five day service among six regions in the United States and next-day and second-day service within these regions. Through its four product groups, OD-Domestic, OD-Expedited, OD-Global and OD-Technology, the Company offers an array of innovative products and services that provide direct service to 48 states within the Southeast, Gulf Coast, Northeast, Midwest, Central and West regions of the country. In addition to domestic less-than-truckload services, the Company offers assembly and distribution services as well as container delivery services to and from all of North America, Central America, South America and the Far East. The Company also offers a broad range of expedited and logistical services for both its domestic and global markets.

Green Bay, Wis. - Driver safety and performance will impact carriers like never before under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association's new Comprehensive Safety Analysis 2010. Understanding the program and its measurement systems is critical to carrier and driver success as it rolls out nationwide this year. At Schneider National all stakeholders affected by CSA 2010, from drivers to recruiters, are learning about the program.

We invite you to listen in as Overdrive and Truckers News host a free webinar on the realities of CSA 2010. Don Osterberg, senior vice president of Safety and Training at Schneider National, the nation's largest truckload provider, will discuss how fleets need to evaluate drivers' safety performance and whether the new federal safety initiative will create a shortage of drivers with sufficiently clean records.

Osterberg is chairman of the American Trucking Associations' Safety Policy Committee, chairs the Research Advisory Committee of the American Transportation Research Institute, is a member of the Trucking Industry Committee of the Transportation Research Board and serves on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Advisory Committee for Intelligent Transportation.

Who:    Don Osterberg, senior vice president, Safety and Driver Training, Schneider National, Inc.
What:   Webinar; 60-minute presentation and Q&A.
When:   Wednesday, March 17, at 3 p.m. CDT
How:    Register at www.overdriveonline.com

About Schneider National:
Schneider National, Inc. is a premier provider of truckload, logistics and intermodal services. Serving more than two-thirds of the FORTUNE 500 companies, Schneider National offers the broadest portfolio of services in the industry. The company's transportation and logistics solutions include Van Truckload, Dedicated, Regional, Bulk, Intermodal, Transportation Management, Supply Chain Management, Warehousing and International Logistics services.

Headquartered in Green Bay, Wis., Schneider National has provided expert transportation and logistics solutions for 75 years. A $3.7 billion company, Schneider National conducts business in more than 28 countries worldwide. For more information about Schneider National, visit www.schneider.com.

About Overdrive:
Overdrive is the premier magazine for leased owner-operators and independent owner-operators. It presents business and equipment features relevant to the owner-operator trucker, as well as trucking news, truck driving jobs and other trucking industry information of interest to the independent contractor. Overdrive, The Voice of the American Trucker, has been published since 1961.

POWAY, Calif. -  Mitchell 1 announced today it has signed a partnership agreement with National Roadside Service, LLC (NRS) to provide Mitchell 1 repair information and shop management systems to NRS service providers to use in their businesses. The agreement includes Mitchell 1's Tractor-trailer.net and Medium-truck.net Web-based repair information programs for commercial vehicles of all classifications.

"This partnership will mutually benefit both companies as it is intended to help NRS improve the quality of service that we can provide via our association repair shops, and to help Mitchell 1 sell more product and expand more quickly into the heavy truck and commercial vehicle market," said Cindy Thoms, national marketing director, National Roadside Service.   

The NRS and Mitchell 1 relationship allows parties at all levels to gain from their combined organizational expertise:   

NRS is a national association of service providers that repair, service and maintain heavy trucks, commercial vehicles and RV's that are owned and operated by members of the NRS network.  NRS facilitates towing, repair, maintenance, parts, glass, locksmiths and discounts with national name brand suppliers for all of their member vehicles and fleets anywhere in North America.

NRS employs an internal rating system that assures their members that they are receiving the highest possible service quality in the industry. NRS vendors have instant access through

Mitchell 1 software functionality to approved parts vendors, global parts inventory, will call parts pickup and automated drop shipping of parts to assure the NRS member the quickest possible turnaround on vehicle repairs or services.

NRS member fleets have the ability to monitor real time information on their vehicles via the NRS and Mitchell 1 provided software tools. Member fleets can see detailed information including the vehicle repair history, current vehicle location, status of vehicles requiring service or repair and what those services will cost.   

For more information, call 888-988-1677 or visit www.nationalroadsideservice.com. 
 

