🚚 CDL Bribes
Freight Day! 👋 A 48-year-old Boston man has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit extortion in connection with a bribery scheme involving Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) applicants.
The scheme allowed applicants to receive passing scores despite failing their tests or only completing partial CDL skills tests, in exchange for bribes. More ahead 👇
💬 More in Freight:
⚫️ APM Terminal Secures 33-Year Lease
⚫️ 3GTMS Acquired By Descartes
⚫️ AI-Powered Unloading Robots Raise $12M
⚫️ Hey Bubba: AI-Powered Dispatcher Launches
FMCSA Leadership 📍
The Trump administration has nominated Derek Barrs to lead the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), following the sudden and unexplained departure of Adrienne Camire from the agency’s top post.
Barrs, a former Florida Highway Patrol chief with over 30 years of public safety experience, is set to take over after a series of leadership changes at the FMCSA. Camire, who was appointed acting administrator on March 7, was removed from the agency’s leadership page less than two weeks later.
APM Terminal Secures 33-Year Lease 🔒
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has secured a 33-year lease extension with APM Terminals through 2062. APM Terminals will invest over $500 million to expand cargo capacity, supporting the Port Authority’s Master Plan 2050.
The agreement includes sustainability commitments, with APM aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050. Governor Phil Murphy highlighted the port's economic importance, and the Port Authority sees the extension as part of its strategy for long-term growth. The Board of Commissioners will vote on the extension Thursday.
REVIEW OF THE WEEK PRESENTED BY CARRIERSOURCE.
This week, we spotlight Hairston Trucking Logistics LLC (HTL), a reliable provider of LTL (less than truckload) and FTL (full truckload) services based in Sugar Land, TX.
Specializing in premium freight solutions, HTL tailors its services to meet the unique needs of each client, ensuring high-quality and efficient transportation across the United States. With a fleet of just 1 unit, HTL has earned a 4.9/5 rating on CarrierSource from 11 reviews.
Carrier Name: Hairston Trucking Logistics LLC
Carrier Description: Hairston Trucking Logistics (HTL) provides high-quality and reliable services to businesses across the United States. Our services include LTL and FTL trucking to handle various types of freight requirements. HTL provides premium freight solutions, meticulously tailored to meet the unique requirements of each client.
DOT Number: 4075806
Headquarters: Sugar Land, TX
Fleet Size: 1
Carrier Review: They have a 4.9/5 stars on CarrierSource based on 11 reviews. A verified broker from Illinois, commented, "This carrier stands out as an exceptional option for local loads within Texas. Their commitment to efficiency, reliability, and seamless communication makes them a standout choice for businesses in the region."
What Else Is Moving 🚚
CDL Bribes 🤝
A 48-year-old Boston man pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit extortion in connection with a bribery scheme involving Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) applicants. The scheme provided passing scores to applicants who failed their tests or only completed partial CDL skills tests, in exchange for bribes.
Collaboration with Massachusetts State Police
The man, who worked for a water company requiring CDL drivers, conspired with former Massachusetts State Police (MSP) Sergeant Gary Cederquist to issue unearned CDLs to applicants connected to the company. In return, the bribes—such as bottled water and tea products—were delivered to the CDL test site in Stoughton. Communications between the two revealed specific requests for bribes and passing scores despite poor test performances.
The individual is set for sentencing on June 13, 2025. He faces up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
FREIGHT SNIPPETS ✂️
💰 3GTMS Acquired | Descartes Systems Group has acquired 3GTMS (3G) for $115 million in cash. 3G’s software provides control over the full delivery process, from rating and routing to consolidation, and expands Descartes’ domestic transportation management tools. The acquisition strengthens Descartes' carrier network and enhances its logistics offerings. This deal follows Descartes' recent acquisitions of MyCarrierPortal and BoxTop Technologies, reflecting its ongoing commitment to enhancing transportation management solutions. Read more.
🚛 Powerloop Dedicated Tours | Uber Freight introduced a new update to its Powerloop drop-and-hook program, offering carriers more reliable freight and control through dedicated tours. The program reduces empty miles by linking multiple loads and suggests return trips to increase earnings. AI-powered route optimization, in partnership with Optimal Dynamics, adjusts routes in real-time to market changes. Carriers can commit to at least two weeks of hauling with flexible load options and are paid based on miles driven. An app integration coming in April will allow carriers to design and select optimized tours directly in the Uber Freight app. Read more.
📣 Motion Picture Group Requests Exemption | DISA Entertainment Compliance Solutions has requested a renewal of its exemption from FMCSA’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse requirements. The exemption would allow a limited query instead of a full query before hiring drivers for safety-sensitive tasks. In 2020, FMCSA granted a similar exemption, citing the motion picture industry’s need for flexibility. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association opposed it, arguing it could allow drivers with violations to return prematurely. Despite opposition, FMCSA granted the exemption. Read more.
🦾 AI-Powered Unloading Robots | Contoro Robotics raised $12 million in a Series A funding round to expand its AI-powered trailer and container unloading robots. Based in Austin, Texas, Contoro's robots use customer-specific AI models for a 99% success rate in unloading. The new funding includes investors like Doosan, Coupang, Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund, and IMM, bringing total funding to $22 million. Early robot deployments have doubled unloading speed and saved hundreds of labor hours per month. Contoro also offers a pay-per-container pricing model to reduce upfront costs for customers. Read more.
❌ DeJoy Resigns | U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has resigned, accelerating his previously announced departure as the U.S. Postal Service works to address financial losses and revamp its operations. DeJoy informed the agency’s board of governors that March 24 would be his final day. Deputy Postmaster General Doug Tulino will serve as acting Postmaster General until a permanent successor is appointed. DeJoy’s sudden exit adds to the uncertainty surrounding the postal service, which has faced mixed results under his long-term plan to reduce costs, reverse losses, and improve efficiency. Read more.
🚨 Arizona Blitz | Arizona law enforcement agencies are conducting a two-day commercial vehicle enforcement operation near the California border. The operation, called "Operation Full House," is taking place on March 25-26 at the Ehrenberg Port of Entry on I-10 near the California/Arizona border. According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) Highway Patrol, the operation focuses on zero-tolerance enforcement and education, targeting motor carrier, vehicle, and driver safety. Read more.
Pallets of News 🚛
Hey Bubba! 🤖
A new AI-powered dispatcher, Bubba AI, has been launched to support small fleets and independent truckers. The system autonomously searches for loads, negotiates rates, and handles back-office tasks, addressing common challenges in the trucking industry.
Bubba AI also features a voice-first, multilingual capability, allowing truckers to communicate in their preferred language. Future updates will include an autopilot mode and AI-driven tools for building long-term relationships between carriers and shippers.
4 Years In Prison For Lying To The FMCSA 🫣
An owner of a Rochester, New York trucking company, Anatoliy Kirik, was sentenced to 45 months in federal prison for making false statements to the FMCSA. Kirik was convicted in June of lying to avoid a negative safety rating for his new company, Dallas Logistics, by concealing its connection to his previous company, Orange Transportation Services.
The deception, involving forged documents and false statements, endangered highway safety. Despite a request for home confinement, Kirik was found guilty on all charges. The U.S. attorney’s office criticized his obstructive conduct and disrespect for the judicial system, which influenced his sentencing.
MEME OF THE DAY 😂
📍 Upcoming events: Catch up with us at TIA: Capital Ideas Conference in San Antonio on April 9-12 and at the Broker Carrier Summit in Indianapolis on April 28-May 2. Let us know if you’ll be there – we'd love to connect!