Headquartered in Poway, California, Mitchell 1 has provided quality repair information solutions to the automotive industry for 90 years. The Mitchell 1 family of products includes a complete line of integrated software tools designed to improve repair shop productivity. Mitchell1's OnDemand5.com, Tractor-trailer.net, Medium-truck.net and Manager products now serve as the industry standard for innovative repair, estimating and management software. The Mitchell 1 Business Performance Services gives shop owners automated marketing solutions to improve bottom line profits. Mitchell 1 is a recipient of the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence award. For more information on Mitchell 1 products and services, automotive professionals can visit the company's Web site at www.mitchell1.com. 
 
 

Marshall Platter, a professional truck driver with Marten Transport, has given his time to Caps for Soldiers, transporting donations from the organization to wounded soldiers.

Caps for Soldiers is an effort that collects baseball caps donated from businesses and individuals along with personalized messages of encouragement. "I have donated caps in the past but this year I'm glad to be able to do more," says Platter, who splits his time between homes in Houston, Texas, and Denver, Ind.

The load Platter delivered was filled with donations from central Nebraskans. Nebraska special Olympian Craig Siemon had heard about Caps for Solidiers during the Nebraska Special Olympics Truck Convoy and decided to take part by decorating caps and attracting donations.

According to Platter, Siemon wanted a truck driver to take the load rather than mailing the items some other way.  "Truckers and soldiers share a camaraderie," says Platter. "Many truckers are pulling loads of food, vehicles and supplies for troops and take supporting them very seriously."

More than 800 caps, donated from a variety of individuals and businesses, were loaded onto Platter's truck at Bosselmen's Travel Center in Grand Island, Neb., on March 7, ready to transport.

"I took the load to Ft. Sam Houston for wounded soldiers at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio," he said. "The soldiers who greeted me were very grateful."

Platter, who has been driving professionally for 35 years, 16 of those with Marten, said he is honored to have taken part in such a special project. "It's important to me to support our troops - particularly those wounded in service to our country," he says.

Caps for Soldiers:
If you would like to donate baseball caps to Caps for Soldiers you can send them to:
Army Community Service
2010 Stanley Road, Suite 95
Fort Sam Houston
Houston, TX 78234
(210) 241-0811

About Marten Transport
Marten Transport specializes in transporting food and other consumer packaged goods that require a time and temperature-sensitive or insulated environment.

For more information on services or opportunities at Marten Transport, call 800-395-3331 or visit us online at www.drive4marten.com.

Ms. Darlene Thrall, fifth grade teacher at Mooresville Intermedia School, in Mooresville, NC nominated Mike Schultz for Trucker Buddy of the Month. "Mike has been a tremendous asset to my classroom this year. He has taken the time to send biweekly Newsletters that let us know where he has been, which we plot on a map, what his loads have been, and how they might impact us, and he includes pictures of the landscapes, including interesting tidbits of information about the area, and our favorite-pictures of his dog, Pilot."

Mike takes the time to write to all the students individually and answers all their questions. He tells the student about his racing hobby, which they love, his horses, and what he does in his free time. Ms. Thrall says, "The kids look forward to his letters and are always anxious to write to him! What an accomplishment-kids wanting to write!"

The students were thrilled when Mike brought his truck and his dog, Pilot to their school. The also like wanted him to become the Trucker Buddy of the Month because he sends letters to Ms. Thrall for each of the children.

Trucker Buddy International, an independent, non-profit 501(c) (3) organization, often called the number one trucking image campaign in North America, has helped educate schoolchildren and introduce educators to the trucking industry.  This gives them the world through the eyes of a professional truck driver.  The Trucker Buddy program helps to educate and mentor schoolchildren via a pen pal relationship between professional truck drivers and children in grades 2-8 as supervised by their teachers.

After an extensive screening process, the professional truck drivers are matched with a class and as directed by the teacher, drivers share news about their travels with their class. Students write letters and send pictures to their drivers. Students' skills in reading, writing, geography, mathematics, social studies, and history are enhanced and learning is fun.

Since 1992, Trucker Buddy International has helped educate over a million schoolchildren and introduced them to caring, compassionate men and women, professional truck drivers.  The on going success of the program is due to driver volunteers, participating teachers and the contributions of sponsors.  There is no cost to the drivers or teachers to participate in the program. The Trucker Buddy program is funded entirely by sponsorships and donations.

Birmingham, AL  - Effective immediately, CRST Malone has announced plans to double the current driver referral bonus paid to their professional drivers. This program goes into effect immediately and is valid until April 30, 2010. The new referral program means that any CRST Malone independent contractor who refers another driver will receive $1,000 for an independent contractor and $500 for a lease purchase applicant.

"It's important to give our contractors an opportunity to make extra money," explained Sherri Cook, Director of Driver Development. "Our drivers are the best people to represent the company and promote the benefits of working for CRST Malone. Just spend a few minutes talking to another driver about your experience with CRST Malone and be paid $500 to $1,000."

 To qualify, drivers can simply contact a CRST Malone recruiter at 800-366-6361 to pass along the information.

In business since 1928, CRST Malone offers flatbed contractors a stable customer base with consistent freight and mileage. With over 80 years on the road, CRST Malone is one of the oldest truckload carriers in the industry and one of the largest flatbed organizations in the nation. Our success has come from excellent customer service and the support we give our contractors, who are some of the best in the industry. For more information, contact CRST Malone at 800-366-6361 or visit www.JoinMalone.com.

ST. LOUIS, Mo., - Kenworth Truck Company has enhanced its best in class componentry packaging for its T270 Class 6 and T370 Class 7 diesel-electric hybrid models and also added a new inverter design for 2010.

Kenworth has placed all its hybrid components, including the starter batteries, chassis load center, cooling package and new inverter, into one battery box conveniently located underneath back of cab on the driver side. The Eaton(R) diesel-electric hybrid power system is located on the left frame rail forward of the rear axle. Kenworth also offers 9-foot long high power cables which allow body builders to relocate the power system to maximize frame rail space. These locations help provide easy access and the best set of options for customer frame requirements.
 
"We feel that Kenworth hybrids definitely have the best and cleanest chassis packaging in the industry for 2010," said Jason Skoog, Kenworth director of marketing planning and research. "Our efficient component packaging and convenient location makes it much easier for body builders to do their installations and enhances customer service for Kenworth T270 and T370 hybrid straight trucks and tractors."
 
The new inverter offers improved DC/DC cable clearance which is especially useful for utility customers, enhanced power distribution center with easy access to fuses that are now closer to the power source, and improved access and cable pass through. Kenworth offers a body builder power distribution module as an option. This module provides dedicated body builder battery power and ground in a convenient, easily accessible package mounted to the aft side of the battery box.
 
Kenworth hybrid tractors, available up to 55,000-lb GCW, are for local haul applications, including beverage, general freight, and grocery distribution. Kenworth hybrid trucks are for pickup and delivery, utility and service applications. Kenworth's goal is to enhance fuel economy by up to 30 percent in both pickup and delivery and hybrid tractor applications and up to 50 percent in utility operations.
 
The Kenworth hybrids use an integral transmission-mounted motor/generator; frame-mounted 340-volt, lithium-ion battery pack; and dedicated power management system.  Electricity generated through regenerative braking is stored and used for acceleration, assisting the diesel engine. Kenworth offers a high resolution, full color in-dash display to monitor the hybrid system. As the power requirements for different driving conditions change, the screen constantly updates the driver on system status, allowing the driver to optimize the performance of the hybrid system.
 
Kenworth Truck Company is the manufacturer of The World's Best(R) heavy and medium duty trucks. Kenworth is an industry leader in providing fuel-saving technology solutions that help increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. The company's dedication to the green fleet includes aerodynamic trucks, medium duty diesel-electric hybrids, and liquefied natural gas trucks. In 2009, Kenworth became the first truck manufacturer to receive the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Air Excellence award in recognition of its environmentally friendly products. In addition, Kenworth is the recipient of the 2009 J.D. Power and Associates awards for Highest in Customer Satisfaction for both Over the Road Segment and Pickup and Delivery Segment Class 8 Trucks, and for Heavy Duty Dealer Service. Kenworth's Internet home page is at www.kenworth.com. Kenworth. A PACCAR Company.

Trucker Buddy International is pleased to announce that Rich Chaffin of H&M Transportation has been selected to be the Trucker Buddy of the Month for December 2009. Mrs. Cathy Leshinskie, the second grade teacher for Sunsbury Christian Academy in North'd, Pennsylvania nominated Rich Caffin of H&M Transportation with high praises. Mrs. Leshinskie said the children were excited to be part of the program and use his travels as a learning experience. Mr. Chaffin along with his wife sent the students gingerbread cookies, salt water taffy, candy canes and some geographically oriented presents such as a sombrero and blanket from Texas and a big hunk of salt from the Bonneville Salt Flats. The students have learned a lot and are so grateful for him being their Trucker Buddy. The time and energy spent on them they wanted to give Mr. Chaffin something back, to nominate him as the Trucker Buddy of the Month.

"Rick is a great cook, he used to own a restaurant and he cooked for over 150 family members around the Thanksgiving holiday. He is a very giving person," says Mrs. Leshinskie. The entire classroom is anxiously waiting when he can bring his truck by their school in the spring.

Trucker Buddy International, an independent, non-profit 501(c) (3) organization, often called the number one trucking image campaign in North America, has helped educate schoolchildren and introduce educators to the trucking industry.  This gives them the world through the eyes of a professional truck driver.  The Trucker Buddy program helps to educate and mentor schoolchildren via a pen pal relationship between professional truck drivers and children in grades 2-8 as supervised by their teachers.

After an extensive screening process, the professional truck drivers are matched with a class and as directed by the teacher, drivers share news about their travels with their class. Students write letters and send pictures to their drivers. Students' skills in reading, writing, geography, mathematics, social studies, and history are enhanced and learning is fun.

Since 1992, Trucker Buddy International has helped educate over a million schoolchildren and introduced them to caring, compassionate men and women, professional truck drivers.  The on going success of the program is due to driver volunteers, participating teachers and the contributions of sponsors.  There is no cost to the drivers or teachers to participate in the program. The Trucker Buddy program is funded entirely by sponsorships and donations.

AKRON, Ohio, - The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company recently named Bingham Tire as its Commercial Tire Dealer of the Month for March.
 
The Barbourville, Ky.-based tire dealer was chosen for providing customers outstanding service, while helping them choose from among the Goodyear, Dunlop and Kelly tire brands. The dealer of the month honor also recognizes Bingham Tire for helping customers make full use of Goodyear services, such as fleetHQ and TVTRACK and GTRACS automated retread tracking system.
 
"My father set up his Goodyear service shop in a small shed beside the family home in 1964," said Brent Bingham, Frank's youngest son and co-owner of Bingham Tire. "As a coal haul truck driver, he saw a great opportunity in providing coal mines with good tire products and great service to help them reduce their operating costs. Some of those companies were turning their tires every 90 days."

After his father turned over the business to Brent and his brother, Scott, in 1994, the two sons relocated the store from Flat Lick to Barbourville, Ky., to handle the growing business. Scott died a year after they opened the Barbourville location. In 2002, Brent's oldest brother, Kim, returned to Kentucky to work for the growing company.  

In June of 2001, Brent and his wife, Nina, opened the Barbourville retread plant, which produces about 100 tires per day using the Goodyear Precure and UniCircle retread processes. And in 2005, Brent and Nina bought a dealership in Clinton, Tenn., extending the company's reach 90 miles south toward Knoxville, where it serves companies that handle over-the-road freight. he business has grown.  Today, Brent manages Bingham Tire, following his father's commitment to offer quality tire products and services. It's a commitment that has earned Bingham Tire designation as The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company's Commercial Tire Dealer of the Month for March 2010.
 
"I am so pleased and very excited about being named Goodyear's Dealer of the Month," Brent said. "I take a lot of pride in the fact that we've always treated customers the way we would want our family to be treated. Regardless if our customers have one truck or 120 trucks, we provide them the same level of service and help them to make the most of their investment in tires."
 
Each month, Goodyear honors dealers that provide customers outstanding service, while helping them choose from among the Goodyear, Dunlop and Kelly tire brands. The dealer of the month honor also recognizes Bingham Tire for helping customers make full use of Goodyear services, such as fleetHQ and TVTRACK and GTRACS automated retread tracking system.
 
"Instead of just selling Goodyear tires and service, we encourage our employees to always look at what customers are running, ask questions and learn as much as they can about their operations," he said. "With that information they can then make suggestions as to what will work to help them attain the lowest cost per mile."
 
Goodyear Commercial Tire Systems offers products and services to the trucking industry, including a full range of original equipment and replacement tires and retreads. In addition, the company offers FleetHQ business solutions to fleets of all sizes. This includes the 24/7 fleetHQ Solution Center, national programs, tire management tools, on-line information access and business problem-solving for tomorrow's trucking fleets. For more information on Goodyear's commercial tire capabilities, go to www.goodyear.com/truck. For more information about Bingham Tire, go to www.binghamtire.com.